Branson Missouri
Yesterday was a great day for Branson. Belk's opened boasting 300 attendees at the mixer. The Branson Landing is beggining to open. The Hollister Chamber of Commerce hosted political Debates and the Branson Chamber of Commerce released the most extensive data to date on the marketing plans for the city.
WE ARE CHANGING AND WE ARE SHINING!!!!!!!!!!
I found an open door in the Mayor's office and feel grateful for having the opportuntiy to have met Lou Schaefer.
I found an open door at the Mayor's office in Hollister and am grateful for having met David Tate.
I met several members running for the school board in Hollister and am grateful that so many men and women who believe they can make a difference.
I met a widower who manages a news outlet while raising his daugher alone.
Hero's all of them....
But of all of these great men and women one really stood out.
One individual showed me unmatched courage. He's on a mission to change the world and he's doing it. He's going to change the world by changing himself. His name is Shawn Hawkins.
Shaun comes from a family with some problems. When living at his mom's house near St. Louis he watched addiction destroy her life and decided it wasn't going to destroy his. He grabbed his brother, called a cab and went from city to city until he arrived here in Branson. He found refuge at his father's house who he lives with today. Things aren't perfect but they're a lot better.
This is where he began his mission, he promised to break a generational curse that plagued his family.
He's even going a step further. Shawn is in the process of making a Movie. The fifteen minute movie is going to be called the Ripple Effect. The movie shows the effect of drinking and driving. It's going to be shown to the senior class before the end of the year.
The idea is that our actions have an effect on everthing and everyone around us.
Shawn's under no illusions. His life is too full of realities to have them. Sometimes he gets discouraged cause these 16 year old eyes have seen milleniums of distruction. He sees hypocrisy everywhere, but, he finds hope becuase these same individuals are offering support. He has faith because he knows where's he's from and the love of a father.
The Branson Edge has a nightlife guide. We spend a lot of time checking out the entertainment at night. We are known to have a Guiness and we support entertainment in the evenings. We have created a nightlife guide becuase we like music and we like to hang out late and sometimes we even like to have a beer. We're not going to lie to you, we're not going to sell you on our piety today. We're not even going to tell you what we do is wrong. We are however going to support you. We are going to promote you. We are going to encourage you. We are going to remind you that your mission comes from somewhere higher, though you already know that. We are going to make sure everything is done to ensure you are in every newspaper, local television and linked to every page of our website. Mostly, we are going to be inspired by you.
You are not a ripple; YOU are a tidal wave.
Thank you Shawn.
The Following Companies and indiduals are surfing Shaun's wave.....
Round The Clock Realty
Reserve Branson
Urban Edge
Agape Primary Care Morris Oil & Gas
Pure Country Conoco
SAM Productions,Ad America
Lacy Properties L.L.C
Mark Hawkins
Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home
White Raven Music Industries
Cox Air Care
Kanakuk Kamps
Tim Oliphant
Missouri State Highway Patrol
K-life
Branson Edge
The Police Fire, and Ambulance Departments of Branson
Kyah Hoffmann
Tyler Osborne
Keith Smith
Jeremy Long
Ellen Denny
Jared Robbins
Shayna Lyons
Tawny Robinson
Hilary Williams
Chloe Delgadillo
Jami Ussery
Jeremiah Sharp
Seth Urban
Tyrell Ransom
Michelle Murphy
Chris Sheets
Cameria Klein
Shawn Turner
Kat Mcginnis
Kevin Barker
KC Stresak
TJ Dorsey
Josh Keen
Sarah Day
Mark Bolger
Levi Casey
Caleb Freeman
Luke Treat
Coy Dale Thomas
Johnathan Rice
Ashley Hutton
Tessa Bulgier
Alyssa Rice
Jordan Stewart
Mandy Sutton
Caity Powell
Chris Mcgauley
Rick Weaver
Josh Hayes
Cara Longo
Nataile Meyer
Rachel Dillard
Denikka Depew
Skylar Mckinney
Amber Sparks
Andrew Sparks
Alexis Erwin
Erica Erwin
Janie Dennison
Haley Stallings
Bethany Mcspadden
Brooke Asher
Stephanie Myer
Alex Melton
Chris Melton
Joe Halberdier
Michael Urban
Jim Urban
Jen Gant
Luke Parrott
Wayne Hicks
Meet Wayne Hicks - A little Bit of Country - A little Bit of Rock and Roll
January, 2006
I'd been spying him for 8 months before he caught up with me. Few Branson reporters want to point out a Hick from the Sticks (sorry Bradleyville) this man would probably not be too ashamed.
I first caught wind of Wayne 8 months ago while working with Reserve Branson. Wayne admittedly had much to learn about Branson and what it takes to succeed here - apparently he's learned his lessons well building a multi-million dollar Branson Portfolio in the last 10 months. As I was saying before - on first appearance he came off as a rebel rouser with an uncanny resemblance to Jerry Garcia.
The first sign that things had changed was an unusual presence in the office. I dropped by to see Chris Davis at the Wire Stream recording studio. They were recording a talented young country singer brought Wayne to town. Apparently, he got in a little bit of trouble mid-season 2005; as a result, TUSK took the spotlight with a new show called "The Road to Rock" - which will go down in history as Branson's first modern rock show. The Gaslight theatre, which Wayne now owns, has been redesigned and renamed the "House of Rock". Wayne has also managed to purchase the Magical Palace where Kirby Van Birch will be performing at this season. Wayne gives full credit to his wife for managing a highly successful digital check system called ISIS. Wayne also owns a recording studio, digital video production house and has written extensively for the Sierra Times.
Did I mention he likes to print his own money? (more on this later)
All of this to the side, everyone I've mentioned so far are extremely talented and creative individuals. At first sight my concern is what appears to be the impossible task of managing such an array of creative personalities then I spotted Cindy Merry - the marketing power behind many of Branson's top shows. Seeing her was a sign that Wayne had chosen to move with the grain.
Wayne apologizes for not being able to meet for lunch as scheduled - he casually mentions he's decided to buy Aero surf a local wireless company. Nice power lunch....
Until I actually sat down in the man's house for a two hour discussion I was certain I had met a loose cannon ripe for a misfire. "I don't want rebel rousers", Wayne retorts to my description of the Motley looking Crew known as WireStream Networks. Though I wanted this story, the true intent of our meeting was "business". Though I promised myself I would stick to the agenda, Wayne's personal stories and passion for media were more reward than the silver I would have gained from my meeting. (I suppose this would be an appropriate time to apologize to my partner - who entrusted me with the business transaction I was supposed to conduct -)
We crept upstairs past an indoor waterfall to a small office. It was clear Wayne values his time with his family and though it felt awkward not acknowledging them - it was clear Wayne appreciated his privacy and our time together was something of a favor. Though my work entails evangelism of a world economy, Wayne shares something uniquely American - not uncommon among Branson political ideologies. He's clearly an Ozark Libertarian.
Wayne Hicks reminisces about his tenure as owner of a restaurant called the Liberty Tree in Berryville, Arkansas. The Liberty Tree is named after an early American tradition during colonial rule. Each town assigned a tree where citizens would meet to speak of freedom and the American way, the designated tree was called the Liberty Tree. Wayne recalls a Vietnam Vet who was asked to quell a possible citizen uprising during the Vietnam years', "Would You ever shoot an American Citizen?", Wayne asked. "Yes", the patron replied, "If I was asked to shoot a civilian I would have turned that gun around and shot the sergeant - and he was an American citizen". Telling the story, Wayne begins to choke up a little.
Wayne's son and owner of a Berryville ISP wrote custom software suite which updates Wayne on daily activities from all of his managers. He runs through the list while we're in the office. Wayne briefly discusses his faith in his newly assigned CEO with at this point wasn't announced to the public. He's happy he'll be able to get a little more creative time.
I can say a closer look at Wayne's organization revealed a much different man and company than I had anticipated. Among radical ideas and "pushing" of the envelope I found a sober Jerry Garcia.
January, 2006
I'd been spying him for 8 months before he caught up with me. Few Branson reporters want to point out a Hick from the Sticks (sorry Bradleyville) this man would probably not be too ashamed.
I first caught wind of Wayne 8 months ago while working with Reserve Branson. Wayne admittedly had much to learn about Branson and what it takes to succeed here - apparently he's learned his lessons well building a multi-million dollar Branson Portfolio in the last 10 months. As I was saying before - on first appearance he came off as a rebel rouser with an uncanny resemblance to Jerry Garcia.
The first sign that things had changed was an unusual presence in the office. I dropped by to see Chris Davis at the Wire Stream recording studio. They were recording a talented young country singer brought Wayne to town. Apparently, he got in a little bit of trouble mid-season 2005; as a result, TUSK took the spotlight with a new show called "The Road to Rock" - which will go down in history as Branson's first modern rock show. The Gaslight theatre, which Wayne now owns, has been redesigned and renamed the "House of Rock". Wayne has also managed to purchase the Magical Palace where Kirby Van Birch will be performing at this season. Wayne gives full credit to his wife for managing a highly successful digital check system called ISIS. Wayne also owns a recording studio, digital video production house and has written extensively for the Sierra Times.
Did I mention he likes to print his own money? (more on this later)
All of this to the side, everyone I've mentioned so far are extremely talented and creative individuals. At first sight my concern is what appears to be the impossible task of managing such an array of creative personalities then I spotted Cindy Merry - the marketing power behind many of Branson's top shows. Seeing her was a sign that Wayne had chosen to move with the grain.
Wayne apologizes for not being able to meet for lunch as scheduled - he casually mentions he's decided to buy Aero surf a local wireless company. Nice power lunch....
Until I actually sat down in the man's house for a two hour discussion I was certain I had met a loose cannon ripe for a misfire. "I don't want rebel rousers", Wayne retorts to my description of the Motley looking Crew known as WireStream Networks. Though I wanted this story, the true intent of our meeting was "business". Though I promised myself I would stick to the agenda, Wayne's personal stories and passion for media were more reward than the silver I would have gained from my meeting. (I suppose this would be an appropriate time to apologize to my partner - who entrusted me with the business transaction I was supposed to conduct -)
We crept upstairs past an indoor waterfall to a small office. It was clear Wayne values his time with his family and though it felt awkward not acknowledging them - it was clear Wayne appreciated his privacy and our time together was something of a favor. Though my work entails evangelism of a world economy, Wayne shares something uniquely American - not uncommon among Branson political ideologies. He's clearly an Ozark Libertarian.
Wayne Hicks reminisces about his tenure as owner of a restaurant called the Liberty Tree in Berryville, Arkansas. The Liberty Tree is named after an early American tradition during colonial rule. Each town assigned a tree where citizens would meet to speak of freedom and the American way, the designated tree was called the Liberty Tree. Wayne recalls a Vietnam Vet who was asked to quell a possible citizen uprising during the Vietnam years', "Would You ever shoot an American Citizen?", Wayne asked. "Yes", the patron replied, "If I was asked to shoot a civilian I would have turned that gun around and shot the sergeant - and he was an American citizen". Telling the story, Wayne begins to choke up a little.
Wayne's son and owner of a Berryville ISP wrote custom software suite which updates Wayne on daily activities from all of his managers. He runs through the list while we're in the office. Wayne briefly discusses his faith in his newly assigned CEO with at this point wasn't announced to the public. He's happy he'll be able to get a little more creative time.
I can say a closer look at Wayne's organization revealed a much different man and company than I had anticipated. Among radical ideas and "pushing" of the envelope I found a sober Jerry Garcia.
Branson Rock
The majority of Branson Rock is performed in studios after dark or at nightclubs in the area. Branson Rocks has video footage of local bands performing in area venues. Over the past several months while everyone else was livin' it up the Branson Edge was out capturing the action for you.
Look, you're coming to Branson - you might need to know where to take your wife girlfriend or buddies. Don't be uninformed, afterall this is what we're here for. We're here to assist you in your quest for nightlife in Branson. The nightlife guide is being redesigned to give you intel on what's happening tonight.
But hey, what not just see for yourself? The video is lo-fi which is why our prices are so low. But you can get the idea. If you're looking for something special let us know! New content added all the time.... :)
We rock.
Look, you're coming to Branson - you might need to know where to take your wife girlfriend or buddies. Don't be uninformed, afterall this is what we're here for. We're here to assist you in your quest for nightlife in Branson. The nightlife guide is being redesigned to give you intel on what's happening tonight.
But hey, what not just see for yourself? The video is lo-fi which is why our prices are so low. But you can get the idea. If you're looking for something special let us know! New content added all the time.... :)
We rock.
Viewing the Titanic - January Footage
The Titanic museum is an amazing addition to Branson, tourists that have visited have held it in high regards. Reporter, Hutch Christianson sent some bootleg footage a couple of months ago. Enjoy
Why I entered the field of Netizen
Branson, MO
My carefree days in Venice Beach are long gone but the fire ignited in my heart remains. When I first entered this field I was among a small group of peers. We were technologists filled with the hope of a digital democracy. Our publications spoke of a revolution, of empowering of being free at last.
A younger generation will always come with vision of grasping power from the generation before. Ours, of course, was the most beautiful. In an information economy, the more you give, the more you have. You don't lose information you share, it becomes more valuable, simply because you know who has it.
I remember watching a new breed of men arrive. They had no knowledge of a democracy but were excellent capitalists. A changing of the guards occurred somewhere in the late 90's. This new breed knew little of geek idealism but much of bribery, of salesmanship of old media that once was new. They inflated the market, which led to it's eventual demise. Senior management remained old school - silver slick salesman lacked technical prowess - they were masters of the buck but never where it stops. As an expert in Geodemographic marketing and Web Analytics I was responsible for a multi-million dollar warchest when the new school arrived.
Over time, I've watched more men become millionaires than 10 dollar an hour jobs that the Branson Landing will create. Our field had a greater respect for brain power than momentary gain. This realization occurred in 1997 when I was taken out to lunch by the CEO of Double Click. Here I was with a revolutionary in digitally targeted advertising. At the time, Double Click had the ultimate ad delivery system - they could measure Frequency, SIC codes, fortune 500 and geographic ad delivery - a traditional marketers dream. As this executive ate his breakfast of blueberries and cream he spied a geek being recruited by a headhunter - the great leader was starstruck by great geek.
Before this time I was somewhat of a beach bum with a passion for technology. It wasn't soon before my days on the beach were traded for flights to New York and time weekly shuttles from LA to Silicon Valley.
My career route in high tech cam via Cyberjava, a cultural center for digital culture in the Westside of Los Angeles. 4 engineers set up this shop that hosted the major networks first moves into "cyberspace". An up and coming show called "Friends" was one of those customers. The cast came to Cyberjava to engage "the online community" in a chat. More to my liking was the groups of Technology Innovators that would meet each week. My job as a barrista kept me in the center of action helping experiment and debug some of the core technologies we have the priveledge of taking advantage of today. It was also a great way to pick up side work. It wasn't long before a consultant from the #1 computer manufacturer at the time needed a netizen (we were few at this time). I went from the beach to writing corporate strategy for Packard Bell/NEC. In my niche I had bypassed my professors and made moves in pioneering my field. I was too young and inexperienced to truly know how plush a job writing strategy is. I was paid to study and prophesy technologies path. Today, this work is still valid but the cycle is much more rapid. Strategy wasn't enough, I needed action and action I got developing our first online sales operation. The bigwigs were scared of our success. They feared revenue streams provided by Sears would be threatened. Whose going to buy a computer from anywhere other than Sears? Yeah, well, that's the problem with being an advisor - your work is taken as advice and even with great vision it's up to the suits at the top to call the shots. Even though my groups best advice was not taken, much of it was and meeting with the top technology executives had its own reward. I kept these contact cards like a kid keeps rookie baseball cards. It wasn't until an irrate girlfriend destroyed them three years ago that I lost possession of them. I miss my Jerry Yang my Mike Eisner.
Years later when I entered online advertising as a buyer I kept this idealism. Million dollar contracts had provisions for charities though I never had the time to execute them. Interns from USC and UCLA lacked the experience to implement - handing operations of goodwill over were exercises in futility.
Eventually, I left this field. I was fed up, saw too much corruption, too much of a souless new school. I cashed out, unplugged and went into the woods to live life deliberately.
It's different today though I haven't lost a vision for a better world. I'm older now and have a two year old reason to make sure the world is a better place. I've learned that it's not about the money because some men will do for 5 dollars what I thought men would do for a million. I've learned where my flaws are, learning how to correct them. Still, I haven't lost faith that a wretched soul like me can achieve something great.
Over the past few weeks I started working on a site for the Salvation Army in Branson. It means a lot to me, because this technology can do great things. This little sites success online means more to me than any 7 digit deal. It can make the fire burn brighter that at times grows dim.
Music in Branson - Tori Sings Plush
A couple of years ago I met a Baptist minister from Kansas City. Mostly, we discussed the love of a father and shared a moment of awe about the unbelievable love we as men can feel for our own. His message was to describe the essence of God, the love of a father.
The Baldnobber's were the first show in Branson. As the minister explained it, they would drive down the road with a megaphone shouting an invitation to entertainment at a local barn.
This is what makes this area great, an innate desire to make music, Americana style. Tori and Katie often perform at the Outback Pub in Branson, MO - at least throughout the Winter. It's more of a gathering than anything else. Friends get up to jam onstage and after the legal closing time for the bar. Late at night locals such as Sam Clayton host an ad hoc jam session until the sun rises.
It's something that happens organically and a part of our local culture.
A letter to Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach,
You are our neighbors, friends and family. It would be far too difficult for me to write this without expressing my great sorrow for the condition I have witnessed or your city. I have great hope that your city will one day return to the glory it once had. I have such great hope - as it has great beauty and potential; though for some reason the powers that be have left a despot. This has given rise to a solution for poverty against the better judgment of a larger community. I speak not just of Taney County but of the entire state of Missouri.
In a conversation with a friend of mine who happens to be an attorney I was told,
I fear there are others here that feel the same way. The proposition of gambling fills a few pockets at the cost of a greater good. Please, do not take my observations as condemnation. Again, I write with sorrow as I understand the dire circumstances many of your citizens live in. I also write with anger as little "sunshine" has been shed on backroom negotiations, our Uncle Tom's, your silent supporters. (I'll never tell or take for granted my right as reporter)
You make me wish I had greater means, a louder voice, a larger wallet. I wish I could rid your town of the drug labs, crime and poverty that plague you. You have schools with smart boards and no air conditioning. I've seen the horror of your lowest places. I remember visiting a Rockaway dwelling smaller than my college apartments packed 5 deep with a child so confined at 2 years of age he could not walk. It's hard for me to imagine an evil greater than this and understand your reach for any solution. Still, this messiah you promise comes with a great plague and a promise to sell our daughters into prostitution. For them, it's just business.
I would speak of a solution but will not waste my breath as it would most certainly fall on deaf ears.
Millions were spent to stop you. They promised to build a Great Wall! I warned them that the enemy was already within the compound. I had hoped someone would build you a Great Exposition.
May God bless you with a shepherd from these hills to lead you through a Golden Gate where no Great Wall is needed.
You are our neighbors, friends and family. It would be far too difficult for me to write this without expressing my great sorrow for the condition I have witnessed or your city. I have great hope that your city will one day return to the glory it once had. I have such great hope - as it has great beauty and potential; though for some reason the powers that be have left a despot. This has given rise to a solution for poverty against the better judgment of a larger community. I speak not just of Taney County but of the entire state of Missouri.
In a conversation with a friend of mine who happens to be an attorney I was told,
Higher Crime, Bankruptcy, Divorce - Gambling is good for my business
I fear there are others here that feel the same way. The proposition of gambling fills a few pockets at the cost of a greater good. Please, do not take my observations as condemnation. Again, I write with sorrow as I understand the dire circumstances many of your citizens live in. I also write with anger as little "sunshine" has been shed on backroom negotiations, our Uncle Tom's, your silent supporters. (I'll never tell or take for granted my right as reporter)
You make me wish I had greater means, a louder voice, a larger wallet. I wish I could rid your town of the drug labs, crime and poverty that plague you. You have schools with smart boards and no air conditioning. I've seen the horror of your lowest places. I remember visiting a Rockaway dwelling smaller than my college apartments packed 5 deep with a child so confined at 2 years of age he could not walk. It's hard for me to imagine an evil greater than this and understand your reach for any solution. Still, this messiah you promise comes with a great plague and a promise to sell our daughters into prostitution. For them, it's just business.
I would speak of a solution but will not waste my breath as it would most certainly fall on deaf ears.
Millions were spent to stop you. They promised to build a Great Wall! I warned them that the enemy was already within the compound. I had hoped someone would build you a Great Exposition.
May God bless you with a shepherd from these hills to lead you through a Golden Gate where no Great Wall is needed.
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