March 28 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
It’s been a few years since we had so many all-pro fishermen on Grand Lake, but the Major League Fishing REDCREST Championship was a tremendous success. I’m glad we got a little better weather for them Friday-Sunday than they had on the first two days.
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I couldn’t help but notice the errors in a Tulsa World Editorial last week as it referenced the big tournament. It began, “Big-time fishing is back in Tulsa…” and ended with the reminder that “The Tulsa area has hosted major fishing tournaments in the past, most notably The Bassmaster Classic in 2013 and 2016.” Pardon me? There is no big-time fishing in Tulsa. In order to have the correct information in the World editorial, please replace the word “Tulsa” with the words “Grand Lake.” There. Now it’s correct.
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In the “solution in search of a problem” category, this week’s winner is Representative Rick West (R-Heavener) who managed to gain House of Representatives approval of his “Oklahoma Right to Garden Act.” It prevents cities from prohibiting residents from growing gardens. To show how serious this problem has become, there are no cities in Oklahoma which prevent gardening. It’s always good to see our tax dollars at work.
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Rick wasn’t the only “West” messing with us in the legislature last week, though. Representative Kevin West (R-Moore) sadly convinced enough members of the lower chamber to land on the wrong side of the Daylight Saving Time argument. With the U.S. Senate approving legislation calling for permanent Daylight Saving Time, and the Oklahoma State Senate considering legislation calling for that, as well, the Kevin led the house down the wrong path. They approved legislation calling for a statewide vote on the idea of NEVER allowing Daylight Saving Time. Instead, they would make Standard Time permanent. Nothing could be a bigger blow to tourism in Oklahoma. We’ll see what happens. The move is encouraging in this regard, though: when legislators feel like they are either wrong or about to lose…their fallback position is to submit their bad idea to a statewide vote, then claim “the people spoke.”
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The Queen of Grand Lake entertainment is at it again! Joyce Duke has a Saturday night solution this week for everyone whose high school prom didn’t go well…or a chance at a repeat performance for those whose teenage event deserves to be revisited. Saturday night is prom night at Big Shots for everyone 21 and older. Get out your prom outfits and join the memory lane fun at the “Legal Agers Prom” Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze on Monkey Island. Here’s your chance to make a GOOD prom memory!
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Can anybody explain to me why there is a 30-cents per gallon price difference in gasoline prices between Langley and Monkey Island? And between Grove and Monkey Island? And between Miami and Monkey Island? It might be worth it for Islanders to take a short drive when the ol’ needle starts pointing toward “E.”
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Mikayla Callison, Magen Faulconer, Becky Sconyers, Bill Lopeman, Jamie Tate, Linda Wall, Diana Stephens, Grant Forkner, Wayne Smith, Erin Gayer, Meagan Stewart, Kacy Threet, Mike Kelly, Sam Walker, Tod Sanger, Leta Reed, Ginger Richey, Stormy Williams, and Brian Edwards.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Performances of “The Harry & Sam Dialogues” continue Friday night at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00 at Playmakers in Grove. Just in case your high school prom didn’t go well back in the day, you have a chance to get it right with no regrets, and fewer potential hazards now that you are of legal age. Saturday night is the over-21 “Legal Ager Prom” at Big Shots Rhythm & Blues. Dress accordingly!
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: One U.S. Senator, after lecturing a Supreme Court nominee, was observed checking to see how it had played on Twitter. Another, at the same hearing, confused the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution — on social media.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: As Deputy Barney Fife, he was so inept he had to carry his bullet in his pocket... But Don Knotts was a veteran of the Second World War, who was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 4 bronze service stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge (with Carbine Bar) and Honorable Service Lapel Pin.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I’m ready for the rest of this week. I have my umbrella, my flip flops, my mittens, my suntan lotion, my winter coat, my sunglasses, my thermals, my iced tea, and my hot chocolate.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Free WiFi starting at $59.95
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TWEET OF THE WEEK: Tom Brady realized it is easier to be hit by 300-pound linemen than to stay home all day with young kids.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: If you are sweating while putting gas in your car and feeling sick while paying for it, you may be suffering from the new strain of carownervirus.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why do people say, “I saw it with my own eyes?” Do they sometimes use other people’s eyes?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Not only do people dance like nobody is watching, they also drink as if they don’t work in the morning.
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Daytime talk show host Maury Povich has announced that he is retiring. The last airing of “Maury” is set for September. It has been on the air for 31 years; and Povich is 83 years old. The song “Happy Together” by The Turtles was the number one song in America on this date – 55 years ago.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I would love to watch a show that was three days of questioning senators to see if they are qualified for their job.” – Colin Mochrie
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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. Nick Whitaker performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories Saturday night at The Summit. Thursday night is karaoke night with KJ Flip at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early Friday night at the Swine. DJ K-Bandito provides the tunes Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze for the big “Legalager Prom” festivities; and Saturday is karaoke night at Monkey Island Pub.
On South Grand Lake, Jumpsuit Love will provide the music Saturday night at Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. DJ Matt will entertain Friday night for the “Glitter on Grand Prom Night” fun at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney; and Left of Center takes the stage at Mooney’s Saturday night.
In Grove, it’s a live theater weekend. “The Harry & Sam Dialogues” is the featured production at Playmakers Friday & Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00. Brett N Terri entertain at The Regatta Friday night, and Cory Lee takes the stage Saturday night. There is live entertainment every Friday night at Venue 655 at Grand Lake Casino followed by karaoke Saturday night.
Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Travis Kidd in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Encore; and Dirty Saints wrap up the weekend Saturday night. Clay Walker will be in concert at Buffalo Run Casino’s Indoor Peoria Showplace Saturday night.
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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Bill & Marnie Pettit, their daughter Allison and grandson Willie will be the featured guest chefs (lasagna) at The Shebang Wednesday night, March 30. Blind Swine on Duck Creek opens for the season this week with April hours from 4:00 p.m. Friday and 9:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. Blind Swine on Monkey Island has returned to its regular season six-day-a-week operating schedule (Tuesday-Sunday). The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda has opened for the season with early season service Friday-Sunday from 11:00-7:00. Grand Lake Public House has new hours of operation – open 3:00-9:00 p.m. with bar service available until 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday. VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina is also open Thursday-Sunday at 11:00. Road Hog Saloon is now open seven days a week.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: How We Roll debuts on CBS Thursday night at 8:30. Julia will be available Thursday and The Outlaws Friday, both on HBO Max. Slow Horses shows up on Apple TV+ this week. Whitney: A Look Back airs Saturday night at 7:00 - and 64th Annual Grammy Awards air live Sunday night at 7:00, both on CBS.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIE: Morbius, The Contractor, and You Won’t Be Alone all debut in movie theaters Friday. Better Nate Than Never will be available on Disney+.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, April 8 – Grove Chamber Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast at St. Andrews Episcopal Church (8:00 a.m.). Friday-Saturday, April 8-9 – Grove & Monkey Island Shop Local Weekend. Friday-Saturday, April 8-9 – I44 Classic Antique Car Auction at Buffalo Run Casino. Saturday, April 9 – InVESTment dinner to raise money for protective vests for Delaware County officers in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (6:00). Saturday, April 9 – Christian Music Festival on Grove Community Center Lawn (1:00 p.m.). Monday-Friday, April 11-15 – Citywide Clean-Up Week in Grove. Saturday-Sunday, April 16-17 – Easter In-Water Boat Show at Cherokee Yacht Club. Saturday, April 16 – Easter Egg Hunts, petting zoo, pony & camel rides, picnic at Cherokee Yacht Club. Saturday, April 16 – Easter Egg Hunt at Jay City Park (9:00 a.m.). Saturday, April 16 – Langley’s 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at First Christian Church (11:00 a.m.). Saturday, April 16 – Easter Egg Hunt at Bernice State Park (1:00). Saturday, April 16 – Annual “Gnome Costume Party” at Monkey Island Pub (6:00 p.m.). Sunday, April 17 – Easter Egg Hunt at The Anchor at Shangri-La (1:30 – kids 12 & under). Sunday, April 17 – Easter Buffets at The Summit at Shangri-La and Cherokee Yacht Club. Sunday, April 17 – Easter Sunday Brunch at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Sunday, April 24 – Blind Swine on Monkey Island hosts “Outdoor Barre” by Grand Lake Barre on the patio from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 28 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (11:30). Friday, May 6 – First Grove Black Party of the season on the Community Center Lawn.
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In the sports world, it’s a Championship week for college basketball. We’re down to the Final Four. The NCAA Men’s Final Four games are Saturday at 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. with the Championship Game scheduled for Monday at 8:00.
The Women’s NCAA Tournament is also winding down. Final Four games are Friday at 6:00 and 8:30 with the Championship Game set for Sunday night at 8:00.
The NIT Championship Game will be played Thursday night at 6:00.
It’s an exciting time on the PGA Tour. It’s the final week of play prior to The Masters. Players are in San Antonio this week for the Valero Texas Open. Coverage begins at 3:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 2:30 Saturday and 1:00 Sunday.
In the NBA, the OKC Thunder host Detroit Friday night at 7:00, Phoenix Sunday at 6:00, and Portland Tuesday night aqt 7:00 before heading to Utah to face the Jazz Wednesday night at 8:00. Coverage is on Bally Sports Oklahoma.
We have another TV opportunity to watch the OU Softball team next Wednesday, as they host Tulsa at 6:00 (Bally Sports Oklahoma).
NASCAR drivers are in Richmond this week for the Toyota Owners 400. Coverage is on Fox beginning at 2:30 Sunday afternoon.
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Weather this weekend will be a little cooler than earlier in the week – but still nice for an April kick-off. Highs will be in the mid-50s with lows in the mid-30s. Get out and have some Grand Lake fun. 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 Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)
The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)
The Pourhouse at 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