For our Design a Livable Street project, we asked GOOD readers to take a picture of a poorly planned street and photoshop it into shape. Our judges, Aaron Naparstek from Streetsblog and the designer Carly Clark, looked over the submissions and were "extremely impressed with the quality." They picked a first place entry and four runners up. See their notes below.
Fifth Place: Times Square, New York City by Pilar Pastor.
"We freely admit that contests submitting New York City redesign concepts were at a disadvantage. Since it's our own hometown we found ourselves getting very picky over miniscule design details. So, while Carly and I both believe that Times Square is not the right spot for cherry blossom trees (unless they're made out of garish fluorescent lighting), we think it's great that Pilar Pastor is exploring the idea of a completely car-free Times Square. That's the kind of big thinking we need in this town."
Fourth Place: Auckland, New Zealand by Aaron Nelson.
"We thought that Aaron Nelson did a really nice job of humanizing this stark, unfriendly street corner. We like the way he activated the streetscape by transforming a blank wall into a café. His street design treatment has vastly improved the pedestrian experience. And it's realistic too. You could really see this sort of design being implemented and used as a model throughout the city.''
Third Place: Flint, Michigan by Shaun Smakal.
"We really liked it that Shaun incorporated clean energy and green building concepts into this thorough and thoughtful re-envisioning of a Flint, Michigan alleyway. This is the kind of holistic approach to ‘livable streets' that we love to see. It would have been nice to see some human beings in the rendering and a nearly empty alley is sort of an easy target for a redesign, but this is solid work."
Second Place: Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Juli Kaufmann.
"Holy cow. The ‘before' picture is incredible. Did someone drop a bomb on this street? Yikes. When was the last time anyone gave this public space some TLC? With some relatively simple and cheap design changes, Juli Kaufmann has vastly improved conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders and, in the process, has made the entire neighborhood more attractive to residents and businesses. Milwaukee is lucky to have Juli Kaufmann."
The Winner: Portsmouth, Virginia by Steve Price.
"Not only does Steve Price know his way around the old Photoshop, he also really understands what it takes to make a ‘complete street.' Carly and I both loved this rendering. As far as photo simulations go, Steve does an amazing job of getting the angles and the perspective just right. As for the street design, Steve's holistic approach is just what what's needed in a barren urban environment like this. He's thinking about new infill development, light rail, bike lanes, and outdoor space for pedestrians and putting it all together to create an entirely new neighborhood. Portsmouth should go and make this happen right now!"
Thanks to Aaron and Carly for participating and thanks to everyone who submitted. We'll be in touch with all the winners.
Say goodbye or make amends.Image via Canva - Photo by Inna Postnikova
Friends recording on a camcorder.Image via Canva - Photo by capturenow
This is an AI-generated image using the language "A beautiful woman with long eyelashes and red lips surrounded by swirls of colorful makeup." AI/Canva/Elyssa Goodman 
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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.