The long-running CBS police drama "Blue Bloods" was inspired by a famous Norman Rockwell painting, according to star Tom Selleck's memoir. The actor revealed that executive producer Leonard Goldberg drew inspiration from Rockwell's "Freedom from Want," which depicts a family gathering around a Thanksgiving dinner table.

In his book "You Never Know: A Memoir," Selleck explained how Goldberg viewed the iconic painting and wondered, "What if that family was all in law enforcement – an Irish family of New York cops?" This creative spark led to the development of what would become one of television's most beloved family dramas. Goldberg shared his concept with Selleck, who was particularly drawn to the idea of centering each episode around a Sunday family dinner scene.

The family dinner became the cornerstone of "Blue Bloods," serving as more than just a gathering but as a forum for discussing the ethical implications raised in each episode's storyline. Selleck portrayed New York Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, while veteran actor Len Cariou played his father Henry, the former police commissioner. The show featured Frank's two sons as police officers and his daughter as a district attorney, with their spouses and children filling out the dinner table each week.

Originally titled "Reagan's Law," the series premiered as "Blue Bloods" in 2010 and concluded its remarkable 14-year run in 2024. The show's success has led to a spinoff series called "Boston Blue," starring Donnie Wahlberg, which is set to debut on October 17.

The article also explores local Hawaiian history, including questions about historical cannons found in residential areas. Historian Neil Dukas discussed a cannon located at 748 Ocean View Drive in Kaimuki, which he believes was discovered in a scrap pile near Kapiolani Community College. According to Dukas, the cannon appears to be quite old, possibly dating to the 17th century, based on its rudimentary details around the breech and touch hole.

The house where the cannon is displayed was built around 1922 and has an interesting history of its own. Ezra Jennings Crane, who served as general manager of Maui Publishing and later in the Territorial House of Representatives from 1932-34, lived there in 1930. His father, Charles Crane, served as mayor of Honolulu from 1938 to 1941. The property features hand-cut lava stone construction and took 17 years to complete, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship throughout.

Additionally, the piece delves into the nostalgic memories of Keo's Thai Cuisine, a beloved restaurant that operated on Kapahulu Avenue from 1983 to 1998. The restaurant was famous for its signature dish, the "Evil Jungle Prince" – a spicy combination of tofu and cabbage in coconut milk sauce that owner Keo Sananikone created to be memorable like McDonald's Big Mac. The name was metaphorically crafted, with "evil" representing hot spices, "jungle" symbolizing fresh herbs, and "prince" signifying the finest ingredients.

Many local residents shared fond memories of dining at Keo's, from wedding celebrations to family milestones. The restaurant's coconut sticky rice with mango dessert was particularly cherished by patrons. In a 2022 poll of favorite gone-but-not-forgotten Oahu restaurants, Keo's Thai Cuisine ranked 20th among the top 25, alongside other local favorites like K.C. Drive Inn, Columbia Inn, and the Willows. The space at 625 Kapahulu Avenue has since been occupied by Starbucks and Jamba Juice since 2001, but the memories of Keo's exceptional Thai cuisine continue to resonate with those who experienced it during its 15-year run.