Flea Market and New Merchandise Update

The tales about the “existence” of the Beaman Monster in Kansas City have been around for more than a century. However, until this very day, there are still no proofs, not even one or two photographs, that would somehow verify such stories. Sedalia is only a mile northeast of Beaman, where the monster was said to have originated.

Russell Holman, an 81-year old man from Sedalia, says that the legend of the Beaman Monster can be traced way back in the early 1900s. He further says that he has heard the story of this monster most of his life but has never actually seen it.

As his father had told him, a circus train got wrecked in the year 1904. Several animals used in the circus shows were aboard. During the train crash, these animals had escaped but were immediately retrieved. Unfortunately, one of the biggest and most-feared animals, a 12-foot tall gorilla, had totally gotten away. Many people believe that the Beaman Monster was really the offspring of the circus animal escapee.

Holman recalls that one of his uncles residing on Glenn Road had told him about a certain tumult that happened in his cornfield during the late 1950s. His uncle relayed that many people were out in the field, carrying all sorts of shotguns, to hunt the Beaman Monster. Holman also remembers that during his childhood days, parents would use the legend of the Beaman Monster to warn children when they do not conduct themselves accordingly.

Most likely, many individuals would describe the Beaman Monster as the likes of Bigfoot in North American folklore. However, a 29-year old Sedalia native named Daemon Smith claimed to have seen the creature and described it as shaped like a coyote or wolf.

Smith disclosed his sighting of this monster when he was around 10 years old. He was then riding in his uncle’s pickup truck when a wolf-shaped creature emerged from the woods and started running at the sides of the vehicle. More disturbing incidents happened at Smith’s uncle’s farm, like the time when they found a pig attacked to death. There were no signs or tracks of any other animal that could have caused it, but they remember seeing a dark figure moving in the woods before the horrible incident.

Although there are no evidences yet, it is still very much possible that something like the Beaman Monster does inexplicably exist.

Bowhunting is one of the fastest growing sports in America, especially from the 80’s and 90’s. A lot of people have switched from rifle hunting to bowhunting over the past several years and if you ever pick up a bow, you’ll understand why.

The only problem is, a lot of first time bow buyers go by what they are told at the shop. However, there are a few specifications that should be looked at when buying a new bow that the archery shops probably don’t always tell you.

Number one, don’t always go by name brand. With all the different types of successful archery companies there are, they probably wouldn’t still be in the race if they weren’t “top of the line” bows. PSE, Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, Bear, Diamond, and a few others are top of the line bows. If you find a bow with any of those manufacturers, then you did good.

The second selection is “how fast is the bow?” Check the IBO speed on every single bow you look at. Don’t let it make or break your bow selection, but definitely let it have a say in which bow you buy. Try to find something 300 FPS or above. IBO means the international bowhunters organization tested the bow set at 30″ draw length, 70# pounds of draw weight, and with a 350 grain arrow. However, a lot of bows do not go back to a 30″ draw length or up to 70# pounds; if this is the case, they tested it with the highest draw length and the highest draw weight that bow comes in.

Don’t think that you will be shooting the same speed as the IBO. A general rule of thumb is, that for every inch of draw length, you gain or lose 10 fps. So since IBO bows are tested at 30″ inch draw length (or the maximal draw length available if under 30″) and you’re shooting a bow at 27″ in draw length, you can expect to lose around 30 fps from draw length.

Draw length isn’t the only determining factor for losing or gaining speed. Draw weight and total grain of arrow weight are also things to consider. IBO recommends the minimum arrow used to be 5 grains per pound of draw weight, so if you’re shooting a 70 pound bow, they are testing it at the lightest arrow they believe that poundage should be shot with; in this case, 350 grains. For every 3 grains of arrow weight, you will gain or lose 1 fps. Therefore, if you’re shooting a 410 grain arrow, you would lose roughly 20 fps.

It’s not recommended you go less than 5 grains per pound of draw weight, because it would basically be like dry firing your bow. Many archers (myself included) do not even recommend shooting an arrow at only 5 grains per pound of draw weight. 6-8 seems much more logical for kinetic energy. 5 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw weight is a speed demon, but also loses a lot of kinetic energy or “penetration”, which is very important for killing big game.

The other determining factor for speed is the draw weight. Since IBO speeds are tested at 70# pounds, or if the bow does not come in 70# pounds, it is tested at the highest speed possible for that bow, then you can expect to lose 2fps per pound of draw weight. So if your bow was tested by IBO, ATA, or AMO at 70 pounds and you shoot a bow on 64 pounds, you can expect to lose about 12 fps in addition to the draw and arrow length.

The next determining factor for buying a bow for an inexperienced archer is often the most under looked and that is the brace height. Brace height is the distance from the top of the handle grip to the bow string. If you want a high forgiveness bow, then you’ll want to shoot a bow with a brace height of 7 inches or greater. Anything below 7 inches, is not forgiving of a lot of form errors and should only be used by advanced/experienced archers.

Brace height interferes with your powerstroke. What is your powerstroke? It is your draw length – brace height + 1.75. That is the total amount of distance you’re actually pulling your bow back. The greater the powerstroke, the faster the bow; however, the less forgiving the bow will be. The shorter the brace height, usually the faster the bow will be, but the longer the brace height, the more forgiving the bow will be at the sacrifice of speed. Unless, you’re an experienced and advanced shooter, you should probably stick with a 7 inch brace height or better; especially if you are a beginner. Some advanced archers still even prefer 7 inch brace heights or more.

The next factor will be your axle to axle. If you’re a tree-stand hunter, you might want a lower axle to axle bow, usually 32 inches or less. If you’re a hunter on the ground, perhaps a higher axle to axle is better for you. Smaller axle to axles are better for going under tree branches, carrying, space, but also has its downfalls. One of those downfalls are long range accuracy. If you’re shooting a smaller axle to axle bow, usually the less accurate at long distances it will be, but then again, not all of us are long distance shooters. I prefer to stick with axle to axle bows of 32″ inches or greater, but is once again, a preference.

The final factor that should be looked into is the let-off. The higher the number of let-off %, the better. 80% is an excellent choice. “Let off” means after you reach a certain point of draw length, how much of the weight is taking off your pulling to assure you to stick with your anchor point for a longer time. The higher the let-off %, the longer you will comfortably hold your bow at maximum draw length.

That’s about all of my recommendations for looking into a new bow. Going to YouTube and finding reviews on bows are not a bad idea. Always determine the specifications before buying. If you can find a bow with an IBO higher than +300 fps, with a 7″ inch brace height, and an axle to axle of 32″ inches or greater, it’s probably going to be a great bow with a good compromise of speed and forgiveness. Give it a try. Every person will be different with grip preference, manufacturer preference, and other factors. Find what is best for you.

Although, the United States of America, was founded, based on certain democratic principles, stated, and/ or, implied, in the Constitution, reality, and the greater good, demands, every right and freedom, must come with, certain, individual responsibilities/ obligations, and necessary, common sense, limitations! Few would argue, against, the concept, it is prohibited, to cry, Fire, in a movie theater, because of the chaos, and potential safety hazards, doing so, harms others! There have been times, when this nation, needed to impose certain restrictions on so – called freedoms and rights, to protect, society, public health, and/ or safety! We have license requirements for driving a car, and registration demands, for registering an automobile, but, very few of these restrictions on gun ownership! Wrapping oneself, in the 2nd Amendment, and proclaiming, it is an absolute right, granted, to own and carry a gun, potentially, creates a dangerous situation, for others! With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review and discuss, 6 areas of our lives, when there must be a greater degree of alignment, between one’s personal freedoms, and the greater good.

1. U.S. economy: Store – owners, and others, who proclaim, their rights are being disturbed, by, some sort of restrictions, such as the masking – requirements, many states imposed, during this pandemic, and tending to equate economic concerns, with public health needs! Unless/ until, this nation begins to equally, protect all citizens, instead of merely, certain elite ones, it won’t be fair, to all!

2. World economy: Throughout the world, economies have been adversely impacted, by this pandemic. We live in a global economy, and events, which effect one nation, have an effect, on others! We must begin, greater cooperation, especially, related to public health, safety, and human rights protections!

3. Travel: business and personal: Certainly, the travel – related industries, have been, some of the greatest victims, of the pandemic – created, economic conditions, etc. Most, would, look – forward to, being able to travel, again, as we, once did, both, regarding business, and personal/ leisure activities! The combination of fears, public health measures, etc, have created, somewhat of, a travel – nightmare!

4. Restore life, as we know/ knew it: Many are tired, and frustrated, by this extended period of restrictions, created, because of public health concerns! However, this does not give them, the right, to put the health and well – being, of others, at – risk! Isn’t it strange, there seems to be, such a partisan – divide, regarding the logic, and need, for quality vaccines, which are presently available?

5. Winning the battle against the pandemic: If, more people, were vaccinated, the battle against the pandemic, would be quicker, more thorough, and better! Only, when the greater good, becomes the essential factor, will we win this battle!

6. How many more must die: Whether, related to this horrific pandemic, or sane gun safety rules/ needs, we must ask, How many more must die? There is a significant difference, between the right to bear arms, and, indiscriminate gun usage! We register cars, so why not, guns? Shouldn’t this concept, also, prevail, regarding public health, and/ or, safety – related issues?

If, we wish to be, the land of the free, we must protect all Constitutional guarantees, and not, merely, selective ones! The right to life (meaning, safety, and reasonable expectations), must be a top priority/ consideration!

What kind of prayer is appropriate after a game of golf ? I had to say grace at the meal following a women’s golf tournament. Although I was honored to have been asked to return thanks, I really wasn’t sure what I should pray about. I decided to explore some literature about golf and the spiritual side of life. I checked out titles like Fairway to Heaven, In His Grip, and of course Chicken Soup for the Golfer’s Soul. The material in these books was certainly of an inspirational nature but didn’t help me figure out what I should say in my prayer.

An Internet search unearthed the fact that Christians have come up with an amazing number of humorous golf anecdotes. Have you heard the one about Jesus, God and Tiger Woods playing eighteen holes together? It’s pretty funny, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to preface my prayer with a joke. People might not be able to stop laughing during grace.

I considered relating a religious story about a famous golfer. I found out when Vijay Singh won the Masters, his sister claimed it was because their entire family prayed for victory for a whole day and a whole night. Had none of the other golfer’s relatives prayed for a win? Why did God choose to listen to the Singh’s petitions? I was confused. If I told Vijay’s story at the luncheon the other women might be puzzled too.

I thought maybe I could share ideas about how the game of golf can positively impact a person’s life.

Golf gives us an opportunity to be in the great outdoors. The scenic setting inspires a real appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation.

Golf is a way to get exercise and nurture relationships with family and friends. The game of golf can be very therapeutic. A widow once told me that after her husband’s death going out on the golf course had provided her with a healthy diversion at times when she was feeling sad and lonely.

Golf is an avenue for meeting new people. I’ve talked with many interesting strangers I’ve been partnered with on the links. Sometimes our conversations have even led to discussions on matters of faith. My husband and I were golfing with two navy lieutenants on the Olympic View Course in Victoria, British Columbia one summer afternoon. One of the officers missed a crucial putt and said, “I knew I’d have to pay sometime for skipping out of church last Sunday.” It seemed perfectly natural for me to ask, “what church would that be?”

Golf provides an opportunity to affirm and encourage others. I play in a weekly ladies league and my companions are always so positive. The other women make me believe my golf game isn’t hopeless. They look for something good in every shot I make and applaud the slightest improvement in my score. I’ve learned some valuable lessons about the power of affirmation from my female golfing companions.

Golf can be a way to support a worthy endeavor. Many organizations sponsor golf events to raise funds. My husband and I have frequently entered tournaments where the profits are earmarked for charitable causes.

You’re probably wondering by now what I finally ended up praying at the golf luncheon. I decided not to preface my table grace with any comments. I simply asked the women to bow their heads and then I said…..

Dear God,

We are grateful for the chance we had today to play the game of golf. We are thankful for the exercise it provided for our bodies, for the sense of companionship we experienced with other golfers, and for the opportunity we had to enjoy the beauty of creation. Open our minds and hearts to the lessons this game can teach us about life….. that we shouldn’t give up after a few bad holes, because things will probably get better if we just keep trying…. that we need to be flexible, if the nine iron won’t do the trick, maybe the pitching wedge will….. that the lowest handicaps aren’t necessarily earned by the women with the latest fashions in golfing attire or the most expensive set of clubs, but by those who work hard at their game with patience and persistence.

Bless each person here whether she ended up a winner or loser when the scorecards were handed in today, for if we enjoyed the game we played together we really were all winners. We ask now for your blessing on this food.

Amen.