June 24 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

Another year is now behind us for the awesome Grove Rotary Lobsterfest. This year’s event was held last Friday once again packing the venue and raising amazing sums of money for community programs supported by the awesome club. Once again, Lobsterfest tickets were more like tickets for a Taylor Swift concert – the venue could only hold about one-third of the people who actually wanted to attend!

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Are you ready for the huge holiday weekend upcoming next week? This weekend is your last chance to make sure your boat is ready, your house is clean, your liquor cabinet is full, and your refrigerator is stocked to accommodate your friends and family who will be here to celebrate both American freedoms and the fact that they have a friend or relative with a boat and a lake house.

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Here’s an odd thing. In last Tuesday’s Primary Elections in Oklahoma, roughly 10% of the registered voters in the state showed up to effectively decide who will represent all of us in Congress and the state legislature. Tulsa World veteran reporter Randy Krehbiel summed it up best: “Our representative Democracy isn’t being stolen. It’s being abandoned.”

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I have a dilemma. My family suggested I get help for my drinking, but I can’t really afford a private bartender. If anybody would like to contribute….

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I’ve talked about the ridiculous contract buy-outs for coaches before, but my new hero is NBA Coach Monty Williams. When the Phoenix Suns fired him last year after just one season, they had to pay him $20 million to buy out his contract. He was immediately hired by the Detroit Pistons for a then-record $78.5 million over six years. After the Pistons finished the season with the worst record in the NBA, Monty Williams was fired again…after just one season…again. The Pistons still owe him $65 million. That means, over two years, he will be paid $85 million for being so bad at his job that nobody wants him. My hero!

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I realize most people are using plastic to pay for things these days, but I’m still pretty much a cash guy. I was surprised, though, when a clerk at Dollar Tree felt the need to check my money to make sure it wasn’t counterfeit. C’mon, man. If I could make counterfeit money, I wouldn’t be at Dollar Tree!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Rob Stallings, Angie Johnson, Joe Zaloudek, Selina Hoflund, Terri Fowler, Dallas Sorrels, Ilene Briggs, Patrcia Sanford, Corey Bates, Larry Sanders, Craig Maxwell, Bobbie Owens, Katharyn Hart, John Jameson, Dandy Risman, Tonya Moorhead, Mary Brewer, Janet Sheeler, Alana Williams, and Gary Harkreader.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday, the Grand Laker Newcomers’ Club hosts the New Newcomer Lunch at East Buffet in Grove (11:30 a.m.). Thursday night is Shrimp Boil & Karaoke night on Doc’s Patio & Lawn at Shangri-La. Grand Meridian RV Resort’s 7^th Annual Grand Jam Music Fest runs Thursday-Friday at the resort with food trucks, vendors, a mechanical bull, helicopter rides, and monster truck rides in addition to the 12 bands performing over the three days. Friday morning is the Grove Chamber Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (8:00 a.m.). Friday night is a “Luau Party” at the Drunken Rooster. Friday & Saturday, The Anchor at Shangri-La features summer Lawn-a-thon family fun with inflatable games on the Anchor Lawn (1:00 p.m.). The Picture in Scripture Amphitheater features live performances of Ruth Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. Laken Zimmerman offers Yoga on the lawn at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La. Saturday morning is also “Farmers Market” in downtown Grove (8:00 a.m.). Saturday afternoon, Jason Morgan hosts SINGO competition at The Anchor (3:00-5:00). Next week, the first fireworks show of the holiday season is Tuesday -  Vinita Fireworks at Craig County Fairgrounds. Next Wednesday, July 3 spotlights Fireworks at Wolf Creek Park in Grove.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The term "limey" referring to an Englishman or woman was derived from the British navy's mandatory consumption of lime juice to ward off scurvy.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: A roadrunner’s maximum speed is 20 mph. An average coyote can run at 42 mph. Everything in our childhood was a lie.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Dorothy Jean Tillman just made amazing history. The Chicago 17-year-old just became the youngest person in the world to obtain a PhD! She took her first university course at the age of 10 and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees when she was 14 years old.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: At a very early age, a bear told me, “I am the only person who can prevent forest fires.” Why I was chosen, I’ll never know.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Toilet out of order. Please use floor below.

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: When I was a kid, you could go to the store with just a dollar and leave with two candy bars, a bag of chips, and a pop. You can’t do that anymore. There are cameras everywhere.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: Dairy farmers work well with udders.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “If God made man in his image, why aren’t we all, like…invisible?” (Father Guido Sarducci)

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I put my pants on the same as everyone else…hopping around on one foot looking for some furniture to hang onto.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “One of the most important reasons for studying history is that virtually every stupid idea that is in vogue today has been tried before and proved disastrous before, time and again.” – Thomas Sowell

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Actor Donald Sutherland, often known as “the greatest actor never nominated for an Oscar” died last week. He was 88 years old. Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys turned 82 last week. The incredible album “Tapestry” by legendary singer-songwriter Carole King hit number one on the charts during this week – 53 years ago. Barry Switzer resigned as head football coach at OU 35 years ago.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend with Thursday Night Karaoke at the Shrimp Boil on Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La and DJ Kennedy hosts Rockstar Karaoke at Island Bar & Grill at The Landings. Friday night, JR Neal entertains live at Doc’s. There is karaoke fun on The Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights. Saturday night, Brett n’ Terri headline the weekend musical fun at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (8:00-11:00). Wednesday night is “Cocktails & Karaoke” night at Blind Swine and Thursday night is DJ Night at the Swine Monkey Island location. Johnny Dale Roberts will be on stage Friday night at The Swine, followed by DC & the Night Marshals Saturday. The Faulconer Duo leads the musical fun Friday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. DJ Kyle Bandito takes over Saturday night.

On South Grand, the Drunken Rooster has karaoke every Thursday night, and this week, Downbeat entertains Saturday night. Wilkie Jay will be on stage early Thursday night (6:30) at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by The Wanda Watson Band with Barrett Lewis Saturday night and an early show Sunday (4:30 p.m.) featuring The Barrett Lewis Duo.  Laron Simpson will headline Friday night fun at Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina followed by The Highway 69ers Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon show (3:30) by Franklin.

There are twelve different bands performing at the Grand Jam Music Festival at Grand Meridian RV Park. The Festival runs Thursday-Saturday at Grand Meridian. Thursday performers include Quin Peterson, Dakota Murillo & the Wild Bunch, and Zimmeroo. Friday’s lineup includes Uncrowned Kings, Eli Howard & the Greater Good, Framing the Red, and Ashlynne Gray. Saturday bands include Colton Crow & the Murder, Outlaw Willie, Dallas Moore Band, KC Johns, and Oreo Blue.

In Grove, there are two nights of live entertainment at Cherokee Casino Grove – Paralandra Friday night and Carl Acuff, Jr. Saturday. Rackensak headlines Friday night entertainment at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655.

In Club 60 West at River Bend Casino, Diversity entertains Saturday night, and there is late night karaoke with DJ Kay beginning at 11:00 Saturday night. There are three nights of music at Legends Sports Bar at Downstream Casino – Outlaws Reloaded Thursday, Asphalt Cowboys Friday, and Travis Kidd Saturday night. Foghat will perform at Buffalo Run Casino’s Peoria Showplace and Risky Business will entertain at Buffalo Run’s Backwoods Bar, both Saturday night.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Monkey Bar (formerly Monkey Island Pub) is planning to open this weekend, if all goes well. In addition to their regular schedule, Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina will be open on Wednesday, July 3. Back Porch Ice Cream in Grove is closing for good in early July. After a brief period of closing to take care of some family responsibilities, Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant has reopened in Grove. Fruity Patooties is now open at Grand Towne Center and Storage in Langley. Hero’s Deli is also now open in Langley, and Bradford BBQ is now open in Ketchum. The Island Bar & Grill at The Landings Marina features Karaoke & Crab Legs Thursday night, and Shangri-La’s Thursday Night Shrimp Boil & Karaoke will be at Doc’s patio this week.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The first Presidential Debate with Joe Biden and Donald Trump will air live on ABC and CNN Thursday night at 8:00. The Wall returns to NBC Monday night at 9:00. I Am: Celine Dion is available on Prime Video.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: A Quiet Place: Day One, Horizon: An American Saga and Daddio open in movie theaters Friday. A Family Affair will be available Friday on NETFLIX.

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SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday-Saturday, July 3-6 – Food Truck Roundup at Marina Del Rey Resort. Thursday, July 4 – Shrimp Boil at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (6:00 p.m.). Thursday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks, Jay Fireworks, and Miami Fireworks. Friday, July 5 – Big Dog Daddy Alternate Shot Horse Race at Shangri-La (4:00 p.m.). Friday, July 5 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La Resort. Friday, July 5 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Friday, July 5 – Blue Bluff Harbor Fireworks. Saturday, July 6 – Dock Shots competition at Shangri-La Golf Club. Saturday, July 6 – Mountain Mama’s Grand American Concert in Tia Juana (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday, July 6 – Gran Tara Fireworks and Horse Creek Fireworks near the Unfinished Bridge. Monday-Wednesday, July 8-10 – Junior Skills Golf Camp at Shangri-La (8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. daily). Thursday, July 11 - Junior Club Championship Tournament at Shangri-La (8:00 a.m.). Friday, July 12 – Midnight Bingo at The Anchor (11:00 p.m.). Saturday-Sunday, July 13-14 – Club Championship Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday, July 20 – Par 3 Club Championship at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (9:00 a.m.). Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise from Shangri-La Marina (7:30-9:30 p.m.). Wednesday, July 31 – Movie Night on the Anchor Lawn (9:00 p.m.).

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U.S. Olympic Team trials continue this week, primarily focused on Track & Field and Gymnastics. Nightly coverage is on NBC and USA.

PGA Players are in Detroit this week for the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds of coverage at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.

NASCAR drivers are in Nashville this weekend. Coverage of The Ally 400 begins at 2:30 Sunday afternoon on NBC.

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The weather forecast for the weekend ahead looks pretty darn nice. We’ll have sunshine for the most part with highs in the mid-90s and lows in the mid-70s – so get out there and enjoy the great offerings of Grand Lake entertainment! 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

Blind Swine on Monkey Island

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)

Bradford BBQ in Ketchum

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

Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek

Fruity Patooties at Grand Towne Center in Langley

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

Hero’s Deli in Langley

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

Legacy Eatery in Grove

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Bar on Monkey Island

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

One-Eyed Monkey at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

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

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

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

VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove