February 5 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
Here we are in February – and a month of boat shows is behind us. If you didn’t make it to one of the two shows in Tulsa and another in Oklahoma City, all the Grand Lake dealers are back on the lake with plenty of boats still in stock. It’s less than a month until “Welcome Back Weekend” followed by a week of Spring Break – and boom! The prime boating season will be back. You’d better get ready!
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I saw some alarming news this week. A national study indicates Oklahoma ranks 49th in the amount of alcohol consumption per capita. Our favorite Grand Lake bars and restaurants can’t stay in business at that rate of consumption. I’ve been doing my share – so the rest of you had better belly up to the bar. It’s Super Bowl week, so maybe we can make up for lost time. We have a reputation to recover!
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I’m sure glad there are plenty of Super Bowl Parties Sunday – and especially grateful that the game is on television so I don’t have to go. Tickets to Sunday’s game are the most expensive ever – cheapest tickets are currently going for $10,000. If you wonder who can pay that kind of price for tickets, here’s another bit of info – Las Vegas airports are sold out of airport parking slots for more than 1,000 private jets already booked for next weekend.
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Right wing media is touting the wildest theory ever! They claim that the Travis Kelce/Taylor Swift romance and the Kansas City Chiefs’ trip to the Super Bowl was all a plot to increase Taylor Swift’s popularity to the max prior to her ultimately endorsing Joe Biden. They claim that was all a plot by the Democratic Party. We know for sure, however, it was NOT a Democratic plot…because it worked!
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Don’t give up too soon. A new study found that the most productive age in human life in the U.S. is 60-70 years old. The second is from 70-80. The third most productive is age 50-60. The average age of Nobel Prize winners is 62. The average age of CEOs of major companies is 63.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Congratulations to Playmakers’ incredible Suzanne Boles, winner of the Community Service Award from the Oklahoma Arts Council! Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Lance Franczyk, Sonya McGough, Stan Noble, Kimberly Self, Steve Brewer, Tom Bailey, Steve Weatherford, Ben Wolfe, Caryl Fowler, Joe Farchione, Tonya Jurgensmeyer, Gene Duncan, Dan Miller, Lynda Forrester, Chad Brewer, Dustin Able, Tamara Carrott, Brad Coston, Frank Klaus, and Betty Dennis.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. What an incredible list of happenings around Grand Lake this week! Thursday night is Trivia Night at both Mooney’s in Disney and BOOM in Grove. It’s also Thursday Karaoke Night at Doc’s at Shangri-La. Friday night is a Mardi Gras Feast at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Grove (6:30 p.m.). Saturday is a “Skinny Singles Pickleball Tournament” at the Shangri-La Racquet Club (1:30). INTEGRIS Health Grove Hospital hosts “Souper Bowl Saturday” with free health screenings and, of course, soup from 10:00-2:00. Saturday is also a COW Week Daddy-Daughter Dance at the Grove High School PAC (6:00-8:00 p.m.) and SINGO competition with Jason Morgan at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Saturday night is a Mardi Gras Party at Juan Montez (8:00 p.m.). Sunday is another “Souper Bowl” fundraising competition at Fairland First United Methodist Church (Soup Cook-off and Dessert Bake-Off) benefiting Fairland Backpack Program (11:30 a.m.). Sunday is also the actual Super Bowl LVIIII. There are Super Bowl Parties at The Anchor at Shangri-La (4:00 p.m. party – 5:30 kickoff), Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Country Club, Juan Montez (bring finger foods) at 5:30, the Drunken Rooster (5:00 p.m.), Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill, BOOM at The Regatta, Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club (4:00), and Pickles at the Lake at 5:30 (pot luck). Monday is a Grand Lake Newcomers Club Mix, Mingle & Movie starting with dinner at Rancho Viejo in Grove (5:00 p.m.) followed by movie at Grove Cinema 7 (6:45 p.m.). Next Tuesday is Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.); and next Wednesday is the Shangri-La Members’ Wine Dinner at The Summit Restaurant (6:00 p.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The first clocks had only one hand. (now most clocks have no hands at all!)
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: One in three men age 18-25 only change their sheets three times a year.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: The world’s shortest international bridge connects a Canadian Island with an American Island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River. The bridge is 32 feet long.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I’m sorry, but you can’t always be experiencing a higher volume of calls than average. That’s not how averages work!
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK (seen at a McDonald’s drive-thru window): We are currently out of boy toys. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Cremation is my last hope for a smoking hot body.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Spaces between ladder rungs have increased because Americans are getting taller. Manufacturers claim it’s due to climb it change.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why did we used to say “boom shakalaka?”
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I just ordered a Life Alert Bracelet so if I ever get a life, I’ll be notified immediately.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Some people are going to leave a mark on this world, while others will leave a stain.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The Beatles played their final concert on the rooftop of Abbey Road Studios in London 55 years ago. Actor Alan Alda, most famous for his role as Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H, turned 88 years old last week. Doug Kershaw, the “Rajun Cajun,” has made many appearances at Grand Lake as the guest performer at Jana Jae events, also celebrated his 88th birthday 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. Friday night, Rockwell entertains live at Doc’s; and DJ K-Bandito hosts the musical fun Friday & Saturday nights at Big Shots. Jason Morgan hosts SINGO competition Saturday evening at The Anchor (6:00-9:00). Erin Fitzgibbon entertains Friday night at the Blind Swine, and Sons of Turner will be live at the Swine Saturday night.
On South Grand, Friday night is Karaoke Night at The Copper Penny in Ketchum. The Barrett Lewis Duo entertains Saturday night at Mooney’s.
In Grove, there are two nights of live music at Cherokee Casino featuring The Cliff Boone Band Friday night, followed by Hollywood Riot Saturday night.
Jon Dooly starts the weekend entertainment Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino. Derryl Perry takes over the stage Friday night followed by Encore Saturday night.
The Ben Miller Band will perform Saturday night at Legends Sports Bar at Downstream Casino; and Edwin McCain will perform Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Peoria Showplace.
DeWayne Bowman & the Swingin’ West Band entertain Saturday night at 7:00 at River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, followed by karaoke with DJ Kay at 11:00 p.m.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Chef Greg Bolton is “Guest Chef” Wednesday night at The Shebang. Friday is a Mardi Gras Feast at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Grove (6:30 p.m.). Mosa Hibachi & Sushi is now open in Grove. Legacy Eatery is now open at the former Lester’s 3rd Street Diner location in Grove. In addition to the regular menu from The Galley, there will be a special $35 all-you-can-eat Super Bowl Buffet for the big party Sunday at The Anchor at Shangri-La. Blind Swine on Monkey Island now has an extensive menu of “bar food.”
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The 13th Annual NFL Honors presentation airs Thursday night at 8:00 on CBS. Super Bowl Greatest Commercials airs Friday night at 8:00 on CBS. Sunday night, Super Bowl LVIII airs live at 5:30 on CBS; and Monday night, February 12, Jon Stewart returns to The Daily Show (10:00 p.m. on Comedy Central) and will host each Monday night through election day in November.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Lisa Frankenstein, Turning Red and It Ends with Us debut in movie theaters this week, joining Argylle and Mean Girls.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, February 16 – Classic Fab: Beatles Tribute band at the Coleman Theatre Beautiful in Miami (7:00 p.m.). Saturday, February 17 – “Valentine in Black & White” Valentine Gala (dinner & dance with music by “Hook”) at Shangri-La Resort Hotel. Sunday, February 18 – NBA All-Star Game watch party at The Anchor at Shangri-La. Sunday, February 18 – COW Week Pickleball 101 Clinics at Shangri-La Racquet Club (2:00-6:00). Sunday, February 18 – Opening Day for “Persnickety or The Ironic Passion of Carlicious” at Playmakers in Grove. Thursday, February 22 – South Grand Lake Chamber monthly Membership luncheon at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (11:30 a.m.) Thursday-Sunday, February 22-25 – Miami Little Theatre presents “Arsenic and Old Lace” at the Coleman Theatre (7:00 p.m. Thurs-Sat and 2:30 Sunday). Saturday, February 24 – “Meet the Pros” with the Shangri-La Golf Professional at The Anchor (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Tuesday, February 27 – Ghetto Tacos Food Truck will be at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island (11:00-6:00). Friday, March 1 – MYKC Golf Scramble at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (8:00 a.m.). Friday, March 1 – First Friday Wine Share at Rustic Rehab in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m,). Saturday, March 2 – COW Week Pickleball Tournament at the Shangri-La Racquet Club. Saturday, March 2 – Welcome Back Weekend Poker Run from Cherokee Yacht Club (10:00-4:00). Saturday-Sunday, March 2-3 – Open House for the first venue at The Shops at Grand Meridian RV Park. Friday-Sunday, March 8-10 – Grove Home & Garden Show. Friday-Sunday, March 8-10 – Grand Lake Boat and Sport Show at the Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita. Saturday, March 9 – COW Week COWnival at the Grove Community Center (11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Sunday, March 10 – COW Week Golf Tournament at The Coves (12:00 p.m.). Monday, March 11 – COW Week Basketball Tournament at Grove High School Gym (5:00 p.m.). Wednesday, March 13 – COW Week Talent Show at the Grove PAC (6:00 p.m.). Thursday-Sunday, March 14-16 – Big Meat Run at the South Grand Lake Recreation Area in Disney. Friday, March 15 – The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda Harbor reopens for the season. Saturday, March 16 – St. Patty’s Day Party at Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina (6:00 p.m.). Tuesday, March 19 – “Dueling Pianos” show at the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Resort.
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Here we go! It’s finally Super Bowl Week. The Chiefs and 49ers are the final two teams left standing. Super Bowl LVIII kicks off Sunday afternoon at 5:30.
In the NBA, the OKC Thunder are back on the road. They’re in Dallas to take on the Mavericks Saturday afternoon at 2:00 before traveling to Orlando for a nationally televised game (TNT) next Tuesday at 6:30.
College basketball conference play continues this week – and it’s Bedlam week. OSU is at OU Saturday evening at 6:00. The Cowboys don’t play during the week next week, but OU is on the road at Baylor next Tuesday night at 8:00.
On the PGA Tour, it’s time for the WM Phoenix Open, the most fun a fan can have at a golf tournament! Coverage begins Thursday & Friday at 2:00 and Saturday & Sunday at noon on the Golf Channel. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.
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Weather looks very nice for most of the weekend ahead, but it starts sliding downhill on Sunday. Friday & Saturday we’ll have highs in the mid-60s and lows around 40. Sunday, the temperature drops to a high around 50 and low temps below freezing again. That’s okay. We’ll all be indoors at a Super Bowl Party Sunday, anyway. Remember, though, wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It might 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
Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La
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)
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
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Getaway Mercantile (north of 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
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
Mosa Hibachi and Sushi in Grove
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 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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