Ray Rauth Blogs

  Have you ever strolled through a farmer’s market or popped into a neighborhood boutique and thought, “Wow, this feels different”? There’s something so personal and heartfelt about shopping local, isn’t there? It goes beyond just buying products—it’s about people, relationships, and the community we live in. But have you ever stopped to think about why shopping local is so important? What makes it different from shopping at big box stores or online retailers? Let's break it down. Why Is It Important to Shop Local? Shopping local is important for one simple reason—it’s an investment in your community. It’s like putting money back into the town or city where you live, allowing it to flourish. When you shop at locally-owned businesses, a larger chunk of what you spend stays within the local economy. Think about it. That $10 you spent at your neighbor’s bookstore doesn't just disappear into cyberspace or land in the account of some massive corporation. A good part of that money go...

Video games often get a bad rap. For years, they've been blamed for everything from poor grades to a lack of social skills. But here's the surprising truth — playing video games comes with a host of benefits for your mind, body, and social life. Whether you're a parent worried about your child's gaming habits or someone who hasn’t picked up a controller in years, it’s time to take a second look at how gaming can positively impact your life. Boost Your Brainpower One of the greatest perks of playing video games is how much it can challenge and improve your brain. Video games demand focus, creativity, and strategic thinking, boosting several cognitive functions along the way. For example, many games require excellent memory skills. Whether you’re navigating through the expansive world of Minecraft or strategizing in Civilization , video games challenge your hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for memory and spatial navigation. Research even shows that regu...

It’s no secret that the New England Patriots are having a rough season. With a 3-9 record and coming off an embarrassing 34-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the cracks in the coaching system are too big to ignore. Jerod Mayo, in his first year as head coach, is under fire—and for good reason. This season has been riddled with poor decisions, undisciplined play, and an uninspired approach that has fans and analysts alike questioning whether the team is moving in the right direction. When the Patriots promoted Mayo, it felt like a gamble. He was a popular figure in the organization and a classic "Patriot Way" disciple under Bill Belichick. But here's the catch—just because someone knows the Belichick system doesn’t mean they’re ready to run a team. And it’s painfully clear that Mayo’s inexperience is showing. Take the Dolphins game, for example. The Patriots were flagged for an astounding 13 penalties (10 of which were accepted). False starts, holding, defensive pass inter...