August 22 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
Can you believe it’s already the end of August – and only one more week until the big Labor Day holiday weekend and the official kick-off of college football in Oklahoma? If you haven’t changed the sheets in your guest room and serviced your boat, you’d better do it now because you undoubtedly have company coming next week to play with your toys and clean out your liquor cabinet and refrigerator.
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I’m already in serious training for the holiday. I started the weekend Thursday at the Shrimp Boil & Karaoke at Doc’s, then got out of the chute again Friday at the South Grand Chamber’s Business After Hours at The Drunken Rooster. What a party! Despite my demeanor at that event, there is no truth to the rumor they are considering a name change to The Drunken Bum. Saturday night, it was the Faulconer Duo at the Blind Swine – and it was all I could do to make it to my Sunday afternoon seat at Eddy’s. Fun weekend the begin my holiday prep!
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Sports betting is still illegal in Oklahoma, primarily due to a spat between Governor Stitt and Native American Tribes, but within a couple of weeks, Grand Lakers won’t have to travel very far to place legal bets on their favorite teams. Casinos in Kansas may accept sports bets as soon as September 1, but certainly in time for the first NFL regular season game September 8. Casinos in Dodge City, Mulvane, Pittsburg, and Kansas City, Kansas have been given provisional licenses to accept sports wagers for a year under temporary rules that are in place. Much of the state’s 10% tax is earmarked to support efforts to lure the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri, and relocate in Kansas. I’m not taking that bet…but you never know.
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In case you’re wondering if the rest of the country thinks like we do…probably not. WalletHub has released its 2022 ranking of “Best States to Live In.” Massachusetts topped the list as the best place to live, followed by New Jersey, New York, Idaho, and Virginia. Oklahoma ranked 44th. Kansas ranked way above us at 23. Texas was 34th. Arkansas ranked 47; and of course, as usual, we’re always grateful to Mississippi for helping us avoid being last.
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The generation gap is getting smaller and smaller. OU wide receiver Theo Wease was questioned last week about Offensive Coordinator Jeff Lebby: “He could literally be one of my best friends,” he said, “if he wasn’t so old.” Lebby is 38.
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Truth is stranger than fiction. U.S. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her opposition to solar panels because she thinks the lights would go out when the sun goes down. “I like the lights on. I want to stay up later at night. I don’t want to have to go to bed when the sun sets.” She actually said that – and meant it! Somewhere in Georgia a village is missing its idiot.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Larry Steckline, Debbie Howell, Everett Lees, Robine Blumenthal, Janice Wilburn, Randy Krehbiel, Greg Gangas, Gretchen Casto, Malia Love, Gretchen Zumwalt, Jim Basgall, Jenean Perryman, Brian Broaddus, DiAnna Westcott, Patricia Williams, Cheryl Forrest, Patty Davis, Randy Sherrell, Larry Mlnarik, Teresa Lay, and Janet Link.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: There’s something for everyone in the Grand Lake area this weekend. The South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce monthly member luncheon is Thursday at 11:30 at the GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley. The Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo is Wednesday-Saturday in Vinita. The Women’s Weekend at Shangri-La Resort runs Friday-Sunday. Friday is also a BBQ, storytelling, gospel singing with Rod Phillips at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (6:00 p.m.) benefiting 2nd Chance Pet Rescue. The annual Afton Days Celebration is Saturday beginning with a 9:30 parade and festivities at Afton City Park starting at 10:00; and there’s a Vinita All School Reunion at the Craig County Fairgrounds Community Center Saturday at 2:00.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: "Crusader Rabbit," debuting on Aug. 1, 1950, was the first animated series created specifically for television.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Truth is stranger than fiction. The Keller Independent School District in North Texas has pulled two more “controversial” books from school libraries – Anne Frank’s “Diary of a Young Girl” and…the Bible. I’m not even kidding. How’s that “Cancel Culture” working for you?
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: You can’t sell a used mattress, but somehow we’ll pay three hundred bucks a night to sleep on one at a hotel.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Correct spelling on all tattoos garranteed.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Funny how nobody checks immigration status when their new custom home is being built.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: If you boil a funny bone, it becomes a laughingstock. That’s humerus.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If we want to increase the voter turnout in American elections, why do we still have elections on Tuesdays when everybody is at work or school?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I hate it when the dialogue in a movie is so quiet that I have to raise the volume, then the next scene sounds like a plane is coming out of my TV.
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, is the second oldest living U.S. First Lady in history. She turned 95 last week. This is the anniversary month of the death of The King of Rock ‘N Roll. Elvis Presley died in August…45 years ago.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Some cause happiness wherever they go; other, whenever they go.” – Oscar Wilde
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Shrimp Boil with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Chloe Johns performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories both Friday and Saturday nights at The Summit. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Friday night entertainment by Jon Moody followed by Usual Suspects Saturday night. Thursday and Tuesday nights are karaoke nights with DJ Mo at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early both Wednesday and Friday night. There is karaoke fun on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights; and DJ K-Bandito keeps the crowd hopping both nights across the street at Big Shots. Saturday is karaoke & dancing with DJ Chris Kennedy at Monkey Island Pub.
On South Grand Lake, a night of karaoke starts the weekend fun Thursday night at the Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. Rockwell takes over entertainment Friday night followed by The Brent Giddens Band Saturday. At Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill, The Smith Brothers start the weekend entertainment at 6:30 Thursday evening. Clint & Frank entertain Saturday night, and Jamey Hooper wraps up the August entertainment Sunday afternoon at 4:00.
Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens the weekend entertainment Friday night with Mike Barham & The Honky Tonk Prophets. South of Vertical entertains Saturday night, and The True Swagger Duo wraps up the weekend at Sharky’s Sunday afternoon. Ugly’s Grill & Bar now features karaoke entertainment with KJ Flip and DJ Sweet Daddy D every Friday night. Magen Faulconer entertains Friday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek.
In Grove, Twice as Nice Harpists provide the Friday night entertainment at The Regatta, with Laron Simpson entertaining on the rooftop Saturday night. The Blaine Bailey Band will be on stage at Cherokee Casino Grove Friday night, followed by Libby Starks Saturday night. There is karaoke Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Thomas Martinez Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday.
Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Sunset Circle in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features The Rumor, followed by Constant Chaos Saturday. The Beer & Chicken Band will perform Saturday night at Club 60 West at River Bend Casino. Saturday night, The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker at the Outdoor Amphitheatre at Buffalo Run Casino.
In Vinita, The George Brothers perform Friday & Saturday evening as part of the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo festivities.
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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: The Chunky Monkey Food Truck is serving lunch Tuesday-Friday and lunch & dinner Friday & Saturday across from the airport strip mall on Monkey Island. Breakfast service on Saturdays & Sundays is back at the Road Hog Saloon. The Cafeteria at Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island has reopened for breakfast & lunch. Bella Donna’s now offers a Crab Leg Special every Wednesday evening. The Café at Indian Hills Marina is now closed on Wednesdays. Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda is now opening later on Thursdays – 4:00 p.m. This week’s “Theme Week” specials at Doc’s at Shangri-La (Thursday-Sunday) feature “A Garden Harvest Menu” including Smoked Tomato Bruschetta, Grilled Summer Salmon with Garden Ratatouille, and Spinach Fettuccine Pomodoro.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A new mini-series Mike will be available Thursday on HULU featuring the story of Mike Tyson. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is available on Disney+. 2022 MTV Music Video Awards will be televised Sunday night at 7:00 on MTV.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Invitation, Samaritan, and Three Thousand Years of Longing open in movie theaters this week. Prey is streaming on HULU.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, September 2 – Block Party at the Community Center Lawn in Grove. Saturday, September 3 – Redneck Raft-Out in Check-In Bay. Thursday, September 8 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Member Luncheon at the Community Center (12:00). Thursday-Saturday, September 8-10 – Harvest Fest 2022 at Camp Copperhead in Spavinaw. Friday, September 9 – Shangri-La Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Thursday, September 15 – 84th REC Drive-Thru Event (3 p.m.) Thursday, September 15 – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s “Luau on the Green” at Shangri-La. Friday, September 16 – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s Annual Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Friday, September 16 – Couples Nine & Wine at Shangri-La Golf Club (5:30). Friday, September 16 – Cherokee Golf Classic at The Coves Golf Club. Tuesday, September 20 – Food Truck Tuesday at Langley City Park (5:00-8:00). Friday-Sunday, September 23-25 – Pioneer Days at Har-Ber Village in Grove. Saturday, September 24 – Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show and Vintage Car Show at Arrowhead Yacht Club (10:00-3:00). Saturday, September 24 – Cedar Port Marina Customer Appreciation Party. Saturday, September 24 – A Taste of Grand at INTEGRIS Health Grove. Sunday-Tuesday, September 25-27 – MSSU Invitational Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Sunday, October 2 – John Daly/Major Ed Heart of a Lion Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Thursday-Sunday, October 6-9 – Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday, October 7 – South Grand Lake Chamber’s 25th Annual Coves Golf Tournament.
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College football actually starts this week, although no Oklahoma major college teams are playing until next week. There are several games Saturday – but the only one of major interest here is probably Nebraska at Northwestern Saturday morning at 11:30 on Fox.
The NFL preseason is in the final week of preseason play, and there are eight televised games this week. Kansas City hosts Green Bay and Houston hosts the 49ers, both Thursday night at 7:00. The Cowboys host Seattle Friday night at 7:00. Saturday games include Jacksonville at Atlanta (2:00), the L.A. Rams at Cincinnati (5:00), and Minnesota at Denver (8:00). Sunday, the Jets host the Giants at noon and Detroit is at Pittsburgh at 3:30.
PGA golfers are at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta this week for the Tour Championship. Live coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 1:00 Saturday & Sunday.
NASCAR drivers are at Daytona for Saturday night prime time racing. Coverage of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 begins at 6:00 Saturday evening on NBC.
There are also some great Major League Baseball games televised this weekend, including the Yankees at Oakland Friday night at 8:30. Atlanta is in St. Louis for a pair of games against the Cardinals – Saturday at 6:00 and Sunday at 6:00. Detroit is at Texas Sunday at 1:30.
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Weather for the weekend ahead looks absolutely perfect with highs around 90 and lows pushing 70 – and sunshine. Enjoy all Grand Lake has to offer, both indoors and out. 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)
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
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
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 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
Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing
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 Restaurant in Grove
Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill
E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Forage in downtown Grove & The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island
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
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)
Monkey Island RV Resort
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
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)
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 (smoking...but not at lunch)
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 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
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