There’s a decent chance that if you’ve attended a pro basketball game in the past decade or so, you may have been treated to the talents of performer Rong Niu, known better by her stage name, Red Panda.
From atop a seven-foot-tall unicycle, Red Panda balances effortlessly while tossing objects on her head. The feats play very well in NBA arenas, where she’s been deemed the league’s most sought-after halftime act.
Sadly, the 44-year-old’s marathon touring of arenas to entertain has hit an unexpected delay after her custom unicycle — valued at $25,000 — was stolen. Without her bespoke vehicle, she’s had to use her inferior, less-cherished backup model. While it may suffice (for now), the video below shows that Red Panda’s act, and her very livelihood, is not the sort that permits much in the way of compromise.
According to KTVU (via Red Panda’s agent, Pat Figley), things aren’t going well for the fourth-generation acrobat on the unfamiliar secondary bike.
“She’s doing horribly,” Figley said. “She’s dropping balls. She’s just not used to it. The one that was stolen was custom built for her.”
Per reports, Red Panda’s unicycle was swiped from the SFO baggage claim with little in the way of leads. Fortunately, the millions of fans who have been entertained by Red Panda have been quick to signal-boost and try to assist in the reclamation of her prized possession.
According to her agent, the loss has left Red Panda “heartbroken.”
Let’s get her bike back so she can perform at the level that has amazed and delighted so many sports fans around the world.
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.