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Particular Parasols

March 28, 2019 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By AJ Patencio

Hello! Here in the Palm Springs area, we don’t get much rain throughout the year. Some people will say that this is all the more reason to buy a cheap umbrella that’ll last a year or two just to protect you when you have to go outside in the winter months. Others, like me, would say it’s all the more reason to treat it like a special occasion to buy a special umbrella. Not sure where to find one? Only see plain, boring, and questionable quality umbrellas at your local stores? No need to fret! You can find plenty umbrella options online!


https://www.umbrellaheaven.com/product/clear-dome-umbrella-manual-opening/

Ever want to show off your outfit despite pouring rain or relentless snow? Now you can! This clear dome-shaped umbrella will allow other people (or social media users) to see your wonderful outfit despite the bad weather! This umbrella also provides even more coverage due to its dome shape, which is possible due to the clear material that allows you to see your surroundings!

https://www.umbrellaheaven.com/product/big-top-umbrella-for-him-blue-and-white/

Do you love the aesthetic of large circus tents? Now you can bring it with you wherever you go! This Big Top umbrella resembles the blue-and-white tents you’d see when the circus rolls to town, and it matches the expectation of size due to being a golf-sized umbrella (which are larger than your typical umbrellas)!

https://www.umbrellaheaven.com/product/mini-max-compact-folding-umbrella-silver-uv/

Ever want a break from the sweltering heat of the sun and need a quick rest in the shade, but there’s no shade in sight? Don’t use any old umbrella, cuz the UV light from the sun is gonna pass right through the canopy and hit your skin! The white outer-canopy blocks and reflects the harmful UV rays of the sun, while the black inner-canopy absorbs UV light to protect you from stray rays that bounce off of the ground and would otherwise concentrate onto your face after bouncing off the inside of the white UV-reflective canopy!

https://www.pasottiombrelli.com/en/women-luxury-umbrellas/blue-swarovski-umbrella-double-cloth/pr-1694

The second most expensive umbrella I could find, this blue beauty costs around $570 USD. It’s made of a double-cloth 100% polyester satin weave, and has Swarovski crystals in the canopy and handle. The stunning fade of dark to light blue in the canopy gives a dazzling contrast to the white Swarovski gems.

https://www.pasottiombrelli.com/en/women-luxury-umbrellas/189-5d557-1-luxury-swarovski-bee-umbrella/pr-1848

The most expensive umbrella I could find costing around $600 USD, this beauty has a double-cloth canopy with a brass handle and Swarovski crystals. The outer cloth is a dark forest green while the inner cloth is a floral-butterfly pattern. Both fabrics are a 100% polyester satin weave. The handle has a wonderfully crafted brass bee with Swarovski crystals.

Editor: Overlord Susie Zachik

Filed Under: Advice, Fashion Tagged With: AJ Patencio, Particular Parasols

2018 Palm Valley School Pride

November 29, 2018 by szachik@pvs.org 3 Comments

By AJ Patencio

On November 4th, Palm Springs held its 32nd annual Palm Springs Pride Parade, and the PVS Gender Sexuality Acceptance (GSA) Club was there to represent our loving community. We were put in spot 79 and given a banner with a colorful take on the Palm Valley Firebird logo. I was one of the GSA members who joined them, and it was an amazing experience to march through the streets while surrounded by my friends. I’m glad to have experienced it in my senior year before I go off to college. However, it’s not my first time participating in the Safe Schools march at the Palm Springs Pride Parade.

During my freshman year, before PVS had a GSA club, I was one of the only openly gay students in the Upper School. Our English teacher at the time, Mr. Griffin, had talked with the advisor for Palm Spring High School’s GSA club and received permission to send any of our students who wanted to participate in the Pride Parade with them. He handed out flyers, but I was the one student from our school who actually went. I was dropped off near the parade and had to walk alone to meet with the PSHS group, and I knew none of them. I was an alone 14 year old surrounded by people I didn’t know in a loud and crowded place. It was a memorable experience, but not in a good way.

This year was different. I’m 17 now. I was with friends and people I knew and trusted. I was never alone and  always easy to find, as I had a giant rainbow umbrella that unintentionally attacked anyone who got too close. We had school GSA shirts and many rainbow-colored tattoos. I learned of a certain teacher’s habit of putting empty gift cards in his wallet. I ate greasy pizza with my friends as we laughed at a cringy pamphlet. I met enthusiastic parents that were proud of what their kids were doing. I got to have an amazing experience that I won’t forget. I felt happy with who I am, and I’m glad that others will be able to experience this in the future.

Editor: Holden Hartle

Filed Under: Op-Ed, School Events Tagged With: 2018 Palm Valley School Pride, AJ Patencio

About

We are the Palm Valley Firebirds of Rancho Mirage, California. Join us in our endeavors. Venture through the school year with us, perusing the artwork of our students, community, and staff. Our goal is to share the poems, stories, drawings and photographs, essays and parodies that come out of our school. Welcome aboard!