Articles by Makena Owens

Bravery in a Complex Time: Remembering Ariel Sharon

By Makena Owens • Published: February 17, 2014 • Comment ()

January 11, 2014 marks the tragic passing of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon’s health began declining at the end of 2005 when he suffered a minor stroke, followed by another stroke less than a month later. After spending eight years in a coma-like state, Sharon passed away at the age of eighty-five at […]

Behind the Glass: The Attack on Sea World

By Makena Owens • Published: January 1, 2014 • Comment ()

I will always remember the excitement I felt waiting for the big splash at Shamu Stadium at SeaWorld Orlando. Commercials on TV depicted majestic, black and white creatures sparkling in the Florida sun playing with joyful trainers.  Seeing the whales interact with the trainers in real life was even more captivating than the advertisements showed, […]

Holiday Window-Shopping on Fifth Avenue

By Makena Owens • Published: December 16, 2013 • Comment ()

During the holiday season, shoppers and tourists from all over the world flock to New York City to experience its reported magic.  While the city certainly puts on a show year round with its larger-than-life divisions of national retailers, its true extravagance is unleashed during the holidays.  Department store windows become so elaborate that travel […]

Put on Your Yarmulke, It’s Time for…Thanksgivukah?

By Makena Owens • Published: November 18, 2013 • Comment ()
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Some are calling it a “once in a lifetime experience.”  It has provoked unprecedented originality, especially new recipes, that challenge even the most experienced Jewish mothers.  And if your company specializes in holiday treats, you would be a fool not to capitalize on the phenomenon gracing the holiday season this year.  Forget Chrismukah –this year, […]

From Hasid to Hipster

By Makena Owens • Published: October 21, 2013 • Comment ()
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Most people have heard of the retailer American Apparel – maybe for their knee-grazing pencil skirts or their ubiquitous brightly colored fleece sweatshirts. Sweatshop-free production, a rainbow of tees and hoodies, and unisex garb are in part what make the brand so attractive to both alternative dressers and common-folk alike.  Yet despite the more basic […]

Lady Macs Volleyball Returns To a New Venue

By Makena Owens • Published: August 26, 2013 • Comment ()

Last year was a tough season for the Lady Macs volleyball team.  A long break for the High Holidays and a rebuilding year for both new and returning players set the girls back a few steps in both the Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic Conference (HVWAC) and the Skyline Conference.  But what really made the season […]