ELEVATED WRITING, ART, WIT AND LEISURE.
FOR BUSY MINDS SHORT ON TIME.
WHAT’S THIS ABOUT?
COOL HAND FRANK is the future of digital publications, now. This isn’t a blog or a magazine—it’s your go-to go-go-go breather, featuring:
Brief, 100% original writing
Curated art
Fresh entertainment recommendations
Savvy food & drink tips
Insightful cultural commentary
And much more.
Want to stay on top of what’s relevant today but feel you don’t have time to read? This publication is for you.
What will you discover? Engaging essays, witty humor, short stories, and even the occasional poem. There’s no AI-generated content here (though ChatGPT is an excellent senior editor, I’m still the Editor-In-Chief). Every word is handcrafted and delivered with care—like Sinatra sang, "nice and easy."
The curated art on COOL HAND FRANK is as distinctive as the writing. Most images come from talented artists and creators, with occasional use of my own photography or the rare stock photo when needed. See something you love and want to buy? Connect with the artist directly through this website.
Also, if you’re a writer, painter, photographer, mixed-media artist, or other creator looking for a cool platform to showcase your works, talk to me: let’s collaborate and get you exposure to a fast-growing subscriber audience.
In a world drowning in content overload, COOL HAND FRANK is your refreshing timeout. Weekly updates bring you high-grade storytelling without pop-ups, banner ads, or distractions. Just one email a week to tell you what’s new—your digital oasis in the chaos of modern media.
Ready to experience something better? Check out the free samples below, then hit SUBSCRIBE (all major credit cards accepted). GET COOL with a publication that values originality, quality, and creativity. Make COOL HAND FRANK your new great read now.
FREE SAMPLES
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ONE HUNDRED WORDS
A SERIAL
SIX
“I AM YOURS!”Jessica’s 63rd text had come in thirty minutes ago.
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PRESENT AND FUTURE
Last week, rain poured down the highway, The Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds riffing away, as I drove to my destination: a holiday art show, mysteriously titled “Smoke and Mirrors,” showcasing brilliant, up-and-coming abstract painter Lynne McDonald.
Photo credit: Chelsea Patricia Photography, 2024. -
PICKLE POWER!
Last year, I embarked on a quest. That quest could have taken me to a grocery store. But walking mere steps outside my back door was better.
ARTIST GALLERY PREVIEW
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!["The Equalizer" by Séverine Rigaud, 2024. Featured at Gallery Anderson Smith.]()
ELIKYA 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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!["Wanderlust" by Lynne McDonald.]()
LYNNE MCDONALD
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![“Emergency Contacts” by Christina Moser, 2022.]()
CHRISTINA MOSER
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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
GOOD CAUSE
COOL HAND FRANK highlights purpose-driven organizations working to make this world healthier, happier, and better.
This month, COOL HAND FRANK is thinking about all U.S. veterans, especially those struggling to transition to civilian life after serving. Flanders Fields, an organization headquartered in Cumming, Georgia, helps veterans reclaim healthy lives by addressing challenges such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), homelessness, alcoholism, and addiction. Through housing, rehabilitation, job training, and civilian service, they provide veterans with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Flanders Fields welcomes donations, volunteers, and partnerships to further its mission. At a minimum, get to know their organization and let others know too. Every bit counts.
Do you have a cause you'd like COOL HAND FRANK to spotlight? Talk to me.
ON THE STEREO
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LAST LEAF ON THE TREE
Overlooked from late last year, but not forgotten: don't sleep on 91-years-young(!) Willie Nelson's second 2024 album, Last Leaf on the Tree. Legendary producer Daniel Lanois plays pedal steel here but obviously mentored the album's actual producer, Willie's son Micah (is there anything his son can't do?), as evidenced by its rhythms, textures, and ambiance. The Doors' John Densmore(!) even joins in on "native percussion.” On first listen, Last Leaf on the Tree might seem three songs too long, but it's a grower. And if Willie's covers of Beck's "Lost Cause" and Keith Richards’ “Robbed Blind” don't put a lump in your throat, you might need to see a doctor.
ON THE SCREEN
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SNL50: BEYOND SATURDAY NIGHT
PEACOCK
The “Saturday Night Live” specials commemorating fifty influential years of comedic and musical performance are all available for streaming. The first of these, “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,” is a four-part documentary series executive produced by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain,” “20 Feet From Stardom”). If you’re looking for chronological history, this isn’t it. But if you’re seeking a deeper dive into what makes “SNL” tick—from its audition process to the writer’s room, how a sketch evolves from idea to watercooler conversation and beyond, and how failure and rejection fuel the still-popular show’s resilience, this is essential viewing.
WHO IS THIS GUY?
I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad I’m here. I’m glad to be anywhere.
This is my bio. "To commit to mystery is to commit to humanity."
Let’s make magic happen and enjoy it.
Your present, your future,