The NE555 was designed in 1970 by Hans Camenzind and to this day remains an incredibly versatile chip.
Jeri Ellsworth and Chris Gammell have put together a 555 design contest. There are 5 different categories and many prizes. including a Protostack ATMEGA168 Development Kit and USBASP Programmer.
Entries are due March 1st and will be judged by Hans Camenzind and Forrest Mims. For more information, please go to http://www.555contest.com