ISSUE 85 · NOVEMBER 6, 2026

STORIES. ART. WIT. LEISURE.

SMART READING WHEN TIME IS TIGHT.
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NEW STORIES (MEMBERS ONLY)

ONE HUNDRED WORDS #73

COOL HAND FRANK
Artwork: "The Waiting Room" by Christina Moser, all rights reserved.
Enter the carefully ordered world of a privileged Hartford attorney in a psychological thriller unfolding 100 words at a time.
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PEOPLE WHO DIED: TOM SKERRITT

AUG. 25, 1933–OCT. 21, 2026
COOL HAND FRANK
Remembering Tom Skerritt’s calm authority, wit and memorable performances in “Alien,” “Top Gun,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Picket Fences.”
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BOOKS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL OCTOBER

MARIANNA GAVURMADZHYAN · BOSTON, MASS.
Artwork: "Waiting on the Wolf" by Scott Padgett Fine Art, all rights reserved.
Discover five atmospheric books for October, where obsession, buried secrets and dark humor make for thrilling autumn reading beyond traditional horror.
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CLICKETY-CLACK

EMANUEL (MANI) ISLER · DENVER, COLO.
Photo: Vintage Smith Corona typewriter, photographer unknown.
Stuck in a writing rut, a writer buys a vintage Smith Corona typewriter at an antique shop. Then the strange noises start at 2 a.m.
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A JACK-O'-LANTERN

COOL HAND FRANK
Sketch: "Jack-O'-Lantern" by COOL HAND FRANK, all rights reserved.
Two teens follow a mysterious light to an abandoned house on Halloween night in “A JACK-O’-LANTERN,” a horror short story by COOL HAND FRANK.
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CERTAINLY UNCERTAIN

MARIANNA GAVURMADZHYAN · BOSTON, MASS.
Artwork: "future" by Lynne McDonald, all rights reserved.
‍The above accompanying artwork on this webpage is the sole property of artist Lynne McDonald and held under copyright. Lynne McDonald’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 permission from her.
A college senior confronts graduation anxiety, future plans and the daunting question of where life might lead after commencement.
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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.

EMANUEL (MANI) ISLER · DENVER, COLO. 1/23/26 EMANUEL (MANI) ISLER · DENVER, COLO. 1/23/26

WANNA BET?

EMANUEL (MANI) ISLER · DENVER, COLO.

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.

Sports used to sell beer and razors. Now they sell the promise of easy money. A witty personal essay on gambling’s grip on modern culture.

EMILY SLEPSKY · ATLANTA, GA. 9/26/25 EMILY SLEPSKY · ATLANTA, GA. 9/26/25

WHEN LOVING THE SEASON BECOMES A LITTLE UNHINGED

EMILY SLEPSKY · ATLANTA, GA.

A witty take on fall obsession, from Pinterest craft fails and pumpkin spice chardonnay runs to sweater martyrdom in 85-degree heat.

JASON ROGERS · KENNESAW, GA. 1/17/25 JASON ROGERS · KENNESAW, GA. 1/17/25

IT’S A VINYL WORLD, AND I LIVE IN IT

JASON ROGERS · KENNESAW, GA.

Artwork: "GOSPEL LIGHT" by Kirk Stansbury.

A personal journey from compact discs to vinyl obsession—finding Holy Grails, making friends in record stores, and discovering the joy of truly listening to music.