Have you ever solved a Rubik’s Cube?  If you are like most of us, probably not.  Of course, there are many people who actually have and are pretty quick at it.  In 1982, when the first speed cubing competition was held, the winner solved the Cube in 22.95 seconds. By 2003, the world record dropped to an impressive 16.71 seconds.  How can someone ever do it faster?  Well, in 2016 the world record to solve the Rubik’s Cube was set at 4.74 seconds.  How is that possible?  In fact, when it was first created in 1974 by a professor of architecture in Budapest, it was suppose to be an object not possible of being solved.  Some of us think that we can solve it if we keep trying.  This is probably how it has become the best selling toy ever.  Here are a few interesting facts about the Rubik’s Cube:

• It was first known as the Magic Cube and was renamed in 1980 to the Rubik’s Cube.
• It took Erno Rubik well over a month to work out the solution to his puzzle.
• It first sold in a Budapest toy shop in 1975.
• It won Toy of the Year in 1980 and 1981.
• Over 350 million Rubik’s Cubes have been sold worldwide.
• With six colored sides, 21 pieces and 54 outer surfaces, there is a combined total of over 43 Quintrillion different possible configurations.
• The world’s largest Rubik’s Cube is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is three meters tall and weighs over 500kg.

Back in 1981 when it was still relatively new, the Cube perplexed so many people that there was a book written: “You Can Do the Cube”.  With so many people wanting to solve this puzzle, the book sold 1.5 million copies.

If you like the Rubik’s Cube, there are other brain teaser puzzles you may enjoy.

The Rubik’s Cube still, after 42 years is intriguing to many people.  It would make a great gift idea for anyone who likes a challenge.  Who’s wish list do you think you would see it on?  With the Penless app it is easy to see who has what on their wish list.  It makes gift giving a whole lot easier.  I go on to my friend’s wish list all the time when I want to get gifts.  It saves me so much time trying to figure out what they would like.  I like giving gifts that I know my friends and family actually want.   I also know that my friends and family go on to my wish list on the Penless app.  It is also nice to receive gifts that I want.  No more returns.

“If you are curious, you’ll find the puzzles around you.  If you are determined, you will solve them.” – Quote from Erno Rubik, creator of the Rubik’s Cube.