December 4 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
With multiple tree-lighting ceremonies, several parties and two parades already in the rearview mirror, the holiday season has officially arrived at Grand Lake. This weekend is a huge celebration with both the Grove Parade and the CYC Boat Parade set for Saturday night followed by Brunch with Santa at Doc’s Bar & Grill Sunday morning and the first of two big Sunday afternoon sing-along concerts featuring Terry Jordan at Shangri-La Resort’s “Grand Lake Holiday Celebration” Sunday afternoon 2:00-5:00 in the resort’s hotel lobby. That’s not all of the party fun – but that’s a lot – and all within a 24-hour period this weekend!
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The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly last week to oust proven fraudulent and disgraced Congressman George Santos who had lied about virtually everything in his life and embezzled money from campaign donors. Oddly enough, 114 members, including two Oklahoma Congressmen, apparently didn’t see anything wrong with that, and voted to keep Santos (or whatever his real name is) in the Congress. Santos himself said he would wear the expulsion as a “badge of courage” (apparently he’ll wear that bad next to his Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Medal of Freedom, and Victoria Cross – or maybe he’ll put it on a shelf next to his Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards). Congratulations to the three-fifths of Oklahoma’s delegation who agreed that blatant lying and stealing are not acceptable behaviors for Members of Congress.
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Ultimate Irony: a man threated last week to sue a magazine for using his image in a story about why all hipsters look the same, only to find out the image in question was actually of a totally different guy.
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The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly last week to oust proven fraudulent and disgraced Congressman George Santos who had lied about virtually everything in his life and embezzled money from campaign donors. Oddly enough, 114 members, including two Oklahoma Congressmen, apparently didn’t see anything wrong with that, and voted to keep Santos (or whatever his real name is) in the Congress. Santos himself said he would wear the expulsion as a “badge of courage” (apparently he’ll wear that badge next to his Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Medal of Freedom, and Victoria Cross – or maybe he’ll put it on a shelf next to his Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards). Congratulations to the three-fifths of Oklahoma’s delegation who agreed that blatant lying and stealing are not acceptable behaviors for Members of Congress.
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If you need another reason to hate the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban just sold majority interest in the team to the skanky casino tycoon Adelson family of Las Vegas for $3.5 billion. They say Cuban will still say in control of basketball operations, but they’re not exactly known for keeping their word.
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Governor Stitt hosted “Native American Family Day” at the Governor’s Mansion last week. Folks ate Indian tacos and participated in hatchet throwing. As many times as he has sued all the tribes and fought with them over gaming, tag, and hunting compacts with the state, I was surprised he had the nerve to host a hatchet throwing event. He’s okay, though. I guess nobody hit him.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Gary Brock, Chris Sexton, Heather Collins, Barbara Pliler, Wayne Crouse, Jim Gray, Randy Williams, Chris Byrd, Gina Gibbs, Stephanie Gibbs, Janée Odle, Gina Holloway, Janie Cunningham, Sherry Kern, Terri Thomas, Nikki Rowton, Karen Strimple, Candace Kahle, Allison Timberlake, Doug Smith, Dwain Richardson, Kim Hudelson, Barbara Callison, Charlotte Oglesby, Konrad Faust, Debbie McCurdy, Spencer Dyer, George Blair, Jessica DeRose, and “Papa” Larry Duke.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. I don’t think it would be possible to jam any more activities in one week than this week’s Grand Lake Calendar. The Christmas Lights displays Twin Bridges State Park and Pine Lodge Resort are officially open for your drive-thru enjoyment. Wednesday night is the Angel of Hope Observance at Lendonwood Gardens (7:00 p.m.). Thursday is a Grand Area Creative Alliance get-together for any and all creative types at the Grove Public Schools Performing Arts Center Lobby to share plans for 2024 entertainment events and plans (10:00-11:30 a.m.). Friday night is the Grove Rotary Club Dueling Pianos Holiday Party at Legacy Event Center (6:00-10:00 p.m.). Friday night, Santa’s Ozark Mountain Christmas display is open at Har-Ber Village (5:30-8:30). Saturday is the annual Christmas Breakfast & Dessert Auction benefiting 2nd Chance Pet Rescue at First Christian Church in Grove (9:00 a.m.-Noon). Saturday night is both the Christmas Lights Boat Parade from Cherokee Yacht Club (dock party starts at 3:00) and the Grove Lighted Christmas Parade (6:00 p.m.). Sunday is Christmas Brunch with Santa at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort (10:00-2:00) followed by “A Grand Lake Holiday Celebration” with Terry Jordan and Andre Jones & The Showstoppers in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel (2:00-5:00). Monday night is the Grand Lake Association Annual Banquet at Cherokee Yacht Club (6:00 p.m.); and Tuesday night is the final pre-Christmas “Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson” at The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.). Groundbreaking for the new Grand Lake Family YMCA gymnasium will also be next Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The Ice Rink at Grove Community Center is open for “Open Skate” Fridays 6:00-10:00 p.m., Saturdays 3:00-10:00 and Sundays 3:00-8:00.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The 1920 Akron Pros, winners of what is considered the first National Football League championship, received a traveling trophy called the Brunswick-Balke Collendar Cup. It was never seen again.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: With “DJ Play a Christmas Dong” reaching #1 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Song chart, the amazing Cher has now had a #1 Son on a Billboard chart in seven consecutive decades.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Julia Stewart started working as a waitress at IHOP when she was 16. Years later, she eventually became the president of their competitor, Applebees. When Applebees didn’t offer her the position of CEO, she left to become CEO of IHOP, and promptly bought Applebees.
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OXYMORON OF THE WEEK: Small crowd
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK Alcohol preserves many things. Dignity and virginity are not among them.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Sportsplex Track: 1 Lap=1/3 mile – 3 Laps= 1.2 miles
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I’d like to thank whomever told my mom that WTF means “Wow, That’s Fantastic!” Her texts are so much more fun now.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Fred Flint passed away in Ohio. They finally got a gravestone for him. It is officially Fred Flint’s stone.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: When is the employee Christmas Party for self-checkers at Walmart?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I tend to talk to myself a little more this time of year. There seem to be more occasions where I need expert advice.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “One of the nice things about the Senior Tour is that we can take a cart and cooler. If your game is not going well, you can always have a picnic.” – Lee Trevino
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Legendary OU Football Coach Bob Stoops was hired by the Sooners 25 years ago. The awesome actress Natalie Wood died 42 years ago. Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. turned 94 years old last week.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend with Thursday Night Karaoke at Doc’s Bar & Grill this week and KJ Flip leads the karaoke fun at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Friday night, Mark Gibson entertains live at Doc’s; and DJ K-Bandito hosts the musical fun Friday & Saturday night at Big Shots.
On South Grand Lake, RocKFiscH will provide Saturday night’s music at The Drunken Rooster. Sunday afternoon, Terry Jordan will be at the piano with special guests Andre Jones & The Showstoppers for a fun sing-along “Grand Lake Holiday Celebration” at Shangri-La Resort’s Hotel Lobby (2:00-5:00 p.m.).
In Grove, Dueling Pianos provide the musical entertainment at the Grove Rotary Club’s Christmas Party at Legacy Event Center (6:00-10:00 p.m.). There is karaoke Thursday nights at Grand Lake Casino, with live music Friday night, followed by more karaoke fun Saturday. There are two nights of live music at Cherokee Casino featuring Three Dollar Rocket Friday night, followed by Purple Madness Saturday night.
Brett N’ Terri start the weekend entertainment Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino. Bad Decisions take over the stage Friday night followed by Oreo Blue Saturday night.
Diversity will be on stage Saturday night at River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West followed at 11:00 by an after party hosted by DJ Kay.
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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: Christmas Brunch with Santa is Sunday at Doc’s Bar & Grill (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.). Blind Swine Monkey Island is now open for bar service only Tuesday-Saturday 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. The Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort now offers all-you-can-eat Snow Crab Legs Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. The Artichoke in Langley is closed. Bradford’s BBQ has also closed permanently; and Lester’s 3rd Street Diner in Grove will close permanently December 28. Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda and Prime Meats, Eats and Sweets are also now closed for the season.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Christmas at the Opry airs Thursday night at 7:00 on NBC. Ladies of the ‘80s: Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas airs Monday night at 9:00 on NBC; and Big Brother: Reindeer Games airs next Monday night at 7:00 on CBS. The Masked Singer Holiday Sing-Along airs next Tuesday at 7:00 on Fox.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Poor Things, Magazine Dreams, and Eileen are in theaters this week. Leave the World Behind is available Friday on NETFLIX and Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is available Friday on Disney+.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, December 15 – Legacy Event Center Annual Christmas Party (7:00 p.m.). Friday, December 15 – Christmas Party open to the public at The Anchor at Shangri-La with Santa & Mrs. Claus (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, December 15 – Christmas Pickleball Mixer at The Anchor Racquet Club (7:00-9:00 p.m.). Friday, December 15 – Movie Theme Night at Grove Ice Rink – “All Aboard for Christmas.” Friday, December 15 – Christmas Dinner Theater at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Grove (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 16 – Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at the Drunken Rooster. Saturday, December 16 – Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Sunday, December 17 - A Grand Lake Holiday Celebration with Terry Jordan and special guests David Bridges & The Message in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel (2:00-5:00). Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner at The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (6:00-10:00 p.m.). New Year’s Eve Party at the Drunken Rooster. Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve “Sparkle Party” at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze.
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With conference championships behind us, college football fans only have the Army/Navy game Saturday at 2:00 while we await the 43 upcoming bowl games.
In the NFL, Pittsburgh hosts New England Thursday night. Sunday games include Tampa Bay at Atlanta and Detroit at Chicago at noon – but the two biggest games for us Okies are later in the day – Buffalo at Kansas City at 3:30 and Philadelphia at Dallas at 7:00. Monday Night Football sends Tennessee to Miami
In the NBA, the In-Season Tournament wraps up this week with the Championship Game Saturday night at 7:30. The OKC Thunder host the Golden State Warriors Friday night at 7:00 and the Utah Jazz next Monday, also at 7:00.
PGA Golfers and LPGA Players are in Naples, Florida where they will compete together in the three-day Grant Thornton Invitational. Coverage begins at noon Friday, 1:00 Saturday, and noon Sunday on The Golf Channel. NBC picks up the final two rounds Saturday at 2:00 and Sunday at 1:00.
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If you’re planning outdoor activities this weekend, start Friday when the high temperature will be around 70 degrees. By Saturday & Sunday, highs will only reach the mid-50s with lows in the mid-30s. That’s still plenty good for the parades on land and on Grand Saturday evening, but you’re gonna need a decent coat! Enjoy your weekend, but remember, 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
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)
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (closed for the season)
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
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
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Cove Club in Langley
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 (closed for the season)
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 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 (closed for the season)
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 (closed for the season)
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 (closed for the season)
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove
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