October 6 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
If you weren’t at Grand Lake over the past weekend, you missed a weekend of activities to match the 4th of July! The four-day Pelican Festival, the great Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show, golf tournaments raising needed money for the South Grand Chamber and the Monkey Island Fire Department, and an incredible weekend of partying for Shangri-La members at both their Members’ Friday Sunset Social and Saturday night’s annual Member Appreciation Party. I hope I can recover in time for all of the OU-Texas festivities this weekend and the kick-off of the Halloween season of celebration at Har-Ber Village. If you think Grand Lake is just for the summertime, you’re missing most of the fun!
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I was happy for the Grand Lake Sailing club last Saturday. They finally had a little breeze for their annual Long Distance Race from Honey Creek to the Pensacola Dam & Back. I always get a little tickled at the term Sailboat “Race.” I guess some places still “race” terrapins on the summer holiday weekends, though, and they can only move about 3 mph at top speed. At least the sailboaters are normally moving a little faster than that. I guess the Sailboat Club could have a really competitive race by taking on sea turtles, though. Those guys can swim up to 20 mph. That would be a competition worth watching!
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All the speculation, hopes, dreams, guessing, and lobbying are all over. Not Taylor Swift. Not Carrie Underwood. Not Metallica. Not Beyonce or Rihanna or Paul McCartney, Post Malone, or Drake. I’m sure part of the problem is that the Super Bowl doesn’t actually pay halftime performers. They just offer them “exposure” and none of the favorites needed any “exposure.” At any rate, the 2026 halftime performer has been selected. It’s Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio! Oh, sorry… Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican Grammy winner canceled his American tour because he was afraid of ICE raiding his audience. I guess he figures the Super Bowl should have enough security to prevent that kind of embarrassment.
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By the way, for all the detractors on social media, Puerto Rico is part of the United States. Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen – although previously Super Bowl halftime performers like Rihanna, Shakira, Coldplay, The Who, The Rolling Stones, U2, and Paul McCartney were not. It’s kind of ironic that so many naysayers will watch a football game played mostly by black players, but when it comes to halftime, they want to pull out the cultural segregation card.
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When I hear all the folks bad-mouthing the type of music Bad Bunny performs, it makes me smile – especially since he is one of the most popular performers in the world. Some things never change, though. I’m sure my parents were equally critical when The Beatles performed on the Ed Sullivan Show.
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All of the U.S. military generals are back at their posts after we spent a zillion dollars flying them all to Washington to hear speeches by President Trump and Secretary of “War” Pete Hegseth. I would have been a little more cautious if I was Secretary Hegseth, though. He proudly announced he would allow “no more beards and no more chubbsters.” I can’t believe he had the nerve to make that ultimatum in front of Vice-President Vance wearing a beard and President Trump being a little bit….well, you know.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Caroline Weaver, Peggy Richards, Saunie Boeve, Mark Funke, Art Couch, Richard Leuszler, Bob Altmiller, Joe Ferguson, Doug Booth, John Walter, Jana Coffee, Gene Pearcy, Brian Brandwein, Andrew Finnefrock, Sarah Williams Nash, Michelle Robertson, Silvy Brookby, Darci Winter, and Ben Hampton.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: The Grove Chamber of Commerce “State of the Region” luncheon is at noon Thursday at Har-Ber Village focusing on the Route 66 Celebration. Saturday fun starts with a College Football Trivia Showdown with Lee Lawson at Mulligans at Patricia Island Country Club (12:00 p.m.) followed by OU-Texas Watch Party. There’s another giant OU-Texas Tailgate Watch Party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (2:00 p.m.). Saturday night is an 80’s Costume Party at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill (7:00 p.m.), and a fun Bookish Masquerade Ball at Har-Ber Village (7:00-10:00 p.m.) followed by a Ghost Hunt at The Village (8:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Austrian musical prodigy Franz Schubert produced hundreds of compositions, including symphonies and operas, but died at age 31, probably of typhoid.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: In Game 1 of the ALWC series, the New York Yankees became the first team in MLB postseason history to have the bases loaded with nobody out in the bottom of the 9th but not score a run and lose the game (although they did go on to win the Wild Card series).
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Actress Angela Lansbury told a story about her daughter falling under the spell of a Hollywood deadbeat. He would pick the girl up from school and get her to steal money and food from her parents for him. Worried, Lansbury moved the entire family to Ireland. The guy was Charles Manson.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: There is a new study about women and how they feel about their asses. The results were interesting. 10% of women think their ass is too skinny. 30% of women think their ass is too fat. 60% say they don’t care. They love him. He is a good man, and they wouldn’t trade him for the world.
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WORD FUN OF THE WEEK: The grammar rule “I before E except after C” has been disproven by “science.”
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Warning: Baiting deer is illegal. This corn pile is intended for squirrels, chipmunks, and other such animals. Any deer found eating this corn will be shot!
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: Live your life in such a way that if the escalator stops, you don’t assume it’s because people hate you.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Biologists have crossed a watermelon with cauliflower. People who eat the new variety get a sense of sadness known as meloncauli.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If we aren’t supposed to have snacks at night, why is there a light in the refrigerator?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Japan’s greatest tragedy is having the world’s best toilets and no Mexican food. What's the point of owning a Ferrari if you never take it to the track?
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I drink to make other people more interesting.” – Ernest Hemingway
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Jane Goodall, the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees whose work was captured in more than 40 documentaries, did last week at the age of 91. Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon turned 74 over the weekend, as did legendary singer, songwriter, producer, activist and Police lead singer Sting. Fran Drescher is President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), but you probably remember her best for her starring role in the TV sitcom “The Nanny.” She turned 68 last week; and the television series “The Flintstones” made its debut 65 years ago this week.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Sundown Entertainment hosts Thursday night karaoke on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00 p.m.) and Gavin Tucker performs live Friday night at Doc’s. There’s karaoke Wednesday and Friday at The Monkey Bar, both hosted by Sundown Entertainment. DJ K-Bandito will provide the entertainment Friday & Saturday nights at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze; and Lickitty Split returns to the Road Hog Saloon Saturday night.
In Grove, the River Ridge Bluegrass Association begins a series of concerts at Grove Middle School Auditorium Saturday night with a performance by Possum Trot (6:00 p.m.). The Swade Diablos will provide the music Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar and Erin Fitzgibbon will take over Saturday night. Jeff Tatum and Palomino Moon will be on stage Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 followed by Lynee Warren Gowdy Saturday night. There’s musical Bingo every Wednesday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon; and DJ Laidback Larry will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at R-Bar.
On South Grand Lake, Clint and Frank start the music Wednesday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill. James Muns takes the stage Thursday night, followed by the Asphalt Cowboys Friday. The Hi Fidelics will be on stage at Mooney’s Saturday night; and Jackson Glasby will entertain Sunday afternoon at 4:00.
Indigo Sky Casino features three nights and a Sunday midday performance of live music this week beginning with Jon Dooly Thursday night, and continuing with Steel Roses Friday, Encore Saturday and an 11:00 a.m. performance Sunday by Erin Fitzgibbon. Left of Center will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar. Tri-State Troubadours start the music Thursday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar followed by D’Elegantz Friday night and Thanks for Nothing Saturday. Finn Again will provide the music in Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West Saturday night
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Fire Pit Restaurant at Wildwood has new hours -open for lunch on Saturday & Sunday at 11:00. The Shebang is now offering an Omelette Bar Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Cosby’s Catfish has new hours, too – open 4:30-8:00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 12:30-8:00 Saturday & Sunday (Closed Wednesday).
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A new season of 9-1-1 debuts at 7:00 Thursday night followed by 9-1-1: Nashville, and the season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy, all on ABC. John Candy: I Like Me is available Friday on Prime Video. Sunday is a big night with special season debut episodes of Matlock (7:30) and Elsbeth (8:30), both on CBS, before they both move to their regular Thursday night slots. DMV debuts Monday night at 7:30, also on CBS.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: TRON: Ares, Soul On Fire, Roofman, and Kiss of the Spider Woman all open in theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 18 – Oktoberfest at Grand Towne Center north of Langley (10:00-4:00). Saturday, October 18 – Fall Fest on the Courthouse Square in Jay (9:00-3:00). Saturday, October 18 – Caring Hands Gala at Downstream Casino supporting the Community Crisis Center (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Tuesday, October 21 – Grand Lake Newcomers Club Halloween Party at the Community Center on Grove’s Downtown Square (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, October 24 – Live performance of Persnickety, The Sequel at Har-Ber Village in Grove (7:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 25 – Heart of Monkey Island Oktoberfest & Fundraising festival at South 125 Bar & Grill (11:00-3:00). Saturday, October 25 – Elk River Baptist Church County Fair (12:00-3:30 p.m.). Monday, October 27 – Grove Chamber hosts both a Job Fair and Career Fair at the Community Center on the Downtown Square in Grove (9:00-1:00). Tuesday, October 28 – YMCA Fundraising Luncheon at Church on the Hill with guest speaker Lori Fullbright (12:00 p.m.). Friday, October 31 – Halloween Extravaganza at the Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda (4:00-7:00 p.m.). Friday, October 31 – Halloween Party, costume contest & trunk or treat at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Friday, October 31 – Halloween Party at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Saturday, November 1 – Crawloweek Spooky Fun Festival & Trick or Treating on Disney Main Street (4:00-7:00 p.m.). Saturday, November 8 – DCCSAN Winterset at Shangri-La Resort (6:00 p.m.).
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In the college football world, it’s OU-Texas weekend! Game time is 2:30 Saturday afternoon. OSU starts the day early with an 11:00 a.m. match-up with Houston in Stillwater. Other great Saturday games include TCU at Kansas State, Kansas at Texas Tech, Alabama at Missouri, Florida at Texas A&M and Georgia at Auburn.
The NFL kicks off Thursday night with the New York Giants hosting the Eagles. Sunday football starts early again this week with Denver and the N.Y. Jets facing off in London at 8:30. Dallas travels to Carolina to face the Jets Sunday at noon and Pittsburgh hosts Cleveland, also at noon. San Francisco is at Tampa Bay to play the Bucs at 3:30, and Detroit is at Kansas City Sunday night. Monday Night Football features two games this week – Buffalo at Atlanta at 6:15 and Chicago at Washington at 7:15.
The WNBA season is down to two teams with the Playoff Finals underway between Phoenix and Las Vegas. Games are Wednesday and Friday at 7:00. If necessary, play will continue Sunday (2:00) and next Wednesday and Friday (7:00), as needed.
Major League Baseball is in playoff mode, as well with Division Series games continuing into next week. The League Championship series are set to begin Sunday and Monday.
PGA Golfers are in Japan this week for the Baycurrent Classic, the only PGA Tournament played in Asia. You’ll have to get up early or stay up late to catch the early rounds Thursday & Friday (2:00 a.m. or 10:00 p.m.). The final two rounds air Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday at 10:30. Coverage is exclusively on The Golf Channel.
NASCAR drivers are racing late Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. Coverage of the South Point 400 is on USA at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
Believe it or not, NBA preseason play is underway! The first game of the regular season is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21 with the Thunder hosting the Rockets in OKC.
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We are blessed with weekends that are pretty much the same this time of year. Just like last weekend, the weekend ahead will be sunny with high temperatures around 80 and lows around 60. Get out there and enjoy all the fun Grand Lake has to offer. Remember, though, 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)
Cove Club in Langley
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 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
Rise-N-Dine, Ketchum
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island
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
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
