Ask HN: Random black bar above HN header?

1 pointmichaeljohansen3 comments

A thin black bar will occasionally appear above the HN header. It contains a table row with an image called "s.gif". What is it, and why does it appear at random?

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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11335903 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=644954

> It's an online version of the black arm band that's often worn to acknowledge the passing of a great figure in a community.

It signifies that a notable person has passed away. Black ribbons are associated with mourning.

To elaborate on Bowes-Lyon’s comment, at the time of writing, a black bar appears because Lynn Conway has passed away:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40648470

You may see this entry on the front page (by clicking “Hacker News” on the header).

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