January 6 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

It’s already Boat Show time in Oklahoma! Grand Lake dealers are setting up their displays at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City for this weekend’s Oklahoma City Boat, RV & Tackle Show at the Bennett Event Center at the fairgrounds in the capital city. If you are in the Oklahoma City area, it’ll be a good show! It’s only the warm-up act, of course, for the granddaddy of ‘em all – the Tulsa Boat, Sport & Travel Show which gets underway later this month, January 27-February 2.

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Speaking of February 2, that’s Super Bowl Sunday, of course. I got a little preview of the giant new 12-foot television screen Joyce Duke is setting up for the big Super Bowl Party at Big Shots. VIP reserved seating is available for $20 including an array of heavy hors d’ oeuvres. I can’t believe it’s been eight years since the last Super Bowl Party at Big Shots. This one should be a party for the record books!

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The “black market” never had it so good. Since the federal government unexpectedly raised the age for buying cigarettes and vaping materials from 18 to 21, I’m thinking of starting a new business – buying cigarettes for people who have been buying them legally for three years. Now they’re hooked…but they can’t buy them anymore. (It’s okay, though. They can still join the Army and vote. They just can’t smoke or drink.)

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On New Year’s Day, Illinois became the eleventh state to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana. On the first day of legal sales, there were 77,000 transactions totaling $3.2 million. The important news, though, is the 11,000 people the governor pardoned on that day because their “possession of marijuana” crime of which they were convicted is no longer a crime.

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There’s nothing worse than contaminated pants, right? Apparently it has become a problem.  In Dayton, Ohio, the Montgomery County Police have posted the following Public Service Announcement: “Prior to wearing someone else’s pants, please remove all drugs, drug paraphernalia, stolen property, or any other illegal items the ‘owner’ of the pants may have left behind. ‘These are not my pants’ is not an affirmative defense.”

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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Doc’s Bar & Grill food & beverage service will be moved to a hotel conference room January 15-23 to allow for the remodeling addition of Doc’s Whiskey Kitchen. There will still be regular three-meal-a-day food service and regular Trivia Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, and Karaoke Thursday events during that time. They’ll just move down the hall a few feet while the Whiskey Kitchen is erected. Plan to join the party January 25 at Doc’s ($30 per person) to check out the new Whiskey Kitchen, available whiskey sampling, and samples from the new Doc’s menu. Live music by the Wanda Watson Band for that big pre-boat-show party!

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The word "poll" originally meant "head," and more specifically the top of the head. It came to mean a place to vote, or voting itself, from the practice of voting by literally counting heads. In colonial America, voting often meant standing in a group or walking past a person responsible for counting heads, or polls.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Wanna buy something, but can’t find it online? Just text someone about it. Facebook will show you ads the next minute. Problem solved.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: “Listen” and “silent” are spelled with the same letters.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: You know you were raised Catholic...when every time you watch Star Wars and they say “May the force be with you, you say quietly in your head, “and also with you.”

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: I heard on the news there was a guy in town stealing the wheels off of police cars. The coos are working tirelessly to find him.

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: When you’re dead, you don’t know you’re dead. The pain is only felt by others. The same thing happens when you’re stupid.

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FEEL OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: 2050 is a far away as 1990. Getting older is like being in a haunted house. There are sounds and smells that cannot be explained.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Carol Cable, Jim Parrish, Morgan Grubb, Kendra McGeady, Tracie Gelinas, Bill Sanford, Doug Schoppa, Carrie Connor, Mark Cavins, Jacqui Haglund, Frank Schaffer, Paul Bulten, Mickey Landers, Sandy Scott, and Kristi Mullinax.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If that guy has any luck with his lawsuit against the manufacturer of Smart Water for not making him smart, shouldn’t I have a pretty good case against the makers of Thin Mints?

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday night is Prime Rib & Karaoke at Doc’s Bar & Grill. If you’re boat shopping, the OKC Boat, RV & Tackle Show runs Friday-Sunday at the  Bennett Center, State Fairgrounds in OKC. Tuesday night, January 14, plan to support the Grove Fire Department at a fun event -  Blazin’ Hot Tacos & Tequila Tuesday at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La ($10 admission benefits the Grove Fire Department).

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s great entertainment around the lake this weekend. Jason Morgan provides the trivia questions Tuesday night at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La as well as the Karaoke Fun Thursday night.  Terry Jordan performs Saturday & Sunday nights at Shangri-La’s Summit Restaurant. At the Blind Swine, Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night and KJ Flip hosts Cocktails & Karaoke Sunday night. As part of the Sunday night karaoke fun, Blind Swine also has a karaoke contest underway! Monkey Island Pub features great dance music Friday & Saturday nights. At Littlefield Corner, the Road Hog Saloon has live entertainment every Saturday night.

On South Grand Lake, Pickles at the Lake will feature the music of the father/daughter Faulconer Duo Saturday night.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features The Rod Robertson Band Friday night and Uncorwned Kings Saturday night.  Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 offers live music every Friday night and Karaoke Saturday night. At River Bend Casino, DJ 5-Star Entertainment puts on the show both Friday and Saturday nights in Club 60 West. Saturday night, enjoy dinner and a show at Club 60 West Event Center with a special Elvis Tribute. At Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill T live he Jeff Tatum Band will be on stage Friday night, and there DJ action every Saturday night at 10:00. At Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar House Party performs Friday night, followed by 90 lb Wrench Saturday. Harley Hamm Jimmy Jamm entertain Friday and Saturday in Lover’s Leap Lounge. There’s plenty of entertainment at Indigo Sky Casino’s Echo Lounge.  Stonehorse is on stage for Thursday night’s show, followed by Eddie Valen Friday night and Big Smitty Saturday.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action including NFL playoff games, PGA Golf, and NBA and college basketball action, and of course, the big National Championship College Football Game  are Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Blind Swine, Road Hog Saloon, 1909 in Grove, Pickles at the Lake in Langley, and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Thursday night Superstore, The Good Place, Perfect Harmony, Will & Grace and Law & Order SVU all begin new seasons on NBC. The new season of Young Sheldon airs Thursday night at 7:00 on CBS. The series premiere of Lincoln Rhyme: The Bone Collector airs Friday night at 7:00 on NBC.  The 25^th Annual Critics Choice Awards air live on CW Sunday night at 6:00; and, of course, the NCAA National Championship Game is Monday night at 7:00 on ESPN. Next Wednesday night, a new season of Grace & Frankie will be available on NETFLIX.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: On the Basis of Sex, Replicas, The Upside, A Dog’s Way Home, and Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “A photographer went to a socialite party in New York. As he entered the front door, the host said ‘I love your pictures – they’re wonderful. You must have a fantastic camera.’ He said nothing until dinner was finished, then: ‘That was a wonderful dinner; you must have a terrific stove!’” – Sam Haskins

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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, January 25 – Whiskey Kitchen Blues Bash & BBQ at Shangri-La Resort. Monday-Sunday, January 27-February 2 – Tulsa Boat, Sport & Travel Show at Tulsa State Fairgrounds. Super Bowl Party at Big Shots on Monkey Island featuring a giant 12-foot screen, heavy hors ‘d oeuvres and prizes. Sunday, February 2 – Super Bowl Watch Party at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Friday, February 7 – Business After Hours Reception at Shangri-La Resort (5:00-7:00). Saturday, February 8 – Polar Plunge at Shangri-La Resort’s outdoor pool ($10 entry benefits the Grove Public Library).  

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SPORTS WATCH! It’s the biggest week of the year for college football – and the last week! The National Championship Game pits Clemson against LSU Monday night, January 13 at 7:00 on ESPN. I’m betting on the Tigers!

The NBA schedule has the OKC Thunder back home for a couple of games, then a quick road trip, then back home.. They’re at home hosting Houston Thursday night at 8:30 on TNT, and Saturday night hosting the Lakers (7:00 on Fox Sports Oklahoma). Monday night at 7:00, they’re at Minnesota (Fox Sports Oklahoma) before returning home to take on Toronto next Wednesday night at 7:00 (Fox Sports Oklahoma)

NFL action is getting serious, for sure. It’s Divisional Playoff Weekend. There are two games Saturday – 3:30 at San Francisco (NBC) and 7:00 in Baltimore (CBS). Sunday’s games are in Kansas City at 2:00 (CBS) and at Green Bay at 5:30 (Fox).

There’s some good college basketball, as well. Saturday, Baylor is at Kansas (noon on CBS), OSU is at TCU (1:00 on ESPN2) and OU is at Iowa State (7:00 on ESPN2). Tuesday night, OU hosts Kansas (ESPN2) and TCU is at West Virginia (ESPNU), both at 8:00.

PGA Players are back on the course this week, and they’re still in Hawaii. It’s Sony Open weekend. Live coverage is on the Golf Channel beginning at 6:00 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

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The weather for the weekend ahead looks all right for a winter weekend. We have a 50% chance of rain Saturday & Sunday with high temperatures in the low 50s and lows around freezing. It’ll be a little warmer Sunday as the rain chances fade away. It looks like a good weekend to spend some time at your favorite Grand Lake bar or restaurant. After all, it’s NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend!  Remember, though… wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me. Happy New Year!!

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.

 

1909 in Downtown Grove

Ailey’s Café in Langley

Aquabar & Grill at The Landings Marina on Monkey Island (smoking on the deck)

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

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

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

Blind Swine on Monkey Island

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café Italia on Monkey Island

Café Yum in Grove

Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)

Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and at Littlefield Corner

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Coppers Tea & Coffee House in Grove

Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)

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 on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)

Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)

Grand Lake Public House in Grove

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

Henrie’s Grill 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

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Monkey’s Uncle at Littlefield Corner (Breakfast & lunch)

Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)

Morrow’s Bar & Grill at Morrow’s Landing

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

Pit Stop Café in Grove

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in 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)

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

Scooters in Langley (smoking)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

Sticky Fingers Barbecue in Ketchum

Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)

The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice

The Landings Marina (smoking on the deck)

The Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)

The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)

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

Waterway Café, Harbors View Marina (smoking on breakwater dining deck)

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove