szachik@pvs.org, Author at the bird on fire

My Return to Broadway…

January 12, 2023 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Junior Indy Behr

I have always enjoyed seeing shows on Broadway. I saw my first performance of The Lion King when I was seven years old. Since then, I have returned about eight times to see several shows. Because of COVID, I have not been able to go back since November 2019 when I saw Beetlejuice at the Winter Garden Theatre. My first show since COVID shut down Broadway was also Beetlejuice, yet it was very different from my first visit.

The Original Production of Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is a musical based on the Tim Burton-directed film of the same name. Though the basic plot is relatively similar, there are some major differences. It’s also, of course, a musical, making it very different from the initial work. It initially opened for tryouts in Washington, D.C., in October 2018, where it developed itself over time before moving to the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway in April 2019. Initially opening to somewhat mediocre reception and lackluster sales, its reviews and finances drastically improved within a few months, partially thanks to popularity on TikTok. On the site, hundreds of people danced to Beetlejuice’s “Girl Scout” song.

I initially saw Beetlejuice in December 2019, just a few weeks after the Winter Garden Theatre announced it would be ending the show, or as Beetlejuice’s promotional material framed it, evicting the show. The show’s run was scheduled to end abruptly in June 2020 (like all Broadway shows, it ultimately closed in March 2020). It was closed to make way for an adaptation of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman. This move was very controversial, and instantly the Beetlejuice the musical publicly shared their attempts to move it to a new Broadway theater. Ultimately, the musical announced after two years of searching for a new home that it would be re-opening with a near-identical cast at the Marquis Theatre on April 8, 2022.

The Return of Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice resumed performances on April 8, 2022. This was always intended to be a limited run, and it closed on January 8 after eight months of shows. That being said, it will be going on tour and will be hitting Los Angeles in July and San Diego. I should probably note this musical is recommended for those thirteen and above.

How Yellow is Perceived

January 12, 2023 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By 8th-grader Louisa Richardson, a new voice on thebirdonfire.org blogger staff

In our pursuit of the color yellow, Louisa reflects on how yellow has been perceived over time and literature and TV shows and house paint.

The color yellow has been and remains to be perceived in many different ways; for example, according to “The effect of colors on perception,” the color yellow is often associated with madness and mental disorders (Salesbook). However, yellow can also be perceived as a happy, warm, and comforting color. (See Mr. Satterfield’s reply in Alyna’s Yellow survey.)

In television shows like How I Met Your Mother, yellow is often used to portray someone or something good. In the show, the yellow umbrella is used to portray and signify the mother we’re waiting to meet.

The missing mother in *How I Met Your Mother* is, for many episodes, kept hidden beneath a yellow umbrella. Photo Source: NY post

But, because yellow is also sometimes used to show sickness, directors and writers often use different shades of yellow to convey positive and negative associations.

When painting our house, for example, using a light shade of yellow has always been something I have found comforting. The house I lived in for most of my life in Oregon was painted a light shade of yellow, and, considering the climate we lived in (which was usually dark and cloudy), neighbors told us they were comforted by that yellow.

Louisa’s comforting yellow house back in Oregon — Photo Source: www.redfin.com

However, when people use a very dark or vibrant color of yellow, it can sometimes look very old or sickening. Many people associate the shade with vomit.

So, my question for you is, how do you perceive yellow?

So Long Yellow

January 10, 2023 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

A Poem, by Middle-Schooler Penny Andreas, addressing the theme of Yellow

Lemon

Sponge

The sun

Birds

Pineapple

Homer Simpson

All yellow

Now that it’s gone

I see purple

Some shades of gray

Sometimes pink

Never yellow

Gray lemons

Purple sponges

The sun that is somehow gray and pink

Gray birds

Purple pineapple

Purple mutant Homer Simpson

Goodbye yellow

My world

The rainbow

Seems empty without it

Even the streets lined

With yellow markings

They’ve disappeared from my sight

So long yellow

What Is Yellow To You?

January 10, 2023 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Upper-Schooler Alyna Rei

Starting off the new year and a new semester, the blog staff has opted to free itself from the dictatorial constraints of Ms. Zachik and choose its own themes. We begin the year with “Yellow” to kick off the new term.

Everyone has an opinion on the color yellow. Some people say they like it, some people say they are repulsed by it. Some are in the middle. What comes to mind when you hear the word yellow? Sunflowers? Happiness? Rubber ducks? Vomit?

For me, personally, the first thing that comes to my mind with the color yellow depends on the yellow. If it’s a lighter, almost blinding shade of yellow, I think of heat because of the desert or a warning sign just like what Christina Lam said. If the shade is softer and warmer, I think of a nice calming sunset. This shade brings me ease and has a more “home-like” feel.

I put this question to different people and was able to get a variety of answers.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word yellow?

Ms. Castellano (Teacher): “When I was younger I never thought about dreams and colors. At some point I had a dream about a yellow feather. It was the first time I remembered dreaming in color. Since then, yellow represents that flight feather I dreamed of long ago.”

Ms. Maguire (Teacher): “When I hear yellow I think of sunshine, warmth, and cheerfulness. I imagine sunflowers, daffodils, palo verde trees, daisies, and all the other yellow flowers that bring an undeniable burst of brightness into the world. I have a sunny yellow Le Creuset dutch oven that I adore; I just got a new tea kettle that is a rich golden hue, and I have kitchen towels in various shades of yellow. Yellow is great for everything except clothing; it makes me look green.”

Ms. Carter (Teacher): “The first thing that comes to my mind is a sign in my classroom that is yellow that says “Bienvenue a la classe de français.”

Mr. Satterfield (Teacher): “Yellow is a calm color in an uncalm world. Yellow is warm, but not hot. Yellow is comfortable. Sleepy, even. Bumblebees are yellow. Sunflowers. The Sun. Yellow is the color of the sky at sunrise or sunset when there are no clouds. Yellow is lemonade on a hot day, or the flames in a fireplace on a cold one. Yellow is the banana you eat and the snow you don’t. Yellow can’t be rushed, and you wouldn’t want to, anyway.”

Mr. Gil (Teacher): “Yellow” is a song by Coldplay. Everyone knows the yellow brick road even if you have not seen The Wizard of Oz. Looking down I thought of yellow shoes that I would never wear. Looking at the walls of my classroom, I see the dark yellow paint that one of my students really hates. Over by the clock there is a UC Berkeley flag that has a shade of yellow named California Gold. When I don’t have anything else to look at, I think about how yellow is not my favorite color. Keep up the good work with the blogs, I like reading them.”

Maya Karpaty (Senior): “When I think of yellow I think about bananas. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they aren’t but I always seem to come back to get one when I’m hungry. I also was going to say something basic like “the sun,” but there’s a big debate that the six year old in me says I should color the sun at the corner of my paper orange. I don’t know. Also bees.”

Landon Elder (Junior): “When I hear the word yellow, the first thing I think of is a Rubber Duck. I think of a Rubber Duck when I think yellow because I like Rubber Ducks. They are squishy, cute, and I love ducks. . . . Rubber Ducks are great.”

Christina Lam (Junior): “The first thing that comes to mind when I hear yellow is nuclear waste. Yellow has been used in warning signs and to cause alertness. It’s used for its blinding hue in warning pavers which are the yellow bumpy things on sidewalks for people who can’t see well. Yellow has been associated with illness within history. It also just seems like the color anxiety would be.”

Cole Robinson (Junior): “When I think of the color yellow, it reminds me of any good times in my life. It is associated with most happy moments for me, although it escapes me on why. It could be because of how the many hues of yellow fill me with a sense of warmth and comfort.”

Abby Assefa (Sophomore): “When I hear yellow, I think of sunflowers and happiness. I feel that when you look at yellow it is an overall bright and positive color. Sunflowers also exude happiness because of their yellow color. Although yellow is not my favorite color, I always get a nice feeling when I see a yellow thing.”

Seeing the different responses shows me how we interpret this bright color. You can really see how much thought goes into people’s heads with the one simple question, What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word yellow? Even Fyodor Dostoevsky, Oscar Wilde, and Mary Shelley have something to say about yellow, right, Mr. Griffin?

The after.

January 10, 2023 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

The life and times of G.B Eripmav

Serial Fiction, by Middle-Schooler Penny Andreas

London, January 30th, 3018

Dear Diary,

It’s been one year since the human population and the animal kingdom became extinct. They left behind yet another world of destruction and later decay. I live here alone in this old and empty barber shop. I am the only one left of my race; however, there were not originally many. I have been forced to feed off of a substance other than my first choice: blood. Although nothing really has the taste of murder and the releasing of an empty soul, I have found other items give me a similar shiver down my old spine. I have found that cranberries are one option that is always around; they seem to grow in every watery bog. They are quite bitter. But, when served in a glass cup and sprinkled with crickets, there is an obscure taste that I find almost . . . alluring. I am left with few other options.

London, February 1st, 3018

Dear Diary,

From my concoctions, I seem to have made myself ill. I am barely able to write. I cough and cough. I am absolutely disgusted about being sick. It really is terrible; though I am grateful to still be alive. It’s a terrible day today, too; the dark clouds came back like the day everyone perished. That memory will be forever stuck in my mind. How I wish I could somehow forget it. Alas, the sun has finally come out. It’s been at least a week or so without it. Not much happens. I still sit here alone and in perfect solitude. Anon I shall look for at least one sign of life. I shall deeply wish forever for another source of life, since I am immortal and other life has been completely diminished. Farewell for now, I have some more thinking to do.

Somewhere…Perhaps what used to be London, February 13th, 3018

Dear Diary,

I do recall wishing for another sign of life, but the wish backfired on me. I have found a species…or so I think. They are terribly tall with hidden faces behind cloaks. I do not recognize the language they speak, nor do I have the ability to in my current state. They came across my home in the old barber shop carrying great big weapons with fire. They have brought me somewhere…perhaps what used to be London, since there is a giant collapsed clock that stands in decay. I’ve heard it’s called “Big Ben.” At this moment, I am currently sitting on a cement ground. I sit in an empty room. I do not remember how I came to this room. It is all a blur. I managed to grab my notebook and a pen as I was being taken. I have things to try to remember now. Farewell.

I possibly may know this place, February 22nd, 3018

I am now guessing that I was knocked out, due to my throbbing headache and my knowledge of nothing that happened earlier. I am now in a blue room with what looks like UV lights above me. Whoever this species is, they do not have much knowledge or know of the existence of my race. I am deeply interested in this odd situation, and I wonder if they are a species from a new planet, or maybe something extremely out of the ordinary on Earth. Anything is possible….I hope this ends soon. Farewell until tomorrow.

How to Make Tamales

December 29, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

We wanted to squeeze in one more Levi post before the year ends and December–Tamale-making season–passes. Happy New Year!

By Junior Levi Kassinove

My family’s annual tamale-making party, where we are making pork tamales.

If you haven’t had a tamale before, I’m sorry. They are more than delicious; they are divine. It is a one of a kind texture, with a flavorful inside. They can be dinner and dessert. The ingredients that go into tamales are no less than the elements of life itself, such as meat, vegetables, and cheese. If you want to try a tamale, wait until December to ask your Mexican friend if you can tag along with them to their family’s annual tamale-making party. I guarantee you they will happily accept. Or, wait until next year’s Tamale Festival in November, which is also where fellow blogger and food-lover Luke Sonderman saved a turtle. Full disclosure, tamales and turtles are COMPLETELY unrelated.

What is it and how are they made?

Tamales are basically pockets of masa–that can be filled with absolutely anything–wrapped in a corn husk. But, before we can get into the different types of tamales and how they are made, we need to understand what masa actually is. Masa is corn that has gone through a process called nixtamalization, which is a chemical process that involves soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution. In 1000 BCE, when we didn’t know what chemistry was, it is estimated that people in Mesoamerica put chunks of limestone in boiling water to make the alkaline solution. It is not known what originally drove people to put limestone in water to boil corn, but it works…Okay, I’ll say what we are all thinking. It was divine intervention.

Masa being spread across a corn husk (muydelish.com)

After the masa is made, it is spread on a corn husk as seen in the picture. From there, one can put anything they want on the masa. If it’s a savory tamale, the most common things to put on it are shredded pork with a red chile sauce (my personal favorite), chicken, or cheese and peppers. If it’s sweet, some common tamales I’ve seen are mango, strawberry, and blueberry. I have never seen a chocolate tamale before. Usually, a dessert tamale is just a tamale with fruit.

After the toppings are put on, the corn husk is wrapped to create a sort of rectangular burrito. It is then steamed until the masa is solid yet soft so that it holds shape, as seen with the strawberry tamale. The texture of masa is hard to describe; you’ll have to experience it for yourself. It is light and airy, but with much more flavor than a typical tortilla. Also, masa can be added to a sort of hot chocolate along with brown sugar to make champurrado, a drink fit for the winter. In conclusion, you gotta try it.

Study with me–to music

December 16, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Upper-Schooler Alyna Rei

In my last post, I talked about studying for your exams. In one of my hacks of studying, I suggested that studying with music is recommended. Studying is one of the many things that take up my life. It’s not one of my favorite things so I try to make myself as comfortable as I can. That being said, listening to music helps me calm my mind down and helps me retain information. Here are some of my musical picks that aid me while studying.

Classical Music

Classical music is one of the many music genres that help me get in the zone. Since there are rarely any words, you can just focus on the music without getting distracted. Instrumental piano pieces are definitely a pick of mine. Any instrument that is on the calmer side or that complements the piano is also a favorite of mine. Pictured are my favorites at the moment.

Calm Music

I’m not really sure what genre of music these songs would be called. R&B? Ambient music? All I know is that these calm me down and put me into the zone of studying. Even though there are lyrics to these, the music and lyrics complement each other and don’t distract me. The lyrics are subtle and aren’t so “ in your face.” Here are some of my favorites.

Lo-Fi Music

I feel like Lo-Fi music is really meant for studying. It’s a lot different from classical music. It’s just calm electronic music with no lyrics. You can find a lot of these on YouTube. All you have to search is “study music” or Lo-Fi music and you can find some playlists–some that last up to ten hours long! The music gives off a cool and relaxing vibe that easily puts you at ease.

When I am studying or just doing homework, I tend to use calm music the most. But, if I feel like it, I branch out to these other genres as well. Try it; see if the studying improves. Come January, you have a whole new semester to get studying in.

How to study for your exams

December 15, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Upper-School Alyna Rei

This December 12-16, Palm Valley Upper School takes its final semester exams. In order for you to pass the semester with a good grade, you have to study or at least prepare for these finals. These exams count 20% of the semester average. I wouldn’t say I do amazing in every test I take, but I do employ some helpful strategies. Over the years, these are some things that helped me keep my grades and my mind sane.

The before process

The before-the-exam process is just as important as taking the actual exam. Some things that I do “before” are:

Listen to calm music:

You won’t be focused enough if you listen to music that has words, is upbeat, and fast paced. I prefer to listen to calm classical music. If you feel that you can focus with words, then listen to calm music with slow words.

Take little breaks:

When I say a little break, I don’t mean an hour break going on electronics. You’re already on electronics, so adding more to your eyes will be bad. I recommend around 5-10 minutes. It’s also good to break your study time in 30 minute/1 hour increments. When you take your tiny break, try to do something not on electronics. Maybe read a book, take a walk, or rest your eyes.

Get a snack; make sure you’re well fed:

If you haven’t had a full meal, then get a snack that can last the entire study session. Or make sure you eat that meal beforehand. If you are on an empty stomach, then you will most likely be distracted by the fact that you are getting hungry.

Test day

Now is the most important time. Taking the test is not the end of the world, and you will eventually come out with a finished exam (or not). I also prepare for the test day itself, and these are the things that I do:

Make sure your mind is clear and clean

If your mind is crowded, then you will most likely be very distracted. This could make an impact on your performance. So, it’s best to be relaxed and calm during the exam to have successful results.

Be calm; chill out

You’re not going to die. It’s an exam. Chill out. Calm down; you only have one task to do and that’s to finish this test on a good note.

Don’t rush while taking the exam

If you did not study or you feel less prepared, then that’s not an excuse to zoom through the exam. If you are stuck on a question, then it is best to skip that question and come back when you’re done with the rest of the questions. If you can’t answer the question, then you should just take an educated guess.

The best part about the exams is that we have a two-week and one-day break ahead. So now you can relax.

Congratulations to the 2022 PVS Poetry Recitation Winners!

December 15, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Senior Harliana Otto’s recitation of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca’s “I Am Offering this Poem” was selected as #1 by judges Maguire, Wallach, and Wendt-West at the December 9 all-Upper-School assembly. Junior Indiana Behr’s recitation of George Meredith’s “Dirge in Woods” came in second. Sophomore Kristina Panagiotaros’s recitation of Mariana Llanos’s “Invisible Children” took third. Sophomore Mirabelle Lee’s stunning entry of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” won over the room and earned her Audience Favorite.

In the December 6 Middle-School competition, three overall winners were selected by judges Griffin, Wallach, and Wendt-West: Walker Craven (8th), for his recitation of Richard Wilbur’s “A Barred Owl”; Lia Maldonado (8th), for her recitation of Robert Longley’s “Each Day”; and Roman Soobben (7th), for his recitation of “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood. Roman won over the room and also walked with Audience Favorite.

As our school winner in the Upper School, Harli will advance to Riverside County’s Poetry Out Loud competition to vie for a seat at the state competition. At county, she will again recite Baca’s “I Am Offering this Poem” and will need to select a second poem, as the county competition has two rounds of recitation. Second-place Indy will serve as our alternate.

The other Upper-School finalists include Sophomore Lily Jones, Senior Ike Spry, Freshman Kayliee Augustine-Sails, Freshman Donavan Knott, Freshman Gabriella Rodriguez-Portugues, Junior Gil Maruvada, Junior Arsh Rehman, and Junior Luke Sonderman.

The classroom winners and Middle-School finalists also include Lorelei Behr (6th), Yola Belickis (7th), Riley Conway (8th), Caleb Kassinove (8th), Mateo Omier (6th), Jackie Padgett (7th), Louisa Richardson (8th), and Addison Uhlhorn (6th).

My Favorite Eastern European Bands

December 14, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Junior Remy Haring

We’re embarking on Winter Holiday. It’s a good time for sleeping, holiday gathering, and exploring new music. Feel like listening to some Eastern European bands? Remy’s got some bands to start with.

Since quarantine, I have delved into the rabbit hole that is Eastern European bands. Originally, it started off as a curiosity and a way to find sad music from another part of the world and gradually evolved into about half of my taste in music. The following, in reverse order, are some of my personal favorite bands from Eastern Europe. Try them; expand your repertoire; you might like them.

4. Padkarosda (Bench Seat)

Hailing from Budapest, Hungary, Padkarosda is a nihilist punk band. It is a trio consisting of Gergő Vitéz, Rómeó Veréb, and Viktor Böcskey (discogs.com).

With shrieking vocals, frantic guitar and drums, and dark lyrics, I would recommend this band for anyone who enjoys emo or punk. My personal favorite albums are Sötét Végek (Dark End), Visszatérő Rémálom (Returning Nightmare), and Tétova Lelkek (Hesitating Souls).

3. Chernikovskaya Hata

Little is known about Chernikovskaya Hata. All I can find about them is that they are based in Ufa, Russia; they do post-punk covers of old 80s pop songs; and that the “band” seems to consist of one person by the name of Ryan Shpirtz. That being said, I think their covers sometimes surpass the original in terms of quality. Shpirtz has a deep, melancholic voice and is a talented guitarist and synth player. My personal favorite songs are “Chio-Chio San,” “Nazhmi Na Knopku” (Press the Button), and “Belaya Noch’” (White Night).

2. Moy Drug Magnitofon (My Friend Tape Recorder)

Hailing from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Moy Drug Magnitofon is an odd little experimental electronic band that consists of Nikita Savra for the vocalist and guitarist, Artem Morgunov, as the bassist and Ira Lapteva as keyboardist and vocalist (rateyourmusic.com).

All of their songs have a great beat and backing track and… interesting vocals. My favorite songs have to be “Obosranniy Geroy” (Crap Hero), “Mërtviy Vecher” (Dead Evening), and “Petlya” (The Loop).

1. Kino (Film)

If there is anything you know about me, I love this band. Kino was a rock band that was popular in the 80s and was also based in Saint Petersburg. To give you an idea of how big this band was, it was like the Soviet version of Nirvana. The songs deal with a variety of themes from love and freedom to war and wanting change. The headman, Viktor Tsoi, wrote all of the songs himself and even at the height of his band, still worked in a boiler room.

Personally, I recommend his songs “Gruppa Krovi” (Blood Type), which is about a man fighting in the Soviet-Afghan war, and “Khochu Peremen” (We Want Changes), which is about life in the Soviet Union and the desire for it to change. Viktor Tsoi had a very distinctive voice, was a really talented acoustic guitarist, and his lyrics remain very poetic. Viktor Tsoi died in 1990.

I hope you enjoy this little list and hope that you check out these hidden gems. There is truly a massive treasure trove of music that I have only scratched the surface of.

I have found all of these bands through YouTube. Kino and Moy Drug Magnitofon are on Spotify; Padkarosda is on Bandcamp, and Chernikovskaya Hata is only on YouTube as far as I am aware.