top of page



Branson theater numbers look good—until you remove the giants
The result would not be by individual show, but like it is now, just one total figure. The only difference would be that there would be one figure for Branson shows, with the Branson index figure right next to it.“

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


But that’s not all there was!
If that’s all there was, that Jesus died a horrible and painful death for that in which He believed, most of His followers would have considered Him a hero.

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


Branson’s choice April 7: Developer influence vs. independent leadership
"How do you reach that conclusion, Seagull?" It's simple, 'follow the money!'

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


From news beats to back beats: Journalist Jason Wert follows his dream
Jason is now doing what she asked. Having played the drums for forty-eight years, including gigs on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, much of it in conjunction with his journalism career, he is now taking a leap of faith to live the life that really makes him happy — playing the drums.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


America’s 250th#1: How one man’s decision to survive preserved the Alamo’s most famous story
For nearly two weeks, Mexican guns endlessly fired on the fort. Despite the brave work of the Alamo’s leader, Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis, to send out urgent letters asking for help, no real aid ever came.

Gary J. Groman
4 min read


Yesteryear’s Echoes: Trying to make ‘lemonade’ from the Highroad ‘prune’ – at what cost?
One can therefore understand the Ole Seagull’s confusion as he reads that one of those projects, the only one directly affecting those who travel in the immediate Branson area, is a $6.8 million extension of the Ozark Mountain Highroad.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


Agendas, courtesy, and processes are for others, not the aristocratic ‘New Wave’
A long-standing tradition has guided Branson Board of Aldermen meetings for decades. It is a simple, unwritten rule of etiquette: the general Public Comment period at the beginning of each meeting is reserved for topics that are not already listed on that night’s Regular Agenda to be discussed later in the meeting. If a citizen wants to discuss a specific item scheduled for later in the meeting, the standard practice is to wait until that item is formally presented by the B

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


America’s 250th: Beyond the photograph - The real cost of Iwo Jima
To truly understand Iwo Jima, one must look at the numbers. The battle began on February 19, 1945.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


250th - Paradise stolen: Sugar barons, the coup and the Queen who tried to save Hawaii
Standing in their way was Queen Liliuokalani. She was a strong and dignified leader who saw that foreign interference was hurting her nation.

Gary J. Groman
4 min read


‘Lick 'em and stick 'em vs. compassion: An Ole Seagull's ordeal in the emergency room
While at home under the care of Compassus Hospice for Alzheimer’s disease, and by the direction of their nurse, the Ole Seagull’s wife, Lois, was transported by ambulance to the emergency room at Cox Branson with acute abdominal pain in the early morning hours of December 24, 2025. Approximately four hours later, she was discharged and sent home with a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection along with a prescription for antibiotics, no pain medications and the advice to see h

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


250th: Why Eisenhower’s ‘Great Equation’ still matters
However, the constant threat of the Soviet Union forced the nation to build a vast permanent armaments industry. Eisenhower and his speechwriters, particularly Ralph Williams, recognized that this new combination of a massive military establishment and a large private arms industry was a first for America.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


The hardest column I have ever written
For 64 years, his world has revolved around one person: his wife, Lois. Now, he watches helplessly as Alzheimer’s Disease pulls her into its final, foggy stages.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


What does a donut have to do with having a great Branson experience?
The tangibles are the “things.” The “intangibles” represent the environment and manner in which the “tangibles” are presented, and how they impact guests’ feelings as they participate in various activities.

Gary J. Groman
4 min read


You can’t even spell CHRISTmas without CHRIST!
Do most say “Happy Holiday” when wishing someone a “Happy Easter” or Happy Thanksgiving?” Does U.S. law specifically designate “Christmas Day, December 25” as a “legal public holiday?” It does the way the Ole Seagull reads U.S. Code § 6103.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


From battleships to bandwidth: Why a cyber 'Pearl Harbor' could cripple America from within
On the other hand, the "knights" within the armor were in excellent shape, particularly in spirit. They listened to the same radio news reports and agreed on who the enemy was.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read
![A tale of two tourism taxes: the BCTT and TCEDT [Part 1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d906d_d2aea45a6c664e6e954281712ffcb061~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/0d906d_d2aea45a6c664e6e954281712ffcb061~mv2.webp)
![A tale of two tourism taxes: the BCTT and TCEDT [Part 1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d906d_d2aea45a6c664e6e954281712ffcb061~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_296,h_222,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/0d906d_d2aea45a6c664e6e954281712ffcb061~mv2.webp)
A tale of two tourism taxes: the BCTT and TCEDT [Part 1]
The BCTT is managed directly by the city government, and it is a fundamental tax needed to keep Branson running when its population suddenly swells by tens of thousands of visitors.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


Flying today? The risk of distracted air traffic control in a political standoff
The Ole Seagull’s personal experience as an FAA attorney causes Ole Seagull to believe it’s a job that is already incredibly stressful with no room for mistakes.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


When do Branson's four pillars of Faith, Family, Flag and Fun shine brightest?
Every day, what Branson offers is built on the four pillars of Faith, Family, Flag and Fun. It’s this that sets Branson apart from most other tourist destinations.

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


Two aldermen's feathers ruffled; attempt to ground pesky ‘Ole Seagull’
The October 14, 2025, board meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen made history when it considered not reappointing an appointee to the TIF Commission. Two aldermen, Lucas and Schulz, did not like some of the things the Ole Seagull said about their antics while they were conducting the city’s business from the dais. When his name was set forth, Schulz made a motion, seconded by Lucas, that the Ole Seagull’s name be removed from consideration because of alleged problems they

Gary J. Groman
4 min read


Times Are A-Changing In “Branson” and Silver Dollar City
Back through the ‘50s, Rockaway Beach was the place in the Ozarks for people to come for vacations, senior getaways, etc. All that...

Gary J. Groman
3 min read
bottom of page