In a Super Bowl commercial promoting electric vehicles, American comedian Will Ferrell noted that per-capita sales of such automobiles are higher in Norway than in the U.S., and a university in the Scandinavian country responded with a humorous skit about tuition, renewable energy development, and more that doubles as a short primer on the benefits of living in a social democracy.
For those who skipped the Super Bowl, here's the original General Motors ad starring Ferrell:
Watch the response featuring Sunniva Whittaker, rector of the University of Agder in Norway, who says, "The Americans are coming, and Will Ferrell does not look happy."
"We have to make a public apology, and we have to get rid of anything else that might make Will envy us in any way," she continues. "If he gets so annoyed about our electric vehicles, I can't imagine how he'd react to all the other stuff."
"I pay tuition!" recites a confused exchange student, as Whittaker nods approvingly. "But I don't pay tuition," the student later admits. "Education in Norway is free, even for us Americans!"
"Well I know that," Whittaker says, "but Will Ferrell does not have to know."
This dynamic is repeated twice more: first, when Whittaker brushes aside a student who asks the rector about the university's research on using hydropower to recycle and reuse electric vehicle batteries; and then, when a student calls Whittaker to tell the rector that she'll see her again following a one-year paid maternity leave.
"If you want to become the number one country in the world when it comes to electric vehicles," Whittaker concludes, addressing the United States, "we won't stand in your way. We'll even help you, and co-create the knowledge you need."
This article first appeared on Common Dreams. You can read it here.
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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.