Posted on by James Kampas

A Harder Gary Numan

April 4, 2026 – Highlights from Gary Numan at Pappy & Harriet’s.

Last night was one of those concerts that far exceeded my expectations and left me appreciating the artist even more. The show took place at Pappy & Harriet’s, which added an extra layer of magic to the evening. I’ve always liked Gary Numan’s ’80s work, and I own a few of his albums: Replicas (with Tubeway Army) and his first solo release, The Pleasure Principle. But I had no idea his sound had evolved into something so much heavier and more industrial—think Nine Inch Nails—than those earlier records.

By the end of the night, I left feeling energized and inspired—reminded that great artists can keep evolving and surprising us, even decades into their careers. Gary Numan isn’t just an ’80s icon; he’s still pushing boundaries and making music that hits hard in the here and now.

Posted on by James Kampas

Morning at Mission Creek Preserve

Mission Creek Preserve
Mission Creek Preserve
Mission Creek Preserve
Mission Creek Preserve

We took a hike at Mission Creek Preserve, just north of Palm Springs, and it turned out to be one of those perfect desert mornings. The trail winds past the old stone ruins of what was once a small guest ranch, and the desert right now is full of wildflowers—yellow, white, and pink scattered among the creosote and low shrubs. With the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains in the distance and a deep, clear sky overhead, the whole landscape felt quiet and wide open in the best way. It’s a reminder that even in a place many people think of as dry and barren, spring can bring a surprising burst of life.

Posted on by James Kampas

Ravens on the Attack

As we passed the Cimarron Golf Course this morning on the CV Link bike path, we saw a healthy-looking coyote being harassed by two ravens. Ravens are highly territorial, and these two were no exception. The coyote seemed unbothered at first, casually trotting along, but eventually turned back to look, clearly aware, yet unfazed. Whether they were protecting a nest or simply asserting dominance, the ravens were relentless. PROJECT COYOTE

Posted on by James Kampas

Palm Springs Public Art

May 14, 2025 - Sculptures by David Černý.
May 14, 2025 – Sculptures by David Černý.

You never know where you’ll encounter art when walking around downtown Palm Springs. Two large sculptures by renowned Czech artist David Černý are affixed to the side of the Rowan Palm Springs Hotel (if you’ve ever visited Prague, you’ve likely seen more of Černý’s work there). Meat is a 17-foot-tall classic red car, reminiscent of a Porsche, with a body stylized to resemble a slab of raw meat. The other, from his Babies series, is intentionally ambiguous and surreal. I can’t say exactly what the artist means by these two pieces, but they’re certainly thought-provoking.