May 2 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

What a weekend! I spent a little time on the golf course and a little time on the water before sharing some fundraising fun with friends at the GEFFE Gala and having way too much fun at the 2^nd Chance Pet Rescue fundraising show by The Old Bulldog Band at Big Shots. It was good training, though…because the Cinco de Mayo/Mother’s Day weekend ahead is jam-packed with lots of Grand Lake dining/drinking and live entertainment options. New restaurants are open at Honey Creek Landing, Sharky’s is open for the season, Blind Swine at Duck Creek, Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda and Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La have expanded operating hours – and there’s live entertainment everywhere you look. Here we go!

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Things that make you go, “Hmmm.” The legislature has passed a law supposedly cracking down on telephone solicitations. Among other things, it prohibits automated calls & robocalls, as well as prohibiting calls that do not display the actual originating number and the caller’s name. The law says, if there is a violation, you can take legal action and ask the judge to require the caller to stop the calls and order them to pay you $500. Soooo, if you get an automated call or a robocall or a call without the originating name & number, how are you supposed to report the unknown caller? Maybe this is like the gun control argument: “when you outlaw solicitation calls, only outlaws will make solicitation calls.”

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In other important action, the legislature has approved a new law prohibiting state contracts with companies that boycott the energy industry. Huh? Can anybody name one of those?

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Delta Airlines has announced their “generous” decision (under threat of unionization) to start paying flight attendants when they start working. Who knew how these men and women have been getting screwed over the years. Delta becomes the first U.S. carrier to pay flight attendants before the door actually closes on the aircraft you’re riding. Even at that, they’re offering to pay them HALF the rate they pay after the aircraft door closes. No wonder they’re anxious to get everybody on board, in their seats – and get that damn door closed!!

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How’s that Twitter purchase working out for Elon Musk? The day after he spent $43 billion buying Twitter, Tesla lost $125 billion in value. I’ve been on some wild spending sprees in my time, but I can’t imagine what it must be like to breeze through $168 billion in two days!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Brent Beyers, Micheal Bergstrom, Dean Strimple, Paula Sanford, Jimmie Tramel, Anita Cole, Pam Borin, Tony Coatney, Kristi Wallace, Cherie Long, Donna Belt, James Brock, Pam Wyrick, and Matt Hanna.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens for the season Thursday. There are also Cinco de Mayo celebrations at both Sharky’s and Doc’s at Shangri-La Thursday - and the first Thursday Night Shrimp Boil & Karaoke session of the season is at Doc’s Thursday night. Friday is the First Grove Block Party of the season on the Community Center Lawn, as well as Outdoor Movie Night at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island. The Crafty Traveler Craft Show is also at the Grove Civic Center Friday & Saturday. If you need any new golf clubs, Saturday is Demo Day at Shangri-La Golf Club (9:00-1:00). Saturday is also the Pirate’s Scavenger Hunt (beginning at Cedar Port Marina at 10:00 a.m.) followed by a Pirate’s Costume Party at Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina. Saturday is also the annual Burning of the Socks party at Harbors View Marina and a Kentucky Derby Watch Party at The Anchor. Don’t mess up on Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day!

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Oklahoma's second governor, Lee Cruce, called out the National Guard in 1914 to stop horse race betting in Tulsa -- which it did by marching onto the track during a race and firing over the heads of the onrushing mounts.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Prince played 27 instruments. He played all the instruments on his first five albums.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I think it’s adorable they’re putting jokes on the side of snacks now. Like this one: Serving size 3 cookies.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Caution, water on road when raining.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: You can tell Monopoly is an old game because there’s a luxury tax and rich people can go to jail.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: I just bought a genuine Van Gogh coffee table. I know it’s genuine. There’s a bit of veneer missing.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: When bees move into a new hive, do they have a house swarming party?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I’m not as stupid as people think. Elon Musk paid $44 billion for Twitter. All I did was download it free from the app store.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Singer, actor, comedian, writer, and TV legend Carol Burnett had a birthday last week. She’s 89 years old. The legendary Jerry Seinfeld doesn’t like birthdays much. He says they only record that you have managed to live another 12 months. Well, he’s done that 68 times now.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Help someone when they’re in trouble, and they’ll remember you when they’re in trouble again.” – John Wayne

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Singo with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at the first Shrimp Boil of the season at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Kevin Price performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories both Friday and Saturday nights at The Summit. Harpist DeMaris Rector entertains at The Summit for Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday. Thursday night is karaoke night with DJ Mo at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early Friday night at the Swine.  DJ K-Bandito provides the dance music Friday night – and Megan Faulconer entertains Saturday night (followed by more late-night dance music by DJ K-Bandito at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze; and Saturday is karaoke and line dancing night with DJ Chris at Monkey Island Pub.

On South Grand Lake, Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens Thursday with Cinco de Mayo entertainment by Robbi Bell. Barrett Lewis entertains at Sharky’s Friday night, followed by Downbeat Saturday night and the True Swagger Duo Sunday afternoon. Rodney Frye starts the weekend musical entertainment Thursday night at the Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. Robby Vanvekoven takes over entertainment Friday night; and Jumpsuit Love will be on stage Saturday night at the Rooster. Lil Red is doing a solo show at 6:30 Friday at Blind Swine on Duck Creek. Randy Steele will entertain with a show Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney; and The Dave Gusto Band will take the stage Friday night.

In Grove, Twice as Nice Harpists provide the music Friday night at The Regatta; and Cory Lee entertains Saturday night. Dale & Gayle will perform Friday at 6:00 at Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek and Saturday at 5:00 at Goodfellas Pizza. There is live entertainment by Constant Chaos Friday night at Venue 655 at Grand Lake Casino followed by karaoke Saturday night. Chloe Goff performs at the Grove Block Party at the Community Center lawn Friday night. The Bridgewater Band will be on stage at Cherokee Casino Grove Friday night, followed by Encore Saturday night.

Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Brett N’ Terri in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Donnie Ray Stephens; and Sweet Trouble wraps up the weekend Saturday night.

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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Big Shots Rhythm & Booze is now open every Friday and Saturday night for music & dancing. Doc’s Bar & Grill features a fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday. The Sunday Night Fried Chicken Special is back at The Shebang. Bella Donna’s Italian Restaurant and Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing Marina open this week. Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens for the season Thursday. Blind Swine on Duck Creek is now open Tuesday-Sunday. The Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda is open Thursday-Sunday. The Galley food court at The Anchor at Shangri-La now offers seven-day-a-week food service.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Bull airs Thursday night at 9:00 on CBS. The mini-series Pentaverate with Mike Myers playing 8 different roles is available Thursday on NETFLIX. Star Trek: Strange New World makes its debut Thursday on Paramount+. The Kentucky Derby airs live Saturday on NBC. Coverage begins at 2:00. Post-time is 5:57.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opens in movie theaters this week. Marmaduke is available on NETFLIX Friday.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, May 12 – Grove Chamber Membership Luncheon at Grove Community Center (noon). Friday, May 13 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Spring Scramble Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course. Friday-Saturday, May 13-14 – Rendezvous at The Run Car/Truck Show & Swap Meet at Buffalo Run Casino. Thursday, May 19 – Grove Chamber Business After Hours at Eubanks Power Sports in Grove (5:00). Friday, May 20 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar opens for the season at Shangri-La Marina. Friday, May 20 – Grove Rotary Lobsterfest. Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22 – Big Bass Bash. Tuesday, May 24 – Grove Chamber Trivia Night at The Regatta. Friday, May 27 – Grand Reopening of renovated Honey Creek Landing Marina. Saturday, May 28 – Grove Farmers Market at the Community Center. Friday, June 3 – Grove Block Party at the Community Center. Saturday, June 4 – Monkey Island Scavenger Hunt & Auction at The Shebang benefiting 2^nd Chance Pet Rescue (11:00 a.m.) Saturday, June 4 – Camp Bandage at Grand Lake RV Park (11:00 a.m.).

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In the sports world, it’s the biggest weekend of the year for horse racing. It’s Kentucky Derby week. The Kentucky Oaks will be televised on NBC at 4:00 Friday, with the Kentucky Derby set for a 5:57 post time Saturday, also on NBC.

The NBA Playoffs are into the conference semi-final rounds this week with multiple games daily.

National Hockey League Playoffs are also underway with multiple games daily continuing through the end of Round 1 play May 14.

PGA golfers are in Maryland this week for the Wells Fargo Championship at TPC Potomac. Coverage begins at 1:00 Thursday and Friday, and 12:00 Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.

It’s Bedlam softball week pitting two of the best teams in the country against each other – OU and OSU. Games are Thursday at 8:00 (ESPN2), Friday at 6:00 (ESPN2), and Saturday at 4:00 (ESPNU).  

NASCAR drivers are in Darlington this week for the Goodyear 400. Coverage begin Sunday afternoon at 2:30 on FS1.

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It’ll be a little cooler this weekend, but generally a very nice weekend for Mother’s Day. We may have a little shower or two Saturday morning but, for the most part, we’ll have partly cloudy skies and nice temperatures – highs around 70 and lows in the mid-50s. It’s a really big weekend on Grand Lake, so get out there and do something fun. Remember, though, no matter where you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could 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

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

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

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café at Har-Ber Village

Café Yum in Grove

Cafeteria at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

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

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

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill at Grand Meridian

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

Forage in downtown Grove

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

Hatfield’s Saloon 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

Lester’s Third Street Diner in Grove

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Marina’s Place at Littlefield Corner

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

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

Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek in Grove

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)

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

The Regatta in Grove

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