Thanksgiving Weekend In Review

We captured four big holidays in a single week – Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and Cyber-shopping Monday. We used the first holiday to be thankful for everything we have – and the other three to show we always want more, more, more…and we’re gonna get it, even if we have to run over someone.  Happy holidays!

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Be sure to watch your driving during the holidays – especially if you’re doing anything else you shouldn’t be doing. In Ohio, cops stopped Californian Daniel Yates for following too close.  The canine cop also became suspicious of a giant stack of boxes in Christmas gift wrapping.  When officers unwrapped the “presents,” they found 71 pounds of marijuana, 360 THC pills, and a pound of hash wax oil.  Somebody was going to have one heck of a Christmas!

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Somebody in Tennessee is going to enjoy the Christmas I was hoping to enjoy as my own.  There was one winner Saturday night in the $421 million Powerball drawing…but it wasn’t me. Again. Odds of winning the Powerball are one in 292 million.  I might not have had 292 million losing tickets, yet, but it sure seems like I should be getting close.

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Sometimes, the new Christmas ideas seem a little much to me.  Like the company named “Modern Christmas” which is now selling nativity scenes with a  modern take on Christmas at the rate of about 500 per day.  The “modern” nativity scene comes complete with wise men on Segways, bearing gifts from Amazon Prime.  There’s also a latte-drinking Mary and a man-bun-wearing Joseph taking a selfie with the baby Jesus. I remind you once again – I don’t make this stuff up!

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I know a lot of guys & gals have spent much of the last week hunting – but I haven’t heard of any hunting competition that came out closer to a tie than the one in Oregon where a 69 year old hunter shot an elk and was dragging it behind his car when the vehicle suddenly flipped over, impaling the hunter on the elk’s antlers.  The hunter was rescued and lived.  The elk wasn’t so fortunate.

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We finally have proof that insurance companies would rather have you out of the way than constantly on their list of patients wanting payments. In California, terminally ill Stephanie Packer released documentation that her insurance company had officially denied coverage for a drug that would extend her life – but willingly offered to pay all cost except a $1.20 co-pay for suicide drugs.

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Kristi Goss might not be in so much trouble if not for the Arkansas Razorbacks.  Kristi, who was an assistant to a Garland County judge, was convicted of stealing $200,000 in public funds.  She spent the money on a tuxedo for her dog, some sequined throw pillows, a diamond bracelet and…Arkansas Razorback tickets!  If she had been able to see into the future and get a sneak peek at the Razorback record this year, she might have thought twice about needing money for tickets and could still be walking around as a free woman.

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Christine Garcia is the first transgender police officer in San Diego. She was also instrumental in planning and organizing an LGBTQ rally last week. Unfortunately, when she showed up at the rally, she was denied entrance because she was on duty – and organizers were afraid her uniform might cause discomfort at the event.  Apparently the event wasn’t TOTALLY about tolerance.

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For those of you still watching the Presidential race, we’re still hoping to have official election results by December 19 when the members of the Electoral College vote.  First we’ll have to get past recounts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Sadly, there has already been voter fraud uncovered – like in Outagamie County in Wisconsin where initial voting returns showed vote totals far greater than the total population of the county. When the fraud was discovered, officials quickly corrected the vote totals, which gave Trump a little over 1,000 fewer votes in the county. Hopefully we’ll get this all sorted out soon.  It seems to go on and on and on.  Even when it’s over, it’s not over. Even Fidel Castro couldn’t take it anymore.

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FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK (by Casey Davis): What makes me think we will see a Trump Havana Hotel in the near future?

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LEGAL TIP OF THE WEEK (from Josh Davis): It’s probably not a good idea to go to the police station and ask them to give you a breathalyzer test so you can prove to your wife that you’re not drunk. Especially when you are.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK (spotted outside a coffee shop in London): All Americans must be accompanied by an adult.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Marty Follis, Kendall Adams, Dave Faulkner, Ben Gibbs, Darrel Hicks, Ryan Blakemore, Ellen Conklin, Judie Clark, Marshall Brackin, and Rita Hitzeman.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK:  Is it still okay to listen to an AM radio after noon?

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Friday at 7:30 catch the live performance of “Seasonal Allergies” at Playmakers in Grove (7:30). There is also a Sunday matinee at 2:00 and a 7:30 performance Tuesday night. Saturday night is the “All Things Christmas Costume Party” at Monkey Island Pub. Monday, December 5 is the Grand Lake Association Annual Banquet at Wyandotte Casino.

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s plenty of great musical entertainment around the lake this weekend, including Clint Walker on stage in the Back Stage Room at The Shebang on Monkey Island Friday night and Randy Lunsfordperforming in the Burlesque Room Saturday & Sunday.  Fridaynight is karaoke night at Monkey Island Pub, and D.J. Rob will be on duty Saturday night for the “All Things Christmas Costume Party.”  There’s always a great Saturday night show at the Road Hog Saloon, too.

Area casinos have great musical options this weekend, as well, highlighted by the Turnpike Troubadours at Buffalo Run Casino’s Showplace Friday night.  Entertainment at Buffalo Run’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill features The Sex both Friday and Saturday nights. The weekend at Downstream Casino is highlighted by Derryl Perryat Legends Sports Bar Friday night, followed by Earl & ThemSaturday night. Kenny Babb will perform in Downstream’s Lover’s Leap Lounge both nights. At Indigo Sky Casino, there is live entertainment in the Echo Bar starting Thursday night with music byJamie Wolfe and the Wranglers. Noisy Empire will entertain Fridaynight followed by FM Live Saturday night. Lickitty Split will entertain Thursday night at Wyandotte Casino’s Club 60 West, followed by The Stonehorse Band Friday night. If comedy is more your style, Thursday night is Open Mic Night at the Loony Saloon at The Stables Casino. The weekend belongs to the professionals withSophia Starr and DeMarrio Oates from Bazar Entertainment on stage both Friday & Saturday nights.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action, including Thunder basketball, college football & basketball, PGA golf, and NFL games are the Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La, Monkey Island Pub, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Road Hog Saloon, Pickles at the Lake in Langley, Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina, and Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: NetFlix streams 13 episodes of the Australian comedy Pacific Heat Friday. Steve Harvey brings back Showtime at the Apollo Monday night at 7:00 on Fox, and The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show also airs Monday night at 9:00 on CBS.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Comedian, Pocket Listing, andKidnap

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The Dow Jones industrial average topped 19,000 for the first time last week. When they heard that, Americans everywhere nodded in approval as if they actually know what the Dow Jones industrial average is.” – James Corden

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, December 9 – Ketchum’s “Gateway to the Lake” Christmas Parade (6:30). Saturday, December 10 – Second Chance Pet Rescue annual Christmas Breakfast & Dessert Auction (9:00 a.m.) at the Grove Community Center. Saturday, December 10– Polar Bear Plunge at Arrowhead Yacht Club. Saturday, December 10 – Grove Christmas Parade (6:00 p.m.) Saturday, December 10 – Christmas Lights Boat Parade on Grand Lake with delayed television coverage by Rusty Fleming and Mike Williams. Sunday, December 18 – Christmas Brunch with Santa at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (including photos with Santa).

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In the college football world, it’s Bedlam weekend. OSU will be at OU Saturday morning at 11:30 (Fox) to play for all the Big 12 marbles.  K-State will be at TCU at 11:00 (Fox Sports 1) and Baylor will be at West Virginia (2:30 on Fox Sports 1). Those are the biggies for Big 12 fans – but it’s also Championship Weekend for many of the other conferences. Colorado takes on Washington Friday night (8:00 on Fox) and there are other great ones on Saturday. Alabama faces Florida (3:00 on CBS), Clemson takes on Virginia Tech (7:00 on ABC) and Wisconsin is up against Penn State (7:00 on Fox).

NFL games get underway Thursday night with Minnesota hosting the Dallas Cowboys (7:30 on NBC). Sunday games include Kansas City at Atlanta (12:00 on CBS), Detroit at New Orleans (12:00 on Fox) and the NY Giants at Pittsburgh (3:30 on Fox). Sunday night’s game sends Carolina to Seattle (7:30 on NBC) and Monday Night Football features Indianapolis at the New York Jets (7:30 on ESPN).

The OKC Thunder has back-to-back games Sunday and Monday this weekend, hosting New Orleans Sunday night at 6:00 and traveling to Atlanta for a Monday night game at 6:30. Both games are on Fox Sports Oklahoma. NBA action starts Thursday night with a TNT double-header featuring the Clippers and Cavaliers at 7:00 and the Rockets and Warriors at 9:30. Friday night’s ESPN double-headers sends Cleveland to Chicago (7:00) and Houston to Denver (9:30).

College basketball has plenty of action this week, too.  Cincinnati is at Iowa State Thursday night (8:00 on ESPN). OSU is at Maryland Saturday while Oral Roberts takes on Michigan State.  Other Saturday games include UCLA at Kentucky (11:30 on CBS), West Virginia at Virginia (1:00 on ESPNU), Stanford at Kansas (2:30 on ESPN), Xavier at Baylor (2:30 on ESPN2), Wichita State at Colorado State (4:00 on CBSSN), Maine at Duke (4:30 on ESPN2) and Gonzaga at Arizona (4:30 on ESPN).

It’s Hero World Challenge on the PGA Tour this week.  Coverage begins at 12:30 Thursday & Friday, 11:00 Saturday, and 10:00Sunday on the Golf Channel. NBC picks up the final rounds Saturday at 1:30 and Sunday at noon.

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We’re starting off the month of December with cooler weather this weekend.  Highs will be in the low to mid 50s with lows near freezing. There must be a little winter in the air. At least we’ll have light winds and sunshine. Be safe, be kind, and have a great weekend; and 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.

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 (smoking upstairs—open Friday & Saturday nights)

Bobbers Café in Langley

Book ‘ems at South Wind Marina in Bernice

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island (smoking on the patios)

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café Italia on Monkey Island

Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)

Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and on Monkey Island

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)

Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Frosty & Edna’s (west of the dam in Langley)

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 Vinita (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)

Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)

Morrows Bar & Grill in Raper Hollow

Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove

Okie Smokies Barbecue in Grove on Hwy 59 South

Book ‘ems Restaurant & Pub at South Wind Marina in Bernice

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

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)

Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island (smoking on the 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

Wyandotte Nation Casino at Twin Bridges (smoking)