MickVaites.com

I wandered into the LEGO shop at Disney Springs and they’ve got a limited edition Millennium Falcon (LEGO part code 75192) for $799.99. It is like rocking horse droppings and considerably more expensive in the Uk. I asked one of the shop assistants about shipping to the Uk, they politely declined and suggested bringing it through as hand luggage … this box is absolutely massive!

And near the exit to the shop, in a glass display case, they have one built up … I think this is the largest LEGO kit I have found to date. I think the Deathstar (LEGO part code 75159) is smaller.

Too big for my collection but I can dream a little…

Updated 8th July 2018 – The local Lego store to me now has this for £649.99

I was taking a walk along a riverside path heading toward St Pancras in London and spotted this plaque.

I was definately there …

This book was recommended by a work colleague and it is an awsome read. It took me back on a nostalgic trip to my experiences with computers games in the 1980’s and on. For those who have been around a while it really catches the inner-geek. 

The book has now been made into a film, released 29th May 2018 and directed by Stephen Spielberg. I understand that it was problematic to get the rights to a number of the elements included in the book, but if anyone can fix this I’m sure Mr Spielberg can. I’m looking forward to seeing the film once it is released.

This is a facinating book, by Lt. Cmdr. Ewen Montagu who worked for British Inteligence during the second world war. He was involved in many covert activities notably;

The Double Cross System, where the British ran all the spies that the Germans sent to the Uk.
Operation Mincemeat, where a human cadaver carried false documents (and letters) was put into the sea near Spain. These documents succesfully convienced the Germans that an Alied attack would be made against Sardinia and Greece, instead of the real target Sicily. 

A film, ’The Man Who Never Was’, dramatised this operation. One notable change was made to the plot, was the way the Alies confirmed that Germany had taken the bate. In the film, an Irish spy was send to the UK, whereas in reality due to the Double Cross System, the Alies already knew.

Note: Cmdr. Montagu makes a cameo in the film …

This book was recommended by a colleague, as I was looking to get a better understanding of the interactions with the Bitcoin blockchain. This book specifically as I have been advised that Andreas Antonopoulos ‘wrote the BIBLE for Bitcoin for the masses’. At this time I have skim read it, and as I’d hoped it is about the technical aspects of blockchain, and not another investment guide. I will update when I’ve had a chance to spend more time.

Who knew ?