Lucky you live Hawaii! That is unless you are like Mr. Smith, the beachcomber.

Beachcomber: traveler, wander, loafer, hobo, vagabond, tramp, homeless person. If you've read the fourth Charlie Chan novel, The Black Camel (1929), then you are familiar with "Smith, the beachcomber." Mr. Archie Smith a hopeful artist returning from the South Seas painting the scenery, got off a passing vessel intending to leave Hawaii. However, he got … Continue reading Lucky you live Hawaii! That is unless you are like Mr. Smith, the beachcomber. →

Gol Darn it! That black camel was “unbid,” not “unbidden.”

OK, I admit it, goldarn is actually one word. But I already typed it (and I like it better separated) so we'll leave that alone. However, what REALLY irks me is a famous misquote I hear--and see--over and over again! Here is the quote from the 1929 novel, The Black Camel. Charlie Chan has just … Continue reading Gol Darn it! That black camel was “unbid,” not “unbidden.” →

The true, sad events surrounding actor Otto Yamaoka; “Kashimo” from Chan film, The Black Camel.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066: The President Authorizes Japanese Relocation, (February 19, 1942) Otto Yamaoka & Spencer Tracy Actor Otto Yamaoka was an American citizen, born 1904 in Seattle, WA. Until the 1940s he had a successful career in film, staring in no less than 31 films. He would act in some film classics: The letter (1940), … Continue reading The true, sad events surrounding actor Otto Yamaoka; “Kashimo” from Chan film, The Black Camel. →

Those loveable “Sidekicks!” Who’s your favorite?

The Sidekick, we all love them. Robinson Crusoe had his man Friday and Tom Sawyer had Huckleberry Finn. And while Batman had Robin, Tony Stark engaged a computer-interface language system, J.A.R.V.I.S.--Just A Rather Very Intelligent System (in case you didn't know.) But it can also get lonely when one is trying to solve those little … Continue reading Those loveable “Sidekicks!” Who’s your favorite? →

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! →