March 30 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum
Another incredible GEFFE Gala is in the books. The 300 supporters of Grove Public Schools spent a zillion dollars purchasing astonishing donations and enjoying a fabulous evening at Shangri-La Resort. Nobody likes to party for great causes like Grand Lakers!
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Happy Easter weekend, by the way. I’m planning on a big Easter Brunch. I don’t normally do fancy brunch events, but Easter is different. I’ll get to see my peeps! Sorry for the bad joke. I shouldn’t have put it in this column. I should have sent it to you via hare-mail.
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After five years of trying, Grand Lake’s Representative Josh West finally got approval of great legislation allowing more personal privacy – allowing citizens to opt out of having companies sell their personal information. The very next week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond agreed to turn over all of Oklahoma’s computerized voter registration information to the feds at the U.S. Department of Justice. The government giveth and the government taketh away. Is that the old scripture?
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It’s been a busy week watching our tax dollars at work. The Federal Government has agreed to pay the French company TotalEnergies $1 billion from the federal government in exchange for their agreement NOT to build an offshore wind energy farm. I’m also willing to NOT build a wind farm. I wonder where you get in line for the money. By the way, more than 40 percent of Oklahoma’s electricity is generated from wind power.
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Congress has been fighting for weeks over DHS funding to resume paying our TSA agents. They could never agree and never got anything passed. But when airlines and TSA stopped providing special airport and airline privileges for lawmakers and they got treated like the rest of us in line…SURPRISE! The Senate members reached agreement and approved TSA funding the next day! House Speaker Mike Johnson must not travel commercially, because he refused to take up the Senate legislation. So, President Trump just arbitrarily ordered TSA agents to be paid. What? If he could do that, why did we have this crisis in the first place?
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While escorting former First Lady Jill Biden at the Philadelphia Airport, a Secret Service Agent shot himself in the leg! Geez, Louise! There’s gotta be better ways to get out of an assignment you don’t want.
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Speaking of guns and airports, I always avoid traveling to countries where I’m “greeted” at the airport with heavily armed guys in body armor waiting outside to threaten and intimidate tourists. Now, with ICE agents in the airports, the USA is that country. I wonder how much international tourism we’re losing in our country. Surely I’m not the only traveler who avoids being greeted by gunmen!
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President Trump has ordered the Treasury Department to add his signature on newly-printed money. He’s the only President in history to do that. If you don’t like it when you get the new money, I’m sure you can just use a sharpie and redact his name. It seems like that happens a lot.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Diana Stephens-Webre, Meagan Stewart, Kacey Threet, Stephanie Eppler, Ann Zenthoefer, Sam Walker, Staci Burns, Todd Sanger, Leta Reed, Tyler Thomas, Jen Spriggs, Kelli Wayland, Ginger Richey, Brian Edwards, Cindy Hefner, Jenny Carlson, Don Mulvane, Sonya Fitzibben, and Steve Oden.
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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.). Friday is Food Truck Friday and “Cruisin’ Grove” Cruise Night in Grove. Friday is also “First Friday Wine Share” at Of the Earth in downtown Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Saturday is a C.O.W. Week Golf Tournament at The Coves (1:00 p.m.). Saturday morning is Easter Eggstravaganza at Cherokee Yacht Club (10:00 a.m.). Shangri-La is all about Easter. There’s Egg Decorating with Peter Cottontail Saturday (2:00 p.m.) at the Monkey Grind in Shangri-La Resort Hotel. Easter Brunch at The Summit Restaurant is offered from 10:00-5:00; and Sunday afternoon is a big Easter Egg Hunt at The Anchor at Shangri-La (1:00 p.m.). South Grand Lake Baptist Church hosts a Sunrise Service Sunday morning (7:00 a.m.) followed by breakfast (8:30) and an Easter Egg Hunt (9:30). Next Tuesday is Grand Lake & Grove Day at the Capitol (9:00 a.m.); and next Wednesday (April 8) is a First Responders Appreciation Dinner at The Battlefield at Shangri-La honoring area first responders (5:00-7:00 p.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Although there is some dispute, the Theta burger likely originated at a Norman, Okla., eatery called the Town Tavern, where it was a favorite of the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: A review of social media and tv viewership indicates the OU Women’s Basketball Team is among the “Top Ten Most Watched Teams in Women’s Basketball.” BTW, 5 of those 10 teams are in the SEC.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: President Trump, who supposedly hates voting by mail, often calling it “cheating,” voted in a special election in Florida last week….by mail. What’s the old adage? “Do as I say, not as I do!”
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Due to the ridiculous gas prices, I will no longer be stopping at stop signs or red lights. I can’t afford to idle. Thank you for your understanding.
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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: Read the vowels in “Celine Dion” out loud. You’re welcome.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Today Special: Grilled Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, and Aspergers
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BEST FOOD LABEL SEEN THIS WEEK: 100% Beef – Made with All White Meat Chicken
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: Now that spring is here, everybody should start thinking about cleaning out the house. Also, the senate.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Don’t degrade yourself by saying you drink box wine. Call it Cardboardeaux.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How can you be caught between a “rock” and a “hard place”? Isn’t the rock a hard place, too?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: In Star Wars, anyone can hop in any spaceship and know how to fly it. I just spent 20 minutes trying to find the headlights in a rental car.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “For every complex problem, there’s always a simple, clear, and wrong answer.” – H.L. Mencken
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The Queen of Country Music, Oklahoma native Reba McEntire turned 71 over the weekend. The incomparable Elton John turned 79 last week. Valerie Perrine, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her work in multiple Superman films, died last week at the age of 82. We also lost Dash Crofts, half of the talented hit-makers Seals and Crofts, last week. He was 85.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, The Monkey Bar features Music Bingo Wednesday night followed by live music with Erin Fitzgibbon Thursday, karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Friday night and more live music from Robbi Bell Saturday night. Magen Faulconer and Dillon Leggett entertain Saturday night at South 125 Bar & Grill.
On South Grand Lake, Magen Faulconer will be on stage with Lil’ Red & Sidepiece Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Jesse Dean Saturday.
In Grove, The Beaty Creek Duo entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar followed by D’Elegantz Saturday night. There’s karaoke with DJ Laid Back Larry Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon.
Phil McGarrah & Runnin’ on Empty start the music Thursday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar, Joshua Tree takes over Friday night with a U2 tribute, followed by The Libby Starks Band. Saturday night Morgan Squared wraps up the weekend. DJ Mike with the Lights will entertain at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar Friday night followed by Garrick Fausett Saturday; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature Bobby DeGonia Saturday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La features Easter Brunch Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. There will be no dinner service at The Summit this week. VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina, BOOM at The Regatta, The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda, and Big Shots Rhythm & Booze on Monkey Island are now open for the season.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Agent From Above debuts Thursday on NETFLIX. The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special airs Monday night at 7:30 on CBS. Foul Play with Anthony Davis airs Monday night at 9:30 (following the NCAA National Championship Game) on TBS. A new series Star Wars: Maui – Shadow Lord is available Monday on Disney+.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, A Great Awakening, and Fantasy Life all debut in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, April 11 – Que’n at the Lake BBQ Cookoff in Ketchum (6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19 – A Walk Through Time (Civil War Days) at Har-Ber Village (9:30 a.m.). Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19 – K.I.S.S. Camp Scrapbooking Event at Wolf Creek Expo Center (9:00 a.m.). Saturday, April 25 – Cleora Fire Department Golf Tournament at The Coves (10:00 a.m. shotgun). Friday, May 1 – Food Truck Friday and Creative Alliance Art Splash at the Downtown Square in Grove. 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.).
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In the world of sports, the OKC Thunder are back home this week, but the battles don’t get any easier. They host the Lakers Thursday (8:30) and Utah Sunday (6:00) before heading out west for back-to-back games with the Lakers Tuesday (9:30) and the Clippers Wednesday (9:00).
In the college basketball world, OU faces Colorado Wednesday (7:00) in the Basketball Crown Tournament in Las Vegas. If they win, they’ll play in the semifinals Saturday. The Championship game is Sunday. March Madness is getting narrowed down to bare bones. For the ladies, Final Four games are Friday with the Championship game Sunday. For the guys, Final Four games are Saturday and the Championship game is Monday night. In the NIT, semifinal games are Thursday night (Tulsa vs. New Mexico at 6:00) with the NIT Championship game Sunday night at 7:00.
PGA players are still in Texas, but they move to San Antonio this week for the Valero Texas Open. Coverage is on the Golf Channel beginning at 3 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday. NBC picks up coverage of the final two rounds at 2:30 Saturday & 1:30 Sunday.
NASCAR drivers have the weekend off to celebrate Easter.
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Weather won’t be perfect this weekend, but it’ll be pretty darn good for this time of year. We’l have sunshine with high temperatures in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s – maybe a little warmer on Easter Sunday. Get out and enjoy a wonderful Grand Lake holiday weekend. 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
