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If it sounds stupid, looks stupid, quacks like stupid, but also (kinda) works, is it still stupid? The jury’s still out on this one. What we know for sure is that in the world of life hacks, even the weirdest ideas can still have merit. All it takes is a bit of creativity and the willingness to stick a broken key into a potato to make a new grip. Genius and madness are often two sides of the same coin, after all.

Our team over here at Bored Panda wanted to share some of that peculiar worldly wisdom with you, so we’ve compiled this list of the most bizarre life hacks that (sorta, kinda, surprisingly) work. Scroll on down and remember to upvote the ones that impressed you the most, as well as the ones that got you giggling so hard, you had to take a five-minute break. Got a particular fave hack that you can’t wait to share with all of your friends semi-seriously? Let us know which one it was in the comments.

Who better to help navigate the world of silliness than a comedian? Comedy writer and musical stand-up comedian Ariane Sherine put an end to the age-old discussion about whether or not something's dumb if it works. "It’s actually very smart, and it’s a shame if people don’t use it through fear of looking dumb!" she told Bored Panda. Read on for the rest of our interview with Ariane.

In the mood for some more hacks and even more laughs to boost your mood? You’ll find our earlier posts about silly but functional life hacks over here and right here. Bon appétit.

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British comedian Ariane explained that human beings tend to look down on ideas that sound dumb on a theoretical level because we want to appear much more intelligent than we might actually be. It's all to do with our (perceived) reputations!

"Everybody wants to think they’re smart (even if they’re actually Donald Trump!) and people hate feeling stupid or being duped. If a piece of advice doesn’t sound helpful, I guess people who see themselves as clever will automatically reject it rather than try it and risk feeling dumb," she shared with Bored Panda.

#5

If It's Stupid And It Works It's Not Stupid

If It's Stupid And It Works It's Not Stupid

cindaysaur Report

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#6

My Dad Apparently Sneaks His Remote Into A Local Bar So He Can Change The Channel When He Doesn’t Like What’s On. I’m Equally Embarrassed And Impressed

My Dad Apparently Sneaks His Remote Into A Local Bar So He Can Change The Channel When He Doesn’t Like What’s On. I’m Equally Embarrassed And Impressed

BandoLou Report

Meanwhile, Ariane, just like us, is a huge fan of avocados. Not surprisingly, her favorite life hack has to do with them and how they have an "inbult ripeness sensor" that lets you tell if the avocado is overripe or still green (yes, yes, they're always green, but you know what we mean!).

"You know how hard it is to tell whether an avocado’s ripe before cutting into it? Simply twist the stem. If it doesn’t come off, it’s underripe; if it comes off and is green underneath, it’s ripe; if it’s brown underneath, it’s overripe. Voila—no more rock hard or mushy grey avocados!" she shared, adding that she has, just us, found that supermarkets promoting 'ripe' avocados tend to lie about just how ripe they really are.

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#9

If You Stain A Shirt, You Can Simply Outline The Stain With A Sharpie And Give It A Name. This Will Make It Seam Like You Visit Islands

If You Stain A Shirt, You Can Simply Outline The Stain With A Sharpie And Give It A Name. This Will Make It Seam Like You Visit Islands

joecool32 Report

Life hacks come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny modifications to how you go about your day for increased efficiency to some seriously out-of-the-box thinking that stays with you, changing your entire perception about life and how you’ve been living it.

#10

Learn When To Cry

Learn When To Cry

lawyerman_ktk Report

In short, life hacks are concentrated bits of worldly wisdom that people have picked up during their lives. We’ve all got at least a few pearls of wisdom that we can share with others, but we’re sometimes not aware that it’s something that others wouldn’t know about.

#13

If It Works It's Not Stupid

If It Works It's Not Stupid

personathethird Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can keep your herd together with minimal effort, it is not stupid.

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While some life hacks we pick up from others, improving them to fit our needs, others are, as Bob Ross would say, “happy little accidents.” It just goes to show that even when we think that we’ve got life all figured out, a small slip or mistake can actually be an opportunity to live life better. I mean, I probably won’t use a potato as a key handle until I absolutely have to, but it’s good to have the idea about how flexible I can be somewhere in the back of my head.

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For the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, practical wisdom (also known as practical rationality or ‘phronesis’) was the highest intellectual virtue. “Phronesis is the complicated interactions between general (theory) and practical (judgment),” one paper explains.

#19

I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

I Figured Out You Don’t Actually Have To Assemble These Things

ImWadeYo Report

#20

My Brother Wanted To Measure The Trees In His Yard. This Is How Did He Did It

My Brother Wanted To Measure The Trees In His Yard. This Is How Did He Did It

Shwnwllms Report

While we might not immediately link life hacks to something as profound as Aristotelean philosophy, they do hold some things in common, specifically the practical and correct application of theoretical knowledge. And considering that some of these life hacks help solve real-world issues (however small they might be), they shouldn’t be dismissed despite how dumb they might sound on a purely theoretical level.

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#24

If You’re Broke And Can’t Afford Coasters Grab Some Flooring Samples From Home Depot. They Are Free And Come In A Variety Of Colors And Finishes

If You’re Broke And Can’t Afford Coasters Grab Some Flooring Samples From Home Depot. They Are Free And Come In A Variety Of Colors And Finishes

Jaunt- Report

Life hacks might not be as mighty as author John Bradshaw explains in his book ‘Reclaiming Virtue’ (i.e. practical wisdom being “the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason”), but they are a reflection of humankind’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, from the tiny and ridiculous to the profound and consequential. There’s nothing wrong with MacGyvering a solution if conventional knowledge fails us!

#26

Started Staining The Deck And Needed To Keep The Dog Off The Deck Boards. Solution Found

Started Staining The Deck And Needed To Keep The Dog Off The Deck Boards. Solution Found

brotatohead Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, this is assuming your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner. I had a neighbour with a Boston Terrier that loved the vacuum. Weird doggo.

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But what life hacks do you have to share with all the other Pandas? Are they something that you discovered by accident or did you see them somewhere? Do you believe that life hacks can be considered to be successful if they’re really dumb but work? What’s the absolute stupidest life hack you’ve ever seen that still (kinda, sorta, surprisingly) works? Let us know what you think below.

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#28

If It's Stupid And It Works It Ain't Stupid

If It's Stupid And It Works It Ain't Stupid

mrbik225 Report

#29

How To Have Fun As A Parent

How To Have Fun As A Parent

i-like-to-be-wooshed Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be the last one except it wouldn't be intentional. Never been good at skateboarding.

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#30

Meanwhile This Person Is Living In 3018

Meanwhile This Person Is Living In 3018

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#32

5 Second Rule

5 Second Rule

life_lamp Report

#34

A Flood Can Be A Great Opportunity To Turn Your Home Into An Aquarium

A Flood Can Be A Great Opportunity To Turn Your Home Into An Aquarium

MarticZtn Report

#35

Stay Thin Y’all

Stay Thin Y’all

knightsglow Report

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BananaJo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean good idead, but usually they're half full, so it might look a little sus

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#36

Because It’s Sunny I Want To Work Outside But It’s So Bright I Can’t Really See The Screen. Putting Your Laptop In A Box Blocks Out The Light, So Your Laptop Screen Is Bright. It Also Keeps Laptop Cooler

Because It’s Sunny I Want To Work Outside But It’s So Bright I Can’t Really See The Screen. Putting Your Laptop In A Box Blocks Out The Light, So Your Laptop Screen Is Bright. It Also Keeps Laptop Cooler

benlouislebu Report

#38

In Todays Episode Of Slavic Science

In Todays Episode Of Slavic Science

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Aahzmandus Pervect
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The car is Italian, and the plates are Brazilian, so I guess the car's also been made there. What's Slavic about this?

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#39

Efficient Way To Get Drunk During Quarantine

Efficient Way To Get Drunk During Quarantine

BennyWillard Report

#40

My 12 Year Old Son Modified His Bike With Carpet For Barefoot Riding

My 12 Year Old Son Modified His Bike With Carpet For Barefoot Riding

flaglerite Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst it is a clever idea, riding without shoes is not. Accidents happen a lot more than you think.

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#41

Independent Fact Checkers Show This Is True

Independent Fact Checkers Show This Is True

JackWilliamRtF Report

#42

Afraid Those Lottery Tickets You Got For Stocking Stuffers Might Actually Be Winners?

Afraid Those Lottery Tickets You Got For Stocking Stuffers Might Actually Be Winners?

udunn0jb Report

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#44

The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

star_man_u Report

#45

Steal Big

Steal Big

seangentille Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stole pens from my last internship and never paid in the coffee machine. They made me work extra hours, never taught me a thing (I needed to follow an online free R course because the tutor wouldnt help me programing it), wanted me to also work in the weekends (not allowed in the university). And when I got ill and needed to go to the hospital they were mad at me. At the end they graded me with a 6 despite going to work there for months with big health problems and labeled me "inmature and irresponsible". Because apparently being ill is inmature now.

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#47

If Your Key Breaks In Half, Just Stick It Into A Potato Like My Friend Did This Morning

If Your Key Breaks In Half, Just Stick It Into A Potato Like My Friend Did This Morning

sgape Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what if the bottom half is already stuck in the lock. Do I mash some potato inside and it work like normal again.

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#48

Cool Your Backside Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

Cool Your Backside Off On A Hot Day By Pressing It Against The Cold Door

_ThatSynGirl_ Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our husky used to flatten himself against the stone kitchen floor. Smart guy

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#50

Cutting Your Tennis Balls In Half Allows You To Store Two More Balls In Each Can, Saving Space

Cutting Your Tennis Balls In Half Allows You To Store Two More Balls In Each Can, Saving Space

fantafano Report

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#51

I Guess It's Not Stupid If It Works (Planted 300 Bulbs In 2 Hours)

I Guess It's Not Stupid If It Works (Planted 300 Bulbs In 2 Hours)

ChickenPotPi Report

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#52

Pistachio Nut And A Dab Of Glue Saved The Day

Pistachio Nut And A Dab Of Glue Saved The Day

Iwanttoplaytoo Report

#53

A Tube To Prevent Phone Distractions During Conversation

A Tube To Prevent Phone Distractions During Conversation

Meow Wolf Report

#55

Car Hacks #1

Car Hacks #1

adakshad Report

#57

Some Of My Succulents Don’t Like Full Full Sun... So I Bought Them Some Shade. It’s Not Dumb If It Works, Right?

Some Of My Succulents Don’t Like Full Full Sun... So I Bought Them Some Shade. It’s Not Dumb If It Works, Right?

Canary1226 Report

#58

Pretend That Money Isn’t An Issue For Becoming A Responsible Adult

Pretend That Money Isn’t An Issue For Becoming A Responsible Adult

technicallyron Report

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#60

Play Vacuum Sounds On Youtube When You Don’t Feel Like Vacuuming

Play Vacuum Sounds On Youtube When You Don’t Feel Like Vacuuming

calltaflighter Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lay in bed whilst the Roomba is going about its business. It will even clean underneath my bed!

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#62

DIY Smoke Detector

DIY Smoke Detector

_h4cHi Report

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ThatOneCrazyFanGirl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*Pop Pop Pop* "FIRE!! FIREEE!!!" "take a chill pill man i'm just making some popcorn :\"

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#63

Store Your Gum In Your Pill Bottle So People Don't Ask You For Gum

Store Your Gum In Your Pill Bottle So People Don't Ask You For Gum

banterpapi69_ Report

#64

Use A Fork In Case You Haven’t Mastered Chopsticks Yet

Use A Fork In Case You Haven’t Mastered Chopsticks Yet

reddit.com Report

#65

Put Your Beer In A Coffee Mug So Nobody At Work Knows You’re Drinking

Put Your Beer In A Coffee Mug So Nobody At Work Knows You’re Drinking

ReddicaPolitician Report

#67

Keep The Gas Turned On So Your Partner Doesn't Have To Make Too Much Effort While Heating Their Dinner

Keep The Gas Turned On So Your Partner Doesn't Have To Make Too Much Effort While Heating Their Dinner

MohanBhargava Report

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#68

Claim You’re Under 21 To Avoid Paying For Alcohol

Claim You’re Under 21 To Avoid Paying For Alcohol

Aris-Totally Report

#69

How To Make Your Double Bacon Cheeseburger Healthier

How To Make Your Double Bacon Cheeseburger Healthier

BadHealthAdvice Report

#71

Knowing When To Shower

Knowing When To Shower

Mom_Overboard Report

#72

Take An Item That Is About To Expire And Place It Into Another Container Without An Expiration Date To Make It Last Forever

Take An Item That Is About To Expire And Place It Into Another Container Without An Expiration Date To Make It Last Forever

multipath_tcp Report

#73

Dad’s “Life Hack” Didn’t Make Mom As Happy As He Hoped

Dad’s “Life Hack” Didn’t Make Mom As Happy As He Hoped

PhallusSea Report

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SirPatTheCat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah I see it's probably because the blue tape didn't match the décor. Shoulda used duct tape instead.

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#74

If You Wear Contacts, Leave Them In A Cup Of Coffee Overnight. Instant Sunglasses

If You Wear Contacts, Leave Them In A Cup Of Coffee Overnight. Instant Sunglasses

xippix Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well that's an infection just waiting to happen. But a sure way to get your caffeine fix lol.

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#75

My Daughter's Job Only Allows Black Pants And No Rips. Her Normal Pair Was Still In The Washer So She Hacked It. Will It Work?

My Daughter's Job Only Allows Black Pants And No Rips. Her Normal Pair Was Still In The Washer So She Hacked It. Will It Work?

IndoorNewb Report

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#76

Husband's Bedside Cup Holder

Husband's Bedside Cup Holder

rosiesugarpie Report

#78

If It Works It's Not Stupid

If It Works It's Not Stupid

DanielFranko Report

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I I
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

with onions always peel all the onions you are chopping first , then LEAVE THE ROOTS , if you dont cut through the roots you;ll have a better chance of not crying

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#79

If You Don't Like The Sauce You Used On Your Pasta, Just Wash It In Washing Machine

If You Don't Like The Sauce You Used On Your Pasta, Just Wash It In Washing Machine

ApplyBurnHeal Report

#80

It's Not Stupid If It Works. Two Dollar Bumper Buddies

It's Not Stupid If It Works. Two Dollar Bumper Buddies

JustaBabyApe Report

#81

If It Is Stupid But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

If It Is Stupid But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

cipher0_ Report

#82

If It Looks Stupid, But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

If It Looks Stupid, But It Works, It Ain't Stupid

Cinema7D Report

#83

This Is How My Auntie Blocks Ads From Her Computer Screen

This Is How My Auntie Blocks Ads From Her Computer Screen

itswallsss Report

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#84

Store A Paint Brush With Your Paint To Keep It From Drying Out And Have One Handy

Store A Paint Brush With Your Paint To Keep It From Drying Out And Have One Handy

minimur12 Report

#85

An Easy Way To Take Sneak Your Gameboy Into Class

An Easy Way To Take Sneak Your Gameboy Into Class

firmeyecontact Report

#86

No More Tears In The Kitchen

No More Tears In The Kitchen

SashaEitan Report

#88

Getting Windows

Getting Windows

chanchan05 Report

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Mohsie Supposie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is very true. I got my Windows license from one of my workplace PCs.

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#89

Turn A Double Light Switch Into A Single With An Extra Wide Bag Clip

Turn A Double Light Switch Into A Single With An Extra Wide Bag Clip

dtaivp Report

#90

Want To Get The Covid Vaccine In NC Sooner? You Have 22 Days To Smoke 100 Cigarettes

Want To Get The Covid Vaccine In NC Sooner? You Have 22 Days To Smoke 100 Cigarettes

JoeBrunoWSOC9 Report

#91

Wife Hack

Wife Hack

Pillowburn Report

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Kristal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, that won't work. Most already know what dishes are dirty.

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#93

A Backboard “Fix” Done By One Of My Neighbors

A Backboard “Fix” Done By One Of My Neighbors

MachoLad77 Report

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#95

How To Have A Clean Break Up

How To Have A Clean Break Up

RayInRed Report

#96

Don't Have Any Money? Check In Your Wallet - You May Have Left A Couple Of Bucks In There At Some Point

Don't Have Any Money? Check In Your Wallet - You May Have Left A Couple Of Bucks In There At Some Point

_meetmeinmontauk_ Report

#98

If It Looks Stupid But Working, It Ain't Stupid

If It Looks Stupid But Working, It Ain't Stupid

riashatrafat Report

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SirPatTheCat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know this is supposed to be the handle but I first thought of using it like a utensil and my tongue retracted into my esophagus on reflex

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#99

My 11-Year-Old Sister Put A Plastic Ziplock Bag Over Bowl So She Doesn’t Have To Clean It

My 11-Year-Old Sister Put A Plastic Ziplock Bag Over Bowl So She Doesn’t Have To Clean It

Somespooky Report

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Susan Green
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s all this world needs, more plastic that’s needlessly thrown away.

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#100

If You Run Out Of Mobile Data, Just Snap Out That Emergency Sim Card From Your Credit Card

 If You Run Out Of Mobile Data, Just Snap Out That Emergency Sim Card From Your Credit Card

7XavierL Report

#101

Use Your Retractable Armrest For Maximum Driving Comfort

Use Your Retractable Armrest For Maximum Driving Comfort

Colgatederpful Report

#102

Charge Your Phone Twice As Fast By Plugging It In While It’s On A Wireless Charger

Charge Your Phone Twice As Fast By Plugging It In While It’s On A Wireless Charger

kronicpimpin Report

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Joseph OReilly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's how you(sing it with me) seeeeet your house on FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIREEEEEEEEEEE

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#105

It's Not Stupid If It Works

It's Not Stupid If It Works

ManPlan78 Report

#107

The Perfect Towel Holder Doesn't Exis...

The Perfect Towel Holder Doesn't Exis...

spammington Report

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