Anyone who owns a bike in a city knows that protecting it against thieves can be an uphill battle often ending in disappointment. It seems even the priciest “unbreakable” locks are vulnerable to determined criminals, leaving cyclists out not just the cost of their bike, but their pricey locks as well.
After losing his expensive electric bike that was secured by not one but two $120 locks, Daniel Idzkowski from San Francisco thought it was time to try a different approach. Rather than compete on the strength and security of the lock itself, which thieves always seem able to circumvent, he decided to hit him where it hurts…
Their noses.
He’s developed a product called the SKUNKLOCK, which, as you can infer from the name, releases a potently unbearable smell when breached, causing potential thieves to vomit all over themselves uncontrollably. Says Idzkowski to The Guardian, “It’s pretty much immediately vomit inducing, causes difficulty breathing. A lot of similar symptoms to pepper spray.”
See the SKUNKLOCK in action here:
Looks pretty effective, doesn’t it?
This innovative line of defense might just be what urban cyclists need for to protect their bikes. It’s currently being funded on IndieGoGo, and while it hasn’t been tested on any thieves, Idzkowski and some very accommodating friends have subjected themselves to the overpowering odor that the lock releases.
He shared his account with the press, recalling, “At two feet it was pretty bad. It was absolutely vomit inducing in 99% of people. At five feet it’s very noticeable and the initial reaction is to move away from it. At 10ft it’s definitely detectable and very unpleasant.”
Oh, he’s not done.
“You’re basically just puking on yourself the entire time. They could change all their clothes, shower, if the bike is still there come out and cut the remaining 75% of the lock. You can’t prevent a theft 100%, so that’s why we call it a deterrent lock, not a solution. All you have to do is be better than the bike across the street.”
The defense mechanism, as unpleasant as it sounds, is compliant to US and EU laws, so I guess it’s just a function of getting this thing funded. After that, all we can do is hope that we’re not within a city block of any thief looking to take on the SKUNKLOCK.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
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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.