April 25 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
What fun at the South Grand Chamber’s annual Bootleggers Ball last weekend. The chamber raised a record amount of money, J.B. Robison presided over an awesome auction, period costumes, wanted posters, jail cells, and silent auction prizes decorated the casino setting for an evening of games and camaraderie. My favorite part of the evening was the opportunity to sit next to Dave and Erin Bendel. For years, I’ve been advising people to buy a drink for the guy next to them because it could be me. Finally, someone listened! Thanks, Dave.
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I can’t believe we’re already wrapping up another month. I’m excited about the tail end of this one, though. Saturday night, The Old Bulldog Band returns for their annual fundraising concert & dance at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze on Monkey Island. If you love the classics of rock & blues, this band of longstanding is fantastic – and they rarely ever perform any more except at charity events. $25 admission. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:00. DJ K-Bandito takes over with the dance tunes at 10:00. I’m not missing this one!
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In case you’re not worried about the folks around you, I saw this little puzzle on social media the other day: “When I was 6, my sister was half my age. Now I’m 70 years old. How old is my sister?” Over half the respondents said “35.” Seriously. Just wait until they find out those are also Arabic numbers. They’ll really freak out. SMH. And these people vote!
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In case you were wondering about former boxing champ Mike Tyson, the old adage is apparently still true: “Don’t mess with Mike.” A passenger on a Jet Blue flight out of San Francisco learned that last week when Tyson finally got tired of being bothered, so he punched the guy in the face a few times and walked off the flight. The guy needed medical treatment, but at least he still had both his ears.
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In an interview on CNBC, Bill Gates said he struggled with procrastination before entering the business world. I wonder why he’s just now getting around to telling us that.
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Toby Keith is in the Guinness Book of Records. Wait a minute – not Oklahoma country music star and Grand Laker Toby Keith. This one is a dog – a Florida Chihuahua named after the famous singer. Chihuahua Toby Keith was 21 years and 66 days old on March 16 when he was officially confirmed by Guinness as “the oldest dog alive.”
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If you’re a menthol cigarette smoker, you should probably be filling up a storage unit or two. Feds are finalizing a plan to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes. I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe chew some spearmint gum while you’re smoking. I’m sure some entrepreneur will come up with something.
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Look for another chance for input on the marijuana issue coming your way. The Supreme Court has approved language for a state question calling for legalization of marijuana for recreational use. Petition circulation will likely begin soon. There’s a chance the issue could make it to the November ballot this year.
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In the “do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do” category, this week’s award goes to Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak who deactivated his Facebook account because he doesn’t trust their privacy standards. I thought that was an interesting perspective from the guy who co-founded the company that makes my iPhone – which knows every place I go, everything I do, everything I like, everything I don’t like, and everyone I talk to.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Judi Barber, John Lewis, Kevin Carver, Mike Burnett, Brad Putman, Mike McCown, Julie Morgan, Becki Farley, Tom Haynes, Emily Tyrrell, Robin Markwell, Nancy Brandwein, Steve Davis, Lori Stanphill, Jami Longacre, Connie King, Dick Lane, Gregg Lorimor, Chad Borin, Terry Jordan, Carla Lillie, Morgan Hess, Charlie Wallace, Josh Goff, Susie Brian, and Michael Garner.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday is the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley and a Grand Lake Newcomers Club Luncheon at Drunken Rooster. Grove Royal Liquor Friday hosts a Taste Testing Friday from 4;00-6:00. Saturday night, The Old Bulldog Band returns to Big Shots on Monkey Island for another fabulous charity fundraising concert & dance benefiting 2nd Chance Pet Rescue. Saturday night is also the annual GEFFE Gala at Shangri-La Resort Hotel.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Bob Uecker has been broadcasting Milwaukee Brewers games since 1971. He did not have a written contract until 2021.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: On April 20, 2021, Oklahoma City set a new record low temperature – 32 degrees. One year later, April 20, 2022, the city set a record high temperature – 93 degrees.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: As a young child, my mother told me I could be anyone I wanted to be. Turns out this is called identity theft.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Antique tables. Made daily.
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TWEET OF THE WEEK: I’m pretty sure 40 years of civics classes taught by football coaches is what got us here.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: 100 years ago, everyone owned a horse and only the rich had cars. Today, everyone has cars and only the rich own horses. The stables have turned.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Does our 40-year high inflation rate have anything to do with our 50-year high corporate profits?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Most people don’t know this, but you can do stuff without telling people on Facebook about it.
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night was the number one song in America on this date – 51 years ago. Barry Williams & the Traveliers will perform at The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa May 7-8. It’s the same Barry Williams who starred as Greg Brady in the hit TV series “The Brady Bunch.” He’s 67 years old.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is public relations.” – George Orwell
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Singo with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Scott Musick performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories both Friday and Saturday nights at The Summit. Thursday night is karaoke night with DJ Mo at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early Friday night at the Swine. The Old Bulldog Band returns for a concert & dance Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze followed by DJ K-Bandito with the late-night dance tunes; and Saturday is karaoke night with DJ Kim at Monkey Island Pub.
On South Grand Lake, Dustin Moore starts the weekend with Thursday night karaoke at the Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. Daniel Chesser takes over entertainment Friday night; and Trailer Park Kinds will be on stage Saturday night at the Rooster. The Tim Nowell Duo will entertain with a show Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney; and The Michele Warren Duo will take the stage Saturday night. Puzzle Pieces will perform Sunday evening at 6:00 at Blind Swine on Duck Creek.
In Grove, enjoy a rare opportunity to enjoy beautiful harp music Friday night at The Regatta; and Brett N’ Terri entertain Saturday night. Dale & Gayle will perform Saturday 5:00-8:00 at Goodfellas Pizza. There is live entertainment by Oreo Blue Friday night at Venue 655 at Grand Lake Casino followed by karaoke Saturday night. The Widowmakers will be on stage at Cherokee Casino Grove Friday night, followed by Morgan Squared Saturday night.
Drew Lynch will be in concert at The Pavilion at Downstream Casino Thursday night. Eastern Heights will entertain in Legends Sports Bar at Downstream Friday night, followed by The Shotgunbillys Saturday night.
Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Michele Warren in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Morgan Squared; and Jumpsuit Love wraps up the weekend Saturday night.
If you prefer a little more violent entertainment, Saturday night is Extreme Fight Night featuring XFN Mixed Martial Arts at Buffalo Run Casino’s Indoor Peoria Showplace.
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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: The Galley food court at The Anchor at Shangri-La begins seven-day-a-week food service Thursday beginning at 11:00 a.m. Bella Donna’s Italian Restaurant and Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing Marina plan to open May 3. Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens for the season Thursday, May 5. Matt’s Place in Grove is opening earlier in the day – now open 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. The Dam Coney Dog is now open next to Butler Real Estate in Langley, serving from 10:30-2:00 Monday-Saturday. Blind Swine on Duck Creek is now open weekends from 4:00 p.m. Friday and 9:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The 2022 NFL Draft will be televised live Thursday night at 7:00 on ABC. Duncanville makes its debut Sunday night at 6:30 on Fox. A pair of game shows, Holey Moley and The Chase debut next Tuesday at 7:00 and 8:00 respectively on ABC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Memory, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and The Northman are all in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, May 5 – Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens for the season. Friday, May 6 – First Grove Black Party of the season on the Community Center Lawn. Saturday, May 7 – Demo Day at Shangri-La Golf Club (9:00-1:00). Saturday, May 7 – Pirate’s Scavenger Hunt (beginning at Cedar Port Marina at 10:00 a.m.) followed by Pirate’s Costume Party at Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina. Saturday, May 7 – Burning of the Socks at Harbors View Marina. Thursday, May 12 – Grove Chamber Membership Luncheon at Grove Community Center (noon). Friday, May 13 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Spring Scramble Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course. Thursday, May 19 – Grove Chamber Business After Hours at Eubanks Power Sports in Grove (5:00). Friday, May 20 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar opens for the season at Shangri-La Marina. Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22 – Big Bass Bash. Tuesday, May 24 – Grove Chamber Trivia Night at The Regatta. Friday, May 27 – Grand Reopening of renovated Honey Creek Landing Marina. Saturday, June 4 – Monkey Island Scavenger Hunt & Auction at The Shebang benefiting 2nd Chance Pet Rescue (11:00 a.m.) Saturday, June 4 – Camp Bandage at Grand Lake RV Park (11:00 a.m.).
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In the sports world, the NBA Playoffs are in full swing with at least three games every day through Sunday.
PGA golfers are in Vidanta Vallarta, Mexico this week for the Mexican Open at Vidanta. Coverage begins at 2:30 Thursday, 12:30 Friday, and 12:00 Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.
If you’ve been anxious for football, another USFL Football season is underway with four games this weekend. Saturday, Pittsburgh travels to Michigan at 3:00 (Fox) and Houston hosts Tampa Bay at 7:00 (Fox). Sunday afternoon, Birmingham is at New Orleans at 1:30 (USA). New Jersey is at Philadelphia Sunday night at 8:00, but only on Peacock.
NASCAR drivers are in Dover this week for the DuraMAX Drydene 400. Coverage begin Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on FS1.
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It will likely still be a little breezy this weekend, but otherwise, the weather looks great. Friday & Saturday highs will be in the mid-70s, with Sunday’s high still around 70. Nighttime lows will stay up around 60 until Sunday night when the low drops to around 50. We’re kicking off another month this weekend, so let the fun begin. Remember, though, no matter where you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!
GRAND LAKE BUM
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Looking for places to go, things to do, services to use or property to buy in the Grand Lake area? Here’s a starter kit listing of “open to the public” fun places to spend time at Grand Lake
Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley
Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Café at Har-Ber Village
Café Yum in Grove
Cafeteria at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island
Cesar’s Place in Vinita
Cesar’s Place in Langley
Changos Locos at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s in Grove
Chicken Coop West of Langley
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum
Copper’s Tea and Coffee House in Grove
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Cove Club in Langley
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina
Domino’s in Grove
Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)
Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor
Drake’s Restaurant in Grove
Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill at Grand Meridian
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Forage in downtown Grove
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Coffee Company in Grove
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove
High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)
Honey Creek BBQ in Grove (south of Honey Creek bridge)
Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)
Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Lester’s Third Street Diner in Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Marina’s Place at Littlefield Corner
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)
Monkey Grind at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Monkey Island Trail Rides
Monkey Island Winery
Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove
Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove
Pappy’s Bar on Hwy 10 east of Grove
Pickles at the Lake in Langley
Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek in Grove
Pit Stop Café in Grove
Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)
Raggedy’s in Grove
Rancho Viejo in Grove
Riggs & Company in Langley
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island (smoking...but not at lunch)
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort
Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)
The Regatta in Grove
The Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)
The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)
Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina (smoking)
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove