Anyone who has attended a sporting event knows that disruptive behavior can ruin the experience for others seated nearby and, in many cases, lead to dangerous confrontations between those in attendance.
With the fan experience and safety in mind, the NBA issued a revised list of items banned in all its teams’ arenas. Also present on the list are items that have been used to disrupt play on the court through both clever means (optical illusions!) or tactics that are tantamount to assault (shining laser pointers in players’ eyes while shooting).
Though the list is a curious one, it’s hard to defend the inclusion of many items on the list, no matter how innocuous, especially in the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting that served as a painful reminder of how vulnerable members of large crowds can be.
While many of the items are simply obnoxious and intrusive given their size and shape, listed objects such as large signs, bags, and even strollers could be used to conceal weapons once inside the arena. The ban on strollers may be seen as an undue hardship on parents looking to take in a game with their kids, but I think we can all agree that the beach balls, selfie sticks, frisbees, and whistles are all best left at the door for the sake of everyone’s sanity.
Similarly, the only drones that fans should be excited about seeing are the helium blimps that move over the crowd at a glacial pace, dropping T-shirts and gift cards to the teeming fans below. But even those are subject to going rogue and into the crowd.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
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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.