Back in January, President Obama periodically wept through a speech in which he announced several executive actions intended to tighten gun control in the United States — crazy things like expanding the background check process for some gun purchases, making it harder for unlicensed gun sellers to move arms and investing half a billion dollars in mental health research and “smart gun” technology. As Obama pointed out, “If a child can't open a bottle of aspirin, we should make sure they can’t pull a trigger on a gun."
President Obama was crying because he was recounting the horrors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in front of a room filled with, among others, family members of gun violence victims. But, of course, before he could even issue that address the GOP presidential hopefuls — most of which have been retired by the democratic process — were pre-outraged.
Donald Trump vowed to dismantle any executive action by Obama regarding guns if he took office, and Governor Chris “I set fire to all the goodwill I earned after Hurricane Sandy” Christie eloquently said, “When I become president, [Obama’s executive action] will be stricken from executive action by executive action I will take.” Known winner Jeb Bush added to the pile by saying, “It’s wrong.”
But the truth is, this country is plagued by gun violence — plagued in the sense that, like The Plague, it is killing thousands and thousands of people in the United States every year. Thousands have already died this year, in fact, and the cause is not so simple as “Muslim terrorists” or “bad guys” who we can protect ourselves from with more guns. Before we entertain insane people like Ted Cruz and their insane ideas like “patroling Muslim neighborhoods” we need to actually examine why gun violence is occuring. So we did. And we put it in a video, just for you.
Music: Nym - "Lesser Known Good" https://nymself.com
Data Source: https://www.shootingtracker.com/
Produced by Gabriel Reilich
Graphics / Animation by Jake Infusino https://jakemotion.com
Research by Katie Felber and Gabriel Reilich
Download the Dataset here: https://bit.ly/1oZuR0l
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
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.