February 20 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

Another week, another party at Grand Lake! Happy Mardi Gras! Saturday night is a double-header party. Costume party & Mardi Gras feast at The Summit, followed by the annual Mardi Gras costume party at Monkey Island Pub. We have to hurry and get Mardi Gras out of the way because next weekend is “Welcome Back Weekend” – and a party every week until November!

*****

There have been 3,000 new laws proposed in the current session of the Oklahoma legislature, but one lawmaker is pushing legislation that actually impacts our life for the better. We all know that Oklahoma liquor laws are odd, but did you know it’s illegal to sell a bucket of beer? Yep. By law, bartenders can’t serve you more than two drinks, so you can’t buy a bucket of beer. Representative Steve Bashore of Miami is carrying a bill that would fix that. Hot weather will be here soon. Thanks, Representative Bashore, for actually thinking about us little thirsty guys!

*****

Kudos also to a couple of Ponca City lawmakers, Representative Ken Luttrell and Senator Bill Coleman. Their legislation to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma took a baby step last week, making it out of a subcommittee. If we could buy a bucket of beer while placing a legal sports bet, we would have to stop criticizing the legislature for never doing anything important!

*****

The timing has finally been decided. OU and Texas will leave the Big 12 and join the SEC in 2024 – a year earlier than originally planned. The early departure will cost the schools $100  million, but they’re paying the money to leave early. What’s the old adage about why divorces cost so much? “Because they’re worth it.”

*****

GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Ryan Stoner, Greg Hopeman, “Ugly John” Mullen, Mikey Williams, Jennifer Reed, Winston Connor II, Dave Kruse, Andi McConn, James Diver, Susan Faulkner, Leta Carson, Chris Ferguson, Pete Regan, Gary Sisco, Bob Rush, Glenna Whitehead, Debbie Totty, and Don White.

*****

BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. Thursday is the South Grand Lake Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (11:30 a.m.). Saturday night is a Mardi Gras Buffet & Costume Party at The Summit Restaurant and a Mardi Gras Party at Monkey Island Pub. Saturday is also the Grove Sports, Inc. Daddy-Daughter Dance at Grove City Hall (6:00 p.m.). Next Tuesday, February 28 is “A Taste for Change” wine tasting event at The Regatta in Grove, benefiting the Community Crisis Center (6:00 p.m.); and there’s the normal weekly trivia competition Thursday night at Mooney’s and the final Tuesday Night Trivia at The Anchor at Shangri-La.   

*****

RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Actor Larry Hagman turned down a sitcom called The Waverly Wonders to play the role of JR Ewing in the series Dallas.

*****

FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: While LeBron James was being honored as the leading NBA scorer of all time – and claiming the GOAT title in an interview with Shaq – his kids were spotted courtside wearing Michael Jordan shoes.

*****

ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance drew 5 million more viewers than the actual game.

*****

BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Somebody clearly missed the opportunity of a lifetime when they named the game Mario Kart instead of Mario Speedwagon.

*****

BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Imagine a world where pro athletes would have to buy their own footballs and basketballs, and teachers would get diamond rings for being good at their jobs.

*****

BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Don’t be part of the problem. Be the WHOLE problem!

                                                       *****

BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Before it was carved, Mount Rushmore’s natural beauty was unpresidented.  

*****

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What’s the synonym for thesaurus?

*****

OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: George Santos has lied so much, you would think he’d get better at it. (Thanks to comedienne Chelsea Handler for this important observation.)

*****

FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: NBA Superstar Michael Jordan turned 60 years old last week. Legendary film star and lifelong sex symbol Raquel Welch died last week. She was 82.

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Friendly reminder that any babies conceived on Valentine’s Day will have a Thanksgiving birthday and 35 years of not choosing dinner.” – Julie Burton

*****

BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the fun kicks off at Doc’s Thursday night with Jason Morgan leading the karaoke fun. JR Neal performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Friday night is karaoke night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze – and the Terre Rouge Burlesque Show will entertain patrons Saturday night at Big Shots. DJ Chris Kennedy will lead the DJ and karaoke fun at Monkey Island Pub Saturday night.  

On South Grand, The Smith Brothers will provide the entertainment Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Reverse Reaction will perform Saturday night at The Drunken Rooster.

In Grove, there is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Blank Earth Friday night and more karaoke Saturday. Audio Crush entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by Left of Center Saturday night.

Sweet Trouble Acoustic will provide the music Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, followed by Donnie Ray Stephens Friday and the full Sweet Trouble band Saturday. Bobby DeGonia will perform Saturday night at River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West; and Neon Union will be on stage Saturday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar.

*****

GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: April Collins and Michelle Gates will combine forces as Guest Chefs at The Shebang Wednesday preparing an old-fashioned New Orleans Shrimp Boil. Big Shots Rhythm & Booze is now open at 7:00 p.m. for karaoke fun on Fridays in addition to their special performances and late-night dance fun on Saturdays (Burlesque this week). Saturday night is a Mardi Gras Costume Party and special Mardi Gras dinner menu ($55) at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (5:00 p.m.).

*****

BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Blacklist returns Sunday night at 9:00 on NBC. Survivor kicks off a new season next Wednesday at 7:00 on CBS, followed by the debut of True Lies at 9:00.

****

BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Cocaine Bear debut in movie theaters this week. We Have a Ghost is available Friday on NETFLIX.

*****

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday & Saturday March 2 & 4 – Grove Drama presentation of “Grease” at the Grove Performing Arts Center (6:00 p.m.). Friday-Sunday, March 3-5 – Welcome Back Weekend! Friday, March 3 – First Friday Wine Share at Legacy Event Center in Grove (6:00 p.m.). Friday-Sunday, March 3-5 – Grove Home & Garden Show at former Whoops store location in Grove. Saturday, March 4 – Welcome Back Weekend  Poker Run Start-up breakfast at Arrowhead Yacht Club (10:00-noon). Saturday, March 4 – Welcome Back Weekend Poker Run (noon-5:00 p.m.) followed by check-in at Cherokee Yacht Club (5:00-7:00) and winners’ announcement at 8:00. Saturday, March 4 – Sip n’ Shop at the re-opening of the boutique at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (9:00-4:00). Sunday, March 5 – Grove Drama presentation of “Grease” at the Grove Performing Arts Center (2:30 p.m.). Wednesday, March 8 – “Grove’s Got Talent” C.O.W. (Change Our World) Talent Show at GHS Performing Arts Center (6:00 p.m.). Wednesday, March 8 – Half-Price Wednesday begins at The Anchor arcade at Shangri-La. Half-price arcade games each Wednesday through April 6. Thursday, March 9 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Members Luncheon at Grove City Hall (noon). Thursday, March 9 – Spring Pool League Organizational Meeting at The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.). Thursday-Sunday, March 9-12 – Big Meat Run in the South Grand Lake Recreational Area. Saturday, March 11 – Kyle Williams Safe Boating Course at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (8:00-5:00). Monday-Friday, March 13-17 – Spring Break Day Camp at Rocket Skating in Grove. Friday-Sunday, March 17-19 – Grand Lake Boat and Sport Show at the Craig County Community Center in Vinita. Sunday, March 19 – COW (Change Our World) competition day at The Anchor at Shangri-La. Wednesday, March 22 – Home of Hope Chocolate Affair at the Craig County Community Center in Vinita (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, March 25 – Spring Fling Market with 2 Hip Chicks Traveling Roadshow at Whoops Surplus building in Grove (9:00-4:00). Saturday, March 25 – “Almost Midnight Madness” pickleball tournament at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (7:00-11:00 p.m.). Saturday, March 25 – Jay Education Foundation presents Dinner Theater & Silent Auction at Bulldog Arena in Jay (5:30 p.m.). Saturday, April 8 – Langley Easter Egg Hunt at Langley City Park (11:00-1:00). Sunday, April 9 – Easter Egg Hunt at The Anchor at Shangri-La (2:00-3:00 p.m.).

*****

NBA All-Star action has wrapped up and the NBA is back to regular season play. The OKC Thunder have a crazy busy schedule this week. They’re on the road at Utah Thursday night and Phoenix Friday. They’re back home to host Sacramento for two games – Sunday and Tuesday, before hosting the Lakers Wednesday night.

For pro football fans, it’s the second week of XFL action. St. Louis is at Seattle Thursday night at 8:00, Las Vegas hosts DC Saturday at 6:00 (both on FX). Sunday, San Antonio is at Orlando at 3:00 (ESPN) before Bob Stoops takes his Arlington Renegades to Face Wade Phillips’ Roughnecks in Houston at 6:00 (ESPN2).

NASCAR drivers are in Fontana, California this week for the Pala Casino 400. Coverage gets underway Sunday at 2:30 on Fox.  

There are some good college basketball games on the schedule. OU is at Iowa State Saturday at 11:00 and at Kansas State next Wednesday at 7:00. The OSU Cowboys host Kansas State Saturday at 1:00 and Baylor Monday night at 8:00. The Razorbacks are at Alabama Saturday at 1:00 and at Tennessee Tuesday at 8:00. Kansas hosts West Virginia Saturday at 3:00 and Texas Tech Tuesday at 8:00.

PGA Players are in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida this week for the Honda Classic. Coverage begins at 1:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. NBC picks up coverage of the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.

*****

The weekend weather looks pretty good for the final weekend of February. We may have a little shower or two in the mornings, but otherwise, we’ll have high temperatures in the mid-50s and lows around 40. It should be a great weekend to take advantage of lots of Grand Lake fun. Remember, though, wherever you decide to celebrate Mardi Gras, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!

GRAND LAKE BUM

Want more information on advertisers you see in the Grand Lake Bum?  No problem.  Just click on their ad and you will be connected to their website.  If you would like to join the growing list of sponsors of The Grand Lake Bum e-blast and the Bum’s page on both  Grand Lake Living and www.360grandlake.com, the cost is only $50 a week and the list of readers is growing.  E-mail or contact grandlakebum@gmail.com to sign up. The Grand Lake Bum column is also published in The Grand Laker newspaper.

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

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

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 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)

Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek

Flower Bar in Grove

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

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

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)

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 (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