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The cable news hype bothers me the most. For weeks, Dr. Fauci and the rest of the officials said that when the tests are up and running, the cases will explode and go straight up. Well, the tests are up and running and more are coming online everyday and the numbers are increasing drastically. Yet, the clowns on the news are asking the doctors, "Why are the number increasing so fast?" and "This is horrible and unexpected." Really? Seriously, this is the stuff that causes the panic for the average person not paying attention. Plus, they also don't mention that the death rate decreases each day as well in the US with the exploding infection counts. Very skewed angles and opinions to gain maximum clicks and ratings.

i sure hope you're not letting that perspective bias your clients advice. what if paternalistic Vater Drumpf has been holding back the actual numbers of infection from the public to avoid panic? i agree that gov't information is suspect but I am more concerned that they are playing this down so we don't know how serious it is and have shootouts in the toilet paper aisle. you are in the financials - do the virus numbers and plot them on a graph. stock markets will continue to undergo "price discovery" as we are nowhere near where this story starts to get ugly. check out STWD reit - all time low - down 31% today alone!!! - this is a bedrock stock of retirees who rely on the stocks low beta and typically generous 8-9% dividend which is now precipitous at 19.9% yield. lol. maybe 20% of the population is losing sleep over this, waking up , checking their phones in the middle of the night. what you think the s&p gonna be when 60% of people are waking up checking their phones at 3 am ? like i said , we are no where near the part of this story where it gets ugly and gets 100% of the adult populations' scared-a$$ attention. the people who got rich in 1929 were those who had cash. i bowed out once my assets took a 20% hit. smartest investment move of my life as there is no talking -BS'ing our way out of this unprecedented crisis, even if there is some slight chance it might not be as bad since we are scurrying sort of now, doesn't matter, psychology is in effect and the worst is still in front of us. us stock markets will be shut down by the end of the week to save us from ourselves.

Tom Brady is signing with the Buccaneers. The world as we know it is over.

I wanted to create a new thread in order to give progress on my site updates. I want explain a bit on what happened and what I am doing. What happened with the site? Honestly nothing really exciting or dramatic, overall in the end, I did not want to support the host I was with for the past four years after not really offering too much help with managed servers. They would spend 30 seconds looking, say they can ping the server so its up and then just say, "hey not my problem". I was on aging hardware, paying the same amount of money, so I took the opportunity to move to a new host with better/faster hardware and a staff that does help to support you when run into an issue that you can't handle on your own. I have been doing this a long time and pretty good monitoring and handling 99% of what comes my way, but there are issues that you need the next level up to help figure out what to do. I wasn't getting anything like that, but paying for it. Not anymore. What my goal is... I know more than anyone that the site needed some TLC. It's been a while since I have done any drastic updates, the site looked tired and I know the site can be so much better than what it's current state was. LEGO investing has changed since Ed and I launched the site and it's time to remove the dead content and bring more of what people are looking for. Below is the short term list of items planned for updating. I have been working on the nightly, just like the early days and enjoying seeing parts of it coming to life. Fix the login. This has been messed up and quirky for a while. This has been resolved and working well. It's a simple thing overall, but nice that it actually works how it's supposed to Overall price guide site design update. The site was tired and disjointed. I hated it and pained me to look at it. Time to start over. Brickfolio update. All the Brickfolio data is safe. I have close to three million rows of data for Brickfolio entries. Time to bring this thing to 2020. I will probably create another thread at some point to solicit some feedback on some new requests for the brickfolio Fix the data syncing with Brickset. A lot of people used this feature, but it's time to make it work the way it should. Later I will work on the content portions. The news and blogs. I have some good ideas for this, but want to get the price guide and brickfolio to you sooner than later. What I am asking for if possible... If you can, please stop asking where the brickfolio is. Again, the data is safe and I am working as fast as I can to bring it all back to you. It won't be a few days, but more like a few weeks, but it will be worth it. I setup my dev environment to push releases quick and easy. I want to create a true changelog so that you can follow updates to see what was done/fixed/new/removed, you know like what real software companies do. I really do appreciate your patience with this. It wasn't planned, but if there was going to be a time to do it, it was going to be now.

Not judging , but I can barely deal with one of those in my house especially in these times !!

It’s not delaying the inevitable. It’s putting our healthcare workers in a position to where they hopefully don’t have to pick and choose who gets to live. By not delaying the spread, we will overwhelm the healthcare system, which in turn, will result in more fatalities. As Dr Fauci said a few days ago, We as a society need to “hunker down” in order to slow the spread.

I own and operate an independent pharmacy , it actually has been a bit slower than normal ( aside from the phones going crazy regarding hours of operation and whether we have masks, sanitizers, etc.. ) . People are too busy getting other items and as we are not expecting any drug shortages any time soon ( fingers crossed ) , panic level is for the most part none existent . Having said that, our delivery service is significantly up since last week.

I just pick the ones I really like, the same with any other collectibles.

They could even reduce seller fees on these essential items... lol...

Yea they could have capped prices instead of banning people. Give sellers the option of selling at a small markup or let them sit out.

Tie fighter helmet...

my wife is 7mo pregnant. We Self quarantined ourselves for 21 days minimum this past Sat. Not going to wait around and let people with alterior motives tell you what to do. You alone need to be your own biggest health advocate. here is some great info that may help some of you less ‘science’ oriented people understand the possible severity if we ignore this. Feeling confused as to why Coronavirus is a bigger deal than Seasonal flu? Here it is in a nutshell. I hope this helps. Feel free to share this to others who don’t understand... It has to do with RNA sequencing.... I.e. genetics. Seasonal flu is an “all human virus”. The DNA/RNA chains that make up the virus are recognized by the human immune system. This means that your body has some immunity to it before it comes around each year... you get immunity two ways...through exposure to a virus, or by getting a flu shot. Novel viruses, come from animals.... the WHO tracks novel viruses in animals, (sometimes for years watching for mutations). Usually these viruses only transfer from animal to animal (pigs in the case of H1N1) (birds in the case of the Spanish flu). But once, one of these animal viruses mutates, and starts to transfer from animals to humans(zoonotic)... then it’s a problem, Why? Because we have no natural or acquired immunity.. the RNA sequencing of the genes inside the virus isn’t human, and the human immune system doesn’t recognize it so, we can’t fight it off. Now.... sometimes, the mutation only allows transfer from animal to human, for years it’s only transmission is from an infected animal to a human before it finally mutates so that it can now transfer human to human... once that happens..we have a new contagion phase. And depending on the fashion of this new mutation, thats what decides how contagious, or how deadly it’s gonna be.. H1N1 was deadly....but it did not mutate in a way that was as deadly as the Spanish flu. It’s RNA was slower to mutate and it attacked its host differently, too. Fast forward. Now, here comes this Coronavirus... it existed in animals only, for nobody knows how long...but one day, at an animal market, in Wuhan China, in December 2019, it mutated and made the jump from animal to people. At first, only animals could give it to a person... But here is the scary part.... in just TWO WEEKS it mutated again and gained the ability to jump from human to human. Scientists call this quick ability, “slippery” This Coronavirus, not being in any form a “human” virus (whereas we would all have some natural or acquired immunity). Took off like a rocket. And this was because, Humans have no known immunity...doctors have no known medicines for it. And it just so happens that this particular mutated animal virus, changed itself in such a way the way that it causes great damage to human lungs.. That’s why Coronavirus is different from seasonal flu, or H1N1 or any other type of influenza.... this one is slippery. And it’s a lung eater...And, it’s already mutated AGAIN, so that we now have two strains to deal with, strain s, and strain L....which makes it twice as hard to develop a vaccine. We really have no tools in our shed, with this. History has shown that fast and immediate closings of public places has helped in the past pandemics. Philadelphia and Baltimore were reluctant to close events in 1918 and they were the hardest hit in the US during the Spanish Flu. Factoid: Henry VIII stayed in his room and allowed no one near him, till the Black Plague passed...(honestly...I understand him so much better now). Just like us, he had no tools in his shed, except social isolation... And let me end by saying....right now it’s hitting older folks harder... but this genome is so slippery...if it mutates again (and it will). Who is to say, what it will do next. Be smart folks... #flattenthecurve. Stay home folks.

You watch too many movies. Our second amendment right creates a situation where this God given right is honored and respected with most if bot every single gun owner I know, which is a lot has the highest priority and training in use and storage. We don't need government to tell us Other than stopping criminal activity to your own person, family or others normal law abiding Americans don't pull guns on each other. It just doesnt happen. Criminals don't care about rights, don't respect any law and are out to cause destruction.

The issue is every one's parents or grandparents are within the at-risk demographics. The fact is the majority of the population do care about their parents and their grandparents and want them alive rather than dead.

You are talking about personal choices with alcohol and smoking. Auto accidents have been deemed a necessary evil by society, and steps have been taken over the years to address the numbers. This virus is not a personal choice and it's killing a demographic that has no protection against it.

Here's what I don't get in regards to how drastic of measures are being taken for such a small risk to 99% of the population. Worldwide there are roughly: 1.3million deaths a year to auto accidents 1.8millions deaths a year to alcohol 6million deaths a year to smoking Yet these numbers are for the most part completely acceptable because god forbid we take away somebodies luxuries for the sake of 9million deaths a year. These things however don't discriminate against certain age groups or illnesses. My 4 kids are a million times more likely to get killed by a car or second hand smoke then the Coronavirus yet their lives are being upended because of it.

I agree with this. Either go big or go home. People will not stay locked in their homes for months. It just will not happen unless zombies are walking the streets. This has to run its course. People have to get sick and recover. These social distancing measure will help keep the hospitals from exploding in patients, but there will be bad situations in many hot spots. We have removed many features in my business where people get out of their cars or can infect others. We are drive thru everything right now. We are shrinking our employees on location at any one time. We will lose efficiency, but I am hoping it will help. We will lose money for sure, but at least we are trying to help and running. Under most circumstances, people will not get infected in a large retail store unless forced to wait on line. Case in point. Home Depot is only letting 50 people in a store at any one time. Home Depot? Have you seen the size of a typical Home Depot? They are lining people up outside and letting people go in as they come out. There is more of a chance passing the virus on line than in the store. This is a policy that needs modification.

Same as with the Apple store it is because China and their citizens know how to behave in order to not spread the virus. Anyone entering China from any country automatic mandatory 14 day quarantine. Anyone wanting to enter the Apple store must wear a mask, be temp check and screened with an app they assess their risk based on where they live, where they have been and who they have interacted with. This app then scores you as a Red or Yellow = no entrance only Green get in. Once in you must keep 6 foot distance and on and on just a different world then the USA. It’s called concealed carry for a reason. Not sure if it is legal in your state but there are plenty of us out there.

My observations after going out today to the pharmacy, supermarket and post office... I thought the pharmacy would be out of control, It wasn't. There were 3 people, including myself, online. Normal. The supermarket was buzzing with activity, but no more than usual. There were empty shelves but the items gone were sale items. Seriously. quarts of ice cream were 2/$5 and were wiped. But there was plenty of $4.49 ice cream. Plenty of meat, TP, etc etc. If there were items of importance that were out of stock I didn't notice with what I was buying. The cashier was a senior citizen. Every customer she helped was within 24 inches of her. (Stop & Shop, HBNY) (edit: I couldn't find blueberry pop tarts! Nooooo!) I walked into the post office and dropped off my outgoing packages, as I always do and left. No waiting. I saw two people wearing masks. One at the pharmacy, one at the supermarket. No one was keeping 6 feet apart. Seems to me that either everything should be shut down or nothing at all. Half measures are just that, half measures.

To be brutally honest, I don't think you know what you're talking about. I am now in my 9th year of living in the States, and I have yet to see anyone carry a gun anywhere (except for law enforcement officers). Typical outsider perspective, just like all Europeans are commies.

Yeah, sales of guns/ammo are crazy. Luckily I'm well stocked on that front too😁

The price is 16.99

least you got it figured out and don't have anything to worry about...

I also agree. I think also in Germany there are a lot of lessons learned until this is over. I myself prepare to at least the end of June when social life is becoming a bit back to normal again. And dont get me wrong on that, of course the Virus will be still around, but at least there are many people imune by then and hopefully we flattened the curve and did not loose so many on the way. In the news I see the Virus finally arrived in the minds of the majority of U.S. citizens by now. The bad thing is up to now you flew without sight(no tests) so nobody can predict how much its already spread. So please if you can, lock yourselves in for the next four weeks at least. Wherever you are - I wish you and your Families all the best.

You did the right thing.

Not really. You don't have to be driving, drinking or smoking to be affected by those that do. Auto accidents could be just as close to a 1:1 equation unless you live somewhere that has to cars. How many pedestrians get killed a year without being calculated into the TRIP category? Yeah, just go ahead and stay in Canada cause you are clueless. If someone want's to have a gun debate I'm your Huckleberry, but some intelligence is required. Helps if your from this country to actually know what its like other then what CNN and the Lib's want you to believe. Lol....not staying in our home!!!!!

God given? It wasn’t even in the original constitution but was an amendment! Your insanely high gun death rate compared to every country on Earth is exactly why government should be telling you how to control it, like any other health matter. Most criminals acquired their guns legally. They pull guns on each other. They were law abiding until the moment they pulled the gun. Stolen guns commonly come from “law-abiding” homes. It happens. All the time

I think it’s just built into their WeChat app. There is a Canadian youtuber Daniel Dumbril. that owns breweries in Shenzhen he streams daily has a wife and 4 kids living there and he did a video showing the process. I can post a video but it won’t be that one.

Pretty much the truth. we are just trying to keep the hospitals from overflowing with sick.

Well you should probably keep your opinions about the states to yourself cause you really don't know what your talking about.

Maybe, but we as a species have faced plenty of adversity and we are tooled with knowledge of past outbreaks. It may get worse before getting better, but that is the natural progression of these events. Anyone who has ever owned/fired/cared for a firearm knows you have watched waaay to many movies. Have you ever stepped foot on United States soil? This is no time for opinion. People should be basing their actions solely on facts.

Why is it so difficult to do social distancing? Just skip showers during self quarantine. Problem solved

Yeah, cause that's what most gun owners are like is just randomly pulling their guns🙄

41379 Friends Heartlake City Restaurant $44.99 at Nordstrom.com: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lego-friends-heartlake-city-restaurant-41379/5363336/full (25% off). A few other sets on 25% markdown as well. Total number of LEGO sets I can find at Nordstrom is less than 10 anyways.

Which is why this whole thing is absolutely retarded. Quarantine, test, treat, whatever the target group of individuals. Let the world go about it's business without destroying economies and lives. The knee jerk reactions to shut everything down and cause panic is absolutely pointless. Ruining kids lives and taking away functions and sports that they've busted their butts for is stupid. Anyone over 55-60 or with serious medical conditions should be the ones quarantined and kept safe. Let the rest of us take care of things that are at low or no risk and let it run it's course. I've pretty much decided to stay out of this thread just due to the overwhelming amount of "Chicken Little" mentality and finger pointing. That and we're too busy making money and shaking my head at the panic.

Same reason why it has been discovered some humans are resistant to types of Cancer. Genetically, they have proteins arranged in away that allows them to not even present themselves as a landing pad (no bonding site) to the foreign antigen, so to speak. You are talking about highly controversial and early in development treatment. Its a great idea, but lots of great minds need to come together to make this a routine treatment option even in 10 yrs from now, let alone our lifetime. If young enough, it will rebound always does. If older is when it gets scary.

I think the news coming from New York exemplifies how little the country's leadership has learned so far and is STILL failing miserably Mayor tries to warn his city to prepare for a shut-in-place mandate like CA and the Governor completely contradicts him by first making it political (mayor has no such authority) than uses "reasons" and shows off his ignorance by stating it wouldn't work because New Yorkers are too "stubborn" (my euphemism for stupid, ignorant, law breakers, noncompliant, stupid again, selfish...as if one US city has cornered the market on such characteristics).

Exactly! Now there is zero supply because those who have it have no marketplace to move it outside of local. Amazon really screwed up and could have stepped in with clear price restrictions.

I got no problem with amazon banning sellers who are flipping masks while medical professionals desperately need them. They got what they deserved.

Settle down my friend. You’re looking for conflict where none exists. No cheap shot was intended.

LOL...Phone booth.

As a counter point: I literally just had 2 Morman's stop by my house, on my front step, knock on my door and then proceed to want to talk about God during this trying time. I am never one to knock a religion, but seriously?!?!?!?!?!? Talk about naive.

Great post. Thanks for sharing this. One minor edit above.

South Korea is the lead on testing for this. Their numbers still suck, but they are certainly more realistic than countries that are only testing those who show obvious symptoms. https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030 They provide daily updates. This is the March 17th update. We just had our third child... he is 3 weeks old today. Our other children are almost 4, and 22 months. The world rate of 0% fatalities thus far for people under 10 is helping keep things calm on my end. I fear for my parents and grandparents, but I must do everything I can to protect my babies.

Finished this tonight. Life at home with two kids and still took me three seatings to complete a 275 pcs set. Pathetic. Anyway I enjoyed the build and the result looks real good for a small set. Proportions are much better than the six stud wide SC from before. However I did discover that this F8 is for bald guys only. The hood won’t close all the way with helmet or hair piece on.

The Great Fishing Boat March 2020

My opinion is that hoarding boys briefs for investment purposes crosses a line that I personally don't want to cross.

And put this soundtrack in loop when you are making a batch: