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Young the Giant at Pappy & Harriet’s

September 10, 2025 – Young the Giant performs “Cough Syrup.”

Last night, my daughter and I had a great time at the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, where we saw the alternative rock band Young the Giant. This was my second time seeing them, and both times were amazing. Being outdoors under the desert stars made the evening truly magical.

Pappy & Harriet’s is a classic roadhouse-style venue—part bar, part restaurant, and part live music venue. Tucked away in the remote Mojave Desert town of Pioneertown (just outside Joshua Tree), its rustic stage has hosted a remarkable list of legends, including Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, and Patti Smith. British new wave band The Fixx was performing on the inside stage later in the evening.

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Jack London State Historic Park

House of Happy Walls Museum at the Jack London State Historic Park.
Jack and Charmian London Gravesite at the Jack London State Historic Park
Wolf House Ruins at the Jack London State Historic Park
House of Happy Walls Museum at the Jack London State Historic Park

When I was in my early teens, I read Jack London’s books The Call of the Wild and White Fang, and I’ve admired him ever since for his fierce love of adventure and his early passion for nature conservation. Visiting Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California, brought that admiration full circle, as I explored the places most connected to his life and legacy.

The House of Happy Walls Museum, built by his wife Charmian after his death, offers a vivid glimpse into Jack’s world through books, photographs, and artifacts from his travels. Nearby, the haunting stone ruins of Wolf House stand as a powerful reminder of London’s grand vision—a 26-room mansion that tragically burned before he could move in. Finally, a quiet walk through the woods leads to his simple gravesite, a peaceful resting place beneath the trees of the land he loved.

Jack London State Historic Park was not originally part of our plans, but after visiting, I’m happy we did.

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Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum - McDonnell Douglas FA-18 Hornet
Palm Springs Air Museum - General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Palm Springs Air Museum - Cessna O-2 Skymaster
Palm Springs Air Museum Entrance

Our morning bike rides often take us past the Palm Springs Air Museum, where vintage warbirds stand proudly under the desert sun. It’s a striking sight—sleek fighter jets and classic WWII aircraft framed by palm trees against the backdrop of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. Located near the Palm Springs Airport, the 91,000-square-foot museum showcases military aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Many of the planes remain flight-ready and are displayed alongside exhibits and tributes to veterans, making it a distinctive stop for aviation and history enthusiasts.

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Koroneburg Renaissance Festival

June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.

We had a fun time yesterday at the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival in Eastvale, CA, about 80 miles from Palm Springs. Unlike most tent-filled faires, Koroneburg is Southern California’s only permanently built Renaissance village. Visitors can wander past real half-timbered houses, a working blacksmith shop, and a stone-front tavern that feels straight out of 16th-century Germany. Costumed characters roam the streets, interactive shows pop up at every turn, and the whole place feels like stepping into a storybook. We sipped cold ale, munched on sausages, and soaked up the festive atmosphere like merry revelers of old.

Click here to watch a video of the Imperial Knights being introduced before the joust.

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Seeing “Pink” at the McCallum

May 7, 2025 - "The Problem With Pink" at the McCallum Theatre.
May 7, 2025 – La Parenthèse dancers take a bow.

“The Problem with Pink” is a charming and thought-provoking play that blends dance, theatre, and striking visuals to explore themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of gender stereotypes. This imaginative production is a collaboration between Le Petit Théâtre de Sherbrooke, based in Québec, Canada, and La Parenthèse, a French contemporary dance company founded by choreographer Christophe Garcia. Aimed especially at younger audiences, it invites reflection on societal norms while celebrating individuality. I thoroughly enjoyed all 55 minutes of this compact, compelling show tonight at the McCallum Theatre.

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Tango Obsession

March 19, 2025 - Camaraderie performs Piazzolla.
March 19, 2025 – Camarada performs Piazzolla.

Last night at the Rancho Mirage Library, the distinguished chamber music ensemble Camarada delivered an invigorating performance of Argentine musical masterworks in a program titled Camaraderie: Tango Obsession. Andrés Martín, the group’s bassist and composer-in-residence, introduced each piece with brief comments about its cultural and historical context. I enjoyed hearing the scintillating rhythms and seductive melodies of Tango Nuevo music and learning how it evolved.

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Mahler’s Influence

Mahler's Influence on Opera
Jan. 22, 2025 – Soprano Natalie Mann accompanied by pianist Jeffrey Panko.

I attended an interesting lecture/concert at the Rancho Mirage Library today that focused on Gustave Mahler’s influence on opera, despite his never composing one. Soprano Natalie Mann provided facts about the topic, and accompanied by pianist Jeffrey Panko, performed beautiful renditions of Mahler’s “Rückert-Lieder” and songs by R. Strauss, Britten, and others.

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Christmas at Grandpa’s

Dec 27, 2024 - Grandpa's house for Christmas
Dec 27, 2024 – Happy grandfather.

Having kids around makes Christmas more fun! I’m thrilled that my wonderful daughters and their families made the long drive to the desert to spend a few days together. Seeing the excitement in my grandkids’ eyes as they opened presents or went on a local adventure was the best Christmas gift I could have received.

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Return to New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans
Oct. 28, 2024 – St. Louis Cathedral at sunset.

I’ve been to New Orleans 5 or 6 times and always had a great time. We stayed for a week, ate delicious food (it’s all about the Cajun cuisine and seafood), and drank probably a little too much. It’s such a unique and vibrant city; the French Quarter feels like being in another country.

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Hockey at Acrisure Arena

April 30, 2023 – An amped up crowd as the Firebirds enter the arena.

We caught Game 3 of the Pacific Division semifinals between the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Colorado Eagles at the brand-new Acrisure Arena. In a nail-biting playoff showdown, the Firebirds fought hard but ultimately fell in overtime to the visiting Eagles. It was our first visit to Acrisure Arena—and it didn’t disappoint. With seating for around 11,000, this impressive venue is a welcome addition to the Coachella Valley’s entertainment scene. Home to the Firebirds and host to major concerts and events, it’s quickly becoming a local favorite.

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The French House, London

Aug 7, 2022 - The French House in London.
Aug 7, 2022 – Enjoyed a few pints at The French House.

The French House in London is a legendary Soho pub steeped in charm, history, and bohemian spirit. It’s known for its quirky rules — no music, no machines, and no pints (only half-pints served). During World War II, it served as a hub for the Free French, with General de Gaulle famously linked to the place. Over the decades, it’s been a favorite of artists, writers, and eccentrics like Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon.

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McCormick’s Exotic Car Auction

  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC Roadster that once belonged to late "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC Roadster that once belonged to late “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1965 Arntz Cobra.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1965 Arntz Cobra.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1935 Packard 1201 Eight.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1935 Packard 1201 Eight.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1948 Lincoln Continental.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1948 Lincoln Continental.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1941 Plymouth P12 Woody Wagon.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1941 Plymouth P12 Woody Wagon.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1955 Mercury Montclair.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1955 Mercury Montclair.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1948 customized Chevrolet Sedan Delivery.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1948 customized Chevrolet Sedan Delivery.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1934 Mercedes 500K Roadster replica.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1934 Mercedes 500K Roadster replica.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1931 Ford Model A Roadster.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1931 Ford Model A Roadster.

We visited the 2021 McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction today, one of Southern California’s most respected classic car events, just to admire the stunning lineup of over 500 vintage and exotic vehicles on display. From elegant Packards and sleek ’50s cruisers to rumbling muscle cars and rare replicas, the show was a vibrant celebration of automotive history—set against the dramatic desert mountains. Family-owned and based in Palm Springs, McCormick’s hosts two major auctions each year, welcoming both the public and dealers to experience a unique blend of car culture and timeless style.

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Backhausdance

June 18, 2019 – Backhausdance Company, Sabrina Xiao He & Paul Cracchiolo

Earlier today at the McCallum Theatre, Orange County dance company Backhausdance presented an impressive performance set to Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” accompanied by distinguished pianists Sabrina Xiao He and Paul Cracchiolo. The 50-minute program was offered as part of the McCallum Theatre Education initiative.

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Fitz and the Tantrums

January 21, 2017 - Fitz and the Tantrums at PGA West.
January 21, 2017 – Fitz and the Tantrums at PGA West.

After a sun-soaked Saturday at the CareerBuilder Challenge golf tournament in La Quinta, the energy didn’t fade with the final putt. As twilight settled over the desert, Los Angeles-based indie-pop sensation Fitz and the Tantrums hit the stage and jolted the crowd back to life. Their high-voltage set kept fans dancing well into the evening. It was a full day of golf, sunshine, and music.

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Lyric Opera Stars Shine!

Sept. 10, 2011 - Renee Fleming sings "Jewel Song" from Gounod’s Faust.
Sept. 10, 2011 – Renee Fleming sings “Jewel Song” from Gounod’s Faust.

The Stars of Lyric Opera concert last night was a memorable evening, marking the start of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s upcoming 57th season. Held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the free outdoor event attracted a full-capacity crowd, all eager to experience a night of operatic brilliance under the stars. Renée Fleming, newly appointed as Lyric’s creative consultant, served as both headliner and host. The evening featured a stellar lineup of performers, including Matthew Polenzani, James Morris, Susanna Phillips, and Jamie Barton. The Lyric Opera Orchestra, under the baton of French conductor Emmanuel Villaume, provided the musical accompaniment for the evening.

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The La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits
March 4, 2011 – Columbian Mammoths in the La Brea Tar Pits.

LACMA was closed when we went there on Wednesday, but there are interesting things to look at on the museum grounds, including the La Brea Tar Pits.

The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the world’s most famous Ice Age fossil sites, where natural asphalt has bubbled up from the ground for tens of thousands of years. Over time, the sticky tar trapped animals like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and even ancient camels—preserving their bones in incredible detail. Visitors can explore active excavation sites, see fossils up close at the Page Museum, and stroll past life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures caught in the tar. It’s a fascinating mashup of science, history, and a little bit of Hollywood drama right in the middle of L.A.

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Museum of Science & Industry

Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
Jan. 27, 2011 – Chicago Museum of Science & Industry.

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is one of the largest science museums in the world, housed in a historic building from the 1893 World’s Fair. It features hands-on exhibits, a WWII German submarine, a working coal mine, and dazzling displays on space, genetics, transportation, and more, making science fun and accessible for all ages.

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Passed My Flash CS4 Class

Fall is here.

Last night I finished a 7-week class in Adobe Flash CS4 at Truman Community College. A difficult program to learn, but the creative options it gives are amazing. Next week I’ll finish the (X)HTML class. It finally looks like Fall outside; this is my favorite season.