Three Interesting Facts about Denmark

• The Lego Group was founded in the 1930s by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter from Billund, Denmark. The company's name comes from the Danish phrase leg godt which means "play well". After WWII, the company expanded and began producing plastic toys, some of which included the early versions of the interlocking bricks. These new building blocks were redesigned using newer materials and building methods to ensure ease of use, durability, and cost-effective production and distribution. 
• The flag of Denmark is red with a white Scandinavian cross representing Christianity, the Dane's national religion. According to legend, the origin of the flag dates back to the Battle of Valdemar in Estonia on June 15, 1219. The Danish forces were losing the battle and with defeat all but certain, the tides shifted when a Danish priest overlooking the battle from atop a nearby hill prayed for victory. The priest prayed so vigorously that his arms grew tired; so tired that he needed two soldiers to keep his hands up. Then, miraculously, Dannenbrog, the Danish flag, fell from the sky into the King's hands, filling his soldier's hearts with courage and ensuring a Danish victory. What a musical! 
• Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen was a Danish jazz upright bass player known for his technique, creativity, and speed. Among the most accomplished jazz players to come out of Scandinavia, Pedersen found himself on the same stages as Count Basie, Bill Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass, Sonny Rollins, and Oscar Peterson. Dude was also one of my idols while I studied jazz bass in high school. Check him out playing Miles Davis' Donna Lee with guitarist Joe Pass.