READING FOR WHEN TIME IS TIGHT.
NO ADS, POP-UPS OR DISTRACTIONS.STORIES. ART. WIT. LEISURE.
ISSUE 72, APR 3, 2026.SPONSORED BY
NEWEST
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SO HOW IS THE WEATHER?
Apr 3, 2026 · EMANUEL (MANI) ISLER · DENVER, COLO.
Artwork: “i watched the sky catch fire” by Obscure Nonspecifics, all rights reserved.
Colorado's weather has officially lost its mind — Arctic blizzards giving way to 80-degree heat in a matter of days. One native's humorous take on the seasons that no longer make sense.
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ASK
Apr 3, 2026 · HEATHER CLIMER · SNOQUALMIE, WA.
Artwork: “solace” by Obscure Nonspecifics, all rights reserved.
A reflective poem exploring the tension between reason and meaning, "Ask" personifies Silence as a wise, playful guide who helps quiet self-doubt and invites the reader to embrace love, vulnerability, and the unknown.
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ONE HUNDRED WORDS | 64
Apr 3, 2026 · COOL HAND FRANK
Artwork: “Blue Cityscape” by Marilyn Binder Silverman, all rights reserved.
This accompanying artwork is the original, protected, and sole property of artist Marilyn Binder Silverman and held under copyright. Marilyn Binder Silverman’s images, artwork, and content on this website and her website may not be copied, collected, or used for personal or professional gain without written authorization from her.
A serialized thriller told in precise 100-word installments, this tale follows a successful attorney accustomed to control navigating increasingly dangerous threats to his professional and personal worlds. -
WATCHING REALITY TV MIGHT ACTUALLY BE MAKING YOU SMARTER
Mar 20, 2026 · EMILY SLEPSKY · ROSWELL, GA.
Artwork: “Profanity IV” by Mr. Hooper Art.
Reality TV isn't just guilty-pleasure viewing — it's a crash course in human behavior, relationship red flags, and emotional intelligence. Yes, really.
FEATURED WRITERS
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COOL HAND FRANK
ALYSE ANDREE’S PICK: ONE HUNDRED WORDS | 7“What was the most recent cocktail that rocked your world?”
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ALYSE ANDREE
COOL HAND FRANK PICK: BIRDIE (PART 1)“The most recent cocktail that I loved was the Salty Dog at Dante in Greenwich Village. It was the perfect mix of sour and sweet, with a little salt at the bottom.”
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MANI ISLER
COOL HAND FRANK PICK: WANNA BET?“Vodka Martini, dirty with two olives. One of these is plenty for me. Especially good prior to a nice meal. Very James Bond-like. Key is to sip it slowly.”
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JASON ROGERS
COOL HAND FRANK PICK: IT’S A VINYL WORLD, AND I LIVE IN IT“I do not drink alcohol. But the most recent beverage that rocked my world was an IBC Root Beer. I loved those during my youth but had not had one in decades.”
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EMILY SLEPSKY
COOL HAND FRANK PICK: WHEN LOVING THE SEASON BECOMES A LITTLE UNHINGED“A Hugo Spritz. I forgot they existed and now it’s my go-to. They’re simple and perfect for the spring and summer!”
ARTIST GALLERY PREVIEW
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!["Angles in Motion," Marilyn Binder Silverman, all rights reserved.]()
MARILYN BINDER SILVERMAN
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!["IN DRY DOCK," RAY BRILLI FINE ART, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]()
RAY BRILLI FINE ART
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!["The Equalizer" by Séverine Rigaud, 2024. Featured at Gallery Anderson Smith.]()
ELIKYA ART
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!["I don't believe you" by Mr. Hooper Art.]()
MR. HOOPER ART
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![14K Yellow Gold Fish Scales Necklace by JILLERY., 2020.]()
JILLERY.
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![“Unforgettable” by J. King Artworks, 2023.]()
J. KING ARTWORKS
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!["SET FREE," RICH LO]()
RICH LO
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!["Wanderlust" by Lynne McDonald.]()
LYNNE MCDONALD
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![“Emergency Contacts” by Christina Moser, 2022.]()
CHRISTINA MOSER
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![OBSCURE NONSPECIFICS]()
OBSCURE NONSPECIFICS
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![“Blood Moon Dance” by Scott Padgett Fine Art.]()
SCOTT PADGETT FINE ART
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![“Back in Black” by Kelly Saunders Art, 2022.]()
KELLY SAUNDERS ART
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![“Swagger” by Kirk Stansbury, 2015.]()
KIRK STANSBURY
NEW ENTERTAINMENT
ASK ME ANYTHING (I MIGHT LIE)
What do I say to people in the next one? The ones destroyed from a distance - what do I tell them?
JODY, ST. LOUIS, MO.
Jody,
Tell them you remain the “philosopher of soul.” You’ve got their girl and you’re gone. I’ll stand up for you.