April 30th, 2011
The clouds over Southern California have been quite fascinating and strange…
by Nick.
April 29th, 2011
Everyone knows how much of a “The Office” junkie I am, so it feels only right to reflect on my favorite character, Michael Scott. Yesterday was Steve Carell’s last episode on “The Office”, and in a sense the episode was disappointing. His leaving the office was not of such a grand, dramatic affair, but a subtle one, which would indicate that the producers truly believe “The Office” can go on without him. While I do love the show, I truly think “The Office” has lost its most pivotal character.
Those who love him think he’s outrageously funny, and those who don’t think he’s funny think he’s astonishingly ignorant. Through years of watching the show (over and over), I’ve found that Michael is not ignorant at all. Yes, he lacks much common sense, but he’s not homophobic, racist nor sexist. He just never had a basis of understanding, and he not knowing certain things led to his questionable (and hilarious) moments. Is this acceptable? No. Understandable? Surprisingly yes.
What I loved most about Michael Scott is that he never really changed. I admit that Jim was my favorite character for a while, but after his marriage to Pam and the birth of his daughter, he became more mature and collected. Michael continued to entertain in light of all his unfortunate events (especially his bout with the George Foreman grill), and his departure from the office was truly sad. His mannerisms and made up words will forever live on, though. I’ll admit that every one of my Yahoo! fantasy sports team names had a reference to the show. So if you’re ever in a league with “Team Dinkin Flicka” or “Team Gabagool”, then you know it’s me. Best wishes to Michael Scott as he moves to Boulder, Colorado to start his new life with the love of his life, Holly.
I can’t put ALL of the my favorite Michael Scott moments, but here are a few
Best wishes to Michael Scott as he moves to Boulder, Colorado to start his new life with the love of his life, Holly.
Part Two will cover DeAngelo Vickers
by Nick.
April 27th, 2011
I’ve introduced clever designs, but now I’d like to take the time to share something so ghastly…
When curiosity wanted to try the “new” Burger King chicken tenders, I took it to the Burger King in Westminster (it was the closest one to where I was at at the time). Little did I know that I was about to meet one of the jankiest Burger Kings ever. The whole plaza was a bit ragged, but this Burger King establishment was an eye sore…
I hate to bag on this place, but I couldn’t help it. Doesn’t look so bad right? But just you wait…
THIS PLACE LOOKS LIKE A PRISON! Who would ever eat outside. I laughed because this was just so ridiculous.
Inside was relatively clean, with the exception of sagging seats and 1970s neon plastic tables and chairs…
The chicken tenders were only okay. The batter has bits of black and green stuff in it to appear as though its been thoroughly seasoned for “enhanced flavor”. Don’t be fooled. It still tastes like processed chicken. The old chicken tenders were better. I’ll stick to my $5 20-piece Mcnuggets at McDonald’s.
by Nick.
April 25th, 2011
I don’t know if I’m even qualified to give anyone tips on boosting their studying effectiveness but…
Ever been stuck in a room studying, blowing your brains out for a midterm that is tomorrow morning? And you’re really about to just die of boredom, and are desperately in need of something to motivate you and keep you alert?
From one of the greatest albums in the history of rap, I present…
The word play itself will definitely (without a doubt) work out and re-energize your neurons so you’re ready to keep burning that midnight oil!
For some extra-needed assistance, try:
by Nick.
April 24th, 2011
I’m reminded everyday of the state of the economy when I:
- fill up my tank and break a new record each time
- buy groceries and notice the supermarket, which opened just shy of 5 months ago, will be closing its doors
Honestly, it’s gloomy to even talk about it: the unemployment numbers, budget deficits, etc.
But keep your head up! Good things do come out of bad times.
After all, Effobe launched during the full force of the U.S. recession. And despite the odds, we’re still here.
These prices are already out of date. Gas is over $4/gallon.
A view from inside the Grand Mart International Market in Pomona. The shelves are empty because everything is on clearance!
Looks like I’ll need to find another deli.
by Edwin.
April 23rd, 2011
(continued from part 1)
I purchased my first Vinylmation while at Disneyland in mid-2008, when the Park series 2 was first introduced. At the time I was familiar with vinyl toys because I already had a few Kozik Smorkin’ Labbits. What really caught my eye were the designs of that series. Two of my favorite Pixar characters – the Little Green Men (Toy Story) and Mike Wazowski (Monsters Inc.) were featured on the box! I HAD to get a blind box. When I got home I ripped it open and pulled the Panda design. It wasn’t what I wanted it, but hell, I was happy with it! This moment was really what started it all.
If you haven’t noticed, every design is furnished onto a 3” vinyl mold of Mickey Mouse, one of the most widely recognized individuals of our age. What has amazed me the most in the progression of Vinylmation is the versatility of such designs by the Disney artists. Some Vinylmations depict classic Disney characters while others do not. By doing this, it seems impossible for the Disney Design Group to ever run out of ideas.
Simba and Mushu from the Animation #1 Series
Cruella DeVille and Pongo, from Villains #1 and Park #2, respectively 
Paint Drip Mickey and 3D Mickey, both chasers from Urban #4 and Urban #5, respectively
The never-ending design pool at Vinylmation has led to the creation of various series. This has allowed Disney to have Vinylmation cover a very large market, beyond the fans of just regular Disney characters. The Muppets has its own series, Toy Story has its own series, and most recently Star Wars characters were inked onto Mickey’s mold.
Disney has been so smart in manipulating Vinylmation, and in my opinion has eclipsed the boundaries which confine Disney Pin Trading. Vinylmation also has its own line of time pieces, Mickey Mouse ear hats, clothing, and outdoor accessories.
The Steamboat Willie 3″ + Timepiece Limited Edition set
The 9″ Moon Landing set from Urban #5, complete with glow-in-the-dark moon head!
The most prized piece in my collection – the Little Green Man from Toy Story
This is a question that I’ve been asked so many times: “Do you think Vinylmation is just a fad that will eventually end, similar to that of the burn out of the Beanie Baby craze?”
This is always my answer: In a sense, the longevity of Vinylmation could give out in more than 5 years. In no way will Vinylmation die suddenly as Beanie Babies did, simply because its made by Disney. How else do you think Pin trading has been going about for 10 full years? The only thing stopping Vinylmation is Disney itself – especially with its history of exercising corporate greed. Rising prices will easily turn away many, many customers.
With very innovative designs on a cleverly selected mold, Vinylmation will not fail in reminding us that everything (well, all things Disney) “started with a mouse”.
by Nick.
April 22nd, 2011
If you live in Southern California, chances are you’ve heard of the Kogi Truck. In a nutshell, it’s a mobile business that runs trucks between Los Angeles and Orange County to deliver Korean BBQ’s take on Mexican delights.
The menu is short and sweet; oh yes, very sweet. Everything is VERY affordable. Where else can you find $2 Tacos, $5 Burritos, etc.? Meats include Short Ribs, Spicy Pork, and Chicken (also Tofu).
My personal favorite is the short rib burrito – hashbrowns, eggs, salad, cheese, marinated short ribs, and their sesame-chili salsa roja sauce. It’ll always leave my mouth BURNING! I religiously buy 2 (or 3). One for now, one for later. A flawless plan!
The tacos. My girlfriend always gets these, and at $2 a piece, who wouldn’t? Plus they offer a combo of 3 tacos + a drink for $7. My goodness!
So whenever you’re hungry, just go browse the Kogi Truck website, and look at their menu, complete with pictures. When I think of “meals on wheels”, this probably is what I’d think of first. Kogi makes the world a better place.
by Nick.
April 22nd, 2011
Today is Earth Day, a day when we focus on green-friendly efforts to preserve our environment. Everyone plays an important role, and together, we can keep our planet clean. Trash will definitely cramp your style: remember that!
If I wasn’t convincing enough, then check out these pics I took at Bear Big Lake in Socal. I recently took a retreat there and witnessed how people and nature can co-exist in peace.
The pristine view at Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear City is a small town of 5,000 residents, but thanks to them, the lake is free of any debris.
The air quality is a (huge) step up from LA.
“Keep it peaceful” wherever you go.
by Edwin.
April 21st, 2011
Dope.
by Nick.
April 19th, 2011
Here at effobe, we’re really into design. And it doesn’t stop at just clothing. Designs are reflected in buildings, book shelves, cup holders, and even toilets (have you ever seen those toilets where you can choose how much water you use to flush?). We’re deeply interested in anything related to that. Good design is what’s sustained human civilization. These “Clever and Creative” entries will serve as our way of reflecting on good design that we admire!
I’d like to introduce something to you something that I myself am very into collecting and passionate about: a rapidly growing collectible craze facilitated by Disney Vinylmation (the name being a fusion of vinyl and animation).
I’ve always felt that the ability to interpret a 2D paper design on to a 3D medium is truly an amazing and difficult process. Countless vinyl manufacturers have done this (Bearbrick, Kubrick, Dunny, etc.) but what sets Vinylmation apart? One word: Disney. Their list of iconic characters is unfathomable which makes Vinylmation one of the most easily marketed vinyl products.
Vinylmation Park series 2 Blind boxes
In 2008 Disney Theme Park Merchandise rolled out the first collections of Vinylmation with their Park series 1. Like in most vinyl toy series, there was a mystery chaser (the rarest figure in the set), and they came in sealed boxes, blind boxes. Each Vinylmation series was traditionally set as a series of 12, but as it has progressed through time, their golden rule of 12 has been broken down through the introduction of “variant” designs. Although it is most common to find Vinylmation figures in a 3″ size, Disney Theme Park Merchandise eventually introduced 9″ figures as well as 1.5″ figures, called Vinylmation Jr.
Stay tuned for part two!
by Nick.