ISSUE 80 · AUGUST 21, 2026

STORIES. ART. WIT. LEISURE.

READING FOR WHEN TIME IS TIGHT. NO ADS, POP-UPS OR DISTRACTIONS.

SPONSORED BY

WHAT THIS IS

STORIES (MEMBERS ONLY)

SERIALIZED STORIES (PART 1'S)

ARTIST INTERVIEWS

POEMS (MEMBERS ONLY)

ONE HUNDRED WORDS | 70

COOL HAND FRANK
Artwork: "Sky Chip" by Christina Moser, all rights reserved.
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.
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IT’S ALL GONE TOO FAR: SPORTS COLOR COMMENTATORS

COOL HAND FRANK
Artwork: "I am Talking" by Rich Lo | Greatsketch, all rights reserved.
A sharp, funny take on why sports color commentators ruin the viewing experience, framed by soccer's 2026 breakthrough moment in the U.S. and a countdown to college football season.
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THE BOY WHO TURNED INTO A MAN: BRODY’S FIRST LINEN SHIRT

CHLOE WELLINGTON HUNT · BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Artwork: “Man with a Cigarette” by Rich Lo | Greatsketch, all rights reserved.
A humorous mock-scientific essay tracking Brody's transformation from a regular New York guy into a linen-clad Europhile after one fateful Uniqlo purchase before his summer trip to Italy.
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LETTER FOR JAMES

EMILY BOYLE · GUEST WRITER · ATLANTA, GA.
Artwork: “BEACH TIME” by Ray Brilli Fine Art, all rights reserved.
This accompanying artwork is the original, protected, and sole property of artist Ray Brilli Fine Art and held under copyright. Ray Brilli Fine Art’s images, artwork, and content on this website and his website may not be copied, collected, or used for personal or professional gain without written authorization from him.
A mother's heartfelt letter to her son as he returns to Georgia Southern for his senior year — a tender reflection on empty nests, unconditional love, and always leaving the light on for the ones who come home.
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FEATURED WRITER SELECTIONS

MARIANNA GAVURMADZHYAN · BOSTON, MASS. 4/17/26 MARIANNA GAVURMADZHYAN · BOSTON, MASS. 4/17/26

THE “ART” OF NONCHALANCE

MARIANNA GAVURMADZHYAN · BOSTON, MASS.

This accompanying artwork is the original, protected, and sole property of artist Ray Brilli Fine Art and held under copyright. Ray Brilli Fine Art’s images, artwork, and content on this website and his website may not be copied, collected, or used for personal or professional gain without prior written authorization from him.

Why do people find nonchalance attractive? Explore how social media destroyed mystery and why emotional withholding has become the new currency of cool—and what it costs genuine connection.

ASK ME ANYTHING (I MIGHT LIE)

Do you like ice cream? How often might you partake?

— ANNE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.

Anne,

The word “like” is an understatement. I absolutely love ice cream. In a medical emergency a few years ago, I pleaded with the Lord above that I would give up caffeine, alcohol, steak, seafood, candy … anything except ice cream. And if I had to give up ice cream, just let me die in the hospital.

Fortunately, the doctors informed me I wouldn’t have to give up any food or drink. I believe my pleading was answered. Reasonably, I partake in five to ten tablespoons a week.

Moral of the story: ice cream is non-negotiable.