When we were at Frankie’s Tiki Room, I was tickled to discover the “Vice Tester” with illustrations by Shag. (You might have noticed that I really dig Shag.)
And the machine revealed to me that my secret vice is…I have no vice! Ha!
Mr. Baseball on the other hand…
Well, to protect the not-so-innocent I won’t reveal his results. So, what would be your secret vice? I suggest you go to Frankie’s and find out—it will only cost you a quarter. That’s gotta be one of the best deals in Vegas! π
I know this may come as a shock to some of you…but I must confess that I’m a nerd. (I’ll give you a moment to compose yourselves.) Yes, in the summer of 2007, I did indeed attend a Star Wars convention (although they prefer the term “Celebration”). It was an epic event, even just in terms of pure people-watching (see above).
One of my favorites was “The Vader Project,” an exhibit of one hundred Darth Vader helmets re-imagined, embellished and customized by artists. (The show is currently in Pittsburgh at the Andy Warhol Museum, which is fitting.) All lined up, they looked like giant Pez dispensers!
The show featured designs from folks like Tokidoki, Paul Frank, The Pizz, Amanda Visell, and… Shag!
His was entitled “Darth Tipua,” a name which calls for a little MΔori mythology lesson. Lieut.-Col. Gudgeon wrote this explanation in the Journal of the Polynesian Society in 1906:
“The word ‘tipua’ may sometimes be translated by our word ‘demon,’ for it does occasionally bear that signification, but more often it would be better rendered by the expression ‘uncanny thing.’ All that is out of the common or that would be seem to possess unaccountable powers or virtues may justly be dubbed a ‘tipua’; and under this heading may be included stones, trees, or even fish—provided always that the appearance of the thing in question is sufficiently curious.”
Sounds vaguely Vader-ish.
I think the shell necklace was an especially nice touch. It makes it look like Vader just came back from doing some souvenir shopping at Hilo Hattie’s.
More interesting, thought-provoking and truly terrifying Darth Vader helmets after the jump!
Besides Ventura Boulevard, The Valley doesn’t really have too many interesting shopping opportunities going for it. But there’s a stretch of Magnolia Boulevard near Burbank that’s chock-a-block with some great stores, 8-Ball being one of them. (Also, Halloweentown!) 
While a hula girl silently serenades you and a tree of hipster hats, you can browse the stock of pop culture books, Aloha shirts, pricey rockabilly clothes, novelty gifts and cards, Shag stickers and a pretty kick-ass jewelry selection under the glass at the register.
Neat neon!
The tiki merch set-up gets bonus points for presentation. It seems to be mostly items that can be found (and are currently still in stock) on Tiki Farm, but it’s nice to know that I can hop over here and save on shipping. 
These purses were my favorite discoveries in the store. I can’t decide which one I like more. Thoughts?
If you’re already in the area, I recommend stopping by Yummy Cupcakes down the street and getting a few to go. (From the top: vanilla, vanilla with chocolate frosting and…”Pancakes & Bacon”—maple/bacon cake with maple icing and bacon on top—the idea of it was intriguing but not as tasty in execution).
One more awesome thing about this store—Shag designed their promo postcards!
8 Ball
3806 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818-845-1155
UPDATE: 8-Ball closed in Fall 2010, but re-opened at 3424 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505, 818-859-7562.
The Tiki Chick 