What You May Not Know About Lego
by Susan Green
The word Lego is taken from the Dutch for “play well”, which is leg godt. The word is now synonymous the whole world over for a toy which everyone loves to play with be they old, young, boy or girl. We are so used to making things from Lego that rarely do we stop to think about how each individual block of Lego itself is constructed.
Firstly, granules are loaded from large trucks into the granule silos. After this the granules are taken to molding machines. These subject the granules to high temperatures, melting them into a highly viscous substance. This substance is then poured into molds of various sizes to make the bricks that we all know and recognise. Once the molten granules have been poured into the molds they are transported to the decorating and printing stage. Although the color of the brick is determined by the color of the granules in the first stage of the process, the bricks can have patterns printed on to them, or designs. For example, bricks with words on such as taxi or police have them printed on at this stage in the manufacturing process. Once this is complete, the Lego bricks are taken to the packaging area where they are placed into boxes with other Lego pieces ready to be shipped to stores or to wherever they are required.
Lego also have additional branches which are aimed at different users. For example, Duplo is made by Lego but is widely known by the name Duplo and not always associated with Lego. Individual Duplo pieces are much larger than those of a traditional Lego set and they are aimed at a much younger clientele. Children aged 2-6 find Duplo much easier to get hold of because of its increased proportions and so encourage younger children to exercise their creative minds.
Technic Lego is more advanced than standard Lego and so appeals more to the 10-15 year old market. This often incorporates very small pieces as these kits have moving components. For example, you can make such items as a helicopter with propellers which actually move when you turn a handle.
For some time Lego was aimed primarily at boys with kits based on Star Wars or Batman. This balance has now been redressed somewhat and it is now possible to purchase kits to build Disney Princess Castles and such like. Lego is a great toy for children as it helps to improve their hand eye co-ordination as well as their imagination and so children of both sexes should be encouraged to play with it in preference to watching endless hours of TV.
About Lego Author
Susan Green is a regular contributor to SBG Toys where more information about children's toys is freely available.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Achieving Financial Freedom from a Lego Website
Achieving Financial Freedom from a Lego Website
About us and our Goals for our websites
"Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. "
- Confucius
I have always believed in freedom. Freedom to do what you want and financial freedom. I have always striven for more freedom in my life and hope to help my children to achieve it too.
We live in Japan, perhaps the hardest working country in the world. However there isn`t much freedom here.
I read about a Canadian teenager making thousands of dollars from a website about a tiny,
obscure island in the Caribbean. I decided I too would Achieve Financial Freedom from a Lego Website
Electric Toy Train - Lego Land Style For Something Very Different
Electric Toy Train - Lego Land Style For Something Very Different
By Tim J Bennett
Electric Toy Train - Lego Land Style
When most people think of Electric Toy Trains, they think of Hornby, Lionel or some other equally famous model train replicas and with good reason as they are simply fantastic trains. But are you aware that Lego also produce electric toy trains and that they not only have trains, but also locomotives, track, rolling stock, train stations, signal houses and a whole load of other track side buildings and they all have the logo construction theme running through them.
This is a great way to introduce kids into the railroad passion without damaging your very expensive collection and also there is a big adult collectors area who are also passionate about this brand. Lego electric toy trains even have their own scale; known as L-scale. The first Lego trains were sold in 1966 (Lego set number 080) and were push-along trains and had a nice bright blue rail.
It wasn't until 1969 that they released a battery powered set (number 115) and one of the carriages carried the batteries. In late 1969, the first truly Lego electric toy train came out (set number 720).
One of the really cool things about Lego electric toy trains was that they could all be upgrade from one to the other. So if you had bought a push-along train it could be upgraded to battery operated one, which in turn could be upgraded to an electric one.
There were no major changes until 1980. Lego changed the tracks from blue to grey and the transformers now supported points, signals, crossing and other accessories and the trains now looked much more realistic.
1991 saw the introduction of the 9 volt system and metal rails being used. The 9 volt system was compatible with other products of theirs. However by 2007 the 9 volt system was completely discontinued. This was due largely to the introduction of the new line of remote control products they brought out in 2006. All rail was now made from plastic and the trains ran on remote control using battery power.
The major advantage of this was that more than one train could be run at the same time and there were no longer any problems with track layouts, point systems and polarity of rails, although there were now problems with range for the remote and also the batteries had to be changed.
In the summer of 2009, Lego released the new "Emerald Night" (set number 10194) and was part of their Technic Line, which I personally think is ugly, but it was a line that was launched to try and help them get some of their investment money back as they had spent so much developing the trains in the last few years.
Lego electric toy trains were very popular and there is even an international Lego Train Club Organization and they exhibit at such festivals as Brickfest. L gauge trains are becoming increasingly popular among middle-age hobbyists who grew up with the building toy as a child, and are frustrated with traditional model trains such as are found in the HO scale electric toy train.
There is nothing quite like watching the real thing to get excited, but if you do not have access to Lego trains, then watch a couple of videos here about the Electric Toy Train - Lego Land Style.
While you are there also grab the opportunity to find out about some of the model train secrets I have as well as photos, videos and other stimulating and refreshing information at http://www.modeltrainkitsolutions.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_J_Bennett
http://EzineArticles.com/?Electric-Toy-Train---Lego-Land-Style-For-Something-Very-Different&id=3766691
Why Halo Lego Is So Much Fun
Why Halo Lego Is So Much Fun
By Mark Schafferman
The Halo video game has reaped a lot of support both from the young and not-so-young. It is not a huge wonder why many Halo fans want to experience the fun even with LEGO sets. The good thing is that any Halo fan nowadays can easily build Halo-inspired LEGO creations of practically anything. One can build Halo characters, weapons or settings plus any other structure, vehicle or environment using Halo LEGO toys. This is because of the increase in Halo-inspired toys which are compatible to LEGO sets that are now easy with reach for any fan, child or adult. If you are unsure how you, your kids or the entire family can enjoy these construction toys, then know more below...
The LEGO Group, for the record, does not endorse Halo but this is not enough to stop Halo fans from all over the world from enjoying Halo LEGO sets. Fun-loving LEGO builders are indeed evolving as they accept more Halo-inspired creations. This is because playing with Halo characters and LEGO bricks is now possible. It is easy to purchase Halo minifigs online - you can do so on eBay, on Amazon.com and from many countless online toy retailers. There are even videos on YouTube that shows various Halo-inspired LEGO creations built not just by LEGO or Halo fanatics but also by kids and the young-minded adults. There are also now step-by-step instructions on how to create various structures, characters and environments that bring the Halo world to life.
One of the best inspirations for playing LEGO bricks is the challenge of building Halo-inspired sets. The sky is practically the limit because now, anyone can simply tickle his imagination, create new characters or structures and then even post the project online. Surely, kids, teens, adults and entire families can have fun using Halo LEGO toys, minifigs and sets.
The good news is that it is now easier to purchase these sets online. Buying them online is also one of the best ways to get these cool toys or collections at the cheapest prices. You can search for ready-to-use Halo sets from Amazon, eBay, online toy stores and other sites. Some of the most popular Halo-inspired LEGO sets include Halo Master Chief sets, arms and weapons sets, four Master Chief Lego sets, Ghost Custom sets, Mongoose Custom sets, custom gear with Lego minifig sets and many others. In other words, anyone can practically start an entire Halo community with new LEGO-compatible parts or with his old LEGO collection.
Mark Schafferman loves to write about toys for kids. Halo Lego sets are toys for young and old and designed on the Halo story. Another Lego science fiction set that is popular now is the Lego Hero Factory sets, these are the predecessors of the Bionicle series from Lego.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Schafferman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Halo-Lego-Is-So-Much-Fun&id=5290861
By Mark Schafferman
The Halo video game has reaped a lot of support both from the young and not-so-young. It is not a huge wonder why many Halo fans want to experience the fun even with LEGO sets. The good thing is that any Halo fan nowadays can easily build Halo-inspired LEGO creations of practically anything. One can build Halo characters, weapons or settings plus any other structure, vehicle or environment using Halo LEGO toys. This is because of the increase in Halo-inspired toys which are compatible to LEGO sets that are now easy with reach for any fan, child or adult. If you are unsure how you, your kids or the entire family can enjoy these construction toys, then know more below...
The LEGO Group, for the record, does not endorse Halo but this is not enough to stop Halo fans from all over the world from enjoying Halo LEGO sets. Fun-loving LEGO builders are indeed evolving as they accept more Halo-inspired creations. This is because playing with Halo characters and LEGO bricks is now possible. It is easy to purchase Halo minifigs online - you can do so on eBay, on Amazon.com and from many countless online toy retailers. There are even videos on YouTube that shows various Halo-inspired LEGO creations built not just by LEGO or Halo fanatics but also by kids and the young-minded adults. There are also now step-by-step instructions on how to create various structures, characters and environments that bring the Halo world to life.
One of the best inspirations for playing LEGO bricks is the challenge of building Halo-inspired sets. The sky is practically the limit because now, anyone can simply tickle his imagination, create new characters or structures and then even post the project online. Surely, kids, teens, adults and entire families can have fun using Halo LEGO toys, minifigs and sets.
The good news is that it is now easier to purchase these sets online. Buying them online is also one of the best ways to get these cool toys or collections at the cheapest prices. You can search for ready-to-use Halo sets from Amazon, eBay, online toy stores and other sites. Some of the most popular Halo-inspired LEGO sets include Halo Master Chief sets, arms and weapons sets, four Master Chief Lego sets, Ghost Custom sets, Mongoose Custom sets, custom gear with Lego minifig sets and many others. In other words, anyone can practically start an entire Halo community with new LEGO-compatible parts or with his old LEGO collection.
Mark Schafferman loves to write about toys for kids. Halo Lego sets are toys for young and old and designed on the Halo story. Another Lego science fiction set that is popular now is the Lego Hero Factory sets, these are the predecessors of the Bionicle series from Lego.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Schafferman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Halo-Lego-Is-So-Much-Fun&id=5290861
It All Began With Lego
It All Began With Lego
by Beth Johnson
Perhaps he sat with one of his son's Lego blocks in hand, tossing it absently mindedly as he pondered his frustration with his son's inability to learn Braille.
At age 14, mastery still eluded his son despite the teachers' best efforts and individual instruction. In fact, almost everyone had given up on the son learning Braille. Though multiply impaired (including blindness), Kevin Murphy just could not bring himself to give up on the intelligence he believed lurked in his son's mind.
Maybe he stopped tossing it long enough to stare at the small building brick he held in his hand. Then he noticed it--that little brick had 6 circular pegs! [And] their configuration was the same as the Braille cell--three vertical on the left; three vertical on the right!! Since his son thoroughly enjoyed his Lego set, Kevin decided he'd risk it--turn them into Braille letters.
After he'd destroyed his son's Lego set, he enthusiastically called, "Hey, son, come look what I've done with your Lego set!" His son came excitedly to discover his dad had placed some of the Braille letters he'd made on the base that came with the set. Little by little his son actually did learn Grade 1 Braille.
Fourteen years passed before Kevin could afford to make [Tack-Tiles], trademark name, available commercially in 1995. Now they are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German literary code as well as Nemeth (for math), music, and computer Braille code--[yes there are that many different codes the Braille student must learn--each with their own rules].
An added benefit for students who are blind and study in an inclusive setting, Tack-Tiles have print letters corresponding to the Braille configuration on the tile. This enables sighted and blind students to interact. A good many sighted students are curious about Braille and will at least learn the alphabet.
Printed Tack-Tiles also enable the classroom teacher to teach the blind student whatever she is teaching to her sighted students.
I used Tact-Tiles to teach addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (especially long division) to my blind students.
And to think that it all began with Lego.
Read More about Lego
by Beth Johnson
Perhaps he sat with one of his son's Lego blocks in hand, tossing it absently mindedly as he pondered his frustration with his son's inability to learn Braille.
At age 14, mastery still eluded his son despite the teachers' best efforts and individual instruction. In fact, almost everyone had given up on the son learning Braille. Though multiply impaired (including blindness), Kevin Murphy just could not bring himself to give up on the intelligence he believed lurked in his son's mind.
Maybe he stopped tossing it long enough to stare at the small building brick he held in his hand. Then he noticed it--that little brick had 6 circular pegs! [And] their configuration was the same as the Braille cell--three vertical on the left; three vertical on the right!! Since his son thoroughly enjoyed his Lego set, Kevin decided he'd risk it--turn them into Braille letters.
After he'd destroyed his son's Lego set, he enthusiastically called, "Hey, son, come look what I've done with your Lego set!" His son came excitedly to discover his dad had placed some of the Braille letters he'd made on the base that came with the set. Little by little his son actually did learn Grade 1 Braille.
Fourteen years passed before Kevin could afford to make [Tack-Tiles], trademark name, available commercially in 1995. Now they are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German literary code as well as Nemeth (for math), music, and computer Braille code--[yes there are that many different codes the Braille student must learn--each with their own rules].
An added benefit for students who are blind and study in an inclusive setting, Tack-Tiles have print letters corresponding to the Braille configuration on the tile. This enables sighted and blind students to interact. A good many sighted students are curious about Braille and will at least learn the alphabet.
Printed Tack-Tiles also enable the classroom teacher to teach the blind student whatever she is teaching to her sighted students.
I used Tact-Tiles to teach addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (especially long division) to my blind students.
And to think that it all began with Lego.
Read More about Lego
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Easiest Indiana Jones Walkthrough
The Easiest Indiana Jones Walkthrough
by Cheema Beckham
Lego games are mostly movies based and the reason for this phenomenon is the immense love of these movies by children. These games are not only adored by children but are also a good time pass for adults. Lego launched Indiana Jones in 2008 with the intention to provide quality entertainment and creativity. creativity. Read More
by Cheema Beckham
Lego games are mostly movies based and the reason for this phenomenon is the immense love of these movies by children. These games are not only adored by children but are also a good time pass for adults. Lego launched Indiana Jones in 2008 with the intention to provide quality entertainment and creativity. creativity. Read More
Indiana Jones Lego – Recreate Your Favorite Action Scenes Now
Indiana Jones Lego – Recreate Your Favorite Action Scenes Now
by Cheema Beckham
It has been an inclination of the Lego Company to convert famous and popular movie series into toys for kids. Success of toy sets of successful movies is almost guaranteed. The love of children for some characters or movies forces Lego developers to convert them into brick sets and mini-figures for their happiness and pleasure. Following this trend, the company launched the Indiana Jones toy sets. Read More
by Cheema Beckham
It has been an inclination of the Lego Company to convert famous and popular movie series into toys for kids. Success of toy sets of successful movies is almost guaranteed. The love of children for some characters or movies forces Lego developers to convert them into brick sets and mini-figures for their happiness and pleasure. Following this trend, the company launched the Indiana Jones toy sets. Read More
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