A 2D array of disks under stress replicates several statistical features of seismic phenomena. This is an interesting reading by S. Lherminier, R. Planet, V. Levy dit Vehl, G. Simon, L. Vanel, K.J. Måløy and O. Ramos on how 2D disks under stress mimic earthquakes. This article is published in PRL, featured in Focus on Physics, highlighted in Physics World and Science Editor’s Choice.