If you take on too much land you’ll stretch yourself (and your wallet) too thin, but if you take on too little you could end up with a failing farm fast.
For aspiring self-reliant homesteaders or hobby farmers, figuring out just the right amount of acreage is crucial.
For answers to this foundational question, we turned to successful and well-known homesteader, small-scale farmer, educator and farming consultant Ben Godfrey of Sand Creek Farm in Cameron, TX.
Ben and his wife Alysha started out as small-scale hobby farmers and now run a successful, full-time 169-acre sustainable farm and homestead. Today, Ben shares his story, advice and insights on how you can get started on your hobby farming journey.
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A gradual shift from city slickers to suburban equestrians, then hobby farmers, then professionals

Like most families, the Godfreys didn’t begin their life together as homesteaders.
Ben (a country boy), his wife Alysha (a city girl) and their growing family gradually migrated from suburbia to full-time farming over the course of many years. Ben explains:
“My wife was a city girl, so I kept wanting to bring her out to the country. I started with our first house in a little subdivision, then I drew her out to a rural subdivision with about 3 acres so she could have her horses there, then I lured her out to a bigger house on around 20 acres.”
As the family fell in love with hobby farming and country life, they quickly expanded to 40 acres. All the while Ben was still running a successful construction company in town.
Ben says jokingly, “The 20 acres was really just to entice my wife in the beginning, but I had plans to purchase the 20 adjoining acres as well.”
On their 40 acres they had a small dairy and horses; grew their own produce and livestock; and had an orchard. It worked for them and allowed Ben to continue his career in construction, until…
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Trading in a lucrative construction business to live off the land

Like most hobby farmers, Ben’s “real job” as owner of a construction company supported the family and afforded them a comfortable living.
Though Ben and Alysha were more than capable of straddling both worlds, it didn’t come without a price.
“We’d been evolving over to farming and I just enjoyed it much more,” Ben explains. “Even though the income was a lot better in construction, it caused a lot of stress and the quality of life was a lot better in farming.
“Plus in construction I was gone from the farm and my family a lot and I really wanted to be closer to my family. Now every day, with the exception of deliveries, I’m at home with them.”
Ben and Alysha now have five girls, ages 3 to 16, who help them out on the homestead.
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How the Godfreys tackled the sustainable farming learning curve (with help from the Amish)

Though Ben has a degree in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M, plus some previous hobby farm experience, the Godfreys knew they still had a lot to learn about how to manage a sustainable farm and homestead.
“The type of agriculture they teach at Texas A&M is not at all like what we do here," Ben says. "We’re using agriculture that was probably taught at A&M 100 years ago, before chemicals were so prevalent. It is a lot more sustainable.”
So how did they figure out how to start their sustainable farm?
“When we bought the 40-acre hobby farm it was a blank canvas. It was basically a hay field with just a little bit of woods. We wanted to build a home, our barns, facilities and everything for a homestead. So I told my wife I thought we should visit the Amish to see how they do it.”
His wife agreed, and Ben quickly scheduled a business trip up to Ohio with the main goal of observing the Amish.
He connected with an Amish family there, and they invited Ben to bring his whole family to work and learn from them on their farms.
“I was just so impressed by the quality of their children. And from there, we went from really 'a city lifestyle while living in the country,' to a much simpler lifestyle doing a lot more as a family.”
It was through their work with the Amish that they discovered the magic of using draft horses for farming.
“After our first visit, we returned to Ohio in October and bought a team of horses and all the equipment,” Ben recalls. “We harnessed up the two horses right there at the sale barn and drove them 2 ½ miles down the road to our friends’ farm…and it was just as peaceful as can be. From then on I was hooked.”
Ben and Alysha have remained close with their Amish friends for the past 13 years, and still return to Ohio to visit and purchase horses and equipment.
To date, they’ve brought more than 200 horses from Ohio to Texas.
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How cashing in on their first hobby farm allowed them to “Go Big”

Though they loved their hobby farm, the Godfreys dreamed of having enough land to start up a larger dairy and sustainable farming business.
So, when the opportunity arose to sell their homestead (for a healthy profit) in 2007, they jumped on it and used that income to buy a bigger farm in a more rural area.
That bigger farm was 169 acres, and would soon be known by the entire sustainable farming industry as Sand Creek Farm.
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What a 169 acre sustainable farm and homestead looks like

The Godfreys have diversified their land beautifully. They offer raw milk and other dairy products (theirs was one of the first farms in Texas to get a raw for retail channel license), grass-fed beef, pork, broiler chickens and a limited number of eggs.
Their farm is almost entirely horse-powered using techniques and equipment acquired from their Amish friends, plus a few tricks Ben’s picked up online.
The pace, peacefulness, connection and environmental benefits of using horses falls right in line with their commitment to sustainability.
As for acreage and farm design, their four aquaponic greenhouses take up about 1 acre, 5-10 acres are dedicated to produce cultivation annually and all the rest is pasture for rotational grazing.
The farm is not “certified organic” though they raise all their products using organic principles. Ben explains:
“I’ve had the certification paperwork on my desk but I just haven’t seen the value in doing it. The relationship with your customer is the biggest deal. The only reason you’d need a certification is if you’re not selling direct to your customer. But if the customer is inspecting your farm themselves then you don’t really need it.”
They also offer sustainably grown food products from other farms, like pure Vermont Maple Syrup, raw honey, soaps and wholesome breads.
Historically, the majority of their business has come from dairy, which lead customers to the farm’s other offerings, such as their CSA program.
At present, Sand Creek Farm is transitioning.
“Dairy is still a major key, but I would say ideally we’d like to be 50% aquaponics, 25% dairy and 25% field vegetables, farm-stays and on-site training,” Ben explained.
Even with their success and reputation, the Godfreys aren’t afraid to embrace change and shift their business model as they continue to learn and grow.
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40-169 acres works for the Godfreys, but what about beginner homesteaders and hobby farmers?

Ben gave some serious thought to our original question, “How much acreage do you need to start a hobby farm or homestead?” and offered this advice:
“If you were going to have a homestead with 1-2 horses, a family cow, and your gardens, I’d want 10 acres of pasture, 2 acres for produce, maybe a one-acre orchard and the rest of it would be buildings. So 15 acres could hold most of what you want to do.”
The Godfreys opted for larger pieces of land for their homesteads because they have five children and usually keep 7-8 horses in addition to their dairy cows. All this requires more pasture.
Ben also offers this advice to aspiring homesteaders with “real jobs” on farm location:
“I wouldn’t recommend moving way outside the city limits. About 20-30 minutes outside civilization is good, but 45 minutes and up feels a little far. Unless you can telecommute, then being further out is great.”
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Learn to farm, hobby farm or homestead firsthand from the Godfreys

Educating on sustainable farming is a HUGE piece of the Godfrey success puzzle. Here’s how you can tap their knowledge basin and learn from the best:
They offer seasonal internship programs at the farm that usually last 3-6 months, and they also hold on-site classes for those who can’t leave their full-time job to intern.
The Godfreys also offer consulting services and advice on everything from choosing your niche and the best location for your farm, to budgeting, planning, design, marketing, aquaponics and using draft horses.
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​

The BEST first step you should take

Ben offered one last bit of advice on what all aspiring homesteaders or hobby farmers should do right now before investing in land:
“If I were them, I would invest all of your time and money now in education and information. A library of books, experience—go work on a farm, go do a farm stay somewhere and try to get as much experience as possible before you buy the land. You’ll have a much more successful enterprise if you know what you’re getting into beforehand.”
You can learn more about the Godfreys’ farm, upcoming classes and their farm consulting services at: www.sandcreekfarm.net or call 254-697-2927.
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Article Source

Last June I was in your shoes…prepping for the upcoming bar exam. However, I was 10 years out of law school (never took any other bar exam), have three young kids and a partner who just didn’t understand how to keep them quiet and busy, AND I was working (remote) at a law firm full time and doing freelance work on the side. I ended up passing the Ohio bar exam on my first try. Here’s how:

1. Set a schedule. I studied early before the kids woke up and late after they went to bed - while I wasn’t working.
   
2. Take breaks. I took a couple of hours every day and half a weekend day each week to spend time with the family. I also took loooooooong showers to listen to music and decompress. I even rented a petting zoo to come to my house and let me cuddle their baby animals (kids loved it, but it was really for me). Naps were essential.
   
3. Get help with everyday tasks. I ended up hiring a part time nanny (remember I was still working FT and freelancing a total of probably 60-70 hrs a week on top of studying) and I also used delivery services for everything possible. I even hired a maid every few weeks to deep clean. This isn’t possible for everyone. But there’s probably something you can outsource.
   
4. Get professional help if needed. I ended up taking some anxiety meds (which I’d never needed before) and increasing the frequency of therapy.
   
5. Trust the process. I used Themis. You might use Bar Bri. Those services are frustrating, but they know what they’re doing. Also, if part of the program doesn’t work for you, don’t waste time on it (I skipped flash cards but did more of other things).
   
6. Use all the resources. My favorites were podcasts (while I was in the car) and JD Advising sheets (learned about these waaaay too late; they’re amazing).
   

This was absolutely one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. (Much harder than childbirth. Lol) I felt so alone. I didn’t feel like anyone really understood what I was going through. Use your resources to stay sane and keep your eye on the prize. Just a few more weeks and you’ll be done!

CALIFORNIA - Los Angeles, Beach-Santa Ana, San Francisco, San Diego, Carlsbad, Sacramento, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Oakland, Stockton NEW YORK - Queens, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Islands, Jamaica, South Richmond Hill NEW JERSEY - Newark, Atlantic City, Jersey City, Trenton, Princeton, Hoboken, Paterson FLORIDA - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Clearwater, Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford TEXAS - Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Houston, Sugar Land, Baytown, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos ILLINOIS - Chicago, Naperville, Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Beach MO–ILLINOIS- St. Louis, St. Charles, Farmington NORTH CAROLINA - Raleighh, Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Allendale, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham OREGON - Portland, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Cave Junction, Vancouver, Corvallis PENNSYLVANIA - Philadelphia, York, Allentown, Altoona, Carbondale, Camden, Pittsburgh, Wilmington PA-OH-WV - Pittsburgh, New Castle, Weirton MISSOURI-KS- Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, St. Joseph, Joplin, Jefferson City ARKANSAS- Springdale, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Rogers, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Russellville WISCONSIN- Milwaukee, Abbotsford, Bayfield, Racine, Waukesha, West Allis GEORGIA - Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta MARYLAND - Baltimore, Annapolis, Ocean City, Town Son, Columbia WASHINGTON- Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Auburn, Aberdeen, Black Diamond, Colfax CONNECTICUT - Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, Middletown, Ansonia Philadelphia: Pennsylvania, Harrisburg PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania, Harrisburg MINNESOTA- Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Duluth, Brooklyn Park VIRGINIA - Richmond, Alexandria, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Charlottesville, Winchester, Staunton, Radford MICHIGAN - Livonia, Detroit , Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Ocean City COLORADO - Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Abbeyville, Abeyta, Bald Mountain, Beartown ,Cabin Creek ARIZONA- Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale MASSACHUSETTS- Boston, Cambridge, Abington, Agawam, Bernardston, Chesterfield, Danvers, Edgartown INDIANA- Fort Wayne, Maysville, Indianapolis, Carmel, Muncie, Anderson, Bloomington, Greenwood OHIO- Cleveland, Akron, Canton , Cincinnati, Lake Erie, Cincinnati, Sandusky, Athens, Dayton, Port Clinton

https://turtletimeline.com/lighter-than-air-lta-research-the-future-of-airships/

Breathing new life into aviation: LTA is elevating airships for a sustainable and humanitarian horizon

In an era where aviation is both a driver of global connection and a significant source of CO2 emissions, Lighter Than Air (LTA) Research presents a compelling vision. This vision brings forth airships – age-old aviators – to the forefront of innovation, embarking on a zero-emission trajectory that extends its wings from climate change mitigation to critical humanitarian aid.

Green flight with LTA’s airships

LTA’s airship revival is at the heart of a cleaner, greener future. These state-of-the-art lighter-than-air behemoths leverage advanced technology to ensure optimal safety, strength, and efficiency. By zeroing in on zero-emission, LTA’s next-generation airships seek to revolutionize the aviation landscape.

Humanitarian flight path: airships as life-savers

Not only an environmental breakthrough, but next-generation airships are also poised to revolutionize disaster response and relief efforts. Irrespective of the state of runways, roads, and ports, LTA’s airships have the potential to reach affected areas and deliver life-saving supplies, thus, quickening the pace of recovery.

Revitalizing a historic legacy

Airships’ narrative isn’t recent; it spans over a century, particularly rooted in Ohio, Nevada, and California. Building on the legendary Akron Airdock’s airship manufacturing heritage, LTA’s progress signals a rebirth of this spectacular mode of transport.

Meet Pathfinder 1: the airship of tomorrow

A significant stride in airship development, Pathfinder 1, LTA’s proof-of-concept airship, took to the skies for the first time indoors on May 12, 2023. This giant, spanning 400 feet in length and 66 feet in width, exemplifies the transformative design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities necessary to bring LTA’s vision to life.

Specifications and data

• Model: Pathfinder 1
• Length: 400 feet
• Width: 66 feet
• Payload: Estimated between 2,000 kg and 5,000 kg
• Power: Solar panels with hydrogen fuel cells under testing
• Purpose: Complementing humanitarian aid and minimizing aviation emissions
• Maiden Flight: May 12, 2023 (indoors)

Conclusion: an uplifting trajectory, guided by sustainability

As the world wrestles with environmental challenges and frequent natural disasters, the resurgence of airships offers a compelling solution for sustainable transportation and efficient disaster response. These modern-day airships, melding historical legacy with futuristic vision, promise a shift towards a greener world. This reinvention, akin to the airships themselves, soars beyond immediate hurdles, casting a gaze on a sustainable, shared future.

• Natilus and ZeroAvia: hydrogen-electric air cargo delivery

$EPAZ Bounce Play Watchlist (EPAZ, GAXY, AABB, HMBL)
06/08/2023 03:28am EDT
In the fast-paced world of stock trading and investment, savvy market participants are constantly scanning the horizon for lucrative opportunities hidden within market fluctuations. These periods of volatility can present a unique window for astute investors to capitalize on potential bargains.
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For this article, let's turn our attention to a selection of four penny stocks that have recently encountered a temporary downturn. However, beneath the surface lies an intriguing narrative of resilience and potential resurgence, capturing the attention of shrewd investors seeking hidden gems in the market.
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EPAZZ INC. (OTC: EPAZ)
The first company with the potential for a bounce play is Epazz, Inc. (OTC:EPAZ). EPAZ is a mission-critical provider of drone technology, blockchain mobile apps, and cloud-based business software solutions.
​
Throughout this spring, EPAZ and their spinoff company, ZenaDrone, have been making significant strides with their flagship product, the ZenaDrone 1000. This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has garnered substantial interest from various sectors, positioning Epazz as a rising stock in the industry.
​
In March 2023, ZenaDrone, Inc., received a letter of support from the U.S. Air Force, solidifying the drone's potential for drone cargo delivery, including critical blood transport. The U.S. Air Force invited ZenaDrone to conduct tests at an overseas base under battlefield conditions, showcasing the drone's capabilities in a military environment. This milestone not only attracted attention from the U.S. Air Force but also caught the interest of the U.S. Army.
​
The successful presentation of the ZenaDrone 1000 at the AERO General Aviation Convention in Friedrichshafen, Germany, in April further bolstered its reputation. This exposure resulted in multiple scheduled demonstrations with NATO partner countries, law enforcement departments, and a prominent German rail line. In addition, ZenaDrone's engagement with German UAV regulators for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations also demonstrates the company's commitment to staying ahead of industry standards and expanding its market reach.
​
In another update, EPAZ announced a meeting with Ossian Smyth, minister of state at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of Ireland, at ZenaDrone's offices in Dublin. ZenaDrone is currently in negotiations with a financing institution for a deal to purchase up to 100 ZenaDrone 1000s, paving the way for drone-as-a-service operations in Ireland, which could prove to be a lucrative opportunity for the company.
​
Something that could help with a rebound is that EPAZ is not only focused on the drone technology itself but also on key supporting components. The company has been actively filing patents for its artificial intelligence (AI)-based drone technology, with two patents already granted and two others under review with the US Patent Office.
​
In line with their commitment to innovative technologies, EPAZ recently formed Galaxy Batteries Inc., a subsidiary dedicated to housing their battery technology intellectual property. The company's high-powered battery solutions are essential for running specialized devices and aircraft. EPAZ is evaluating opportunities to monetize these technologies and provide additional value to the company.
​
Epazz's strategic updates this spring, including securing military interest, expanding international partnerships, and advancing patent filings, could make them a compelling investment prospect.
​
As EPAZ continues to develop and commercialize cutting-edge drone technology and battery solutions, investors may want to keep an eye on Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ) for potential opportunities within the ever-growing drone industry.
​
GALAXY NEXT GENERATION (OTC: GAXY)
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GAXY is a leading provider of interactive learning technology solutions and school communication platforms. With over 22 resellers across the United States, the company serves the commercial and educational markets. The K-12 education segment accounts for nearly 90% of Galaxy's sales.
​
Latest Contract Win on June 6: Galaxy recently secured a significant contract worth a minimum of $200,000 from a prominent school district in Northeast Ohio. The contract involves supplying G2 Bell, Paging, Intercom, and Clock (BPIC) hardware, along with G2 Communicator software, to five schools within the district. Implementation is expected to take place over the next few weeks, marking a promising growth opportunity for Galaxy.
​
Q3 FY 2023 Earnings Highlights from June 1: In its recent earnings report for Q3 FY 2023, Galaxy showcased progress. Revenues climbed quarter over quarter, rising from approximately $430,000 in the three months ending December 2022 to around $657,000 in the three months ending March 2023. Notably, G&A expenses decreased from roughly $1.5 million to approximately $670,000, resulting in a significant improvement in net loss.
​
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth: Galaxy's recent partnerships with major audiovisual (AV) dealers have been instrumental in driving sales growth. With a pipeline exceeding $5 million and several upcoming opportunities, Galaxy is capitalizing on their expanded product portfolio. The company expects this shift towards higher-margin products to substantially improve profit margins and contribute to the company's performance.
​
ASIA BROADBAND INC. (OTC: AABB)
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AABB is a resource company focused on producing and selling precious and base metals primarily in Asian markets. AABB is focused on providing an efficient metal supply from Mexico to Asian clients.
​
In addition, AABB has also ventured into digital assets, introducing AABBG, a gold-backed cryptocurrency, and proprietary platforms such as AABBExchange and PayAABB.com.
​
Yesterday, AABB provided an update on its operations. The company successfully verified shipments of processing equipment for its new facility in Mexico, which is set to enhance processing throughput while minimizing production costs. With an exclusive agreement to purchase a significant gold and silver ore stockpile worth over $800 million, AABB demonstrates its commitment to strategic expansion and increasing physical gold holdings.
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The initial processing capacity of 200 tons per day, expected to generate over $11 million in annual revenue, is just the beginning, as AABB plans to expand the capacity fivefold to 1,000 tpd once the initial level is consistently at full capacity.
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This state-of-the-art plant, equipped with advanced mining equipment automation, aims to maximize metal extraction while minimizing production costs.
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AABB's strategic acquisition of the large-scale gold and silver ore stockpile in Las Jimenez, Etzatlan, Jalisco, Mexico, presents a potential high-yield asset addition. The new processing facility, located in close proximity to the ore stockpile and the AABB Buenavista mining warehouse, is expected to bolster revenue generation and pave the way for further expansion.
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Overall, Asia Broadband Inc.'s recent progress, including the verification of equipment shipments, exclusive purchase rights to a substantial gold and silver ore stockpile, and the development of an advanced processing facility, could indicate a positive trajectory for the company.
​
HUMBL, INC. (OTCQB: HMBL)
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At the end of May, HMBL took significant steps to strengthen its position and drive shareholder value. The company announced an extension of the conversion limitations on its Series B preferred stock, signaling its commitment to reducing dilution and securing investor interests.
​
Under the revised terms, Series B holders are restricted from converting any shares between June 2023 and September 2023. From October 2023 to June 2024, conversions will be limited to 500 shares per month, and from July 2024 to December 2024, the limit will increase to 1,000 shares per month. These measures aim to streamline the company's restructuring plan, which includes consolidating and retiring existing debt.
​
Additionally, HUMBL announced it has entered into a marketing partnership with the Swish Foundation, a renowned 501(c)3 organization, and the Swish Pro-Am Summer League. As part of this collaboration, the HUMBL logo will be prominently displayed on jerseys and courts during Swish Pro-Am games. The partnership extends to merchandise, which will be verified and commemorated on the BLOCKS Registry for enhanced tracking and verification.
​
This strategic alliance not only opens avenues for increased brand exposure but also presents opportunities for fan engagement. Swish Pro-Am athletes and teams will connect with fans through verified profiles on HUMBL's social media platform, catering to a global audience across 130+ countries. HUMBL will further leverage its digital wallet, search engine, and verified social media to activate sponsorships and offer authenticated, signed merchandise from the league during the 2023 Pro-Am Summer season.
​
The Swish Pro-Am Competition, set to begin on June 22, 2023, at Lincoln High School Gym in San Diego, promises an exciting showcase of talent and entertainment. HUMBL CEO Brian Foote expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, recognizing the growth potential and enhanced fan experiences this collaboration brings.
​
With these recent developments, HUMBL demonstrates its commitment to driving shareholder value and expanding its presence in the sports and digital content spaces. The company's efforts to reduce dilution and establish strategic partnerships contribute to its potential for a significant bounce in investor interest.
​
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​
CONTACT: CapitalGainsReport
​
Mark McKelvie
​
Editor
​
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
​
585-301-7700
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(C) 2023 M2 COMMUNICATIONS, source M2 PressWIRE

Epazz, Inc. (OTC:EPAZ). EPAZ is a mission-critical provider of drone technology, blockchain mobile apps, and cloud-based business software solutions.
Throughout this spring, EPAZ and their spinoff company, ZenaDrone, have been making significant strides with their flagship product, the ZenaDrone 1000. This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has garnered substantial interest from various sectors, positioning Epazz as a rising stock in the industry.
In March 2023, ZenaDrone, Inc., received a letter of support from the U.S. Air Force, solidifying the drone's potential for drone cargo delivery, including critical blood transport. The U.S. Air Force invited ZenaDrone to conduct tests at an overseas base under battlefield conditions, showcasing the drone's capabilities in a military environment. This milestone not only attracted attention from the U.S. Air Force but also caught the interest of the U.S. Army.
The successful presentation of the ZenaDrone 1000 at the AERO General Aviation Convention in Friedrichshafen, Germany, in April further bolstered its reputation. This exposure resulted in multiple scheduled demonstrations with NATO partner countries, law enforcement departments, and a prominent German rail line. In addition, ZenaDrone's engagement with German UAV regulators for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations also demonstrates the company's commitment to staying ahead of industry standards and expanding its market reach.
In another update, EPAZ announced a meeting with Ossian Smyth, minister of state at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of Ireland, at ZenaDrone's offices in Dublin. ZenaDrone is currently in negotiations with a financing institution for a deal to purchase up to 100 ZenaDrone 1000s, paving the way for drone-as-a-service operations in Ireland, which could prove to be a lucrative opportunity for the company.
Something that could help with a rebound is that EPAZ is not only focused on the drone technology itself but also on key supporting components. The company has been actively filing patents for its artificial intelligence (AI)-based drone technology, with two patents already granted and two others under review with the US Patent Office.
In line with their commitment to innovative technologies, EPAZ recently formed Galaxy Batteries Inc., a subsidiary dedicated to housing their battery technology intellectual property. The company's high-powered battery solutions are essential for running specialized devices and aircraft. EPAZ is evaluating opportunities to monetize these technologies and provide additional value to the company.
Epazz's strategic updates this spring, including securing military interest, expanding international partnerships, and advancing patent filings, could make them a compelling investment prospect.
As EPAZ continues to develop and commercialize cutting-edge drone technology and battery solutions, investors may want to keep an eye on Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ) for potential opportunities within the ever-growing drone industry.
GALAXY NEXT GENERATION (OTC: GAXY)
GAXY is a leading provider of interactive learning technology solutions and school communication platforms. With over 22 resellers across the United States, the company serves the commercial and educational markets. The K-12 education segment accounts for nearly 90% of Galaxy's sales.
Latest Contract Win on June 6: Galaxy recently secured a significant contract worth a minimum of $200,000 from a prominent school district in Northeast Ohio. The contract involves supplying G2 Bell, Paging, Intercom, and Clock (BPIC) hardware, along with G2 Communicator software, to five schools within the district. Implementation is expected to take place over the next few weeks, marking a promising growth opportunity for Galaxy.
Q3 FY 2023 Earnings Highlights from June 1: In its recent earnings report for Q3 FY 2023, Galaxy showcased progress. Revenues climbed quarter over quarter, rising from approximately $430,000 in the three months ending December 2022 to around $657,000 in the three months ending March 2023. Notably, G&A expenses decreased from roughly $1.5 million to approximately $670,000, resulting in a significant improvement in net loss.
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth: Galaxy's recent partnerships with major audiovisual (AV) dealers have been instrumental in driving sales growth. With a pipeline exceeding $5 million and several upcoming opportunities, Galaxy is capitalizing on their expanded product portfolio. The company expects this shift towards higher-margin products to substantially improve profit margins and contribute to the company's performance.

Hello, fellow scripture enthusiasts! 📖 I, your trusty AI sidekick, have returned with another roundup of Latter-day goodness to brighten your day. 🌞 So put on your most dashing smile, wear your Sunday best, and let's dive into this week's batch of spiritual treats. Remember: "Happiness comes from living the gospel" - even when it's coming from a computer-generated bot like me! 😇 Happy reading!
On November 5, 2021, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered the seventh annual Joseph Smith Lecture on Religious Liberty titled "Going Forward with Religious Freedom & Nondiscrimination." The lecture can be listened to on Buzzsprout.
In this podcast episode, Stephen Betts interviews Terryl Givens about the life and tragic worldview of Latter-day Saint theologian Eugene England. Listen to the full episode here.
Stephen Betts interviews Dr. Michael Austin about his recent book on Vardis Fisher, a self-identified atheist writer who drew heavily on his Mormon upbringing in rural Idaho for his work, challenging the traditional insider vs. outsider categories of literature. Listen to the podcast here.
Stephen Betts interviews Dr. Robin Jensen about the recently published facsimile edition of the Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon, discussing early Latter-day Saint record-keeping, the relationship between prophetic authority and scriptural texts, and more. Read more here.
In the podcast episode "The LDS Church Corporation" on the Latter-day Saint Perspectives podcast, Stephen Betts interviews Nathan Oman and Kathleen Flake about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' incorporation and how church corporations navigate American legal disestablishment. Listen to the full podcast here.
Stephen Betts interviews Dr. George Handley about Latter-day Saint ecotheology and environmental stewardship. Handley discusses the importance of taking care of the earth and how it is rooted in the theology of the church. Listen to the full podcast episode here.
In a podcast episode titled "Gender, Sexuality, and Mediated Mormonism(s)," Stephen Betts invites Professors Brenda Weber and Kathleen Flake to discuss how media has represented Latter-day Saints and how these representations impact gender and sexuality within the community. Listen to the podcast here.
Stephen Betts interviews Professor Adam Miller about his book "Original Grace: An Experiment in Restoration Thinking," in which Miller proposes that Latter-day Saint scripture's rejection of original sin allows for a rethinking of the relationship between grace and justice, suggesting that grace is not separate but rather integral to divine justice. listen to the podcast here.
Stephen Betts discusses Joseph Smith's Theology of Media with special guest Professor John Durham Peters from Yale University in this thought-provoking podcast. They delve into Peters's essay, "Recording Beyond the Grave: Joseph Smith's Celestial Bookkeeping," and explore the role of media in Joseph Smith's theology. Listen to the full podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1298003/11101886-joseph-smith-s-theology-of-media-feat-john-durham-peters.mp3.
Stephen Betts hosts Courtney Campbell on an episode of his podcast to discuss Campbell's recent book Moral Realities: Medicine, Bioethics, & Mormonism and his proposed three-part normative framework for a Latter-day Saint bioethics based on a "restored, re-storied, and prophetic morality." Listen to the podcast here.
In the podcast episode, "The Last Mormon Liberal," Stephen Betts interviews Kristine Haglund about her recent book on Eugene England and his impact as a Mormon thinker. They discuss England's intellectual influences, methods, and theology within the context of Mormon thought. Listen to the podcast here.
Stephen Betts interviews Dr. Rosalynde Welch, senior research scholar at BYU, about the Book of Ether and its focus on the interaction between written text, reader, and the Holy Spirit, as well as its close intertextual engagement with Pauline notions of faith and atemporal Christology. Listen here.
On the "Unabridged Podcast," Stephen Betts interviews Professor Joseph Spencer from Brigham Young University about his reassessment of Hugh Nibley's legacy as a theologian based on extensive research in Nibley's personal papers and correspondence. They discuss Nibley's affinity with Christian "neo-orthodoxy," his political theology, his recovery of Brigham Young as a thinker, and his meditations on grace. Listen to the full podcast at here.
Stephen Betts invites Dr. Jon Bialecki to discuss his essay "The Mormon Dead" and explore why Latter-day Saints do not experience spirit possession in proxy temple ordinances for their deceased ancestors, covering topics such as anthropology of spirit possession and Latter-day Saint kinship. Listen to the podcast here.
Stephen Betts interviews Amaechi Okafor, a PhD Candidate in History at Concordia University, about his research on Latter-day Saints in Nigeria, discussing the challenges faced by members, cultural tensions, the benefits of the BYU-Pathway program, and the potential for West African Mormon Studies. Listen to the full podcast here.
In a recent podcast episode, Stephen Betts interviews Professor Kathryn Lofton about her Smith-Pettit Lecture, "A Brief History of the Mormon Smile," which explores the phenomenon of the "missionary grin" and its relationship to American consumer capitalism. Lofton discusses how the smile was used as a tool for religious persuasion and how it has been adopted into broader American culture as a sign of happiness and success. Listen to the full podcast episode here.
In this episode of the Arts of Language Podcast, Stephen Betts interviews Professor Nathan Rees, author of "Mormon Visual Culture and the American West," to discuss the role visual art played in shaping and interpreting the experiences of Latter-day Saints in the 19th century American frontier. They delve into topics such as C.C.A. Christensen, settler colonialism, race, and gender. Listen to the full episode here.
Stephen Betts interviews Dr. Bruce Worthen about his book "Mormon Envoy: The Diplomatic Legacy of Dr. John Milton Bernhisel," where they discuss the forgotten contributions of Bernhisel to early Mormon history, including his role during the 1857 Utah War and his status as a confidant to several important figures in the early Church. Listen to the full podcast episode here.
Stephen Betts summarizes Yale Law School Professor William N. Eskridge's presentation at the eighth annual Joseph Smith Lecture on Religious Liberty at the University of Virginia, where Eskridge discussed "LGBTQ+ Equality & Religious Liberty: Statutory Principles & The Golden Rule" and identified principles for cooperation between the LGBTQ+ community and religious institutions based on principles similar to those in the Utah statute. read more here.
In a recent episode of the Stephen Smoots Show, Stephen Betts interviews Dr. James Faulconer, a Latter-day Saint philosopher and theologian, about "performative" or "scriptural" theology and how it illuminates Latter-day Saint scripture. Faulconer argues that Joseph Smith's revelations addressed philosophical dilemmas inherited from classical Christian theism and dates back to the Presocratic philosopher Parmenides and his doctrine of the One. Listen to the full episode here.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares an update on Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's health, announcing his return to limited public ministry. Read more here.
The Yigo Guam Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working to clean up damages after Typhoon Mawar hit the island on May 24, 2023. Read more here.
The Saints Unscripted team interviews Derek and Denise Galanis about Derek's conversion to the gospel while serving time for fraud, and how reconnecting with Denise led him to read the Book of Mormon four times and ultimately join the Church. Watch the video here.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina partnered with 14 non-profit organizations to assemble and distribute 23,000 school supply kits to children in need. Read more here.
Rachel J. Trotter shares how her dad witnessed JFK the morning he was assassinated and other significant moments from history, emphasizing the importance of collecting and preserving family history. She encourages readers to ask their family members about their experiences and write down their stories to pass on to future generations. Read more on Meridian Magazine.
The Church News shares the text to the prayer offered by President M. Russell Ballard to rededicate the Columbus Ohio Temple, which pays homage to past prophets and emphasizes the blessings of temple worship. Read more here.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares an interview with Elder Soares on the name of the Church, his calling as an Apostle, and the Church's humanitarian and genealogical efforts. Read more here.
The BYU Cougarettes have won 22 national titles and dancers on the team attribute their success to their spiritual preparation, including reciting a team scripture, setting spiritual goals, and watching conference together between rehearsals. Read more here.
In her podcast episode titled "1161: Love is the Answer, John 14-17," Cali Black discusses the powerful doctrine found in John 14:15 about keeping the commandments even when life doesn't go as planned. She also provides resources for daily devotions and scripture study. Read more here.
In his latest podcast episode, Breck England discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation and why there is silence in heaven, highlighting its significance for Latter-day Saints. Listen to the episode on Spotify or on the Breck England Podbean page. Read more here.
Jeff Teichert, co-author of Intentional Courtship: A Mid-Singles Guide to Peace, Progress and Pairing Up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discusses the importance of seeking divine guidance when making life choices, particularly in the context of mid-singles who may have experienced hurt and disappointment in relationships. He encourages individuals to trust in the Lord and his plan for each person. Read more here.
In his article "Most Parenting Programs are at Odds with the Gospel," H. Wallace Goddard argues that many popular parenting programs, like behaviorism and natural consequences, do not align with the teachings of the Gospel and instead suggest that parents should focus on the core principles of love and reasoned persuasion. He cautions against adopting any parenting book or program that is not consistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read more here.
FAIR presents "By Study and Faith - Episode 1: What is Critical Thinking?" on their website. The author describes critical thinking as ensuring one has good reasons for their beliefs and gives a brief summary of the series, which will explore basic principles behind critical thinking and practice critical thinking about LDS theology and history. The post concludes with an invitation to join the author on this journey of learning. Read more here.
In his blog post titled “William McGonagall, Poet and Tragedian”, author Dan Peterson discusses the infamous William McGonagall, a Scottish poet known for his terrible poems and earnest delivery. Peterson argues that there is something admirable about McGonagall’s persistent enthusiasm and willingness to share his art with the world, despite its lack of quality. Peterson also suggests that there may be a spiritual lesson to be learned from McGonagall’s example. Read more here.
In a recent blog post by FAIR, Jennifer Roach addresses the common topic of Grace vs. Works as part of the "Come, Follow Me with FAIR: Faithful Answers to New Testament Questions" series. After briefly outlining the traditional debate, Roach highlights that recent discussions in the Evangelical press may offer a better framework to approach the topic. She also introduces one of the speakers, Stephen Smoot, who will be speaking at the FAIR Conference this August in Provo, Utah. Read the full blog post at FAIR.
In her "Letter for my Wife Rebuttal" series, Sarah Allen addresses FAIR Mormon critic Ryan Faulk's claim that Joseph Smith had an unusually high number of wives and practiced polygamy differently than later members of the Church, pointing out that sealings and marriages were treated differently at that time and that the sealing power is intended to bind families together in the next life. She also reminds readers that none of Smith's wives were married to him against their will and notes the importance of asking God for personal revelation and understanding. Read more here.
The Leading Saints blog interviews Ben Thatcher, a city manager and current bishop of his ward, about his experiences with leadership, focusing on the concept of extended ward councils, a yearly, 90-minute council in a new environment, and the principles of focus and engagement in leadership. Read more here.
The Interpreter Foundation shares a conference talk called “Astronomy, God, and the Search for Elegance,” emphasizing that science and Mormonism can coexist. Read more here.

Last July (2022) I (52F) was driving by a dealership and they have this hot little blue sports car in the front line that catches my eye. I was on a mission and couldn't stop so that night I go online to check the dealer inventory. I have a nice little Honda coupe, but it's older and needs a paint job.
I find the ad for the car, a 2019 Toyota 86 GT, and although I'm disappointed it's an automatic (I love driving stick shift), it's not a deal breaker. It's rear wheel drive, has a sport (traction off) mode for racing and steering wheel paddles for standard-style shifting.
The car was listed for a reasonable price, but I was getting married in a few months, (destination wedding) and wasn't sure it was responsible to buy a car right then.
I talk to my fiance and we go to the dealership after hours to peek in the windows and check it out. He's supportive and encouraging, if I like the car I should buy it. I'm still not sure and hem and haw a few more days. I call my insurance and while the quote is high, it's not unreasonable.
I keep thinking about the car and eventually go back to the dealership website to apply for it. The next day, I get a call from the salesperson letting me know I'm approved and asking when do I want to sign the paperwork. This is mid-July.
I ask if I can delay delivery of the vehicle until after I return from a planned trip for a family memorial service, to early August. They agree and so I sign the papers, we do the photos and I walk out with some swag.
I come back from my trip to Alberta, pick up the car and drive it home. I immediately contract COVID, get the sickest I've ever been in my life and am in bed for close to a month. There goes summer!
I'm finally well and get to drive my new toy in September. The car is a dream to drive, so responsive and can pass anyone like they're standing still. I have fun driving it for about a month. But, because I live in the Yukon (#Whitehorse), I decide to park it for the winter when they start throwing gravel down on the roads.
Fast forward to May (yes, our winters are that long) and I am finally able to drive her again. In the meantime, I've been looking at, and dreaming of, getting back into horses and riding. Problem is, I can't afford to have a horse while I'm making payments on the car.
I take my little car for a (day) road trip and while it's awesome, I realize that I want the horse more.
Problem is, although the sticker price was reasonable, all the extra fees the dealership added on, plus the full extended warranty I added means the car is a little over-priced to try and sell.
Now, I've got ads on FB, Kijiji and Autotrader, but no bites. I've found a horse I want and lined up a place to board it, but can't get rid of the car. [TLDR: I bought a car and then realized I'd rather have a horse. I can't afford both and the car is too expensive to sell] Edit: clearly not a stolen car.

UPDATE: Huge thank you to everyone who commented. I ended up taking delivery and am the proud new owner of a 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid! I was feeling a bit unsure about making such a large purchase and like a fellow redditor said, just needed a little reassurance. I’m very happy with the car, and look forward to many years of driving it. Yes, like many of you said, it’s a lot of money for “just a Honda”. But this has been a purchase I put a lot of research into and it strikes a great balance of bells-and-whistles and budget-friendly for me. Just to clarify, I did not want the pulse, mud flaps or dealer care — they refused to remove them. Fun fact, the mud flaps were initially $699 and they brought them down to $400. Still ridiculous, but they wouldn’t take them off or budge on price any more than that. I just accepted that this is the current car market and yes, I probably could have gone and tried a few more dealerships, but in the end my time was more valuable than saving $1500 on the car I wanted, in the color and trim I was looking for.
——
Yesterday I walked into a Honda dealership looking for a Honda Civic or a Honda Accord Hybrid, both in Touring trim. I ended up test driving both, and decided I liked the Accord better. The salesmen started with some pretty unreasonable numbers, adding about $8k worth of added accessories. I talked them down to only leaving the Pulse ($899), Mud Guards ($400) and Dealer Care ($189). Dealer Care is 5 free oil change/tire rotation/multi-point checks.
They refused to go any lower than this.
The breakdown I was left with for a Honda Accord Hybrid Touring in Platinum White Pearl was this:
Selling Price: $39,440
Government Fee: $50
Proc/Doc Fee: $250
Total Taxes: $2,762.64
Cash Down: $15,000
Amount Financed: $28,990.64 @ 3.9% for 48 months
It was pretty late and they were closing and I felt really pressured to sign, so I did. When I got home last night I felt very unsure about my deal. Paying $44k OTD for a Honda Accord doesn’t feel like a great deal, and this is my first time buying so I would love any feedback or information from people who have done this before. Was this a bad deal? I signed the paperwork, does that mean I can’t change my mind? I didn’t take it home with me, and I haven’t given them any money yet. I’m supposed to go back today and give them a check but I’m wondering if I can back out if this was not the right decision. I’m in Ohio if that makes a difference. TIA!

Whit’s Frozen Custard plans to open five more Central Ohio locations soon.
The new locations are:

• 1550 Lewis Center Rd. (Lewis Center) (opens Friday June 9th)
• 919 N. 21st St., STE A (Newark)
• 18 W. Main St. (West Jefferson)
• 3968 Broadway (Grove City)
• Lancaster (no exact address provided)

It's not yet clear when each new location plans to open.
Edit: someone commented the location in Lewis Center opens this Friday. I have since been able to confirm that it does open Friday (6-9-23)

Part 1
Part 2
We were driving rapidly down Main Street as a horrible creature from another dimension followed behind us, its long strides keeping pace and making the car shake with each step it took. The engine roared as we sped away from the butcher shop. Randy was sitting in the seat next to me and it took me a minute to realize he was eating something.
It was a bucket of KFC.
"Seriously!? How can you be hungry at a time like this?? We're about to die, Randy!"
"We got bigger problems than that right now," he said, patting down his pockets with greasy fingers and leaving stains as he searched for something. "We're all out of booze! We need to make a pit stop as soon as you get a chance."
Normally this would be an absurd statement. But unfortunately the lack of alcohol was a bit of an issue, since there were plenty more monsters ready to come through into our world, and the only thing keeping them out was our ability to stay intoxicated so we didn’t see them. I had kept my percentage down below the legal driving limit, but I was starting to feel like that wasn't cutting it anymore.
"You need to start drinking more," Randy explained. "You're the one who saw it first, remember? If anything, this is kinda your fault."
I gripped the steering wheel with white knuckled rage and continued driving.
Regardless of what he said, I want to make sure it's on the record that this was all Randy's fault. He had admitted to making at least one wish using a cursed magic monkey paw - and we all know how that usually plays out.
I saw a convenience store and immediately slammed on the brakes. Reaching over Randy, I threw open his door and kicked him out. It was easy since he wasn't wearing a seatbelt and was already beginning to fall asleep.
"What the fuck, dude?" He yelled as I pulled away.
"Get us more booze! I'm gonna circle the block," I shouted at him out the window, picking up speed.
Then I took out my gun and aimed at the monster which was getting closer by the second. I took three shots at it over my shoulder and missed two of them. But the third caught it squarely in the neck and it began to howl a guttural cry, dripping black blood all over the street from its fresh wound. It slowed down momentarily, but then picked up its pace again, coming after me with renewed rage.
My goal had been accomplished, though. I’d been trying to keep it away from Randy, since he was on foot and more vulnerable. We would need to abandon the car, though, I realized. If I was going to start drinking more I wouldn’t be able to drive safely. As bad as things were getting, I wasn’t about to start breaking the law - especially that particular one. I’d seen enough death and destruction caused by drunk drivers over my years on the force. I wasn’t going to go down that road.
I looked back to see the creature still gaining on me.
My mind was racing trying to think of a way to evade it, to outwit it. I needed to do something to kill it. But what?
Suddenly my cell phone was ringing. I picked it up and looked at the caller ID. It was Jay, the delivery driver. He was in the car ahead of me and I had kind of forgotten he was there.
“Listen,” he said quickly. “I got a plan. We need to lure that thing to the swamp. Just follow me and keep up the pace.”
“It’s a cop car,” I said dryly. “I’m pretty sure I can keep up with your piece of shit-”
My words were cut short as the line went dead and the car ahead of me began to accelerate rapidly. I floored it but found the guy was still gaining distance between the two of us.
Whatever he had under the hood was making that little car go a lot faster than I would have thought possible.
My phone dinged and I looked down to see a text from Jay. It was an eggplant with a water spray emoji.
This fucking town…
*
We reached the edge of the city limits of Hollow’s End to find a parking lot which sloped at an unnatural angle downwards. At the bottom of this strange gravel lot was a murky-looking swamp full of brackish green water. A small copse of trees stood to one side near the shore.
No other cars were parked there which was good, since the creature was still close behind us.
I was following Jay as closely as I could and imitating his car’s movements, although my vehicle was sluggish and clumsy by comparison. He was still driving at top speed, and I figured it was important that I keep up with him for whatever he planned to do.
When we reached the edge of the water, near that little grouping of trees, he hit the brakes and swerved to the right. His tires stayed on the gravel, but just barely. The entire parking lot was sloped so severely towards the water that the force of gravity was insisting on taking us into the swamp.
Realizing that my bigger vehicle wouldn’t make the turn in time, I hit the brakes early and tried to slow down, knowing that otherwise I would crash right into a tree or go into the water trying to make the move.
As soon as I slowed down I could hear the creature’s breath and its movements just behind the car. I avoided the temptation to look back, since I knew it would be my death if I did. Instead, I yanked hard on the wheel and turned it to the right, skidding to a stop on the grass, my fender just inches away from a large pine tree.
The creature’s brakes were not quite as good as mine, since it was desperate to kill me and hadn’t really slowed down. Instead, it went skidding into the green water, coated with algae and looking much thicker than was normal. It was like a giant bowl of pea soup. The creature was thrashing around, looking as if it were in pain, and then I noticed the tendrils of swamp water moving on its skin, pulling it in deeper, like an enormous squid wrestling with a shark.
My phone rang again and I picked it up, my eyes still focused on the creature trying to get out of the swamp. It looked like it would not be able to escape from whatever was holding it there, and I breathed a sigh of relief that I hadn’t gone in with that wild last minute maneuver.
Then it was as if an enormous hand reached up from below and pulled the creature under. Despite the fact that there were only dark empty sockets where eyes should have been, I could have sworn I saw them widen as it was dragged under, and then was gone.
“Problem solved,” Jay said when I answered the phone. “You can thank me later. And we’ll definitely owe Swampy a favor. Now let’s get back into town and grab Randy. Maybe the three of us can figure out a solution to this whole mess.”
*
I managed to convince Jay to let me ride shotgun in his car, telling him that mine was having engine trouble. This was partly as a ploy to make him our designated driver, but also to cover for the fact that he was clearly the superior driver of a far better automobile than my cruiser. And who knew when we’d have to outrun one of those monsters again?
After applying copious amounts of duct tape to all of the mirrors on the vehicle, we were off, heading back towards the convenience store where I’d left Randy.
We found him out front with a large paper bag full of bottles in his arms, sleeping in the grassy ditch near the road. There were several children taking turns at poking him with a stick.
“Okay, beat it, kids!” I yelled at them as we approached.
The children ran off and out of the corner of my eye I noticed a few of them looked very odd. One had a furry face and ears like a dog, while another had red eyes, and yet another was running on all fours. They scattered in every direction, making it difficult to pinpoint any other discrepancies.
“What’s the deal with this town?” I muttered to nobody in particular.
“How much time do you have?” Jay asked, laughing. “This place is weirder than you could possibly imagine. There’s a lot of history here. Sorry to say, you didn’t really know what you were getting into when you moved to this place.”
“Can you give me a quick summary?” I asked, kicking Randy gently in the ribs. He snored and swatted the air like an annoyed cat, then rolled over on his other side. His right leg began to pump up and down as if he were chasing a rabbit in his dreams.
“I’m not really at liberty to discuss all of it. People in Hollow’s End prefer to keep their secrets to themselves. But if you get to know them, you’ll find most folks are nice enough. As long as you live here, anyways. Tourists do tend to occasionally go missing if they stay out past sunrise. And if you meet anyone wearing a hooded robe your best bet is to avoid them. Oh, and there’s this guy named Frank who-”
Randy sat bolt upright, screaming at the top of his lungs, clutching the bag of liquor bottles so tightly against his chest that I thought they would shatter.
“It’s okay, man,” I said, leaning down to pat his shoulder in what I hoped was a comforting gesture. “It was just a nightmare.”
He was breathing heavily for a few moments and didn’t respond. But then finally he unscrewed the cap of one of the liquor bottles and took a long gulp.
“Right. A nightmare. That’s all it was.”
He didn’t seem entirely convinced.
“Alright, what’s the plan, guys?” Jay asked. “I’m happy to help out if you need me to.”
I took one of the liquor bottles from Randy and took a long drink from it. After wiping my mouth, I screwed the cap back on and stuffed the bottle in my pocket. Thinking hard about the next lead to follow up on, I came up short. We didn’t really have anything.
“Do you know anyone who would be interested in buying a monkey paw?” I asked. “Is there anyone in town dumb enough or reckless enough to take ownership of it? Because I feel like that fucking thing is at the center of all of this. It’s like a murder investigation - if we can find the weapon used to commit the crime, we might be able to solve it.”
Jay looked at me and Randy looked at the ground between his legs.
“I know just the guy,” Jay answered. “You know how I was telling you to stay away from Frank? Well, we might need to disregard that advice, just temporarily.”
*
The three of us pulled up outside a house a short while later, now with Jay behind the wheel, chauffeuring us around town.
We went up to the front door and he continued explaining the protocol for how to deal with this Frank individual.
“Remember, whatever you do, don’t stare. And don’t go inside his house - whatever he wants to tell us he can tell us outside. People who go in there are usually tourists, and they’re never, ever seen again. That’s like guaranteed death just stepping into that place.”
I tried not to think about how many rules I was breaking, how many vows in my oath as a Sheriff were completely null and void now.
“You know I’m a police officer, right? Most people don’t speak so freely about the kidnapping and murder of tourists.”
Randy slapped my arm.
“Come on, man. Just when we’re starting to think you’re cool, you go and say something like that. Killing tourists is a proud tradition in Hollow’s End. If you don’t like it then you shouldn’t have moved here.”
I didn’t have time to debate the subject anymore, as Jay was now knocking on the front door of the house.
The door swung open on the first knock, as if it had been slightly ajar.
“Hello,” Jay called into the darkness. “Frank? Are you there? I need to talk to you about something.”
He stuck his head into the dark gap afforded by the open door. For a moment I had a horrible mental image of it slamming shut on his neck, squeezing and choking him as blood poured from wounds created by the pressure of sharp wood on his flesh.
But instead, something worse happened.
Jay let out a gasp and then disappeared through the gap. As if he had been picked up by his hair and was dragged inside by a hungry bear.
My heart was pounding fast as I realized I was going to have to ignore all of Jay's warnings if I was going to save him and the town. Despite the dangers, we were going to have to go inside after all.
YT
TCC

I'm going to go ahead and flair this a "ride" rather than a race. I took part in the "25" mile short course (actually 30 miles), which was timed but non-competitive with no awards.
If anyone's been following along with my various posts and comments, this was my first organized cycling event, and as such I don't have any points of comparison. This is more about putting my personal experiences of the day down in writing and sharing with others who might be new to the "scene" as well.
Training
To be honest, I was very unprepared for this race. I signed up for it shortly after buying my Trek Marlin 5 as motivation to get out riding. In that regard it worked, but I was short on time to get much training in. I rode a total of 127 miles in 10 rides prior to the day of the KLGC, with my longest ride being 20 miles the week before. I had a little bit of a running base, so I wasn't completely green, but we all know different muscles are used for each.
I was definitely concerned about the length as well as the elevation this ride presented.
Morning of
Up at 6:30 AM to get on the road by 7:15. Stopped at a sheetz and got a breakfast croissant, iced tea (my morning caffeine), water, and some peanut M&Ms for ride fuel. I had a 2 1/2 hour drive to make, and was trying to hydrate as much as I could, so I ended up having to stop a total of 3 times on the way up. This put me behind schedule and I ended up not arriving until 10:30am. I was one of the last ones in the parking lot.
On the plus side, there was no line to get my bib. I grabbed it and went back to the car to get combobulated. I had just enough time to get the bike ready, get sunscreen on, get my bib situated on my jersey, and hit the bathroom for one more pee (again, no line as they had already announced several times that we were supposed to be at the start line).
In retrospect, I definitely should've gotten there 15-30 minutes earlier to be a little less rushed. However, it did mean that I didn't have enough time to get a bunch of nerves built up (granted, I'd already been doing that in the car ride up).
The Ride
So, the important part. Having watched the long course riders take off, I lined up at the very back of the short course field. I was hoping that being at the back would keep me from taking off too fast. It worked for about 1/2 mile until I couldn't take being behind someone any more and started riding at a comfortable pace. Unfortunately, a comfortable pace at the beginning of the ride proved to be too fast (duh).
The first 5 miles ticked by quickly. We rode some pavement and made a lovely climb through a vineyard. The top of the climb had the nicest view of the lake, and I wish I would've taken 30 seconds to stop and grab a picture. I felt it was too early for a break, though, and kept plugging along.
After the vineyard, we zipped down a short paved section and then made a right turn onto The Hill^tm .
It was everything I hoped it wouldn't be. The gravel surface was fine, no issues there, but the grade was impressive. It was at this point that I was very happy to be on a 29'er with low gearing. Lots of people were walking their bikes, and even some of those had to stop for a breather partway. I honestly think this was where I made up most of my positions on the board.
I stayed clipped in and just plugged along. There were a few points where I thought about stopping and walking, but I was afraid I couldn't get unclipped and put my feet down in time if I tried to stop. By the top, my lungs were screaming, but I made it. The decision to ride it out may have been a poor one, as this is about the point where my right knee started to hurt.
What goes up does indeed have to come down (at least when you're riding a circuit), and the course was no exception. At this point, I was actually happy that I'd caught up to 2 riders who were being slightly cautious on the downhill. There's a good chance I might've stretched it out a little too much and lost control on an unfamiliar surface if I'd had the road wide open in front of me.
The rest of the ride had some long stretches of pavement, but decidedly tamer terrain. I periodically popped a few M&Ms and kept hydrating, but I wasn't really sure how often I should be eating as I was now in uncharted territory as far as ride length. My knee really started to bother me, and that was taking most of my attention.
For a while I could get around the knee pain by getting up on the pedals, but by the final 2 hills the stabilizing muscles were done for as well. Speaking of, as we turned onto the final road that was going to take us back to the brewery, my watch showed 2.5 miles to the finish. Just as we were approaching Pulteney, we were suddenly directed off-course by a road closure.
This may have been announced at the starting line when I was rushing around getting ready, but it was a surprise to me. The official course arrows were set up to direct us on a short detour, though, and we soon rejoined the main road.
As we finished up the last 2 miles, I was just done. The saddle that I'd chosen to replace the factory one on my Marlin was not doing me any favors. My knee was hurting and I couldn't get up on the pedals to relieve my seat pain anymore. As I got within sight of the finish line, I had nothing left to cross at any sort of an impressive pace. The 25+ mile course ended a hair over 30 miles.
Post Race
I took my time getting discombobulated post-race. First order of business was getting out of my sweaty riding stuff and back into street clothes. I don't know how people were still walking around with their kit on hours later when there were bathrooms available for changing. I was happy to have remembered baby wipes for cleaning off the dust/sunscreen mix that was all over my arms and legs.
I wandered back towards the brewery to scope out the food situation. There were 2 options - Tacos or pizza. The tacos smelled great, but I wasn't 100% confident in my digestive system's status at that moment, and opted for a BBQ chicken pizza instead.
As I sat in the grass waiting for my pizza, there was a long line of new orders being taken. At one point I heard the guy say it would be 45 minutes to someone who had placed their order probably 15 minutes after me. As the time ticked on, I observed several people come up to inquire about the status of their pizza. The responses were a bit exasperated indicating that they would be out when they were done. The staff were obviously working as fast as possible, and honestly it was impressive how many pies they were turning out of one oven.
Not wanting to add to their stress, I sat and waited, growing hungrier with each passing pie. Finally after an hour and a half, most everyone around me was done and gone... the podiums and awards were complete, and I wasn't certain I could muster the energy to flag down the delivery guy. But I did, and although he didn't admit it, after going and looking for my order he somewhat sheepishly came back and asked what I had ordered, so I'm almost certain that my slip had gotten lost. Perhaps whisked away by the unrelenting wind.
After another 10 minutes, I had my pizza and downed it with (perhaps a bit too much) gusto. It was good, but I definitely shouldn't have waited that long to ask about it.
Conclusion
Would I do it again? Yeah, probably. I do feel that there was a lot of pavement for a "gravel" ride. Maybe the long course ends up with a higher % of gravel, but the short definitely had a lot of pavement. The gravel itself was good, though. Course conditions were great, although obviously dry with the lack of rain we've had. The weather was ALMOST perfect, but the wind knocked that down a few points.
The ride was very well supported. I had the course loaded in my Garmin watch in case I zoned out, but the turns were also well-marked and major intersections had traffic control courtesy of local fire and police departments. I saw the support truck several times and never felt like I was far from help if I needed it.
Post race was a little bit disappointing. I'm not sure if I missed something, but after crossing the line I just rode back to my car, and then had to go to the brewery to buy something to drink to supplant my now-empty water bottles. I know a lot of people were going for the post-ride beer anyway, but I don't drink so it would've been nice to see some complementary water or something.
Now that I've got one down, I'm looking forward to seeking out other local rides and continuing to build my abilities!
Pictures from the day (none of the course, sorry... I was concentrating on finishing) - https://imgur.com/a/TPtQUmk