Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum September 16
We dodged a bullet for the month. We survived Friday the 13th okay, probably because the full moon was not on the calendar until Tuesday, so we at least didn’t have both Friday the 13th and the full moon on the same day. As Grand Lakers, we’ve probably already pushed the envelope to its limits, anyway.
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It was great to have a lot of additional publicity for our area over the past few days, largely due to the fact the Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell brought his annual “Luau on the Green & Golf Tournament” to Shangri-La for the fifth consecutive year. It’s always great to have events that bring new visitors to our lake.
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Speaking of visitors to the lake, fishermen are getting some serious competitors. I’m always amazed how the pelicans know it’s almost time for the festival in their honor, but the big, beautiful white birds are back on Grand, just in time for the Pelican Festival coming up October 4-6.
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“We’re number three!!” But that’s good. It’s the highest ranking the United States has ever had in the 9-year history of U.S. News & World Reports’ “Best Countries List.” Switzerland was number one (and has been all nine years). Japan was number 2.
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I never seem to be at the right place at the right time. I should have lived in Pennsylvania. It’s probably not good that lots of folks were victims of a data breach by Lehigh Valley Health Network – especially since it revealed folks’ private information, including cancer patients’ nude photos; but it wouldn’t be all bad to be one of those victims splitting the $65 million Lehigh agreed to pay. My private information is of little or no value anyway; and I’m certain no one would want my nude photos. But I would take the money!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Barry Willingham, Melissa Patrick, Joyce Duke, Rami Masri, Renee Diver, Nick Bentley, Scott Blosser, Josh West, Therri Wadel, Tera Northcutt, DeAnne McAbee, Bill Howell, Bryan Waldenville, Juli Miller, Theresa McDougall, Bryan Timberlake, Rick Cooper, Cheryl Chinowth, Susan Jones, Jack Frost, Lyn Moore, Vernon Ellis, Justin May, Shelly Schultz, and Angela Good.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday is an “Eat Some Good, Do Some Good” fundraiser benefiting Integris Health Volunteers at Rancho Viejo in Grove (10% of your meal purchase goes to the charity). Thursday evening is the weekly Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.) and a Crab Legs & Karaoke at Island Bar & Grill at both The Landings and Blind Swine Monkey Island. The Pioneer Days Celebration runs Thursday-Sunday at Har-Ber Village (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-noon Sunday). Friday is the Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Patricia Island Country Club (1:30 shotgun). Saturday morning is Farmers Market on the lawn at the Grove Community Center. Saturday is also the World’s Largest Calf Fry & BBQ Festival at the Will Rogers Rodeo Grounds in Vinita and the Keels & Wheels classic car and boat show at Cherokee Yacht Club sponsored by Heartland Classics Boat Club (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Saturday evening is the annual Customer Appreciation Party at Cedar Port Marina (6:00 p.m.) and a Monkey Island Community Gathering at Monkey Island RV Park (7:00 p.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: In Thailand, it is illegal to go out in public without underwear.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: When Stefani Germanotta was studying at NYU, some of her mean-spirited fellow classmates created a Facebook group called “Stefani Germanotta, you will never be famous.” Stefani stuck to her guns, though, and kept trying. That Facebook group has now been deleted. And Stefani is now better known as Lady Gaga.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Julia Stewart started working as a waitress for IHOP when she was 16. Years later, she eventually became the president of their competitor, Applebees. When Applebees didn’t offer her the position of CEO, she left to become the CEO of IHOP, and then she bought Applebees.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I believe in free speech. I also believe in mute, block, and delete.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: I never noticed it before, but why is THERAPIST spelled like that?
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Can we STOP building new DOLLAR GENERALS, and just UNPACK the ones we already have?
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PUN OF THE WEEK: My car broke down between the marina and the Hallmark store. Now I’m stuck between a dock and a card place.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Since dentists make their money off of people with bad teeth, why should we trust a toothpaste that is recommended by 9 out of 10 dentists?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Studies show that people with high IQs tend to be lazy. Or something like that. I didn’t read the whole article.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history.” – Aldous Huxley
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Multiple award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones turned 78 years old Sunday. We lost the incredible actor and EGOT winner James Earl Jones last week (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Roots, Star Wars, Dr. Strangelove, Field of Dreams, etc.). He was 93 years old.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend at the Thursday Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on the patio of Doc’s Bar & Grill and Friday night, Rockwell entertains live at Doc’s. Thursday night is Cocktails & Karaoke Night at the Swine Monkey Island location. DJ Laidback Larry hosts the musical fun Friday night at the Swine followed by Single Phase live Saturday night. DJ Kyle Bandito provides the late-night music at Big Shots both Friday & Saturday nights. Contraband performs Saturday night at the Community Gathering at Monkey Island RV Park.
On South Grand, Billie Ray Hoffman/Sierra Bravo start the weekend Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Barrett Lewis Saturday night, and an early Sunday show (5:30) by Ryan Graham. Lil’ Red and Cobe Bell entertain Friday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek, followed by Jesse Joice Saturday night. RocKFiscH will perform live at The Drunken Rooster Saturday night. Rodney Frye provides the entertainment Sunday afternoon (3:00-7:00) at Juan Montez Restaurant.
In Grove, Garrich Fauset performs Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by Dannie & Annie Dueling Pianos Saturday night. There are two nights of entertainment at Cherokee Casino’s 1897 Bar – Libby Starks Friday night followed by Magic J Entertainment Saturday.
There are three nights of live music at Indigo Sky Casino. Johnny Dale Roberts kicks off the fun Thursday night followed by The Brothers Moore Friday night, and MoArk Mojo Saturday. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, Stonehorse performs live Saturday night followed by karaoke at 11:00 p.m. Joe Nichols will be on stage Friday night at the Pavilion at Downstream Casino, and Zimeroo performs Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Eddy’s Lakeside Bar and Sharky’s are both closed for the season. Ugly’s Grill & Bar has moved into fall hours of operation – 12:00-9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday. Blind Swine on Duck Creek has new hours – opening at 4:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday and 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. Blind Swine on Monkey Island is now offering an all-you-can-eat Crab Legs special Thursday nights and an all-you—can-eat Seafood Boil on Saturday evenings. The Monkey Bar on Monkey Island has new hours of operation - opening at 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and at 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. The Anchor Sports Bar and Galley also have new fall hours, opening at 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The Summit Restaurant has discontinued lunch service except on Monday. Keagan’s Coffee has new hours, too – Friday-Monday 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor has announced it will not close for the winter this year. They’ll be open all winter, Wednesday-Sunday. All Shangri-La venues now offer “Happy Hour” from 3:00-7:00 Monday-Friday.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Dancing with the Stars returns to the ABC schedule Tuesday night at 7:00; and a new season of Survivor kicks off Wednesday night at 7:00 on CBS. ESPN’s College Gameday will broadcast live from the University of Oklahoma Campus Saturday morning at 8:00 on ESPN. Superstar Alicia Keys will be the featured guest on Sunday Today with Willie Geist this week at 7:00 a.m. Sunday. A remake of the 1980s series Matlock debuts Sunday night at 7:00 on CBS. Season 2 of the revived Frasier series will also be available Sunday on Paramount+. The Voice returns for a new season next Monday night at 7:00 on NBC followed by the premier of the new series Brilliant Minds at 9:00.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Whiplash joins Transformers One and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday-Saturday, September 27-28 - Grove Merchants Fall Open House. Saturday, September 28 – Women’s Auxiliary Association of Monkey Island Taco Bar Fundraiser at Lake Center Baptist Church (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.). Saturday-Sunday, September 28-29 – NEO Pickleball Open at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Sunday, September 29 – Gold Star & Blue Star Mothers & Family Memorial Dedication at Veterans Honor Plaza in Langley with Lt. General Bud Wyatt (1:00 p.m.). Friday-Sunday, October 4-6 – Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday, October 4 – “Killer Keyz” nationally acclaimed dueling pianos appear at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.). Friday, October 4 – Pimps & Hoes Party at Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum (9:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 5 – Brothers-in-Law Toy Run with poker run stops at the Miami Elks Lodge, RJ’s in Vinita, Copper Penny in Ketchum, Road Hog Saloon at Monkey Island, and R-Bar Saloon in Grove. Saturday, October 5 - Member Appreciation Party at Shangri-La. Sunday, October 6 - Courage Under Fire Classic golf tournament benefiting the Monkey Island Fire Department. Saturday, October 12 – Arts & Crafts Festival and Indian Tacos at the Bernice Senior/Community Center (10:00-2:00). Friday, October 25 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at The Coves (12:00 p.m. shotgun). Friday-Saturday, October 25-26 – Shangri-La Celebrity Shootout Dinner & Match Play at Shangri-La feature OU golfers from Good Good Golf and OSU golfers from Busta Jack (dinner at 6:30 Friday, shootout at 12:30 Saturday at The Battlefield). Saturday, October 26 – Fall Festival & Hayrides at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Thursday, October 31 – Trunk or Treat Block Party in the Parts City parking lot in Langley (6:00-8:00 p.m.).
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It’s another big week for both college and professional football. OSU hosts Utah Saturday afternoon at 3:00 and OU welcomes the live telecast of College Game Day to their Norman campus Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. before battling Tennessee at 6:30. There are two big college games Friday night, too. Stanford is at Syracuse (6:30) and Illinois is at Nebraska (7:00). Other big Saturday games include USC at Michigan, Kansas State at BYU, Arkansas at Auburn, Kansas at West Virginia and Florida at Mississippi State.
The NFL season rolls into week #3 with the New York Jets hosting New England Thursday night. Sunday games include Denver at Tampa Bay (12:00), Chicago at Indianapolis (12:00), Baltimore at Dallas (3:30), and Kansas City at Atlanta (7:15). Monday Night Football features a double-header this week – Jacksonville at Buffalo (6:30) and Washington at Cincinnati (7:15).
NASCAR drivers are at Bristol this week for some Saturday night Prime Time racing. Coverage of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race is on the USA Network Saturday evening at 6:30.
Major League Baseball is getting down to serious schedules, too. Televised games include the Mets hosting the Phillies for a couple of games – Thursday at 6:15 and Sunday at 6:00. There’s a real biggie on next week’s schedule – The Yankees host the Orioles next Tuesday at 6:00.
The WNBA is wrapping up regular season play this week. The WNBA Playoffs get underway Sunday.
There is no PGA action this week. Players are taking a well-deserved week off as they prepare for The Presidents Cup competition in Montreal next week.
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The weather for the weekend ahead looks fantastic! We’ll have sunshine, light winds, high temperatures around 90 Friday – and down to the mid-80s on Saturday & Sunday, with lows in the upper 60s all weekend. It’s perfect weather for all the fun stuff, so get out there and have a good time! 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
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
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Gambine’s Pizza in Ketchum
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
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