Beer has been a common thread throughout all of human history. From the lagers made popular in the Middle Ages, to the corn beers brewed by Native Americans, and the “modern era” of beer in the 1800s, brewing yeast has remained the one thing all the world has in common. We’ve gone hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, without knowing much about the calorie, fat, and sodium levels of our favorite adult beverages.
Until now. In July, the Beer Institute, founded in 1862, announced its Voluntary Disclosure Initiative, which recommends American breweries provide consumers with more clarity on the nutritional value and ingredients present in its products, by either explicitly listing the aforementioned on the packaging itself or on the company's website.
[quote position="left" is_quote="true"]Providing meaningful information will ultimately empower the consumer when making decisions regarding the beer beverage of their choice.[/quote]
Some of the Institute's most influential members—Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, HeinekenUSA, Constellation Brands Beer Division, North American Breweries and Craft Brew Alliance—have agreed to implement the suggested changes by the Institute’s imposed deadline of 2020. Some of these changes are happening immediately with the information available on scannable QR codes located on the product's packaging.
The brands that have agreed to comply represent more than 80 percent of the beers available for sale in the United States. So there's a good chance that sooner rather than later, if you drink beer, you'll know exactly what you're consuming.
This initiative comes on the heels of a movement, both grassroots and institutionalized, for companies to provide greater transparency to consumers about what is actually in the food and drink they consume. Moreover, consumers themselves are demanding this information.
“Beer is the most popular alcohol beverage in the United States,” Jim McGreevy, the Beer Institute’s CEO said in a statement. “Providing meaningful information will ultimately empower the consumer when making decisions regarding the beer beverage of their choice.”
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This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.