March 25 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
Spring break is in the rearview mirror, there’s a little more sunshine at the end of every day, and a little more warmth in the air. Most marinas are dewinterized, and more boats are prepared for action every day that does by. Life is good as we wrap up the last week of March. Up next? Easter, Mother’s Day – and Grand Lake will be on a roll!!! I’m ready.
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Oklahoma’s two largest cities have both made a “Top Twenty” list – Top 12, actually – and, in the process, brought new meaning to the phrase “largest cities.” The personal finance site WalletHub has released its 2019 list of “America’s Fattest Cities.” Tulsa was 6th. Oklahoma City was 12th. By comparison, McAllen, Texas was the fattest city of all, followed by Shreveport and Memphis. (Sounds like fewer people are going to look good in their bikinis and speedos this summer.)
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Law enforcement officials made a heck of a bust at the Port of Philadelphia last week – 450 kilos of cocaine valued at over $12 million. Do you think we should build a wall around Philly?
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Once again, the weather forecast didn’t do anything to match the actual Grand Lake weather. With all the predictions of Thunderstorms, rain, hail, etc….congratulations to Shangri-La Resort on the inaugural running of their “Lake to Golf 5K Run” on an absolutely gorgeous Sunday morning! Congrats to winner Kevin Johnson from OKC and 2nd& 3rd place finishes by Grand Lake athletic youngsters Isaac and Nora Sheffield.
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If Grand Lake worriers were as bad as those at a Love’s Travel Stop in Brigham City, Utah, we would have busy emergency crews all the time. Worried onlookers said a tanker truck was leaking an “unknown chemical” – and hazmat crews were called in to determine the dangers created by the leading substance. No worries. The “dangerous unknown substance” was…water. By the way, there was also flooding in Brigham City on the same day. It’s a good thing they didn’t have hazmat crews check ALL the “unknown substances.” Sheesh. C’mon people.
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Here’s a new business opportunity that I’m sure would work great at Grand Lake. If you know anyone in the Orlando, Florida area this week, tell them to watch out for the “Monkey Shoulder Mixer.” It’s a promotional drive around the area by a giant combination cement mixer/martini shaker truck with a 2,400 gallon drink mixer on the back. Sponsored by the makers of Monkey Shoulder Whiskey, the truck is on the road serving cocktails. What about a Monkey ISLAND Shoulder Whiskey truck?
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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING TIP: Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel moves to Summer hours of operation Monday, April 1 – Open to the public 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m.-Midnight Friday & Saturday.
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FUN FACT FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT FANS: James Naismith invented basketball in 1891; but not until 1903 did someone hit upon the idea of hanging an open-ended net from the goal. Until then, a person with a ladder had to retrieve the ball after every basket.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they’re sexy.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Spring is here! I’m so excited I wet my plants!
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TWEET OF THE WEEK: If you ever catch me having a shot of tequila, I should have gone home three hours ago.
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Remember when plastic surgery was a taboo subject? Now you mention Botox and nobody raises an eyebrow.
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FEEL-OLD MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Last Friday, former President Jimmy Carter became the longest living President in United States history – 94 years and 172 days.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Greg Brasel, Amanda Cousins, Brice Long, Andy Stewart, Kathi Sikorski, Chelsey Weatherford, Cliff Cook, Anna Pickens, Becky Sconyers, Chaz Isaacson, Linda Wall, Terri Markham, Diana Stephens, Grant Forkner, Mike Farley, Wayne Smith, Kacey Threet, Melissa Perry, Erin Gayer and Steve Wetwiska. Happy 30th Anniversary to my pals Kenny and Tena Smith!
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how do we know?
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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Friday and Saturday is the Grove Merchants Spring Open House. Saturday is also the Bunny Hop 5K Fun Run at 8:00 a.m. (behind the Grove Community Center). Saturday night is “Comedy Night” at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze on Monkey Island (8:00 p.m.) featuring entertainment by four comedians.
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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s plenty of great entertainment coming up around the lake to kick off the new month. On Monkey Island, Saturday night is going to be huge at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. It’s “Comedy Night” with four great comedians on stage starting at 8:00. Friday night is karaoke fun and dance music at Monkey Island Pub. At the Blind Swine, Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night, and KJ Flip hosts karaoke Sunday and Tuesday. At Littlefield Corner, there’s always live music Saturday night at Road Hog Saloon.
If live theater is more your style, this is the final week for the Grove Playmakers’ presentation of “I and You.” Final performances are Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 and a Sunday afternoon matinee at 2:00.
On South Grand Lake, Thursday night is Trivia Contest night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Friday night is Karaoke Night at Michelle’s Bar & Grill at Grand Lodge in Ketchum – and there’s always live entertainment at Michelle’s on Saturday night. Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina also has Saturday night entertainment.
Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino-Grove features music from Mason Jar Revival Friday night followed by Almost Kiss Saturday. 90LB Wrenchwill perform Friday night at Grand Lake Casino. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke. Members Only will be on stage at Bordertown Friday night, followed by a Saturday night performance by Chas Collins. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, Stonehorse will be on stage Friday night at D.J. Chris will provide the entertainment Saturday night. Framing the Red will perform both Friday and Saturday nights at Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill. In Buffalo Run’s Event Center, the 2019 Peoria Powwow will be held Saturday night. Legends Sports Bar at Downstream Casino will feature the music of Electric 5 both Friday and Saturday nights. Indigo Sky Casino offers three nights of musical entertainment this week. NighTTrain performs Thursday night in the Echo Bar, followed by Jeff Fox Friday night and ChristiAna Saturday night.
The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action, including PGA Golf, NASCAR, and college & NBA basketball games are the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort, 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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UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT TIP: You might want to mark your calendar! In addition to the great music that is on Grand Lake’s weekly schedule, Monkey Island’s Joyce Duke has outdone herself with a couple of unique offerings. Following this Saturday’s “Comedy Night” this weekend, April 6 will be a comedy/hypnotism show, both at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Highwaymen and Vice are available on NETFLIX. The much-anticipated series premiere of Abby’s is Thursday night at 8:30 on NBC. Season 7 ofVeep debuts Sunday night at 9:30 on HBO.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Dumbo, Hotel Mumbai and The Translation of Wounds
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I just don’t get why rich people pay to get their kids into schools they don’t deserve when they could skip straight to getting them the jobs they don’t deserve.” – Sean Thomason
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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, April 6 – South Grand Lake Lions Club Grand Dam Run 5K and 10K. Saturday, April 6 – “Get in Your Head” comedy/hypnotist show at Big Shots (8:30). Saturday, April 13 – South Grand Lake Chamber Bootlegger’s Ball at Cherokee Yacht Club. Thursday, April 18 – The Wizard of Oz at the Coleman Theater featuring Dennis James on the organ (6:30). Friday-Sunday, May 3-5 – In-Water Boat Show by Nichols Marine at Shangri-La Marina. Saturday, May 4 – Ping, Callaway, and Titleist Demo Da at Shangri-La Golf Club (9-1). Saturday, May 4 – Burning of the Socks at Harbors View Marina – music by 5th Element. Saturday, May 18 – Ales & Tails at the Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita. Saturday, May 18 – Barkaritaville Party (fundraiser for 2nd Chance Pet Rescue) at The Parrot in Grove (5:30-9:00). Friday-Saturday, May 31-June 1 – Toes in the Grand celebration at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday-Wednesday, May 31-June 5 – MLF Stage Seven Bass Pro Tour out of Wolf Creek Park. Saturday, June 8 – Camp Bandage (10-2) at Grand Lake RV Resort. Monday-Wednesday, June 17-19 – Junior Players Academy at Shangri-La Golf Club.
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The NCAA Tournament continues this week with “Sweet 16” games Thursday and Friday, and “Elite 8” games Saturday and Sunday. One more week until “The Final Four.”
In NBA action, the OKC Thunder have a three-game homestand. They host the Denver Nuggets Friday night at 7:00 and the Dallas Mavericks Sunday afternoon at 2:30, both on FSOK. Tuesday night, they host the Lakers at 7:00 on TNT.
Tiger Woods joins other PGA Players in Austin this week for the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. Coverage on the Golf Channel begins at 1:00 Wednesday, Thursday Friday and 9:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 1:00 Saturday and 2:00 Sunday.
NASCAR drivers are in Fort Worth this week for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Coverage is Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on Fox.
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You can tell we’re rolling into April, because the weekend forecast always carries a little chance of rain now and then. Otherwise, the weekend ahead looks good with highs around 60 and lows around 40. Of course, the weather is always perfect for dining & drinking at Grand Lake. So, party on! Remember, though… 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
Bobbers Café in Langley
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
Coffee Shelter in Ketchum
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
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)
Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove
Henrie’s Grill in Grove
High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)
Hilltop Café in Grove
Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)
Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina
Karrie's Kaboose in Langley (smoking)
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.)
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
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