Lego The World's Most Famous Construction Games

Classic Lego pieces that can construct into various objects.

Lego is the world’s famous construction game because of its unique function. It was designed by a carpenter named Ole Kirk Christiansen (1891-1958) from Billund, Denmark in 1932. Almost all of today's generation recognized Lego though most of us have never played with the real Lego sets.

Lego favored because of its ability to function in producing various shapes according players’ creativity. Even today there are sets that can only be formed into certain models, original Lego pieces is still popular in forming objects without limits. Through various changes in business this game, Lego also opened its own theme parks. Up to now there are six theme parks around the world and one of which is in Nusajaya, Malaysia. Up to July 2015, about 600 billion Lego parts were produced. In February 2015 Lego also replace Ferrari as "the most famous brand in the world" by Brand Finance.

Lego is derived from wood which began its produced in 1932 using the original name "Automatic Binding Bricks" and patented in the United Kingdom in 1939 and first marketed in 1947. The design was later modified by sample generated for production using the 'injection molding' machine, which was later bought by Lego. Lego pieces are then produced using cellulose acetate.

Today Lego has various shapes.

Lego can build the replica of a city.

Lego has a very attractive motto "det bedste er ikke for godt", which means "only the best is the best" or can also mean "the good is not the best". This motto is still in use to this day was founded by Ole Kirk to encourage his employees to not reduce the quality of their goods. Until 1951, plastic toys account half of the material produced by Lego at the time of plastic items is considered as less suitable for children's toys materials.

By 1954, Lego management was taken over by the son of Christiansen, who’s named Godtfred and it is also the start of a Lego empire expansion to foreign markets. Some of the reforms done to make it easier to match Lego pieces (into forms that are more versatile). In 1958, Lego has a modern design but it takes about 5 years to Lego using better materials of ABS polymer (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The modern Lego patented later on January 28, 1958.

In addition Lego introduced Lego Duplo, in 1969 that was designed to be larger up to 2 times the size of the original Lego to target those children in early stage. Design of a little man was first introduced in 1978, which later became part of complementary sets of next Lego.

Rivendell from Lego.

Among the models of Lego.

Lego has known, because of its ability that allows children to explore the potential of their skills in field of constructions, creativity, cognitive and so on. Arguably most of us recognized Lego although many of us never touched it. Lego is not only for children to play but also beyond its original functions and become part of the world community pride.

In May 2011, Lego joined spacecraft Space Shuttle Endeavour, mission STS-134 with 13 sets of Lego to the International Space Station to study the effects of micro-gravity on the resulting model. Results of this study will then be shared with schools as one of educational program.

In May 2013 the biggest model produced using Lego on display in New York on 5 millions Lego pieces to produce real size 1: 1 model of the X-wing fighter. In addition Lego also produces 112 foot tower and railway tracks spans 4 km (2.5 mi.).

Lego is constantly producing new releases in accordance with the passage of time. Even Lego has a strict quality control in which the high quality produces piece of Lego only has the tolerance of ± 10 micrometers. This is to ensure that each piece can be perfectly matched and can also be removed again.

The development Lego is due to continuous efforts of improvements not only in producing high quality goods but always producing new competitive designs. It is also not underestimate the ability of its competitors. Lego has a design staff of 120 people located in several areas such as the UK, Spain, Germany and Japan.

X-wing fighter produced using Lego.

One of the 6 Legolands in the world.

Apart from the production of the game and active in the promotion of the production of the largest models and so on. Lego also have movies, video games, board games and many more areas that make it always be remembered. Even today Lego also opening their "theme park" in number of areas, namely the first in Billund, Denmark; the second of which is located in Windsor, England; the third built in Günzburg, Germany; the fourth is in Carlsbad, California; the fifth is in Winter Haven, Florida; and the sixth is located in Nusajaya, Malaysia.

That such a little story about the unique history of the most famous games in the world of Lego, for those who can afford it, may make Lego as part of the game for their kids or a part of family activities. It is one game that proved to provide many benefits to children in forming a positive development.

Games That Improve Your Child's Interest To Education

Such games can helps your children in developing their talents.

Our environment in today's modern world is much different from the situation once where child where we were more exposed to interaction with the outside world while playing that help in stimulating the development of a smarter brain. But today's children depend on games that are available (toys) in addition to the popular games mainly video games.

As a parent or guardian, determine the right type of games for children are important. This is to help them develop smarter thinking, creativity, decision-making and so on. Without your help, this is difficult for them to choose the game which can provide such kind of benefits.

In choosing the right game for your kids, choose few key features such as;

1) How does it help your child think to solve the problem of the game?

- Games like Lego stimulate children's thinking ability in solving designs to be produced. In addition, it also includes some of other benefits.

- Games like the abacus also have the same benefits, but it requires training and attention from you or other individuals.

Lego is one of the best stimulant games for your kids.

2) Does it have to do with the of everyday’s life, particularly education that includes science, geography, astronomy, economics, creativity, cognitive and so on?

- Some games are built to stimulate child interest in careers such as doctoral (doctor’s game sets), astronomy (telescope), scientists (microscope), culinary (cooking sets), music (musical instruments), and sports and etc.

- Some games equipment constructed by using the principles of science that can stimulate children's interest too, for them find out more like a pendulum, lava lamp, magnetic games, gyroscope, Magnetic Field Viewer, Super Springy and many others. These are the games that require some skills to explain how it works.

- Games like these are the starting point for determining the likelihood of your children interest at the early stage. These will help you to identify their interest instead of your interest for them.

Science and astronomy toy.

A game that stimulate thinking ability.

3) Does it help to provide other benefits such as sensor motor, balance and health-related benefits?

- Some playground equipment has other benefits such as health and flexibility of the body system. Games such as roller blade, skateboard, badminton, bicycles or other sports equipment have these kinds of benefits. At the same time they also stimulate the benefit of thinking skills.

- For such kind of games, parents and guardians should make sure children get enough exercise and comply with safety guidelines to prevent any possible injuries.

"Roller blades" requires high balancing ability.

4) How can you help to make the sure the game can achieve the desired benefits?

- Parents or guardians need to ensure how the selected games can provide positive benefit to the development of education and children's creativity. This will allow parents or guardians to ensure the objectives of the games are reached.

- Although it seems like a burden, but it will be more fun when you yourself involved with the games played by your children. At the same time this will indirectly making them more focused on the outcome of the games.

- Some games also require additional training such as music and professional sports. Parents who can detect a tendency talent of their children at an early stage will have the opportunity to help them hone this at the early stage.

"Magnetic globe" - using magnetic principles.

Wonderful magnetic game "klikyballs".

There are still plenty of rooms for us to make sure our children get a worthwhile entertainment. Through our involvement with proper monitoring will make sure they can develop interests, abilities and talents. It also gives you a chance to discover something new if you've never been involved with the games that they played before. At the same time can also foster closer family ties.

Interesting Places To Visit in SE Asia

Bayon, located in the complex of Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

SE Asia (Southeast Asia) is a region that includes some of the countries with lot of history that should be appreciated by not only the people of SE Asia alone, but by all of the world's population. Thus with the help of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the most important sites have been listed so that it continues to be maintained in addition to allowing people to visit it.

Although most of the remains only part of the history, its keep lots of the characteristics of our own uniqueness that lived in the same region. To some extent it reminds our linkages to neighboring countries. Many of us who have near or distance ancestor relationship, while there are many things we do (like food, clothing and speech have in common). Thus, these areas become important and we should focus on, as we are the people who live in SE Asia.

To date, UNESCO listed around 37 areas in 9 countries as a "World Heritage Sites", though more areas listed in the years to come. Through this listing, it is even easier for the visitors to see for themselves the uniqueness of the region. While local residents also benefit from the visits of foreign visitors.

Here is a list of “Heritage Sites” areas by country:

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

2 The World Heritage Sites in Cambodia:

• Angkor complex, Seam Reap.
• Temple of Preah Vihear, Preah Vihear.

Temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia.

8 The World Heritage Sites in Indonesia:

• Borobudur, Central Java.
• Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara.
• Prambanan, Central Java.
• National Park Ujung Kulon, Banten and Lampung.
• Sangiran Early Settlement Area, Central Java.
• Lorentz National Park, Papua.
• Taman Negara Rainforest in Sumatra (3 locations), Sumatra.
• Cultural Landscape of Bali (2 locations), Bali

Luang Prabang, Laos.

2 The World Heritage Sites in Laos:

• Luang Prabang Urban Area,
• Remains of Vat Phou, Champasak

Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia.

4 The World Heritage Sites in Malaysia:

• Mulu National Park, Sarawak
• Kinabalu National Park, Sabah
• Town, Melaka and Georgetown
• Aerkeologi site, Lenggong Valley

Ancient City Pyu, Myanmar.

1 Area World Heritage Sites , in Myanmar:

• Ancient Pyu city, Mandalay

The old church, Church of San Agustín, Paoay, Philippines.

6 The World Heritage Sites in the Philippines:

• Baroque Churches of the Philippines (4 locations)
• Tubbataha reef area, Palawan
• Rice Hill area, Cordilleras.
• Historic Town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
• National Park, Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan.
• Hamiguitan Mountain Wildlife Area, Davao Oriental.

Singapore Botanical Garden.

1 The World Heritage Sites in Singapore:

• Singapore Botanic Gardens

Complex of the Old Kingdom of Sukhothai, Thailand.

5 Areas World Heritage Sites, in Thailand:

• Historic City of Ayutthaya.
• Historic Town of Sukhothai.
• Wildlife Area, Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng, Uthai Thani.
• Archaeological Site Ban Chiang, Udon Thani.
• Forestry complex Phayayen Dong-Khao Yai, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Rayong and Buriram.

Old Government Complex in Hué, Vietnam.

8 The World Heritage Sites in Vietnam:

• Monument Complex of Hué, Thua Thien-Hue.
• Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh.
• Hoi An, Quang Nam.
• My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam.
• National Park Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Quang Binh.
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi.
• Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, Thanh Hóa.
• Complex View Trang An, Ninh Binh.

Maybe you do not get a chance to visit all of them. However, our visit to these places listed above to some extent gives us many lessons about the history around SE Asia. Undoubtedly every country and region has its own uniqueness, the uniqueness that allows us to better understand one another.

For the locals in the listed country in return, do your best for preserving these important areas. Give all cooperation to the visitors who come to see the uniqueness your area. Your help is an effort that is needed; in addition it also may help your own economic status.

Terrarium Suitable For Ornamental And Education

Terrarium best as decoration and good as educational material.

Terrarium usually made from small container (clear/glass materials) that will allow light get through it. The container can be open or closed and small opening to allow care for the plants grows inside it. Even though terrarium is very beautiful as ornamental it is also very important for education to understand more about plants growing process and behavior.

Construction of the first terrarium is produced inadvertently by botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in 1842. He made observations of insects and the insects left the flask unattended. As a result, spores contained in the flask grow and produce terrarium. This later became a favorite at the time (Victorian Era) among the British people. But at first it was not known as terrarium but as 'Wardian Case'.

This finding was used by Ward to send the plants from England to Australia by building a bigger 'Wardian Case'. Even after traveling for months at sea, the plants were found to be in good conditions. The same method was also used to bring plants from Australia (Sydney) to England (London). This method proves that plants can be stored in a sealed container without ventilation and are capable of living.

Terrarium more popular for decoration.

Closed terrarium provides moist environment for the plants in it.

Among the plants that are suitable for terrarium.

Even so, before you build your terrarium, there are few things that you need to pay attention. This because you need to think about a few important factors to allow the plant stored in your terrarium can produce enough cycle for itself to continue its life. In fact, several other factors should also be considered before producing the terrarium; container size, container type, species of plants, location of the terrarium, the amount of moisture, the plant material (soil, sand, stone, fiber, etc.) and the budget of the terrarium - if you planning is right, your terrarium may endure for a very long time.

Closed Terrarium

Closed terrarium suitable for indoor tropical plants like orchids, mosses, ferns and ‘air plants’ that need high moisture as in tropical forests. However for its care, it may have to be opened once a week to reduce excess moisture in the walls of the container, this also able to prevent the formation of fungus that can affect plants inside your terrarium.

Terrarium should be watered when the soil moisture is decreasing (without the formation of water vapor on terrarium’s wall). The use of plant materials (medium) also carefully sorted to reduce infections in plants. Appropriate plant material used is 'peat moss', 'vermiculite' and also 'perlite'. These materials should also be in "sterile" for killing micro-organisms that can cause infection.

Terrarium provides a very good environment for these tropical plants.

Terrarium for tropical and aquatic plants.

Open Terrarium

Open terrarium is more suitable for water-storage plants (succulents) that are not suitable for damp and closed conditions like cacti and other dried plants. Open terrarium allows excess water vapor to be removed from the terrarium. Another thing open terrarium also ideal for plants that require a lot of sunlight, where it avoids excessive heat from sunlight trapped in the container.

Open terrarium easily maintained but at risk of infection.

Terrarium with various sizes of plants in it.

Terrarium not only beautiful as a decoration/ornament, but it also allows the growth of plants to be observed more closely. Cyclical process of moisture, air and water vapor in a closed terrarium indirectly describes the process air cycle in the earth's atmosphere and the importance of plants in that process. So if you are unable to make your own terrarium, maybe you can just buy it to get all of its benefits.