October 1 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

Another excellent weekend of Grand Lake fun has come and gone, and another great Hook ‘N’ Cookoff has raised awareness and a little revenue for the South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Nicely done, Saturday. The catfish races are over so the fish are headed back to the lake – and they’ll be replaced by the pelicans who are obviously arriving to set up shop for the festival to be held in their honor October 10-13 in Grove.

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But first, we have a weekend dedicated to kids, women, football and golf. What a way to kick off the month! Fundraising starts for the Monkey Island Clothes & Toys for Kids Christmas fund this week with a Thursday night party at Big Shots celebrating community leader Cari Williams’ birthday. Everybody is invited and, amidst the tacos, cake and cash bar, they’ll be collecting donations for the kids. This weekend is also “Girls Getaway Weekend” with all kinds of fun specials for the ladies throughout Grove and at Shangri-La. Saturday is OU-Texas football day – and Sunday is the fabulous Folds of Honor Classic presented by Boardwalk Distribution and Pickers Vodka at Shangri-La. Whew! What off-season???

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Those trying to legalize recreational marijuana are undoubtedly pleased at a new study indicating the largest voting block is also the largest user group. The National Survey of Drug Use and Health says Americans aged 55 and older are more likely to be regular cannabis users than Generation Z. Some 6.7% of people aged 55-64 said they consumed cannabis at least monthly. Only 6.5% of surveyed teenagers said they had used in the past month.

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There is good news from Harvard for ladies who like wine. Results of a 13-year study at the university reveal that women who drink 2 glasses of red wine per day have 70% less chance of obesity than non-drinkers. The only thing better than the results of the study would be to have been one of the participants. What would be better than having a medical research project buy you booze for 13 years – and find out in the end it was good for you!

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The president of Southeast Missouri State University has issued a public apology – but I don’t see any reason for it. Dr. Carlos Vargas said of his action at a tailgate party, “I am not proud of it, it is not flattering, and certainly not expected from the president of Southeast Missouri State University,” and he promised “it will not happen again.” I’m a little disappointed – not in his actions, but in his apology. This all came about because he was drinking from a beer bong at a tailgate party. No matter what Dr. Vargas said, I think that is exactly what we would expect from a “with it” college president. I was kinda proud of him.

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I’m reminded of the old saying, “Everybody’s out of step except Johnny.” I guess the rest of the world doesn’t always look at things the way some of us Okies do. Since Nike released the “controversial” Colin Kaepernick endorsement ad, Nike’s market value has increased by $6 billion.

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ADVICE TO BEER DRINKERS: Be careful. As of Monday, all the Oklahoma beer is now strong beer. Drink wisely.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I know Facebook has never caused the lame to walk, but it has certainly caused the dumb to speak.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The Daily Oklahoman (which sold this week to New York-based GateHouse Media) was founded in 1889 by the prohibitionist Sam Small.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Doctor says alcoholism is a disease. Bartender says get your shots here.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: Bread is like the sun. It rises in the yeast and sets in the waist.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENT OF THE WEEK: The co-founder of the great band Jefferson Airplane, Marty Balin, died last week. He was 76. A new documentary was released last week honoring legendary Saturday Night Live comedic actress Gilda Radner. She lost her battle with ovarian cancer 29 years ago.

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BEST OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: A mom texts: “Hi! Son, what do IDK, LY and TTYL mean?” He texts back: “I don’t know, love you, and talk to you later.” The mom texts him: “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. I’ll ask your sister. Love you, too.”

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday Thursday to the most special woman in this ol’ bum’s life – Cari Williams. Happy birthday wishes also go out this week to Thane Swisher, Sue Wilkinson, Jan Castelli, Jared Jeffers, Colleen Garrett, Alexandra Rush, Katie Allen, Bobby Combs, Patty Northrop, Nancy Saamer, Barry Eller, Luke Curley, Brady Finton, Pat Flanagan, Lane Worley, Saunie Boeve, and Art Couch! Congratulations, too, to the 2018 Shangri-La Club Champions: Kenny Cole, Carol Cable, Mark Funke, and Jan Castelli!

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If a funeral procession is at night, shouldn’t participating drivers drive with their lights off?

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday evening, we kick off the season of fundraising for the Monkey Island Clothes & Toys for Kids fund with a big party at Big Shots at 6:00 celebrating Cari Williams’ birthday. Tacos, cake, and a cash bar. Friday-Sunday is “Girls Getaway Weekend” in Grove and at Shangri-La Resort. There is an OU-Texas Watch Party at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Saturday morning at 10:30. Saturday night is a Chuck Wagon Dinner & Dance at Har-Ber Village, and the Disney Firemen’s Ball is also Saturday evening at 6:00 at the Disney Fire Department.  8^th Annual Folds of Honor Classic presented by Boardwalk Distribution and Pickers Vodka is Sunday at 1:00 at Shangri-La Golf Club.

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s plenty of great entertainment around the lake. In Grove, Stone Country performs for Saturday night’s Chuck Wagon Dinner & Dance at Har-Ber Village.

On Monkey Island this weekend, the dance floor will be hoppin’ with great dance music at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Up highway 125, Friday night is Karaoke Night at Monkey Island Pub. At the Blind Swine, there’s live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night (including Erin Fitzgibbon Friday), and KJ Flip hosts karaoke Sunday and Tuesday; and at Littlefield Corner, there’s always live entertainment at the Road Hog Saloon Saturday night.

On South Grand Lake, DJ Binger Case will entertain from 7-10 at the Disney Firemen’s Ball at the Disney Fire Department. Friday night is Karaoke Night at Michelle’s Bar & Grill at Grand Lodge in Ketchum – and there’s always live entertainment at Michelle’s on Saturday night. There is Friday & Saturday night entertainment & karaoke fun on the deck at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke. Lucas Gates entertains at Bordertown Friday night, followed by Shawna Russell Saturday. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West Bar, Bobby Ray will perform Friday night and there will be a big UFC 229: Watch Party Saturday night. At Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, Travis Kidd and the High Mids will be on stage Friday night. Indigo Sky Casino offers three nights of musical entertainment this week. Chris Hyde performs Thursday and Friday nights in the Echo Bar, followed by Stonehorse Saturday.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action, including the PGA, Major League Baseball, College Football, NFL games, NASCAR, and NBA games are Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Monkey Island Pub, Blind Swine, Road Hog Saloon, 1909 in Grove, and Pickles at the Lake in Langley.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: I Feel Bad Thursday night at 8:30 on NBC preceded by the season premiere of Will & Grace at 8:00. Friday night is the season premiere of Fresh Off the Boat at 7:00 on ABC. The Walking Dead returns to AMC Sunday night at 8:00; and Sunday night at 9:00 is the season premiere of Madam Secretary on CBS.  

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: A Star is Born and The Old Man and The Gun

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Ben and Jerry’s ice cream will try to make marijuana ice cream, resulting in thousands of people simultaneously getting and curing ice cream headaches.” – Peter Sagal

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, October 11 – Ketchum Academic Foundation Annual Banquet at Cherokee Yacht Club. Friday-Saturday, October 12-13 – Pelican Festival in Grove. Friday-Saturday, October 12-13 – Pioneer Days at Har-Ber Village Museum. Friday-Saturday, October 12-13 – Rocktober Disney below the Pensacola Dam.  Saturday, October 13 – Tennessee Style BBQ and Bluegrass Jam Fest 10:00-5:00 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove. Saturday, October 13 – Oktoberfest of Vinita at the Catholic Church grounds. Wednesday, October 17 – Dick and Arlene Seybolt are smoking great meats as featured “Guest Chefs” at The Shebang with proceeds benefit the Monkey Island Clothes & Toys for Kids Fund. Saturday, October 20 – Fall Crappie Tournament at Indian Hills Marina. Saturday, October 20 – Hot Dog Cook-Off 5:00-7:00 at Blind Swine sponsored by Whoops Surplus, Monkey’s Uncle Café & Blind Swine benefiting Monkey Island Clothes & Toys for Kids Fund. Saturday, October 27 – Route 66 Punkin’ Chunkin’ Contest at John’s Tractor Works, Vinita. Saturday, October 27 – Shangri-La Fall Festival across from MIFD. Saturday, October 27 – Halloween Costume Party at Monkey Island Pub. Saturday, October 27 – Halloween Party at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill. Friday-Saturday, November 2-3 – Cherokee Heritage Days at Har-Ber Village Museum. Friday, November 16 – Flying J Ranch Extravaganza benefiting St. Jude. Saturday, November 17 – “Fill ‘em Up Breakfast Pancake Feed from 8:00-10:30 at The Shebang sponsored by Larry & Joyce Duke and The Shebang benefiting the Monkey Island Clothes & Toys for Kids Fund.

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It’s Thunder Time! The OKC Thunder play their first preseason game at Chesapeake Arena Wednesday, and they play in Minneapolis Friday. Unfortunately, those games won’t be televised. Sunday’s 2:00 game at Tulsa’s BOK Center against the Atlanta Hawks will be on both Fox Sports Oklahoma and NBA TV. Next Tuesday, the Thunder host the Bucks in the final preseason game (7:00 on NBA TV). The regular season NBA action begins October 16 (Thunder at Warriors).

It’s week #6in the world of college football. Tulsa kicks off the weekend Thursday night at Houston (7:00 on ESPN). Saturday is the annual Red River Rivalry – OU/Texas at 11:00 on Fox. OSU hosts Iowa State Saturday afternoon at 2:30 (ESPN2 or ESPNU), and Arkansas hosts Alabama Saturday morning at 11:00 on ESPN.

Thursday night NFL action features Indianapolis at New England (Fox). Sunday noon games include Jacksonville at Kansas City and Green Bay at Detroit. Fox features Minnesota at Philadelphia at 3:30. Sunday night Dallas is at Houston at 7:00 on NBC; and Monday Night Football features Washington at New Orleans (7:00 on ESPN).

Major League Baseball is getting heated. Cleveland is at Houston Friday & Saturday before the series moves to Cleveland for games Monday and, if necessary, Tuesday.

In the world of professional golf, a new PGA Tour season opens this week with the Safeway Open in Napa, California. Coverage on the Golf Channel Thursday-Sunday begins at 4:30.

NASCAR drivers are at Dover International Speedway this week for the Gander Outdoors 400. Coverage of begins at 1:00 Sunday on NBCSN.

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I feel like a TV meteorologist about the weekend weather ahead. I pretty much have no idea. Friday looks great. Sunny and a high of about 80. Saturday & Sunday it cools down to the mid-70s and we start about a 10-day run of that “possible scattered showers and thunderstorms” forecast. Who knows? It doesn’t matter to us, though. We’re going to party on, anyway. That’s what we do! Have fun, but be safe; and, remember…wherever 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. 

1909 in Downtown Grove

Ailey’s Café in Langley

American Grill in Grove

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

Bobbers Café in Langley

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

Coffee Shelter in Ketchum

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

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

Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

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

Grand Lodge in Ketchum (smoking)

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)

Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina

Karrie's Kaboose in Langley (smoking)

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lakeside Bar & Grill in Grove at Sail Boat Bridge

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.)

Morrows Bar & Grill in Raper Hollow

Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove

Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove

Okie Smokies Barbecue in Grove on Hwy 59 South

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)

Smokin’ Spur BBQ & Trading Post at Old Towne Plaza, Cleora

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 Office on Monkey Island (smoking)

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