August 1 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

We finally got some Grand Lake daytime high temperatures in the double-digits for a change. We even got a little rain – okay, a LOT of rain. I hope you enjoyed both – because they’re both over. Happy August.

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Did you see the story about the fight night interrupted by a basketball game in Edmond? It actually started with a basketball game, but apparently a supportive dad was unhappy with an official’s call. I guess he got a little too vociferous with his objection, and another referee cold-cocked him and knocked him unconscious. It may be the beginning of a new extreme sport combining multiple skills. UFC Basketball?   

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There’s a new study out this week that says humans can actually improve the way their food tastes. I’m not making this up. The study says, if you chew with your mouth open, it accentuates the smell and taste of your food – and the food actually tastes better. Personally, I suggest you pay attention to what your mother taught you instead of the results of this study. Please.

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I hope you enjoyed the little break we’ve had from political commercials over the past month while candidates re-loaded their campaign coffers. Stand by, though. Your break is over. It’s election month again with runoff elections set for August 23. You may want to make sure your DVR “fast forward” button is working.

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For those who hate sales tax, this weekend is a good one for you. It’s back-to-school “Tax Free Weekend” in Oklahoma. There will be no state, county, or city sales tax Friday-Sunday on most clothing and footwear items priced at under $100. So, if you want to avoid the mobs – those three days are probably not your recommended shopping days. Important stuff like tobacco and alcohol is not included anyway.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Mark Paden, Daniel Love, John Bond, Erin Bendel, Jennifer Eve Fish, Teresa Poindexter, Paula Harbuck, Bob Abraham, Don Baxter, Connard Luper, Gerald Keeton, Jack Adkisson, Lori Gray, Linda McCulla, Sandy Kirkpatrick, JoAnn Brice, Kari Filson, Mary Stallings, Steve Bashore, and Carol Richardville.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Friday is the weekly wine tasting at Grove Royal Liquor beginning at 4:00. Friday is also Movies in the Park night in Langley. The infamous Run a Monkey Golf Tournament is Friday & Saturday at Shangri-La. Saturday is Cobalt Owners Appreciation Day Shrimp Boil at Arrowhead Yacht Club (11:30) followed by a raft-out at Big Hollow. Saturday is a big Summer Blowout Wiffle Ball Tournament at The Anchor at Shangri-La, as well as the Hot August Nights Float-Up Movie Night at Marina Del Rey Resort (Uncle Buck). Sunday is a 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament at The Anchor at Shangri-La.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The state of Alabama is named for the Alabama River, which is named for the Alabama people, who mostly left the area for Louisiana and east Texas in the 1700s.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Just a reminder that John Daly played in a major championship tournament at the home of golf wearing Hooters pants.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I’m in a Wal-Mart parking lot watching a woman who can remember where she parked. Every time she holds her remote in the air, I honk my horn.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: It’s not premarital sex if you never get married.  

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I thought the dryer made my clothes shrink. Turns out it was the refrigerator.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: When you are stressed, you eat ice cream, cake, chocolate, and sweets. Why? Because “stressed” spelled backwards is “desserts.”

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: When porn stars take off their clothes, are they actually just getting dressed for work?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: The guy at the furniture store told me the sofa would seat five people without any problems. Then it occurred to me – I don’t know five people without any problems.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: You know the incredible writer/producer Norman Lear, right (All in the Family, Maude, Sanford & Son, Good Times, The Jeffersons, etc.)? He turned 100 years old last week. Tony Dow, best known for his years portraying Wally on “Leave it to Beaver,” died last week. He was 77. Music icon Don Henley, founding member of The Eagles, turned 75 last week; and Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger is still rockin’ & rollin’ – even though he turned 79 last week.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Being in Oklahoma in July and August has definitely prepared me for a lifetime in hell if I ever got sent there.” – Sylvester Stallone

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: We’re kicking off another month with another week of great musical entertainment around the lake. On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Shrimp Boil with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Nick Whitaker performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories both Friday and Saturday nights at The Summit. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Friday night entertainment by C-Dub followed by Home Skillet Saturday night. Thursday and Tuesday nights are karaoke nights with DJ Mo at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early both Wednesday and Friday night at the Swine. There is karaoke fun on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights; and DJ K-Bandito keeps the crowd hopping both nights across the street at Big Shots. Saturday is karaoke & line dancing with DJ Chris Kennedy at Monkey Island Pub.

On South Grand Lake, Brent Giddens leads starts the weekend fun Thursday night at the Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. Travis Kidd takes over entertainment Friday night followed by Empire Saturday.

Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens the weekend entertainment Friday night with RPM. The Barrett Lewis Duo entertains Saturday night, and The James Muns Duo wraps up the weekend at Sharky’s Sunday afternoon. BJP Music will entertain Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. The Michelle Warren Duo takes over Saturday night, and The Smith Brothers will wrap up the weekend with a matinee performance beginning at 4:00 Sunday afternoon. Ugly’s Grill & Bar now features karaoke entertainment with KJ Flip and DJ Sweet Daddy D every Friday night.

In Grove, Twice as Nice Harpists provide the Friday night entertainment at The Regatta followed by Cory Lee at the rooftop bar Saturday night. The Brooke White Band will be on stage at Cherokee Casino Grove Friday night, followed by The Uncrowned Kings Saturday night. There is karaoke Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Diversity Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday.

Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Low Compatibility in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Dino D and the D Train Band, followed by Thomas Martinez Saturday. The George Brothers will entertain both Friday & Saturday nights at Downstream Casino. Easton Corbin will be in concert Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Indoor Peoria Showplace.

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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Lots of food trucks will be on hand Saturday evening at 7:00 at Marina Del Rey for their Hot August Nights Float-Up Movie Night (food at 7:00 – Movie at 9:00). This week’s “Theme Week” specials at Doc’s at Shangri-La (Thursday-Sunday) feature “South American Flavors” including Fresh Masa Barbacoa Pupusa, Spicy Soy Chicken, and a Shrimp Ceviche Tower.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: This week marks the return of Beavis and Butt-Head, available Thursday on Paramount+.  A new season of The Pioneer Woman featuring Oklahoma’s own Ree Drummond debuts Saturday – and her new show, Big Bad Budget Battle, premiers next Tuesday. Both are on The Food Network and streaming on Discovery+. The game show Password returns to NBC next Tuesday night at 9:00.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Suicide Squad opens in movie theaters this week (also available on HBO Max). Beckett and Pray Away both premier this week on NETFLIX.

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, August 12 – Mary Moore Charity Event & Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday, August 13 – Cruise Night in Jay. Monday, August 15 – Shangri-La Blood Drive (12:30-4:00) at Shangri-La Resort Hotel. Monday-Tuesday, August 15-16 – Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association Partnership Championship Tournament at Shangri-La. Wednesday, August 24 – Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Parade in Vinita. Wednesday, August 24 – All Settlers Day Reunion at Craig County Community Center in Vinita (1:00-3:00). Wednesday-Saturday, August 24-27 – Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita. Friday-Sunday, August 26-28 – Women’s Weekend at Shangri-La Resort. Saturday, September 3 – Redneck Raft-Out in Check In Bay. Thursday-Saturday, September 8-10 – Harvest Fest 2022 at Camp Copperhead in Spavinaw. Thursday, September 15 – 84^th REC Drive-Thru Event (3 p.m.) Friday, September 23 – Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show at Arrowhead Yacht Club (10:00-3:00). Friday-Sunday, September 23-25 – Pioneer Days at Har-Ber Village in Grove.  

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What? It’s football season? Yep. The NFL season kicks off Thursday night with The Hall of Fame Game at 7:00 on NBC – Jacksonville vs. Las Vegas.

PGA golfers are in Greensboro, North Carolina this week for the Wyndham Championship. Live coverage begins at 1:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday at 2:00.

NASCAR drivers are in Michigan this week for the Firekeepers Casino 400. Coverage begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on USA.

There are also some great Major League Baseball games televised this weekend, including Tampa Bay at Detroit Thursday night and Boston at Kansas City Friday. There are two big games Saturday – Miami at the Chicago Cubs at 1:00 and the Yankees at St. Louis at 6:00. Sunday, The Dodgers host the Padres at 6:00. Monday features Pittsburgh at Arizona at 8:30; and the Royals host the White Sox Wednesday at 7:00.

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We had a brief respite, but we’re back to typical August weather this weekend. We’ll have sunshine and high temperatures pushing 100 degrees with lows in the 70s. It looks like great boating weather, so get out and have some serious Grand Lake fun before the busy fall schedules ruin everything. Remember, though, no matter where you decide 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

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

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

Bella Donna’s at Honey Creek Landing Marina

Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Friday & Saturday nights)

Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina

Blind Swine on Monkey Island

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café at Har-Ber Village

Café Yum in Grove

Cafeteria at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Changos Locos at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum

Copper’s Tea and Coffee House in Grove

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

Cove Club in Langley

Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing

Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina

Domino’s in Grove

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill

E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)

Forage in downtown Grove & The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

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

Grand Lake Coffee Company in Grove

Grand Lake Public House in Grove

Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

Honey Creek BBQ in Grove (south of Honey Creek bridge)

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

Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lester’s Third Street Diner in Grove

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Marina’s Place at Littlefield Corner

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Monkey Island RV Resort

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

Monkey Grind at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Monkey Island Trail Rides

Monkey Island Winery

Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove

Nu Taste Restaurant 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

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

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Regatta Restaurant & Bar at Sailboat Bridge, Grove

Riggs & Company in Langley

River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)

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

Royal Liquor Store in Grove

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

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 Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice

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

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

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove