Info: January 29, 2008 Posted by: Leon 14 comments

lego50th.jpgWhen I went on Google Monday morning, I saw the Google logo constructed of LEGO bricks. As you should know, the Google homepage changes to commemorate special events. I didn’t pay it much mind, but it was to mark the 50th anniversary of LEGO. Or, to be more precise, the 50th anniversary of founder Ole Kirk Christiansen’s patenting of the venerable brick. Those little bricks and I go way back. I got my first (and only) LEGO System when I was 9. Or was it 8? Anyway, my mom and I were leaving a store. That is, until a peculiar toy caught my interest. It was a box with a picture of a man in a plane, that was composed of several smaller bricks. On the box were various ways to manipulate the bricks into different formations.

I wanted it. So in typical spoiled brat fashion, I begged and begged and begged my mom to buy it for me. I even flashed my cute look. Back then it was effective enough to get her to cave in, but if I tried it now, I’d look constipated. Once I carried it home, I immediately opened it and, with the help of the little leaflet, taught myself the art of LEGO. Eventually I grew confident enough to try my own designs. I think I entered my college phase back then, ’cause I did a lot of experimenting. I may have invented some new uses for LEGO. Looking back, I’m surprised by how amused I was by it. The box was little bigger than a box of teabags, and it contained less than two dozen bricks. Well, they do say children are easily amused.

Now, thinking about it, LEGO played a bigger part in my development than I realized. It helped enhance my creativity, and helped me think outside the box. Even now I like to tinker with things. LEGO has made quite an impact on the world. There are 62 LEGO bricks for each inhabitant of Earth and 2,400 different kinds of bricks in 53 colors. They are used by architects to to develop concepts and serve as inspiration for museum quality art. Before the turn of the millennium, it was crowned “Toy of the Century”. LEGO faces a challenging future, as kids are interested in the click more than the brick. But even in the digital realm, LEGO still has its appeal. Just look at the success of LEGO Star Wars. So it’s safe to say that LEGO will be entertaining kids and adults for years to come.

P.S. Today’s my dad’s birthday. Happy birthday dad! May you live to see many more!      

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