May 11 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum
I hope you had a fabulous Mother’s Day weekend on Grand Lake! Now, it’s time to get to work. It’s hard to believe the Memorial Day holiday is coming up next week. That means you need to clean up the house, make sure your boat is ready for the season, and stock up on groceries – because the first big holiday of the summer means everyone who doesn’t have a boat or a house at the lake will be looking for buddies to bunk with.
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I think every seasonally-operated bar, club, and restaurant at Grand Lake is now open for the season. It’s time to eat and drink somewhere besides home. Everyone wants all these places open so we have “options,” but they can’t stay open without your business. Don’t just shop local. Eat and drink local, too!
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The Oklahoma legislature appears to be done for the year. They left dozens of proposed laws waiting to be heard – but they were apparently more interested in getting on the campaign trail than taking care of the wishes of their constituents. Ironically, most of them will probably be re-elected despite not taking care of business.
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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito reminded fellow Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson that SCOTUS exists to interpret the law, not to act as an activist court. Pundit Mike Netter said that’s like Jeffrey Dahmer lecturing people about table manners.
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Congratulations to the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce for doing such a great job of promoting the Grand Lake area. Last week, they were honored by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association with two gigantic awards – a Merit Award for “Best Overall Marketing Campaign” and a prestigious RedBud Award for “Best Website.” Every Grand Lake business should be grateful for the work our Chambers do to promote our tourism industry!
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Some things just don’t work out like we plan. Take White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, for example. She put out a memo letting the entire staff know they would be fired if they leaked anything to the press. Do you know how we know she sent that memo? Right. It was leaked.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Sheryl Hicks, Carrie Moore, Pat McConn, Kevin Brady, Chance Grubb, Nancy Adkisson, Byron Long, Maxine Duncan, Jodi Gallagher, Haiden Jennings, Gary Cameron, Greg Mantia, Gaylyn Haynes, Isaac Sheffield, Kim Klaus, Vicki Stockwell, Todd England, Bob Hart, Gayle Larimore, and Linda Corlett.
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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 the Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Quail Run Golf Course (12:00 p.m.). Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina opens for the season at Shangri-La Friday (4:00 p.m.). Saturday is the Art in the Garden event at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (9:00 a.m.-04:00 p.m.), Mayfest at The Lake celebration at Grand Towne Center in Langley (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.); and the big Burning of the Socks party at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (4:00-8:00 p.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Banks Island in Canada’s Northwest Territories is larger than the state of West Virginia and has a human population of 104.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Clark Gable almost left “Gone with the Wind” early in production when he found out the set was segregated. He told the director to remove the “White” and “Colored” signs or there would be no Rhett Butler.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: A person working for minimum wage in Oklahoma can no longer buy 2 gallons of gas for 1 hour of labor before or after taxes.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I can’t believe that viruses and bacteria can just invade my body without permission. That makes me sick!
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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: The English teacher says, Give me the opposite of this sentence: “Children in the dark make mistakes.” A student replied, “Mistakes in the dark make children.”
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Martinis are now cheaper than gas. Drink. Don’t Drive.
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: This might be a hot take, but I actually don’t want to use our freshwater resources to help power AI data centers just so they can store the flock camera data from tracking all of us.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: A guy told me his friend Jack invented a hot tub that pumps bubbles into the water. I said, “Jack? Who’s he?” (hint: say it fast)
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: With all the lawsuits President Trump has filed or asked DOJ to investigate, why hasn’t he filed any lawsuits against anyone calling him a pedophile?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I have good problem-solving skills, but my problem-creating skills are where I really shine!
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “For this Nation to remain true to its principles, we cannot allow any American’s vote to be denied, diluted, or defiled. The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.” – President Ronald Reagan
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The “Piano Man” had another birthday. Singer/songwriter Billy Joel is 77. Singer/songwriter Bob Seger turned 81 years old last week. We also lost Ted Turner last week. The legendary swashbuckling business leader, founder of CNN, philanthropist, outspoken advocate, and former owner of both the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks was 87.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: It’s another weekend of great Grand Lake area entertainment. On Monkey Island, Magen Faulconer will entertain Wednesday night at South 125 Bar & Grill for their first Wednesday night dinner service of the season. The Monkey Bar starts the weekend Thursday with live music by Erin Fitzgibbon. There’s karaoke with Sundown Entertainment Friday night, and more live music from Erin Fitzgibbon Saturday night. Tim Robinson hosts the karaoke Thursday night at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La followed by the talented Kevin Price at Doc’s Friday night. Also Friday night, DJ Kyle hosts Singo at The Anchor at Shangri-La (8:30) followed by a Jukebox Dance Party Dance Party at 10:00. Kevin Price & The Closers will entertain at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar Saturday night; and Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece will be on stage Saturday night at South 125 Bar & Grill.
On South Grand Lake, 82 Junctions will be on stage Saturday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by Magen Faulconer in a special Sunday afternoon performance. Travis Kidd will be on stage Thursday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Lil’ Red & The Sidepiece Friday night and The Jesse Dean Duo Saturday night. James Muns will entertain Sunday afternoon at 4:00; and Chris Hyde will be at Mooney’s next Wednesday.
In Grove, Eddie Valen provides the musical entertainment Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 followed by Tim Nowell Saturday night. 90 lb. Wrench will be on stage Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar followed by Encore Saturday night. There’s karaoke with DJ Laid Back Larry Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon.
The Downbeat starts the music Friday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar. Bobby DeGonia takes over Saturday. Jon Dooly kicks off the weekend Thursday at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Encore Friday and MoArk Mojo Saturday; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature Stonehorse Saturday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Shebang has reopened under new ownership on Monkey Island. Blind Swine Duck Creek at Harbors View Marina, Whitecap at The Landings Marina, Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina, Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina, The Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda, and Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina are all open for the season.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special airs Tuesday at 8:00 on ABC. Fear Factor: 48 Hours of Fear airs Thursday night at 8:00 on Fox. The newest Taylor Sheridan series, Dutton Ranch is available Friday on Paramount+; and The Academy of Country Music Awards air Sunday night at 7:00 on Prime Video. Forever Young: A Grammy Salute to Rod Stewart airs next Tuesday night at 7:00 on CBS.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Top Gun 40th Anniversary, Is God Is, Obsession, Shrek (25th Anniversary), In the Grey, and Driver’s Ed debut in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, May 21 – Grove Chamber Business After Hours at Triad Eye Institute (5:00-6:30 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.). Saturday, June 6 – Fairy Festival at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (11:00-4:00). Thursday-Saturday, June 11-13 – American Heritage Music Festival and National Fiddle Contest at Har-Ber Village (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.). Thursday-Sunday, June 11-14 – Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park & Expo Center in Grove.
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In the world of sports, we’re headed into Conference Championship time as we wrap up semifinals this week. The Eastern Conference Championship series is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 19 followed by Game 1 of the Western Conference Championship series the next day. However, depending on outcomes of semifinals this week, Conference Championship play could start as early as Sunday.
There are some great WNBA matchups this week. Washington is at Indiana Friday (6:30) and Las Vegas faces Atlanta Sunday (12:30). Washington and Dallas meet Monday at 7:00.
In the college softball world, it’s time for the Road to the Women’s College World Series. Regionals begin at 16 host sites Friday-Sunday this week with Super Regionals set for May 21-24. The Women’s College World Series in OKC begins May 21.
PGA Golfers are in Pennsylvania this week for the PGA Championship. Coverage begins at 11:00 Thursday & Friday mornings on ESPN and 9:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up coverage of the final two rounds at noon Saturday & Sunday.
It’s another big week for horse racing fans. The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is Saturday. Pre-race coverage begins on NBC at 3:00 Saturday afternoon with post time at 5:55 p.m.
UFL Football play kicks off Friday night at 7:00 this week with Dallas hosting Orlando. There are two games Saturday – DC at Louisville at 11:00 and Houston at St. Louis at 2:00 – and Birmingham hosts Columbus Sunday at noon.
There are some good Major League Baseball match-ups on TV this weekend, too. Miami is at Tampa Bay Friday night at 6:00. Saturday, Detroit hosts Toronto at noon and the Subway Series features the Yankees & Mets at 6:00.
NASCAR drivers are in Dover this week. Coverage of the NASCAR All-Star Race is Sunday at 12:00 on FS1.
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Weather for the weekend ahead looks really nice. We’ll have sunshine for the most part with high temperatures in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s. Get out and enjoy your lake before the big crowds hit next week! 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
