Author: James Pack

James Pack is a member of the Horror Writers Association and has published several collections of poetry and short fiction. He is the editor of the left leaning political blog, www.theproperdeal.com. Learn more about James and his collected works on his personal blog www.thejamespack.com. He lives in Tucson, AZ.
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Coffee and Contemplation: Tie One on for Safety

November 16 through December 31 is designated as the Tie One on for Safety Holiday Campaign organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). It started in 1983 to convince people have a designated driver when drinking. The idea is the sober driver wears a red ribbon, so everyone knows they are the driver. Hence the phrase tie one on meaning a ribbon. The number of traffic-related deaths caused by drunk drivers increases during the holiday season. This is why the campaign last for about 6 weeks. Since the creation of new taxi services such as Lyft and Uber, it should be easier than ever to avoid driving after a night of drinking.

What folks don’t want to talk about this year is the increase in Covid-19 cases as we approach Winter. This means you shouldn’t travel for the holidays. Also, you should do all your drinking at home to social distance. If we can tie one on for safety, then we should be able to stay home for safety. There are many who still believe Covid-19 is a hoax. Whether you do or don’t, the flu is real, bronchitis is real, strep throat is real. Wear a face mask to help protect you from those illnesses during the Winter. Mask up for safety should be a thing too.

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World Kindness Week

World Kindness day is November 13 (yesterday), and World Kindness Week begins the Monday of the week with November 13. After the events of the last few years, and the many years crammed into 2020, kindness is needed now more than ever. There are a couple of Buddhist sayings that always come to mind when speaking of kindness. The first is, ‘Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible.’ And the second is, ‘Be kind to all creatures. This is the true religion.’ Kindness is the quality of being friendly and considerate. There are many who believe kindness is a weakness and these are the people who would do harm to others.

When someone is kind to you, it can lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. What happens to you if you’re kind to others? Some benefits for a person who is kind to others include elevation of dopamine levels in the brain, which make us feel good. It can also include the feeling of emotional warmth leading to a healthier heart, reduction of inflammation slowing the aging process, reduction of emotional distance helping couples feel bonded, and contagiousness that often sets off a pay-it-forward ripple effect. There’s one important message I have for everyone regarding kindness. Always be kind to others and always be kind to yourself. That last part is harder than people think. Be kind.

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Hellpets – Part 7

Read Part 6

            “Who’s hungry?” Charles said.

            “Oh, I’m so happy. I feel like I’ve never eaten. I’m so hungry.” Hinn said.

            “You ate this morning.”

            “Who’s excited for din din?” Charles said.

            “Me. I’m excited!” Hinn said.

            “Is Duke excited?”

            “Yes, but my name is Hinn. I’m still very excited about eating. Eating is my favorite thing. I’m gonna eat all this food!”

            “Slow down. You’re a hound not a pig.” I said.

            “Sowwy.”

            “You’re dropping food and slobber everywhere. Stop it!”

            “And here’s dinner for Duchess.” Charles said.

            “This better not be the same garbage the shelter fed me. Oh, wait. This is really good. Damn. Charles you’re my favorite.”

            “And I’ll fill up your water dishes while you two eat. Try not to make a mess Duke.” Charles said.

            “Yeah, Duke. Don’t make a mess.” I said.

            “I can’t help myself. Earth food is so amazing.”

            “That’s just dog food. You should try the human food.”

            “Human food? I thought they ate this stuff too.”

            “Nope. Their food is incredible. Especially steaks.”

            “What’s that?”

            “A big chunk of meat.”

            “Oh, my Gaap! Earth is awesome.”

            “It’s okay, I guess. Who are you?”

            “Ahh! Oh, Amy. When did you get here?” Hinn said.

            “Hinn, I hope I haven’t disturbed your Earth dinner. You must be Haura. I’m Hinn’s manager.”

            “Next time don’t sneak up on me when I’m eating.” I said.

            “I’ll do my best. Hinn, a word?”
            “Sure. I’m all done.”

            “Can we go somewhere private?”

            “Haura’s teaching me about Earth. We can chat in front of her.”

            “Very well. Your first assignment is starting soon. You’ll collect the soul, drag them down for processing, then return here and await further instructions. Understand?”

            “Yes.”

            “Okay. Get ready. And…go now.”

            They both left. Maybe I can eat in peace. I wonder if Ligur has crossed paths with that Hellhound before. He should pop in tomorrow. I’ll ask him about Amy.

Read Part 8