August 19 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

Pay attention, Grand Lakers. We have an important weekend ahead. It’s time to make sure everything is in working order on your boat, plan your sleeping arrangements and dining & drinking plans, tidy up the yard and clean the house. This is the last weekend before everybody you know will show up to enjoy the Labor Day weekend at your house – playing with your toys.

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You can always tell true Grand Lakers by their staying power and their lack of confidence in weather forecasts. The South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce held their Greater Grand Lake Open golf tournament at the Coves last Friday. For the second year in a row, they had to wait out a two-and-a-half-hour rain delay. But all 23 teams stayed with the program – and another successful tournament is in the books – including great memories. Saturday morning rain ended early and gave way to a beautiful day. Sunday’s rain & wind only lasted about an hour and gave way to another beautiful day. Don’t let forecasts scare you away from the fun. Will Rogers could easily have been referring to Grand Lake when he famously said, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute and it’ll change.”

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Admittedly, I carry a lot of crap in my car…but apparently not all crap is created equal. Alex Rodriguez parked his rental car a couple of blocks from Oracle Park where he was broadcasting the Phillies/Giants baseball game. While he was at the game, thieves broke into his car and stole his crap – a laptop, a camera, a bag, and some miscellaneous jewelry. The stolen crap was valued at $500,000. A-Rod carries more crap in his rental car than my lifetime earnings!

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Congratulations to the Grove community for being spotlighted on the onlyinyourstate.com website: “There’s a tiny town in Oklahoma completely surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty,” says the headline.

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GRAND DEVELOPMENT: Monkey Island growth is crazy these days. In addition to non-stop residential development and Shangri-La Resort’s announcement of plans for development of a new Activity Park, MarineMax is finishing up construction of a new showroom on the Island, Nichols Marine is also building an additional showroom, and the all-new Monkey Island Fire Department building will be ready for move-in right after Labor Day. Things are really cookin’ on Monkey Island!

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: In 266 B.C., the defenders of Megara in northern Greece broke the siege of the Macedonians by unleashing flaming pigs against their opponents' war elephants.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: When I offer to wash your back in the shower, all you have to say is yes or no. Not all this “who are you and how did you get in here?” nonsense.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Do not cross this field unless you can do it in 9 seconds. The bull can do it in 10 seconds.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: I will never run with scissors. Those last two words were unnecessary.

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: The worst part of spanking a disobedient child in the supermarket is having absolutely no idea whose child it is.

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DEFINITION OF THE WEEK: Wrestling – a sport where people without pants fight for a belt.

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MEDICAL TIP OF THE WEEK: MEDICAL TIP OF THE WEEK: If you eat well, get lots of sleep, exercise, and drink plenty of water…you’ll die anyway. Open the wine.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: If you boil a funny bone, it becomes a laughing stock. That’s humerus.

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MEASURING LESSON OF THE WEEK: There is actually a unit of measurement called a “butt.” It is used for measuring wine and other alcoholic beverages. So, a “butt load” is exactly 108 imperial gallons (130 U.S. gallons). If you want to really be smart, half a “butt load” is called a “hogshead.”  

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The iconic movie “Wizard of Oz” was released 80 years ago last Friday. Actor Peter Fonda (remember “Easy Rider”?) died last week. He was 79 years old. Sliced bread was first sold in 1928 – and actress Betty White was born in 1922. She is literally older than sliced bread!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Jen Sullivan, Anna Stafford, Lawrence Schupp, Barry Hurley, Chris Province, David Schaub

Kaylea Hutson-Miller, Larry Steckline, Debbie Howell, Sue Davidson, Everett Lees, Todd Chapman, Randy Krehbiel, Gretchen Casto, Valerie Stahl, Jim Basgall, Jenean Perryman, Brittney Keating, and Gretchen Zumwalt.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If illegal immigrants are freeloaders, why does ICE always arrest them at raids on workplaces?

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Cave Karaoke & Shrimp Boil Thursday night at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Monday and Tuesday is the Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association Partnership Championship Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Next Wednesday, August 28, is the kick-off of the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita.

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s great entertainment all around the lake this weekend. On Monkey Island,Jason Morgan will kick off the weekend at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La Thursday at 6:00 with DJ and karaoke fun combined with the weekly Thursday night Shrimp Boil. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La features the music of After Party Saturday night. The Balcony Bar at The Shebang is open Friday and Saturday nights for karaoke fun and there’s great dance music featuring DJ $way right across the street at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze Friday & Saturday nights. Zeke Daniels starts the weekend music early at Monkey Island Pub – 4:00 p.m. Friday. Saturday night, Broken Aces will perform at The Pub. At the Blind Swine, Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night followed by DJ Deeko. Sunday nights are Open Jam Sessions for musicians at the Swine. Tuesday is DJ fun with Deeko and Wednesday nights, Erin Fitzgibbon is back for karaoke fun. At Littlefield Corner, there’s always great live music Saturday night at Road Hog Saloon.

In Grove, 1909 is hosting their first ever “After Party” Friday night at 10:00 p.m. with music by Johnny Dale Roberts.

On South Grand Lake, The Don White Band will be on stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney, followed by Reverse Reaction Saturday night. Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina features music by Magen Faulconer and the Jam Boys Band Friday night followed byThe Caleb Fellenstein Band Saturday. Sunday afternoon at 2:00 is the final qualifying round in the karaoke competition at Sharky’s. Finals will be Sunday evening, September 1.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features the music of Travis Kidd Friday night, followed by Lucas GatesSaturday.  At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke, and The George Brothers will be on stage at Bordertown Friday night followed by The Mark Chapman Band Saturday.  Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 features music by Rocket ScienceFriday night. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, The Tim Amey Band performs live Friday night and DJ 5Star Entertainment will provide the music Saturday. At River Bend’s Club 60 West Event Center, Buckets N Boards: Comedy Percussion Show will entertain patrons Saturday night. At Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill there is live DJ action every Friday & Saturday night at 10:00. Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar will offer music by Lyle Parman Friday night and Turn of the Century Saturday night. Cadillac Royale will perform both Friday and Saturday nights in Downstream’s Lover’s Leap Lounge. The Bobby D Trio will be on stage Thursday night in Indigo Sky Casino’s Echo Bar.  Oreo Blue will entertain at Indigo Saturday.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action including College Football, PGA Golf, Major League Baseball and NFL pre-season football are Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Blind Swine, Road Hog Saloon, 1909 in Grove, Pickles at the Lake in Langley, and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Living Grand on Grand Lake airs Thursday night at 7:30 on RSU-TV. Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why is available Friday on NETFLIX.  The MTV Video Awards will be broadcast live Monday night at 8:00 on MTV.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Overcomer, Angel Has Fallen and Burn

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “In 100 years we have gone from teaching Latin and Greek in high school to teaching remedial English in college.” - Joseph Sobran

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SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday-Saturday, August 28-31 – Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita. Saturday, August 31 – Redneck Raftout in Check-In Bay. Sunday, September 1 – Toby Keith performs at Buffalo Run Casino. Saturday, September 7 – Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show at Arrowhead Yacht Club. Saturday, September 7 – Steve Gaines (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 70^th birthday celebration at The Coleman Theater in Miami (3:00 p.m.). Thursday, September 19 – South Grand Chamber Business After Hours at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (5:00-7:00). Saturday, September 21 – REC Day at Grove Civic Center. Saturday, September 21 – Sunset Dam 5K Run from Summerside Park in Disney (registration starts at 2:00). Saturday, September 21 – Martha Betterfield’s Sparkling Desserts Cruise adventure aboard the Grand Lake Queen. Saturday, September 21 – Shangri-La Member Appreciation Party. Saturday, September 28 – Hook N Cookoff at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Saturday, September 28 – A Taste of Grand at the INTEGRIS hospital campus in Grove. Sunday, October 5 – Folds of Honor Classic Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Thursday-Sunday, October 10-13 – Pelican Festival in Grove.

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Believe it or not, college football starts this week with two games Saturday night. Miami faces Florida at 6:00 (ESPN) and Arizona is at Hawaii at 9:30 (CBSSN). The full schedule starts next week.

NFL Pre-Season Football is in week #3. Thursday night, Jacksonville will be at Miami at 7:00 (Fox). Friday night at 7:00, Detroit hosts Buffalo (CBS). There are three televised games Saturday – Arizona at Minnesota at noon, Houston at Dallas at 6:00, and Seattle at the L.A. Chargers at 9:30 – all on the NFL Network. Sunday, Pittsburgh is at Tennessee at 7:00 on NBC.

Players on the PGA Tour are in Atlanta this weekend for The Tour Championship. Coverage on the Golf Channel begins at 12:00 Thursday & Friday, 11:30 Saturday morning and 11:00 Sunday. NBC picks up coverage of the final two rounds at 1:30 Saturday & 12:30 Sunday.

There’s some good Major League Baseball action on the tube this weekend. Saturday, the Dodgers host the Yankees at 3:00 and Colorado is at St. Louis at 6:00, both on Fox Sports 1. The Yankees and Dodgers are back at it Sunday night at 6:00 on ESPN. Monday night, St. Louis is at Milwaukee at 6:00 (ESPN). Tuesday night, the L.A. Angels host Texas at 9:00 (FS1).

NASCAR drivers have the weekend off.

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The weather for the weekend ahead looks like yet another spell of May weather in August. Look for and light winds for the most part, but with that lingering chance of a pop-up thunderstorm here and there occasionally. High temperatures will be in the upper 80s with lows around 70. Get out and have a fabulous time both on the lake and at your favorite club or restaurant.  Remember, though… wherever 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.

1909 in Downtown Grove

Ailey’s Café in Langley

American Grill in Grove

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

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

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

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

Blind Swine on Monkey Island

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café Italia on Monkey Island

Café Yum in Grove

Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)

Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and at Littlefield Corner

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Coppers Tea & Coffee House in Grove

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

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

Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

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

Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

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

Grand Lake Public House in Grove

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

Henrie’s Grill in Grove

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

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

Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Monkey’s Uncle at Littlefield Corner (Breakfast & lunch)

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

Morrow’s Bar & Grill at Morrow’s Landing

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

Pit Stop Café in Grove

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

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in 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)

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

Scooters in Langley (smoking)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

Sticky Fingers Barbecue in Ketchum

Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on 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 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