In just a few months, primary season for the presidential election will come to a merciful end—giving way to what will probably be an even more frightening bare knuckles general election in which the shame of the Republican party, Donald Trump, will almost certainly square off against the GOP’s favorite target, Hillary Clinton.
There are going to be ad hominen attacks and smear campaigns a plenty, and since this is American political theater, one of the fights we will be forced to endure will almost certainly be about abortion. For some it’s about the right to life, and for others it’s about the right to choose. For those on the side of choice in the United States, it can often feel like we are just a hair’s breadth away from conservatives fully stripping women of their right to govern their own bodies. But compared to the rest of the world we’re actually pretty liberal (which is surely no surprise to those who think the U.S. is run by pagans and homosexuals and pagan homosexuals.)
The above video is a map of abortion policies across the globe. Generally, the northern hemisphere has the most “lax” laws when it comes to the procedure, with Africa and South America tending towards much tighter restrictions. Think of green as meaning “go” and orange and red telling you to exercise extreme caution.
Data Source: worldabortionlaws.com
Produced by Gabriel Reilich
Graphics by Aaron Thacker
Grieving couple comforting each other
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.