If you read and memorized last year’s Calendar Blog you know that today is my brother’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Dave! Tradition states that I give Dave whatever pops out of the calendar on his birthday. But not this year. You can probably guess why.

Before we get to the big reveal and my brother’s crushing disappointment, you should check out this fascinating Business Week article about Lego’s new line of girl-themed products. The mini-figs are “prettier” and five millimeters taller. The entire article is an informative look into the world of toy making and selling. But if you don’t want to read the whole thing, here are some takeaway news nuggets.

1. Boys and girls both love to build, but boys are more interested in making and finishing a specific building, while girls would rather build a little, play a little, build a little, play a little and so on.

2. Girls project themselves onto the figures, which is why the new figures look more human. Boys don’t seem to care about that as much…though I do see myself as The Winter Wraith.

Anyway, there are tons of interesting bits in the story. Read it.

On to today’s item!

It’s the second part of the car.

My problem with today’s item is that it’s useless by itself. The multiple prison walls can be joined to make the prison, but you can also use them individually as teleporters or random wilderness walls. But today’s item only works with the bottom part of the cop car.

I can’t give it to Dave because I need it. Sorry. I hope you understand.

Even though today’s item on its own is ho-hum, the car is looking pretty great.

And I made it even better by adding the Snowball Launcher to the rear. I highly recommend you do the same.

Day 16 Rating: 2.9 out of 4 (Points deducted because I’m hungry.)