Branson Courier

Today: Monday, May 20, 2013

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Editorials

Letterman jokes, Letcherman drools and Branson cartoonist cartoons.

Cartoon by Branson, MO cartoonist John Logan regarding his opinion of the jokes David Letterman told about Sara Palin's daughter. ...
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Wheel of Fortune Wheelmobile wheels into Branson

The "Wheel of Fortune's "Wheelmobile" will be in Branson at the Welk Resort Theatre between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on May 9 and 10 conducting the preliminary screening process before the final Wheel of Fortune contestant auditions. ...
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An Ole Seagull's last column is but a "Letter to the Editor"

Someone a lot wiser than an Ole Seagull said, "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 columnist has come to an end. ...
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Live music shows are Branson's entertainment heart

Who could have known back in 1959 that when the Mabe family started performing their country music variety show called the "Baldknobbers," in a small 50 seat basement room in the Branson Community Center, the show would still be going 50 years later? ...
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Branson Airport is about as private as Dr. Jekyll is "Cinderella"

"The airport can do whatever it wants to do because it's private." That's true if the airport is truly private, but from its inception, to this point, that makes about as much sense as saying Dr. Jekyll is "Cinderella." ...
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The "Great Branson Marketing Idea Show"

Like a lot of people, the Ole Seagull is no more of an expert on pie shows than he is a marketing expert. But, that doesn't mean he doesn't have an idea or two about pie shows or marketing. Here's a great marketing idea, how about using the internet to market Branson? ...
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Attack nay, intercept you may, but "ours is but to do or die"

Interestingly, last week's column entitled "Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all?" evoked a response that was 100 wrong. There were those who disagreed with the column because they perceived the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB (CVB) was being attacked and there were those that agreed with the column because they perceived the CVB was being attacked. Both were wrong. ...
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"Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all?

The queen, in the movie "Snow White," was concerned about whether or not she was the fairest in the land...Maybe, just maybe, those government officials with a responsibility and true concern for the marketing of Branson should be asking the magic mirror, "Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all." ...
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Are there positions taken when an issue is put on a ballot?

It seems the hot issue in Taney County, Hollister, and Branson, Missouri over the last couple of weeks, and particularly this coming week, is the rush for Taney County to put the financing for the East West Corridor (EWC) and an Events Center (EC) on the ballot for the April election. ...
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Oh, be still my beating heart, rumors of no Branson pie show!

It's not a rumor, no matter how BransonFest has done in the past, good bad or indifferent, it isn't going to do anything in Branson this year...the Titanic's Mary Kellogg said "Branson's First Annual Great American Pie Show" would be held at the Branson Convention ...
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Branson Airport is just another PRIVATE for profit business

Is it really a privately owned and operated airport when it is receiving up to $2 million in government funds directly and the direct benefit of hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax payer financed marketing? Should the city revisit the contract in view of other information on how the airport will be raising revenue and operating? ...
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Auld Lang Syne or "Should high waters be forgot and days of Plooding fine"

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) robotic and bureaucratic adherence to "The Plan" will impact the Branson area for years to come. Early last summer in a column entitled, "Corps fiddles The Plood while local officials and leaders dance to the tune." The Ole Seagull asked the areas elected and unelected leaders two simple questions about what was being done to correct ...
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Faith and individual effort will see us through

the average American loses their job, watches their pension and retirement fund dwindle away, as home values drop and health care costs rise out of control. Some might even have the impression that things are beyond control. ...
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Can there be Christmas without CHRISTmas?

The "Grinch" never came any closer to stealing the true meaning of Christmas than has trying to be "politically correct." The political correctness of "Merry Christmas" may change but the true meaning of CHRISTmas will never change. ...
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What's the best bet for Branson pies or poker?

The question is, "What will do more to bring more people to Branson and get Branson the most public relations (PR) exposure for each dollar spent, a three day pie show with a nationally recognized celebrity or a free three day $150,000 minimum prize Texas Hold-em tournament? ...
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It's not ownership, it's "butts in the seats" that counts

This week while talking with Branson Airport (BBG) officials they said that the bottom line for the success of the airport is getting "butts in the seats." Come to think of it, paraphrased a bit to "butts through the door" ... ...
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Thanksgiving is all about to whom the "Thanks" is "given!"

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. Is Thanksgivning any different? ...
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The new air service for Branson Airport is.....!

Branson's new airport has announced they have signed a low cost nationally networked carrier, but its identity, except for the anointed few is a "secret." The Ole Seagull isn't one of the anointed few but we're he a guessing bird he would say "The new air service for Branson Airport is going to... ...
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An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

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. ...
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Doesn't downtown Branson have any restaurants?

Well not many, according to the city's official web site....they were surprised and not very impressed when only four items showed up for "Downtown Branson," were McDonalds, Wendy's, Pappa Johns, and the Candle Stick Inn Restaurant. ...
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A letter from a Soldiers wife

... that thousands of other soldier's wives, mothers, grandparents, and loved ones hear the same comments and questions, the information, poignancy and emotion in the email from Heather Klein, the wife of SPC Kory Klein, currently serving with the U.S. Army Reserve in Iraq, needs to be shared and, except for some slight editing, is printed below as submitted. ...
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We have met Branson's "Bailout Package" and it is us!

...as was the case at the federal level, the budget situation in Branson was created by the decisions that its elected and unelected leaders made. What's particularly sad in the local case is that the decisions were intentionally made whereas as at the federal level they, more often than not, were made by omission or failure to act. ...
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2009 year of deficit spending and declining Fund Balances

Even with Branson's "caution light" on and city revenues estimated to be going down about 4 percent in 2009, the city's operating expenses are budgeted to go up about 4 percent from last year. The budget presented to the Budget and Finance Committee at its Oct. 15 meeting for 2009 showed Budgeted Revenues of $15,440,350 and Budgeted Expenditures of ...
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Even in Branson "It happens" and there's no "free flush"

...elected leaders at all levels should have the honesty, courage, and fortitude to do what should have been done years ago, tell people, "It happens," here's what it costs to get rid of "It" and here's what you pay to get rid of yours" It's the "pay as you flush" variation of the "pay as you go" concept. ...
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Should the created change the laws of the Creator?

As a nation, when was America the most successful? Was it when God, His precepts and power were an integral part of our daily lives from both a national and a personal perspective? Or. is it now when seemingly as a nation, and in a lot of cases from a personal perspective, the U.S. Constitution and the Federal government has been substituted for the precepts and power of God?" ...
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Confusing numbers impact tourism, the budget, but praise God, not the Adoration Parade!

Lately it seems from the national to local level, people are being bombarded by numbers that impact on their daily lives, their community, and, possibly, on the very future of their nation. ...
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In terms of promotion and marketing both sewers and destination marketing can smell

Can anyone tell an Ole Seagull how the terms "promotion" and "tourism," as used in the legislation authorizing the spending of tourism tax dollars for marketing, can be so broadly interpreted in Hollister and so restrictively interpreted in Branson? ...
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Branson's present financial challenge and its past administration "Is what it is"

In describing the breakdown of the financial system Dean Kruithof, Branson's present city administrator said there was a lack of effective contract management, no reconciliation to budget, no project accounting,... ...
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God warns Noah and he built an ark; God warns "Branson" and it says "Huh?"

ncredulously, after all the warning signs and the actual impact upon our community of this year's historic high water there is no public record of any effort by any community leader, organization, governmental or otherwise... ...
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Branson's attempt to save $700,000 may "develop" into millions

While developers seem to get millions of city tax dollars for their projects it appears there are very few crumbs left for improvements helping the average resident and business or to simply make things easier for our guests. The answers to the following... ...
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Surely there's no involuntary servitude in Branson, is there?

It must have been a dream because there can't be involuntary servitude in Branson. Yet it seemed so real, this conversation the Ole Seagull had with a man who stopped him on the street... ...
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City financial challenges exasperated by Branson Landing TIF ?

For all practical purposes, not one dollar of that retail sales tax revenue can be used by the city to meet its financial challenges or used for anything except to pay off the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds used to finance the Branson Landing Project. Not one dollar will be spent to build or repair a road... ...
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America's "nobleness" and hope - Her Teachers!

In terms of a "profession," America's future does not lie in the hands of Presidents, politicians, lawyers, doctors, accountants, and other leaders. Her future lies in the hands of the professionals who will be teaching those who will become the future ...
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45 pages of new liquor ordinances to solve what problems?

The challenge is to limit and channel the scope of any new LCOs to that necessary for the efficient resolution of the problems that need to be addressed. ...
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Branson's Fall Creek Zigzag - a matter of logic, honor, and commitment

"What has Branson received for the $3 million... A stop light, an almost one of a kind inefficient zigzag approach to the intersection and the commitment of city government... ...
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Branson Liquor Czar to hunt mice with elephant gun?

...it appears the city of Branson's proposed new liquor control Ordinances (LCOs) is taking an elephant gun approach to solving a mouse sized problem. It's not a matter of whether or not Branson can or should enact new LCOs, it can and should; it's a matter of scope and efficiency. ...
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From nipples to pages, the "chaff" of Branson's new liquor regulations

...of separating the wheat from the chaff. The posting of just one post from one blogger this week, about the city of Branson's proposed new regulations, illustrates that challenge. ...
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Branson Tri-Lakes area lakes are still high and the seconds are ticking away

...he fears for what can happen if the lake level situation is not addressed immediately as to what can be done to get more water out of the Branson area lakes faster. At a minimum that should involve an official request to prevent the lowering of the regulatory stage at Newport to 12 feet from its current 14 feet until all the Branson Tri-Lakes area lakes are at their Seasonal Conservation Pool averages. ...
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Thank You Lord for a Titanic lesson

The cumulative beliefs, actions, passion, enthusiasm, hopes, and dreams of today are the foundation of tomorrow, if it comes, and our legacy if it doesn't ...
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Corps fiddles "The Plood" while local Branson officials and leaders dance to the tune

A "plood" is defined as "The overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry, or the constant real threat of such flow, usually caused by the development and administrtion of "The Plan" by the Corps. ...
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Board "solicited" to make the simple complex but why?

Branson can survive the "perfect economic storm!"

Recently Mellie expressed a concern that a lot of people and businesses in the Branson Tri-Lakes area have. She said, "I am worried about our economy, in Branson." ...
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When the waters go down what then?

Unfortunately, the adverse economic effects of the floods will not automatically abate in proportion to the recession of the water levels of Table Rock Lake. ...
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Under "The Plan" when does a flood become a "Plood"

A "Plood" is a flood caused by "The Plan" of US Army Corps Engineers and indifference on the part of the local community. ...
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Vacuum cleaners or time shares, it's not the ordinance, it's enforcement

...if it is vigorously and equally enforced against anyone that solicits on the public sidewalks, be it for vacuum cleaners, time share and vacation clubs, free tickets, etc that the problem will be solved in short order. Absent that all the ordinance changes in the world aren't going to make a difference. ...
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An accident, thank you and God's blessing

On Thursday of this week, our community handled a challenge of the "heart," as many of our phones rang to tell us that there had been an accident involving two Branson School busses and that children were being taken to the hospital in ambulances. ...
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Where's the conflict of interest actual, perceived or otherwise?

Ever since he took office in April of 2007, Alderman Stephen Marshall has been accused of a conflict of interest every time he mentions or questions the operations of the Branson Convention Center. ...
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The key to Branson's success is its workforce!

...at the end of the day, what will determine the ultimate success of Branson is the interface between the visitor and Branson's workforce. ...
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Spare lives - Slow Down in work zones!

...would not still be with us but for the reckless actions of Toeneboehn and his failure to simply slow down while going through a work zone. ...
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"Baa, Baa" not hardly, it's only an opinion!

Most of those who take the time to read an opinion column in a newspaper, this one or otherwise, are not the type of "Baa, Baa" people who will blindly follow the opinion of the columnist like a sheep. ...
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When does $140,732 actually equal ($87, 268) and 50% of $100 equal zero?

The answer to the question, "When does $140, 732 actually equal ($87, 268) and 50 percent of $100 equal zero is, "When reality is applied to the Branson Landing TIF." ...
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Bingo it is, Branson it is not!

Ironically, even as Branson is seemingly trying to evolve away from the history, heritage, and the type of entertainment that attracts millions to it every year, at least one other "Branson wannabee" appears interested in emulating that very thing. Well sort of. ...
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Could "Branson FamilyFreeFest" stoke Hot Winter Fun and market the convention center?

If Wisconsin Dells can do it for water parks all winter long, why can't Branson have a city wide event for three to six days over one or two weekends in the middle of January to extend ... ...
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Politics and business in Branson is a potential conflict of interest but give us a break!

Grizzly and a few others keep playing the potential conflict of interest card in Marshall's case while choosing to ignore it in the case of Williams and, in some cases themselves? ...
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Who was it that said they had never met a TIF they didn't like?

...who one votes for can influence the use and growth of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) within our community. What would have done the most to bring more people to Branson, $100 million spent on marketing all that Branson is and has or $100 million to develop Branson Landing?" ...
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Oh, hush my beating heart; HCW does own the city's convention center web site!

In a recent column concerning the Branson Convention Center web site, the Ole Seagull wrote, '"Oh hush my beating heart,' is it even possible that HCW is the registered owner of the Branson Convention Center web site that the city is spending thousands of dollars in taxpayer money promoting?" The answer is... ...
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Though April elections may come your way, they bring the TIFs which bloom in May

Unfortunately while the April rains might "bring flowers that bloom in May" Branson's April election may bring the TIFs that bloom in May. ...
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"It's the Marketing, Stupid" not the TIFs!

One can just imagine the excitement within the family as they are told that the highlight of their vacation will be the fire and light show at Branson Landing and a two for one hammer sale at Home Depot. ...
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Even Kimberling City can't win the pot unless they ante up, or can they?

In the game of Tourism Poker, it appears that the "Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (TRLACC) wants to win $200,000 from the Missouri Division of Tourism without having the ante or the money to play the hand. ...
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Event Days aside, Branson's convention center wasn't built to make a profit, but...

One of the foundational documents used to support the building of the convention center in downtown Branson estimated that the convention center would have an annual net operating deficit of ($530,000) per year in... ...
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Could Branson's 300 foot building precedent and a skunk have something in common?

At the end of the day, if the process leading to a result has a stench, the result will stink. ...
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Gut feeling - Relax, Hilton is doing a great job with Branson's convention center!

...believes that Hilton is doing an excellent job in operating and marketing the Branson Convention Center. Does he have hard data on bookings etc. to back that up? No, that's why it's a gut feeling... ...
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Is Branson's convention center web site being used to promote select private entities?

The question is simple, "Is the city of Branson's convention center web site, paid for with tax payer funds designated for the marketing of its convention center, being used to market Branson Landing and the Hilton Convention Center Hotel, both of which are privately owned?" ...
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Branson's biggest news story of 2007 - "Earning back the benefit of the doubt position."

In terms of the local Branson news stories for 2007 that will have the most lasting impact on Branson, now and in the future, the April election for mayor and aldermen just has to be right up there. ...
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Can there be Christmas without CHRISTmas?

What does Christ have to do with CHRISTmas? Everything! Without Christ there can be no CHRISTmas. There can be a holiday, a season, festivals, and... ...
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Was it a really a fake "phantom battle in the War on Christmas?"

Verbiage such as "phantom battle in the War on Christmas" and "pro-Christ bunch" show a sensitivity on the part of the News-Leader's Editorial Board that is exceeded only by its arrogance and apparent lack of knowledge as to why the Branson Board of Aldermen need not fight the War on Christmas" because the "city's Christmas spirit is obvious and the 'war' is fake." ...
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Branson's resolution is about "Christmas" not the establishment clause!

The "Christmas Resolution" that the city of Branson's Board of Aldermen (the board) is voting on Dec. 10 is not an establishment clause or freedom of religion issue. From a pure legal, logic, and governmental function perspective it is a simple resolution of the board stating their support of Ozark Mountain Christmas and encouraging Branson businesses and residents to take actions that will support it. ...
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The gift for the person who has everything, Branson's Taneycomo Bridge closed for a year!

Will Branson celebrate Christmas or some other neutered politically correct holiday?

Does Branson spend millions of dollars marketing Ozark Mountain Hanukah, Ozark Mountain Kwanzaa, Ozark Mountain Holidays, or some other form of a neutered politically correct version of Christmas? If it does it's one of the best kept secrets around. On th ...
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Thanksgiving is all about to whom the "Thanks" is "given!"

Perhaps Abraham Lincoln, in his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation said it best. "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things..." ...
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Branson's Lake Taneycomo Bridge "Get-R-Done" steering committee

The seconds, minutes, days, weeks, and months available to avoid the shutdown of the Lake Taneycomo Bridge for about a year are sifting through the hourglass....the last second dropping through means that the Branson community lives with the results of wh ...
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TIF impact on Branson schools is stiff, no, on second thought, it's just plain nuts!

It's about the inherent unfairness and lack of logic in the way that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) deprives local school districts of the funds needed to service the educational needs created by the very growth that the TIFs are being used to create and f ...
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An Apology For Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Why?

The blood of her sons, and ours, staining the sands of remote Pacific Islands such as Peleliu, Okinawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and others, solemnly testify to the futility of such an apology and of war itself. ...
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Hollister residents have a unique opportunity at the polls on Nov. 6

...a tax we not only don't pay but that can save us money! Do you think we are stupid?" Quite the opposite... ...
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To bridge or not to bridge is not the question - the question is economic development!

To an ole Seagull, it appears that a new bridge is a "carrot," that those wanting a tax for other purposes, are using in the hopes of getting access to funds for their pet projects. The truth of the matter is... ...
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Do Branson shows and Pogo have something in common?

Are there too many shows in Branson? How many shows are enough? Is the price of tickets a factor? How does the fact that a lot of shows and theatres sell their tickets to time-shares, ticket resellers, ...
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Down town businesses finally on Branson Convention Center web site - Thank you!

The primary reasons he wrote the column was because the web site not only ignored Branson's historic downtown district but also, although listing many other businesses in Branson, did not list any from the historic downtown district. ...
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Fishing for Lake Taneycomo trout relates to business success in Branson how?

A successful business environment for Branson's businesses requires the same thing that makes Branson's Lake Taneycomo the successful trout fishery that ...
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The Ole Seagull's Q and A on the proposed tax and downtown bridge

A simple Q and A on questions the Ole Seagull has been asked about the proposed economic development tax and the downtown bridge and, for what they matter, his responses ...
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Are Branson and Taney County voters being "steered" into a new bridge tax that they really don't need?

Is it just possible that no new sales taxes are needed to build a new bridge and avoid the closing of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo? But even if they are, how is it possible... ...
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"Where's the beef" that brings millions to Branson?

"Where's the beef" that built Branson to the point where it is today? The simple fact is that the "beef" that built Branson to the point where it is today is... ...
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Isn't half right still wrong in Branson?

"Is a person who makes it half way across Highway 65 before getting hit by a dump truck traveling at 60 miles per hours "half right" or a hood ornament? ...
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If Branson's blighted land is worth $100,000 per acre why isn't a skateboard a bicycle?

In a city where legalistic manipulation and interpretation has been used to call land that a developer was reimbursed over $100,000 an acre for "blighted"... is it any surprise that a "bicycle" could meet the legal definition of a "skateboard?" ...
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Why aren't more people playing at Branson's shows?

Branson's marketing brand proudly proclaims to the world the illusion that "Someone you love is always playing in Branson." What the message doesn't promise is that the "someone" will "always" be "playing" in a show or theater and that's not necessarily a ...
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Is Branson's concern about affordable housing a conspiracy to curtail growth?

How can a reasonable person interpret a possible conspiracy to "curtail commercial business growth" and "an attempt to curtail wage increases and stifle the job market" from a statement reiterating the generally held community belief that there is a need ...
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Isn't Branson Landing's public square truly "our" public square?

The truth of the matter is that for the next 99 years or so, the public square at Branson Landing is not "owned" by the public. Yet, never has the public had more access to, or made more use of, the area occupied by Branson Landing's public square. ...
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What does the firing of Branson's city administrator or attorney have to do with liquor regulation in Branson?

Branson's Namegate or beer the basis for the opinions is what is important!

the major guiding percepts for criminal investigators, reporters, columnists...Kipling wrote "I keep six honest serving-men, they taught me all I knew; their names are What and Why and When And How and Where and Who." ...
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Is there Highroad "Deja vu" involved with the closing of Branson's Taneycomo Bridge?"

The question is simple, how will the closing of the "Business 65 Bridge" over Lake Taneycomo for a year or more impact on the Branson community and the lives of the thousands of people and the many businesses that use and depend on it daily, in terms of s ...
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Was Branson's "Bransongate" over annexation and strip clubs or ball games and dollars?

The recent "Bransongate" embarrassment was couched in terms of preserving the "purity" of Branson's name from those who would deflower it but... ...
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Happy Birthday America - "Remember the Alamo"

What is it about the Alamo that has touched the hearts and souls of generations since? What are we to remember? Was it their courage or that they spent their lives for a noble cause? ...
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Let's "park" Branson Landing as the reason for downtown's business "ouch!"

Not really because to do that, one would have to assume that the downtowns parking problems are all the fault of Branson Landing and that simply is not the truth. ...
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Branson's elected officials are regaining the "benefit of the doubt position"

Branson's government had "lost the benefit of the doubt position." ...
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What came first, "the chicken or the egg" or Branson's "the Dodink before the Dapprich?"

Branson Alderman says, "I made that Statement Mr. Groman because Mrs. Dapprich has used all kinds of verbiage to describe us from snakes to other descriptive adjectives. That's why I made that statement." ...
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What "We believe" is Branson's past and its hope for the future!

What will bring visitors to Branson is the expectation of experiencing what they believe Branson is, shows, shopping, attractions, family entertainment, lakes, values, etc. What will bring them back to Branson, or not, is the actual experience they have w ...
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Will Branson's public comment meeting procedures change without your input?

Any changes to this Section can either enhance the opportunity for open government and the effective exchange of information between those wishing to speak and the city of Branson's elected representatives or reduce that opportunity. ...
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Was the "Branson Name Issue" resolved by "Different ears listening" or the difference between "directed" and "directing?"

At the May 29 meeting of the AE board of aldermen they voted unanimously to rescind the current program which the BE board initiated in the Fall of 2006 to try to give the city of Branson rights to the name "Branson" that it did not have. ...
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Randy Travis to appear at Branson's RFD TV-The Theatre followed by Branson's first 2007 Polka Festival

Country and gospel superstar Randy Travis is coming to Branson for a concert series this week at RFD TV-The Theater. Travis ...
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Some Branson businesses "don't and won't" even while Branson is booming?

branson_area_District_TCED_Board_Aldermen_Lakes_Area_Convention_Visitors_Bureau_visitors_Golden_Coral_ ...
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Could the answer to Branson's packet problem be as simple as 1 + 2 equals 3?

The city of Branson's newly elected mayor and aldermen are taking a novel approach to the governing of the City of Branson. They actually want to participate actively in the development... ...
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"Ad nausea" or "nausea," take your pick but isn't an apology due?

Were an Ole Seagull a betting bird he would wager that the only thing "ad nausea" about the details of all the agreements that the city of Branson entered into was the repeated use of Missouri's Sunshine Law exceptions to keep details like these from the ...
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Is Grizzly coming after the Ole Seagull or the newly elected government of Branson?

Come to think of it, why would an Ole Seagull or anyone else for that matter, pay any attention to the unsupported allegations of someone hiding behind a cloak of anonymity as they personally attack someone else? ...
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A little sunshine on Darth Vader, a plaque, a name, a laundry, a fountain, etc?

Fear not, the taxpayer doesn't have to get gigged for Branson to continue to grow!

that the type of growth that has made Branson what it is today is entrepreneurial growth. The type of growth where people invest their own... ...
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Survivor Branson - mayor and alderman voted off but look who survives!

They replaced them with those who pledged that, if elected, such arrogance "would not stand" and to try to earn back "the benefit of the doubt position" from the community. ...
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Branson's future is at stake and the Ole Seagull's take - Vote Apr. 3

He supports Raeanne Presley over the incumbent mayor Lou Schaefer because of her policy on growth, her proven credentials to lead Branson into the future, her willingness to address an "attitude at city hall that boarders on arrogance" and her pledge that ...
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In dealing with the leadership of the city of Branson, do a fire hydrant and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have some ...

By treating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the same manner as it treats some of its citizens and businesses, has the current leadership of the city of Branson has done, in their morning bowl of cornflakes, what a male dog does to a fire hydrant? ...
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Alleluia brothers and sisters, will Branson's TIFs save us all?

Keeping an Ole Seagull in perspective

..."a lowly seagull walking along after the horse in the parade picking at the droppings" who is the 66 year old grandfather of seven, an independent columnist, and editor and publisher of the Branson Courier, an online newspaper about the live family ent ...
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Why won't Branson's mayor or a board of aldermen member say, "I'm sorry?"

...just has to believe that Dapprich is due an apology for what the city of Branson, under the color of law, did and attempted to do, in its Sep. 15, 2006 letter to her. ...
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Is there a different set of rules for those in power in Branson and those fishing the boardwalk?

It's what it represents that's important, the application of the law fairly, to all, without regard to social, economic, or political status, or position within the city of Branson's pecking order. ...
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Even without casino gambling Branson rolls a 7 to start 2007!

...it is extremely unlikely that casino gambling will come to Branson in the near future, if ever, and that Branson is poised for... ...
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Does this mean no Hilton Serenity bed at Branson Landing for the Ole Seagull?

Can any reasonable thinking person really believe that the opinion of one columnist can divide any city, let alone one like Branson with its many extremely talented ... ...
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Does the city of Branson's Cloud Law trump Missouri's Sunshine Law?

Does the current administration of the city of Branson look for ways to promote the Sunshine Law policy or circumvent it? ...
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"Uponst Thy Glorious Moon I Hath Gazed" or not!

An Ole Seagull knows he's going to be humming "Blue Moon" when he gets both the "full moon" and "a" moon trying "to correct his errors" all in one day. ...
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Is the city of Branson's use of TIFs a factor in raising school district taxes?

...it is inconceivable that the city of Branson's use of TIFs is not, in the very least, a contributing factor in the school district having to ask the voters for the tax increase ...
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The foundation for Branson's future success is the same as for its past success, values!

...could build two Branson Landings, neigh five Branson Landings, and they would not do as much for Branson's brand as our values and the perception that our visitors have of them. ...
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First Place for the 2006 Branson's news story of the year goes to "First PLACE"

A commitment to foster a community where character is highly valued and intentionally taught. ...
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Does this provide an insight into the reality and truth of "guess who?"

Do the very carefully chosen choice of words used by Branson City Administrator Terry Dody provide an interesting and revealing insight as to his version of reality and truth as compared to the way that most other people would view them under similar circ ...
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Can there be Christmas without CHRISTmas?

If we keep the spirit of the Christ Child and His love in our hearts and share it with others, Christmas, in its truest sense, will be with us everyday of the year, Merry Christmas folks, Merry Christmas. ...
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Can one assume that someone having a responsibility to enforce the law actually knows the law?

To paraphrase Paul Link, "I guess I should not assume that someone having a responsibility to enforce the law would actually know the law but Paul Link is entitled to his opinion ...
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Is Dody right, should the record reflect "that the board is taking no action in violation of our city ordinance?"

To slight of hand, song and dance, and illusion doth the sky scraper owe?

To an Ole Seagull, taken in total, the presentation appeared to be an arrogant attempt at justifying the unjustifiable ...
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Can it be, the "Dodink Magic and Variety Show" appearing in Branson city hall?

..should involve drama and perhaps a little "song and dance" should the decorum of two of the city of Branson's highest paid senior level management employees at recent board meetings come into question. ...
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The logic of "Tweedledee" and "Tweedledum" city of Branson style!

...he tapes reflect is that two of the city of Branson's senior unelected, executive level employees delayed or interrupted the proceedings, disturbed a speaker, and spoke during the Public Comment Meeting of the board of aldermen without registering, all ...
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"Doty" could be "Dody" but the city of Branson could never be "Branson!"

...is the type of cart before the horse logic that undervalues what makes the city of Branson financially relevant and overvalues the city of Branson's contribution to what has made Branson what it is. ...
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Does Branson need an SOB to save it from the city of Branson and its "Dodink Law?"

What city in its right mind would treat the very theatres, attractions, other entertainment venues, and the lodging industry that has made it so successful as the "financial incubator" for the "New Branson"... ...
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Is Missouri's Stem Cell Initiative Amendment using an elephant gun to hunt mice?

To him the primary issue is how those very important, and complex, issues are best addressed. Is it through the "one amendment covers it all approach," as interpreted by the courts, or the through his elected representatives and the legislative process? ...
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NAMEgate Abuse Grows in Branson

Thankfully, the City of Branson is not the real "Branson." ...
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Wouldn't it be better for "Branson" if the City of Branson changed its name to the "City of New Branson?

Mea culpa, couldn't a 25 story skyscraper symbolize the experience and expectation that is "Branson?"

Give us a break, the City of Branson can keep the term "Dodink" but leave "Branson" alone, please!

"Dodink Law." In the instant case it's the kind of law that appears to try to intimidate and coerce by... ...
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The New Branson philosophy: Build for "Those who come, not those that are here."

What "New Branson" without the seven million plus visitors that the "Old Branson" generates? ...
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At least ten things that the Ole Seagull is positive about!

more to do with the marketing strategy...than either Branson Landing or the convention center combined. ...
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It's about respect, intent, integrity and ethics not the legalistic and $500,000!

But the Branson City Tourism Tax wasn't conceived in a vacuum. ...
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Will Missouri's proposed Stem Cell Research Amendment "clone" either good law, common sense, or human beings?

...both supporters and opponents alike have forgotten the old adage attributed to Abraham Lincoln, "You can fool some of the... ...
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The Dodymesiter and Branson Legal meet Lady Justice

City of Branson could not even prove that a crime had been committed. ...How embarrassing to the city is that? ...
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What's more "gorgeous" Branson or the new Hip Branson of Gucci, Armani, and Prada?

the problem is not Branson's current product but making ... ...
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How little engines, masochists, and penguins relate to casino gambling in Rockaway Beach?

...and you can see why the "Little Rockaway Beach Casino Engine" just might keep chugging along saying, "I think I can, I think I can, �. ...
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"Ah yes my little chickadee," the missing Link between Alice and Wonderland and the city of Branson!

Said another way, Link's stated fact is simply not true. ...
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The reality of purple petunias and the serving of alcohol at Branson Landing

...it is legal for vendors on the "public square" in Branson Landing to sell cups of beer ... ...
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Talk about gambling in Branson, for what does it profit a community to gain a few bucks, and forfeit its values?

...a New Branson where anything is all right as long as it ... ...
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Even in Branson if it contains sex like pornography, offends like porography...

...the issue is with the commercial exploitation of obscene material not with the morality of any individual or ... ...
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"Remember the Alamo" - The Spirit of America

What is it about the Alamo that has touched the hearts and souls of generations? ...
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We got porn my friend, right here, I say porn right here in Branson City but, where's Branson's moral indignation?

It's about the character of our community. the family friendly values ... ...
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Should the businesses that make Branson what it is be treated in such a shallow manner?

Even worse is not simply the shallowness of the professionalism and integrity involved with the attempt but ... ...
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Will the City of Branson be coming for your customer list next?

City of Branson uses mass mailing to require Branson businesses to send their customer lists to the city... ...
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What's important is what Branson Landing is, not what it is not!

The opportunity to experience something that is unique not only lin Branson but in the entire world. ...
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Memorial Day - The "risk" that preserves our Nation

America's Armed Forces and their families have paid the price for the freedoms and privileges that we... ...
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Can a national identification card help solve security and illegal immigration problems?

Identification - the key for national security and for controlling illegal immigration. ...
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FirstPLACE for the most exciting thing to happen in Branson last year goes to�?

....foster a community where character is highly valued and intentionally taught. ...
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Does Branson's "blight" increase the chance of eminent domain being used to take your property?

The City of Branson...proven itself to be the master of "statutory blight"... ...
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The truth is that "Branson" is an expectation not a city or a TIF

The basis for this "truth" is contained in the answers to three simple questions. ...
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Is "Branson Legal" the same as moral or ethical?

...loop holes in laws that people find, exploit and abuse every day... ...
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Perseverance, the two edged sword

A sword that can effect lives for either good or bad because... ...
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Doesn't Branson's Tourism Community Enhancement District Board hide its TIF concerns well?

Where was the Boards concern when it could have done Branson some good? ...
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What are the odds of casino gambling ever coming to Rockaway Beach?

But what if the "new Branson" decides that it needs gambling to be successful... ...
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Branson's Branson Landing can not fail but will it be successful?

The politics, egos, money, and City of Branson support...virtually assure... ...
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A Branson tale, Bobblin Hood and his merry men

...inherently wrong...for Branson ...to constantly feed its own economic growth at the expense of its neighbors... ...
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Honestly, can there be honor without honesty?

No one is born with personal integrity and honesty ... ...
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Editorial Cartoon - Of course you can trust us with your ports

John Logan, Branson's premier editorial cartoonist, draws his impression on the U.S. Ports deal with the Arab Emerites... ...
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Just how much can Branson "fool" public sentiment?

Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing... ...
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A slogan for the new Branson - "Millions, millions for the new Branson, nor a dollar for Branson"

"Branson" was built by families who literally invested their lives and fortunes to build it ...
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The Soldier's Commitment - honoring their word to their country and each other

...being true to their word, to an oath taken, their fellow Soldiers, and honor, the Soldier's Commitment. ...
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Branson cannot serve two "cools" will it be Branson Cool or Hip Cool?

"Branson Cool" ...warmth, family friendliness, and hospitality combined with an "excellent or first rate." family entertainment experience. ...
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The story of the year for 2005, "Branson wins Tif-man Championship?"

the City of Branson has a seemingly insatiable greed to use TIF (Tax Increment Financing) regardless of the cost to its citizens and neighbors. ...
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"Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings" my foot, 'Merry CHRISTmas!"

The "Grinch" never came any closer to stealing the meaning of Christmas than has being "politically correct." ...
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Merry Christmas

...or, in the spirit of that love, a Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, or just the joy, peace, and love of the Christmas Season. ...
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Bah-Humbug editiorial cartoon on Branson's use of the TIF

John Logan, Branson's premier editorial cartoonist's impression of latest antics of the Branson TIF Commission ...
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This is Branson, Missouri - "Happy Holidays" nothing, "Merry Christmas" to you too Wal-Mart!

... insipid little Wal-Mart smiley face...slashing Christmas from Wal-Mart stores.. ...
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Branson, TIF if you must but satisfy the concerns of those who are educating our children, please!

Branson cost area taxpayers millions to keep big boxes out of Hollister. ...
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Will the city of Branson and its marketing partners keep faith with the voters?

Will Branson be able to market competatively? ...
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"Hail Caesar!" the theme for the "new" Branson?

At the end of the day Branson's will still be Caesar..."Hail Caesar!" ...
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Thanksgiving is all about to whom the "Thanks" is "given!"

...to stop and give "thanks" to Almighty God for the many blessings he has ... ...
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Even so citizenship, if it has no works, is dead, being but a word

Citizenship starts with individuals, families and homes... ...
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It simply makes sense for Branson- vote "Yes" for tourism and our future

...the majority of the people coming to Branson like what they experience and return. ...
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Is Branson's marketing heart on life support?

Marketing is to Branson what the heart is to the body and... ...
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A question for Branson's elected and appointed officials, "Would you like to be treated this way?"

What an excellent opportunity for the city of Branson to demonstrate ... ...
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Free at last- the new county of Freeus replaces the Western District of Taney County?

...eastern and western Taney County live in two different worlds. ...
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What did the four laning of Highway 65 into Branson have to do with the "effective" and "efficient" marketing of Branson?

That while trying to attract the new visitors necessary to keep Branson's ... ...
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