The Postman’s Posts (all posts)

Seasons Greetings with MAIL SCAMs: a txt msg, counterfeit stamps & a surprise package!

Oh, if they'd only devote this much effort into getting a haircut, a job and becoming a decent member of society. But like Forest told us, "stupid is as stupid does." (Actually I think his momma always said that.) Once again the holidays approach. And those who do dastardly deeds, like the porch pirates, are … Continue reading Seasons Greetings with MAIL SCAMs: a txt msg, counterfeit stamps & a surprise package! →

Mental Health Awareness: Composer Oscar Levant & Charlie Chan at the Opera.

October is World Mental Health Awareness month; October 10th World Mental Health Day. This month's post originated from discussion with Charlie Chan Family Home member, Michael Votta Jr. (aka: "Mike in D.C." to the Chan Family Home clan.) Professor Votta, currently serves as Interim Director of The School of Music and Director of Bands, University … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness: Composer Oscar Levant & Charlie Chan at the Opera. →

Two “little red books” of aphorisms: one $250,000 the other $5.99!

Call me dense (I never was a history buff,) but it took me a few decades to realized why the book cover for the very first book of Charlie Chan aphorisms Quotations from Charlie Chan, January 1967, looks the way it does. It was purposely meant to mimic another prominent writing Quotations from Chairman Mao … Continue reading Two “little red books” of aphorisms: one $250,000 the other $5.99! →

Today! We send Happy 140th B-day wishes to Ohio Author Earl Derr Biggers!

I'm sneaking in a extra blog this month as we reach a significant milestone in the world of Charlie Chan; celebrated Author Earl Derr Biggers' 140th Birthday (August 26th, 1884!) Here are a few fun ways from my past blog archives to help us celebrate Charlie Chan Poppa's birthday...TODAY! With Music: Cab Calloway's 1940 hit, … Continue reading Today! We send Happy 140th B-day wishes to Ohio Author Earl Derr Biggers! →

Oh No! Could it be his name was actually “Charles” and not “Charlie” Chan?

Happy 140th Birthday wishes to Earl Derr Biggers this month, August 26, 1884. OK, take a deep breath now and let it out slowly. If you are a serious Charlie Chan fan your initial reaction might be to pommel me with innuendos, barbs, insults and possibly a face slap or two. But wait! If only … Continue reading Oh No! Could it be his name was actually “Charles” and not “Charlie” Chan? →

B-Movies? Perhaps, but the Charlie Chan films sure bagged some star power!

They started as A-movies, original adaptations of the novels, when Fox Studios first produced them. However, Author Earl Derr Biggers only penned six Charlie Chan novels before his death. So after their fifth Chan film, Fox decided to take their detective around the world in B-movies; low budget films made in record time with little … Continue reading B-Movies? Perhaps, but the Charlie Chan films sure bagged some star power! →

Get “schooled” in the land of Chan with this OLLI 5-week course at Univ. of Minnesota!

Where were you on the night of April 3rd, 2024 at 12:30PM? Well OK, that's actually in the afternoon but I was trying to be melodramatic. However, if you were not at the University of Minnesota's, St. Paul Campus, Magrath Library, Room 4, then you likely missed Len Freeman's course, Charlie Chan and Friends. Yes … Continue reading Get “schooled” in the land of Chan with this OLLI 5-week course at Univ. of Minnesota! →

Actor Sidney Toler’s 2-year sabbatical from Charlie Chan.

Happy Birthday Actor Sidney Toler (April 28th!) Most Chan film buffs are aware Actor Sidney Toler was the second successful actor to play Detective Charlie Chan. He continued the role following Actor Warner Oland's untimely death, August 1938. Toler hit the ground running starting his debut in Charlie Chan in Honolulu 1939 making a total … Continue reading Actor Sidney Toler’s 2-year sabbatical from Charlie Chan. →

We finally have one! A Charlie Chan Pastiche true to Earl Derr Biggers original novels.

Here's some exciting news for mystery buffs, who've longed for someone to dare follow up with a true Charlie Chan novel. A new mystery to carry on with Author Biggers' storyline. We have it now in: Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery by John L. Swann" Nicholas K. Burns Publishing, NY, 2023 Both I, … Continue reading We finally have one! A Charlie Chan Pastiche true to Earl Derr Biggers original novels. →