In 1949, after decades of making wooden furniture and toys, Ole Kirk Christiansen's small factory in Billund, Denmark, moved to plastic and created the 'Automatic Binding Bricks', which would later be known as LEGO. When the company patented the tube system in 1958, LEGO became the dominant toy line worldwide throughout the 1960s and 1970s. When other competitors capitalized on the expiration of the company's patents in the 1980s, LEGO faced stiff competition until they reported their first loss in 1998. Poor business decisions with film licenses and the failure of the Jack Stone and Galidor lines brought LEGO to near-bankruptcy until Jørgen Vig Knudstorp took over the company and, by bringing it back to its roots, rejuvenated LEGO's profits. By the time The Lego Movie hit theaters in 2014, LEGO became the largest toy franchise in the world.
Everyone always wants to be able to choose - but who really makes these choices? And do we really want to have more choices? Michael Stevens finds out as he explores decision-making.
Nicholas felt enormous pressure to continue the dynasty and expand the empire. He saw his opportunity in the Far East. This brought him into conflict with a rising power, Japan. Russia's disastrous war against Japan prompts civil unrest. The birth of Prince Alexei is incredibly important. He's the long-awaited son that they had hoped so much for. But when Alexei is diagnosed with haemophilia, Siberian mystic Rasputin steps in. He's very good at realizing when something is open that will enable him to increase his power and wealth. The pressure of keeping the secret of Alexei's illness affects the political decisions that Nicky and Alix made for the rest of their reign.
Speculation is rife as fan favourite Aubameyang is stripped of his captaincy. After a bad run of results, the mood within the Arsenal camp is low and Mikel Arteta's decisions are under scrutiny. With Aubameyang no longer training with the first team, the focus shifts to the remaining players including Brazilian player Gabriel Martinelli. As Christmas approaches and Covid causes chaos in the league, Mikel Arteta is forced into isolation as the team prepare to face the reigning Premier League Champions, Manchester City.
The start of a new year brings the January transfer window and Mikel Arteta the chance to rebuild his squad. Arsenal continue their quest for silverware, competing in the FA and Carabao Cup, as well as still fighting for top 4. Meanwhile, questions over Aubameyang's future continue dominating the media and the club must come to a decision about what to do with their former captain.
The results of the TB test are in... but just as important is the fact that numerous calves are scheduled to be born in the next couple of weeks. The first few happen very quickly in the dead of night before Jeremy's woken up, but soon he and Kaleb are dealing with some very challenging situations. Jeremy also meets local farmers to discuss a farmers' co-operative to supply the restaurant - much-needed by some who are really struggling - because the clock is counting down to Decision Day, when the Council will hold a public meeting to decide the fate of Jeremy's restaurant. After weeks of waiting, the day of judgement for Clarkson's restaurant is at last here. He and Charlie set off to put their case to the powers that be. Is it a Yes? Or is it a No?
By the time The Lego Movie hit theaters in 2014, LEGO became the largest toy franchise in the world.