WHISPER: the white issue by RISE magazine

Volume I Issue II

March 2015

R I S E the ramaz creative arts magazine

WHISPER: THE WHITE ISSUE

Seasonal Photography winter picks

see table of contents sidebar for collage credits

THE WHITE ISSUE

Welcome to the second issue of RISE magazine, Whisper: The White Issueâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; an issue of whimsy, focusing on the soft aspects of the season as we try to plow through the harsh, dark depths of the cold. We borrowed from the idea of a whisper as quiet, gentle, and magical in setting a tone for this issue. We hope this delicate quality carries out throughout the magazine.

MISSION STATEMENT Students of the Ramaz Upper School create all the featured articles, photographs, and artwork you will find here. Our goal is to present the way each of our participants is inspired by the rich culture of the city.

Moselle Kleiner â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;17

We encourage individuality with regards to every facet of artistic and intellectual expression.

R I S E magazine Volume I Issue II /// March 2015

Editorial Board Moselle Kleiner ‘17 Co-Editor inChief Tamar Sidi ‘17 Co-Editor in Chief Ms. Barbara Abramson Faculty Advisor Ms. Rachel Rabhan ‘92 Faculty Advisor Ms. Miriam Cohen Literary Advisor Contributors

Writer and Photographer Writer Writer Photographer Writer Writer Writer Writer Photographer Photographer Writer Writer Writer Illustrator Writer and Photographer Writer and Photographer Photographer Writer and Photographer Photographer Photographer Writer Writer Writer and Photographer Writer and Photographer

photo by Gabrielle Amar ‘17

Gabrielle Amar-Ouimet ‘17 Sarah Araten ‘16 Rebecca Araten ‘18 Hannah Blas ‘16 Molly Blaustein ‘17 Hadassah Brenner ‘17 Daniel Cahn ‘17 Emily Ellison ‘18 Simone Finkelstein ‘17 Sam Freilich ‘17 Meira Gilbert ‘16 Leanne Honig ‘18 Caroline Jaspan ‘17 Josh Kleinberg ‘15 Abbey Lepor ‘16 Julia Levi ‘18 Michael Low ‘17 Oren Oppenheim ‘16 Elie Present ‘16 Anabelle Ritz ‘16 Edward Sasson ‘16 Lily Shams ‘17 Rebecca Silverman ‘16 Louise Sitt ‘18

TABLE of CONTENTS

Editors’ Note

Look Out For suggestions Reviews experiencing Randomz winter

for activities, plays, etc.

art, film, literature, etc.

recipes, psych word, and more

Talent Board showcasing

student works from across Ramaz

CREDITS FRONT COVER photo by Tamar Sidi ‘17 BACK COVER photo by Gabrielle Amar ‘17 pg.

2 SEASONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

collage A photographs: (clockwise) Rebecca Silverman ‘16, Abbey Lepor ‘16, Hannah Blas ‘16, Tamar Sidi ‘17, Tamar Sidi ‘17, Sam Freilich ‘17 collage B photographs: (clockwise) Abbey Lepor ‘16, Tamar Sidi ‘17, artwork by Moselle Kleiner ‘17, Tamar Sidi ‘17, Hannah Blas ‘16, Rebecca Silverman ‘16 all other photography and imagery is credited throughout the magazine. if an image is not credited, then it is a free copyright image. HELPFUL HINTS Look for black helpful hint tabs for suggestions and assistance in navigating this issue and for additional article information.

meet RISE

EDITORS’ NOTE a taste of what you’ll find in this issue & more

Dear Readers,

Winter may unleash a polar vortex upon Manhattan that New Yorkers are reluctantly forced to contend with, but with the bitter cold comes an array of some of the most exciting activities of the year. Seasonal highlights include the annual 5th avenue holiday windows and the New Year’s eve ball dropping at Rockefeller Center, but it is a known fact that every NYC native survives the cold aided by frequent hot chocolate trips (pg. 12) and netflix-binge watching (see films section pg. 48). Some choose to find refuge in the plethora of new art exhibits (see pg. 26), theatre performances, and other such diversions, while others use time off to work on their writing and experiment with different kinds of photography. Check out this season’s Talent Board on pg. 60 for a wintry photo essay juxtaposed with chilling

poetry that we guarantee you don’t want to miss. RISE is priviliged to present the wide range of adventures Ramaz students have chosen to take this winter, and we hope you get inspired to explore the unique culture of the city on your own! We’ve heard from Italian exchange student Edward Sasson about some differences between his hometown and ours (pg. 59), covered the annual dinner dance (pg. 52), and interviewed the heads of the new Google Sketchup tech and design club (pg. 16). We shot a fashion spread on tailored coats (pg. 38), and overall had an amazing time putting this issue together. Given that this is the magazine’s first year in publication, we wanted to make our second issue one to remember, and give you, our readers, a feel for RISE as a way of bridging the various facets of creativity that make up Ramaz.

Best,

Tamar Sidi ‘17 and Moselle Kleiner ‘17 Co-Editors in Chief 8

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK In anticipation for this issue, we had a sprinkle-tastic photoshoot with Gabrielle Amar ‘17 (see above photo) where we made colored snow and had loads of fun. The photos from the shoot are dispersed throughout the magazine. This one in particular was taken in order for us, the editors of RISE, to introduce ourselves to you. RISE is the latest publication to come onto the scene at Ramaz, and so you might think of us as the new kids on the block. But although we might be new, we’re here to stay. And we hope you’ll tag along with us as RISE continues to build and evolve. 9

LooK OUT FOR ACTIVITIES THEATRE TECH

photo by Tamar Sidi ‘17

activities

ABBEY’S GUIDE TO HOT CHOCOLATE & where to get your fix This winter has been pretty rough with countless days at below freezing temperatures. I think the best way to warm up after being outside in the frigid cold is with a cup of hot chocolate. The one problem is that there are so many places to choose from! Here is a list of a few of the best places to go to get your perfect cup of hot cocoa. Aroma They make their hot chocolate with love. It has just the right balance of sweetness and they give you a little piece of chocolate after your drink is made, topping off a delicious treat. Serafina If it’s one of those cold mornings and you’re walking down Madison Avenue to get to school, Serafina is the best place to get your morning hot chocolate. If you are not a hot chocolate fan, they offer a variety of warm alternatives. Dunkin Donuts If you have a sweet tooth, like me, dunkin donuts’ hot chocolate is a wonderful mix of sugary and rich goodness.

Abbey Lepor ‘16, photo by the author

Butterfield If you like to get a coffee before school, Butterfield’s location is convenient but pouring your own hot chocolate there is not. The one thing that keeps me coming back to Butterfield is the quick service and prime location. Le Pain Quotidien If you don’t like sweets, the hot chocolate at Le Pain is for you! It’s dark and bitter– more of an acquired taste. Starbucks Lastly, if you have nowhere else to get hot chocolate, Starbucks will always be there for you. It’s one of the most classic places, but its overpriced and lackluster options aren’t necessarily my first choice.

Treat House Sweets The Treat House is a unique little kosher shop that recently opened on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Located on Amsterdam Avenue between 81st and 82nd street, this hidden cafe specializes in one thing only: Rice Krispy treats. The shop’s creative name is a play on the cozy tree house hangout, and the Treat House definitely captures this warm essence and is the perfect place to go with both friends and family. They have treat flavors to suit various different palates, as well as being a mostly nut and gluten free store. The artsy quality of the shop doesn’t end there, as the different flavors and styles of their krispy delights are displayed in the shop windows. Just looking at these desserts was an experience, as each treat had a unique flavor and color scheme. The treats themselves were decorated so magnificently that we could hardly bear to eat them. The deep red hue of the peppermint flavored cubes immediately caught the eye, as did all of the miniature decorations on them. The oreo flavored rice krispies were decorated with mini oreos, and the salted caramel ones were topped with a caramel sliver. We could practically taste the deliciousness of each treat by inhaling deeply; the caramel, cookies and cream, s’mores, pretzel, peanut butter, gummy bear, birthday cake, M&M, and coconut flavors were all vying to be chosen. Unable to bear the brunt of this decision, we hastily asked for four treats: peppermint, oreo, chocolate pretzel, and s’mores. The peppermint did not disappoint; the rice granules were imbedded with crushed peppermint, and the flavor was refreshing and invigorating. The chocolate and marshmallow covering on each rice krispy was sweet and chewy, and it left us wanting more. The oreo treat was also divine, as were the all the other flavors, each one better than the next. We would recommend this shop to anyone with a sweet tooth, as well as to anybody who needs to buy someone a present. They are the perfect celebratory dessert and are so cute that nobody could refuse them. Our only complaint is that they just have one location, and we hope they open up more soon! Sarah Araten ‘16 and Rebecca Araten ‘18

Helpful hint: visit TREAT HOUSE Location- 452 Amsterdam, NYC 10024 (between 81st and 82nd) Average treat price- $2.50 for one piece, $8 for four pieces and $22 for 12 pieces.

theatre

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo @ the JOYCE theatre

New York was abuzz with activities this past holiday season, but Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo at the JOYCE theatre was particularly special. Les Ballets Trockadero, or “Trock,” as it’s known amongst its fans and members, is a playful parody on traditional ballet technique that features men en pointe in every role. The men dress up in drag (i.e. as women) and focus not on being female but presenting their characters to the fullest extent. In the opening act based on Swan Lake, dancers tumble into each other on purpose, lose themselves in space, fight over the Swan King and make faces at each other, leaving the audience erupting in laughter. I certainly enjoyed the Trocks’ humorous pantomiming, although I didn’t find it quite as hilarious as my grandma and sister, with whom I attended the show. What I loved about the Trocks was their incredible talent at dancing, the precision in their movements, and their ability to challenge the traditional notion that men are not meant for pointe. As an appreciator of dance and a former ballet dancer myself, I was fascinated by the Trocks. After all, the Trocks played a critical role in the explosion of gay-themed cultural events and performances not only because they celebrate drag but because they gave an opportunity for men to demonstrate their ballet skills as being on par or surpassing that of their female counterparts. It is not necessarily the acting and joking of the Trocks that really captured my heart and captures the hearts of many others but rather, it is the fact that ultimately they are characters who transcend gender through the art of dance. For more information: http://www.trockadero.org/history.html Location: Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo is a traveling group. Visit their website for more information on upcoming performances. Unfortunately, they are no longer in New York City but make sure to look out for them elsewhere. Website: http://www.trockadero.org/performances.html Moselle Kleiner ‘17

TOP 5

BROADWAY MUSICALS OF THE SEASON 1.

Kinky Boots for tickets visit: telecharge.com, call 212-239-6200, or go to the Box Office at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West 45th Street

Hedwig and the Angry Inch for tickets visit: telecharge.com, or go to the box office at the BELASCO THEATRE, 111 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 6th Avenue)

Cabaret (Now starring Emma Stone) for tickets visit: http://www.cabaretmusical.com/tickets/, call 212-709-1300, or go to the box office at STUDIO 54, 234 West 54th Street

Motown coming to broadway summer 2016, but visit www.motownthemusical.com to see where they are touring currently

Book of Mormon for tickests visit: telecharge.com, call 800-447-7400, or go to the box office at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, 230 W 49th Street Leanne Honig ‘18

ADVENTURES IN TECH

GOOGLE SKETCHUP CAPTIVATES RAMAZ Tech buffs have been raving about Google SketchUp since its development in the late 1990’s, but only recently has the software come to the Ramaz Upper School. Gabe Roth ‘15, was inspired by the multi-dimensional aspects of the program, and assisted by Tal Ullman ‘17, began the Google SketchUp club this year, a club that functions as an interactive course in SketchUp that students participate in and which Gabe and Tal instruct. SketchUp is a visual software modeling program that allows its users to create almost anything they desire via computer. Gabe and Tal shared with RISE the evolution of their respective interests in Google SketchUp as well as some of their experiences starting and running the club. The following is adapted from their individual answers to several prompts. RISE magazine: What brought about your interests in Google SketchUp and what parts of the experience working with it inspired you to continue?

Tal Ullman: Over this past summer I was in an engineering program that was being held at Ramaz. A big part of what we were required to do with our projects was not only make them work but also Gabe Roth: I have them look have been inThis year, 3-D printing has added a nice. Since Ramaz terested in arhas 3D printers whole new element to 3-D modeling. chitecture since and had given the I can now go one step further , trans I drew aerialprogram permisforming my imaginative designs into view floor plans sion to use them, a in 3rd grade. I lot of the students, tangible reality. have beenusing including myself, SketchUp since used the printers 7th grade when my computer teacher intro- to print different parts for our projects that duced the program to the class, and I’ve been would either cover up the wires and circuits hooked ever since. Moreover, what has al- or just make them look nicer. In order to use lowed me to continue to use SketchUp is the the printers of course, we needed to come capacity for advancement and complexity. As up with our own designs for the parts we time goes on I continue to learn new tools and wanted printed and then learn how to detechniques to enhance my modeling abilities. sign them on GoogleSketchUp. I designed a This year, being able to do 3-D printing with little box that had a sliding cover to fit all my Dr. Rotenberg has added a whole new ele- different components in. I loved the experiment to 3-D modeling. I can now go one ence of coming up my own design (I went step further with the software, transforming through a couple different ones before I got my imaginative designs into tangible reality. the one I wanted) and being able to use different tools to translate that idea into a reality.

“

”

Rm: What makes you both love SketchUp think visually or in pictures, so SketchUp aland what features of the software lend itself lows me to harness that ability into using the to creativity and what are you limited by? program. The only thing I’m ever limited by in SketchUp (which is very rare as it is) is when GR: While the new 3-D printing aspect to sometimes it sets limits on how you use a cerSketchUp has been fascinating to experi- tain tool. For example, sometimes if I want to ment with, I have come to see limitations in pull a face of an object out to a certain point, the program now that I am printing my de- it might limit how far I can pull it out, but only signs. SketchUp is in certain cases. primarily a visual program, which Rm: On to the means that alclub itself– what though a model have been your might look perexperiences infect, the software dividually and as behind it can be part of a team a mess. Meanteaching other ing, I can have kids how to use a great-looking SketchUp? What model, but when have been some I import the file of the challenges to print it with and what have the makerbot, the been some posimodel will be all tive aspects? How distorted. This is do you think you a problem I have both have grown faced this year. I have learned how to de- and developed as teachers and as leaders sign models to avoid this error but it is hard since the beginning of the year? to print a model that I made in the past. As someone who is interested in engineering, I GR: So far the experience has been very reknow that at some point I will probably have warding. The kids have become very loyal to switch over to something like SolidWorks, to the club as they continue to return and another brand of design software, but that even ask me if and when we will be meeting doesn’t mean SketchUp was anything close next. It is sometimes difficult to teach and not to a waste– I have obtained 3-D modeling take over the person’s computer and simply skills that can be utilized for any program. do it for them. I have to constantly remind myself to instruct verbally so that the perTU: One of the things I really love about son can learn on their own. It is nice to have SketchUp is that it’s a program that’s so easy Tal helping me because we balance each to learn how to use. Up until I had to build other– we each have our strengths with the my engineering project I had no experience software. It is also nice to be able to speak with SketchUp or 3D design. The website it- to the class while she is helping an individual self has tutorial videos that allow new users or visa versa. One of the greatest feelings to get accustomed to it almost immediately. I get is simply from knowing the answer to Another thing I like about is that it’s very visu- kids’ questions. It’s great to hear, “How do al-oriented. Since I’m also an artist, I tend to I do this?” and know exactly how to do it!

Yet the best is when it’s something I have nev- a kid through their design, but sometimes er done before, and I am challenged to figure we’ll say, “you can figure it out...” It’s imporit out along with them. tant to challenge everyone, including myself. TU: I really enjoy being able to teach other people how to use SketchUp so that they can also have access to the program and know how to use it. Once kids know how to use SketchUp, I consider them on the same level as me in terms of using the program, the only difference being that I might be more experienced and maybe more comfortable using it. The thing with 3D design is that every person thinks in a different way and will approach a design in a new way. I also love this because being around so many people who are using the program allows me to see how they use it and they often do things that I would never have thought of before. Even when kids are challenged at certain moments, once they figure out a solution they appreciate the process, because it broadens their knowledge of the program and gives them a skill that they didn’t have before.

TU: I definitely have fun running the club with Gabe. In terms of whether or not I consider myself a teacher? Yes and no. Yes, because when kids come in not familiar with the program, I teach them how to use all the different tools and different tricks (and what they can do with them). But once they know how to use the program, I’m just there to help out if they’re confused or need some help figuring out how to execute an idea. Rm: Can you provide us with some basic information about the club? GR: We meet once a week on Wednesdays with the occasional break. There are about 10 to 20 kids on average per week, and our faculty advisors are Ms. Rabhan and Dr. Rotenberg who is on board to help with the printing aspect.

Rm: In conclusion, what place do you guys see Google SketchUp having in our modern, techRm: In the same vein, do you have fun nological world? What kind of finished prodteaching? Do you think of yourselves as ucts do the students who participate leave with, teachers of SketchUp or simply as help? and what kind of skills does the program give them, especially for professional purposes? GR: Absolutely. We have loads of fun. Regarding the second question, I would say both. To GR: I may be wrong, but I feel as though some kids we are minor helpers, to some we SketchUp is the “gateway” CAD (computer are real teachers. Sometimes we will guide aided design) program because it’s so simple

yet at the same time is layered with complexity. It’s perfect for anyone interested in architecture and art because it is so visual and even if someone is interested in engineering, like myself, it provides skills such as perception of 3-D space, understanding of how to create models, computer tools, etc. that can be used in any CAD program. I think it is quite evident that 3-D design has a huge place in the modern world, whether it be with 3-D printing, or architectural models, or mechanical engineering plans and so on. TU: I think SketchUp, along with any other 3D design programs, opens up many doors to anyone who learns how to use it. Kids might find that they develop a better connection to art or architecture or engineering or math through it. Some kids like to focus on very mathematical designs and some like the more artistic side of things, while some might want to design a house and some might just think it’s cool to 3D print things. That’s what

“Since

I’m

also an artist,

think visually or in pictures, so

head: Architecture, Engineering, and Art. But to be honest, it can aid people in any profession that has to do with math or some form of design or just a profession that re-

quire you to come up with ideas that you can later execute. Like I said earlier, SketchUp makes you think differently and allows you to approach things differently than you usually would. I know that I learn something new every week by just being in the room.

tend to Interview by Moselle Kleiner ‘17,

Sketch-

allows me to harness that ability

photography by Simone Finkelstein ‘17.

”

into using the program

makes the club so great; it’s open to a variety of different students who have an interest in it. I also personally feel that by using any 3D design program you exercise your mind and imagination in ways that you wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to. By seeing all the different aspects of designing something you tend to start looking at the world differently and start appreciating all the different things that goes into making a simple toy all the way to the complexities of a skyscraper. Anything that students design can be 3D printed and so almost every week kids leave with something that they can take home. When I think of how students can use their skills professionally, three professions pop right into my

Helpful Hint: Inspired by this article? Head up to Google Sketchup Club in the Computer Lab on Wednesdays to get started with your own project. Software is available for free download and/or purchase on some sites.

TOP 5

PICKS FROM THE LATEST CRO 1.

The Pirate Bay, one of the top 100 most visited websites on the entire internet, has cost the movie industry more than $6 billion over the last decade. The site, illegal in several countries and run by anti-corporation anarchists, promotes file sharing between tens of million of users for tv shows, movies, software, books, and more for free. For quite some time, The Pirate Bay has worked to improve their decentralization and prevent the ability of being shut down in government raids. On December 8th, during a government raid, The Pirate Bay officially shut down, but in demonstration of its hydra-like quality, it became apparent that shutting down just one website would never stop the piracy industry. The number of IP addresses performing peer-to-peer downloads downloads decreased from 102 million on December 8th to 100 million on December 9th - cetainly a decrease, but nevertheless, not all that significant. On January 31st, 2015, at the end of a countdown on the site’s homepage, the Pirate Bay returned to full functionality and stronger than ever.

Project POLE, an Indian startup, has come out with its new Tracky sportswear. Tracky is made up of a compression shirt and pants with heart rate and temperature sensors as well as 11 9-axis accelerometers. The sensors connect to a main hub on the shirt that sends the data to your smartphone over bluetooth or wifi to be processed. The app gives you feedback when you’re running, cycling, boxing, tennis or playing soccer. It lets you know if your form or posture is bad, but also lets you set performance goals for yourself. The price for now is $179 but independent of it’s expensive costs, the line represents future technological opportunities and advancements.

3. of

University Gothen-

is joining the pursuit of artificial intelligence from a new perspective - letting a computer learn like a child does. The program attempts to notice patterns and postulate theories the way a child does, using the principle of Occam’s Razor, that a simple explanation is better than a complex one. In the meantime, a team of researchers are training Super Mario to follow oral commands with natural language processing and helping Mario berg

TECH

OP OF COOL TECHNOLOGY learn the rules of the game the way a person would. Could these ideas be the potential way that we will create Artificial Intelligence? Are we on the eve of the creation of a full fledged artificial intelligence?

4. Seventy-two years ago, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov introduced “three laws of robotics” that could guide the moral compass of a highly advanced

Artificial Intel-

ligence. Sadly, we are nowhere near

building robots that are even able to understand these rules, let alone apply them. A group of researchers from Tufts University, Brown University and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are collaborating with the US Navy in a multi-year effort to explore how they might create robots endowed with their own sense of morality, so that they can autonomously assess a difficult situation and then make complex ethical decisions that can override the rigid instructions it was given. All of this contributes to the futuristic idea of the AI (Artificial Intel.) as well as the philosophy or morality in the modern day.

5. The new Bionic Bird is a de-

vice created by a French startup that will allow people to fly a robot bird an entire mile after only 12 minutes of charge. The bird is extremely light and can be turned just by rotating your phone and sped up or slowed down with touch screen controls. Potentially, the bird will be able to send video back to the user, and will serve as a much more interesting toy. These kinds of things show the wide range of cool tricks you can do with just your iPhone. Get started today by searching amazon and other websites to purchase your own Bionic Bird. Daniel Cahn ‘17 above photo by Gabrielle Amar ‘17

REVIEWS ACTIVITIES ART FASHION LITERATURE photo by Tamar Sidi ‘17

activities

A PROFESSIONAL BULLRIDING MATCH @ Madison Sq. Garden

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) returned to MSG for their ninth consecutive year over a three day event (titled “Monster Energy Buckoff at the Garden”) from Friday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Jan. 18. It was three nights of “dirt-flying, heart-pounding, bull-stomping action.” It featured the top ten athletes and bulls in the world, fighting against each other 8 seconds at a time. Note that this is not a rodeo, cowboys are not showing off their skills at calf roping or barrel riding. This is PBR. In preparation for the 5’8” riders to challenge the 2,000 pound bulls, MSG had 750 tons (1.5 million pounds) of dirt spread out across the stage. The bulls were kept in back pens which were brought in for them. To summarize the main rules of bull riding: 1. You must stay on the bull for 8 seconds in order for the ride to count. 2. Each ride holds a total of 100 possible points (50 for the bull and 50 for the rider). 3. If the bull fails to buck enough the points go down, in order to make each ride a fair match. An interesting part of this sport is how it is approached with the true “cowboy personality.” You are not required to wear helmets and the majority of riders handle their bulls wearing cowboy hats, only a few opting for hockey-style helmets with face grills to shield their skulls. Helpful Hint: Want to see the riders in action? Checkout this photo essay by Eric Yang from PBR’s 2012 stint at MSG– http://gearpatrol. com/2012/01/18/photo-essay-professional-bullriders-madison-square-garden-invitational/

The vibe was great and largely thanks to Flint Rasmussen, everybody had a good time. Flint was the barrel man of the show (and one of the most famous rodeo clowns). Between rides there can be a lot of downtime while the next rider tries to get a hold of his bull rope in the chutes; Flint was able to keep everyone engaged by dancing to a country tune or giving away cowboy boots. Advertisements were a fun use of spare time as well, country trucks were driven around the stage and CAT dirt plows showed off their talent. MSG was full of people, most being New Yorkers who were curious and intrigued in the sport; however, a lot of Hispanic supporters joined in on the fun to cheer on riders from Brazil and Texas. Some decided to go full out in western gear, but for others it was just a stop before a nightclub. Bull riding is laid back in the sense that you do not have to be present for the whole show in order to understand what’s going on. Though there were some close calls, the cowboys just got back up. It is an incredibly exciting sport and all fun and games until someone gets hurt. People should enjoy it while keeping in mind how it is deadly dangerous. All in all it was a great Saturday night and it was such a treat to see a part of the West be brought into Manhattan and be able to see the cowboys in person and not just on CBS Sports Network. I will definitely be going next year and encourage others to give it a try. Tamar Sidi ‘17

Sam Smith @ MSG

ing equipment set up that he can actually see the faces the crowd. He even waved at me! When he started singing the first song everyone sang along. This surprised me a lot– I’ve been to other concerts of people who are way more famous than Sam Smith and I’ve never heard such a big crowd sing so loud. Everyone knew the words and at some points I could heard the crowd more than Sam. His voice was so organic and soulful. I felt like I was listening to him on audio because every single note was the same. I honestly think on his album he used the least bit of autotune. He reached every note and added in new ones that sounded amazing. The best part about this concert is that he got the crowd involved and it was never boring. Everyone asked me afterwards if the concert was boring because his songs are so slow and emotional, but the whole time Rachel and I were dancing and singing (even with strangers), and most of the songs he sang weren’t that long and he even made those songs fun. I loved how you could tell Sam felt so proud of himself that he was able to perform in MSG because when he wasn’t singing he always had the biggest smile on his face. Another great part of the concert, earlier this year he collaborated with Disclosure and they came on stage and dj’d a little, and especially during the song “Latch,” the combination of Sam’s voice and the Disclosure tracks was so cool! Overall this was one of my favorite concert experiences and everyone should go buy his album “In the Lonely Hour.”

On January 15, Rachel Russo ‘17 and I went to a Sam Smith concert at Madison Square Garden. I knew about Sam Smith before his hit single “Stay with Me” and “I’m Not the Only One,” because his voice is different than everyone else’s. He can reach the deepest or the highest notes. His songs aren’t about partying, money, or doing rebellious things like everyone else in the music industry. He wrote all of his songs from experiences in his life. For example, when he wasn’t so famous, someone wanted him to sing something that just wasn’t right for him, and the producer said it would make him so much money. Instead, Sam left and wrote a song called “Money on my Mind” saying he didn’t become a singer for the money. My personal favorite of Sam’s songs is “Like I Can.” It’s an upbeat song and his vocals in it are outstanding and exemplify how unique his music really is. Rachel and I had floor seats to his concert that night, but the only thing annoying about them is that they were “general admission.” Since we were running late, I thought we were going to get the back of the section and not be able to see or hear that well. We got to the entrance and there was a line taking up the whole block waiting to get in. But, luckily, when we got inside, we were 5 feet away from the stage. When the curtain came down, I swear I lost my hearing for a minute. Lights were flashing, people were screaming at the top of their lungs– it was madness. It was so crazy how close I was. I saw all of his Lily Shams ‘17 facial features clearly. He also had his light-

photo by Gabrielle Amar â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;17

ART

Our writers visited some of the premier art exhibitions of the season. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what they said about them.

Portraits of Egon Schiele @ the Neue Galerie This gripping exhibition at the Neue Galerie carefully outlines Egon Schiele’s lifeline, and development of his unique style through the presentation of his exquisite artwork. Egon Schiele was a major Austrian figurative painter of the early 20th century. On entering the exhibit, one finds Schiele’s set of portraits from 1907, in which he painted as a teenager during his three years at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, where he worked under rigidly conservative instruction. Although most of his work is expressionist, these charcoals of men and women imitate realism that was preferred by academies all over Europe. Schiele was also widely influenced by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, a friend and mentor to Schiele, who ultimately led Egon Schiele to become an Expressionist. Schiele’s painting of his sister, Gerti, for example, depicts the subject surrounded by a field of silver in a decorative style that is obviously influenced by Klimt. As Schiele began to find his unique style, he painted portraits with watercolor, drew with ink and black crayon, and created delicate expressions, forming and igniting an inner fire within the subject in the painting itself. Once free of the constraints of the Academy’s conventions, Schiele began to explore not only the human form, but also human sexuality. At the time, many found the explicitness of his works disturbing. In the dull academic exercises, he trained to express ideals of bourgeois propriety, something he

detested very much. He wasn’t intending on his paintings being amoral or immoral but he wanted to create a view of people that would accept his paintings as imperfect and animated by all sorts of desires, including those conventionally deemed perverse. Most of the works in the exhibit are on paper, his drawings nimble and nuanced, however there are some oil paintings as well, like the large 1915 painting of his wife, Edith, for example. He was successfully as responsive to his own impulses as he was to the hu-

“As

Schiele

began to find his

unique style he colored portraits

with watercolor, ink and black crayon, and created delicate ex-

pressions, forming and igniting an

inner fire within the subject in the

”

painting itself.

man reality of his subjects. Each piece in the exhibit conveys Schiele’s talent and psychological acuity that is exceptionally inimitable. Schiele’s painting “Standing Boy in a Striped Shirt” (1910) is one of many of his child portraits that are wonderfully lively and sympathetic. The awkward gesture of the subject, the skillfully detailed shirt and the muddy red and green marks that compose the pants the boy wears present the impetuousness but also complexity of children, and surreal humanity in general as well.

Schiele’s most notorious works are the border- Schiele’s experiences in prison trauline-pornographic drawings and watercolors matized and changed him enough that he of young women in varying states of undress steered away from explicitly sexual imagery and erotic display. Although most of these im- and toward more broadly humanist, allegoriages are often taken cal compositions as profane obscenAlthough most of these images are of his family. Unfority, in Schiele’s invertunately his wife, often taken as profane obscenity, in sion of conventional Edith, died and carmorality it might also Schiele’s inversion of conventional ried away Schiele, be seen as a climax morality it might also be seen as a cli- too, three days later, of human sexuality. just 28, due to the max of human sexuality. influenza pandemic. After beEgon Schiele is pering accused of kidnapping, immorality and sonally one of my favorite artists with a life rape, Schiele was arrested and sketched so short but so full of captivating significance “Self-Portrait as St. Sebastian” (1914), pictur- and themes that arise from his work and are ing himself executed by arrows, a martyr to the very worthwhile to discover and learn about. cause of creative and erotic freedom. He was acquitted of the charges of kidnapping and rape, Gabrielle Amar ‘17 but still served time in jail for exposing children to the erotic drawings he had hung in his studio.

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”

art

Death Becomes Her @ the MET The exhibit, Death Becomes Her, is a Costume Institute exhibition located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibit explores the creative development of fashionable mourning attire over the past century. It has over 30 pieces and features dresses from 1815-1915. It also examines the different rituals and standards that were given to mourning attire. The entrance of this exhibit was very interesting and filled with people. Once you got in, covering all the walls were different quotes– some were empowering but most were quite simple. The color black was prevalent throughout the exhibit. The curators talked a little bit about the color and what it represents nowadays versus a century ago. They discussed the transition from black being worn strictly by mourners as opposed to the current trend of black as the basis of everyday clothing. Aditionally, it was very interesting to see a few purple pieces in this collection. I discovered that royal purple, and then mauve, were also worn as colors of mourning, unlike in present times, when black is the norm. The purple dresses were interesting but other than that, I was disappointed by the main pieces. They all had similar appearances and none truly stood out, in my opinion. I did realize that people wore fancier mourning wear in the 1900s compared to now. Most of the time they also wore hats with them, which isn’t a common thing today. Find out more for yourself at the Met’s website, http://www. metmuseum.org Louise Sitt ‘18, photo by the author.

Cubism: The Leonard A. Lauder Collection @ the MET

You always know that when the Met doesn’t allow photographs to be taken in an exhibit, it’s going to be something special. Or at least that the exhibit’s original owner doesn’t want pictures of it to spread around. Fortunately, in my opinion, the Cubism exhibit (on display until February 16, 2015) seems to be more of the former. As the name of the exhibit implies, the exhibit was lent to the Met by Leonard A. Lauder. Lauder, a Jewish businessman who up until 1999 was CEO of Estée Lauder, is also an avid philanthropist and collector of art, particularly cubism. In fact, the first thing showcased in the exhibit is a massive photograph of what looks like a room in an apartment, with a sofa, filled with cubism artwork—most likely this was one of Lauder’s rooms before he lent the pictures to the Met. Cubism is a challenging art form, not just to draw but to understand. It’s abstract to the point of surrealism, using distinct geometrical forms and a mix of bold and subdued color to showcase subjects that could be interpreted in different ways. The exhibit features works by Georges Braque, Juan Gris, Fernand Léger, and the most famous of them all, Pablo Picasso. 30

Trying to unravel these challenging pieces is part of the whole experience. Sure, some of them seem clear enough—a musical instrument, a few people interacting– but they feature layers of depth and detail that can only be seen by taking a closer look. And some of them have so much going on with the forms and color that it’s perplexing to figure out what they mean, if they mean anything at all. I especially found some of the later pieces—which incorporate newspaper clippings and photographs—rather striking. While you’d think that those reality-based mediums might make the art more accessible and easy to understand, the way text and imagery is used actually serves to take the art more into the realm of imagination. The fragments of reality the artists use are used very differently than we normally see them, and they serve to further the pieces’ astonishing otherworldliness. Interestingly enough, in some of Picasso’s pieces, you can see erased forms from earlier drafts of the work, including an evocative picture of a naked woman that clearly was meant to be something different before. It seems like the artist kept this in because cubism, unlike many other forms of art, doesn’t strive for perfection. It strives for abstraction, to get across emotion without needing to be clear, so it doesn’t matter to the artist that an erased form is visible. It adds to the piece instead of being sloppy. I certainly recommend visiting the exhibition while it lasts. It’s unclear right now whether this is a permanent gift from Lauder to the museum or a temporary loan, although the temporary status of the exhibition seems to imply the latter. Either way, it’s certainly worth seeing these esteemed pieces—even if they are hard to understand—and to take a moment to allow them to transcend yourself outside the plane of ordinary existence. Oren Oppenheim ‘16 photo to the left courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art © 2000-2014

Zero @ the Guggenheim The exhibit ZERO, taking place at the Guggenheim, had three main themes that where consistent throughout it: nature, technology and humankind. There were many German artists that took part in composing the exhibit. Their work demonstrated the simplicity of life and introduced the idea that light and movement are key to design. Most sculptures, demonstrations, or paintings were very simple because ZERO’s artists believed in using simple materials such as sand, glass, metal, paper, mirrors, and plastic. What I found most interesting was the actual shape and architecture of the Guggenheim itself. Because it is a spiral, instead of moving from room to room you would climb up the ramp to walk higher up in the museum. Though not all pieces were particularly interesting alone, from a wider perspective, it’s fascinating to see how each artwork gelled together to create a complex collection. Emily Ellison ‘18

“Sturtevant: Double Trouble” @ the MoMA

This exhibit is a retrospective on Sturtevant’s work throughout her life up to her death at age 89, this past year. Sturtevant was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1924 and was originally named Elaine Horan. She only became an artist after studying psychology at the University of Iowa and The Teacher’s College at Columbia University, and divorcing her husband, Ira Sturtevant. As she entered the art world, she abandoned her first name and replaced it with her husband’s last name: Sturtevant. Sturtevant made pieces based on other popular artists of her time such as Marcel Duchamp, James Rosenquist, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, and in her later years Robert Gober, Keith Haring, and Paul McCarthy. One could say that her work borders onplagiarism; at first glance, many pieces look like copies of other artist’s work, and they essentially are, but with a twist to them. For example, the exhibit begins with a silkscreened Cow Wallpaper, which is based on Andy Warhol’s piece. However, the yellow and pink shades that Sturtevant used when making her piece are more dark and vibrant than those of Warhol. Another piece that catches one’s attention is Sturtevant’s variation on Duchamp’s “L.H.O.O.Q”, a Mona Lisa with a drawn on mustache, and Duchamp’s classic set of images of him going down a staircase, but Sturtevant in the photograph instead. There is also a great deal of politics embedded in Sturtevant’s work. One piece that really stands out is a bright yellow wallpaper pattern with the word “kill” written all over it. This was designed in 2003 during the Iraq Invasion. During her later years, Sturtevant used video in her artwork. Her most famous piece, which is displayed on a side of its own in the exhibit, is called “Elastic Tango” and was made in 2010. This creation consists of nine stacked television screens that play several short video clips consistently of things such as american flags, bugs, dogs, flowers, $100 bills and some disturbing visuals, such as fingers being dipped in paint and then chopped off by an ax. This piece definitely seems to be the main attraction of the exhibit, as people stand in front of it and watch it many times being curious what exactly is going on in each visual. As a whole, Sturtevant’s work, whether almost all copied from another artist, or more of a visual or political statement, really reflects American pop culture.The American flag, junky deli food, money, and comic characters are patterns that are repeatedly used in her work. If these exact objects are not used in the piece, one can still feel “America” in the artwork through her vibrant colors and modernity. Leaving the exhibit, I thought about whether her artwork should be considered plagiarism or not completely her own; but I realized that with the one or few subtle changes, the artwork, especially when all together, really became hers, and I now associate those pieces of art with Sturtevant and not the artists from which they originated. Julia Levi ‘18, 32

collage of cow wall images also by the author.

Sturtevant

riffs on

Warholâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

famous cow

print in a piece that spans an entire length of a

MoMA wall. The author captures the

exciting mural in this collage of photos she took at the exhibition.

FASHION & STYLE Coats Galore

Pictured coats: at left- ASOS Longline Duster Coat at right- ZARA mid-length anorak next page- ASOS Coat with Cocoon Fit in Textured Wool

I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of coats. Gone are the days where it was merely a matter of whether or not you wanted a hood. I’ve opened my eyes to a wealth of capes, trench coats, peacoats, army jackets, bombers, dusters, and the classic and oh so popular puffer jacket available for this season. Back in January of 2014, the Man Repeller (and Ramaz Alum!) herself, Leandra Medine, said that if you buy one nice new coat you will not need anything else new for winter. Despite being technically “so last year,” this advice remains as true as ever. Owning a coat is extremely popular in Ramaz. Necessary for the cold walk in the morning, the cold classrooms, and the cold demeanor of the general institution, everyone has caught up with this unique new trend. However, despite the wide range of individuals that make up our student body, the coats we all wear are strikingly similar. Most are black, somewhat puffy, and have a nice hood. I will not pretend that I’ve broken the mold- my coat is black with a hood as well. But there are so many options! In terms of puffy coats, some of the most popular ones seem to be from the French company Moncler. Lightweight and filled with down, these coats are very warm and extremely versatile, especially in every girl’s favorite color, black. However, Moncler coats are extremely expensive– we’re talking thousands per garment. Another popular brand is North Face, a brand that vows to keep you warm. However, since we do not have the pleasure of living in the middle of Wisconsin, in my professional opinion almost any winter coat can keep you warm enough here in this dinky little town of New York City . Despite the “black and puffy” topping the charts, I’ve noticed many nicer wool coats taking the school by storm this year. Besides for looking extremely nice and classy, wool is one of the warmest fabrics and pairs nicely with skirts and boots. Ramaz boys have also taken up this trend. Wool peacoats are gaining more popularity with each falling degree in temperature, and I’ve even seen some nice, fall-like orange and maroon ones. 34

Along with the shorter wool coats popular at Ramaz, another growing trend is a “duster coat.” With a straight mid- calf style, they look effortlessly cool with skinny jeans and are sure to keep your whole body warm. Some shorter styles, to the knee or mid-thigh, have a “cocoon fit” and are amazing as well. Longer parkas and anoraks are becoming more popular as well. Compared to last years abundance of cropped jackets, this year’s bunch certainly is longer- but whether that’s due to fashion or the colder weather is a mystery. Meira Gilbert ‘16

Bundle Up!

As the temperature drops, layers of clothes seem to rise.

While some love this “season of the tights”, others seem to greatly miss their sandals and bathing suits. For those who love winter apparel, scarves and hats are essentials. It’s true that once not very long ago, hats and scarves consisted entirely of thick, heavy wool– certainly not the most attractive of looks. Now however, winter accessories have taken on a whole new role. Not only have the ugly old knits been thrown to the curb, but winter apparel seems to have taken on a new life of it’s own on the fashion spectrum. Fur seems to be all the buzz now when it comes to bundling up. No longer is fox or mink only for “the sophisticated mother”, but also for the average teen. Gone are the ugly fringey pompoms , shoved aside for the new fur pom-pom. This look is certainly warm, but it’s also a way of making your old nothing hat look tres chic. Whether it’s one pompom or even two (channeling the inner minnie mouse), this look is sure to kill. Next are the all fur hats that truly step it up a notch. Now this could mean the regular shape of a hat all in fur, or a new style of hat entirely– maybe one with a thick band of fur around the border or a fur headband. Mixing two materials, and/or furs, together gives an edge to the look, as well as a more “everyday wear” kind of vibe. When it comes to scarves, there are certainly many ways one could wear this look. No longer are scarves only for keeping warm, but rather they have become an actual permanent piece in one’s outfit. Usually these “indoor” scarves are very large with some fringe on the end, and are a solid color (but simple patterns are great too!), and made out of cashmere, silk or a similar material.

However, many other types are also worn indoors. The infinity scarf has been a trend for the past few years. Make sure it’s not too big and not too long, and it will truly make an outfit. Just as with hats, fur is now also a huge part of scarves. Some have it on the inside, some have a fur trim, and some are made purely of fur. The latter are my favorite, especially if its an “infinity style” one, meaning it can be wrapped around more than once and kind of hugs your neck. But try to find funky ones! Purchasing a scarf that doubles as a hood, a scarf with zippers, scarves in different materials, or one with a pop of color, and even how you wrap that scarf also makes a big difference. You can play it safe with the once around the neck with two sides hanging look, or you could be bold, and tie your scarf in a literal knot. There are an innumerable amount of ways one could wrap the same scarf, and remember, the longer the scarf is, the more tying options you get. Try to stay away from short scarves, or really long infinity ones that aren’t bulky. Overall, the scarf trend can certainly take any plain look and give it a fashionable flare. All of the types of scarves described and others are truly versatile, and can be worn both inside and outside. The winter doesn’t have to mean ugly layers, and extra fluff. Make your winter style look fab and fierce (lol!)– be sure to make it your own. There aren’t any rules, be brave and wear what you like; do not shy away from expressing your unique style. Molly Blaustein ‘17

previous page: Eugenia Kim, Navy “Mimi” hat at Barneys Lola Hats, The “Thumper Cap” at Barneys this page: Barneys New York “Oversize Shawl” Ted Baker “Arba” faux-fur collar at Bloomingdales Barneys New York “English Ribbed-Knit Cowl” Burberry Half Mega Check Silk Cashmere Scarf at Bloomingdales photos courtesy of Barneys New and Bloomingdales ©2015

finds

images courtesy of Polyvore online collager, collage by Moselle Kleiner ‘17

A SEASONAL MASHUP OF OUR FAVE FASHION HITS

1. Armitage Avenue Floppy Brim Fedora $49, lorisshoes.com; 2. Storm Rider Jacket $180, modekungen.se; 3. Celine Retro Sunglasses $375 lindepalais.com; 4. Forever 21 metallic analog watch $21, forever21.com; 5. VINCE ‘Brigham’ Leather Open Toe Bootie $202, nordstromrack.com; 6. La Garçonne Moderne Didion Chunky Turtleneck $450, lagarconne.com; 7. Balenciaga Classic Metallic Edge Mini City Leather Tote $1,545, mytheresa.com; 8. Christian Louboutin“The Noirs” Daffodile Nail Colour $55, selfridges.com; 9. the Chanel Cassette Clutch, feautured on purseblog.com 37

INVERTERE The Idiot-Savants of Coat-Making

Shot by: Michael Low ‘17 Modeled by: Moselle Kleiner ‘17 Adrien Lesser

n 1904, Harold Parkin, a tailor, opened up shop along with his brothers in Newton Abbot, Devonshire, just off the South Wales seaboard, near Torquay– the site of the sitcom Fawlty Towers. Parkin invented a reversible raincoat made of cotton, gaberdine and tweed, and he called it “Invertere.” Soon the name, which in Latin means “to turn about,” became synonymous with Parkin’s brand itself. Invertere made high quality sporting and travel outerwear, but never clothing, a rarity among manufacturers. It was most famous for its shawl collar, hip length “Buffer” coat, which became an Ivy-League staple, as well as the “Gotthard,” an iconic double breasted Ulster steamer/storm coat, produced in alpaca and shearling varieties. The basic design of the “Gotthard” was adapted by Paul Stuart, amongst other industry legends– the same double breasted alpaca pile coat became, without its shell, the “Bearcat.” Their rainwear rivaled, and was even considered superior by some, [to] the best of Burberry and Aquascutum. Fans of Invertere call the brand “the Idiot-Savant of Coat-Making,” given the company’s obsessive attention to design and detail, while ignoring the business-side of manufacturing. Troubles began for Parkin and Invertere when he sold his patent to Daks-Simpson in the 1950’s and from there ownership of the brand transferred from proprietor to proprietor until the Invertere factory’s closing in 1986. Following the shut-down, technical director Harold Shaw started a new clothing company known as Westcountry Ltd. that made the same Invertere coats under a different name. Since then, the Shaw family has more or less controlled Invertere, although at this point the brand is defunct and its items hard to find– there is still a small cache of coats available for purchase on ebay, and specialized sites. The expert craftsmanship and elegant design of Invertere outerwear was rare during its heyday and is even rarer now. Invertere’s designers riffed on old classics, and in doing so, created new classics, like the buffer coat, which entered the canon of Collegiate menswear. I hope that this photoshoot, at the Monument to Soldiers & Sailors on Riverside Drive sucessfully highlights the range of Invertere’s designs and their versatility, and introduces readers to a now-gone, but still influential, niche manufacturer. Moselle Kleiner ‘17

Moselle wears the Elysian wool car-coat and a tweed bucket hat by Deege Savil Rowe, and Adrien wears the reversible Grenfell cloth and Harris Tweed raincoat. Note that many Invertere garments are reversible, hence the nameâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Invertere, i.e. the fabric is inverted.

The quintessential worsted flannel duffel coat, hood-up required.

Opening and current pages: The Inverness Cape, a Sherlock Holmes-style garment that along with a deer-stalker hat, is perfectly suited for amateur sleuthing. 44

The Herringbone Tweed Balmacaan Coat. Balmacaan is an estate near Inverness, Scotland, the namesake of the Inverness Cape on the previous page. Felt floppy hat by American Apparel.

FILM

ADVANCED STYLE is a film that was first released on September 26, 2014 and which can now be conveniently watched on Netflix. It is a short documentary, which will keep you engaged and interested throughout its course; it is colorful, full of life, and witty. Ari Seth Cohen is a street style photographer based in New York City who created this film as an offshoot of his famous blog under his name. He focuses on finding those women over 60 who have a clearly apparent urge to express and create through their dayto-day wardrobe choices. In this film, all eight women are between the ages of 62 and 95 and their focus is on the “look” not the label. One woman remarked that unless the outfit is at its full potential (in her view) she holds on to it until she finds her missing final piece and fills the void. It might take months, even years, but she won’t wear the outfit without it. Ari worked alongside director Lina Plioplyte to dive into a few of his most popular characters and get a fuller idea on these individuals: their background, personal life and inspirations. It was interesting to see that many of these women had chosen not to get married, simply stating that they never had the time. Their accessories, hats and shoes took place of a possibility of children. I presume that a certain amount of self-absorbedness must be present in these women in order to make themselves into such exciting pieces of walking art on a day-to-day basis. It really pleased me to see these older women embracing their personalities and portraying their characters without a care in the world, without giving a second thought to others’ judgment or criticisms. You can see it makes them healthier, happier people. They are comfortable with themselves at this point in their lives. These women are proof that aging is not necessarily a bad thing by the way they work to portray grace and confidence. We can all benefit by learning from such bold personalities. We are all so obsessed with youth and clouded by society’s view on “beauty” that we never allow ourselves to be open to new ideas or construct our own vision of beauty. This film urges you to think outside the box and trust yourself and your judgment, to be comfortable in your own skin.

NON-STOP first premiered about a year ago, on January 27, 2014. It is a pseudo

hijacking movie whereby the demands are delivered via text message. Non-Stop is a riveting mystery action film starring Liam Neeson as Bill Marks. Neeson plays the role of an alcoholic U.S. Air Marshal, still grieving over the loss of his young daughter. He boards a flight from New York bound for London. After takeoff, he receives text messages that warn him that every twenty minutes a passenger on the flight will die unless he meets the demand made. He must wire $150 million into an offshore bank account, of the terrorist’s choosing, and then no one will die. Bill meets the other Air Marshal on board, Jack Hammond, played by Anson Mount. Bill mistakenly suspects Jack is the purported hijacker sending the monetary demands and kills him in the process. Now Bill must size up the rest of the passengers. Are the demands being made by his seat mate in first class? By the teacher in coach? The stewardess? Bill reports the threat to the pilot. The tables are turned on him and the pilot demands Bill’s gun and badge because he believes Bill is sending the ransom demands since the account to which the money is to be wired is in Bill’s name. Originally Bill believed that the terrorist was after him but later realized it had nothing to do with him. Bill was just going to be the fall guy for the terrorist’s plan. The movie twists and turns, making you wonder who is friend and who is foe, and keeps you spell bound until the end. Ultimately the identity of the hijacker is discovered, but not before some passengers are killed. The hijacker’s misguided notion of justice, after having lost a relative in 9/11, is what he relies upon to justify his heinous acts. Rent this movie– it will make you think twice about the nerdy guy sitting next to you on your next flight. Caroline Jaspan ‘17

THE WAY WAY BACK is a movie

that was released in July of 2013. It is a funny and thoughtful coming of age story, which revolves around a fourteen year old, Duncan (Liam James), and his summer vacation with his mother, along with her intervening boyfriend and his daughter. In the beginning of the film, it appears that Duncan is struggling with his new family arrangement and doesn’t really know how to carry himself. He has trouble communicating and is afraid to break out of his shell. Owen, (Sam Rockwell), a manager of the Water Wizz waterpark befriends him and helps him come into his own and gives him the confidence he needs to overcome this hurdle in his life. This film may be perceived by some as a classic and cliche coming-of-age movie, but the emotion which James expressed with his acting was amazing; it was so on point in each stage of his awkwardness that at times it was nearly impossible not to cringe. James was really able to let the viewers into his anxious fourteen-year-old phase and had me rooting for Duncan from the start. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, go ahead and order it! Tamar Sidi ‘17

LITERATURE Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Peculiar. That’s how Jacob would describe anything in relation to his grandfather’s childhood. The mysterious life that always sought out Grandpa Portman through all his attempts to leave it behind. Except now, it’s Jacob the monsters of the past are after. Following the path his dying grandfather hinted in his last words, Jacob sets out to a eerie island, searching for an orphanage, a bird smoking a pipe, a dead man’s grave, and a loop. It’s too bad he is given no explanation as to the meaning of it all. Along with the help of some peculiar hands, he is entrusted to discover it all on his own. But, will he accept the truth he’s been trying to deny since his grandfather’s brutal murder? Ransom Rigg’s debut, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, is most certainly a novel brimming with oddities, lurking creatures, and appalling truths Jacob discovers on his endeavors to uncover generations of enigmas. Defying time, science, and all else we have come to assume as commonplace, this action filled, romance chills readers, questioning human morality and the purpose of our race’s survival. Hadassah Brenner ‘17

Psychopathology of Everyday Life by Sigmund Freud It was during history class that I first experienced the genius of psychoanalysis. Just as I raised my hand to inform the teacher about the famine of 1932-3 that I knew so well, the name of the country responsible vanished from my mind without a trace. Utterly confused and disorientated, I turned to Freud for an explanation. According to Sigmund Freud’s Psychopathology of Everyday Life, a 1901 German study on common lapses in human behavior, forgotten names contain significant value. It appears as though, one attempting to repress a certain memory, unintentionally pushes any names in association with it from their consciousness. This forgotten name may then be recalled through following one’s offered replacements, thoughts and associations, as Freud often suggested his patients ought to do. Following these implications, I traced a line of thought somehow associating that country with areas that spoke French. That led to a previous conversation discussing the current unfortunate occurrences in France. As soon as this reached me, the name snapped back. Ukraine. And just like that, Freud’s method had proved successful. Not only does Freud provide great insight into the inner workings of the human mind, but he also discovers the power we have to overcome the unconscious. Although we may suppress difficult recollections in an effort to protect our emotional selves, oftentimes it is those underlying issues that materialize in the form of speech, language, and reading mistakes. The fight between the conscious and the unconscious is a constant struggle Freud attributes all blunders, errors, and forgetting to. Freud once said, “The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.” There is truly no other way to describe human complexities. What may appear on the surface is only the beginning; one must dive deep to find the answers hidden above the exterior. Hadassah Brenner ‘17

LITERATURE 51

NIGHT OF

RISE magazine covers the

THE YEAR annual Ramaz Dinner Dance

AMAZ HOSTED ITS 78TH ANNUAL DINNER DANCE AT THE MARRIOT MARQUIS HOTEL, LOCATED IN THE BUZZING TIMES SQUARE THEATRE DISTRICT, ON JANUARY 11TH. You probably already know that, given the involvement of so much of the Upper School student body, whether it be in the performance aspects of the event, or as ushers and photographers. What we, the creators of RISE, had hoped to do is not just share with you the usual shpiel on the speeches and production, but rather, to give you a window into the perspectives of attendees and the personality of the event as a whole. Upon entering the capacious buffet room, we spoke to both teachers, students, and parents about their feelings regarding the evening. Raquel Michel ‘17 immediately approached us, and enthusiastically exclaimed her excitement to be able to perform after long hours of choir practice. There was an air of anticipation in the room– everyone seemed genuinely happy to be a part of this festive evening, enjoying having their pictures taken, and munching on the wide array of foods. We spoke to Marjorie Lehman, mother of Gabriel Klapholz ‘17, who expressed her feeling of connection to the school as a previous teacher at Ramaz. She looks forward to coming back year after year and showing support. Esther Symonds, whose daughter Daniella was a star of the show, loved the organization of the event, and praised the way the space was divided to cater to the diverse palates of the community. Many expressed their love for the food, as well as their tremendous pride in their children and for the school. The mother of chamber choir member Danielle Bendavid ‘17 asserted, “Everything about tonight is amazing, but truthfully, I came to hear my daughter’s solo!” People were so eager to partake in the dinner dance to the point where 10th grade student Joshua Greenblatt ‘17 showed up sporting the Ram mascot costume, ironically complaining about the sweaty stench of polyester netting inside. Yet the spirit of th evening was best put by Dr. Sarah Babich, who said “the dinner dance is not just a school function, but also creates a greater sense of community and secures the continual support of 54

Ramaz parents, as, through showcasing the incredible talent of the school in a relaxed setting, it encourages them to willfully want to contribute to funding such a rigorous institution.” You can imagine, given that this is a Ramaz social gathering, that the attending kids and adults alike enjoyed getting dressed up for the evening. The powder room circulated with high heeled women fighting for mirror time while discussing the ambience of the event. The three honorees, Michael B. Mukasey ’59, Judy Harris Kluger ’70, Isaac Herzog ’78 lined the stage and were able to give us a short speech on who they were today and which direction Ramaz was able to point them in. Isaac Herzog was not able to attend the dinner as he is campaigning to be Prime Minister of Israel; however, we were still able to receive a clear understanding of his praiseworthy qualities by viewing a video he sent in. The choir, the Lower School children in particular, were well-behaved and appreciated the freedom they were given without abusing it. All students set a highly respectable and impressive tone for the school as they performed dances and led songs. The room was silent throughout each performance as the community sat in awe. At the finale, the parents’ cheers were deafening and the smiles radiated off of the faces of the young students. A couple sitting behind us stood up on their chairs and began shouting words of praise. It was a very joyful moment to witness. Following the performances we were invited to partake in desserts set up on long tables laden with tasty treats and which everybody enjoyed. We left feeling a sense of pride in our school, glad to have attended such a warm and uplifting gathering. Tamar Sidi ‘17 and Moselle Kleiner ‘17 all photography by Elie Present ‘16

clockwise from the left: Rachel Kastner ‘17 raises her arms as she performs with dance team; Julia Levi ‘18 and Emily Ellison ‘18 smile for the camera during cocktail hour; chamber choir member Jeremy Gruen ‘16 on stage; dance team led by Tess Solomon ‘16; dance team; lower school choir engaged by conductor Daniel Henkin; Moselle and Tamar at the dinner dance holding up copies of the first issue of RISE

photo by Moselle Kleiner ‘17

RANDOMS PSYCH WORD

RECIPES

& A SPECIAL FEATURE 57

PSYCHOLOGY TERM Disinhibition- the freedom to act according to one’s inner drives or feelings, with less regard for restraints imposed by cultural norms or one’s superego. definition courtesy of the “psych-terms” iPhone app.

RECIPES Delicious Winter Desserts Coconut cream cake-

the creaminess of the coconut adds a tangy flavor to the moist vanilla sponge cake. The coconut flesh bits on top add necessary texture to the scrumptious dessert. This evokes the feeling of a tropical destination. Instuctions: Pour the flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat the sugar, butter and sweetened cream of coconut. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract and buttermilk. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes 40 to 45 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pans on a wire rack, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut mix over the frosting. Top with the second cake layer. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

Muesli muffins- Bob’s raw muesli is a blend of oats, raisins, and dates. Simply taking

Lemon Squares- the tartness of a lemon square provides eaters with a burst of sum-

mer during the cold winter. The soft crumble crust goes perfectly with the lemony top layer. It is a simple dessert that is filled with crunchiness, balanced by a tart lemon filling. Instructions: in a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and sugar. Blend in the melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Combine the sugar, baking powder and 1/4 cup of flour. Stir the sugar mixture into the eggs. Finally, stir in the lemon juice Pour over the prepared crust. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until squares are ready. Emily Ellison ‘18

painting by Josh Kleinberg ‘15

the muesli mix and adding sweet ingredients such as bananas or even applesauce is a nice variation on the classic mix. Instructions: Take two cups of raw muesli mix and one banana or vanilla extract and an egg mixed with one a cup of milk. For added sweetness, add honey or two tablespoons of agave. Then place in a muffin pan/tray and bake for 30 minutes.

Viva New York

A SPECIAL FEATURE RISE editor Tamar Sidi ‘17 asked Edward Sasson, an Italian exchange student, about academic and cultural differences between his home in Rome and being here in Manhattan, at Ramaz. The following is an adaptation of his response:

The biggest difference I found between my previous school and Ramaz is that school is the place in which students spend the majority of their day and kids are very committed to it in all respects. What amazed me most, however, is the fact that people here do not realize how lucky they are. They do not know that every day they attend a school envied by most Jews in the world. They aren’t aware that few schools in the world have what Ramaz possesses. I think that people should recognize what they have, because to the Jewish community, a Modern Orthodox day school that provides kids with an intellectual balance of secular and Judaic studies is an asset in more ways than one and that is not given to many people. Obviously, the life of an American student is different from my life in Italy, since at home I get out from school at 2:10 from Tuesday to Friday and on Monday at 5:10 . This also affects how here the majority of students dedicate their time spent out of school to studying. For example we have the possibility to do sports outside the school walls, or go to friends’ houses, since everyone who lives in a particular area has friends around that they can hang out with. Also we always go out on Saturday night all together and we gather in a place that is not far away for anyone– we often meet up in the ghetto, the Jewish quarter, which is very popular even for young people. On Sunday, usually everyone does different things , some people go to watch a movie or there are those who organize soccer games with friends. In NYC especially, Jews are sheltered from feeling secluded or as outsiders, there are many more Jews here than in Italy and everyone is an immigrant in New York so more are accepted. The experience of Jewish children in Europe is to this day remarkably different, as one can never feel truly integrated. I am privileged to have the opportunity to be at a place where I can engage in mainstream society while maintaining my Jewish identity, something many here take for granted.

THE TALENT BOARD Featuring the artwork, poems, and stories of Ramaz’s creative student body The theme– WHISPER: the White Issue with writing & photographs inspired by it

Silence The wind dies into the light Gone like a simple hush of thought Whispered carefully as if it might fall Into the deepest darkest depths of night And interrupt snow’s soundless slumber Softly spoken on white hearts unseen Walking a walk that will echo a drummer Fading before it can dance between leaves Already a trail of the song that it bleeds Falling a long fall alongside loud streams Lost in the deafening dear quiet’s frost breeze That wafts in to disrupt my soundless night And muddle the mess of my dreams. Rebecca Silverman ‘16 left photo by Julia Levi ‘18

Sitting in a Classroom on a Cold Winter Day I’m swooshing Along with the bitter winds chilling my trembling bones Slicing Not the refreshing sensation of trickling water droplets that soothe Quenching thirsts Not a comforting breeze to sweep away strayed thoughts Resting Not laying hunched against the rough bark of swaying trees Hollowed and supported Beside the understanding grass Instead I’m rocking Harsh layers of white-rimmed flakes stream below in a rush And encase My quivering spine Shivering A whispering hush into the muddled blizzard unknown A wanderer ‘till death Strangeness in defined footprints Marking the imperfect trail. No way out of The never-ending cold Rebecca Silverman ‘16 right photo by the author

Caged Bird My thoughts sail back to me riding the wind Sometimes between my imaginings Shifting in and out as fluttering curtains do When it’s cold and we’re all too lethargic to shut the window And we like the sensation of rain on our breaths And the way the fragile light reflects on nothing so simple Because just being is enough to exist But the settling of shadows is not enough to breathe And something far away locks my hazardous thoughts Where they can’t dance and change how they want And I can’t change who I am And change seems to occur in everything around me And my bloodless soul awaits that which I do not see I can no longer feel the boundless sea at my tips The wings I once wore have soared off without me And taken my dreams But the tears still slide down my back And all I want to do is attack But there’s no one here to hear me And I’m forced into darkness Alone. Rebecca Silverman ‘16 This page: photo by Moselle Kleiner ‘17 Next page: photo by Abbey Lepor ‘16

Abbey Lepor â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16

Mirrored In the wake of her own company She sees a silvery glow overhead And reaches out her lovely laced palms to try and catch it But all she receives is a small speck of dust The light now gone She shares her story in quiet dark The rustling leaves intently listening And suddenly she is Revealed. Rebecca Silverman ‘16 This page: above photo by Oren Oppenheim ‘16 right photo by Hannah Blas ‘16 Next page: photo by Hannah Blas ‘16

both photos by Anabelle Ritz â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16

Muttering Mind There are pinks, whites and blues in the sky tonight And the bridge is still and bare. There are birds flying overhead tonight Without a reaction to the frigid air. And I sit on this bench here tonight Muttering thoughts which I hadn’t previously dared It is rather cold outside tonight And there’s a spot to my right which I’d be willing to share. I try to hush up my mind tonight But sometimes thoughts are too hard to minimize. Whispers and patches of light travel through my brain tonight And though blurred, calm once again I like the time alone tonight To be able to distinguish whispers from the city din. A clear melody in my mind tonight. White once again. Tamar Sidi ‘17 above photo by Hannah Blas ‘16 right photo by Tamar Sidi ‘17

both photos by Moselle Kleiner â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;17

Cry I like to believe I’m conjuring a river Rushing forth from these bones of steel Cleansing dangerous thoughts as they fall No catch to wait for but some sun Maybe I’ll lay here and dream awhile Drifting between each sigh of the sea As if they’ve known My pain. Rebecca Silverman ‘16 right photo by the author

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS RISE is now accepting letters to the editors. We hope you enjoyed our second issue, and we encourage readers to contact us with opinions about articles, as well as any questions, suggestions, concerns, and criticisms. Please forward all such comments to kleinerm@ramaz.org and sidit@ramaz.org. We will do our best to get back to you, as well as feature your letters in our introductory pages.

photo and poem by Rebecca SIlverman â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16