October 7 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

Fall weather washed into the Grand Lake area with a day of rain Sunday. I had to get out my long pants. I hate it when that happens! Mother Nature wreaked havoc with the big Folds of Honor Classic Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Sunday, requiring some innovative changes in plans – but they still raised a ton of money for a really important cause.

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Monkey Islanders turned out in droves Saturday for the formal dedication and Open House at the fabulous new Monkey Island Fire Station. What a facility! I haven’t seen a better fire station anywhere! It was particularly touching that two of Monkey Island’s most famous alumni showed up to participate in the ceremonies – former Oklahoma Governor and First Lady George & Donna Nigh. What incredible ambassadors those two are!

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If you already live at Grand Lake, you’re in the right place for your future. The financial group Smart Asset last week named Grove and Grand Lake as the best place to retire in Oklahoma. How ‘bout that?

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You’d better stock up now! October 18, the United States will begin charging a 25% tariff on single malt Scotch Whisky imported into the country. The President has gone too far this time. I guess we’re mad at the European Union for some reason, but what did whisky drinkers do to offend him?

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If the Scotch gets too expensive for you, serious drinkers who have trouble deciding whether to have a beer or a bourbon now have a compromise position. Jim Beam/Budweiser Reserve Copper Lager is back.

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DINING AND DRINKING ON GRAND LAKE: Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina is closed Monday & Tuesday – open for lunch & dinner Wednesday-Sunday, but they close at 6:00 on Sundays. The Grill at Indian Hills Marina has also gone to off-season hours – 7:00-2:00 Thursday-Sunday, closed Monday-Wednesday.

Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La, in addition to their popular “Thursday Night Karaoke & Shrimp Boil” now offers another night of weekday fun – “Trivia, Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays” with $3 tacos and $5 margaritas.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The word "bulldozer" evolved from "bull-dose," meaning a large dose. It came into common usage around the contentious presidential election of 1876, when "bull-doze" became synonymous with the physical intimidation against black voters. By the early 1900s, to bulldoze primarily meant using brute force to achieve a goal. Thus, the bulldozer implement, invented in 1923 and patented in 1925, is named for the verb, not the other way around.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: It’s a 5-minute walk from my house to the pub. It’s a 35-minute walk from the pub to my house. The difference is staggering. (thanks to Sue Davidson for sharing this one)

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BEST IDEA OF THE WEEK: The newest fad is walking  around in your yard with a fake ankle monitor so your neighbors won’t ask you to watch their kids.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: A Wednesday without rain is a dry hump day.  

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: A Pennsylvania man is suing Smart Water for not making him smart, and I’d like to formally announce my lawsuit against Thin Mints. (Thanks to Linda Wall for sharing this one)

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HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK: Doctors recommend eight glasses of alcohol per day to help stave off reality.

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: In life, it’s important to know when to stop arguing with people and simply let them be wrong.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: The Patron Saint of copying people on email is Saint Francis of a CC.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Superstar rock drummer Ginger Baker (Cream, Blind Faith) died Sunday. He was 80. Actress Diahann Caroll was the first black woman to star in a “non-servant role” in a television series – “Julia,” which aired from 1968-1971. She died last week at age 84. The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album hit #1 on the charts in England last week…for the second time. The first time it hit #1 was when it was first released – 50 years ago.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Art Couch, Saunie Boeve, Richard Leuszler, Bob Altmiller, Jim “Tree” Hollingshead, Tom Love, Jim Fowler, John Walter, Russ Arnold, Brian Brandwein, Sarah Williams, Michelle Prine, Kyle Wooderson, Ben Hampton, and Teri Smith.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: There’s plenty happening around the lake this weekend. It’s Pelican Festival Time in Grove at Wolf Creek Park (Thursday-Sunday). The Ketchum Academic Foundation fundraising dinner is Thursday evening at 6:00 at Cherokee Yacht Club. Saturday morning is the fun 0.5K Walk/Run (benefitting DCCSN) and a big OU-Texas Tailgate Party at Shangri-La Resort beginning at 9:00 a.m. followed by the OU-Texas game at 11:00. Sunday afternoon is Open House at The Spa at Shangri-La (1:00-3:30).

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s great entertainment around the lake again 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. The Balcony Bar at The Shebang is open Friday & Saturday nights for karaoke fun; and there’s great dance music featuring DJ $way right across the street at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. 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. Wednesday nights, Erin Fitzgibbon is back for karaoke fun. At Littlefield Corner, there’s great music every weekend at the Road Hog Saloon. Every Tuesday night, Jason Morgan entertains at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La with “Trivia, Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays” from 6:00-9:00.

In Grove, it’s Pelican Festival week, and that means great entertainment of all kinds at Wolf Creek Park. Musical entertainment is provided Friday night by NighTTrain, and Saturday night there’s a great KISS tribute band, Rock and Roll Over. Music starts at 7:30 both nights.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features the music of Audio Crush Friday night, followed by The MixersSaturday.  At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke, and Thomas Martinez will be on stage at Bordertown Friday night followed by The Jeff Tatum Band Saturday.  Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 features live music by Big Smitty Friday night and karaoke fun Saturday night. At River Bend Casino, Stonehorse performs Friday night in the Club 60 West Event Center, and Disco Fever hits 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 features the music of Superstar Mafia Friday night and Rosy Hips Saturday. At Downstream’s Lover’s Leap Lounge, Cadillac Royale will provide the music both Friday & Saturday nights. Glory Dayswill provide the music Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino’s Echo Bar followed by Scotfree Friday; and Diversity will be on stage Saturday night.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action including College Football, Major League Baseball Playoff action, NFL football, NASCAR and the PGA Tour golf 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. El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie and Fracturedare both available on NETFLIX Friday. Discover Oklahoma airs Saturday’s at 6:30 on KTUL-Channel 8, Tulsa. Elton John is the featured interview this week on CBS Sunday Morning at 9:00 a.m. and Madam Secretary airs Sunday night at 9:00, both on CBS. The Voice is on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 on NBC; and Bull airs Monday night at 9:00 on CBS.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Joker, First Man, Judy, and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.” – George Carlin

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday-Saturday, October 25-26 – Ghosts of Grove Haunted History Tours from the Grove Community Center. Saturday, October 26 – Shangri-La Annual Fall Festival & Halloween Party on Monkey Island. Saturday, October 26 – Halloween Party at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina. Saturday, October 26 – Halloween Party at Monkey Island Pub. Saturday, November 2 – Halloween Party, Hog Roast & Hayride at Grand Meridian RV Park (5:00-9:00). Saturday, November 2 – Last day of Daylight Saving Time. Saturday, November 2 – Winterset Mardi Gras Masquerade at Shangri-La Resort. Sunday, November 10 – Thanksgiving Potluck at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina (2:00). Saturday, November 16 – Monkey Island Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at Monkey Island Pub.

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It’s the second week in October and that means it’s time for the Red River Rivalry! OU-Texas kick-off is just after 11:00 Saturday morning on Fox. Tulsa hosts Navy at 6:30 on ESPNU. Oklahoma State is idle this week. Other Saturday games to watch include Alabama at Texas A&M (2:30 on CBS), Iowa State at West Virginia (3:00 on ESPN), and Florida at LSU (7:00 on ESPN).

NFL action moves into week #6 with the New York Giants at New England Thursday night at 7:00 on Fox. Sunday games include a very early start from London with Carolina facing Tampa Bay at 8:30 a.m. on NFL Network. Noon games include Seattle at Cleveland (Fox) and Houston at Kansas City (CBS). At 3:30, Dallas is at the New York Jets (CBS) and the Sunday night game features Pittsburgh at the L.A. Chargers (NBC). Monday Night Football sends Detroit to Green Bay to face the Packers (7:00 on ESPN).

Major League Baseball action moves into the divisional championship series games this weekend. The NLCS series begin Friday on TBS. ALCS series play begins Saturday on Fox/Fox Sports 1. I hope your team wins.

NASCAR drivers are at Talladega this week. Coverage of something called the 1000Bulbs.com 500 starts at 1:30 Sunday on NBC.

The PGA Tour is in Humble, Texas this weekend for the Houston Open. Coverage is on the Golf Channel beginning at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and 3:00 Saturday & Sunday.

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Fall-like weather is here, just in time for the Pelican Festival this weekend. There’s a chance of some dampening of festivities Thursday & Friday, but then the sun arrives for the weekend – but it won’t warm things up enough to suit me. High temperatures will be in the low-to-mid-60s with low temps dipping down near 40. It’s great boating weather this time of year, and it’s always great party weather at Grand Lake! 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. One more thing: BOOMER!

GRAND LAKE BUM

Want more information on advertisers you see in the Grand Lake Bum?  No problem.  Just click on their ad and you will be connected to their web site.  If you would like to join the growing list of sponsors of The Grand Lake Bum e-blast and the Bum’s page on both grandlakenewsonline.com and www.360grandlake.com, as well as Grand Times on Grand Lake, the cost is only $50 a week and the list of readers is growing.  E-mail or contact grandlakebum@gmail.com to sign up. The Grand Lake Bum column is also published in The Grand Laker.

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

Domino’s in Grove

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)

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

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