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STORIES. ART. WIT. LEISURE.

ISSUE 76, MAY 29, 2026.

WHAT THIS IS

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NEW STORIES (COOL MEMBERS ONLY)

COOL HAND FRANK 4/17/26 COOL HAND FRANK 4/17/26

SOME QUESTIONS FOR HAN CHI PAINTER MAXINE XU

Chinese painter Maxine Xu explains the hidden messages in her Han Chi art, the spiritual power of jade, and how ancient Chinese jade carvings inspire her contemporary paintings and abstract works.

THE “ART” OF NONCHALANCE

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.

THIS MONTH’S GOOD CAUSE

Owl, photo courtesy of CENTER for BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

REVEAL

Talk to us about spotlighting your good cause on COOL HAND FRANK.

RIDICULOUS WORD OF THE WEEK

PRIVY

FEATURED WRITERS

COOL HAND FRANK

MANI ISLER’S PICK: “All of them!”
What is your morning breakfast ritual?

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ALYSE ANDREE

COOL HAND FRANK’S PICK: BIRDIE (PART 1)
“My morning breakfast ritual lately has been a bodega bagel with nothing on it and the biggest cup of peppermint tea you’ve ever seen.”

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MANI ISLER

COOL HAND FRANK’S PICK: WANNA BET?
“As a former lover of sugar-enhanced cereals such as Rice Krispies, Chex, Apple Jacks, and even Raisin Bran, I've altered my morning breakfast ritual. After my first cup of good ol’ American Joe, I cook up a small pot of old-fashioned rolled oats, which I serve with sliced bananas and some honey. Is it boring? Yep, but I no longer crave two cheeseburgers and a desert mid-morning.”

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JASON ROGERS

COOL HAND FRANK’S PICK: IT’S A VINYL WORLD, AND I LIVE IN IT
“My breakfast routine lately is an Ezekiel bread English muffin with peanut butter.”

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EMILY SLEPSKY

COOL HAND FRANK’S PICK: WHEN LOVING THE SEASON BECOMES A LITTLE UNHINGED
“Yogurt bowl with fruit and granola every morning!”

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