January 8 Random Observations of the Grand Lake Bum

If you didn’t make it to Tulsa or Rogers, Arkansas over the past weekend, you probably haven’t seen all the newest offerings for 2024 in the boating industry. Most Grand Lake dealers were at the Oklahoma Boat Expo in Tulsa showing their wares – more than 300 boats – and a couple of Grand Lake dealers were also exhibiting at the Northwest Arkansas Boat & Outdoor Expo in Rogers. The new stuff is absolutely incredible – and all the dealers I spoke with had great shows. It was fun to enjoy a mid-winter weekend spending a little time with buddies I haven’t seen since summer. If you missed all the fun, you have another chance this weekend. The Oklahoma City Boat & RV Show is at the Bennet Event Center, Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Friday-Sunday. You’ll find most of Grand Lake’s dealers at that show, as well. Road trip!!

*****

In the meantime, winter fun is cranking up around Grand Lake. Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson is back up at The Anchor – and Saturday night SINGO competition with Jason Morgan has also been added to the Anchor entertainment line-up. There’s Thursday Night Trivia at Mooney’s and The Regatta. Karaoke fun continues at Doc’s Bar & Grill on Thursday nights; and the Thursday night karaoke competition at The Copper Penny in Ketchum is getting down to the final few. There’s also lots of DJ action and live music every weekend all around the lake. There is no “off-season” at Grand Lake. If you’re not having fun, you’re not trying!

*****

I don’t know if this will go in the Guiness Book of Records or not, but I think I have located the most expensive cocktail in history. Frustrated Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper threw his drink at Jacksonville Jaguars fans. The NFL fined him $300,000.

*****

Living on Russia’s “Tomorrow Island” and working on the USA’s “Yesterday Island” must be the most confusing situation on earth. The islands are just three miles apart but, because they dit on either side of the International Date Line, there’s a 21-hour time difference between them.

*****

GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Mark Cavins, Brianna Baker, Tammy Sexton, Paul Bulten, Mickey Landers, Kristi Mullinax, Mared McCorkle, Thomas Estep, Dale Forrest, Leslie Hudson, Debbie Horany, Benée Masri, Linda Young, Carmelita Rocourt, and Michael Westbrock.       

*****

BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. There’s plenty happening around the lake to kick off the new year. Thursday is the Grove Chamber Membership Luncheon at the Grove Community Center featuring GRDA Director of Corporate Communications Justin Alberty (12:00 p.m.). Thursday night, the Karaoke Competition continues at The Copper Penny in Ketchum, along with the Thursday Night Trivia at Mooney’s in Disney and The Regatta in Grove. The Oklahoma City Boat & RV Show runs Friday-Sunday at the Bennett Event Center, Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Saturday is SINGO Competition with Jason Morgan at The Anchor (6:00-9:00 p.m.); and Tuesday night is the popular Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.).

*****

RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Jim Rockford’s first client on “The Rockford Files” was played by LindsayWagner, soon to be better known as “The Bionic Woman.”

*****

FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: A banana has 105 calories. A glass of champagne has 80 calories. Choose wisely.

*****

ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: The ashes of Stephen Hawking were buried between the graves of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin in a section of Westminster Abbey known as “The Scientists Corner.” As a final tribute, during the burial, the European Space Agency beamed recordings of Hawking’s voice to the nearest black hole.

*****

BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Maturing in marriage is accepting that your wife can’t remember where she left her phone, but she remembers what you said five years ago on Fridy at 5:35 p.m.

*****

BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Welcome to the Library because, as it turns out, not everything on the internet is true.

*****

BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: A nine-year-old girl has disappeared  after using moisturizer that makes you look ten years younger.

                                                      *****

PUN OF THE WEEK: William Durant was the co-founder of General Motors and Chevrolet. More importantly, he founded the Frigidaire Company, making him the first refrigerator magnate.

*****

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why do we say “a pair of pants” when there is only one article of clothing involved?

*****

OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: If you’re a giver, remember to learn your limits, because the takers don’t have any.

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I have so much respect for my parents when I realize they ignored me without the help of smart phones.” – Andy Borowitz

*****

FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: You’ll probably remember him best as the infamous Father Guido Sarducci from the Saturday Night Live days of the 80s. In real life, he is actor Don Novello – and he just turned 81. Talented singer and multi-instrumentalist Edgar Winter is 77; and country music icon Barbara Mandrell is 75.

*****

BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s plenty of live music around the lake this week. On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend with Thursday Night Karaoke at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Friday night, Mark Gibson 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). Johnny Dale Roberts will be live at Blind Swine Saturday night.

On South Grand Lake, the karaoke contest continues at The Copper Penny in Ketchum Thursday evening. Magen Faulconer will provide the entertainment Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill.

In Grove, Magician Aaron Radatz entertains Saturday night at the Grove High School Performing Arts Center (6:00 p.m.).  There are two nights of live music at Cherokee Casino featuring D’Elegantz Friday night, followed by Travis Kidd Saturday night.

Jon Dooly starts the weekend entertainment Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino. Johnny Dale Roberts takes over the stage Friday night followed by The Downbeat Saturday night. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, Blues Doctors provide the live music followed by an after party with DJ Kay at 11:00.

Shenandoah will be on stage at Buffalo Run Casino’s Peoria Showplace Saturday night, and Robby V. and The Smokin’ Section will entertain at Buffalo Run’s Backwoods Bar & Grill.

*****

DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Artichoke Restaurant in Langley has now reopened. The Blind Swine now offers a bar food menu in addition to bar service. The Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort now offers all-you-can-eat crab legs every Thursday-Sunday 5:00-9:00 p.m. Back Porch Ice Cream in Grove has closed for the season, reopening in March. A new restaurant is planned for opening soon at the former Lester’s 3^rd Street Diner location in Grove.  

*****

BUM MUST-SEE TV: It’s a busy week for television. The new game show Press Your Luck debuts Thursday night at 7:00 on ABC. The hilarious mini-series Ted is available Thursday on Peacock. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards are Saturday night at 7:00 on FXX; and Chelsea Handler hosts The Critic’s Choice Awards Sunday night at 6:00 on CW. The third season of Yellowstone premieres Sunday night at 7:00 on CBS; and the mini-series Monsieur Spade debuts Sunday night at 8:00 on AMC. The Prime Time Emmy Awards air live Monday night at 7:00 on Fox. Next Wednesday, the “Chicago Shows” return to NBC – Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 respectively.

****

BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Mean Girls, The Beekeeper, The Book of Clarence, and Lights Out all debut in movie theaters this week, joining The Color Purple and The Boys in the Boat.

*****

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, January 18 – Grove Chamber Business After Hours at MYKC Live Bliss Yoga in Grove (5:00-6:30 p.m.). Friday, January 19 – Grove Rotary Club’s “Dolly Day” in support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Delaware County. Saturday, January 20 – Spaghetti and Meatball dinner at the Grove Senior Center featuring Elvis impersonator Ty Benner (5:00 p.m.). Saturday, January 20 – SINGO Competition with Jason Morgan at The Anchor (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday, January 20 – Ned Ledoux performs live at the Grove High School Performing Arts Center (6:00 p.m.). Sunday, January 21 – Members’ “Meet & Greet” new Shangri-La F&B Staff at the Summit Restaurant (2:00-4:00 p.m.). Tuesday, January 23 – Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.). Friday, January 26 – Grove Chamber “Eggs & Issues” legislative breakfast at St. Andrews Episcopal Church (8:00 a.m.). Friday-Sunday, January 26-28 – Disney RZR Invasion in the Off-Road area at Disney. Saturday, January 27 – SINGO Competition with Jason Morgan at The Anchor (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday, January 27 – The Baldknobbers perform live at the Grove High School Performing Arts Center (6:00 p.m.). Monday-Sunday, January 29-February 4 – Tulsa Boat, Sport & Travel Show at SageNet Center, Tulsa State Fairgrounds. Tuesday, January 30 – Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.). Friday, February 2 – First Friday Wine Share at Still Waters Salon & Day Spa in Grove (6:00 p.m.). Wednesday, February 7 – Home of Hope Chocolate Affair (6:00-8:00 p.m.).

 *****

In the NFL, it’s playoff time! Wild Card Playoffs are this weekend with two games Saturday, three games Sunday, and a Monday night game.

In the NBA, the OKC Thunder are return from a grueling road trip to host Portland Thursday night (7:00), Orlando Saturday night before heading to the west coast for back-to-back games with the Lakers Monday night and the Clippers Tuesday night.

College basketball conference play is underway, too. OU is at Kansas Saturday at 1:00 and at home hosting West Virginia next Wednesday at 7:00. OSU is on the road at Iowa State Saturday (5:00) before returning home to host Kansas next Tuesday night at 8:00.

PGA Players are still in Hawaii. The Sony Open is this weekend. Coverage is on The Golf Channel at 6:00 Thursday-Saturday and on NBC Sunday at 3:00.

*****

I can’t lie about the weather for the upcoming weekend. It’s gonna be winter! After Thursday, we may not see a temperature above freezing until the middle of next week. This weekend will be mostly cloudy, breezy, and with high temperatures only in the upper twenties with lows in the teens – maybe single digits by Monday. It’s a good weekend to keep the party indoors, for sure. Remember, though, wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!

GRAND LAKE BUM

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 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

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 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

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