December 26th a birthday too often overlooked: That of Chang Ah Ping (鄭阿平)

With this being the close of the centennial year of the fictional Detective Charlie Chan, it's fitting today we mention his real-life catalyst and inspiration. He was born December 26th, 1871, Waipio, Hawaii, and served for 34 years on the Honolulu Police Department. His given name Chang Ah Ping, Americanized to Chang Apana. Though you're … Continue reading December 26th a birthday too often overlooked: That of Chang Ah Ping (鄭阿平) →

A Centennial: The House Without a Key (1925) and Charlie Chan are turning 100!

HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU or Happy New Year everyone! Especially those born in the Year of The Snake. And a special year indeed for Detective Charlie Chan fans! That first novel (in the title above) was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post over seven-weekly editions, beginning January 24th, 1925. Later that year it was released as … Continue reading A Centennial: The House Without a Key (1925) and Charlie Chan are turning 100! →

One last Aloha’oe (fond farewell) to John Noland and his comic strip “Chinatown Cop.”

John Noland Life can indeed be ironic--grave and tragically ironic. Three years ago this month, June 15th, 2018, the family of John Noland made the heavy-hearted decision to disconnect John from life support. In his own small way (as we all are) John was a hero of sorts, most notably for me within the world … Continue reading One last Aloha’oe (fond farewell) to John Noland and his comic strip “Chinatown Cop.” →

Those Charlie Chan Eateries!

Ah November-December, the year's end approaches and dining-out at festive gatherings abounds! Why not step away from the customary turkey or ham that will no doubt be proffered you this holiday, and get a little adventurous! There still exists a few Charlie Chan establishments in operation! Here are those I could find open and some … Continue reading Those Charlie Chan Eateries! →

Ten ways to celebrate Ohio Author Earl Derr Biggers’ 135th birthday – August 26th, 2019!

“Where were you the night of August 26, 1884?” Personally, to borrow a line from Nora Charles, The Thin Man, 1934, “I was just a twinkle in my father’s eye.” (Though in my case it would be my grandfather’s eye!) In 1920, while vacationing in Honolulu, Hawaii, Author Earl Derr Biggers thought of the perfect … Continue reading Ten ways to celebrate Ohio Author Earl Derr Biggers’ 135th birthday – August 26th, 2019! →

Charlie Chan at the Museum! Not the movie; Cleveland and Honolulu Police Museums.

I have a confession…I’m a philatelist. There I said it! Yes, I collect stamps. More specific, for a while I was hell bent on making my own cachet envelopes (that’s an envelope with a picture that's stamped, printed, or embossed below the return address). I made them to have first day postmarks cancelled on them … Continue reading Charlie Chan at the Museum! Not the movie; Cleveland and Honolulu Police Museums. →