The Ole Seagull

An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

General, Opinion / /

Dedication: The republication of this evolving tribute is respectfully dedicated to a “Marines Marine,” the highly decorated Captain Dale Dye, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, who will be the key note speaker at the U.S. Marine Corps Ball being held in Branson on November 10.

It is a sad fact of life that the politicians, and those in power, start wars and that the people of the nations involved bleed, die, suffer, and otherwise pay the price of war. Even in today’s world of terrorist attacks, as the people of countries or ideologies make war on each other they fall into two general categories, “Military” and “Civilian.” The Military or the fighters, generally kill each other and the civilians they believe are making war on them the old fashioned way, directly, with bullets, bombs, suicide or otherwise, terrorism, planes, etc. History testifies to the fact that they, and the civilians their actions impact on, are generally the first to bleed, suffer, and die. …

An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki?Read More »

An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Read More »

Retirement, Emeritus, Airport, Branson and “Ozark Mountain Holidays”

Branson, Opinion / /

At the outset the Ole Seagull would thank all who wished him well in his retirement. In fact, he is as retired as he will ever be in this world. Thanks to a combination of his own personal failings and circumstances beyond his control, more than likely that retirement will, until he can physically and mentally do so no longer, always involve an active work component. In that regard, he is truly blessed because he is not only able to work, but has the wonderful opportunity of telling Branson’s story and giving people information that will, hopefully, encourage them to factor Branson into their travel decisions and help them plan for and have a great experience when they come to Branson.

His column, on the other hand, has never been a factor in the fiscal aspects of his retirement plan. To him, although he’s sure there are others who see it differently, it has always been a labor of “love” and community service designed to do one thing, give people an opinion that, whether they agreed with it or not, would at least encourage them to think about the column’s topic and what if any further research, action, or involvement on their part was appropriate. …

Retirement, Emeritus, Airport, Branson and “Ozark Mountain Holidays”Read More »

Retirement, Emeritus, Airport, Branson and “Ozark Mountain Holidays” Read More »

It’s time for an Ole Seagull to say, “Thank you” and “Godspeed”

General, Opinion / /

As the Ole Seagull sat down to write a column this morning it hit him. At this stage of his life, with the remaining time he has left to write, he’d much rather be investing the effort and time it takes to write this column each week into writing something that would share what Branson has to offer with the world. Too, this week, as he celebrated his 70th birthday, he was reminded of the biblical passage, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” Although perhaps not soon enough for some, the Ole Seagull’s “appointed time” as a weekly columnist ends with this column.
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It’s time for an Ole Seagull to say, “Thank you” and “Godspeed”Read More »

It’s time for an Ole Seagull to say, “Thank you” and “Godspeed” Read More »

Why don’t the businesses and citizens of Kimberling City and it environs ante up for their own marketing?

Branson, General, Opinion / /

When a resident of Branson goes into the Wal-Mart Super Center in Branson Hills they are paying a one percent retail sales tax to be used for marketing. Considering just the retail marketing tax, that’s $1010.00 for $1,000 in taxable purchases. When a resident of Kimberling City or Branson West goes into the Wal-Mart Super Center in Branson West and buys the same $1,000 in purchases their total is only $1000.00 dollars because they have no marketing tax.
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Why don’t the businesses and citizens of Kimberling City and it environs ante up for their own marketing?Read More »

Why don’t the businesses and citizens of Kimberling City and it environs ante up for their own marketing? Read More »

What would cost Branson the most tourists, the closeing of its live shows or its RecPlex, city funded outdoor sports venues and Branson Landing?

Branson, General, Opinion / /

Seagull, “In your opinion, what would have the most impact on the total number of visitors coming to Branson in the future, the closing of all its live theatres or a combination of the closing of its RecPlex, city funded outdoor sports venues and Branson Landing?” “That’s easy, the closing of Branson’s live theatres.” …

What would cost Branson the most tourists, the closeing of its live shows or its RecPlex, city funded outdoor sports venues and Branson Landing?Read More »

What would cost Branson the most tourists, the closeing of its live shows or its RecPlex, city funded outdoor sports venues and Branson Landing? Read More »

Give us a break- 20% reduction in Branson sales tax revenues caused by theatres- that’s nuts!

Branson, General, Opinion / /

On July 13, in a thread in the Ole Seagull’s Forum at www. 1Branson.com Forums (www.1branson.com/forum/) poster BMOMAN said, “Recently there was an article in the NewsLeader that said Branson’s sales tax was down 20% for April and May. I spoke with members of the city and chamber commerce about that alarming number and found out a couple of unusual things. Restaurants and hotels were actually up. The state park had there [their] highest grossing 4th of July EVER!! but when asked how come the number was done [down] they regrettably said it was the theatres that were bringing those numbers down. Whats your thoughts?”

An Ole Seagull’s thought is, “That’s not only nuts, it’s stupid and inaccurate.” Given that scenario, how could shows alone possibly reduce Branson’s overall “sales tax” revenues by anywhere near 20%? However, in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, that’s not surprising coming from BMOMAN and those of his ilk who, to an Ole Seagull, seem hell bent on depreciating the economic value and relevance of Branson’s live shows to Branson, currently and in the future. …

Give us a break- 20% reduction in Branson sales tax revenues caused by theatres- that’s nuts!Read More »

Give us a break- 20% reduction in Branson sales tax revenues caused by theatres- that’s nuts! Read More »

“Caution Flag” out for proposed Branson Sports Entertainment Complex

Branson, Opinion / /

When the initial announcement about the plans for the proposed NASCAR Racetrack south of Hollister and Branson was made it reminded the Ole Seagull of Abraham Lincoln’s statement when he said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” Not knowing much about NASCAR, but having a curiosity as to why it would even consider coming to Branson I talked with friends who are real NASCAR fans.
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“Caution Flag” out for proposed Branson Sports Entertainment ComplexRead More »

“Caution Flag” out for proposed Branson Sports Entertainment Complex Read More »

America’s Spirit – “Remember the Alamo”

General / /
"Bronze statute in front of the Branson Veteran's Museum reflects the reason why America is able to celebrate each and every Fourth of July."

On March 3, 1836, Colonel William Barret Travis, the Commander of the Alamo, wrote to Texas Governor Smith, “…victory will cost the enemy so dear, that it will be worse for him than defeat.” In the early predawn hours of Sunday, March 6, 1836, after 12 days of almost constant bombardment and siege, the soldiers of Mexican General Santa Anna, numbering in the thousands, made their final assault on the Alamo, overwhelming and killing everyone of its 189 defenders. …

America’s Spirit – “Remember the Alamo”Read More »

America’s Spirit – “Remember the Alamo” Read More »

Does inaction of local, elected and paid leaders place Branson area at risk?

Branson, Government, Opinion / /

What a difference a couple of months makes. Most of the questions an Ole Seagull gets about Lake Taneycomo these days is about how low it is and why is it that way. Less than a couple of months ago it was about how high the water in Lake Taneycomo was getting and why they weren’t getting the water out of Table Rock Lake quicker.
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Does inaction of local, elected and paid leaders place Branson area at risk?Read More »

Does inaction of local, elected and paid leaders place Branson area at risk? Read More »

What will save Branson shows when Andy, Mickey, Jim et al. retire?

Branson, Opinion / /

An Ole Seagull would answer that question by saying, “The same thing that helped bring Andy, Mickey, Jim et al. to Branson originally. Individually, each of them is an irreplaceable entertainment treasure, but from a Branson shows perspective they are simply a part of the total diverse and exciting entertainment experience that Branson provides every day. The day before they retire as well as the day after they retire, Branson entertainers will be doing the same thing they were doing that attracted the millions of people to Branson that played a role in attracting Andy, Mickey, Jim et al to Branson in the first place, providing a great entertainment experience for each guest they entertain.”
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What will save Branson shows when Andy, Mickey, Jim et al. retire?Read More »

What will save Branson shows when Andy, Mickey, Jim et al. retire? Read More »