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LEGO: Product of the Century
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 LEGO toys have just been named one of the "Products of theCentury" by Fortune Magazine. The magazine selected LEGO products as one of several items that have shaped U.S. history.Originated in 1932 by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, LEGO toys have become a world wide phenomenon equally popular with kids and collectors. "We were particularly impressed that after half a century, LEGO is still extremely popular with both children and adults," said Christine Chen, co-writer of the Fortune article. "We also liked the fact that LEGO is a truly global brand, and that the colorful bricks appeal to both boys and girls who can play with them alone or with others. I remember spending many hours as a child building elaborate houses and spaceships. In fact, many of us here at Fortune still have LEGO in our homes. They're versatile, they stimulate creativity, and most of all, they're fun." In related LEGO news, the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), a joint endeavor from the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Foundation and LEGO Mindstorms, kicks off the launch of its first official year with a series of Tournaments in nine states during the first two weekends of December. Over 4,000 youngsters, from among the more than 10,000 FLL members ranging in age from 9 to 14 years old, will compete in state events taking place in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan on December 4, 1999 and Minnesota and Ohio on December 11, 1999. The FIRST LEGO League is a friendly, high-tech sporting event that challenges its young participants to design, program, and build fully autonomous robots using the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System.Teams consisting of 7-10 children, and an adult coach, are supplied with a problem that requires them to create a programmed robot capable of implementing their unique solutions to successfully complete the annualChallenge. This year's Challenge, FIRST CONTACT, requires teams to build a working robotic arm similar to the one used by NASA astronauts constructing and outfitting the International Space Station. At each state Tournament, teams have the chance to compete for awards in areas where their team has excelled such as: programming, mechanical design, strategy, problem-solving, sportsmanship and teamwork. Never played with LEGO toys yourself? It's not too late to start. You can start for less than $5.00 and begin your own creative journey as a LEGO-Maniac! [Updated 12-03-99]
  
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