Congratulations are certainly in order for Jack Moore and his son Dan for their hard work putting together another incredibly successful Mary Moore Charity Event and Golf Tournament at Shangri-La over the past weekend. This is the 20th year for that amazing event which has raised more than $1 million for Special Olympics through the Home of Hope. An amazing 120 golfers showed up in triple-digit heat to participate in the golf tournament. It was plenty hot, for sure, and of course it felt even hotter than the temperature. We have Robert G. Steadman to thank for the creation of the "heat index" to make us even more miserable. When Steadman died, he was 92 years old – but felt like 108.
One of Grand Lake's truly iconic couples, Monkey Island's legendary Larry and Joyce Duke, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week with dozens of close friends. The evening was highlighted by a hilarious, but touching, renewal of their wedding vows officiated by longtime friend Cari Williams. From their early days as recreation managers at Shangri-La to The Shebang, the Den of Uniquity, Big Shots, The Egret Festivals, the Great American Suck-Off competition, the Old Coots No Talent Talent Shows – and dozens of other great events, the Duke's almost single handedly kept Monkey Island's entertainment reputation alive during those sad years of decline at the old Shangri-La. Grand Lake is fortunate indeed to have the revised & renewed vibrant Shangri-La…and the continually vibrant First Couple of Monkey Island!
Remember when MarineMax at Grand Lake used to be at Harbors View Marina? Well, the entities may soon be reunited. Safe Harbor, which owns Harbors View Marina, has just inked an agreement to purchase all MarineMax stock ($53 per share – $1.5 billion deal). Stockholders still have to vote, but final approval is likely in the near future. What goes around comes around, huh?
If you have a favorite reporter or anchor person at KJRH-Channel 2 in Tulsa, you should probably wish them well – and find a new favorite. Television giant Scripps owns Channel 2 – and they have decided that AI can do the news for them. They have laid off virtually everyone you might know in the news department. Only sports will continue to be handled on-air by people you might know. KTUL-Channel 8 has already moved most of their news operation to a "shared" format coming out of Oklahoma City. If you want locally-produced, locally-owned TV news, KOTV-Channel 6 is your only remaining option. It's owned by Oklahoma-based Griffin Media, which also owns KWTV-Channel 9 in OKC. Pretty sad…and a fair warning to all the rest of folks who were sure AI wouldn't cost them their jobs.
As we roll into the midterm elections (don't forget next Tuesday is Primary Runoff election day in Oklahoma – and YES all registered voters may vote), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has resigned. I don't know if the original plan was to get even with the White House Press Corps or what…but when the President left Turkey, he joined in the hilariously shared spectacle of hiding in a catering cart as he slipped off of Air Force One, leaving senior administration officials and the press corps aboard – despite being warned that it might be the target of Iranian missiles. But nobody aboard was told of the potential danger. I don't blame Karoline for resigning. If my boss hid in a catering cart to escape danger while leaving me aboard a plane he was afraid would be blown up by terrorists, I believe I would find a different boss, too!
Grand Lake Bum Shout-Outs
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Wendy Swatek, Paige Porter, Haley Vaughn, Debra Putman, Patricia Padden, Brianna Hensley, Bob Johnson, Rallene May, Patricia Moore, Anna Stafford, Aaron Hull, Tyler Sourjohn, Emilio Arizpe, Jen Sullivan, Charles Givens, Barry Hurley, Landi Blosser, Jim Burke, Sheryl Fleming, Rebecca Stewart, Kaylea Hutson-Miller, Larry Steckline, Sue Davidson, Tod Chapman, Janice Wilburn, Katie Farchione, Greg Gangas, Jarrod Graham, and Randy Krehbiel.
Best Grand Lake Events This Week
Thursday is a Grove Chamber Business After Hours at Good Shepherd Hospice in Grove (5:00–6:30 p.m.). Thursday evening is also the Brown Water Bourbon Club's "Third Thursday Whiskey Share" at the Copper Top Building just west of Littlefield Corner (6:00 p.m.). This week's session of the "Shangri-La Practice Club," an 8-week coaching series for golfers, is Friday at 4:00 p.m. Farmers Market is Saturday morning on Grove's downtown square (8:00–1:00). Next Wednesday, August 26, Our House BBQ in Grove is donating 10% of all sales to the Integris Grove Hospital Auxiliary.
Randy Krehbiel's Random Factoid of the Week
The second verse of Steppenwolf's 1968 hit "Born to Be Wild," written by Dennis Edmonton (born Dennis Eugene McCrohan) under the name Mars Bonfire, includes the line "heavy metal thunder." It is the first known use of the phrase "heavy metal" to describe music and is one reason some music historians consider "Born to Be Wild" the first heavy metal recording.
Fun Fact of the Week
Johnny Cash's guitar player died in 1968. Cash found himself at a show where the temporary replacement, Carl Perkins, couldn't make it. An audience member asked Cash if he could fill in for the night, and he said yes. Bob Wootton then became Cash's guitar player for the next 29 years.
Odd Fact of the Week
Homosexuality was still classified as an illness in Sweden in 1979. Swedes protested by calling in sick to work, claiming they felt gay.
Best Facebook Post of the Week
The idea of a phone book was actually wild when you think about it. They printed everybody's full names, phone numbers, and home addresses in one giant book and then just gave it away for free. And we survived it without everyone becoming a serial killer. Truly the golden age of trusting humanity.
Word Fun This Week
"Queueing" is a unique word in the English language because it contains five consecutive vowels (u-e-u-e-i).
Best Sign Seen This Week
Due to our water outrage, we are closed today.
Best Bluesky Post of the Week
The Secret Service stuffed Trump in a catering van. No, really.
Pun of the Week
Many people think they know the definition of the word "opaque," but the meaning is unclear.
Unanswered Question of the Week
Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Observation of the Week
Flat screen TVs are nice, but they'll never compare to the television/record player/liquor cabinet combo extravaganza my family had when I was a kid.
"Biscuits and gravy are currently safer to eat than salad. What a time to be alive!"
– Doug AndersonFeel-Old Moments of the Week
Legendary comedian/actor/musician/producer Steve Martin turned 81 over the past weekend. Actor Robert DeNiro turned 83; and the "Queen of Pop," Madonna turned 68. By the way, does anyone still "Dream of Jeannie"? Barbara Eden, who starred in the iconic TV series, will turn 95 this weekend.
Best Weekend Live Entertainment
On Monkey Island, there's karaoke with Tim Robinson Thursday night at Doc's Patio at Shangri-La (6–9). David Langley provides the Thursday night music at Big Shots. Ryan Graham will be on stage at Doc's Bar & Grill Friday night (6:00–9:00) and there's "Lakeside Karaoke" at Eddy's Lakeside Bar (9–midnight). Saturday night is an "All-Request and Line Dance Night" at Eddy's. Lil' Red & The Sidepiece will be on stage at Whitecap Wednesday night and at South 125 Bar & Grill Saturday night. There's karaoke with Sundown Entertainment at The Monkey Bar Friday night followed by live music from Dustin Treiber Saturday night. Terry Jordan will be at the keyboard both Friday & Saturday nights at The Summit at Shangri-La; and Lil' Red & Sidepiece will be at Whitecap next Wednesday.
On South Grand Lake, Chris Hyde kicks off midweek fun Wednesday night at Mooney's Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Jackson Glasby is featured Thursday night at Mooney's, followed by Lil' Red & The Sidepiece Friday night, and The Bison Band Saturday night. Randall George entertains with his TeleTime Comedy & Acoustic Show Friday night at Sharky's at Hammerhead Marina followed by The Razin' Kane Band Saturday night and Michael Thompson Sunday afternoon. Jimmy Lee & COBE will perform Sunday night at Scissortail Marina. Lil' Red & Sidepiece will be at Blind Swine next Tuesday with special guest Magen Faulconer (7:00).
In Grove, Big Smitty will entertain at Grand Lake Casino both Friday & Saturday nights. Glory Daze will be on stage Friday night at Cherokee Casino and Brent Giddens takes over Saturday night.
The Kevin Currie Duo starts the weekend music Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Derryl Perry Friday and Diversity Saturday. Oreo Blue will be on stage at Downstream Casino's Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by Encore Saturday night. Ned Ledoux will be in concert Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino's Peoria Showplace. Torn is the featured entertainment Saturday night at Riverbend Casino's Club 60 West.
Dining & Drinking Update
BOOM at The Regatta in Grove is now closed for the season (Drift is still open). Mooney's Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney is now closed on Tuesdays. The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda is no longer open on Thursdays.
Bum Must-See TV
Celebrity Crime Scene: Princess Diana airs Thursday night at 7:00 on Fox. The Run for a Million debuts Saturday night at 7:00 on CBS.
Bum Must-See Movies
Mutiny, Spa Weekend, The Magic Faraway Tree, and Insidious: Out of the Further all open in theaters Friday.
Save the Date
- Thursday, August 27 – Member-Member/Member-Guest Golf Tournament at Shangri-La
- Thursday, August 27 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce monthly Members' luncheon at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (11:30 a.m.)
- Thursday, August 27 – Grand Lake Newcomers Club "New Newcomers Luncheon" at Cherokee Casino Grove (11:30 a.m.)
- Thursday–Saturday, August 27–29 – Grove Pro Rodeo at Crosswired Cowboy Church Arena (6:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, August 29 – 2 Hip Chicks at Wolf Creek Expo (9–5)
- Saturday, August 29 – Luau Party at Mooney's Sunset Bar & Grill (6:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, August 29 – Glow Party On the Lake Raft-Out in Gray's Hollow (Dripping Springs) at 8:30 p.m.
- Friday, September 4 – "Cabaret Around the World" at Playmakers in Grove (7:30 p.m.)
- Friday & Saturday, September 4–5 – BullFest at Wolf Creek Expo in Grove (5:00–9:00 p.m.)
- Friday & Saturday, September 4–5 – Jana Jae Fiddle Camp – evening events at Sniders' Camp and daytime events at Foundation Free Will Baptist Church
- Saturday, September 5 – Grand River Dam Paddle below the Pensacola Dam (10:00–5:00)
- Friday, September 11 – Food Truck Friday at Grove's Downtown Square (5:00–9:00 p.m.)
- Friday & Saturday, September 11–12 – Grove Merchants Fall Open House
- Saturday, September 12 – Grand Lake Fest Cruise, Cook & Cash with indoor car show at Wolf Creek Expo
- Saturday, September 12 – Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour beginning on the Pensacola Dam (6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, September 12 – World's Largest Calf Fry in Vinita (3:00–6:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, September 17 – Northeast Board of Realtors Charity Golf Tournament at The Coves (9:00 a.m. shotgun)
- Thursday–Saturday, September 17–19 – Born & Raised Music Festival at Rockin' Red Dirt Ranch in Pryor
- Saturday, September 19 – Touch-A-Truck fun truck examination for kids benefiting Toys for Tots at First Christian Church in Grove (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, September 19 – Barkaritaville 2026 at Patricia Island Country Club (4980 Clubhouse Road, Grove) — tropical themed dinner, live music, silent & live auctions benefiting Second Chance Pet Rescue. Starts 5:30 p.m. Tickets at Barkaritaville2026.auctria.events
- Sunday, September 20 – Grand Lake World Peace Gathering at Lendonwood Garden's Pavilion in Grove (4:00–5:30 p.m.)
- Monday, September 21 – South Grand Lake Foundation's Darrel Hicks Memorial "Fore the Kids" Golf Tournament at The Coves, benefiting the Ketchum Warriors Backpack Program (8:00 a.m.)
- Saturday, September 26 – A Taste of Grand on the Integris Grove Hospital grounds (6:00 p.m.)
In the sports world, the NFL preseason is officially underway. Other than that, it's all about golf, basketball, baseball, and both NASCAR and Indy Car racing this week.
This week's preseason games kick off Thursday night with Las Vegas at Houston (7:00). Friday night, the Steelers host the Jets (6:00) and Green Bay is at Denver (8:00). The Chiefs are at Tampa Bay Saturday at 6:30 followed by the Cowboys & Cardinals at 9:00. Sunday night, Seattle is at Tennessee (7:00).
PGA Golfers are in St. Louis this week for the BMW Championship. Coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, noon Saturday & 11:00 a.m. Sunday on The Golf Channel. CBS picks up coverage of the final two rounds Saturday at 2:00 & Sunday at 1:00.
WNBA players have some great games this week. Indiana is at Dallas Thursday night (7:00). Friday evening, Minnesota is at Washington (6:30). The focus is back on the Fever Saturday as they travel to New York (6:00), then to Chicago Sunday night (6:00).
It's a big day for Big 3 Basketball Saturday. CBS will air an All-Star Game followed by the Championship Game Saturday at noon.
Major League Baseball fans have some good ones on the schedule. Washington is at Texas Thursday night (7:00). Saturday, the Red Sox host the Giants at 6:00 followed by the Cubs and Mariners at 8:30. Sunday, San Francisco is at Boston (2:00) and Atlanta is at Milwaukee (6:00).
If that's not enough baseball fun, check out the Savannah Bananas schedule. They face the Coconuts Friday & Saturday nights (7:00); and the Tailgaters play the Clowns in Oklahoma City Friday night (7:00).
NASCAR drivers are in New Hampshire this week – and they're back on a Sunday afternoon schedule. Coverage of the Dollar Tree 301 is Sunday at 2:00 on USA. Indy Car drivers are in the nation's capital for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. Sunday morning at 10:30.
I wouldn't call it "cool," but at least high temperatures for the coming weekend will likely only have two digits. We'll have sunshine and high temperatures in the upper 90s with lows around 70. There's plenty of pre-Labor Day fun all around the lake – so get out there and have fun!! Remember, though, wherever you party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!
GRAND LAKE BUM
