When John Kennedy realized the profound implication of gerrymandering — the systematic manipulation of voting district borders to favor a particular vote or party — he sought a clever way to impress upon others just how damaging this practice was to the democratic process. Called to action in protest of North Carolina’s “bathroom bill,” the artist and documentarian found that the borders of voting districts in his hometown of Asheville were so convoluted and nonsensical that he was having difficulty determining what district he resided in.
Amid his frustration in learning how districts are drawn and altered to avoid blocks or even specific buildings, Kennedy’s wife, Cinnamon, offered up an idea to enlighten other Asheville residents as to the scope of the problem. And thus, the seeds for the “Gerrymander 5K” were planted. However, Kennedy had no experience and little in the way of resources to breathe life into the idea, so he recruited another group that would certainly have a stake in bringing light to the local gerrymandering issue — the League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County.
The concept was an easy sell, league president Alana Pierce conveyed to Upworthy. “We want to demonstrate what [gerrymandering] is, how it can divide our communities and dilute our vote — no matter what party you're part of,” she said. “Secondarily, this is a fun way to get the attention of the people who are supposed to be representing us to say that we don't believe this methodology is fair and we don't feel like you are really representing us.”
With their involvement, the race was scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4. As for the course, well, it would stay true to district boundaries — jogging, kinking, and curving down streets, reminding runners of the geographic (and ethical) gymnastics that go into creating their districts and determining their representation.
Ahead of the actual race, the event already has garnered far more interest than anticipated, with more than 250 runners registered and no doubt countless bystanders prepared to cheer them on and witness the effects of gerrymandering firsthand.
To that end, runners are encouraged to chalk the course as they move to provide a more durable reminder of the extent to which the shady practice can bifurcate otherwise intact neighborhoods. Beyond the participants, the innovative event has garnered national attention and inspired others to follow suit in their own gerrymandered districts, of which there is no shortage nationally.
Those who would like to make a donation (or buy a shirt) to help promote awareness of the issue can do so on the League of Women Voters’ website.
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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.