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Let’s not be naive, the world can be a dangerous place. Accidents can and do happen daily—they’re a part of being human. We have to somehow balance the knowledge that bad things can happen to us, while minimizing the risks we face, and also trying to live life to the fullest, without fear. After all, you can't spend the rest of your days hiding in a corner somewhere, scared to do anything. However, it’s moments where you are literally an inch away from getting disastrously hurt that can (almost) make you start believing in Luck with a capital ‘L.’ 

Bored Panda has compiled this list of pics and stories, showing how people miraculously avoided what could have been some truly nasty accidents. They came away unscathed thanks to pure luck (and possibly a guardian angel or two, depending on your beliefs). 

When you’ve scrolled through this list and upvoted the posts that made you do a double-take, feel free to take a look at Bored Panda’s earlier feature about narrow escapes right over here

Bored Panda reached out to award-winning business psychologist and wellbeing specialist Lee Chambers with a couple of questions about living with confidence, as well as what mindset can help us recover more quickly if we do happen to get into an accident. The Startups 100 Index, the leading award for UK-based startups, has recently inducted Lee's company, Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, into its ranks and he has been widely praised for his success. Read on for our interview with the psychologist.

#1

This Is Jeremiah. Jeremiah Wore Safety Goggles While Angle Grinding. Jeremiah Still Has His Right Eye. Be Like Jeremiah

This Is Jeremiah. Jeremiah Wore Safety Goggles While Angle Grinding. Jeremiah Still Has His Right Eye. Be Like Jeremiah

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Psychologist and wellbeing specialist Lee, the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, explained to Bored Panda that, in modern times, we're exposed to more negative news which might make the world seem a bit more dangerous than it actually is.

"Part of being able to live with confidence is accepting that accidents do happen, and that in the modern world, we see them more often than they actually happen due to the media we consume," he said.

"Appreciating that there are things that are out of control is powerful, as this helps us to get clear on what we can control from a risk perspective, to make our lives as safe as possible, but not waste time worrying about things we can't."

#2

Sometimes It Pays To Have A Dirty Car. My Son Got Rear-Ended Last Night, The Other Driver Was Aggressive And Left Without Exchanging Info

Sometimes It Pays To Have A Dirty Car. My Son Got Rear-Ended Last Night, The Other Driver Was Aggressive And Left Without Exchanging Info

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#3

A Tram In The Netherlands Failed To Stop In Time And Broke Through The Emergency Barrier. It's Being Held Up By The Statue Of A Whale's Tail

A Tram In The Netherlands Failed To Stop In Time And Broke Through The Emergency Barrier. It's Being Held Up By The Statue Of A Whale's Tail

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Meanwhile, we can aim to be more mindful of the content that we consume. That way, we can switch our perspectives and see opportunities rather than potential threats. "Other things to consider are ensuring we sleep well, which supports our emotional balance, eating well as this impacts our mood, and moving our bodies, as this protects against worrying and rumination," the wellbeing specialist pointed out that we should all strive to get the basics right first.

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Psychologist Lee was also kind enough to share his thoughts on the values and beliefs that can help someone recover more quickly if they happen to get hurt badly in an accident. "Some important things to consider is that with accidents, we need to come to a place of acceptance about what has happened, in order to move past the suffering and start to focus on a growth mindset," Lee said.

#4

These Coins Stopped A Bullet And Saved My Great-Grandfather's Life During World War 1

These Coins Stopped A Bullet And Saved My Great-Grandfather's Life During World War 1

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#5

We Were Seconds Away From Losing Our Home To The California Fire. Thank You To All The Firefighters That Saved Our Community

We Were Seconds Away From Losing Our Home To The California Fire. Thank You To All The Firefighters That Saved Our Community

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Steal
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes you were! I'm happy you made it out safely and your home was not lost. ❤️

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#6

This Is Why You Wear A Full Helmet. My Friend Was Hit By Someone Who Ran A Red Light. If He Had Wore A Skull Cap, He'd Have No Lower Jaw

This Is Why You Wear A Full Helmet. My Friend Was Hit By Someone Who Ran A Red Light. If He Had Wore A Skull Cap, He'd Have No Lower Jaw

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Oki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's awesome. Now please throw that helmet away and get a new one. The outside is just scratched, but the inside is probably broken - that is what a helmet is meant to do to absorb the impact. Please remember that helmets are only good for one good blow. Stay safe.

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"It's very easy to look at what you've lost, rather than focusing on the most positive recovery possible. This involves reflection, expressing the emotions you feel in a healthy way, and sometimes forgiving ourselves." What also helps is practicing gratitude for what you have "rather than focusing on what you might have lost, and being resilient helps to navigate adversity and adapt to new ways of doing things."

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The psychologist added that some other important things are to maintain optimism, find fun in the little things, and seek support from your network. Lee has been lauded by the Startups 100 Index for his exceptional hard work with Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. You can find some recent coverage of his success here, here, as well as here

#7

Friend Was Driving Down The Road And A Tree Fell On The Bed Of His Truck, Missing Passengers In The Back Seat And Horses In The Trailer He Was Pulling

Friend Was Driving Down The Road And A Tree Fell On The Bed Of His Truck, Missing Passengers In The Back Seat And Horses In The Trailer He Was Pulling

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#8

This Was My Friend's Car After He Was Hit By A Semi. The Next Image Is The Only Injury He Sustained

This Was My Friend's Car After He Was Hit By A Semi. The Next Image Is The Only Injury He Sustained

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#9

I Got Hit By Shrapnel In Ukraine And My Helmet Saved Me From A Very Bad Headache

I Got Hit By Shrapnel In Ukraine And My Helmet Saved Me From A Very Bad Headache

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It’s a good idea to learn what to do if you’re ever in a fire, see someone drowning, spot someone who got electrocuted, or notice someone choking, etc. These are examples of emergency situations that you can prepare for in advance and do drills so that you know what to do under stress. This way, you’re prepared and won’t be panicking when the dung hits the fan.

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However, aside from basic safety precautions, there are plenty of situations that are disasters-in-waiting that you can’t feasibly prepare for. For example, you probably don’t expect your power tools to suddenly break and send metal fragments flying everywhere. The best you can do is get in the habit of wearing safety gear like goggles, and make sure that you take care of your tools.

Similarly, it would be mind-boggling to prepare for an eventuality like someone plowing their car through the wall of your building in the middle of the night. It’s a frightening thought. And people have avoided getting hurt due to blind luck. But it’s not exactly a situation that you could see potentially happening.

There are just way too many factors to consider! And it would overwhelm pretty much everyone if they tried to cover all of their bases, all the time. They’d probably end up living in an isolated bunker on a mountain somewhere… but even there, you’d still have to deal with dangers like tripping and falling.

#10

A Pole Flew Through My Friend's Windshield While Driving Down I-80 Outside Of Berkeley, California Almost Impaling Him

A Pole Flew Through My Friend's Windshield While Driving Down I-80 Outside Of Berkeley, California Almost Impaling Him

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#11

This Is Why Hockey Players Wear Masks

This Is Why Hockey Players Wear Masks

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Mickysixxx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't even wanna know the horror stories of people getting hit in the groin protectors in cricket.

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#12

Went To The Gas Station Last Night For 5 Minutes To Get Beer And Came Back To This. My Room Is The Window To The Right. I Feel Insanely Lucky Right Now. Might Go Gambling

Went To The Gas Station Last Night For 5 Minutes To Get Beer And Came Back To This. My Room Is The Window To The Right. I Feel Insanely Lucky Right Now. Might Go Gambling

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Based on the CDC’s data from 2020, the leading causes of death in the United States were heart disease (696,962 deaths), cancer (602,350), Covid-19 (350,831), accidents (200,955), stroke (160,264), and chronic lower respiratory diseases (152,657). Alzheimer’s killed 134,242 Americans while Diabetes claimed the lives of 102,188 people in the country.

Meanwhile, the leading causes of death around the world are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high blood sugar, and air pollution. We might not be able to control many things that happen to us, but we can eat healthy food and get plenty of movement, in order to reduce our risks of certain diseases.

Having an active social life and keeping your stress under control can also help your body and mind stay healthy. Social isolation is just as bad as smoking, so you shouldn’t neglect to build genuine social connections. Try to stay in touch with your family and friends as much as possible.

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#13

To Be Fair It Could Have Been Worse

To Be Fair It Could Have Been Worse

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#14

The Coronavirus Saved Us. This Is Our AP Office This Morning After The Beirut Explosion

The Coronavirus Saved Us. This Is Our AP Office This Morning After The Beirut Explosion

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While a thriving social life and exercise alone won’t make you magically immune to accidents, you’ll be far fitter and more capable to bounce back after your stay at the hospital. Moreover, having others support you in your time of need can make a massive difference in your recovery. Control the things that you can control. Prepare for the most common risks. And then go about your day, taking the necessary safety precautions, but without constantly looking above your head for falling pianos.

#16

Y'all Can't Tell Me God Ain't Real

Y'all Can't Tell Me God Ain't Real

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#17

Truck Goes Over Bridge, Is Saved By Safety Chains Hooked Up To RV

Truck Goes Over Bridge, Is Saved By Safety Chains Hooked Up To RV

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#18

Good Karma: No Flat Tire And A New Good Lucky Charm In The Process

Good Karma: No Flat Tire And A New Good Lucky Charm In The Process

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John L
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe no flat, but I bet that impact point is going to bubble after some time.

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Good luck might help us avoid getting hurt. However, ironically, not all good luck is, well, good for us. For example, many people dream about winning the lottery, getting a ton of money, and then living (what they assume will be) in style, without a care in the world. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Unless you religiously practice stealth wealth and keep your winnings a secret, you might soon find your life turning into hell. You might soon find your family and friends resenting you for not sharing your newfound wealth with them. Even if you get them gifts or spread your money around a bit, they might still feel like you owe them more. As such, some of them might expect you to pay for their jet-setting trips around the world or ask you to get them luxury goods or even cars.

#19

We Were Sitting On The Chairs, Smoking A Cigarette, Talking, Laughing, Then A Car Fell On Us (Everybody's Ok)

We Were Sitting On The Chairs, Smoking A Cigarette, Talking, Laughing, Then A Car Fell On Us (Everybody's Ok)

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Yael David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happened in Haifa, Israel... in a part where the city is built on the Carmel, hill side. There are many buildings that the street is higher than the base of the house... and you go either up or down from street level... the driver lost control over the car an it fell from the street 😅

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#20

Almost Died This Morning On The Highway. This Thing Bounced From The Left Lane Up In The Air And Impaled My Windshield

Almost Died This Morning On The Highway. This Thing Bounced From The Left Lane Up In The Air And Impaled My Windshield

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MyDogIsSoWeird
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg final distinction and thanks for confirming why I never want to be behind a truck hauling anything like this yikes!!!!

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#21

Dropped My Keys At Work Today

Dropped My Keys At Work Today

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Similarly, if they announce your name and/or picture after you win the super mega ultra jackpot, don’t be surprised if distant acquaintances, long-lost relatives, and complete strangers badger you for cash. Some of them might legitimately need your help. Others might tell you a sob story to play you like a fiddle.

#22

A Second Glance Saved Me From Living A Nightmare Tonight

A Second Glance Saved Me From Living A Nightmare Tonight

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#23

Customer Said All 4 Of Them Were Uninjured But We Can’t Say The Same About The Car

Customer Said All 4 Of Them Were Uninjured But We Can’t Say The Same About The Car

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#24

This Man's Phone Was Pierced With An Arrow While He Was Taking A Picture Of Another Man Threatening To Shoot Him

This Man's Phone Was Pierced With An Arrow While He Was Taking A Picture Of Another Man Threatening To Shoot Him

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If you want to be generous and give back to the community, do so on your own terms: find a charitable organization that means a lot to you and make a donation. Don’t feel obligated to help everyone who demands your attention. Otherwise, you’ll soon find that you no longer have any money left, and you don’t have the means to support your nearest and dearest for generations to come.

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#25

Snorkeler Finds Lost Wedding Ring Wrapped Around A Mullet Fish Off Of Norfolk Island

Snorkeler Finds Lost Wedding Ring Wrapped Around A Mullet Fish Off Of Norfolk Island

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#27

Seriously, Proper Lab Attire Saved Me From Certain Blindness

Seriously, Proper Lab Attire Saved Me From Certain Blindness

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Mickysixxx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always wear safety glasses, even at home. I don't how many times my glasses have saved my eyes while I'm carving timber

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Another danger of falling victim to a massive stroke of luck, at least financially, is the constant stress you’re under now that you’ve won the lottery. The pressure you’re under, as well as the vast cash reserves at your fingertips, might tempt you to gamble, drink, and party hard. Unless you have the willpower and discipline to moderate these impulses, you might end up wrecking your health, losing your wealth, and flushing your good reputation down the sewer.

#29

A Boulder Fell On My In-Laws' Car In Idyllwild, CA. How Lucky The People Weren't Hit

A Boulder Fell On My In-Laws' Car In Idyllwild, CA. How Lucky The People Weren't Hit

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Cyber Returns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Luckily, the second boulder caught the mother-in-law as she tried to make her escape further down the road

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#30

Well, That Was Close. Crate Dropped, And No Beer Spilled

Well, That Was Close. Crate Dropped, And No Beer Spilled

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In short, if you literally win the jackpot, the best approach is to enjoy things quietly and make plans for the future. Try to resist telling everyone about just how lucky you were. The same people who would be glad to see you’re all right after a close call with a potential accident might have a very different opinion about you ‘bragging’ about your lottery winnings. It’s weird how that works.

#31

Got A Paint Chip In My Eye Today. Contact Lense Saved Me

Got A Paint Chip In My Eye Today. Contact Lense Saved Me

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#32

Tree Fell And This Is Now The Luckiest Guy In Town This Morning

Tree Fell And This Is Now The Luckiest Guy In Town This Morning

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#33

I Was Trying To Eat And Drive On My Way To My First Day Of Work Today, And My Seatbelt Saved Me. Always Wear Your Seatbelt

I Was Trying To Eat And Drive On My Way To My First Day Of Work Today, And My Seatbelt Saved Me. Always Wear Your Seatbelt

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#34

The Cat Knocked My Daughter’s Fish Bowl Off The Dresser

The Cat Knocked My Daughter’s Fish Bowl Off The Dresser

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NamiKoa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad the fish survived - but what a nightmare of a life, trapped alone in a tiny, transparent orb with a couple pink clumps as stimulation.

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#35

Glad I Didn’t Decide To Sit In My Car This Morning And Defrost It

Glad I Didn’t Decide To Sit In My Car This Morning And Defrost It

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Steal
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking you made the correct decision. 😯😬👍👍

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#36

Dropped My Crumpet Over My Cup Of Tea And Thought I'd Lost It, Turns Out I'm Rather Lucky Today

Dropped My Crumpet Over My Cup Of Tea And Thought I'd Lost It, Turns Out I'm Rather Lucky Today

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#37

Dropped My Phone And Had A Huge "Whew" Moment When It Didn't Fall In. Drove Off, Realized My S Pen Is Missing 20 Minutes Later. Came Back And Couldn't Believe My Luck

Dropped My Phone And Had A Huge "Whew" Moment When It Didn't Fall In. Drove Off, Realized My S Pen Is Missing 20 Minutes Later. Came Back And Couldn't Believe My Luck

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#38

Buddy's Car Nearly Slides Into Thy River, Stopped Just In Time

Buddy's Car Nearly Slides Into Thy River, Stopped Just In Time

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#39

This Close Call Cut A Sheet Of Metal In My Work Gloves

This Close Call Cut A Sheet Of Metal In My Work Gloves

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#40

Tree Tried To Murder My Car. Survived Without A Scratch (1967 Plymouth Belvedere)

Tree Tried To Murder My Car. Survived Without A Scratch (1967 Plymouth Belvedere)

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#41

My Vanity Mirror Fell In My Bathroom. It Was Saved From Shattering By My Toothbrush

My Vanity Mirror Fell In My Bathroom. It Was Saved From Shattering By My Toothbrush

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#42

Had An Electrical Fire Last Night. A Conveniently Placed Water Line Burst From The Heat And Put It Out

Had An Electrical Fire Last Night. A Conveniently Placed Water Line Burst From The Heat And Put It Out

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#43

Bullet Came Through The Window. Passed A Few Inches Over My Brother Sleeping And Embedded In The Wall

Bullet Came Through The Window. Passed A Few Inches Over My Brother Sleeping And Embedded In The Wall

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#44

Tripped And Shot My Boot With A 3 1/2" Framing Nail. Went Between My Toes Leaving Just A Minor Scratch

Tripped And Shot My Boot With A 3 1/2" Framing Nail. Went Between My Toes Leaving Just A Minor Scratch

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#46

My Son Has Had His Learner's Permit For A Year To Get His License In Two Weeks. I Asked Him To Repark The Cars In The Yard So I Could Clean The Driveway

My Son Has Had His Learner's Permit For A Year To Get His License In Two Weeks. I Asked Him To Repark The Cars In The Yard So I Could Clean The Driveway

He called me in tears because he "crashed" a tire on the tire. No damage. Lucky son

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#47

Very Very Fortunate Dealership

Very Very Fortunate Dealership

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Rumina Io
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Until you try and reverse it away and accidentally jerk forward a little 😬🙈

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#49

Steady Now

Steady Now

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#50

Close Call

Close Call

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Fabian Bernard
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are specific anti cutting safety sleeves for that kind of work. Please use them, always ! Source : saved my arm from a chainsaw. It's made of mesh and a kind of fiber inside that messes and stops the movement of the chain instantly

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Note: this post originally had 101 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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