March 9 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum
I hope everyone had a great time welcoming Daylight Saving Time with another big “Welcome Back Weekend!” The weather was a little iffy Friday, a little scary Friday night, but Saturday & Sunday were great – just a little chilly. We weren’t just welcoming the return of the weekenders and seasonal tourists, but we are ALWAYS happy to welcome back Daylight Saving Time which arrived on schedule Sunday morning. How are you enjoying those 7:00 p.m. sunsets? We’re getting a little more daylight every day!
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With the time change, all the golfers are a lot happier because golf courses now have longer hours of play. Shangri-La courses are now open 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Boaters are a lot happier, as well. That daylight is totally wasted on civilized people when it comes early in the day! It’s nice to have it back at a location where we can enjoy using it!
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Yes, Tampa International Airport did post the following message on their X social media account: “We’ve had enough. It’s time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport. After successfully banning Crocs…it’s time to take on an even larger crisis: Pajamas. At. The. Airport. In the middle of the day.” But, no, they weren’t serious. It was just a little light-hearted jab. So, you’re still safe to go directly from Walmart to the airport without changing clothes, even if you’re flying through Tampa. (By the way, they didn’t actually ban Crocs, either.)
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In case you’re wondering why Oklahoma ranks almost last in education, you might want to take a look at teacher pay. Certified teachers are obviously going elsewhere. Oklahoma now has 3,809 folks teaching our students with “Emergency Certifications” from the State Board of Education.
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You think a war halfway around the world doesn’t impact you directly? Welp! Gas prices at my go-to station increased by 60 cents a gallon in four days. I checked Kelley Blue Book for my car’s value, and it asked if the tank was full or empty.
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With President Trump’s nomination of U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, Oklahoma is engaging in a wild game of “Political Musical Chairs.” Congressman Kevin Hern would like to be the permanent replacement – but that would leave his seat open. No Republicans wanted to run against him, so now it’s scramble time! Maybe Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell? Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado? Democrats are already off and running for Hern’s seat – same for 5th District Congresswoman Stephanie Bice’s seat (if she runs for Senate) where Democrat Jena Nelson is already building swing-district steam. We’re still waiting for Republican interest in her seat if she runs for Senate. All this…and filing day is just a month away. It oughta be a wild election year in Oklahoma.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Ken MacLeod, Dan Dillingham, Anita McDonald, Carol Milanowski, Tim Langley, Roberta Arnold, Robin Rush, Myles Davidson, Kristy Gibbs, Cindy Niederee, Larry Battaglia, Gene McComb, Guy Hixenbaugh, Gary Quick, Ben Jackson, John Pellow, Sheila Stogsdill, Candy Brasel, and Linda Eller.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday night is “Mardi Gras in March” at the GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley, sponsored by the South Grand Lake Foundation and benefiting the Ketchum Warriors Scholarship and Backpack programs (6:00 p.m.). Thursday night is the season kick-off of “Thursday Trivia” at BOOM at The Regatta in Grove (6:30 p.m.). Friday is a day for golfers to get fitted with the right stuff for the season – it’s PXG Club Fitting Day at the Shangri-La Golf Shop (12:00-5:00 p.m.). Sip & Paint? There’s a painting party Sunday afternoon at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (2:30). Just show up & paint!
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Although he usually went barefoot and wore ragged old cloths and a saucepan for a cap, John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, owned 1,200 acres in three states when he died in 1845.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Oklahoma Softball is the first team to break 300 hits this season. When they reached 300 hits, there were only 13 total teams in the USA that had even 200 or more.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Voyager 1 was launched in 1977 with less computing power than a digital watch. It is now 15 billion miles away and still talking to us.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Facebook is like a fridge…when you’re bored you keep opening and closing it every few minutes to see if there’s anything good in it.
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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: It doesn’t matter if you’re the landlord or the tenant – no matter if you’re paying the money or collecting the money, you both “rent the apartment.”
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Adulthood is saying, “But next week things will slow down a bit” over-and-over-and-over!
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: I received a wedding invitation. It said, “Your presence itself is a gift. We don’t want any gifts at the wedding.” I’m confused. Am I invited or not?
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PUN OF THE WEEK: A recent study on the effects of marijuana on sea birds left no tern unstoned.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Does anyone else tell songs to “shut up” before you skip them?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: President Trump said last week he holds the highest approval rating among current Presidents. Hmmm. Since we just have one current President, I guess he’s right about that.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The United States Congress is like male nipples. What are they there for?” – Jon Stewart
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Oklahoma native child-star-to-teen-star-to-superstar-director Ron Howard turned 72 last week – and iconic musician/philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi turned 64. Legendary rock & roll songwriter Neil Sedaka died last week. He was 86; and Quick-witted National Champion college football coach Lou Holtz also died last week. He was 89.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, The Monkey Bar features lots of live entertainment. Following karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Wednesday night, there will be live music by Erin Fitzgibbon Thursday night, followed by more karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Friday night and some fun Jukebox Match Saturday night; and Erin Fitzgibbon will return next Tuesday for a St. Patrick’s Day performance. Robbi Bell will entertain Friday night at South 125 Bar & Grill.
On South Grand Lake, Lil’ Red & Sidepiece will be on stage Saturday night at Juan Montez. John Hayes will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at Pickles at The Lake in Langley. Andrew Live will be on Stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Jacob Dement Saturday night. Next Tuesday, Magen Faulconer will be on stage at Mooney’s to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
In Grove, Swade Diablos will be on stage Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 followed by Outlaws Reloaded Saturday night. Phil Vaught entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar followed by Soul Shaker Saturday night.
Jon Dooly kicks off the weekend early with a Thursday night performance at Indigo Sky Casino. The Travis Kidd Band takes over Friday night, and Encore wraps up the weekend music Saturday. Blue Underground starts the music Thursday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar, followed by Oreo Blue Friday and Ty Ellis & The Flatliners Saturday night. Jon Lovitz will be in concert Saturday night at Downstream’s Pavilion. At Buffalo Run Casino, DJ Mike with the Lights will entertain at Backwoods Bar Friday night, backed up by Dillon Hasten Saturday night. Chayce Beckham will perform Saturday night at Buffalo Run’s Peoria Showplace; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature Until Now Saturday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La, VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina, and Big Shots Rhythm & Booze on Monkey Island are now open for the season; and BOOM at The Regatta reopens for the season Thursday. The One Eyed Monkey near Littlefield Corner is now open seven days a week 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m…and evening service Thursday-Saturday is coming soon. The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda reopens for the season March 20. Also, watch for Los Garcias, a new Mexican Restaurant opening soon in the Ketchum Eats Food Park, and Whitecap Dining Dock & Cocktails coming to The Landings Marina. The former Artichoke in Langley will reopen under new ownership in mid-April as The Farm House.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The new series Scarpetta debuts on Prime Video Wednesday night. Celebrity Jeopardy returns to ABC Friday night at 7:00. The new Taylor Sheridan series The Madison premiers Saturday on Paramount+; and The 98th Annual Academy Awards air live Sunday night at 6:00 on ABC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Optimist, Reminders of Him, and Undertone debut in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday-Sunday, March 20-22 – Sumner’s Big Meat Run at the Disney Offroad Area. Saturday, March 21 – WAAMI Chili Luncheon at Lake Center Baptist Church on Monkey Island (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.). Saturday, March 21 – Killer Keyz nationally acclaimed dueling pianos act at Shangri-La Resort (7:00 p.m.). Friday-Saturday, March 27-28 – Grove Merchants Spring Open House. Saturday, March 28 – GEFFE Gala at Shangri-La Resort (5:30 p.m.). Saturday, March 28 – “Midnight on Grand Masquerade Prom” at South 125 Bar & Grill (7:00 p.m.). Saturday, March 28 – Wine Dinner at Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, April 4 – C.O.W. Week Golf Tournament at The Coves (1:00 p.m.).
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In the world of sports, the OKC Thunder are at home hosting Boston Thursday night at 8:30 and Minnesota Sunday at noon before hitting the road for another back-to-back – next Tuesday at 6:00 in Orlando and Wednesday at 6:30 in Brooklyn.
With the ladies having wrapped up their conference play, it’s time for the guys to engage in Conference Tournament Championship competition. The Big 12 Tournament starts Tuesday and the SEC Tournament starts Wednesday. Big 12 semifinals are Friday at 6:00 and 8:30 with the Championship Game Saturday at 5:00. The SEC Tournament gets underway Wednesday with semifinal action Saturday at noon and 2:30, and the championship game Sunday at noon. NCAA March Madness Selection Sunday – for the men, the broadcast will be at 5:00 on CBS. The ladies’ selection show will be Sunday night at 7:00 on ESPN.
PGA players are still in Florida this week. Coverage of The Players Championship from TPC Sawgrass at Ponte Vedra Beach is on the Golf Channel beginning at noon Thursday & Friday. NBC picks up coverage of the final two rounds at 1:00 Saturday & noon Sunday.
NASCAR fans are in Las Vegas this week for the Pennzoil 400. Coverage begins Sunday afternoon at 3:00 on FS1.
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It looks like we have a nice weekend coming up. High temperatures in the mid-70s Friday, low 70s Saturday, and mid-60s Sunday, with nighttime lows in the upper 40s. We’ll have sunshine, for the most part, and winds only in the teens. It’s a great weekend to get out and explore all that’s happening around Grand Lake. 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
