April 20 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum

It’s hard to believe that we’re already on the verge of wrapping up another month. April has been good to us at Grand Lake. Golf courses are green. Trees have leaves. Flowers aren’t waiting for the month of May to bloom. Even the plant world is anxious to get another fabulous summer at Grand Lake underway!

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In the meantime, Oklahoma’s legislature is still at work. You probably won’t be hearing from your kids in the daytime for the foreseeable future – at least not while they’re in school in Oklahoma. The legislature passed a one-year test of “no cells bell-to-bell” banning cell phones in schools. Apparently they are in agreement the test worked, because they are on the verge of passing a new law to make that permanent in Oklahoma. I guess kids will just have to talk to each other. Weird, huh?

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Do you sometimes feel like lawmakers are pulling the wool over your eyes? It doesn’t just happen at the federal level, either. Remember when voters in Oklahoma voted to put Medicaid expansion in the State Constitution to safeguard rural hospitals and healthcare for Oklahomans? Well, now the legislature wants you to vote again. This time, they want you to vote to put the Medicaid expansion in state statutes instead of the Constitution, so legislators have the ability to “tweak” it. “Tweak,” by the way, means “cut.”

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What a week on the national news front! I have some advice that might be helpful in the future to some of our public officials. To Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: don’t quote Bible scriptures you got out of a movie without double-checking their accuracy in the actual Bible. To FBI Director Kash Patel: if you’re going to drink yourself unconscious in your office, don’t lock your door from the inside. To Vice-President J.D. Vance: don’t argue theology with the Pope. Hopefully this advice is helpful.

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If you think airline ticket prices are high, baggage charges are high, and legroom is diminishing daily, just wait. If the proposed merger of United and American to create the world’s largest airline company goes through, I’m guessing you ain’t see nothin’ yet!

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The federal government has launched a system to refund $166 billion in tariffs paid by U.S. importers before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the President’s tariff program. So, if you’re investing, watch for the list of those companies, because they’ll have extraordinary profits – largely due to the fact that they’ll get their $166 billion back, but you can bet your bottom dollar no consumers will get any of it. We paid the tariffs, of course, with higher prices, but none of that $166 billion will be coming to you or me.

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If you’re worried about the younger generation and you need another reason to worry, here’s one. A random street poll of teenagers and twenty-somethings asked, “What is the only state with a one syllable name?” Nobody got it. Especially not the kid who answered, “Mississippi?”

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In our nation’s Capital, there is no mercy and no holding back. After Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s long-discussed alcohol issues, The Atlantic has a big story this week about FBI Director Kash Patel’s serious on-the-job issues with the demon rum. Washington pundits won’t back off, of course. Now they’re referring to the President’s cabinet as his “Liquor Cabinet.” Mean, I guess. But funny!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Don Douglas, Travers Mahan, Jim Forrester, Gary Bishop, Lane Gibbs, Judy Dullea, Glo Reherman, Brandon Benge, Cindy Estes, Judi Barber, John Lewis, Brad Putman, Mike Burnett, Brian Laughlin, Mike McCown, Becki Farley, and Julie Morgan.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday night is “Thursday Trivia” at BOOM at The Regatta in Grove (6:30 p.m.). Thursday-Saturday is a Bassmaster Open Fishing Tournament at Wolf Creek (7:00 a.m.). Saturday is the Cleora Fire Department Golf Tournament at The Coves (10:00 a.m. shotgun); and Sunday is an Anglers in Action Fishing Tournament at Wolf Creek Park (6:30 a.m.).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The Lorelei is a 433-foot tall rock along the German Rhine. Wind passing over and around it creates a murmuring that, in local lore, is the sound of a woman luring men to their deaths.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Despite sinking over 100 years ago, the swimming pool on the Titanic is still filled with water.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Benjamin Franklin is the only Founding Father to sign all four documents of American Independence: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I told my wife to have dinner ready by 6 or I’ll obliterate her entire civilization. So anyway, she now charges me a fee to use the bathroom that used to be free, and I didn’t get any dinner; but I’m pretty sure I won that exchange.

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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: “Jail” and “Prison” are synonyms. So, why are “Jailer” and “Prisoner” antonyms? English is confusing.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: This Branch is Closed Due to Branch Closure

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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and friends to post my bail when I finally snap.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: A friend of mine had his heart set on becoming a successful doctor, but he didn’t have the patients.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If someone says, “This statement is false,” are they lying?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth erroneously quoted a Bible verse he took from the movie Pulp Fiction. Then, the President said Pope Leo wants Iran to have nuclear weapons. Would that be properly classified as “Pope Fiction”?

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “President Trump says Iran has no cards left to play, but the Iranians don’t seem to know they have no cards to play. They’re literally holding a strait.” – Colin Jost

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (and former OU) quarterback Baker Mayfield just turned 31. If that’s not enough to make you feel old, how about this? It has been nine years since he last played at OU. Yankees superstar and Oklahoma native Mickey Mantle played his first major league baseball game 75 years ago this week. This past Sunday marked the 31-year anniversary of the tragic Murrah Building Bombing in Oklahoma City.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, The Monkey Bar features Karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Wednesday night followed by live music with Erin Fitzgibbon Thursday, and more karaoke Friday night. Magen Faulconer will be on stage at the South 125 Bar & Grill Friday night.

On South Grand Lake, Lil’ Red and The Sidepiece will be at Scissortail Marina Friday night and Blind Swine Duck Creek Saturday night. Jacob Dement will be on stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Randy Crouch and the Flying Horse Opera Saturday and a special Sunday matinee performance (4:00 p.m.) by Sarah Hughes and Isaiah Wofford. There’s Karaoke with John Saturday night at Pickles on the Lake in Langley.

In Grove, Bobby DeGonia will perform both Friday and Saturday nights at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure entertain Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar followed by Erin Fitzgibbon Saturday night. There’s karaoke with DJ Laid Back Larry Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon.

Crash Funk starts the music Thursday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar. Western Justice takes over Friday night followed by Hollywood Riot Saturday. A&E Music kicks off the weekend Thursday at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Derryl Perry Friday and The Vybes Saturday; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature Jeff Tatum & the Palomino Moon Band Saturday night. Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar is temporarily closed for renovation.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Shebang on Monkey Island is closed temporarily (new ownership). South 125 Bar & Grill on Monkey Island has expanded hours for the season – open six days a week – at noon Wed-Friday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. Monday. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now open weekends at Harbors View Marina; and Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina is now open Saturday & Sunday. Red’s House BBQ has scheduled a Grand Opening at Ketchum Eats Food Park Friday, May 1 from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Lainey Wilson: Keeping Country Cool is a documentary available on NETFLIX Wednesday. 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing airs Sunday night at 7:00 on the Food Network. Bob’s Burgers airs Sunday night at 7:30 on Fox. A new series Straight to Hell is available Monday on NETFLIX.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Michael and Fuze debut in movie theaters this week.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, April 30 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” at Sassy & Classy and Duck Creek Liquor at Grand Meridian (4:00-6:00 p.m.). Friday-Sunday, May 1-3 – Grove City Wide Garage Sales (7:00-5:00). Friday, May 1 – Food Truck Friday and Creative Alliance Arts Festival at the Downtown Square in Grove (5:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 2 – Farmers Market at Grove’s Downtown Square (8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 2 – Ian Munsick Concert at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (8:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 9 – Nichols Marine & Shangri-La Marina Customer Appreciation Luau at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, May 15 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Quail Run Golf Course (12:00 p.m.). Friday, May 15 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar opens for the season at Shangri-La (4:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 16 – Art in the Garden event at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (9:00 a.m.-04:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 16 – Burning of the Socks party at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (4:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday-Monday, May 22-25 – Memorial Day Run Rock Crawling at the Disney Off-Road Area (6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 23 – Memorial Weekend Fireworks Show at Honey Creek Landing Marina. Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Celebration & Veterans’ Appreciation Day at Har-Ber Village (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 30 – Grove Rotary Club Lobsterfest at Wolf Creek Expo Center (5:30-9:00 p.m.)

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In the world of sports, it’s playoff time in the NBA. The field is set and the Championship highway runs through Oklahoma City. They are battling 8-seed Phoenix in the first round with Thunder games continuing Wednesday (8:30), Saturday (2:30, Monday, and next Wednesday.

There’s some fantastic softball on television this week, too. OSU travels to Texas. Wednesday’s game is televised (2:00 p.m.). The OU Sooners host Georgia this week. Saturday’s 1:30 game is televised on ESPN2.

PGA Golfers are in the Crescent City this week. Coverage of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans begins on the Golf Channel at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.

UFL Football play kicks off Friday at 7:00 with DC visiting Birmingham. Orlando hosts St. Louis Saturday at 6:00, Columbus is at Houston Sunday morning at 11:00 followed by Louisville at Dallas at 2:00.

There are some good Major League Baseball match-ups on TV this week, too. The Yankees are at Boston Thursday (5:00). The Dodgers host the Cubs Saturday (6:00).

NASCAR drivers are at Talladega this week. Coverage of Jack Link’s 500 is Sunday at 2:00 on Fox.

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The weekend weather ahead looks pretty good. It’s April, of course, so there’s always a chance of a shower or two, but mostly at night or early morning. We’ll have high temperatures around room temperature, with lows in the mid-50s. It looks like a good weekend to have some Grand Lake fun! But remember, wherever you 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.

Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La

Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)

Billy’s Burger Bar & More in Ketchum

Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

BOOM at The Regatta (at Sailboat Bridge)

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Casa Gutierrez in Gro

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanellas 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)

Cregan’s Confections & Ice Cream (Ketchum)

Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Domino’s in Grove

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Drift at the Regatta (at Sailboat Bridge in Grove)

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill (Cleora)

Drunken Rooster – on the Water (Grove)

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

Gambino’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

Hero’s Deli in Grove

Hero’s Deli in Langley

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

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

Island Bar & Grill at The Landings Marina

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 Garcia’s 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

Our House BBQ in Grove

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

Poppin’ on Grand in Cleora

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor

R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon in Grove

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Rise-N-Dine, Ketchum

River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)

Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island

Roberts Bar & Restaurant in Langley

Royal Liquor Store in Grove

Scissortail Lounge at Scissortail Marina

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina

South 125 Bar & Grill on Monkey Island

Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove

Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort

Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

The Artichoke Restaurant in Langley

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