Ask HN: Random black bar above HN header?

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	Ask HN: Random black bar above HN header?
	1 points by michaeljohansen 733 days ago
	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?

2 comments

> 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:

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