August 21 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

In the past two weekends, we have had 8 inches of rain one weekend, followed by record-breaking high temperatures the next. Will Rogers said it: “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute. It’ll change.”

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It’s a good thing we have a “sunny & hot” forecast for the upcoming weekend because, believe it or not, it’s Boat Show time! We won’t have the cold weather like we normally have during the more traditional boat show season, but this one is a great new shopping option for Grand Lakers who are ready to nail down a new boat for the upcoming holiday and fall boating season. The show is this weekend – Saturday & Sunday at Thunder Bay Marina beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Four big dealers are involved in the show, representing 20 different brands and almost 50 boats in the show- 918Boats, Grand Lake Boat Sales, Nichols Marine, and Ugly John’s.

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Greed is an amazing motivator, isn’t it? As if there isn’t enough continuing controversy over the TV program, “The View,” another layer of controversy has been added. You may recall that the late Barbara Walters created that program; but now her “family” is suing ABC for $17 billion claiming the network twisted the program format far beyond what Barbara wanted it to be. I put “family” in quotes because the legal battle is headed up by someone named S. Batt Walters, Barbara’s second cousin twice-removed. I’m sure Batt is just trying to protect the memory and integrity of his distant relative. It probably has nothing to do with the $17 billion.

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Just in case you were one of the 10,000 people who entered the contest, the selection date is getting close for the drawing of the winner’s name – and their name will legally be changed to “Subway” in exchange for “Subway sandwiches for life.” Even if you are the one undergoing a lifetime of humiliation after changing your name, there’s fine print. You can’t just actually move in to a Subway deli and feed all your friends for the rest of your life. The prize is actually a $50,000 gift card….oh, and the company will also pay the legal fees for changing your name.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Grant Callison, Kaylea Hutson-Miller, Larry Steckline, Debbie Howell, Everett Lees, Robine Blumenthal, Randy Krehbiel, Janice Wilburn, Laura Andre, Greg Gangas, Gretchen Casto, Malia Love, Gretchen Zumwalt, Jim Basgall, Jenean Perryman, Ray Holmes, Brian Broaddus, Patricia Williams, DiAnna Westcott, Randy Sherrell, and Patty Davis.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. It’s a big week for rodeo fans! The Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo runs through Sunday at Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita; and the Grove Pro Rodeo is at Crosswired Cowboy Church Arena Friday & Saturday nights (7:00). Thursday, the Grand Lake Newcomers Club hosts a “New Newcomers” Lunch & Games at The Anchor at Shangri-La (11:30 a.m.), and the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce monthly membership luncheon is at the GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (11:30 a.m.). Friday night is a Monkey Island Fire Department Benefit at Big Shots. There’s a big Multi-Dealer Boat Show Saturday & Sunday at Thunder Bay Marina. For golfers, Saturday is the Shangri-La Par 3 Club Championship Tournament at The Battlefield (8:30); and the Birdies & Bogeys Race to Shangri-La Golf Tournament wraps up Saturday & Sunday at Shangri-La Golf Club. Saturday is the last day of SINGO competition at The Anchor. The 3:00 p.m. Saturday SINGO sessions will give way to college football coverage next week. Speaking of the Anchor, this coming Sunday (August 27), the Anchor won’t open until 5:00 p.m., due to a private event at the facility during the morning and afternoon.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Most of what is today associated with Kentucky Fried Chicken – the bucket of chicken, the bucket itself, the red & white restaurants, the images of Colonel Harlan Sanders – were all developed by Dave Thomas, who later founded Wendy’s.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Women spend more time wondering about what men are thinking than men spend actually thinking.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Atlanta Falcons’ head coach Artur Smith’s dad once went to Las Vegas in hopes of winning enough money to save his business. He played blackjack for 18 straight hours with a “nothing to lose” mentality – and won $30,000. That was enough to save his struggling business…FedEx.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Facebook has taught me a couple of things. First, there are some incredibly brilliant people in the world. Second, they are vastly outnumbered!

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Go ahead and get that tattoo. Your family is already disappointed in you.

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I’ll never join one of those online dating services. I prefer to meet someone the old-fashioned way – through alcohol and poor judgment.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: As a superhero, I would be “Typo Man – the Writer of Wrongs.”

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why doesn’t the helpline for alcoholics have any cocktail recipes?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: As blunt as I may seem sometimes, I really don’t say half of what I’m thinking.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “If there was life on other planets, we would have sent them some foreign aid by now.” – James Gregory

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Acting/directing legend Robert Redford turned 87 last week – and actor/comedian Steve Martin turned 78. Legendary actor Rober De Niro turned 80 – and musical superstar Madonna is 65!

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend fun kicks off on Doc’s Patio Thursday night with Jason Morgan leading the karaoke fun at the Thursday night Shrimp Boil. RJ Smith performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Hypnotik Saturday night. There’s karaoke with KJ Flip Thursday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze, and DJ K-Bandito hosts the weekend musical fun Friday & Saturday nights featuring The O’Banion Band on stage Friday night for a benefit show supporting the Monkey Island Fire Department; and across the street, there’s karaoke on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday night is Rockstar Karaoke fun at Monkey Island Pub featuring DJ Kennedy.

On South Grand Lake, Vanessa Oxford Music provides the musical entertainment Friday night and Reverse Reaction performs Saturday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina, and Mike Barham will be on stage Sunday afternoon. Jamey Hooper kicks off the weekend Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill followed by Casey West Friday night and The Hydramatics Saturday night. Magen Faulconer will perform Sunday afternoon for more music at 5:30 at Mooney’s. The weekend musical fun always starts on Thursday nights with karaoke fun at The Drunken Rooster. This week, Jump Suit Love will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at the Rooster.

In Grove, there is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Out For A Ride Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday. Carl Acuff, Jr. entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by Encore Saturday night.

Travis Kidd kicsk off the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, followed by Sunset Circle Friday and Thomas Martinez Saturday.

Cas Haley will be on stage Friday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar; and Until Now will entertain Friday night at The Stables Casino.  

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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: Chickanellas’ Grove location is now closed. The popular restaurant is relocating to Monkey Island (the former Roadhouse Restaurant location) with planned opening September 1. Casa Gutierrez is closed temporarily while they move to their new location at the old Charlie’s Chicken location at 1720 South Main in Grove (they’re hoping to open this week). Road Hog Saloon at Littlefield Corner is once again serving breakfast from 8:00 a.m. Saturdays & Sundays. Blue Cat Bistro at Har-Ber Village is closed until further notice due to fire damage. Bella Donna’s now offers a Sunday Buffet from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The new series Who is Erin Carter? debuts Thursday on NETFLIX. The Challenge: USA airs Thursday night at 9:00 on CBS. Billions airs Sunday night at 7:00 on Showtime. The mini-series Star Wars: Ahsoka is now available on Disney+.  

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: It’s a big week for movie releases. The Hill, Golda, The Admirer, White Bird, and Grand Turismo all open in movie theaters this week.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday-Sunday, August 31-September 3 – Rocklahoma outdoor concert 4 miles north of Pryor. Friday, September 1 – Food Truck Friday in downtown Grove including a Formula One Show-n-Shine and live music. Friday, September 1 – First Friday Wine Share at Har-Ber Village (6:00). Friday-Sunday, September 1-3 – Jana Jae Fiddle Camp & Music Festival. Friday & Saturday, September 1-2 – Ladies’ Ministry Garage Sale at Lake Center Baptist Church on Monkey Island (8:00-2:00). Saturday & Sunday, September 2-3 – Boats, Beats & BBQ Festival & Formula 1 Powerboat Racing at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Saturday, September 9 – Mahogany & Chrome Boat & Car Show at Arrowhead Yacht Club (10:00-3:00). Saturday, September 9 – Road Kill Chili Cook-Off at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Jay (11:30-1:00). Tuesday, September 12 – Public Safety Bond Election in Grove. Wednesday-Saturday, September 13-16 – Born & Raised Music Festival four miles north of Pryor. Friday, September 22 – South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at The Coves (12:00). Friday-Sunday, September 22-24 – Pioneer Days Living History Event at Har-Ber Village. (9:00-3:00 Friday & Saturday, 9:00-noon Sunday). Saturday & Sunday, September 23-24 – NEO Pickleball Open at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Sunday, September 24 – Cedar Port Marina Customer Appreciation Party. Monday, September 25 – “Fore Backpack Program, sponsored by the South Grand Lake Foundation (9:00 a.m. shotgun). Thursday-Sunday, October 5-8 – Annual Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove.

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The NFL Preseason is in its final week. The regular season kicks off September 7. This week’s last preseason games include Baltimore vs. Washington Thursday and Pittsburgh vs. Atlanta. There are three games televised Friday – Detroit vs Carolina at 7:00 (CBS), New England vs. Tennessee at 7:15, and the L.A. Chargers vs. San Francisco at 9:00. Saturday’s line-up features Cleveland vs. Kansas City at noon, The N.Y. Jets vs. N.Y. Giants at 5:00, and the L.A. Ram vs. Denver at 8:00. Sunday night is the final preseason game – Houston vs. New Orleans at 6:00 (Fox). Except for the CBS and Fox games indicated, all other games are on the NFL Network.

PGA Golfers are in Atlanta this week for the TOUR Championship. Coverage is on the golf channel beginning at 12:00 Thursday, Friday & Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The final two rounds move to CBS Saturday at 2:00 & Sunday at 12:30.

NASCAR drivers will be at Daytona this weekend for a Saturday night feature. Coverage of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 begins at 6:00 Saturday evening on NBC.

The biggest tennis action in the United States is underway. The U.S. Open continues through September 10 with daily coverage beginning at 11:00 a.m. on ESPN and ESPN2.

There are some excellent Major League Baseball games, too. Arizona hosts Cincinnati Thursday night at 8:30. Saturday games include Atlanta at San Francisco at 3:00 and St. Louis at Philadelphia at 6:00. Sunday night, the Giants host the Braves again at 6:00. Monday night, Pittsburgh is at Kansas City at 7:00.

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Weatherwise, there’s something for everyone in the weekend ahead. Friday & Saturday will be sizzlers, with highs pushing 100 and lows in the mid-70s. By Sunday, our high temperature will be a chilly 86 with lows in the mid-60s. There’s a lot going on – so get out there and have some fun! Remember, though, wherever 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

Back Porch Ice Cream in Grove

Bailey’s Bistro at Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)

Bella Donna’s at Honey Creek Landing Marina

Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Friday & Saturday nights)

Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

Blue Cat Bistro at Har-Ber Village

BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café at Har-Ber Village

Café Yum in Grove

Casa Gutierrez in Grove

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Changos Locos at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s on Monkey Island

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Chubby’s Grill at On Target in Grove

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

Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing

Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Domino’s in Grove

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill

E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina

Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek

Flower Bar in 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

Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek

Hero’s Deli 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

Keagan’s Coffee at Littlefield Corner

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

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Monkey Island RV Resort

Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney

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

Pier 13 Liquor Store 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)

R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon in Grove

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Regatta Restaurant & Bar at Sailboat Bridge, Grove

Riggs & Company in Langley

River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)

Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island

Royal Liquor Store in Grove

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 Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La

The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice

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