Father-Husband-Marketer-Geek

A reader recently commented: "Rich, I took your poll on licensed products and possible villages (even though I realize this isn't a D56 corporate poll), but why list the Americn Revolution and American Civil War under "licensed"? I could see that if they were based on a specific movie or book, like "Saving Private Ryan" is, or if they were to partially benefit a specific organization, but otherwise I don't think "licensing" is needed for those two. I also would have preferred a DC Comics -based village as opposed to a Marvel themed series, but that's just me. And I STILL wish Dept 56 hadn't ended their "American Pride Collection" for historical, non-Christmas landmark buildings and such!" Thanks - good point...I think my original intent was to base the licensed series on the "Civil War" tv series by Ken Burns, and the "American Revolution" series based on HBO's recent "John Adams", whi...

Image via Wikipedia I've added a new poll to the blog. Which new licensed series should be added by Department 56? Chronicles of Narnia : With the upcoming second movie in the series, this could be an excellent marketing vehicle for Department 56 to reach a new, younger audience. This would be the same audience which clamored for Harry Potter in last year's poll. Marvel Comics Super Heroes: Also catering to the new youthful audience, who can deny the fantastic landscape possibilities, full of color and excitement? Sesame Street : I'm surprised this hasn't been done already. Gone With the Wind: This classic film could easily have a series of figures, and of course, at the center, the southern estate of Tara. American Civil War : Perhaps in conjunction with Gone With the Wind, history buffs would rejoice at the various Civil War battlefields and D56's take on the blue and the grey. Saving Private Ryan : Starting with the beaches at Normandy, and ending with the memo...