Dave T-W @davoloid@qoto.org

Conclusion of the Battle of #Lego. There will be future campaigns and more casualties.

We've got some really old pieces that we might end up selling if it means we can reduce the amount and make space for more technical sets for the kiddo. (this is for her benefit, not mine, in case that wasn't obvious!) You can see here how age has turned some white parts into a sandy colour. Some old blue pieces are almost but not quite teal.

One thing I have discovered is #Bricklink, a website where you can look up any part, any set, and see the components list, add it to your collection, find replacements, find what set it's from.

Amazing. For a few special parts where we can't find it or it's broken (e.g. this spindly gymnastics bar) we will see if we can buy them from that marketplace. Any tips from existing Bricklink buyers are welcome.

https://www.bricklink.com/search.asp?itemID=200&colorID=86

I also got two additional #storage /organisers yesterday that were half price at #Screwfix. Some adjustable compartments, top secures down to stop bits mingling.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-sort-master-organiser-17-1-2-x-12-3-4-/73900

There's also this one which has compartments that can be taken out, but I'll keep my eye on that in case there's an offer.

The kitchen pots will do for now but it would be nice to get the storage consistent.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-fatmax-deep-pro-organiser-14-1-2-x-18-/22910

I would sooner spend what would probably be a couple of hours with all of us sifting and sorting by a more logical method. And maybe one person doing the building.

Where we have got some parts organised and sorted well, it's clear how easy it is to find the part you need. I forced the issue and started sticking the tiny parts in food storage pots, and this organiser.

This has taken all weekend and every evening since we started. Biggest problem we have is that spouse and I are struggling to agree on strategy.

Hers is to take down the existing sets, crossing over bits from the book whilst we're at it. Or do the reverse - try to build one up from the book.

The problem for both of these strategies is that there are so many bits, colours, shades, shapes, in various legacy containers, that we end up spending ages trying to find the bloody part, or a substitute, or trying to work out where we're going to put it when dismantling.

Another Tory education minister shows they have no idea what actually happens in schools. Why can't they appoint ministers who actually have life experience in the areas they cover?

Some progress in the Lego sorting but this is going to take all weekend I think.

Paging #Lego experts. How do you organise and sort bricks? This *feels* like there should be an optimal, systematic method for finding what you need.

We've got about 45 years worth of Lego and are trying to sort, especially for ones where we have the instruction booklets. Some sets are partially intact from kiddo's shelf, but we will need to ensure all parts are there before we can move these on.

E.g. purely by colour? Types e.g. plates and standard blocks, and then colour / size for all the random tiny pieces?

Heads up#AvGeeks: Air Force One over the midlands now!

Context of previous toot for those not aware: #NAFO is a sort of counter meme movement that's been supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion, as well as fundraising for vehicles and equipment. Several politicians, including the amazing @kajakallas have supported the "fellas" with avatars of themselves. In that video, Kallas' avatar pops up towards the end.

If you're in #London today and near #KingsCross, check out the #Illustrators Fair at UAL Central Saint Martin's. Here's some that caught my eye. (I attended the Tony Hancock school of #art criticism)

Featuring:
https://claramcornish.com
https://littlemure.artstation.com/
http://eldavo.co.uk/

(Boost to encourage #ArtistsOnMastodon from hellsites)

Heads up, #AVgeeks of #London - lots of rare birds visiting over the next few days.

Some don't appear on ADS-B exchange, like this Sikorsky VH3-D (Marine One). There were two of these flying right over my house yesterday, at about 400ft, could see the roundel clear as anything.

Also several Chinooks thwomping around. Expect the Blackhawk VH-60 version and some VS-22 Ospreys as well.

Chinook just flew from Northolt to Regents Park. Special visitor?

The @guardian Still at it with the shameful "both sides" reporting. Doing Putin's work, wouldn't you say @decodingtrolls?

Did anyone watching #ImAVirgo spot this valknut in the logo of the evil healthcare company?

If only more dictators were like Elan's dad in webcomic Order of the Stick.

"You should try being more optimistic. If someone conquers an empire and rules it with an iron fist for thirty long years, and then some paladin breaks into his throne room and kills him - what do you think he's going to remember as he lays dying?

...That good triumphed over evil?

No, that he got to live like a God for three decades! Sure, the last ten minutes sucked, but you can't have everything."

https://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0763.html

Time for map makers to get their pencils out.

Coincidentally, clearing out our archives today and found my 1996 Russian language certificate.

Wake up babe, Russian civil war is starting.