December 9th Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

Last Saturday was the final deadline for signing up for Medicare or one of the zillion “advantage” plans. With the election behind us and the Medicare deadline past, you may now resume your normal TV schedule of commercials for car dealers and furniture stores.

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Good news for those of us who hate “standard” time. The earliest sunset of the year was last Thursday. It gets better from here. I can’t wait for March 9 and the return of Daylight Saving Time! It’s not even officially “winter” yet…and I’m ready for summer!

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Here we are in the chilly weather season, though; and it’s a crazy busy holiday week at Grand Lake this week. We already kicked off the season with parades over the past weekend including the big one across the Pensacola Dam, the Vinita Parade and the awesome “Lights On Festival” in Grove (including a $10,000 cash giveaway!). The weather looks really nice for all the parades on land and on Grand for the weekend ahead. Plus…‘Tis the season, folks. Brace yourself for all the goofballs pretending someone is trying to stop them from saying “Merry Christmas.” And, by the way…Merry Christmas!

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I have already lost track of how much longer it is until Christmas. I guess I’m going to have to get a real calendar because, according to the remaining liquor in my special advent calendar, Christmas is the day after tomorrow.

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I guess we’ve finished all our bitching about prices being too high. Thanksgiving travel, Black Friday sales, and Cyber Monday sales all set new records.

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Speaking of the high cost of things, people who are still complaining about the price of eggs are screaming for OU and OSU Football coaches to be fired after disappointing seasons. Mike Gundy’s got a pay cut and a revised contract instead of a $25 million contract buyout at OSU, and Brent Venables looks safe at OU. For OU to fire Venables, they would have to cut him a buyout check for $44.8 million. So, Gundy and Venables both seem to be safe in their jobs. Too bad for them. The best job in America is STILL “fired football coach.”

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If you’ve been seeing all the social media posts about Target Stores planning to open full-service bars in their stores…it’s not true. Apparently, that was just a ploy to get men in the stores.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Kim Hudelson, Charlotte Oglesby, Konrad Faust, Doug Smith, Dwain Richardson, Barbara Callison, Debbie McCurdy, George Blair, Larry Duke, Dustin Matthews, Amy Redus, Shirley Brown, Holly Roach, Renee Hartley, Nevyle Cable, Jill Swisher, Brad Milanowski, Amber Benson, Jade Piper, Christie Landry, Shelby McDonald, Katie Hutson, and Tina Blackman.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: The Christmas lights are up and ready for drive-thru visits at Twin Bridges State Park. The Grand Lake Newcomers Club Christmas Brunch is Tuesday morning at the Grove Community Center (10:00 a.m.). Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village will be open Friday night at Har-Ber Village (5:30-8:30). Friday & Saturday is the Merry & Bright Christmas Open House at The Shops at Grand Meridian (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday night is the 3rd Annual Legacy Christmas Party at the Legacy Event Center in Grove (7:00-11:00 p.m.). Friday night is also a “S’Mores & More” party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00 p.m.) and the Ugly Sweater Pickleball Party at The Anchor Racquet Club (7:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday is a big parade day - Fairland Christmas Parade (noon), Jay Christmas Parade (2:00 p.m.), Cherokee Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade (Dock party at 3:00 – parade at 6:00), and the Grove Christmas Parade (6:00 p.m.). Saturday night is a Christmas Movie night in the Simulator Bay at The Anchor at 6:00 (“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”). Sunday afternoon is a Grand Lake Christmas Celebration Christmas Carol sing-along party with Terry Jordan and Andre Jones & The Showstoppers at Shangri-La Resort Hotel Lobby (2:00-5:00 p.m.). Sunday is also a Kids Christmas Crafts Party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (1:00-4:00 p.m.). Tuesday is “Trivia Night Competition” at The Anchor.  

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Burj Kahlifa in Dubai, at more than 2,700 feet, is the world's tallest building. It contains more than 200 miles of water pipes.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: In 1978, young entrepreneur Richard Branson tried to impress his girlfriend by pretending to purchase a private island. The island was priced at $6 million, but Branson offered a ridiculous $100,000. Much to everyone’s surprise, the owner ultimately agreed to a price of $180,000 – and Branson actually bought it. That island – Necker Island – is now valued at $153 million and is a luxury resort that's popular with celebrities, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela, Harry Styles, and Oprah Winfrey. The island is available to rent for up to $128,000 PER NIGHT!

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum, dropped out of school at 14 to become a barber.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Still trying to bag a big buck? Drop your insurance down from full coverage to liability on your truck. Follow me for more hunting tips.

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PALINDROME OF THE WEEK: “Was it a car or a cat I saw” spelled backwards I still “Was it a car or a cat I saw?”

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: I’m going to stop procrastinating, but I’m waiting for the perfect moment.

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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: New Year’s Day is on Wednesday this year. I looked at the calendar and realized 2025 actually starts out with a WTF!

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PUN OF THE WEEK: If a cow doesn’t produce milk, is it a milk dud or an udder failure?

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If Santa Claus raised cattle, would that make him a Jolly Rancher?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: To anyone I offended this year, please work on yourself so I don’t have to do it again in 2025.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The less talent they have, the more pride, vanity, and arrogance they have. All these fools, however, find other fools who applaud them.” – Erasmus (1509)

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: It was 44 years ago this week that Beatle John Lennon was murdered. Actor, producer, comedian and director Max Baer Jr., best known for his goofy role as nephew Jethro Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies, turned 87 last week. Actor, entertainer & comedian Dick Van Dyke turns 99 this week!

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend begins Thursday night with Jason Morgan hosting the karaoke fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Friday night, Mark Gibson will perform at Doc’s. Lil’ Red & COBE will be in the spotlight Friday night at Blind Swine Monkey Island. DJ Kennedy leads Rockstar Karaoke Friday night at The Monkey Bar. DJ Kyle Bandito provides the late-night music at Big Shots both Friday & Saturday nights. Sunday afternoon, Terry Jordan will be joined by Andre Jones & The Showstoppers for a special holiday sing-along celebration in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel (2:00-5:00 p.m.).

On South Grand, Downbeat will entertain Saturday night at The Drunken Rooster; and The Smith Brothers will perform Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.

In Grove, there are two nights of entertainment at Cherokee Casino’s 1897 Bar – D’ Elegantz Friday night, followed by Brent Giddens Saturday. DJ Laidback Larry will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon. Bobby Degonia performs Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by The Beaty Creek Band Saturday night.

There’s karaoke fun Friday night and Zimmeroo will be on stage Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, there is live music early Saturday night by Western Justice followed by karaoke with DJ Kay at 11:00 p.m. Bush comes to Downstream Casino’s Pavilion Thursday night, and Ben Haggard will entertain at Downstream’s Legends Sports Bar Saturday night. There are three nights of live music this week at Indigo Sky Casino – Jon Dooly Thursday night, The Brothers Moore Friday, and MoArk Mojo Saturday night.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Larry “Papa” Duke is the Guest Chef at The Shebang Wednesday night with his famous Ham & Beans with Fried Taters & Jalapeno Cornbread. In addition to their regular menu, The Lighthouse Restaurant in Ketchum will offer a special Pasta Action Station with Chef Michael Thursday from 5:00-8:30 p.m. The Grill at Indian Hills Marina will close at 2:00 p.m. Sunday and won’t reopen until January 3. Speedy’s Chophouse is now open in Grove at the former Grand Lake Public House location. Grand Lake Kitchen at Har-Ber Village is open throughout the winter months. Hours are 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Sunday & Monday, and 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday (Closed Tuesday).

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The 2024 Billboard Music Awards Show airs Thursday night at 7:00 on Fox. 30 for 30: The New York Sack Exchange airs Friday at 7:00 on ESPN. Actress Nicole Kidman will be the featured guest on CBS Sunday Morning this week at 8:00 a.m. An Evening with Dua Lipa will be on CBS Sunday night at 7:00. Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry will be televised next Monday at 7:00 on NBC.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim and Kraven the Hunter open in movie theaters this week. Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World is available on NETFLIX beginning Wednesday.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, December 19 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast at Shangri-La Resort Hotel featuring House Floor Leader Josh West and Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (9:00 a.m.). Thursday, December 19 – Skate with Santa Winter Bash at the Grove Community Center ice rink (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Sunday, December 22 – Grand Lake Christmas Celebration Christmas Carol sing-along party with Terry Jordan at Shangri-La Resort Hotel Lobby (2:00-5:00 p.m.). Sunday, December 22 – Dirty Santa Christmas Party at Pickles Pub in Langley. Tuesday, December 31 – “Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Gala” in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Resort (9:00 p.m.). Tuesday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party at the Drunken Rooster. Tuesday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve “Sparkle Party” at Big Shots. Wednesday, January 1 – Special “New Year’s Day” hours of operation at The Anchor & Galley at Shangri-La (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.).

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In the college football world, it’s the traditional Navy-Army Game at 2:00 Saturday, along with the opening weekend of Bowl Games. Saturday is the Celebration Bowl featuring Jackson State and South Carolina State (11:00) and the Salute to Veterans Bowl matching South Alabama and Western Michigan (8:00). The Frisco Bowl is next Tuesday at 8:00 (Memphis vs. West Virginia) followed by two more bowl games next Wednesday – the Boca Raton Bowl at 4:30 (Western Kentucky vs. James Madison) and LA Bowl hosted by Gronk at 8:00.

The NFL season rolls into week #15 with a full schedule. There’s a great game Thursday night as the 49ers host the Rams. Sunday games include Kansas City at Cleveland (12:00), Dallas at Carolina (12:00), Buffalo at Detroit (3:30), Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (3:30) and Green Bay at Seattle (7:15). There’s a Monday Night Football double-header coming up – Chicago at Minnesota (7:00) and Atlanta at Las Vegas (7:30).

The NBA continues Cup Play this week with the OKC Thunder ranked #1 in the West B Division, just ahead of the Phoenix Suns. They host Dallas Tuesday night (8:30).

On the PGA Tour, it’s a small field again this week. Only 32 players compete in the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida. Coverage is on the Golf Channel at 12:00 Friday, 1:00 Saturday, and 12:00 Sunday. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday and 1:00 Sunday.

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Weekend weather for mid-December at Grand Lake looks wonderful. It may be a little breezy and we may have a shower or two Sunday morning, but we’ll have high temperatures approaching 60 degrees and lows in the mid-40s. Watch lots of parades and lots of football and have lots of fun. 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)

Billy’s Burger Bar & More in Ketchum

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

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)

Honey Creek BBQ in Grove (south of Honey Creek bridge)

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 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

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

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

Scissortail Bar at Scissortail Marina

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina

Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove

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 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

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