Still Clicking, Lego Turns 50

When a Dane filed a patent for interlocking toy bricks 50 years ago yesterday, it began a revolution that has produced enough Legos to stretch to the moon 10 times over, writes Time. The toy, named Forbes' "Toy of the Century" in 1999, survived stiff competition from higher-tech playthings and video games in recent years.

Some seven boxes of Legos—so named for the first two letters of Danish phrase "leg godt, "or "play well"—are sold every second. "The Lego brick continues to fascinate because it allows children, and others, to develop their imagination, and curiosity," a company spokeswoman told AFP, noting that today's Legos still click neatly into those of 50 years ago. (More Lego stories.)