Dave T-W @davoloid@qoto.org

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.

The Great #Lego Sort continues. Thanks very much to all those who gave some great advice the other day. The challenge was to sort out 45 years worth of random parts so we can clear stuff out.
https://qoto.org/@davoloid/110712561338848533

Randomly discovered #Music for Monday. This chap has appeared in my "suggested songs" only recently, but has definitely been missing. Lush #Folk pop with a beautiful voice.
If you like this, there's also a spectacular version recorded with an orchestra.
Here's "Amsterdam" by Gregory Alan Isakov.

https://youtu.be/lz2qpnRB5_E

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?

#Music Friday - #LittleDragon are a band that I stumbled across through Spotify serendipity, but fit right in my (all over the place) collection. Swedish band with a soulful trip-hop, electronic, chillout sound.

Here's Frisco from their latest album.
https://youtu.be/sbbeeH2jJhs

Well thanks very much Kemi Badenoch and Katherine Birbalsingh for causing stress and headaches for teachers, parents, students, oftsted inspectors and generally *everyone* who has had to listen to this made-up culture war bullshit. When are the press going to stop amplifying these fraudsters?

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/jul/13/school-in-cat-pupil-controversy-given-ofsted-all-clear-after-snap-inspection