President Trump declined to indulge college hoops fans by filling out a bracket, but Barack Obama, a known basketball fan, wasn’t going to let the annual tradition pass just because he’s a private citizen again.
The former president shared his picks for the men’ s tournament on Twitter through his Obama Foundation.
In case that’s not quite legible, you can see bigger images of both his men’s and women’s brackets pulled from the Obama Foundation’s website.
The former president seems to have gotten a bit bolder with his predictions this year, picking bitter rivals UNC and Duke to square off in the men’s final. They are a 1- and a 2-seed, respectively, so it’s not too far a reach, but anytime UNC and Duke are pitted against each other in a finals’ bracket, there is always a measure of wishful thinking.
Filling out the women’s bracket, Obama pits Notre Dame against the mighty and seemingly insurmountable UConn. Save for diehard fans of other teams, few will take too much offense to those picks.
From 2009–2014 Obama accurately predicted an impressive 74.4 percent of the tourney games, according to Hoops Hype. It’s likely he’s put a little more due diligence into this year’s picks, considering he no longer has a country to run, .
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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.