A Picture Perfect Weekend in Review

Before the wind came sweeping down the plains just ahead of the rain on Sunday, last weekend was absolutely picture perfect on Grand Lake – and everybody took full advantage.  The lake looked like it was a Saturday in June last weekend.  I don’t think I have ever seen so many boats on the water and so many golfers on the courses in April as I saw last weekend! Welcome to paradise! It reminded me once again of the signature line out of the official Monkey Island Anthem: “We watch folks come in here for the weekend, just wishing they could stay and be like us!”

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Grand Lake is already at the point in the season where you can’t possibly do everything.  Believe me, I try! I couldn’t make it to the GEFFE Gala Saturday night, but reports from the event are fabulous. It’s a good thing we have people who are willing to pony up and support our schools, because the state legislature certainly is NOT. We’re the point of shooting up from the bottom toward the middle again.  My pal Josh Davis is now marketing T-shirts and bumper stickers with our new state slogan:Make Oklahoma OK Again.

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Speaking of fun for worthy causes, I had another fabulous time Saturday night at Big Shots watching the absolutely fabulousOld Bulldog Band and raising money for the Community Crisis Center. What happened to bands that could play songs from the Beatles, the Zombies, Lovin’ Spoonful, Sam & Dave, the Animals, Los Bravos, and even the Monkees – all in one set? Those guys & gals are fabulous! I might have had too much fun, especially by the time the Bulldog performance was over and I made it over to Monkey Island Pub for the big Hee Haw/Rockabilly party.  I sure was glad to see those guys from the Travelin’ Pig Barbecue still shoveling some buzz-killing food out the windows of their trailer! #lifesavers

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Eating while naked?  I don’t know if Grand Lake is ready for it, yet; and you would undoubtedly have a bit of a problem getting the Oklahoma legislature to legalize it, but it is an apparent hit in London. A 42-seat restaurant called Bunyadi will open in June featuring naked servers and patrons, alike. That’s a pretty good deal for guys who have spent years buying dinners for girls who may or may not ever take their clothes off.  Now, they’ll be able to know right up front – before dinner!  Not everybody is shy about it, apparently.  The restaurant has a waiting list of 11,000.  I don’t know if the kitchen staff is naked or not. If so, I hope they know not to try frying bacon. 

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The Oklahoma legislature, in its infinite wisdom, has approved a new law which would allow anyone over the age of 21 to open carry a gun, not permit, no training, no background check, no nothing.  What could possibly go wrong?  The only deal is, you can’t carry guns into the capitol building where the guys & gals are who passed the law.

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If your husband, wife, or partner suddenly has the urge to buy a new mattress…here’s your warning.  A Spanish company has invented a new mattress than can tell if your partner has been cheating on you. The “smarttress” uses 24 ultrasonic wave sensors to detect whether your mattress is being used while you’re gone – and by how many people (including where the most pressure is put on the mattress). When questionable activity is detected in your bed, the “Lover Detection System” sends an alert to your smart phone. If you or your lover either one feels the need to purchase this new $1,300 mattress…it sucks to be you.

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Election year seems to always bring out the “crazies” and their crazy ideas.  In Texas, enough of the Republican County Convention gatherings passed resolutions calling for a Texas secession from the United States that the topic will probably actually be up for discussion at the Texas Republican State Convention.  It works for me.  Oklahoma will willingly take Texas’ federal highway funding money, education grant money, military bases, and Medicaid dough.  Plus, the Big 12 will be a lot easier competition without Texas, Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor. Buh-bye.  In reality, it probably won’t be quite that easy.  Federal courts rules back in 1869 that states did not have the right to secede.  You may remember that it didn’t work out so well for them the last time a few of them decided to try it.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST THIS WEEK: If Trump wins the election, it will be the first time in American history that a billionaire has moved into public housing vacated by a black family.

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LEGAL TIP OF THE WEEK (from Josh Davis): “If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, it’s probably not a good idea to drive around town in your car that has your name stenciled in giant letters on the back window.”

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DINING AND DRINKING BY WATER UPDATE: Shrimpfest this Friday night at Island Joe’s – shrimp cocktail, fried shrimp, baked potato: $16. The Aqua Bar & Grill at The Landings Marina also opens for the season this weekend.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy Birthday wishes go out this week John Lewis, Mike Burnett, Nina Landers, Julie Smith, Judi Barber, Bonnie Carpenter, Mike Foshee, Nancy Brandwein, Alice Ehrie, Robin Markwell, Dick Lane, Lori Stanphill, David Jones, Gregg Lorimor, Cale DeLozier, Josh Goff, and Michael Garner.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK:  Why are pizzas round, packaged in square boxes, and eaten in triangles?

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BEST EVENT OF THE WEEK: The Dare to Compare In-Water Boat Show runs Friday-Sunday.  It includes seven Grand Lake dealers at five locations: Shangri-La Marina (Nichols Marine will be there also), MarineMax (Grand Lake Boat Sales will be there also), Ugly John’s Thunder Bay, Dick Lane’s of Grand Lake, and Williams Yacht Group.

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s plenty of live entertainment around the lake this weekend. On Monkey Island, it’s another big weekend. Randy Lunsford entertains Thursday-Sunday evenings at The Shebang and there’s karaoke on the Balcony Bar Friday & Saturday nights. This week is also a great week at Shebang for live theater fans. Miami Little Theater presents the Marvelous Wonderettes Friday night at 8:00.  Optional dinner seating is available with service from 6:00-8:00. Just down Highway 125, there’s always great entertainment at Monkey Island Pub and The Road Hog Saloon, as well.

If you’re in the Grove area, Randy Lunsford also entertains Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Gabby’s in downtown Grove; and there’ll be great live music by popular Western Justice both Friday and Saturday nights at J.R. Spanky’s (Highway 10 Northeast of Grove).

If you’re in the South Grand Lake area, Saturday night is Karaoke Night at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina; and Billy Kwill perform live Saturday night at Pickles at the Lake, just north of Langley.

Area casinos have great options this weekend, as well. At Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill, Big Smitty will be on stage both Friday and Saturday nights. At the Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar The Bobby D Band will performFriday night followed by The American Kids Saturday night. Lover’s Leap Lounge will feature the softer sounds of Howard Gayles both Friday & Saturday nights. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, there are free line dancing lessons everyWednesday night and the Spring Sing It Contest every Thursday night. Brandon Butler will provide the musical entertainmentFriday night at Bordertown, followed Thomas Martinez Saturday night.  At Indigo Sky Casino, there is live entertainment in the Echo Bar beginning with Rachelle Turner with Georgia Coast Thursday night, followed by Leah & the Mojo DoctorsFriday night and Rocked N Loaded Saturday. If comedy is your thing, it’s a great weekend at Loony Saloon at The Stables Casino. Distinguished Gentlemen will be on stage Friday & Saturday nights.

The best spots to catch PGA play, NBA Playoff games, and NASCAR action are the Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La, Island Joe’s at Shangri-La Marina, Monkey Island Pub, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Road Hog Saloon, Pickles at the Lake in Langley, Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club and J.R. Spanky’s northeast of Grove.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Ricky Gervais’ Special Correspondents is available on NetFlix beginning Friday. Saturday night at7:00 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies are on HBO at 7:00, and the American Country Countdown Awards are Sunday night at 7:00 on Fox. Countdown Awards are Sunday night. Houdini & Doyle premieres Monday, May 2 at 9:00 on Fox. Tuesday, May 3, First Lady Michelle Obama will make a guest appearance on NCIS in conjunction with her “Joining Forces” initiative beginning at 7:00 on CBS. That same night is the Season 5 premiere of Person of Interest at 9:00, also on CBS.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Mother’s Day, Keanu and Ratchet & Clank

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK in response to Harriet Tubman replacing Andrew Jackson on the twenty dollar bill: “It’s truly exciting to have a woman on the twenty, although, unfortunately, due to the wage gap, it’s now gonna be worth $17.”  – Stephen Colbert

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday-Sunday, April 29-May 1 – “Dare to Compare” Lakewide In-Water Boat Show. Thursday, May 5-Sunday, May 8 – Cinco de Mayo Weekend Fiesta at Juan Montez Restaurant and Bar at Red Arrow Marina. Friday, May 6 – GRDA Lake Launch at the Ecosystems Center in Langley. Saturday, May 7 – Burning of the Socks at 4:00 p.m. at Harbors View Marina. Sunday, May 8 – Mother’s Day Sunday Buffet at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La. Saturday, May 14 – “Barkaritaville,” a fundraiser for Grand Lake’s Second Chance Pet Rescue, 5:00-9:30 at Honey Creek Landing & Marina in Grove.

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It’s a good sports weekend, especially for basketball and hockey fans. NBA Playoffs continue in Round 1 competition with game 6 (as needed) come Thursday & Friday with game 7 action on Saturday & Sunday, if necessary.  NBA games are on TNT, ABC, and ESPN.  NHL playoff action is on NBCSN, CNBC, and USA.

PGA Golfers are in the Crescent City this weekend for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.  Coverage is on the Golf Channel at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, and noon Saturday & Sunday.  CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday; and the NASCAR kids are in Talladega for the GEICO 500 at noon Sunday on Fox.

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It looks like the April showers are going to continue through the month, as predicted – at least off & on.  The weekend forecast calls for scattered showers from time to time, but nothing to worry about. High temperatures will be in the 70s.  It looks like the perfect weekend to buy a boat at the big lakewide boat show, then enjoy a little party to celebrate at your favorite night spot.  Remember, though, wherever you choose to 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.

American Grill in Grove

Aquabar & Grill at The Landings Marina on Monkey Island (smoking on the deck)

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley (smoking in the bar)

Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)

Big Shots on Monkey Island (smoking upstairs—open Friday & Saturday nights)

Bobbers Café north of Langley on Highway 82

Book ‘ems at South Wind Marina in Bernice

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island (smoking on the patios)

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)

Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and on Monkey Island

Chicken Coop in Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)

Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Frosty & Edna’s (west of the dam in Langley)

Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)

Grand Lodge in Ketchum (smoking)

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)

Iron Frog (Grove)

Island Joe's Kentena at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)

J.R. Spanky's on Highway 10 north of Grove (smoking)

Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina

Karrie's Kaboose in Vinita (smoking)

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lakeside Bar & Grill in Grove at Sail Boat Bridge

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)

Morrows Landing in Raper Hollow

Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove

Okie Smokies Barbecue in Grove on Hwy 59 South

Book ‘ems Restaurant & Pub at South Wind Marina in Bernice

Pickles at the Lake in Langley

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Riggs & Company in Langley

Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island (smoking...but not at lunch)

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

Scooters in Langley (smoking)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

Smokin’ Spur BBQ & Trading Post at Old Towne Plaza, Cleora

Sticky Fingers Barbecue in Ketchum

Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)

Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)

The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice

The Landings Marina (smoking on the deck)

The Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)

The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)

The Office on Monkey Island (smoking)

The Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)

The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)

Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina (smoking)

VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)

Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove

Waterway Café, Harbors View Marina (smoking on breakwater dining deck)

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove

Wyandotte Nation Casino at Twin Bridges (smoking)