Children's Hospital John S. Knight Christmas Tree Festival

By now, it is my hope that you should see that this is not your ordinary daydreaming of tropical destinations site. Today's topic is the annual Children's Hospital Christmas Tree Festival that has been carried out during the week leading up to Thanksgiving for 32 years now.

I have visited this festival every year since I was born and remember the earlier days of this festival where there were the trees on display in Quaker Square and it was a family tradition to eat in the train restaurant (followed by delicious oatmeal cookies at the snack shop shown in third picture below.)

Quaker Square area

The restaurant

Dessert time!

In 2008, Quaker Square was sold to Akron University... it was great while it lasted. 

A little side note on how the history of how the festival began.... It all started with a tree of baby pictures. 

So there is a quick walk down memory lane. Now, it's time to answer the question "What in great green palm trees is this doing here?"  Well, on an almost yearly basis there is a Hawaiian themed tree that appears.  This year, this said tree appears in a photo below....

Lastly, I have created a video collection of the trees we have donated over the years...

Taste of the Pacific (Thanksgiving)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Below is a list of some Thanksgiving treats that are popular in Hawaii:

Steamed Mahi Mahi Laulau

Guava-Lime Coolers

Macadamia Nut Stuffing

Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits

Ocean Serenity (Hawaii)

The "Ocean Serenity" series is back for more. This time it is a clip focusing on Hawaii Attractions including Waikiki, Na Pali Coast, Volcanoes National Park, Road to Hana, Akaka Falls, Aloha Tower, and no Hawaii Serenity video is complete without hula dancers.  Some of these have already been posted here while others will be featured in later posts.  The song used here is the beautiful tune Honestly by Ekolu.  Enjoy the show!

"Hawaii Serenity"

Aloha Friday: Na Pali Coast

There is an attraction on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai that raises interest 4000 feet above sea level. The Na Pali Coast is a sixteen mile stretch of mountainous land that spans from Ke'e Beach to Polihale State Park. 

The Na Pali Coast is only accessible via helicopter, The Kalalau Trail, or by sea.  The Norwegian Pride of America sails by this landmark on the last day of their Hawaiian seven night inter-island voyages.  Below is a video posted of this stunning piece of land shot from the Pride of America.

Sounds of the Islands

"My heart does the tango with every little move you make..."

It is time for a little ukulele groove by


Their tune "Drop Baby Drop" was released in 2004.  Notice how it remixes a few lines from "Who Loves You Pretty Baby" by Franki Valley. Below is the song in action.

LYRICS

My heart does the tango,
with every little move you make
I love you like a mango,
`cause we can make it everyday

I want you to drop baby, drop baby, drop,
got to drop all your love on me,
Drop baby, drop baby, drop, 

drop `cause I'm hungry

drop baby, drop baby, drop,
got to drop all your love on me,
drop baby, drop baby, drop.
drop 'cause I'm hungry

My nights would be so lonely, (lonely)
if ever you should choose to go (to go)
I`d live just like a zombie, (zombie)
with very little love to show

I want you to drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me
Drop baby, drop baby, drop, 

drop `cause I'm hungry

drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me
drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop 'cause I'm hungry

----------------------Instrumental---------------------------

Who loves you pretty baby,
who`s gonna help you through the night
Who loves you pretty mama,
who`s always there to make it right
who loves you(who loves you pretty baby)
who's gonna love you mama, baby drop


My heart does the tango, (tango)
with every little move you make(you make)
I love you like a mango,(mango)
`cause we can make it everyday

I want you to drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me
Drop baby, drop baby, drop, 

drop `cause I'm hungry

drop baby. drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me,
drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop 'cause I'm hungry
drop baby drop baby drop...

 

Ocean Serenity

Believe it or not, this is Pacific Dreamland's 50th post.  Looking back at the recurring themes, "The Pacific Crown Jewel", "Sounds of the Islands" and "Island Remixes", "Mulligans of Paradise", "Going Coconuts" to name a few.  I am amazed of the creativity that has gone into creating this site.

With that, do you remember "Ocean Serenity"? Well, who couldn't use some more marveling at the beauty of sunsets?  Below is a compilation of Bora Bora sunsets which I hope to see in person one day soon. 

Going Coconuts

A while ago, I created a post about the uses of the coconut.  As it turns out, this is my most viewed post as of today.  Back by popular demand is "Going Coconuts". Today, we are answering the question "what's for dessert?"

Key Lime Cheesecake

1) 15 shortbread cookies crushed1 cup flaked coconut toasted


 2) tablespoons butter melted

FILLING:

3) 3 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA® 1/3 Less Fat
Cream Cheese



4) Spread 3/4 cup sugar

5) 3/4 cup cream of coconut

6) 3 tablespoons 2% milk

7) 3/4 teaspoon rum extract



8) 3 eggs lightly beaten

TOPPING:

9) 1/2 fresh pineapple peeled and cored

10) 3 tablespoons apple jellyEdible blossoms, optional

Directions

Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.


In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and coconut; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 8-10 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.


In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the cream of coconut, milk and extract. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.


Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.


Thinly slice pineapple; arrange on cheesecake. Warm apple jelly; brush over pineapple. Refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, garnish with blossoms if desired. Yield: 12 servings.

"If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain..."

This recipe and more can be found here.

Mulligans of Paradise

"What a day for a daydream...."

Now here's a scene I am all "FORE"!

There is a course in Fiji called Natadola Bay.  Below is a video that describes this featured "Mulligans of Paradise" course.  The line said in the video, "An even-par score card should be cherished as much as the scenery here" is an absolute classic.  This course is full of majestic opportunities to decorate coral reefs with white pellets with 15 out of the 18 holes viewing the Pacific Ocean.  An 18 hole round here is listed at $238 (actual rate may vary). 

Visit course website here for more information
Direct link to a Hole by Hole layout of this course

The Trophy Polo

Before I was into islands, I collected golf balls from the places I visited (Are you starting to see a connection as to why there is a whole section featuring tropical golf courses here called "Mulligans of Paradise"?).  Beginning with the Carnival Freedom cruise, which was mentioned in the previous post, a ritual developed of collecting polo shirts from each island I set foot on.  The following polo I would consider to be the future Pacific Dreamland trophy.

and for even more fun... "The Trophy Golf Ball"

Song Parody

Today, I am once again stretching the limits of this site's motto "Anything tropical is fair game". Two years back, before I really knew much of anything about the Pacific Islands, I wrote the following parody in anticipation for an upcoming cruise on the Carnival Freedom in 2012. Before I get to the parody, however, you must know the song and the original lyrics since it is a rather obscure tune for this day and age.

"Forever and Ever"
Demis Roussos

ORIGINAL LYRICS

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be the one 
That shines in me like the morning sun. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be my spring, 
My rainbow's end and the song I sing. 

Take me far beyond imagination. 
You're my dream come true, my consolation. 

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be my dream, 
My symphony, my own lover's theme. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever my destiny 
Will follow you eternally. 

Take me far beyond imagination. 
You're my dream come true, my consolation. 

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be the one 
That shines in me like the morning sun. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever my destiny 
Will follow you eternally

ON BOARD THE FREEDOM PARODY LYRICS

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom I'll be the one

Snapping kodak shots of the morning sun.

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom the steel drums ring,

and four full plates from the buffet, I bring...

Take me far beyond imagination.

Sailing the vast ocean is my fascination!

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom it is a dream,

The solution to my math proofs it seems.

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom creating memories
that will follow me eternally. 

Take me far beyond imagination.
Sailing the vast ocean is my fascination!

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom give me D.O.D's, wacky contests, and more food please.
On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom creating memories,
that will follow me eternally.

Island Remixes

We have arrived at the final post of this week of island remixes where famous hits of the past and island rhythms unite.  In closing of this week's special tribute to famous artists, I can think of no better song to feature than one by the Everly Brothers.  Dreaming is the visualization of something that is just out of reach.  It is a mentality that, sadly, never makes it past the daydreaming stage for most before being labeled as something derogatory such as "crazy".  This song goes out to all of the dreamers out there trying to make a difference.  Without further ado, here's "All I Have to do is Dream" by Everly Brothers.

LYRICS

Dream, dream, dream, dream

Dream, dream, dream, dream

When I want you in my arms

When I want you and all your charms

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is

Dream, dream, dream, dream

When I feel blue in the night

And I need you to hold me tight

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is Dream

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine

Anytime night or day

Only trouble is, gee whiz

Im dreamin my life away

I need you so that I could die

I love you so and that is why

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is 

Dream, dream, dream, dream

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine

Anytime night or day

Only trouble is, gee whiz

Im dreamin my life away

I need you so that I could die

I love you so and that is why

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is

Dream, dream, dream, dream

Dream, dream, dream, dream

ISLAND REMIX TIME!

Introducing another Polynesian reggae artist Pati.  Pati is known by the nickname "The Polynesian Prince".  The album that made him famous is by the name of "Nesian" which was released in 2001.  

From this album, is the Everly Brothers remix "All I Have to do is Dream".

Island Remixes

Name that classic:

"It's late in the evening, she's wondering what clothes to wear..."

You guessed it... this would be none other than "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton.  Eric Clapton is the only artist to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. The first as a solo guitarist, then playing with Yardbirds, and the third time with Cream. The song "Wonderful Tonight" was written while Clapton was waiting to attend a Buddy Holly party (which explains the opening lines.... it must have been a long wait!)

LYRICS

It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear. 

She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair. 
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?" 
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight." 

We go to a party and everyone turns to see 
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me. 
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?" 
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight." 

I feel wonderful because I see 
The love light in your eyes. 

And the wonder of it all 
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you. 
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head, 
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed. 

And then I tell her, as I turn out the light, 
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight. 
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."

On that note it's.....

ISLAND REMIX TIME

I don't actually have any information about this song other than that it exists and you can listen to it below.

credit for the remix goes to username Ratu Seru

Island Remixes

"Lonely...I'm Mr. Lonely, I have nobody for my own..."

Island Remixes week continues with a feature of Bobby Vinton's hit Mr. Lonely. Bobby Vinton is most well known for his Blue Velvet cover originally by Tony Bennett in 1951.  The inspiration of the Mr. Lonely (written in 1964) is Vinton's service as a chaplin in the army. 

The classic live:

LYRICS

Lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

I have nobody for my own

I am so lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

Wish I had someone to call on the phone

Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier

Away from home through no wish of my own

That's why I'm lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

I wish that I could go back home

Letters, never a letter

I get no letters in the mail

I've been forgotten, yes, forgotten

Oh how I wonder, how is it I failed

Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier

Away from home through no wish of my own

That's why I'm lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home

The loneliness continues with Akon's version of this song.....

ISLAND REMIX TIME!

Introducing the Polynesian reggae artist Norm. Norm has released five albums which are The Best of Norm, I Belong 2 U, Stay With Me, Unforgettable Dream, and Just the Norm. His most recent album was released in 2004(?). Below is Norm's interpretation of Mr. Lonely and you may notice that only the chorus resembles Bobby Vinton's classic. This song does not have any quality videos that I could find....so I made one myself.

Island Remixes

It's Island Remixes week here at Pacific Dreamland where famous songs and the islands unite.  So far we have seen Somewhere Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World, How Deep is Your Love, and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow have taken the tropical stage.  

Let's add another to the list.... this time one by The Cascades.  

released in 1962 is their classic "Rhythm of the Rain".  Below is a video of them performing "Rhythm of the Rain" live in 2005.




ISLAND REMIX TIME!

This island remix is a ukulele version performed by the Hawaiian band Ka'au Crater Boys.




LYRICS

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain

Telling me just what a fool I've been

I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain

And let me be alone again

The only girl I care about has gone away

Looking for a brand new start

But little does she know that when she left that day

Along with her she took my heart

Rain, please tell me, now, does that seem fair

For her to steal my heart away when she don't care?

I can't love another when my heart's somewhere far away

The only girl I care about has gone away

Looking for a brand new start

But little does she know that when she left that day

Along with her she took my heart

Rain, won't you tell her that I love her so?

Please, ask the sun to set her heart aglow

Rain in her heart and let the love we knew start to grow

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain

Telling me just what a fool I've been

I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain

And let me be alone again

Oh, listen to the falling rain

Pitter-patter, pitter-patter

Oh, listen, listen to the falling rain

Pitter-patter, pitter-patter

Island Remixes

"So tell me now and I won't ask again....will you still love me tomorrow?"

The line above should sound a lot like a classic by the Shirelles.

The Shirelles were the first all girl group of Rock & Roll who began in 1958. They are known for many hits such as Soldier Boy, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, and Mama Said. In 1996, they were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Below is "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" in action (released in 1960).

Of course, this is Pacific Dreamland which means it's...

ISLAND REMIX TIME!

The reggae remix of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow posted below is by Barbara Jones. 

LYRICS

Tonight you're mine completely
You give you love so sweetly
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes
But will you love me tomorrow?

Is this a lasting treasure
Or just a moment's pleasure?
Can I believe the magic of your sighs?
Will you still love me tomorrow?

Tonight with words unspoken
You say that I'm the only one
But will my heart be broken
When the night meets the morning sun?

I'd like to know that your love
Is love I can be sure of
So tell me now, and I won't ask again
Will you still love me tomorrow?

(INSTRUMENTAL) 

Tonight with words unspoken
You say that I'm the only one
But will my heart be broken
When the night meets the morning sun?

I'd like to know that your love
Is love I can be sure of
So tell me now, and I won't ask again
Will you still love me tomorrow?

So tell me now, and I won't ask again
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Will you still love me tomorrow?

The Pacific Crown Jewel

If there was ever any doubt to why I refer to Bora Bora as "The Pacific Crown Jewel".  This video I found is yet another picture worth a thousand words of its beauty.  I must say it is the perfect combination of music and scenery.  Enjoy this soothing 15 minute vicarious visit to a tropical happy place.  

Next up: The Island Remixes series continues....

Island Remixes

"Anything tropical is fair game" the slogan of Pacific Dreamland ....so what the great green palm tree is Saturday Night Fever doing here?

ISLAND REMIXES STRIKES AGAIN!
(This time with a disco ball...)

First things first...

The Background: Remember the Bee Gees? They were a group formed in the 1950's and their reputation was more than "Stayin' Alive" for decades later with their disco hits.  According to the Hall of Fame citation, "Only Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks and Paul McCartney have outsold the Bee Gees." 

Saturday Night Fever is a dance film released in 1977 which featured a number of Bee Gees songs. The soundtrack is listed below and is one of the best selling sound tracks of all time.

"Stayin' Alive" performed by Bee Gees

"How Deep Is Your Love" performed by Bee Gees

"Night Fever" performed by Bee Gees

"More Than a Woman" performed by Bee Gees

"If I Can't Have You" performed by Yvonne Elliman

"A Fifth of Beethoven" performed by Walter Murphy

"More Than a Woman" performed by Tavares

"Manhattan Skyline" performed by David Shire

"Calypso Breakdown" performed by Ralph MacDonald

"Night on Disco Mountain" performed by David Shire

"Open Sesame" performed by Kool & the Gang

"Jive Talkin'" performed by Bee Gees

"You Should Be Dancing" performed by Bee Gees

"Boogie Shoes" performed by KC and the Sunshine Band

"Salsation" performed by David Shire

"K-Jee" performed by MFSB

"Disco Inferno" performed by Trammps

Which brings me to the feature song of this post "How Deep is Your Love"

The Classic

How did I first come across this song?

Believe it or not, the first time I heard this song was on a family vacation on board the Carnival Glory in July of 2010.  There was one night on this cruise that was particularly spectacular... where a party broke out of nowhere from two little kids that started dancing on the casino dance floor which then spread all over the ship.  The band playing at the time began playing 70's and 80's music to accommodate the "festive flash mob".  It was there where I first heard the masterpiece.  Kudos to Carnival for this spectacular evening and music. 

Now for the island remix....

This song was remixed by Rudy Thomas. It is a little known beautiful take on the classic. Below is the video for your listening pleasure.

LYRICS

I know your eyes in the morning sun

I feel you touch me in the pouring rain

And the moment that you wander far from me

I wanna feel you in my arms again

And you come to me on a summer breeze

Keep me warm in your love and then softly leave

And it's me you need to show

How deep is your love

I really need to learn

Cause were living in a world of fools

Breaking us down

When they all should let us be

We belong to you and me

I believe in you

You know the door to my very soul

Youre the light in my deepest darkest hour

Youre my saviour when I fall

And you may not think

I care for you

When you know down inside

That I really do

And it's me you need to show

How deep is your love

I really need to learn

Cause were living in a world of fools

Breaking us down

When they all should let us be

We belong to you and me

  

Island Remixes

It is a great pleasure of mine to stumble across island tunes that are remixes of classics.
Therefore, I am creating a section dedicated to all of these great remixes.  I cannot think of a better way to kick this off than to start off with a tune that remixes two timeless classics.

The first tune was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss.  It was written in 1967, the time of racial segregation. The song tells a story of optimism for future generations.
Below is Louis Armstrong performing the timeless classic, "What a Wonderful World".

Nope, we are not in Kansas anymore... the second timeless classic is "Over the Rainbow" which was written in 1939 for The Wizard of Oz. It was sung by Judy Garland in her role as Dorothy in the film. 

Which brings me to the punchline.... The island remix that combines both of these into one, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole in 1993.  

It has been featured in several films including 50 first dates.

Below is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's classic interpretation on two classics...

LYRICS

Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

And the dreams that you dreamed of

Once in a lullaby ii ii iii

Somewhere over the rainbow

Blue birds fly

And the dreams that you dreamed of

Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh

Someday I'll wish upon a star

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me oh

Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly

And the dream that you dare to,Oh why, oh why can't I?

Well I see trees of green and

Red roses too,

I'll watch them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world

Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white

And the brightness of day

I like the dark and I think to myself

What a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people passing by

I see friends shaking hands

Saying, "How do you do?"

They're really saying, I...I love you

I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,

They'll learn much more

Than we'll know

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world world

Someday I'll wish upon a star,

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

High above the chimney top that's where you'll find me

Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high

And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I?