LEGO: The End of Life Is the Start of Profits

By Tim Mahoney

As a casual LEGO collector I always keep an eye out for sets that are worth investing in. Obviously the intention and goal of LEGO investing is ultimately to make a profit. Therefore it is crucial for the casual investor to maximize their investment dollar which is usually achieved only after a set is retired, or in LEGO parlance, reached its end of life (EOL). It is no secret that the single biggest factor in LEGO investing and set appreciation is EOL. In simplest terms, no EOL no profit.

For the LEGO investor nothing is more eagerly anticipated and perhaps simultaneously dreaded than the three letters: EOL. For many casual LEGO investors EOL comes far too fast and for others far too late. Many times EOL comes quite unexpectedly. One day a set is seemingly there and the next it is "Out of Stock" or "Call for Availability". Neither is good if you are the LEGO investor on the outside looking in. There are many EOL theories and prognosticators to be found online with varying claims of purported LEGO sources and inside information. Amidst all the speculation one thing is sure: unless you work for The LEGO Group (TLG) and have actual product life cycle knowledge, it is all just pure speculation and educated guesses. Regardless of this fact, it is nevertheless fun and potentially profitable to engage in this activity. Virtually every LEGO investor does it. Historically TLG uses a maddeningly and infinitely flexible two year EOL rule where many sets see their production run end. I like to sum up the phenomenon with three main EOL categories or scenarios which I call: exception, perception, and deception.

Missing out on a great LEGO set is a gut wrenching feeling that happens all too often for the casual LEGO investor. The two year rule is nothing more than a vague LEGO barometer for when a set might go EOL. As with almost every rule there are exceptions-in this case many exceptions! Attempting to identify a bright line EOL rule is a true fool's errand. The following examples are but a few exceptions to the LEGO two year EOL rule. The first and perhaps most extreme EOL exception would be the Holiday Train set (10173). It was available for only one meager holiday season in 2006 and then poof. The original RRP in 2006 was $89 and today it is valued at upwards of $300. Granted this was special occasion set, but still that short a lifespan is a tough pill to swallow if you had any hope of acquiring it. Another notable exception set that many casual investors may have missed out on is the Trade Federation MTT (7662) which was released in late 2007 for $99 and went EOL in late 2008 with just a little over one year in production. The value of this set today is nearly $400, which is whopping 285% increase. One other lofty example of an EOL set exception to the two year rule is the VW Beetle (10187) released in 2008 and reached EOL status in December of 2009 for a total lifespan of less than 20 months. The original RRP was $119 and the current value today is listed at about $350, a nearly 200% increase. Unfortunately there are many more sets that fit into the exception category, like Market Street (10190) and Grand Carousel (10188) to name just two. Both of which make me feel like kicking myself for missing! These exceptions to the EOL rule highlight the perils and pitfalls of LEGO investing and any investors that snatched up these exceptions to the two year EOL rule were very fortunate indeed.

So we looked at a few exceptions to the two year EOL guideline, now onto the bulk of the rule. It stands to reason that a rule should have a large number of examples that support it. In other words for exceptions to exist there must be a collective perception of what is supposed to happen. There are numerous examples of the two year EOL rule that, if observed, still allowed casual investors to make a tidy profit. A favorite set of mine that falls into this category is The Eiffel Tower (10181). Released in late 2007 and going EOL in late 2009, this set is a great example of an almost exact two year production run. The original RRP for The Eiffel Tower was $199. The current value now stands at an impressively tall $850 which translates to a not too shabby 326% increase. Another fine example of a great investment set with a routine two year production life is Jabba's Sail Barge (6210). This awesome set was released in 2006 with a modest RRP of $75. Today this set typically commands a price exceeding $400 which equates to a 445% increase on investment. Perhaps the holy grail of the LEGO modular world and the best example of the two year production life cylce was set 10182 Caf� Corner. Caf� Corner lasted a full two years from 2007 to 2009. The mind boggling original bargain RRP of $139 has now ballooned to a staggering $1,136, for a 700%+ increase in value! Other notable sets that fall squarely within the two year EOL sweet spot are the Taj Mahal (10189); the Green Grocer (10185); The Millennium Falcon (10179); Vader's TIE Advanced (10175) and loads more. It is hard to claim any surprise or generate much sympathy for missing out on any set that stuck around for at least two years. Two years represents the common perception of the average LEGO production lifespan and is often the determining factor when facing an investment purchase of different sets: go for the set that is the furthest along in its production run and you are usually safe. That is unless you are the victim of LEGO deception.

LEGO deception is nothing more than those sets that have outlived their welcome for the casual investor yet simply refuse to die a natural death. That is not to say that the general public agrees with that sentiment; in fact they obviously do not or else these sets would not still be hanging around years after their debuts. A perfect example of EOL deception is the Medieval Market Village (10193). This set came out in 2008 and is still available today. Currently LEGO Shop at Home (S&H) lists this set as not being available until August of this year. Does this mean it is finally nearing EOL? The two year EOL rule would dictate this result but this set seems to have some strong legs and remains very popular. It may still have some life left in it. The original RRP of $99 is still an outstanding deal. The current value is listed at about $92 which is a 6% decrease from RRP. Interestingly the value of this set has actually increased 6% over the last month. It seems like investors might start to realize some modest gains in the next 6 months if it does end up going EOL this summer or fall. Another set that is still available long past the two year EOL rule is the Fire Brigade (10197). This set was released in September 2009 and was thought to be a likely candidate for EOL at Christmas 2011! As of today it is still going strong with no signs of letting up, even after the release of the modular Town Hall in March. There has been much speculation surrounding the modular theme and how many different active sets it can support at any given time. For several weeks this spring most major outlets did not have the Fire Brigade in stock, including S@H and Amazon. This led to a small bubble in value that has since popped and has now returned to near original RRP. Finally, one cannot ignore the biggest and most extreme example of LEGO EOL deception: The Death Star (10188). For many casual LEGO investors it was this set that brought them out of their Dark Ages. So it is somewhat ironic that this set is still available four years later! In fact it is still a LEGO best seller on Amazon, even with a massive RRP of $399. Unfortunately the current value is "just" $383 and certainly does not mirror the impressive fire power of the real and fully operational Death Star it so wonderfully emulates.

Many factors play a role in applying the LEGO two year EOL guideline. Certainly popularity, profit, theme and price all help to dictate the lifespan of a specific set and each one of those factors could be analyzed in great detail. For most casual LEGO investors that is just not particularly practical or productive. For now it is best to keep an eye out for sets that are nearing the two year mark and use your best LEGO judgment. As with any investment there is a large element of chance involved. Jump too early and you may sit around with many large boxes in every room of your home. Wait too long and you will only wish you had many large boxes in every room of your home.

Songs That Pay Tribute To the Glam Rock Band T Rex

By Doug Poe

Technology for the most part has left me behind, as I continue to prefer reading physical newspapers and books as well as using a phone primarily to call someone. I also enjoy listening to bands on vinyl, although I do appreciate the convenience of digital music.

Another facet of technology that I have found convenient is the DVR, which I have found to be easier to use than all of its analog predecessors. I thought I had mastered that recording device until a few weeks ago, when I accidentally taped a program I had no desire to ever watch.

Deciding to give it a preview for a few seconds before deleting it, I was immediately impressed with the show's musical intro. It turned out that Lip Sync Battle has chosen as its theme song "20th Century Boy", one of many of my favorite tunes by Marc Nolan's old glam rock band T. Rex.

Most people know T. Rex for their one hit "Bang a Gong" or because that group is mentioned in several popular songs by other bands. Here are seven such tunes, which pay tribute to T. Rex, including one by the band itself.

The Wake Up Bomb by REM

Michael Stipe admits to practicing his T. Rex moves and making the scene while getting drunk and singing along with Queen on this track from the album New Adventures In Hi-Fi.

All the Young Dudes by Mott the Hoople

David Bowie wrote this classic, on which Ian Hunter says he does not need TV because he has T. Rex.

You Better You Bet by the Who

The opening single from Face Dances has Roger Daltrey singing Pete Townshend's line about drinking himself blind while listening to Marc Nolan and his band.

Kool in the Kaftan by BA Robertson

A frequent songwriting partner of Mike Rutherford of Genesis, the Scottish artist mentioned the glam band in this track from a solo album.

Mambo Sun by the Bongos

On a rare live recording of their cover of Nolan's funky number, singer and guitarist Richard Barone introduces them as one of his favorite bands.

Prime Mover by Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction

Unlike what Bowie had written a few decades before, these guys admit to loving both TV and T. Rex on this title track.

The Groover by T. Rex

Bolan cleverly says "T are E. X." when opening this song from a compilation called Bump n Grind.

Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio by the Ramones

The punk legends include Nolan and his group on this hit from The Chinese Wall Album.

All About Auto Glass Repair

By Shalini Madhav

Poor driving, bad weather conditions or even some man-made reasons can become the cause of the damage to your vehicle's windshield or even the other glass windows or the back glass. However, the first question that arises in our mind as soon as we see a crack or damage to the glass is its repair or replacement cost. However, the cost might vary as per the quality of repair or replacement along with the availability. Before that, let us know in brief about the auto glass repair services. Along with that, also let us know the conditions where you must opt for a repair and where you should prefer to go for a replacement instead.

Repair or Replace?

Gone are the days when even a small crack in the windscreen would demand a whole replacement of the windscreen along with leaving a hole in your pockets. However, with the advancement in the modern technologies, not only has it become possible to repair the windscreens with perfection, but the process is cost-effective too.

However, if your windscreen faces a major damage, which can be a considered as a length of more than 3 inches, most of the service providers might advise a replacement. Moreover, along with the extent of damage, the factor that might affect the repair of the glass might also be the location of damage. Damage at particular places might not be able to be repaired or might have chances of spreading rapidly. For the exact repair information, consulting a professional might be the best option.

The Repair Process:

Unlike the replacement process, which includes the removal of the entire glass and installation of a new one in its place, the repair process includes the curing polishing of the damaged portion. If the crack is small, the repairs are mostly successful along with providing efficient strength and clarity, making the glass as good as new.

The cost of Repair?

In terms of cost-effectiveness, a repair is much cheaper than a full repair, and for small damages, for the same reason, a repair is advisable. However, if the damage is big or there is a chance of re-occurrence of the crack or damage, going for repair would cost you double fold as you would be required to replace the glass anyhow.

However, if you have decided to go for a repair for your damaged windshield or glass, do not wait till the damage actually starts to become an issue. If the minor damage is not treated immediately, it is most probable that the condition will worsen and even might make the repair not possible and you would be forced into going for a replacement and paying much more, even if when you could have had it done for much less money. Moreover, there are several service providers that might provide a mobile service and come up to your home space or office to repair your damaged windscreen, without you, having to take out time from your busy schedule.

If you too are looking around for an   auto glass repair Menifee, feel free to visit the official website http://www.cprautoglassrepair.com from where you can get detailed information about auto glass repairs and seek a professional who can help you out.

Stormy Daniels and the Fight for Truth in America

By Conroy Reynolds PhD

Did Stormy Daniels tell the truth in her interview with Anderson Cooper on CBS's 60 Minutes? This is the question that has occupied the thoughts of the millions of persons (including yours truly) who watched the show that night. As I began writing this my eye caught a New Times story about a special election in Arizona that is dominated by whether or not voters believe Stormy Daniels. Many Democrats believe her, conservatives doubt her. It seems we are all having to ask that question about so many of the social and political discussions of the day. Consider the fact the editors of the Oxford Dictionary chose the term, "post-truth" as their 2016 word of the year. One is then forced to ask the question, is the postmodern era the era of post-truth?

The most commonly used phrase in recent times in national conversations is the term, Fake News. The rise of social media, the ever-increasing sophistication of technology and the vast amounts of money people are prepared to spend in order to get access to voters has created the perfect storm for the emergence of the post-truth era. However, the thing that is bothering me most is the almost deafening silence and even complicity in some cases, by people of faith on the importance of truth. A far cry from the declaration of Jesus, "when you know truth, it will set you free." Where are the Religious and spiritual voices standing up for truth? Preachers should be trumpeting its importance and calling their flocks to a recommitment to truth above everything else. We cannot be true to our faith when we passively accept lies and deception from leaders in whatever arena in hopes that we will achieve some greater good in the process. That is too high a price. Freedom cannot thrive when truth is dying.

Soren Kierkegaard, the great Danish Philosopher wrote, "There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true." In either case, the commitment to truth is of first priority. In the face of this onslaught of deception, this attempt to normalize deception as an effective weapon of persuasion in the quest for money and power, I suggest three responses by people of faith.

Renew our collective and unswerving commitment to truth above all else. Declare a non-negotiable decision to live out the meaning of what it is to know the one who declared, "I am the Truth." Let it be an unequivocal declaration from preachers, teachers, writers, and scholars.

Hold those accountable who are found be deliberately deceptive in what they declare to be truth. It must be clear that there is a price to pay for such behavior. Those who promise transparency must deliver or else.

Reject those who are willing to compromise truth as false leaders, "wolves in sheep's clothing" to use an old clich�. Those who use deception and lies to get my support are attempting to rob me of my freedom, those who support them are just as bad.

In the world of truth, there is no difference between a king and a robber; there the only questions asked are whether what he said is truth and whether it was truth in him. Soren Kierkegaard

Both my experiences as a Counselor and mental health Chaplain have convinced me that personal transformation is a vital key to living the quality of life we all seek. I also believe this experience is available to each of us so I have dedicated a great deal of time and effort into understanding the process of self-transformation and explaining it to others in a straightforward manner. I am very gratified by the many positive comments I regularly receive from people who have had life transformation experiences after reading some of what I have written on the subject. My book, "Finding God in the Dark: How to get through when you can't get over" contains the fullest expression of my thoughts. See for yourself http://www.conroyreynolds.net

Solar Panel Uses & Impact on the Domestic Segment

By Naseem Bano

Solar panels have created a huge change in energy productions. Now solar energy production does not need any introduction. And almost everyone knows about it. India is also moving forward to solar energy production. Solar companies in India are focusing more on industrial as well as domestic segment too. There are so many solar products available in the market specially design for domestic use like solar heater, power inverters, battery chargers, lamps etc.

Many global companies see have said that the demand for solar panels is increasing day by day and different government including India is trying to make it more easily available. It is very interesting that even ordinary citizens have been increasingly interested in this. We all know that the fossil fuels will be end in next two or three decades that is why we need to be more focus on solar power production systems

Many countries are planting huge size solar panels for generating high voltage electricity one of them are Tengger Desert Solar Park Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park are great examples of it.

Important factors-
The Price of the grids- the Indian market price of solar panel installation of on crystalline starts from 42/wp (in) to 50/wp (in Rs). it is all depends on the efficiency range of the solar panel same as applies to polycrystalline panels. Those who does not the difference then let us tell you, that Monocrystalline is made of single silicon crystal whereas Multi-crystalline PV is made up of multiple crystals. A monocrystalline is more efficient in converting solar energy into electricity per sq meter area than a multi-crystalline PV. Thus the space required for the same amount of wattage is less in monocrystalline PV panel. Thus it is costlier than a Multi-crystalline PV. The modules available in India are mostly "Polycrystalline". Govt. of India is also trying to reduce the price of thermal panels so that it would be more affordable to a common man.

reduce electricity bills - grid-connected system, off-grid system- If you are living in an area where power cuts are less frequent and you want to implement solar PV system to reduce your electricity bill then the best solution would be to go for a grid-connected solar PV system It will cost you anywhere between 50,000-70,000 per kWp (cost varies based on the type of inverter and panels you choose).

If you are living in an area where there are frequent power cuts, then the best solution for you would be to go for an Off Grid Solar PV system will include batteries, which are an expensive part of the system and these would need replacement every few years (4-7 years). A typical Off Grid Solar PV System would cost about Rs 1 lakh.

Environmental friendly - While many people are switching to sustainable energy resources the solar thermal energy is leading the globe to pollution-free energy production.Such benefits like low-cost installation and reducement of the electricity bills one can also not ignore the benefits which got from solar power consumption.

The oil refineries plants, the refining process is a chemical process through which many impurities like carbon dioxide and methane mix with the air and pollutes it. We can say that our traditional energy sources are leading contributors to the global warming and decreased air quality but granting electricity through solar thermal plants produces no pollution to air and gives a pollution-free electricity.

Do not require high maintenance- solar panels do not need high maintenance the important thing is that u have to be careful when you install the system in your area whether on your roof or in your garden. Take professional's help to install the panel system. But we all know that u have to clean the panels, it is an important part of maintenance. You can rinse the dust with standard garden hose or soft sponge will work too. If the panels are installed on the high roof, it may be best to ask for a professional cleaner.

Unlimited energy resource - as we all know that the sun is the main source of energy, and yes it is free and always available we just don't need to worry about the source, but the main concern of our scientists is to use more and more of it. The energy we produce from the sunlight is just 1% of what we get every second.

When sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. When the electrons start flowing from cells they generate electricity. The inverts stores

As we all know that the solar industry is growing very fast we still need more output from these devices we use. The path ahead for the solar industry is certainly complex. But the industry is progressing everybody is trying to get best results from it.

We believe that there are tremendous opportunities in this field and we all know that it's the right time to focus on solar power production. http://solaretribe.com/solar-companies-suppliers-india