Support Local Businesses. It Pays.

The Advantages of Small Local Businesses

by Candace Webb, Demand Media / Article provided by R.M.Villoria - Author / S.M.Publicist

In choosing where to shop, many people look first at prices, then location and then the name of the store, with little thought given to the importance of supporting small, local businesses. Small local businesses provide advantages to the surrounding community that large big box retailers cannot offer. Understanding those advantages can encourage customers to support their local merchants.

Significance

Shopping at small, local businesses can have a significant impact on the local economy. Businesses pay sales tax to the city and county where the business is located. When patrons make the choice to leave the area to do their shopping, they are supporting areas outside of their own. Large businesses also pay sales taxes to the local government.

Benefits

The money paid to local governments by small, local businesses is used for many things, including the financing of roads, public schools, sidewalks and parks. In addition, those tax dollars help to fund additional public service workers such as police officers and firefighters. Many cities subsidize youth sports leagues that are sponsored by the parks department. The money used to fund such activities comes from taxes, which are paid in part by small local businesses as sales tax revenue.

Related Reading: Local Partnership Ideas for Small Businesses

Time Frame

Each year, cities calculate the amount of sales tax revenue that they anticipate receiving from their local businesses. That revenue estimate is used to forecast the following year's budget needs and the budget gets decided. If the revenue does not match the estimate, the city goes over budget, which can cause financial issues. Local businesses that are able to maintain positive growth through sales tax revenue each year help meet the city's financial needs. In addition, the city is able to project the following year's probable revenue figures based on the local business' revenue the previous year.

Considerations

Small local businesses provide job opportunities for local residents. This can be in the way of part-time help, or full-time management. Local jobs keep the residents in town during their shift, so the advantages extrapolate outward as the employee spends money at the local restaurant during meal breaks, gasses up at the local station to get to work and stops at the local grocery store on the way home at night. The advantage of a small local business employing local residents creates a domino effect that helps the community as a whole.

In addition, small local businesses typically provide better customer service than their large, corporate counterparts. The small business owner often lives in the community, worships, plays sports and socializes with community members, and cares about the individuals who patronize his business. Because of his personal involvement with the community, he will strive to provide the best service possible to customers.

Potential

Aside from providing local job opportunities, small, local businesses support the area through their everyday needs. Small businesses open accounts at local banks, hire local CPAs and attorneys and when they need supplies they can step down the street to get them quickly. Running a small local business provides automatic advantages in the daily operations.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Visit him on his website at: www.rmvcard.com 

Halloween tips for a safe experience.

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. 
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to
  the left as possible.  Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

BE SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN. 

Tips provided by Author R.M.Villoria

Get your copy of the brand new collection of Horror  

TALES from the MIND FIELD 

available now at Amazon.com http://ow.ly/OxXc1 

Follow the Author on Twitter at: @rmvcard http://bit.ly/19EyVM2 

"Like" him on Facebook at: http://on.fb.me/1y3j2ZJ 

Where I come from....

"Where I come from" 

     A phrase that doesn't necessarily mean a physical location, but can imply how one was taught as they grew up. Let's take the art of appreciation. Not just for ones self, but for those around us. Our friends, family, spouses, even our co-workers. 
It is said that "talk is cheap" and that "actions speak louder than words" Well, I think that's true and "where I come from", that's what I was taught.

So here are 50 ways to show your appreciation...

1. Share a specific example of something they did for you and how it made a difference in your life.

2. Do something little but thoughtful for them—like clean up after Thanksgiving dinner!

3. Give a long, intimate hug; or if you know they don’t like hugs, stick out your hand for a handshake to cater to their preferences and make them smile.

4. Tell them you’re there if they have anything they want to talk about—and let them know they have your full attention.

5. Give them something of yours that you think they would enjoy, and let them know specifically why you want them to have it.

6. Invite them to do something you know they’ve always wanted to do.

7. Encourage them to try something you know they want to try, but haven’t yet because they’re scared.

8. Offer to do something you know they don’t enjoy doing, like organizing their closet or mowing their lawn.

9. Compliment them on a talent, skill, or strength that you admire.

10. Look them straight in the eyes and say, “You make the world a better place.”

Show Gratitude to People Who Challenge You

11. Fully listen to what they have to say, instead of forming your rebuttal in your head and waiting to speak.

12. Thank them for introducing you to a new way to look at things, even if you still don’t agree.

13. Pinpoint something you admire about their commitment to their beliefs—even if you don’t hold them, as well.

14. Resist the urge to tell them they’re wrong.

15. Challenge them right back to be the best they can be, with love and positive intentions.

16. If they inspired you to push outside your comfort zone, thank them for inspiring you to take a risk, and let them know how it paid off.

17. Write a blog post about how they helped you see things differently and dedicate it to them.

18. Use the lesson this person teaches you through your interactions, whether it’s patience, compassion, or courage.

19. Introduce them to someone who may challenge them and help them grow, as they’ve done for you.

20. Let them know how you appreciate when they challenge you in a loving, non-confrontational way—and if they don’t do that, be calm and kind when you ask them to do that going forward.

Show Gratitude to People Who Serve You

21. Give a larger tip than usual.

22. If they have a tip jar, include a thoughtful note of appreciation along with your coins or bills.

23. Smile when you order or enlist their assistance. Smiles are contagious, so give one away!

24. If they serve you regularly, acknowledge something they always do well—like work efficiently or stay calm under pressure.

25. Exhibit patience, even if you’re in a hurry.

26. Let their superior know they do an outstanding job.

27. Keep their workplace clean—for example, at a coffee shop, clean up after yourself at the sugar stand.

28. Offer to get a coffee for them, if it’s someone working in or outside your home.

29. If you have their contact information, send an email of appreciation—and let them know you just wanted to express your gratitude, so they don’t need to write back.

30. Praise them in a review on Yelp and/or recommend them to people you know.

Show Gratitude to People Who Work with You

31. Write a hand-written thank you note, acknowledging things you value about them and their work.

32. Offer to lighten their workload in some way if you are able.

33. Bring back lunch for them if you know they’re working hard and likely haven’t had a chance to grab something.

34. If you’re running a meeting, keep it short to show them you appreciate and respect their time.

35. Ask them about their lives instead of always being all business. This doesn’t mean you need to pry into personal matters; it just means showing an interest in who they are as people.

36. Be the calm, light voice in a stressful situation.

37. Give them flowers to brighten their desk.

38. Let their boss know how they’re doing a great job and contributing to the company.

39. Listen fully if they’re having a difficult day, and recognize if they need space to figure things out on their own, not advice or help.

40. Remember the little things can make a big difference!

Show Gratitude for Yourself

41. Make a list of ways you’ve impressed yourself lately.

42. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a pedicure or a massage.

43. If someone compliments you, thank them and let them know you’re proud of that skill, talent, or accomplishment.

44. Compliment yourself—say it while looking in the mirror, write it in a journal, or jot it on a sticky note and put it on your refrigerator.

45. Give yourself time to enjoy a passion you’re sometimes too busy to fit in.

46. Take an inventory of all the good things you’ve done for other people and the world.

47. Write yourself a love letter. Seriously, start with “Dear Lori” (but insert your own name) and describe all the things you admire about yourself.

48. Let go of any conditions you have for being kind to yourself—meaning you appreciate even if you didn’t accomplish or do anything specific.

49. Schedule a date with yourself—an afternoon or evening that’s all about you.

50. Share the beauty that is you with the people around you, knowing they’re fortunate to have you in their lives.

Can you add to this list? Go ahead and comment below.

I am fortunate to have you, my Twitter followers, my Facebook friends and those of you who are reading my book

in my life. 
Thank you. You make the world a better place!

Moving Horror to Print

Moving Horror to Print 
by Nikki Villoria -Blogger / Photojournalist

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess who lived in a castle. Like most fairy tales there was also an evil monster, who terrorized the kingdom, ripping townsfolk apart for meals and threatening anyone who thought of leaving. Little did people know that the princess and the monster were one in the same.

Growing up I was raised on suspense and ghost stories. Plots with a twist and characters with deadly character flaws. While I spent my time playing, reading or letting my over-active imagination run rampant, my dad spent the evenings in his office typing away, creating the horror-filled story plots that I would be told about later, sometimes years later depending on the graphic or gruesome nature.

I wasn't the only one who was a fan, friends, family and other big names read and enjoyed the work as well. Ronald Shusett, writer of Total Recall, said, “It’s a good read.”

As I grew up and was told, and read more of his stories many nights I found myself ending the reading session with a Disney movie to lighten the mood, and today there is still that one story that gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.

Despite the overall good response of not just me but many readers of his work, the stories stopped there, as a written story passed to a friend and later returned to a box in his office, that is, until now. 

Now Robert Villoria is finally forging ahead with his writing and working to publish his first book of short stories. Bias aside, here’s a look at what readers can expect from the first few hundred pages.

First up on the lineup of books is “Tales From the Mind Field”, a collection of horror and suspense short stories.

“Anyone who enjoys a good horror story and some good suspense can be expected to be drawn into the lives and horrors of the characters,” said R.M.Villoria. “Ever since I got back into writing recently, the story ideas just keep flowing and I anticipate several more volumes are in store if this first book gets rolling.”

Now available on Amaon at: http://ow.ly/OxXc1

32 ways to sleep

32 ways to sleep
Article provided by R.M.Villoria - Author / SM Publicist

It’s oh, I don't know, 3 o'clock in the freaking morning, and I’m lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and wanting to cry with frustration. I'm trying to stay hopeful about my ability to catch a few hours of shut eye before work the next morning, but I've been up until 6:00am (not by choice) enough times in my life to know the beast of insomnia can’t always be tamed.

I'm certainly not alone. Insomnia is incredibly common in the U.S., with 30 to 40 percent of American adults experiencing some symptoms of insomnia each year. So for all those seasoned insomniacs out there — and for anyone who occasionally can’t fall or stay asleep — we’ve rounded up some short- and long- term strategies for getting a good night’s rest. And if you’re reading this at 3 am because your mind won’t stop running? Don’t worry; we have tips for what you can do right now to improve the chances of getting (at least some) sleep.

Sleep Gap — The Need-to-Know

Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep, remain asleep, or get the amount of sleep an individual needs to wake up feeling rested. Its symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, frequent wake-ups during the night, waking up too early in the morning, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Insomnia can be acute (lasting one to several nights) or chronic (lasting from a month to years). It’s also the most common sleep complaint among Americans (especially women).

Trouble sleeping is often a symptom of another disease or condition, such as depression, chronic pain, medications, or stress, which might explain why it’s so common. Most often, insomnia stems from a combination of factors, including medical and psychological issues, scheduling issues, relationships conflicts, and behavioral factors (poor bedtime routines, physical hyperactivity, watching TV right before bed, etc.).

Beyond Counting Sheep — Your Action Plan

Whether you're a chronic insomniac or just have the occasional restless night, read on for lasting sleep solutions.

Try these strategies for gradually improving sleep quality over time.

Keep track. Record how much and when you sleep, fatigue levels throughout the day, and any other symptoms. This serves two purposes: It can identify activities that help or hurt the chances of a good night’s rest, and it’s a useful tool for a doctor or therapist, should you decide to see one. Digital programs like Zeo,YawnLog, and a variety of apps can all make snooze tracking easier.

Try therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is a pretty common technique. Also called CBT-I, the therapy typically involves self-monitoring, mental strategies (like developing positive thoughts about sleep), and creating an environment that promotes sleep — and it’s been shown to improve sleep quality. Learn these strategies with the help of a therapist or with online guidance or books — both are equally effective ways of implementing CBT-I. Not into seeing a therapist? Check out Sleepio, a digital program that helps users learn about and implement CBT practices from the comfort of their own homes.

• Establish a regular bedtime routine. Find activities that help you wind down before bed, and stick to the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends.
• Use the bed appropriately. Beds should be reserved for sleep and sex — and nothing else. Bringing work into the bedroom is a sure-fire way to discourage sleep quality.
• Choose the right mattress. Uncomfortable bedding has been linked to poorer sleep quality, while a comfortable mattress can up the chances of a satisfying snooze.
• Don’t smoke. Need another reason to quit? Smokers commonly exhibit symptoms of insomnia — possibly because their bodies go into nicotine withdrawal during the night.
• See a doctor. If you've tried everything and nothing’s worked, it might be time to consult a professional. A doctor can help rule out any sleep disorders and identify lifestyle factors or medications that might be getting in the way of a good night’s rest.
• Exercise early in the day. Studies find moderate aerobic activity can improve insomniacs’ sleep quality. For best results, exercise at least three hours before bedtime so the body has sufficient time to wind down before hitting the sack.
• Schedule “worry time” during the day. Spend 15 minutes addressing problems (journaling is a good way to start) so they don't sneak up when your head hits the pillow. If a particular event or stressor is keeping you up at night — and it has a clear end date — the problem may resolve itself naturally.
• Limit caffeine. It’s tempting to reach for coffee when we’re tired after a poor night’s sleep, but drinking caffeine can make it harder for us to fall asleep at night, creating a vicious cycle. Can’t quit cold turkey? Try limiting caffeine intake to earlier in the day so it’s out of your system by bedtime.
• Nap the right way. Just 10 to 20 minutes of napping during the day can help us feel rested (and improve our creativity and memory, to boot!). But try to avoid napping after 3:00 or 4:00pm, as this can make it harder to fall asleep at bedtime.
• Get outside. Increasing natural light exposure during the day promotes healthy melatonin balance, which can help us get to sleep later in the day.
• Eat for sleep. Eat foods high in magnesium, like halibut, almonds, cashews, and spinach, and foods high in vitamin B complex, like leafy green vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Some experts also recommend taking supplements of taurine, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
• Try relaxation techniques. In one study, people who practiced meditation saw improvements in total sleep time and sleep quality. Other relaxation strategies — like yoga, deep breathing, and progressive relaxation — are also effective tools for promoting good sleep.
• Avoid large meals late in the evening. Jumbo meals pre-bedtime have been linked to trouble falling asleep.
• Dim the lights two hours before bed. According to one study, exposure to electrical lights between dusk and bedtime might negatively affect our chances at quality sleep. Assuming you don’t want to sit in the dark for hours, find the happy medium by dimming the lights as bedtime draws near. Also consider changing all light bulbs to “soft/warm” varieties with a color temperature less than 3,000 kelvins, all of which can reduce lights’ effects on our nervous systems.
• Turn off the screens. The artificial (or “blue”) light emitted by screens can disrupt our bodies’ preparations for sleep by stimulating daytime hormones. Reduce exposure by turning off TVs, phones, and computers at least one hour before bedtime. Can’t give up the Daily Show? At least dim a screen’s brightness, either manually or with the help of automated programs.
• Don’t drink alcohol right before bed. Booze might seem like an obvious choice for calming down pre-bedtime, but it can actually disrupt sleep cycles later in the night. You don’t have to give up the good stuff completely; just drink it with dinner (around 6 o’clock) and skip the nightcap.
• Don’t use your brain before bed. Don’t work; watch stimulating TV shows, read complex material, or think too hard — about anything — before bedtime; working out the brain keeps the body awake.
• Have sex or masturbate before bed. Hey, anything for a good night’s rest. Getting our “O” face on pre-bedtime can help us fall asleep.
• Keep it (dark and) cool. A dark, cool bedroom environment helps promote restful sleep. Program the thermostat so the bedroom’s temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (experiment to find what works best for you), and use heavy curtains, blackout shades, or an eye mask to block lights. Also be sure to charge cell phones and laptops outside the bedroom — even this tiny bit of light can be disrupt sleep. If you live in a studio or can’t get away from blue lights for any reason, consider making a (very small) investment in blue light blocking glasses.
• Consider natural supplements. Valerian and melatonin are two of the most highly recommended supplements (though their efficacy is still under review).

Wish you could be sleeping right now? When it’s getting late and blissful sleep ain’t coming, don’t give up hope. Follow the strategies below and you just might drift off to dreamland.

• Don’t try to sleep unless you're sleepy. Yes, it sucks when it’s 2:00am and you still don’t feel tired, despite knowing you need rest. But climbing into bed when you don’t feel ready for sleep is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, engage in relaxing activities (like gentle yoga and meditation or listening to soothing music) until you get the strong urge to snooze. If sleep hasn’t come within 20 minutes, get back out of bed and try relaxing activities again until you're sleepy enough to give it another go.
• Minimize disturbing noises. If external noises are beyond your control (a busy street outside the window, a neighbor’s barking dog), cover them up with the sound of a bedside fan, a white noise machine, or other sounds.
• Vent stresses. If designated worry time earlier in the day didn’t fully do the trick, spend some extra time writing. Loose-leaf paper works, but if you scrawl your sorrows in a journal or notebook, you can literally close the book on your worries (at least until morning).
• Brew some chamomile tea. Studies find the humble herb can reduce anxieties, getting us into a better headspace for sleep.
• Try a hot bath or shower. Stepping from warm water into that pre-cooled bedroom will cause body temperatures to drop slightly, which can trigger sleepy feelings by slowing down metabolic activity.
• Sip some hot milk. Science doesn’t necessarily back the idea that milk facilitates snoozing, but conventional wisdom might be strong enough that our minds still believe moo milk lulls us to sleep.
• Do some leg exercises. We know; we told you not to exercise before bed. But apparently some easy leg lifts, squats, or your leg exercise of choice can help divert blood flow to the legs and away from the brain. This can help quiet the mind, making it easier to slip into dreamland.
• Seriously: Count some sheep. It might not work for everybody, but focusing on one thing can help the brain settle down, making sleep more possible. Not a fan of our wooly friends? Focusing on your breath (in, out, in, out) is also an effective way to chill out. Or bust out some of those relaxation techniques you practiced earlier in the evening — they're just as good of a resource in the wee hours.
• Visualize yourself asleep. Imagine yourself drifting in a blissful slumber while practicing deep breathing and progressive. Starting at one end of the body and working up or down, clench and then release each section of muscles for instant all-over relaxation.
•  

Accept insomnia for what it is. Judgments (“I should be asleep”), comparisons (“my BF/GF/roommate is sleeping; why can’t I?”), and catastrophic thinking (“If I don’t get eight hours’ sleep tonight, I’ll mess up that presentation tomorrow, lose my job, and die tired and alone”) don’t do us any good. Make the night easier by accepting it for what it is, letting go of judgments, and being gentle with yourself. The silver lining? You just might get to see a glorious sunrise.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

What is the Transpersonal?

     The term transpersonal is generally used to refer to experiences, usually occurring during altered states of consciousness, that shift the focus of attention "beyond the boundaries of ordinary ego-consciousness" and in so doing expose the experient to realities that had hitherto remained hidden. 

This is the subject matter involved with my main character in "GOING HOME"  One of the stories you'll find in Volume One of my series "Tales from the Mind Field" now available on Amazon and on my website at: www.rmvcard.com 

In 1989, Grof & Grof wrote:

     "The word transpersonal refers to transcendence of the ordinary boundaries of personality and includes many experiences that have been called spiritual, mystical, religious, occult, magical or paranormal... In non-ordinary states of consciousness, these limitations [of everyday reality] do not seem to apply. When we enter the transpersonal arena, we can experience historically or geographically remote events as vividly as if they were happening here and now. We can participate in sequences that involve our ancestors, animal predecessors, or even people in other centuries and other cultures who have no ancestral relationship to us... But the content of transpersonal experiences is not limited to the world of things that exist in our everyday reality. It includes elements that western culture does not accept as objectively real: we can encounter deities, demons, spirit guides, inhabitants of other universes, or mythological figures... Thus, in the transpersonal state, we do not differentiate between the world of "consensus reality", or the conventional everyday world, and the mythological realm of archetypal forms." 

     Transpersonal experiences are, therefore, significant factors in the development of personal self-conception and broader cosmological perspective. They may take the form of religious, spiritual or paranormal experiences on the one hand; unity experiences, entity encounters, out-of-body and near-death experiences etc; or more subtle experiences associated with internal feelings, intuition and dreams on the other.

If you, or someone you know, has had a Transpersonal experience, tell us about it in the comments below.

•       Going Home - Still falling, Emma reached for anything to grab hold of but her hand kept slipping off everything she passed. Her screams seemed silent, yet she knew she was screaming at the top of her lungs. Why couldn't anybody hear her? Why didn't anybody try to help? Emma’s eyes opened wide with a start. She’d been dreaming again, this time seemed so much more real than the last several times. Her earliest memories were only of this small quaint town here in Connecticut. The places in her dreams however were definitely not of this town. A truly psychological suspense story following one woman’s journey back to hell...

Read about Emma's experience in my book.

You can buy this book right now from my website

About the author...

Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”  

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.