people walking down the street with umbrellas up

"parasol". Para = Protect Against. Sol = Sun. Q.v. Parachute.

Shields up. prepare to fire all phasers.

Are we becoming a nation of paranoids?

Don't you mean "parapluie"....

No, of course you don't!!!!

Stupid me, still half asleep and hung over!!!

Parasol is indeed correct, as anyone on here would confirm!!!!!

I'm going back to bed now....

Umbra in Latin means shadow or shade. I hope that clarifies the matter.

Never leave home without a Frilled Pagoda Stick Umbrella ...quite fetching

The sign for umbrella in Sign Language is disturbingly like the action used by personnel on Babestation to suggest stimulation of the erect penis. (Grasp base with the right hand, then tug firmly upwards with the left.)