The Ole Seagull

Branson marketing genius or ineptitude?

Branson, Opinion / /

In these tough times, when many of the shows and attractions in Branson performing day in and day out all season long could benefit from effective marketing, why spend Branson’s limited marketing resources advertising something that is either not in existence, not true or will not be in operation during the specific period being advertised? The April 7 edition of a Springfield News Leader contained a Tab Section published by the State of Missouri entitled “Missouri – enjoy the show VACATION GUIDE Spring Summer 2013 (Tab.)” …

Branson marketing genius or ineptitude?Read More »

Branson marketing genius or ineptitude? Read More »

The real gift of Christmas fulfilled, “He has risen!”

General, Opinion / /

To Christians, Christmas is both a commemoration and celebration of the fact that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” If however, that first Christmas was all there was, there would be little reason for anyone to believe in Jesus and the promise of eternal life would be lost to all. But that’s not all there was. …

The real gift of Christmas fulfilled, “He has risen!”Read More »

The real gift of Christmas fulfilled, “He has risen!” Read More »

Is there enough LUV to pull Branson Airport out of financial doo-doo?

Branson, Opinion / /

One of the questions commonly asked of the Ole Seagull is, “Will the Branson Airport (Airport) make it?” The gist of his answer is, “I don’t know, but, I hope it does if there is no additional local governmental financing or “bail out” involved.”

But Seagull, “Doesn’t the announcement of Southwest Airlines (LUV) service to Branson reduce the likelihood that additional governmental financing or a “bail out” would be sought by the “Airport?” “Could be, but two things are fact, doo-doo is doo-doo and the LUV service into Branson Airport was formerly confirmed and announced with great fanfare at a Branson Landing Pep Rally in August of 2012. …

Is there enough LUV to pull Branson Airport out of financial doo-doo?Read More »

Is there enough LUV to pull Branson Airport out of financial doo-doo? Read More »

Thanksgiving is all about to whom the “Thanks” is “given!”

General, Opinion / /

This annual Thanksgiving reprint is a wish from the the Ole Seagull and the entire Groman family that you and yours will have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

Common sense tells an Ole Seagull that something celebrated as “Thanksgiving Day” should be a day of “giving thanks.”  Generally speaking, who among us says “thank you” to “no one?” When thanks is given it is for something and is “given” to the person or entity believed to have provided that something.

Yet, even as some would take “CHRIST” out of CHRISTmas they would take the “Giving” out of Thanksgiving. To whom are we giving thanks? From Coronado’s 1541 Thanksgiving in Palo Duro Canyon, in what is now West Texas, through the 1600 Puritan Thanksgivings in New England, history testifies to the fact that our modern day Thanksgiving is rooted on giving thanks to God for blessings bestowed. …

Thanksgiving is all about to whom the “Thanks” is “given!”Read More »

Thanksgiving is all about to whom the “Thanks” is “given!” Read More »

It’s not about Obama or Romney, it’s about America committing suicide by GIMME PIG

General, Government, Opinion / /

In talking about what could destroy America, Abraham Lincoln said, “If it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.” Is it just possible that we are committing suicide by “GIMME PIG?” …

It’s not about Obama or Romney, it’s about America committing suicide by GIMME PIGRead More »

It’s not about Obama or Romney, it’s about America committing suicide by GIMME PIG Read More »

Is education or raising prices of Branson shows the answer to getting PBIS?

Branson, Opinion / /

A recent news article reported that the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB did a study on what brings people to Branson and reported the results to the City of Branson’s Board of Aldermen (Board) at a recent meeting. The study’s conclusion, that “Branson’s Shows” is the Number 1 reason people come to Branson, should surprise no one, particularly readers of the column.
…

Is education or raising prices of Branson shows the answer to getting PBIS?Read More »

Is education or raising prices of Branson shows the answer to getting PBIS? Read More »

Could DIAS continue to “spring up” and cause the demise of America?

Government, Opinion / /

When the Ole Seagull read the words of Missouri Senatorial Candidate Todd Aiken, “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down,” relative to rape involved pregnancies, he was shocked at its stupidity and in-sensitiveness . As he witnessed, what he believes, were Aiken’s selfish actions regarding continuing in the campaign in the face of what his loss could mean to the conservative cause he professes to champion; statements of other political leaders and the acronym DIAS “sprung” to mind:
…

Could DIAS continue to “spring up” and cause the demise of America?Read More »

Could DIAS continue to “spring up” and cause the demise of America? Read More »

It takes “PBIS” for a Branson show to be successful

Branson, Government, Opinion / /

BRANSON, Mo., July 22, 2012 — It’s no secret, this year has been a really tough year for many shows. Why? Simply put, “There’s not enough ‘PBIS’ (Paid Butts In Seats.) This might seem trite but it is PBIS, the “gross” revenue generated by each “butt” in a seat, that provides theatres and show owners with the major revenue source to pay performers, staff, taxes, operate theatres, costuming, sets, marketing, a myriad of other costs and hopefully, make a “net” profit.
…

It takes “PBIS” for a Branson show to be successfulRead More »

It takes “PBIS” for a Branson show to be successful Read More »

“Remember the No Back To School, Sales Tax Holiday” when “They” want more taxes!

Branson, General, Government, Taney County / /

Branson, Mo., August 5, 2012 – “They” are the City of Branson, Taney County, Branson Landing Transportation Development District, Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District, Taney County Ambulance District, all of whom have made the intentional decision not to join the State of Missouri in providing …

“Remember the No Back To School, Sales Tax Holiday” when “They” want more taxes!Read More »

“Remember the No Back To School, Sales Tax Holiday” when “They” want more taxes! Read More »