May 27 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
Grand Lake party animals didn’t let high water and some rain deter from the Memorial Day weekend holiday. I felt for everybody who had cancellations at resorts and rentals, and especially The Landings Marina who will apparently be out of commission for a while due to storm damage, and my friends at the Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda who couldn’t open for the holiday weekend due to flood waters. For the most part, though, the party rolled on. Courtesy docks at marinas around the lake were accessible as a general rule – and full often through the weekend as boaters refused to be denied their fun on the water. Bars, clubs, and restaurants were busy, busy, busy – and the entertainment rolled on through the weekend.
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I was out and about over the holiday weekend – and I’m pretty sure I saw a guy in a really big boat collecting animals and putting them aboard. As nearly as I could tell, he was picking up a male and female of each species. I’m not sure what that’s about.
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Here’s some important medical news for party animals. As I’m sure you know, many people are given aspirin to prevent clotting in the arteries. The researchers at the University of Wisconsin have discovered that Guinness works as well as a low dose of aspirin.The optimum amount of Guinness, to provide the most benefit, was 24 fluid ounces – just over a pint. The researchers say that Guinness has similar antioxidant compounds to those found in fruits and vegetables. This helps to slow down the deposit of harmful cholesterol. Ironically, back in the 1920’s Guinness used an advertising slogan “Guinness is good for you,” but they were forced to discontinue that slogan because there was no proof. Now there is. Cheers!
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The luckiest students in America are the 2019 graduates of Morehouse College. Billionaire tech investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith said during his commencement speech last week that his family would pay off the student debt for the entire Class of 2019, a gift estimated at $40 million. The race is on to book Smith as a commencement speaker next year.
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Thanks to journalist/writer Jimmie Tramel of the Tulsa World for his great feature story on Grand Laker Wanda Clark who was Lucille Ball’s secretary/personal assistant for 28 years. It’s a great story on a great lady!
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DINING AND DRINKING ON GRAND LAKE: In June, Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort begins Thursday night “Cave Karaoke and Cajun Cuisine” parties adjacent to the Doc’s patio.
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SEEN IN A CHURCH BULLETIN: Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The same person, Alan Livingston, created the character Bozo the Clown and oversaw developemnt of the tv series Bonanza.
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BEST REAL HEADLINE SEEN THIS WEEK: Owners of Noah’s Ark replica suing insurer over flood damage
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I’m working on pants for old guys. They’ll combine the comfort of Dockers with the protection of Depends. I’ll call them Dry Dockers.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Dinosaurs did not drink beer, and they’re extinct. Coincidence?
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TWEET OF THE WEEK: I’m never going to allow my mother to go into a nursing home. She’s going to stay with my brother.
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: For those that don’t want Alexa listening in on your conversations, they’re making a male version. It doesn’t listen to anything.
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MUSICAL “NOTE”: According to a study published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,” bass players are the most important member of the band. As it turns out, the human brain can find rhythm more easily when it is played in a lower tone. So, I guess it really is true….it’s all ‘bout that bass!
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FEEL-OLD MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr died Sunday. He was 85. The Young Rascals had a #1 hit with “Groovin’” this week…52 years ago!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Congratulations to the OU and OSU softball teams, both of whom made it to the Women’s College World Series starting at the USA Hall of Fame in OKC Thursday. Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Bill Hodge, Lori Magoulas, Arlene Seybolt, Ron Griffin, Jim Sellers, Brinda Russell, Joe Chouteau, Andrew Doney, Tiana Douglas, Nick Bowers, Hank Kraft, Chris Mullen, and Julie McFerron.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why is sleeping in considered lazy, but going to bed early isn’t?
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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: The Grand Lake Queen riverboat cruises begin for the season Thursday. There’s a ribbon-cutting and christening of the refurbished vessel at 5:00 at the Queen dock at Royal Bay Marina, Sailboat Bridge. Thursday evening is the 2019 “Season Premiere Party” at Mulligans at Patricia Island for the “Living Grand on Grand Lake” television program. This weekend is also the Toes in the Grand celebration at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday through next Wednesday is also the MLF Stage Seven Bass Pro Tour out of Wolf Creek Park; and Saturday afternoon is the 40th Annual World’s Largest Calf Fry Festival & Cook-off at the Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita (2-9).
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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s great entertainment around the lake this holiday weekend.
The “Toes in the Grand” tropical rock festival is this weekend at Grove’s Wolf Creek Park. Friday night music starts at 6:00 with Greg Dragoo followed by the Blonde Stranger Band. Saturday night, the COPA Reefer Band starts the music at 6:00 followed by headliner Parrotville: A Live Jimmy Buffet Tribute.
On Monkey Island, the Chris Hyde Trio will be on stage Saturday night at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina. The Balcony Bar at The Shebang is open Friday and Saturday nights for karaoke fun and there’s great dance music right across the street at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. There is also great dance music at Monkey Island Pub. At the Blind Swine, DJ Flip entertains with karaoke Thursday night, and Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night. At Littlefield Corner, there’s great live entertainment every Saturday night at Road Hog Saloon.
On South Grand Lake, Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina will have Wayne Garner on stage Friday night followed by The BlackRidge Band Saturday. Thursday night is Trivia Contest night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina features Friday night karaoke with KJ Flip.
Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features music of The Southern Drawl Band Friday night. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke. Heath Wright will be on stage at Bordertown Friday night, followed by a Saturday night performance by Aaron Owens. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, Big Smitty will be on stage Friday night, and DJ 5 Star Entertainment will provide the entertainment Saturday night. Friday night music at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 will be provided by The Uncrowned Kings. At Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill, there is live DJ action every Friday & Saturday night at 10:00. Both Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy the music of Tribute Kings at Downstream Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill. In Downstream’s Lover’s Leap Lounge, Harley Hamm Jimmy Hamm will perform both Friday & Saturday nights. Indigo Sky Casino offers three nights of musical entertainment this week. Tim Amey performs Thursday night in the Echo Bar, followed by Scotfree Friday night andRosy Hips Saturday night.
The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action, including NBA playoff games, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Major League Baseball, PGA Golf, and NASCAR are Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Blind Swine, Road Hog Saloon, 1909 in Grove, Pickles at the Lake in Langley, and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman is available on NETFLIX Friday. Deadwood: The Movie airs Friday night at 7:00 on HBO. The series premiere of American Princess airs Sunday night at 8:00 on Lifetime. The 2019 CMT Music Awards airs live next Wednesday night at 7:00 on CMT.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Rocketman, Ma, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Think how stupid the average person is, and realize half the people are stupider than that!” – George Carlin
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 6 – Grand Lake Shrimp Boil (6:00-9:00) on the Patio at Doc’s at Shangri-La. Thursday-Saturday, June 6-8 – American Heritage Music Festival (Snider’s Campground Thursday, Grove Civic Center Friday & Saturday. Saturday, June 8 – Camp Bandage (10-2) at Grand Lake RV Resort. Saturday, June 8 – Home of Hope Annual Gala at Shangri-La. Saturday, June 8 – rescheduled “Barkaritaville” fundraising party for 2nd Chance Pet Rescue at The Parrot in Grove. Saturday, June 15 – Splash Bash in Ketchum Cove. Saturday, June 15 – NAPA Nights celebration in Hangar 12 at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Monday-Wednesday, June 17-19 – Junior Players Academy at Shangri-La Golf Club. Friday, June 21 – Grove Rotary Lobsterfest at Grove Civic Center. Saturday, June 22 – Rock the Dock in Check-In Bay beginning at noon. Friday, June 28 – Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Patricia Island. Wednesday, July 3 – Wolf Creek Celebration & Fireworks in Grove. Thursday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks. Friday, July 5 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Saturday, July 6 – Summer Fun Fest at Grand Meridian RV Park. Saturday, July 6 – Monkey Island Fireworks & Family Fun Festival at Shangri-La. Saturday-Sunday, July 13-14 – SDBA Drag Boat Races in Wolf Creek. Thursday, July 18 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet at Big Shots on Monkey Island. Saturday, July 20 – Grand Bobber Drop. Saturday, July 20 – Aquapalooza adjacent to Grand Lake RV Resort. Friday-Saturday, July 26-27 – GLOC Performance Boat Challenge.
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We are finally down to two teams in the NBA Playoffs. It’s finals time beginning with Golden State at Toronto in game one Thursday at 8:00, followed by action Sunday at 7:00 and Wednesday at 8:00, all on ABC.
The NHL is down to two teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as well. Boston is at St. Louis Saturday night at 7:00 on NBCSN and Monday night at 7:00 on NBC.
PGA players are at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio this weekend for The Memorial. Coverage on the Golf Channel begins at 1:30 Thursday & Friday, 11:30 Saturday and 11:00 Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday and 1:30 Sunday.
The Women’s College World Series gets underway Thursday at Oklahoma City’s USA Hall of Fame Stadium. Both OU and OSU are in the series! Coverage will be on ESPN channels beginning Thursday.
NASCAR drivers are at Pocono this weekend for the Pocono 400. Coverage begins at 1:00 Sunday afternoon on Fox Sports 1.
There’s some good Major League Baseball action on the tube this week. Milwaukee is at Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon at 3:00, followed by the Chicago Cubs at St. Louis at 6:00, both on Fox Sports 1. The Yankees host the Red Sox Sunday night at 6:00 on ESPN.
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The weekend weather forecast looks pretty good to kick off a new month! We’ll have a chance of scattered thunderstorms here and there Saturday & Sunday, but high temperatures will be around 80 with lows in the mid-60s. Party on, kids! Remember, though… 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.
1909 in Downtown Grove
Ailey’s Café in Langley
American Grill in Grove
Aquabar & Grill at The Landings Marina on Monkey Island (smoking on the deck)
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 Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Café Italia on Monkey Island
Café Yum in Grove
Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)
Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and at Littlefield Corner
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s in Grove
Chicken Coop West of Langley
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Coffee Shelter in Ketchum
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina
Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)
Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor
Drake’s Restaurant in Grove
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove
Henrie’s Grill in Grove
High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)
Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)
Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Monkey’s Uncle at Littlefield Corner (Breakfast & lunch)
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)
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
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)
Scooters in Langley (smoking)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)
Sticky Fingers Barbecue in Ketchum
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Landings Marina (smoking on the deck)
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 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
Waterway Café, Harbors View Marina (smoking on breakwater dining deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove