New Zealand’s New Wave Cinema emerged in the late 1970s, with the help of the Zealand Film Commission and government tax incentives for film production. It was a movement which was spearheaded by local and international co-productions, with a focus on action, road movies, and politically charged dramas, dominated by open-space narratives, action, stunts, car chases and primarily isolated male protagonists, living on the edge.

I didn’t even know that such a period existed until the early 1980s when I first saw a screening of director Roger Donaldson’s Sleeping Dogs (1977), a gritty thriller starring Sam Neill. It became the first major New Zealand feature widely screened abroad, exploring authoritarianism, civil unrest, and the “man apart” archetype. The film received rave international reviews, including praise from film critic Pauline Kael, and helped pave the way for Donaldson’s Hollywood career. This was followed by Smash Palace (1982), also by Donaldson.

At this point I was a goner, and anxious to see more.

While the boom ended in the mid-1980s after tax incentives were phased out, the new wave laid the groundwork for later New Zealand cinema successes such as The Piano (1993, directed by Jane Campion), Heavenly Creatures (1994, directed by Peter Jackson ), and Once Were Warriors (1994, directed by Lee Tamahori (who is half Māori) which also characterized New Zealand’s reputation for distinctive, location-driven filmmaking.

Once Were Warriors became the highest-grossing film of all time in New Zealand. It tells the story of the Heke family, an urban Māori whānau (extended family) living in South Auckland, and their problems with poverty, gambling, drugs, alcoholism and domestic violence. It explores the effects of the colonization of New Zealand, suffered by Māori, and the survival of Māori culture.

Jane Campion, a prominent New Zealand female filmmaker in world cinema, is noted for themes of feminism, sexuality, and tension between independence and submission.

Campion’s directorial debut was Sweetie (1989). She is best known for writing and directing the critically acclaimed film, The Piano (1993). Her other films include An Angel at My Table (1990), The Portrait of a Lady (1996 co-production), Holy Smoke! (1998), and Bright Star (2009). After a 10-year break, she returned with the international co-production, The Power of the Dog (2021).

For Peter Jackson, known more as an AI and special effects director, visit Peter Jackson – Wikipedia.

Somehow, I missed Goodbye Pork Pie (1981) written and directed by New Zealander Matt Murphy, the first New Zealand film to win a substantial local audience. But I plan on finding it soon.

The post There was once a New Zealand New Wave Cinema: But few people knew it. appeared first on Traveling Boy.

I have just returned after several weeks in Scotland with my daughter. We were impressed with several castles we visited. Officially, there are 1,103 castles protected by Historic Environment Scotland. About 750 are still standing, the remainder are low ruins. We only visited 5 which was all time allowed.

We found them all very photogenic as many are on the shores of a loch or at the end of a peninsula on the sea. The most photographed castle in Scotland is Eileen Doran that can be seen on the road to the Island of Skye.

But why are there so many castles in Scotland? For hundreds of years the English border with Scotland was a war zone and often fought over. As well there was a constant rivalry between feuding clans and these castles were built for clan defence.

The five castles which impressed us most were; Castle Dunnattar; Castle Dunnstaffnage; Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and Slains Castle on the East Coast. As well, Dunvegan Castle on Skye.

Slains Castle is a good place to start. Evidently, it was featured in the first season of The Crown (as a stand in for the Castle of May). Its real claim to fame was as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” when he visited Cruden Bay in the late 1800’s. It stands as a proud ruin on a point of land in the North Sea. A lovely walk leads up to the imposing ruin which is open for exploration. Both my daughter and I had recently re-read Dracula and were anxious to see the setting. We weren’t disappointed. Most castles in Scotland are well cared for. Slains is very interesting because it is and looks like what happens when nature takes over.

But few castles on the North Sea are as impressive as the striking location of Dunnattar. The parking lot leads to a long walk to the castle way out on a magnificent headland. It is a popular spot to visit and the lot was almost full the day we arrived. The striking site has been fortified since the early Middle Ages. Dunnattar Castle is today a ruin, surrounded by dramatic cliffs descending over 150 feet to the North Sea. It was in use until 1718 and is now a “Scheduled Monument” in Scotland. A sight to see!

Urquhart Castle, or what is left of it, sits high above Loch Ness and offers stunning views of the Loch. Loch tour boats are located at the pier beside the castle. Another popular site to visit. The lot was full when we arrived but fortunately we both had a 14 day “Explorer Pass” that allowed entrance to a number of Scottish castles and was well worth the investment. The castle ruins are striking especially with Loch Ness providing the background. I wanted to visit because the first recorded Chisholm shows up in 1359 at Urquhart as constable at the castle.

We were also fascinated by Dunnstaffnage Castle dating from the the 13th century making it one of Scotland’s oldest. Its very rich history dates back to the middle 1100’s when Norway controlled Scotland’s western seaboard. It remains in the Clan Campbell hands and has witnessed much of Scotland’s turbulent history. Its shape is dictated by the rock that it stands on that dates back over 400 million years and is built on a spit of land that guards the approach to Loch Etive near Oban.

Dunvegan Castle is one of only a few that are still lived in today. It’s the ancestral home of the McLeods and can be easily reached on the Island of Skye. The clan chief was in residence when we were there. They have marvellous gardens to tour and the castle has many interesting rooms open for viewing filled with historic artifacts. Besides the gardens and the castle tour we were attracted by their boat tours they offered of Loch Dunvegan. Since the site was very popular, we arrived shortly after opening so we could book a boat ride before they were sold out, usually by noon. The boat ride was a joy and the highlight for us was coming close to a small island of harbour seals that raised their heads and appeared to smile as we motored by. A wonderful treat.

Words only go so far in the description of these wonderful castles. Photographs help but being there and seeing these imposing historic ruins has a special impact.

The post The Amazing Castles of Scotland appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Thanks to Jun of New Jersey for sending this joke.

Raoul’s 2 Cents. September 4, 2026

Truth

Please move on to the jokes if you don’t want to ponder.

We are close to the tragic anniversary of September 11. There seems to be a growing number of people who believe the conspiracy theories that the Twin Towers imploded because of planted explosives. Scientists say that the levels below the crash site were sturdy enough to prevent the continuous downward internal collapse. Some claim there were no traces of the airplane parts. Did you know that there was a third building (WTC 7) that also collapsed? Why? No plane hit it. Sure it caught fire but why did it implode just like the twin towers? What other burning building in history behaved that way? And what about American Airlines Flight 77 that hit the Pentagon? How could a plane hit just one side of the building? Why not in the center which was a bigger target? Blurry video footage shows an object moving horizontally like a missle. If it were a plane shouldn’t it have been moving at a downward angle? Again, reporters on the scene said there were no airplane parts. No passenger body parts. Hmmm.

The news media’s credibility has never been so low … and justifiably so. They are guilty of spreading lies they never apologized for and omitting the truth. Are you aware of the billions of dollars allegedly stolen by corrupt politicians this year alone? From Day Care to Medicare, from NGOs to UFOs, from vaccinations to assassinations — we live in a world of confusion.

Looking at the crowd entering his circus tent, P.T. Barnum said “there’s a sucker born every minute.” (What if I told you that Barnum never actually said that?) Still, in today’s Tik Tok world of AI inventions, there really are suckers born every minute … just as there are non-believers dying like flies. (Hey, I’m beginning to sound like a Yin Yang monk who balances every reaction with an opposite reaction.) Who to believe? What to believe?

There used to be a saying that “crime doesn’t pay.” Nobody says that anymore. Why? Because it isn’t true. Too many criminals have (and still) “get away.” More and more I am seeing the importance (but the disappearance) of truth. Without it, we lose our sense of justice and morality. Without a true scale, anyone can shortchange what we purchase .. what we believe. Society seems to put more weight on feelings than in factual evidence. OJ Simpson’s DNA didn’t prove he was guilty. Bill Clinton didn’t really smoke pot … he didn’t inhale. The Weapons of Mass Destruction were there … we just couldn’t find it. Did LBJ kill JFK? What’s the relation between Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, King Kong, Burger King and the Lion King? I don’t know. I’m just messing with you. 😀

Life can be confusing but I find comfort knowing that there are actual truths … undeniable truths such as death and taxes. Then a “train ride” to either heaven or hell. All you need is the right ticket to board it — Jesus Christ. “No one comes to the Father but through me,” (John 14:6) he said.

“But it’s your truth not mine.”

“But truth has no preference. It just is. I don’t have to defend it.”

“But I don’t believe it.”

“In other words, you choose NOT to believe it. It doesn’t change the truth that it exists.”

“Prove it!”

“If I give you a ton of evidence, will you then believe?”

“It depends.”

“… on whether you want to accept the evidence, right? So what’s the point in showing any evidence?”

“Okay, historically, I admit, Jesus existed. He was a good man. Yeah, even a prophet. Sure, he conjured miracles: turned water into wine, made the blind see, the deaf hear … but I don’t believe he is God.”

“But Jesus himself said he was/is the son of God. Either this “good man” was a liar, a lunatic, or told the truth ”

“Well, so am I … so are you! We ALL are God’s children!”

“Ah, so now you believe God exists!”

“Well, IF there is a God, why is there suffering?”

“I beg your pardon. God never promised you a rose garden! He did promise that, IF we believe in him, he would help us through our suffering.”

“But if I were God, I’d do things differently.”

“So you’re better than God?”

“Perhaps. Anyway, I’ve got more important things to do. Thanks for the lecture, professor!”

“Don’t worry about it. Even if you have time to really think about this, only the Holy Spirit can change a person’s heart. If you were not meant to believe then there’s nothing anyone can do about it. I can give you an apple but I can’t force you to eat it.”

“But I don’t like apples.”

“Exactly!”

And that’s when the fist fight started.

Conclusion

The truth no longer spoken accurately gives birth to doubt which leads to conspiracy theories and grey areas. Fifty shades of grey turn into black. But a candle of truth in heavy darkness can light up the way to more candles of truth. But one must choose to light the first candle.

TGIF people! The sermon has ended. Go in peace! Run along now.

Quotes of the Week

“Just because something is on Facebook doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.”

— William Shakespeare

“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”

— Winston Churchill

“There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.”

— Soren Kierkegaard

“The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.”

— John F. Kennedy

“Hell is truth seen too late.”

— Thomas Hobbes

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

— 1 John 3:18

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

— 2 Timothy 2:15

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:6

Memes of the Week

Send me your jokes & memes so I could share them with the rest of our TGIF family. This week, we thank Norm of Encino CA, Art of Sierra Madre, Larry of Buena Park, CA, Donovan of Ireland, Agnes of VA and John of Connecticut.

I found these:

I collaborated with my friend and jokester,Terry Cassel for these below.

SUBSCRIBE

The post Two Truths appeared first on Traveling Boy.

The WNBA has a straightforward rule on its face: only women are eligible to play in the league. But the controversy surrounding the league’s eligibility policy exposes a basic question that the WNBA has not publicly answered: What exactly makes someone a “woman” for purposes of WNBA eligibility?

That question matters because women’s sports exist for a reason.

Why Have Women’s Sports?

Men and women are not identical from an athletic standpoint. After male puberty, males generally develop greater muscle mass, strength, bone size, height, lung capacity, hemoglobin levels, speed and explosive power than females. The size of these differences varies by individual and sport, but they are particularly relevant in a sport such as basketball.

This is the fundamental rationale for maintaining separate men’s and women’s sporting categories: without some form of separation, female athletes would generally be competing against a population with physical advantages that could make competition substantially less fair.

That doesn’t mean every male athlete is better than every female athlete. Individual talent obviously matters. It means that sex-related physiological differences are sufficiently significant at the population level that sports organizations have traditionally created a protected women’s category.

The question today is how that category should be defined.

What Does the WNBA Rule Say?

The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association states:

“Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”

That seems clear—until we ask what woman means in the context of athletic eligibility.

The CBA provides detailed requirements concerning age, college eligibility and draft qualifications. Yet it does not publicly specify whether “woman” means biological female, female at birth, legal female, gender identity, or some physiological standard.

That creates a significant ambiguity.

Is Simply Claiming to Be a Woman Enough?

Recent events suggest that it is not.

In August 2026, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced their intentions to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft while identifying as women. They were subsequently reported by the Associated Press and other outlets as being deemed ineligible for the WNBA draft. The league has not publicly explained the specific reason for the determination.

This is where the issue becomes particularly difficult.

If identifying as a woman were sufficient by itself, then a male athlete could presumably satisfy the WNBA’s stated requirement simply by making that declaration.

But the recent decision indicates that self-identification alone is not sufficient.

So what additional requirement exists?

The publicly available CBA doesn’t say.

The Subjectivity Problem

This does not necessarily mean that WNBA officials are making decisions based purely on personal opinion. There could be an internal policy, administrative procedure or legal interpretation that isn’t publicly available.

But from the standpoint of someone trying to understand the rules, there is a legitimate problem.

The league has established the category—women—without publicly establishing the objective criteria for determining who belongs in that category.

That creates the possibility of inconsistent or subjective application.

Consider two hypothetical applicants.

Applicant A is biologically female and identifies as a woman.

Applicant B is biologically male, identifies as a woman, and claims that gender identity should determine eligibility.

If both simply meet the publicly stated requirement of being a “woman,” the CBA itself does not tell us why one should qualify and the other should not.

The WNBA’s recent treatment of former NBA players demonstrates that the league does, in practice, draw a line somewhere. But the public has not been told precisely where that line is or what objective test determines it.

That is the real policy issue.

This Isn’t Necessarily an Argument Against Transgender Athletes

It is possible to recognize transgender people’s dignity and rights while still asking a legitimate question about athletic eligibility.

Gender identity answers one question: How does a person identify?

Competitive eligibility answers another: What criteria should determine who participates in a protected sporting category?

Those questions don’t necessarily have the same answer.

If the purpose of the women’s category is to protect competitive opportunities for biological females, then the relevant question may involve physiological characteristics rather than identity alone.

If the league instead believes gender identity should determine eligibility, it can make that policy explicit.

What is difficult to defend is having a rule that says only “women” are eligible while leaving the public uncertain about what that word means when the league actually has to make a difficult eligibility decision.

Why Doesn’t the NBA Have the Same Problem?

The NBA doesn’t face the same classification issue because it does not operate a protected women’s category.

An NBA player generally doesn’t have to demonstrate that he satisfies a definition of “man” before being eligible to play.

The WNBA is different precisely because it is a women’s league. Its competitive purpose requires the league to establish some boundary around the women’s category.

That boundary should therefore be clear enough that athletes can understand the requirements before they attempt to enter the league.

The Question the WNBA Should Answer

The WNBA has every right to establish eligibility requirements through collective bargaining. Its current CBA does exactly that by restricting participation to women.

But the league should also be able to explain what “woman” means in this particular sporting context.

Is it biological sex?

Is it gender identity?

Is it sex at birth?

Is there a physiological threshold?

Is there a separate rule for transgender athletes?

Or is there another criterion entirely?

As of now, the publicly available governing documents don’t provide a clear answer.

That doesn’t prove that the WNBA has no internal standard. It does mean that the standard is not transparent to the public.

And transparency is especially important when the distinction determines who can compete in a professional women’s league.

The debate over transgender participation will undoubtedly continue. But beneath the politics is a much simpler principle:

If an organization creates a protected competitive category, athletes should be able to know objectively what qualifies them for that category.

The WNBA has told us who is eligible—women.

The unresolved question is how the league determines who qualifies as one.

The post The WNBA’s “Woman” Rule: A Simple Question With No Simple Answer appeared first on Traveling Boy.

The first thing you notice is the fragrance. The intoxicating perfume of the tiare flower announces to your senses that you are in a magical place, overflowing with tropical vegetation and soothing trade winds. It is the same fragrance that the English seamen on the HMS Bounty also first encountered; but they came, not for flowers, but for breadfruit, intended as a new food staple for their slaves in the West Indies. But that was another time and another emotional place. Today, Papeete, located on Tahiti Nui (“Big”), is Tahiti’s vibrant capital city and gateway to her islands. Roughly one-half of all of the Tahitian islands’ population lives in this city. Papeete bustles with world-class resorts, restaurants, nightclubs and endless shopping. If it’s a pearl you want or a hand-painted pareu (sarongs) – worn by women and men alike – this is the place for it.

The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands offers a good overview of the island’s history. The English were the first Europeans to arrive, stripping the islanders of much of their heritage. In 1842, the French took over, and today the islands’ inhabitants possess full French citizenship, but the Gallic texture is evident only on the surface. Tahitians have maintained much of their old lifestyles. This is an island paradise and the warmth and openness of its people is the essence of its charm.

Not to be missed is Arahurahu Marae, the islands’ only completely reconstructed marae. An open-air place of worship and ceremony, the sacred temple is constructed of tiers of stones where the Tahitian elite made sacrifices. Yes, sometimes even human. Put an inland safari on your list, too. My jeep tour was deep into the mountainous valley of Papenoo; a true Garden of Eden with fertile displays of ginger, vanilla, taro, noni and breadfruit. The medicinal and cosmetic benefits of the pants and flowers are well utilized by the Tahitians, renowned for their health, physical beauty and spiritual serenity.

Tahiti Nui has much to offer, but locals also proudly tout the outlying, less-populated islands for their beauty and tranquility. Exploring the other Tahitian islands is best accomplished by booking an excursion on a cruise ship. You get to see more islands and it is less expensive.

Bora Bora– The Romantic Island

With its alluring blue lagoons, lush tropical slopes and Mount Otemanu looming in the distance, this enchanting island is synonymous with romance. Bora Bora is the place for a bike ride around the island, a leisurely hike, or to simply disappear on a white sandy beach. The history buff will enjoy seeing remnants of cannons manned by American servicemen during World War II. Until 1942, there were no roads and no vehicles on Bora Bora. Now tourism is on the rise, with scores of over-the-water bungalows dotting the multi-hued clear lagoon, but to the Yankee mainlander, this is still paradise found.

Moorea – The Magical Island

Moorea is the very essence of a South Seas island paradise, and it comes as no surprise that it is a favorite of many Tahitians. The beauty of the island, with its jagged green mountains and palm-draped beaches, is astounding. James Michener called it Bali Hai, Herman Melville based his novel Omoo on it, and Captain Cook spoke passionately of its landscapes and the beauty of the local people. Moorea is unique among the Tahitian Islands in having magnificent expanses of both white and black beaches. High in Moorea’s interior mountains, Polynesian royalty practiced their archery and maraes are hidden in rainforests. On a hilltop lookout between shark-tooth Mount Rotui and towering Mount Tohivea, there is an once-in-a-lifetime view once reserved only for the gods.

Raiatea – The Sacred Island

Raiatea, meaning “faraway heaven” was the cultural, religious and royal heart of Polynesia – the birthplace of the gods. The second largest Tahitian isle, it was where entire clans, complete with dogs, plants, trees and livestock, sailed off to find new homes on other islands. Today, you can canoe around the fjord-like Faaroa Bay and discover why the island was a favorite of Captain Cook.

Taha’a – The Vanilla Island

Taha’a offers a glimpse of the traditional tranquil life of the Tahitians. The flower-shaped island is surrounded by tiny motus (small islands) and in its fertile valleys farmers grow watermelon and vanilla – which is much stronger than the vanilla that is generally obtained from Mexico.

The Foods of Tahiti

Indigenous Tahitian cuisine uses what’s available from the land and from the sea, and is abundant in fish and fruit. Coconut milk and vanilla are incorporated in many of the dishes. Poisson Cru, tuna cured in limejuice with chopped green onions, cucumbers and tomatoes; and Fafa, a stew of chicken with spinach-like taro leaves; are among my favorites. The taro root (more flavorful than the Hawaiian version), breadfruit, sweet potatoes, and plantains offer typical starch fare. Mangoes, bananas, watermelon, pineapple, papaya, guava, soursop and pummelo are in abundance. From the lagoons come parrotfish, perch, and mullet; from the open sea the freshest of fresh tuna, bonito, wahoo, scad and mahi mahi.

For further information about Tahiti and her Islands, log-on to Tahiti-Tourisme.com.

The post Paradise on Earth: The Romance of Tahiti And Her Islands appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Raoul’s 2 Cents. August 28, 2026

Hot Hot August Week

Please move on to the jokes if you’re not interested in my week.

This has been a super busy, physically-draining week and the heat here in Los Angeles didn’t help any. I spend most of my time indoors so last Saturday I got my first taste of the heat. I helped represent the La Habra Art Gallery and rode an SUV “float” at the weekend-long Corn Festival (which was sponsored by the local Lion’s Club). There was a good crowd all throughout the mile-long route. I waved like a king at the happy faces although I would have enjoyed watching the parade instead. I wasn’t able to enjoy the actual parade. All I saw were the backs of the Boy Scouts and the Marching Band in front of us. If you ever rode a horse-driven buggy, you know what I mean.

Sunday, I decided to help some friends who were selling barbecue in one of the food booths. The deal was, if you purchased food from them, I would make you a free caricature. Even in the shade it felt like I was baking in a sauna. Due to the heat, even though we were there early, the crowd didn’t start to come until much later. Still, I was able to do some 35 portraits. I did so many of these sketches that I ran out of ink and had to use pencil at the end of my stint. Got to converse with a lot of nice people. I had fun, they had fun and the sun had fun displaying its energy. Boy was I thirsty! In mid-drawing I needed to take a drink.

Maybe it was the heat or maybe I’m just gettin’ old, but my brain got fried and I still have not fully recovered as I write this article. Dead tired when I got home. Flopped into bed. Morning came. Dragged myself out of bed, printed and laminated parking signs for our community because I promised I would. Plastered them around the area and again the heat sucked out energy like a vampire.

I was in the middle of work when I realized it was time to pick up my grandson from school. Didn’t shut down my computer correctly … simply pulled the plug. When I got back, the dark screen of death was laughing at me. My backup didn’t work. Spent the most of two days putting my computer back in shape. Even now, still tweaking the settings to function the way I want. It’s true: almost every program is designed to track your habits. I guess, in this day and age, Big Brother looking over your shoulder is unavoidable. They also want me to upgrade and spend money … not if I can help it!

Wife asks me why I’m so lethargic. Told her I’ve got the Steam Roller Blues. Now she’s got me started on some wholeness program to shoot me full of rhythm and blues.

This morning, I took a deep breath. I looked outside of my lazy situation and prayed. A good friend died of cancer, another friend trips and smashes his face during his vacation in London, thousands died in Nepal from a muddy flood, and Dolly Parton passed away. The world moves on. Who am I to complain? Putting things in perspective helps a lot.

TGIF people!

Quotes of the Week

“Iced coffee on a hot day can perform miracles.”
— Anonymous

“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.”
— Jane Austen

“Thank goodness it’s finally hot enough to justify my laziness.”
— Anonymous

“Dear summer, stop showing off. We get it. You’re hot!”
— Anonymous

“Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window.”
— Steve Wozniac

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33

“It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.”
— Isaiah 4:6

“He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
— Matthew 8:26

Memes of the Week

Send me your jokes & memes so I could share them with the rest of our TGIF family. This week, we thank Norm of Encino CA, Jerry of Idaho, Brian of San Francisco, Natalie of Miami and John of Connecticut.

I found these:

I collaborated with my friend and jokester,Terry Cassel for these below.

SUBSCRIBE

The post Empty Threat appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Luxury Framed by an Endless View

Stepping inside the Lodge reveals a deep connection to San Francisco’s military past. The building sits prominently on “Infantry Row,” a stretch of five identical, historic red-brick barracks flanking the Main Parade Ground. Originally constructed between 1895 and 1897 to house hundreds of soldiers guarding the strategic entrance to the bay, the hotel building has been transformed into an intimate, 42-room boutique property. The meticulous restoration honors its rugged heritage across the shared historic campus, preserving original cast-iron columns, massive multi-story windows, and long corridors lined with vintage photography.

Our guest room beautifully captured this upscale comfort. Opening the door revealed a bright, expansive space anchored by two plush queen beds, a stocked mini-fridge, a cupboard full of spirits, and an espresso machine with some of the best hotel coffee I’ve ever had. The spacious bathroom was equally impressive, with bright marble vanities and an extra deep tub.

The absolute best part of the room was the view. All it took was drawing back the curtains to see the Golden Gate Bridge stretched out right in front of us. We got to see it change all day long—from the thick morning fog rolling under the bridge to the bright evening sun hitting those orange towers.

Artisanal Mornings and Sunset Receptions

Another hotel highlight is the complimentary daily breakfast. Served in the sunlit dining area, the selection features fresh-baked artisanal breads, flaky pastries, cereals, seasonal fruit, hard-boiled eggs, fresh juice, and coffee. The cozy space itself boasts plenty of comfortable seating options and a warm fireplace. And when the weather is good, guests can even take their plates outside to sit on the front porch and enjoy the fresh air.

The hotel’s hospitality returns each evening at 5 o’clock for the lodge’s wine reception, held back in the dining space. Here, guests can relax over a beautifully arranged spread of charcuterie, local cheeses, gourmet nuts, bite-sized desserts, fine California wine, and fresh lemonade that the kids absolutely loved.

From Fortress Islands to Crooked Streets

The hotel sits right on the Main Post—the historic, park-like town square that serves as the walkable heart of the Presidio—offering incredible convenience for a family looking to explore. Right next door sits The Walt Disney Family Museum, a fantastic spot founded by Disney’s daughter that showcases the animator’s life, early drawings, and a massive scale model of Disneyland, all housed inside another one of the post’s historic, retrofitted barracks. Beyond this, the property is surrounded by miles of dedicated bike and walking paths that weave down to Crissy Field—a sprawling, former 1920s U.S. Army airfield that has been restored into a massive waterfront park.

Our first major excursion took us to the waterfront, where we boarded a ferry with Alcatraz City Cruises out to infamous Alcatraz Island. Sailing across the choppy bay waters offered incredible, sweeping views of the city skyline before we docked at “The Rock,” one of the most legendary prisons in history. While touring the prison, we took an immersive audio tour that guided us through the old, cold cellblocks.

We were captivated by the story of the Great Escape of 1962, when prisoners Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers used sharpened spoons to chip through aging concrete in their cells and created papier-mâché dummy heads in their beds to fool the night guards. They then slipped into the freezing, treacherous waters of the bay on a raft made of stolen raincoats. To this day, no bodies have ever been found, leaving many to wonder if the inmates met a dark fate in the currents or successfully vanished into new lives on the mainland.

The next morning, we drove into the heart of the city to tackle Lombard Street, one of the crookedest streets in the world. Climbing steep sidewalk steps alongside a line of slow-moving tourist traffic was a major workout, but reaching the summit was worth the effort. The eight sharp, brick-paved hairpin turns, bordered by perfectly manicured hydrangea beds, offered a quintessential San Francisco view. Looking down from the crest, we could see past the red-brick roofs all the way to the sparkling waters of the bay.

From Lombard Street, we walked a few blocks to the historic plaza of Ghirardelli Square. Established in 1893 by Italian immigrant Domenico Ghirardelli, this massive brick complex originally served as the headquarters for his legendary chocolate company. Today, it stands as a brilliant example of historic adaptive reuse. We spent an hour wandering the plaza, viewing the antique, operational chocolate-making machinery, and treating ourselves to decadent chocolate and hot fudge sundaes.

Our exploration concluded with a driving tour over the region’s two iconic suspension bridges. First, we drove across the sweeping span of the Golden Gate Bridge, looking down at the dark blue water opening out to the Pacific. Later, we made our way across the double-decked Oakland Bay Bridge, which offered a completely different, breathtaking perspective of the downtown skyscrapers rising directly from the water’s edge.

Leaving the City Behind

After navigating the busy bridges and steep hills, pulling back into the quiet roads of the Presidio felt like arriving home. We spent our final evening relaxing by the hotel’s outdoor fire pit, watching the fog crawl back in over the bay. It proved that the Lodge at the Presidio is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a peaceful, historic anchor that turns a family trip to San Francisco into an unforgettable journey.

When You Go

For more information on planning your stay or making reservations at The Lodge at the Presidio, call (415) 561-1234 or visit presidiolodging.com. To book a ferry to Alcatraz, secure your timed tickets in advance at Alcatraz City Cruises.

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Raoul’s 2 Cents. August 21, 2026

Hollywood Blues

A few months ago, Ben Affleck gave an interview where he said the movie industry was in deep financial trouble. He said (on the average) a good movie costs at least 25 million dollars to produce. They need another $25M for marketing. Then $50 million goes to the outlets like movie houses and streaming platforms (like Amazon Prime, Apple +, Disney +, YouTube, Netflix). That’s 100 million dollars just for a movie to break even. Very few movies make that much. Many Hollywood movies currently operate in the negative.

My take: The Good the Bad and the downright Ugly

My first inclination was to save the Hollywood industry that we all grew up with: remembering the wonderful fairy tales that inspired our young minds … stories that made us fall off our seats with laughter … stories that made us afraid of the dark … stories that dug up conspiracy theories and made us aware of social injustice. Sadly, this same institution also influenced our taste for violence, illegal drugs, pornography and other addictions. There was good and bad.

Hollywood propped up screen idols to be worshiped. Despite their many intellectual and moral deficiencies, just because they identified with our emotions, we thought we knew them. They dictated what was cool and what was beautiful. We valued their opinions about the silliest things. When they said this soda pop was the “real thing” we just had to taste it in “real life.” The egos got the better of some of them. When they threaten to leave America if their political candidate loses … shouldn’t we just insist that they do leave us alone?

Remind me again why we need to preserve the movie industry? Is it worth rescuing the royal infrastructure of filmdom? If you find yourself flipping through a gazillion movie choices streaming online, perhaps not. Are you frustrated with the explosion of low creativity and formulaic productions brought to you by a committee of businessmen? How many Star Wars episodes do we really need? Good movies are hidden like needles in a haystack. Even award-winning movies have lost their glitter.

I recently watched the 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi, Total Recall and boy, did I have a total recoil at the terrible acting and laughable special effects — “Git aut! Git aut of hear!” You could tell when the plastic faces replaced human skin. Eyes popping out and stop-motion animated bodies melting into bones were downright amateurish. But thirty six years ago, we believed it and it won Best Visual Effects. We wanted to believe it just as the audience of the 30s wanted to believe in King Kong climbing up the Empire State building. Simple effects for simple times. Film making is constantly changing.

The reasons for the fall

I already mentioned streaming platforms like Netflix. That’s one big factor. Humongous TV screens with their souped-up audios make eating popcorn and watching at home more comfortable and convenient than going to the movies. Plus, if the movie sucks, you don’t have to agonize until the end. You can simply switch to another movie. Don’t think Paramount gets paid enough when you rent their movie. Keep in mind they still have to pay a percentage to Netflix to compete with the same movie currently showing at the movie house.

Good or bad, ABC/Disney tried to sell the WOKE mentality to us. It didn’t work. They lost millions. The president was replaced. They now know we are not a captive audience. They are not as powerful as they thought.

Today’s technology has allowed the couch potato (yes, that one!) to create his own movies in the living room. We all know it’s nearly impossible to distinguish AI from actual footage. Sorry celebrities, sorry studio set designers, sorry miniature prop men, sorry stunt men, sorry makeup artists, sorry movie theme musicians, sorry extras … we don’t need your services anymore.

“You mean we actors, don’t need to ‘kiss up’ to the movie moguls anymore?”

“Nope!”

“Doesn’t the union protect us?”

“Who needs the Union? They don’t have the monopoly anymore.”

“But I’m unique! My voice, my looks, my …”

“Nah! AI can mimic all of that. You can’t copyright your talents. And, even if you can, we’ll just create a BETTER you.”

When you see the big stars advertising for small companies, you know they are desperate for a job. When you see the Hollywood reporters hype innocuous scandals, you know the reps are struggling for relevance in order to survive. I have good news and bad news for you Hollywood folk. First the bad news: you will be replaced by AI. The good news: you don’t need the big studios anymore because, with a little training, now you can create your own movies!

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

— Henry Ford (allegedly)

Time to let the horse go

Although Ben Affleck and I may paint a dark picture of Hollywood, I believe there is a Yellow Brick Road to the MODE of storytelling. The old factories will soon die but the imagination among millions of new creators will eventually replace and improve exponentially as AI technology matures. That one amazing movie done by a little kid is waiting ’round the corner. Indeed, when you wish to become a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you.

Hollywood served its purpose but it’s time to grow up. Let the creativity begin!

Of course, this is just me.

TGIF people!

Quotes of the Week

“We need Storytelling. Otherwise, life just goes on and on like the number Pi.”
— Ang Lee

“Cinema is the most beautiful fraud in the world.”
— Jean-Luc Godard (French film director)

“The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder”
— Alfred Hitchcock

“We don’t make movies to make money, we make money to make more movies.”
— Walt Disney

“LA, the city where everyone’s constantly waiting for their phone to ring, and I’m part of it.”
— Daniel Ruczko

“A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end… but not necessarily in that order.”
— Jean-Luc Godard (French film director)

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
— Proverbs 22:9

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
— Collosians 3:23-24

Memes of the Week

Send me your jokes & memes so I could share them with the rest of our TGIF family. This week, we thank Norm of Encino CA, Barbara of Colorado, Brian of San Francisco, Ben of Georgia and Wally of Colorado..

I found these:

I collaborated with my friend and jokester,Terry Cassel for these below.

SUBSCRIBE

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The world’s highest tropical mountain range, the Cordillera Blanca, (White Range) triumphs the continent in north-central Peru in the Ancash region. The Huascarán National Park that contains most of the range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers 3,400 square kilometers. The mountain range itself is 200 km long and 21 km wide.

Unique plants abound, like the high altitude orange-rust paper bark trees. One can be viewing tropical plants and then lift one’s gaze to some of the park’s 27 snow-capped peaks above 6,000 meters, and perhaps an Andean Condor. Among the peaks is the highest mountain in Peru, Huascarán, 6,768 meters. The Llanganuco lagoon in the photos, one of hundreds of lakes in the park fed by over 660 tropical glaciers, is 3,860 meters high. If you’re coming from low altitudes and haven’t acclimated, take it slow and easy, as even that height, well over twice as high as Denver, can feel taxing on a slope. For those acclimated and up for it, there are multiple hiking journeys, from several days to ten or more.

Among the mountains is Artesonraju, the model for the current Paramount logo that in 1953 replaced the 1914 model based on the Utah mountain Ben Lomond. No word on if the Ellisons will change Paramount’s logo to the crumbled White House East Wing.
What are tropical mountain ranges? They hang their hats between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, maintaining a monthly average temperature of 18 or more degrees C. Plenty of rainfall and cloud moisture, and distinct vertical life zones, from rain forests to upper tree lines as high as 4,000 meters.

To travel to the park from the town of Huaraz, visitors traverse a valley that was devastated by the 1970 earthquake that killed 30,000 people in the initial avalanche alone, climbing to 70,000 in related disasters. In a couple photos you can see a distant statue of Christ in the town of Yungay, now a national cemetery as it was impossible to reach victims. Some boulders carried in the avalanche weigh up to 14,000 tons. The 7.9 quake severed part of the north peak of Huascarán Mountain, powering the avalanche. Another photo, of a garden, also shows the distant break in the ridge where the avalanche roared through. It is difficult to imagine but it traveled 16 km in three to four minutes, the main mass going as fast as 335 km/h. The leading edge may have been 450 km/h, with airborne projectiles, multi-ton rocks, flying as fast as 1,100 km/h. To hear and see it coming must have terrified, though briefly, then over like being shot by God. The few survivors were those, like a class from a girls school on an outing, who happened to be graced by being up higher in the valley, watching their world disappear forever.

Peru’s beauty is without peer. However, its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire carries the potential for cosmic rug jerks in parts of the country. On a smaller scale, it’s not uncommon to reroute or change destinations in the area due to frequent landslides. Fortunately there are many choice options. This all conveys a sense of precarity, one that is growing in one aspect or another throughout much of South America.

For more information, visit the tourism department.

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It all began with the French New Wave, which inspired the British New Wave’s Kitchen Sink Realism, New German Cinema, Japan’s New Wave, the Hollywood Renaissance; it seemed to be everywhere.

Background

The Australian film industry almost collapsed by the early 1960s, but The Gorton (1968-71) and Whitlam governments (1972-75) saved it from extinction with the funding of film production and the training of film makers through the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, which created a new generation of Australian filmmakers who were able to bring their visions to the screen. The 1970s saw a revival of the Australian film industry, producing almost 400 films between 1970 and 1985, altogether more than the entire backlog of Australian films.

The Australian New Wave was a period of resurgence, beginning in the early 1970s and lasted until the mid-late 1980s, which also led to Ozploitation, a film genre by the exploitation of colloquial Australian culture.

For me, as a young film student in Seattle, the precursor to the Australian New Wave began not with an Australian film director, but rather the English director, Nicholas Roeg. In his 1971 film Walkabout about two Anglo-Australian children, one a teenager and her much younger brother, who had lived a comfortable city life, but were abandoned by their father who had committed suicide on a road trip deep into the Outback. Struggling to survive in this unbearably hot and harsh terrain, they are saved by a young Aboriginal man, who is on a ‘walkabout,’ a rite of passage for Aboriginal males on the cusp of manhood. He teaches them to eat lizards, find water and hunt for lizards and wild game. The role is played by David Gulpilil, who at the time did not speak a word of English, which added to the film’s authenticity. The controversial nude swimming scene with Jenny Agutter still raises eyelids today. It is her rite of passage of emotional freedom.

KEY FILMS AND DIRECTORS

Peter Weir

Picnic at Hanging Rock is a 1975 Australian mystery directed by Peter Weir from a screenplay by Cliff Green, based on the 1967 novel by Joan Lindsay. The plot involves the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a picnic at Hanging Rock, Victoria on Valentine’s Day in 1900, and the subsequent effect on the local community. One of school girls is never found, and, the ones which were, are mystified, unable to explain what had happened.

The film stars Rachel Roberts, Dominic Guard, Helen Morse, Vivean Gray and Jacki Weaver, who reappears on screen decades later as a middle-aged crime boss in the Australian drama, Animal Kingdom, then in Hollywood’s Silver Lining Playbook.
Weir’s protagonists are generally outsiders in their own worlds, characters out of place, facing danger, uncertainty or betrayal. These figures often undergo a loss of innocence or spiritual awakening, where the camera captures their subjective states through oneiric compositions, distorted sound, slow motion, and unconventional lighting. His cinematography is atmospheric, almost bordering on surreal, creating a sense of place that becomes essential to the narrative.

Picnic at Hanging Rock was a commercial and critical success and helped draw international attention to the then-emerging Australian New Wave. It is considered one of the most iconic and defining films of the New Wave.

Other notable Peter Weir Australian films: The Last Wave (1977), The Plumber (1979), Gallipoli (1981).

Fred Schepisi

The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith is a 1978 Australian drama film directed, written and produced by Fred Schepisi, and starring Tom E. Lewis, Freddy Reynolds and Ray Barrett.The film also featured early appearances by Bryan Brown, Arthur Dignam, and John Jarratt. It is an adaptation of the 1972 novel The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith by Thomas Keneally.

The story is about an exploited Aboriginal Australian who commits murder and goes into hiding. It is based on actual events.
The cast, a mix of professional actors (most of them white actors) and amateurs (most of them Aboriginal actors), was described by Pauline Kael as “a triumph of casting and coaching.”

Schepisi frequently sets his plots in a historical or cultural context, with precise attention to period detail. This is evident in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1970s Australia), where he integrates authentic locations, costumes and social atmosphere to immerse the audience. His work often explores themes of redemption, isolation, and the human condition.

Bruce Beresford

Breaker Morant is a 1980 Australian biographical war drama film directed by Bruce Beresford, who also co-wrote the screenplay based on Kenneth G. Ross’ 1978 play of the same name. It stars Edward Woodward as the title character, Lt. Harry Harbord Breaker Morant, along with Jack Thompson, John Waters and Bryan Brown.

It is about a 1902 court martial of lieutenants Morant, Peter Handcock and George Witton, one of the first war crime prosecutions in British military history. Morant, Handcock, and Witton, Australians serving in the British Army during the Second Anglo-Boer War, are accused of murdering captured enemy combatants and an unarmed civilian in the Northern Transvaal. The film covers the exploration of the Nuremberg Defense, the politics of the death penalty and the human cost of total war. As the trial unfolds, the events in question are shown in flashbacks.

The film won ten 1980 Australian Film Institute Awards including: Best Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Leading Actor (for Jack Thompson) and Best Supporting Actor (Bryan Brown). It was also nominated for an Academy Award for the Best Adapted Screenplay.

Breaker Morant remains the movie with which Beresford is most identified and has “hoisted the images of the accused officers to the level of Australian icons and martyrs.” In a 1999 interview Beresford said Breaker Morant “never pretended for a moment” that the defendants were not guilty as charged. He had intended the film to explore how wartime atrocities can be “committed by people who appear to be quite normal.”

Beresford films showcase their ability to evoke empathy and provoke thought, often blending intimate personal stories with broader social or historical contexts. His camerawork is often unobtrusive, allowing performances and story to take center stage. This is particularly evident where music, setting or period detail enhances the emotional tone.

Other notable Beresford Australian films: Don’s Party (1976).

George Miller

Mad Max is a 1979 Australian dystopian action film directed by George Miller in his directorial debut, who co-wrote the screenplay with James McCausland, based on a story by Miller and Byron Kennedy. Mel Gibson stars as “Mad” Max Rockatansky, a police officer turned vigilante in a dystopian near-future Australia.

Filmed on a budget of $400,000, it earned more than $100 million worldwide in gross revenue and set a Guinness record for most profitable Australian film of the year. The success of Mad Max has been credited for further opening the global market to Australian New Wave films.

Mad Max became the first in the series, giving rise to three sequels: Mad Max 2 (1981), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).

In the original 1979 Australian version, Mel Gibson spoke with a thick Australian accent. But for the American release it was redubbed with American voices to make it easier for U.S. audiences to understand. The U.S. dub also replaced Australian slang with American equivalents (e.g., “Oi!” became “Hey!”, “very toey” became “super hot”) and altered some sound effects.

George Miller’s style is defined by spectacular, practical filmmaking, archetypal narratives, thematic duality, and genre flexibility, all underpinned by a consistent empathy for his characters and a belief in cinema as a universal storytelling medium.

Philip Noyce

Newsfront is a 1978 Australian drama film directed by Phillip Noyce, and starring Bill Hunter, Wendy Hughes, Chris Haywood and Bryan Brown. The film is shot in both black and white and in color, incorporating actual newsreel footage.

Newsfront is about newsreel cameramen who are committed to finding compelling footage of newsworthy events. The film begins in 1948 and ends in 1956, when television was introduced to Australia, and follows the destinies of the cameramen’s quest within the context of sweeping social and political changes in their native Australia. I learned a lot.

Noyce often combines tight, tension-filled sequences with vivid environmental settings; urban landscapes, natural backdrops, or period-specific locales. He integrates action with deeper narrative exploration, ensuring that even the most spectacular scenes serve the story.

Gillian Armstrong

My Brilliant Career is a 1979 Australian period drama film directed by Gillian Armstrong, and starring Judy Davis, Sam Neill, and Wendy Hughes. Based on the 1901 novel of the same name by Miles Franklin, it follows a young woman in rural, late-19th-century Australia whose aspirations to become a writer are impeded first by her social circumstance, and later by an early romance. My Brilliant Career was released in Australia in August 1979 and later premiered in the United States at the New York Film Festival. It received significant critical acclaim, and was nominated for numerous AFI Awards, winning three, while Davis won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. In the United States, it received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film.

The film is regarded as being part of the Australian New Wave, as well as a piece of feminist cinema.

Armstrong’s work consistently explores women’s inner lives, relationships and the choices that shape their identities. While often associated with feminist themes, she emphasizes portraying complex individuals rather than making intentional political statements. Her films are anchored in emotional truth and psychological depth, noted for sharp story sense, meticulous design, and a strong sense of rhythm. Armstrong often uses period authenticity in historical settings, grounding her work in real locations and authentic period detail. Her visual language brings attention to music, lighting, and mise-en-scène that enhances the narrative.

The Road to Hollywood

Due to their success in Australian cinema, this led to the road to Hollywood, for big money and budgets, and bigger screen goers, many unaware that the Australian New Wave even existed.

Here are a few American films directed by these Australians:

Peter Weir: The Year of Living Dangerously, Witness, The Mosquito Coast, Dead Poets Society, Green Card, Fearless, The Truman Show, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Fred Schepisi: Barbarosa, Iceman, Roxanne, A Cry in the Dark, Six Degrees of Separation

Bruce Beresford: Black Robe, Driving Miss Daisy, Tender Mercies

George Miller: Lorenzo’s Oil, Babe, Witches of Eastwick

Gillian Armstrong: Little Women (1994), Starstruck, The Last Days of Chez Nous, Mrs. Soffel, Charlotte Gray

Phillip Noyce: Dead Calm, Clear Present Danger

Stay tuned for the New Zealand New Wave.

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