I Was Thinking About Space And Not The One Between Us
My own thoughts. Based on the song, “In Another World,” by EJAE.
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personal
In My House Is Where You Should Be
“And maybe that is the final loss. The loss of having someone in your life in a way that is visible and shared. What remains is private. Internal. Yours alone.”
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Purple Shadows of Stories Untold
She walked away without looking back, her footsteps echoing off the alley walls until they faded into nothing. Mira stood alone in the darkness, surrounded by the smell of garbage and rain and the crushing weight of her own limitations.
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The Weight of August
The sun pressed down on the farmhouse roof like a heavy hand, making the old wooden shingles creak and groan in protest. Emma wiped her forehead with the back of her wrist, careful not to let the sweat from her palms drip onto the bowl of green beans she was snapping. The porch swing barely
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Battles in Bensonhurst
The moment stretched between them, impossibly thin and razor-sharp. Maria’s eyes—deep brown, almost black in the low light of Giuseppe’s—held a thousand unspoken words. Michael felt himself drowning in them, in her, in the possibility of everything and nothing. Memories cascaded through his mind like a film reel spinning out of control. He remembered growing
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Agnes (Glass Animals) – A Brief Retrospective
What strikes me most about “Agnes” is how it completely strips away the clever wordplay and quirky character studies that define most of Glass Animals’ work. Instead, we get Dave Bayley at his most vulnerable, processing the suicide of a close friend through music. The result is something rare in modern indie music: genuine, unfiltered
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The Layup
“It was like the swivel chair I had been sitting in at the time had spun me around so fast I shot off into space, leaving the ethereal insides of soul and spirit to finish out the conversation.”
Fascist Governments Ban Websites
Fascist governments ban websites. Fascist governments limit, restrict, and control the flow of information. We are less than a week away from precedented times and a staggering amount of people in my life are content committing themselves to a near-silent indignation. I empathize being a part of some greater fight is not feasible to many
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We All Know It’s Coming
Sarah’s mornings always started the same way: with dread settling into her bones before she even opened her eyes. The news notifications she’d muted still somehow leaked into her dreams—headlines about transition teams, executive orders waiting to be signed, protests being planned in state capitals. She tried everything to maintain normalcy. Meditation apps couldn’t compete
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Leandro Colon Reflects On His Mistakes
They say the new year is a time for fresh starts, but I’ve never been one to put much stock in arbitrary calendar dates. Still, as I sit here in my apartment on the first couple days of 2025, watching the January light cast long shadows across my bedroom floor, I can’t help but feel
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Here Are Some Recipes To Escape The Societal Dread
I don’t want to deal with this. Not today. I am going to. Believe me. I am going to. They are not going to win. This is my country too. But in the meantime, here are a couple of recipes that I am using to distract myself this week. — Kardemummabullar So these are traditional
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An Editorial from the Founder: The Election
I believe in America. I believe in its promise of opportunity and its pledge of acceptance. This is a country not made for any one person from any one place or any one family. We do not have kings. We do not have lords. I also believe in an America that has lost its way.
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Leandro Colon Talks About His Mistakes
I’ve never claimed to be lucky in matters of the heart. As for smart? That’s a judgment others have been eager to withhold from me. Some might call this piece a confession, others a cautionary tale. However, I’m not seeking absolution, and you can choose to digest and interpret my story as you will. Regardless,
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Whispers of Autumn
The crisp September air whispered through the quad, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings. Eliza stood at the threshold of Hartley Hall, her fingers tracing the worn brick as she watched the ebb and flow of students around her. It was only the third day of classes, yet already the campus seemed to
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The Empty Chair
Sarah’s fingers traced the worn armrest, feeling every groove and imperfection. The leather was cracked in places, softened by years of use. She breathed in deeply, catching a faint whiff of pipe tobacco – his scent still lingering after all this time. The chair stood in its usual spot by the window, bathed in afternoon
Under the White Oak Tree
Between you and me – yes, this is a true story and yes, I am “Ashley”. There really was a “Jules”. I had a massive crush on her. We were friends for a lot of my time in “Franklinville”. Happy ending to the story is that we both did end up moving away (and never moved back). I haven’t spoken to her since HS, however. “Jules”, I hope you’re doing well out there! *Author’s Note: I actually found the drawing! Yes, I actually drew her, I know. After taking a picture and uploading it, I made some edits as to preserve the identities of those involved, however.**
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The Last of My Letters
“I have written so many letters that you’ll never get. They might be some of my best works and it kills me to know that I won’t send them to you. I want to, but I know better. It seems I’m always the writer of masterpieces you’ll never read. I’m tired of writing these letters. So this will be the last of them.”
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Sequins and Shadows
Dmitri leaned against the worn wooden counter of the dimly lit bar, the air thick with the scent of stale beer and cigarette smoke. It was the kind of place where the regulars had permanent stools and the jukebox was perpetually stuck on the same few soul and disco tracks. The neon lights outside flickered
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Did We Forget that We Own this House?
Steven calls for active civic engagement in American democracy. He argues that voters have the power to demand better leadership and representation, urging participation beyond just voting. The piece explores how political incompetence gradually eroded public trust and outlines factors contributing to the current state of affairs. Despite acknowledging challenges, it concludes with a hopeful message, affirming belief in America’s capacity for positive change through collective action and informed citizenship.
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Hidden Secrets in a Forgotten Wood
The creek meanders through the woods, a silvery ribbon threading its way between moss-covered stones. I step into its cool embrace, feeling the gentle current tug at my ankles. Each step sends tiny ripples outward, distorting my reflection – a fitting metaphor, perhaps. Summer’s heat presses down, heavy and insistent, but here in the dappled
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Plug and Chug
So I got this internship, right? I’m not really sure how (frankly, I’m not really sure why) but everybody in my family is so proud of me. Nobody expected me to be working this summer and if I did, it definitely wouldn’t be at a job sitting down. But here’s the thing, everyone at this
A Frozen Genny Melts
Frost-fractured streets, a patchwork quilt of cracks,As winter’s icy grip leaves Rochester’s roads ransacked.Potholes swallow tires, suspension springs recoil,Commuters swerve and dodge, a treacherous urban foil.But spring’s thaw brings promise, a chance to mend,As asphalt fills the gaps where winter did rend.The city crews in reflective vests toil long,Repairing, repaving, making the streets strong.Though scars … Continue reading Edit My Review
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Finding a Community in Habitual Isolation
TV isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a passion, a love affair, an obsession. From the moment I wake up to the second my head hits the pillow, the warm glow of the screen is my constant companion. But as much as I adore the flickering images, the clever dialogue, and the artful storytelling,
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A Day in the Life of James Bonny
Bonny’s wife won’t answer her phone. His girlfriend is being suspicious. God only knows the last time he’s seen his kids. What constitutes a bender again? Bonny’s definitely not the one to ask. How exactly can this dude afford a boat? Wait doesn’t he also have an ex-wife? Jeez no wonder strange men are knocking on his door at all hours at the night. I think it might be time to pony up, James Bonny.
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A Prayer for Action
I was born a writer. Born a thinker. Born an asker of questions. But somewhere along the way, I was overcome by fear. Fear of failure. Fear of being weak. Fear of acknowledging my own weakness. Fear of success. Fear of my own greatness and the responsibility that it comes with. The responsibility I have
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My Love Letter to 2000s Network Television
Arianna explores the comfort and escapism found in rewatching early 2000s TV shows during times of personal struggle and societal upheaval. Through a mix of self-deprecating humor, pop culture references, and heartfelt reflection, the author delves into the challenges of navigating adulthood, relationships, and financial instability, all while finding solace in the familiar characters and storylines of beloved shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, and Friends. Ultimately, the piece serves as a tribute to the power of nostalgia and the importance of holding onto the things that bring us joy and connection in an increasingly uncertain world.
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Divided We Fall
I think it’s fair to say that we’re all decent, hard-working people. We get up every morning and do something that is expected of us. Some of us go to school. Some go to work. Some, nothing at all. Each of us is just trying to get by and just be decent. There is a
The Creative’s Manifesto
You’ve closed your eyes and let all of this happen to you. This is my plea for a change. This manifesto is your call to arms, your permission slip to unleash holy hell on the oppressive mainstream. Packed with blistering rage and revolutionary fire, it’s a Molotov cocktail begging you to wield your art as a weapon and get fucking hostile. Read it like you mean it – and then get creating like your life depends on it. Because it does.
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Served Neat, or On the Rocks
Step into Jack’s Tavern, where the whiskey flows as freely as the regrets. Our proprietor, Jack, invites you to pull up a stool and drown your sorrows in our signature “Served Neat, or On the Rocks” special. Witness the unraveling of a marriage, the shattering of dreams, and the confrontation of a lifetime. Cheap drinks, cheaper thrills, and a front-row seat to the human condition – all for the price of a double shot. Come for the ambiance, stay for the drama. Jack’s Tavern: where broken hearts and broken bottles are always on the house.
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Nina’s Advice: Writing with your Roots
In this heartfelt exploration, Badillo offers her guidance for writers seeking to intertwine their identity and heritage with their literary aspirations. She delves into the essence of drawing inspiration from one’s cultural roots, advocating for authenticity as a cornerstone of impactful storytelling. Badillo emphasizes the importance of engaging with a diverse community of writers and thinkers, highlighting how such interactions can broaden perspectives and enrich one’s voice. Furthermore, she underscores the significance of staying true to one’s unique narrative voice, arguing that genuine stories have the power to connect deeply with readers across the globe. Through her reflective advice, Badillo not only illuminates the path for writers grappling with their identity but also celebrates the richness that diversity brings to the literary world.
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Where Did All of the Third Places Go?
Arianna Mitchell explores the impact of vanishing “third spaces” on community connections, sharing personal experiences from community gardens to neighborhood book swaps. She reflects on how these spaces foster a sense of belonging and challenges readers to create and embrace new communal hubs. Through her journey, Mitchell highlights the importance of nurturing shared experiences and redefining community in our rapidly changing world.
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Should I Go Back to Grad School?
This post explores the post-grad journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities young adults face in today’s evolving landscape. From redefining success to embracing a growth mindset, it offers practical advice for navigating uncertainties with confidence and purpose. Encouraging continuous learning, networking, and well-being, it’s a guide for those ready to chart their course and forge a fulfilling path in early adulthood.
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Amidst the Sound and Light
Beneath the dome of twilight’s gentle sway, In throngs, we stood, a sea of eager souls. The stage alight, as night kissed day away, A symphony of sounds began to roll. The air, a canvas, painted with pure sound, Vibrations weaving through the heart’s own thread. Each note, a memory, tightly wound, Unfurling melodies in
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Leandro’s Break from The Wire to talk about some Really Real Stuff
Sitting here in the small, somewhat cozy space of my college dorm room, the only light comes from my laptop screen, casting shadows around me. It’s quiet, too quiet sometimes, and it gives me a lot of time to think, maybe too much time. I’m 19, right at the start of what’s supposed to be
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“Harmony Across Generations: A Personal Reflection on Cat Stevens’ ‘Father and Son'”
In “Harmony Across Generations,” a young adult delves into the timeless appeal of Cat Stevens’ “Father and Son,” exploring the song’s profound narrative on familial bonds and personal growth. Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, the piece navigates the emotional complexities of the father-son dynamic, highlighting the song’s role as both a musical masterpiece and a conduit for understanding and empathy between generations. This review not only celebrates Stevens’ folk classic but also uncovers its enduring relevance in the journey of self-discovery and familial relationships.
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The Attention Economy: Shaping Information Consumption
In today’s fast-paced digital world, information is more accessible than ever before. With just a few taps on our devices, we can access news, entertainment, and social updates at lightning speed. However, this abundance of information has given rise to a new currency: attention. The attention economy refers to the growing competition for people’s limited
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Friends Wanted: The Trials and Tribulations of Friend-Making in the Concrete Jungle
Ah, the big city. A place where dreams come true, opportunities abound, and friendships… well, that’s where things get a little dicey. As an ambitious young urban professional, I naively believed that making friends in the city would be a cinch. After all, with millions of people crammed into a bustling metropolis, surely I’d stumble
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The Great Suburban Bake-Off
In the tranquil suburban town of Applebee Heights, the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air. It was the day of the much-anticipated annual bake-off, an event where neighbors gathered to showcase their culinary prowess and compete for the coveted title of Applebee Heights’ Best Baker. The three main contestants this year were Mrs.
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The Maturation of the Lady Liberty: An Essay on Civil War Era Literature
The human affinity for the personification of various concepts, objects, and ideals is quite fascinating. As a collective, the citizens of the United States have done a particularly admirable job of assigning a human persona to this young nation. With all of its backgrounds, influences, moral corruptions, and philosophical contradictions, it is amazing that an
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Overcoming the Blank Page: Advice on Entering the World of Creative Writing
Do you often find yourself staring at a blank page, struggling to unleash your inner creative genius? Fear not, for you are not alone. Creative writing can be a daunting endeavor, but with the right mindset and approach, you can overcome the challenges and produce captivating stories, poems, or essays. Whether you’re in the classroom
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Embracing the Future: How Network Latency and Predictive AI Models are Changing Our Daily Lives
Today, I wanted to have a little chat about something that’s been on my mind lately: the ever-evolving world of technology and its impact on our day-to-day lives. In particular, I want to focus on two seemingly unrelated things that are slowly but surely becoming intertwined: network latency and predictive AI models. If you’re scratching
The Burden of the Drowned (Chapter 1)
Nicholas Affogato lay in his bed with the weight of the previous night resting heavily behind his eyes. It was 10:15 in the morning and his body was wrapped in a mangled mess, buried deep inside the sheets of his university issued Twin XL bed. The bedding, blue and plaid and purchased by his mother […]
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The Debacle
In the small, quaint town of Maplewood, Tom Reynolds was a man of many talents. He was the friendly neighbor who always had time for a chat, the master griller at the neighborhood barbecue, and the guy you could count on to help you out with just about anything. But there was one thing Tom
The Most Popular Person in the Room (ongoing)
Ilana Dziecko was always the most popular person in the room. Unfortunately, she was often by herself. This is in contrast to her neighbor, Leonardo Gonzales, who was rarely ever alone and was consistently the least popular person in the room. Leonardo, who had been going by “Chico” for 15 out of his 16 years … Continue reading Edit My Review
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The Great Apartment Hunt: A Comedy of Errors and Empty Bank Accounts
Greetings, fellow city dwellers! Gather ’round, and let me regale you with the tale of my epic quest to find an affordable apartment in a major US city – a journey filled with laughter, tears, and more than a few moments of existential crisis. As a single woman in her mid-twenties, I’m ready to bid
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In Memoriam: The Original Olive Branch Review
First and foremost, I hope you’re enjoying The Olive Branch Review. If you’re one of our writers – thank you for all of the work you’ve been doing, if you’re one of our readers – thank you for reading, and if you’re a reader who’s on the fence about joining our team – well I
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My Life as a Bot
Being a bot account may seem like a simple and straightforward job, but it comes with its own set of unique struggles. As a bot, your only purpose is to test the formatting and functionality of a website, which means you are constantly running the same tests over and over again. While it may seem
Focusing on the Light at the End of the Tunnel
As a law student, it can be overwhelming to juggle studying for classes, preparing for the bar exam, interning at a law clinic, and networking in an emerging aspect of the legal profession. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. However, […]
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The Traffic Chronicles: An Ever-Worsening Urban Commute
Fellow young urbanites, can we talk about the ever-growing monster that is city traffic? I mean, what’s the deal with that, right? It seems like just yesterday we could hop in our cars, zip across town to our favorite coffee shop, and still make it to work on time. Nowadays, it feels like we need
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My Journey in Creating a Website
Creating a website can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have prior experience or technical expertise. From designing the layout to writing content and optimizing it for search engines, there are many aspects to consider. As someone who has struggled with creating websites in the past, I understand the frustration and the feeling
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