Leaderboard

The Winona Ryder minifig will be a target for shoplifters

Welcome to the forum, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I didn't know you were a LEGO fan or a fan of nuclear fusion. Cool. I figured we needed a boost so I stirred the pot.

Ahhh, how could we forget the Super Escort Girls and their phallic high school...

Sorry, let's not offend anyone. They are "financially challenged."

This thread is better than Gold!!!

There are behavioral addictions and then there are substance addictions, both I believe are at an all time high, and will continue to sky rocket in the coming years. It won’t be long before you see a lot of kids having to go to counseling for social media addiction, just as any other type of addiction. It’s taking a toll on kids underdeveloped brains, and not letting them develop the necessary life skills such as face to face communication. Human interaction is a necessary part of life. You’d think with everyone being so connected, we wouldn’t be the most lonely generation of all time, but that isn’t the case. I believe this is why so many young kids struggle with anxiety/depression. Like you said, look around at families when you’re in a restaurant sometime. They are all staring at a screen interacting, instead of physically interacting. If people are at dinner with their family, there is no reason a phone should be out. Try putting them in a bin, and under the table until after dinner.

To tie it into the Stranger Things discussion, those people are living in the Upside Down.

So, we went from bogus bricks -> factory conditions -> unsafe factory conditions -> socialism -> workers rights ->politics -> socialism v. capitalism -> wealth inequality -> politics -> the America Dream -> the death of the American Dream ->addictions ->porn -> mental health addictions -> yelling at kids -> yelling at old people -> global warming -> social media -> more porn -> children. Add in a dash of general snarkiness and sarcasm and that sums up the past 48 hours of this thread. It's pretty fascinating to see how the threads tie back to each other. Because in the end, it's bogus bricks's fault.

Smooshing guide attached...

BLAZER!!!!! And the Blazer. The Blazer! BLAZERRRRRRRRRR!!

i urge (even beg) you to start posting your political views and lessons on socialism vs. capitalism on reddit's lepin page That page needs some spice.

Hey now, you're being too harsh on free porn. It helped me stay away from long term relationships while I was working two jobs through college. I'd like to thank the ease of whacking for my ability to focus on my education, and putting me into a 6 figure salary by my late 20's. I also thank me, for not picking a degree that would make me poor. I can't agree more. It's why with everything I fix around the house, I take my 3 year old with me. He has his own real tools, and knows how to use them. We are currently building him a giant playground from scratch. He comes with me to Lowes/Home depot to pick out the parts, helps mark where I need to cut the boards, and has a big proud smile as he uses his ratchet to help screw in the bolts. I believe trades are the future, and there will be a big gap and money to make as the current workers start to retire. Practical skills will be more important than ever. I'm 32, part of the millennial generation. But unlike most of the people I grew up with, I had ambition. I grew up in a shithole inner city, my parents scraped to get by, and I saw more than my share of corpses in the street. Some people I grew up with got out of it, but most never even tried. People say they were under privileged, but whining instead of putting in effort gets you nowhere. On the flip side one of the kids from the well off families checked me out at Walmart a couple clearance rounds ago.... he attempted to mock all the "toys" I was buying, then complained about how in his 30's his parents finally cut him off. This country gives you every opportunity to make something of yourself, and your options are limitless as long as you are willing to put in the effort.

Most paper products should be fine at 40-50% humidity at 72* or lower. Above that and it'll probably start taking on moisture. But it's a relationship between temp and ambient moisture because higher temp air holds more water. Temp changes are also a problem with condensation. And mildew, mold, and other smells are also a risk. Basically, you want to get the sets elsewhere or get a pump, fans, and dehumidifier running ASAP.

The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. And they also play with bogus bricks. Socrates.

I came here for the super escort girls and of course star weiners. Instead I got talk above my pay grade. As usual I blame Ed.

With all due respect, I think most people don't want to start arguing about a topic like this on a LEGO forum, not that they agree with you. As a small business owner, my view is different. I see the American Dream work everyday. I have employees who have worked hard for me, excel in life. They have nice homes, investment properties, kids in great colleges and are a positive in society. While I believe corporate profits should be taxed and treated differently, the American Dream does work for those who are reliable and just show up for work. But many times, it's people from other countries that prosper more than the American workers I have. They have a better work ethic and work harder. In my experience, most people get paid what they are worth in relation to how valuable their job is the business they work for. Maybe if these some of these kids and adults get their eyes off their phones and off of social media, they can excel in their jobs and provide a better life for themselves and family. Many people today look for ways "not to work" instead of just doing the job. They waste energy everyday looking for ways to avoid hard work. I see it in my nine year old son. Smart kid, but is lazy and entitled and it's my fault. We are raising a generation of snowflakes and cupcakes. The Lepin situation is just out right theft, though. They are made with questionable methods, in dirty factories and with stolen intellectual property. Is LEGO too expensive? Probably, but to defend these people for buying knockoffs because they cannot afford LEGO sets is silly. Save your money. Work harder. You can't always get what you want. Sorry.

So weird how some people treat their loyalty to a brand like a religion. Seriously? Repent? Lol who talks like that regarding which company makes a box of interlocking bricks

Before I had my son, I really didn't have a care in the world. But like you, I have my own worries about his future and the world he will live in. While life in many ways gets easier, it also gets more difficult. As a father, I want to protect him, but I know I cannot be there to rescue him all the time, nor should I. I see his anxieties and the anxieties of his friends and classmates and these are nothing like what I encountered as a child. I had issues with bullies and money insecurities with my parents, but kids today think too much and worry too much. They just can't be a kid. I truly wish you well and see that you have a lot of passion. While it seems hopeless at times, I believe you can make a small positive difference everyday. This forum is filled with smart and generous people and while we sometimes come across as assholes or know-it alls, there are many here that will listen and have huge hearts. I have seen this the past three years with the LEGO raffle and see it everyday with PMs I receive from members. If you want to continue this conversation or any others, please PM me. Thanks...Ed

You forgot Dusty Rhodes.

Meanwhile, I posted again on Reddit and my karma keeps dropping.

These are double pts for the entire month of May. I hope LEGO is giving double pts on ALL Star Wars for May the 4th (May 3-5). I'll bet the porgs will be 20% off. The store near me has so many of them they built a small tower of them at one point. They still have three shelf locations for them, including at the front of the store when people walk in. Personally, I think it's great Disney stocked the MF with food for when they picked up the remainder of the resistance. They had to be hungry.

That explains your avatar

Would be nice if they offered the MILF at 20% off with double VIP and the free promos. I'd tap that, given that I sold my built one early on.

61 Jyn Erso Keychains 2 75210 Moloch Landspeeer @ 39.99 each ? 75230 Porg @ 69.99 + 4 Jyn Erso Keychains Better hope something decent goes on clearance... as most of the current collection is either already well discounted other places, or steaming turds... especially at RRP

True to form out come the Ed bootlicks and cheerleaders. Deflect and distract, I wonder where we have seen that before. If only you all ( and there sure are many of you) could actually come up with some legitimate facts.

I am not asking to be validated. This is a discussion. Some people will agree with me, others will not. I deal with thousands of people on a weekly basis...do you? I don't know what you do for a living, but don't underestimate my ability to connect with people on a personal basis. I am like a bartender. People tell me their stories. They tell me about their new jobs or losing an old one. They tell me about their sicknesses and dead spouses. They tell me about their kids, jobs, pets, cars, sports teams...whatever. I deal with rich and poor, all races and religions. I can only speak for my experiences and they are many. You can quote stats and spin impressive words all day, but unless you are in the trenches like I am, I believe it's hard for a person to relate to what I have to say. But my business enables me to stay in touch with all types of people and information. I know how the economy or job market is before any stats are released by the Feds. I know gas prices are going up before most because I deal with major oil brand reps and chemical reps all day. I deal with local newspapers and advertisers and news people and contractors and law enforcement and many, many more professions. Life's about choices. Pick the right LEGO sets and you will make money. You pick the right job/profession and work hard at it, you will make money. The world needs machinists and mechanics and plumbers and electricians and jobs that don't require a college degree, but many will scoff at such jobs. I know landscapers that make $200K a year, but that is below many people. I know kids with degrees from quality schools making $12 an hour because they picked the wrong major. They will never use their degree. I am not saying it is easier to make money today, but the kids and young adults of today are entitled snowflakes in my opinion, with anxieties I never dealt with at such a young age. I know this. I see it. I live it. It's my fault and my wife's fault and the fault of many other parents out there. There are exceptions, but those kids are usually too busy being successful in their endeavors to complain about inequality.

Lepin Reddit page...You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.

I posted one post applauding the raid and I went from +3 karma to -13. LOL

I've been having fun trolling reddit. Nothing like getting a bunch of cheapskates all worked up. The thought of having to pay for a quality product is terrifying to them. Update: The personal insults have started. The indication that the trolling his hit its mark.

Apparently some VIPs in the UK have received an invitation to a midnight release at the flagship store in London and many believe it will be the release of a Stranger Things set that has been rumored for a little while now. This event is happening May 15.

Lepin Reddit be like:

Without a doubt!

I'd caution this route. The vast majority of plastic is permeable and not a sufficient moisture barrier long term. You'd need a thick waterproof material, generally at least 5 or 6 mils thick. The stuff is expensive and doesn't go very far. It will also lock in any moisture that's already present, so if your cardboard boxes are already drenched in humidity, you are essentially entombing them in that environment.

Back on topic, this gem reply showed up to one of my posts on Reddit. "Take your crap back to the r/lego, fanboy. Unless you want to change the rules over there allowing US to come over and constantly post the truth about the fraudulent Lego company. If you want a company to hate because it steals from others, choose Lego. Lego are fakes. The vile and despicable Ole Kirk Christiansen STOLE MOLDS for the first bricks from an honest and innovative company Kiddicraft. Christiansen is a THIEF, a MONSTER, and a despicable and vile pathetic excuse for a human being. You should be ASHAMED for defending this monster. For shame! For shame! Fisher Page, the TRUE inventor of Lego bricks, committed suicide in 1957. Lego Corp has much to answer for. They are a vile and despicable company. Their founder should have been put on trial for crimes against humanity. Repent! Research the true history and repent! By continuing to support and celebrate the monster Lego, you share in responsibility for their crimes!"

I would try to stick with the 20th Anniversary sets where possible.

I knew what it was, I’m also well of aware who teaches nuclear physics at our universities.

20% is week sauce. I was spoiled by my first May 4th with some 50% off sets and Darth Revan. Even as a noob I could make money on that.

im trying to determine which sets to get the gwp? anyone have a plan? I should research all the sets and figure it out but i’m clearance hoping this morning and im sure someone already knows the best sets to = $75

You know what’s wrong with kids these days? Their parents. Where’d they learn to raise kids like that? Their parents. When are the older generations gonna start taking responsibility for the world they created for the youth? “I didn’t make this world, I was just born in it.” -Tupac

I DID specify MOSTLY Lego deals, Tell me more of these escorts....?

Like most business owners and corporate managers you sing the praises of immigrants who will work harder, longer, for less. As far as working the trenches. How many homeless youth do you interact with, how many students, how many elderly? If someone doesn't own a car they don't even register right. I have news for you, your whole industry is very likely on the wrong side of history, in 100 years petrol burning vehicles will be viewed the same way cigarettes are today. It takes time but a machine designed to pollute without regard can only be buried for so long until its consequences seep so deeply into the surroundings that all is tainted. I teach homeless youth, teach at university, am a research physicist working on nuclear fusion research. If Reagan had not cut the funding for such research draconianly we might already be realizing clean nearly unlimited energy sources. Nothing said today will matter a s***, the future outcome is all that matters and I encourage all to think very carefully about the decisions and stances they take today as we all will be judged someday. For those that need a refresher on how great the internal combustion engine is for our planet, our bodies and every single living thing I encourage a short time spent in a sealed space with an engine running, after all the earth truly is a sealed space, and a simple calculation could be made to determine how many engines running would be the equivalent of a person sitting in their sealed garage with the engine on.

Personal anecdotes are what I know and relate to, even though it's on a small scale. I also speak with thousands of different customers every week, from all walks of life, and have a pretty good feel for what is going on. It is my belief that newer generations are increasingly dependent on parents to support them and if the parents are themselves not capable of success, how can they teach that to their kids? Maybe the reason for the rising inequality is fewer people today understand how to become successful and are dependent on others to support them. They don't have the tools or knowledge on how to do basic things. People travel the path of least resistance more than ever. Kids will ask Alexa to do their math problems. We hand out trophies to everyone. Some states are lowering grade point scales. What was once a B is now an A. Excellence is looked down upon or ridiculed by jealous a-holes. I feel sorry for my son. He has to live in this world where his life can be destroyed in minutes by a post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Social media and technology is a wonderful thing if used properly, but if not used correctly, it destroys lives. Did Rock and Roll or long hair do that? Next time you are in a restaurant, look at the families around you. Many are on their phones. I am guilty. Is that the new normal? People don't want to speak anymore, they want to text so it makes it easy to do the hard things like verbally communicating. There is an erosion of manners and basic understanding of one another. It's all about "me." They want to blame others for their own poor life decisions. Inequality has and always will be in the human DNA. Let's face it, people are not created equal. Some people are just gifted, whether it's physical, mentally or in family history/wealth. But inequality has nothing to do with Lepin sets. Making inequality arguments and excuses for people who buy illegal products because they can't afford a $400 LEGO set is ridiculous. It's a toy. With all of that said, there are sacrifices successful people often make. World class athletes don't get that way by sitting on a couch. Successful business owners, managers and professionals often work long hours, sacrificing family and free time. There is a give and take, but it is harder to balance today than ever. Sure, I wish everyone could get paid $25 an hour or get free college tuition or free health care or free LEGO sets or free whatever, but someone has to pay for it. Inequalities exist everywhere. Should Amazon pay more Federal taxes than me? You bet, but that won't won't deter me from trying to be successful or cause me to make excuses for poor choices made by me. But many inequalities are often from simple decisions. Work overtime or watch Youtube? Get you nails done or pay the water bill? Hide in the bathroom or engage with a customer? One last sweeping statement and then I will get back to work...Most people on this site understand the basic principles of success. They work hard...Grind it out. They are educated and look for an edge. They want to learn and share information. Most make no excuses. They are also generous. I am done with my rant. Back to chasing the American Dream....

I welcome it, I'm still trying to live up to the hard work and foundation my parents/grandparents put down for me.

Lol wut. Who cares about this dinky little widely available set?? Neither was rare.

or my inablity to find ANY marvel sets to justify the purchase was rather difficult...was apparently a common dillema for most. I had to order like 20 panther keychains...freakin KEYCHAINS!!!!

The reason young people today are recoiling against capitalism are many fold. I will assume most here are reasonably well informed and thus not go into painful detail but record high wealth inequality, low worker pay to corporate profit ratio, very little true safety net for the most important necessities(health care), privatized profits paid for by socialized costs, where did all that debt money some whatever trillions go, the list goes on and on as some here probably know much better than I. The point is based on numbers things are more inequitable than the gilded age. I thought America won Ww2, you wouldn’t think that from comparing average quality of life here with Germany and Japan. Something clearly went wrong. Sure if your a doctor or a computer programmer or other professional or (successful) business owner things can still be great, but for most of the folks who do jobs like forklift driver or cashier etc. it straight up stinks here, this is not the case for these folks in any other first world country, only here. The simple answer, everyone should be a doctor or programmer or whatever, does that really work? The only true solution is that if u want your neighbors to pay u a living wage for the work u do and the things u sell them u have to pay them a living wage for the work they do even if u think that work deserves less, otherwise there will be no one left to afford your prices or wages. Of course this doesn’t mean all wages should be equal but all wages must allow the earner a sense of dignity and the ability to support them self and their family if they are truly living a frugal and responsible lifestyle. If the middle class truly gets hollowed out here the pain will truly be felt, combine that with the dollar losing its reserve currency status and an new era the likes of which has not been seen will come, and no one will like it, except the very very elite. Sent from my iPhone using Brickpicker Forum

Just so much wrong going on here on so many levels. My new business model, IP THEFT!

That just means somebody went in and persisted to get all of them, told them these are great to resell, or some other jerky behavior. Probably more than one jerky.

bogus bricks Boss Arrested, Factories Closed by Shanghai Police Shangai Police through its Weibo posting announced a successful operation in cracking down a organization that responsible for producing counterfeits LEGO products. The leader with surname Li had been arrested. Based on the photos posted the brand in question was bogus bricks. And bogus bricks was own by Meizhi whose boss is 李海鹏 （Li HaiPeng). A day that LEGO fans had waited to happen for 3 years. This would be the third time Shanghai Police laid their hands on counterfeit toy makers in located in Shantou. Previously DragonMomoko and Daban who made clones of Bandai Gundam fallen in the hands of Shanghai Police force. Despite Shantou was in Guangzhou, a different jurisdiction, that didn’t stop Shanghai Police to take action. Based on updated weibo post, 4 individuals arrested, 630,000 boxes of bogus bricks confiscated. The amount involved was RMB 200 million (USD 29 million). Below are links to the weibo and Weixin: https://www.weibo.com/2493592183/HrnZl5s3A https://www.weibo.com/2493592183/Hro8Z9Tu4 https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fbEScfkxqM31NDjg1PX77A?fbclid=IwAR0TXzfLADVuGeTyF97611Q6wsbeQ4LAJsMuOf-U3btGLcInqBBNNl7OMGI A translation on the Weibo post: “This morning, the Shanghai Public Security Bureau held a news briefing. The police spokesperson of the Municipal Bureau of the State Council spokesperson Zhuang Liqiang told the media about the first case in the country that the Shanghai police cracked down on the copyright of the “Lego” toy brand, involving more than 200 million yuan! In October 2018, the Shanghai police found that the “bogus bricks” building blocks assembled in the market were extremely similar to the “Lego” toys, allegedly infringing the “Lego” brand works. The suspect, Li, registered the “bogus bricks” trademark in the name of “Longjun Toy Factory”, and made the mold into the injection molding machine according to the “Lego” toy design drawings to carry out mass production! On April 23, the police successfully destroyed the gang suspected of infringing the copyright of the “Lego” brand, arrested four suspects headed by Li, smashed 3 production, packaging, warehousing and other dens, more than 10 assembly lines, and seized production molds. More than 90 molding tools, nearly 200,000 manuals, more than 200,000 pieces of packaging boxes, more than 630,000 pieces of finished products of “bogus bricks” toys, involving more than 200 million yuan. A check on Taobao and we found most bogus bricks retailers had withdrew their listings. Some retailers said the warehouses had been raided and goods confiscated by authority. An online seller affiliated to bogus bricks posted this statement: Shanghai Dragon TV reported the raid and interviewed Robin Smith, LEGO VP general counsel for China and Asia Pacific. Robin thanked the police for their raid and appreciated their efforts in protecting intellectual property in China. bogus bricks future is uncertain because the owner and key personals from parent company Meizhi had been detained and production facilities closed. Its sister brand Xingbao which focus on own design could be affected as some production lines were shared. Other clone brands such as Sheng Yuan, BELA and Lele had withdrawn their goods on Taobao and other online channels as temporary measures.