The Swank Pad

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Please post all new stuff in the comments here as the previous post has had over 200 comments and is going onto a new page which is making it hard to manage.

Any contributions are welcome especially rare and unusual stuff.

My email is xtabay4@gmail.com.

Here's a tip use Foobar the best open source MP3 player and it uses replay gain. My compilations and shares are all replay gain added before sharing for the best sound. Get it here.

Posted: 9 Sep 2019 | 7:45am US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Old requests and contributions post (use new one please)

Please post all new requests or contributions in the new section. I'm leaving this here for reference purposes only.

Thanks for all the comments by the way.

Posted: 12 Dec 2012 | 11:42pm US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Enchanted Tiki Room may be returning to WDW in 2011

Walt Disney and his Enchanted Tiki Room Back on April Fools Day, I ran a prank story about Tokyo Disneyland’s Stitch-themed Enchanted Tiki Room show coming to Orlando. Truth is often stranger than fiction, and rumors are now swirling through the Utilidors and across the internet that such a scenario may be true. Even stranger (and more blissful for some) is the notion that the original show may be restored in Orlando during The Magic Kingdom’s 40th Anniversary celebration, since the technologically-upgraded and slightly shortened show is playing so well in California.

From Progress City:

This brings us to the final attraction currently rumored to be destined for rehab - the Enchanted Tiki Room. Unlike the two previously mentioned show upgrades, this refurbishment currently resides only in the realm of rumor and hearsay. Yet multiple sources continue to say that, at some point before 2011, something will happen to the Tiki Room. This stands to reason; after all, aside from Journey into YOUR Imagination, The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management! has to be the most reviled attraction overhaul in Walt Disney World history. Disney fans have bemoaned the attraction since it opened in 1998, and mostly tend to stay away these days. Meanwhile, in California, the original Tropical Serenade show was fully restored for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary and plays daily to happy and entertained guests. So what’s to happen in Orlando after Iago and Zazu get the boot?

Here opinions differ; so far there seem to be two versions of the story. The first says that for Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary the show will be returned to its original program for a short time while preparations are made for the installation of an entirely new show. The other version omits this return of the Tropical Serenade and says that WDI will just skip to the new attraction. Both versions agree on what this new show will be - after all, it’s already playing in Tokyo.

There’s a number of hurdles, technological and financial, that would have to be jumped in order to bring the original show back to Orlando. For example, the Magic Fountain was removed at WDW and replaced with an AA figure. Is the fountain sitting in storage somewhere, or was it scrapped? Were the waterlines and pumps closed off and removed, or still accessible? Was the programming of the show, which used to run off of 35mm movie film in a bin loop, ever converted over to whatever system the new show is using?

In it’s day, WDW’s Tiki Room was Walt’s show fully realized. Free of the confines of the 1963 budget and restaurant-conversion, Orlando’s Tropical Serenade was majestic, spacious, comfortable, and had real working rain that you see out the windows! It would be wonderful to have it back, if only for a short time.

Read the full story at Progress City

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Posted: 5 Sep 2008 | 7:10am US/Eastern Source: http://tikitalk.astropad.com

Enoch Light is No. 5

Lounge Appeal: 10 Hipness: Now Sound: 8 Stereo etc: 5

Enoch Light is so good he needed two compilations. One is his ping pong stereo demonstration stuff and the other is his now sound later stuff. Both styles are great and I wouldn't like to choose my fave but if pushed I'd pick his now sound.

He was one of the first lounge artists I got into. I can remember buying Spaced Out on CD some years ago and being slightly disappointed it was obviously from a record. I had a lot of trouble getting more of his stuff and had to rely on a podcast done by Basic Hip I think.

The floodgates eventually burst when I found about 10 mint copies of his records on Ebay for less than $10 all up. It took ages to arrive from the US but the thick cardboard gatefold sleeves were a thing to behold. Of course now he's probably my most represented lounge artist.

I'm trying a new idea of incorporating the song titles in the cover, just click to see the larger readable size. Let me know what you think.

Links: Stereo Ping Pon g Now Sound

Posted: 4 Sep 2008 | 11:36pm US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

The Funkiest album in the world?

This may not be the funkiest album in the world but its pretty damn close. 33 tunes which refer to funk in their titles and they're not joking.

Download both files before you unzip. 1 2

Note: Mac users download a freeware app called Split & Concat: http://www.xs4all.nl/~loekjehe/Split&Concat/

This will concatenate parts 1 and 2 into a single ZIP file which can be expanded normally.

Posted: 4 Sep 2008 | 4:52am US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Irresponsible doesn't seem strong enough

Heart attack with that? ... This burger contains four beef patties, four slices of cheese, two rashers of bacon, barbecue sauce and two sugared buns - and obesity experts are outraged.

Australia's version of Burger King is running an ad for this obesity obscenity on TV. No salad just loads of fat and kilojoules. The only thing this picture does for me is to make me feel bilious.

Australia proud of its heritage as a sports and Olympics over achiever is now ahead of the US as the fattest nation on Earth. Luckily I'm not one of the obese majority.

link

Posted: 2 Sep 2008 | 8:03pm US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Stoned in the 60s

Stones instros? Not many I'm afraid. Here's all I've got hence a few versions of 2120 South Michigan Avenue but hey I love it. There's some more tunes though which suit the keef mood.

Don't you just love that photo, it really sums up the rock stars hedonistic lifestyle circa the 60s and 70s and probably now too. And he still survives! Just think if he didn't indulge himself so much he would live to 100 at least or maybe he would have died of an ulcer in his forties. I had to laugh when on a recent trip to New Zealand he fell out of a tree and his survival was touch and go for a while. I think I was more surprised that he was climbing the tree in the first place than that he survived it with apparently no ill effects.

Oh and see if you can guess which group's hit single used a few seconds of track 9 and paid a heavy price for doing so.

Sorry if there's any overlap with my other comps but I have trouble remembering what I did an hour ago much less what I've posted before.

Track list in the comments.

Link

Posted: 2 Sep 2008 | 7:21pm US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Republicans go tiki in Minnesota

GOP logo According to news reports, Republican National Convention attendees spent Saturday enjoying a “Tiki in Minnesota” party on Lake Minnetonka, before Hurricane Gustav sidetracked the conventioneers fun.

I can’t wait for photos to show up on flickr to see if it was a genteel cruise of lemonade sippers or a rum-fueled hedonistic getaway that would even make the 2005 Vikings blush. Prince was not available for comment at press time.

Read the story at Canada.com

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Posted: 2 Sep 2008 | 7:22am US/Eastern Source: http://tikitalk.astropad.com

Caught White Handed

Yesterday I used up the last of a 5 gallon bucket of joint compound and set it out by the garbage cans. Today, I went to throw something away and found the evidence. We knew there were racoons in the neighbor hood… The little bugger was trying to pry open the trash cans using the bucket [...]

Posted: 31 Aug 2008 | 7:32pm US/Eastern Source: http://www.swankpad.org/blather

You Tubery

I spent most of the last week on the couch with a nasty cold. It gave me time to look around You Tube and find some videos I want to share. If you have some time to watch. The first video of Lani McIntyre I think might be shot at the Hawaiian Room in the [...]

Posted: 29 Aug 2008 | 9:59pm US/Eastern Source: http://www.swankpad.org/blather

Soulful Strings are No. 6

Lounge Appeal: 9 Hipness: 10

In the sixties it seemed that every label especially budget labels had to have their strings band that played corny versions of the latest hits. There were such forgettable groups as The Knightsbridge Strings, The Melachrino Strings, The Cheezy Strings well you get the idea.

One strings group though sounded totally different, they sounded like the backing band for the soul group from heaven and they were of course Richard Evans Soulful Strings. They played lots of Evan's originals in with the covers and even the covers sounded funky and great.

Here then is my compilation in which I have concentrated on their funky side with lots of originals although any of their tunes could have been included. Just listen to Zambezi and Chocolate Candy for funk at its grandest.

Link 1 2 Download both links and unzip the first to get the whole thing.

Mac users note download a freeware app called Split & Concat: http://www.xs4all.nl/~loekjehe/Split&Concat/

This will concatenate parts 1 and 2 into a single ZIP file which can be expanded normally.

Posted: 29 Aug 2008 | 7:32pm US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Palm tree wicker accent lamp

LAMPS PLUS Palm Tree wicker accent lamp I’m really digging the Balinese puppet show feel of this lamp from Lamps Plus — it reminds me of the more authentic-looking outdoor lamps used at the Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Orlando.

The base is metal and the lid is made out of wicker with a metal pull. 13 inches high by 7.25 inches wide.

$49.99

Buy the LAMPS PLUS Palm tree wicker accent lamp at Amazon.com

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Posted: 28 Aug 2008 | 6:38am US/Eastern Source: http://tikitalk.astropad.com

Trader Vic’s in Bellevue, Washington closed

$Trader Vic\'s Bellevue, Washington closed$ The ax fell on yet another Trader Vic’s location on August 23rd, 2008, when the restaurant at Lincoln Square in Bellevue, Washington, shut its doors.

My wife and I actually visited this location in August of 2006 and had a wonderful time and delicious food & cocktails; in 2007 the restaurant won an AOL’s Seattle CityGuide award for “Best Cocktail,” but reports from late in 2008 indicated less-than-stellar service and so-so food. According to The Seattle Times, the location just wasn’t profitable. The restaurant opened on March 6, 2006.

Read the story in The Seattle Times

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Posted: 27 Aug 2008 | 5:30pm US/Eastern Source: http://tikitalk.astropad.com

Molokai Bar Mai Kai Menu

Just when you think you know what’s out there, something else comes along. Until about a month ago, I had never seen this menu. It is the “missing link” in a way. Oddly missing from the Mai Kai drink menu that we all have seen that is dated 1957, is the Mystery Drink. That led [...]

Posted: 27 Aug 2008 | 10:14am US/Eastern Source: http://www.swankpad.org/blather

Esquivel!! - Number 7

Lounge Appeal: 9 Hipness: 9

Well what can you say about the master of lounge music? No 7 but he easily could have been number 1. An amazing diversity of music so overwhelming in fact I've just posted a very good compilation of his best and most quirky stuff. He's still so popular that a quick search will probably find a fantastic selection of his albums still available.

Its not many artists who master so many different styles, ping pong stereo, latinesque, exotica, vocalese the list goes on. If you're one of those rare creatures who haven't heard of Senor Esquivel the Mexican genius or have examples of his work then this comp is an excellent place to start.

Link

Posted: 27 Aug 2008 | 1:17am US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

"the office" goes tiki

sources tell me that shooting of an episode of "the office" was just completed at the tonga hut, which is a classic tiki bar in north hollywood.

this really blows my mind, and makes me look forward to next season of this network show that doesn't suck. i can only imagine this will be even better than when they went to benihana.

nog-a-sake!

Posted: 26 Aug 2008 | 3:44pm US/Eastern Source: http://jjohnnydollar.blogspot.com/

Battling Bastards

Tearing a webpage from Kaiser Penguin's outstanding cocktail comparison posts, like this one, I decided to evaluate a couple of different recipes for the classic exotic cocktail, the Suffering Bastard. Accounts differ, but the Suffering Bastard was probably created...

Posted: 24 Aug 2008 | 3:18pm US/Eastern Source: http://www.mrbalihai.com/goof/

one phrase about the new giant logo

come on get happpyyyyy!!!

ADDENDŰM:
a wapo metro columnist had the exact same observation!
frightening...

Posted: 22 Aug 2008 | 8:55am US/Eastern Source: http://jjohnnydollar.blogspot.com/

A Little Night Tiki Photography

I whipped up an authentic Trader Vic's Navy Grog tonight, and tried my hand at making a shaved-ice cone with a straw stuck through the middle. Then I got out the old camera tripod, and took a few cocktail/mug photos...

Posted: 21 Aug 2008 | 9:19pm US/Eastern Source: http://www.mrbalihai.com/goof/

Larry Page is Number 8

Lounge Appeal: 8 Hipness: 8

Larry 'who' I hear you say, well he had some quite groovy albums in the 60s and 70s. One of my favourite lounge albums featuring well known beat artists is his Kinky Music from 1965 and I'm pretty sure the Kinks are in the mix somewhere and I think that's them on the cover. The album's right up there with the Hollyridge Strings Play The Beatles and Andrew Oldham's Stones homage.

Anyhow here's Larry with quite a bit of the aforesaid Kinky album and a good smattering of some of his funky stuff including some disco and I don't usually like disco.

Track list is in the comments.

Link

Posted: 21 Aug 2008 | 7:35pm US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Rubi Rocket Tiki Lounge jewelery for women

Rubi Rocket tiki earrings It’s always hard to find gifts for tiki-loving gals — other than vintage dresses and the occasional bamboo purse, tiki comes off as a “guy thing.”

That’s why I was pleased to find Rubi Rocket, a small jewelery company from Australia that has created a line of jewelry for 2009 called, “Tiki Lounge.” The line consists of necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets, and rings that feature motiffs of tikis, hula girls, flowers, ukuleles, pineapples, and palm trees. Each is made from laser-cut acrylic plastic and etched wood.

$20-$34AU.

See Tiki Lounge Jewelry at RubiRocket.com

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Posted: 21 Aug 2008 | 12:21pm US/Eastern Source: http://tikitalk.astropad.com

Be afraid....

After devouring the family Johnny still felt hungry, thank goodness for Van Camp's.

Sorry had to show this demonic kids ad from the golden 50s.

Posted: 20 Aug 2008 | 5:52am US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

I want one!

1960 Chrysler New Yorker in Terra Cotta.

There was no such thing as sky high petrol prices in 1960.

More here including groovy retro space art.

Posted: 20 Aug 2008 | 5:18am US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

Trouser snake

Posted: 20 Aug 2008 | 2:56am US/Eastern Source: http://xtabaysworld.blogspot.com/

8th Annual Tiki Beach Festival, Long Beach, CA

[ August 23, 2008 to August 24, 2008. ] Can't Make it to the Islands this Year? NO WORRIES! The Islands Will Come to You! Tiki Festival dates - August 23rd & 24th, 2008 - Both days - Sunrise to Sunset 1st Annual Long Beach Ho'olaulea • An Island Market Place & Cultural Center • Traditional Arts & Crafts Including Tiki Carving, Food Provided by Moana's - [...]

Posted: 19 Aug 2008 | 1:29am US/Eastern Source: http://tikitalk.astropad.com

So you want to use some images from The Swank Pad? Ok. You can, IF you credit The Swank Pad with a link and you download the images and put them on your server rather than linking to The Swank Pad images directly. And drop me a line too. Thanks! -Swanky aka Tim Glazner

What is The Big Hairy Deal?