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It's called stooping, and it's how people get secondhand furniture from New York City curbs for free. Basically, it goes like this: someone who no longer needs their old mid-century coffee table puts it on the sidewalk in front of their home and anyone who might find it useful can simply pick it up.

Stooping is a longtime tradition but in the summer of 2019, it got a modern twist when a couple from Brooklyn created an Instagram account to help castaways find their new owners. Without overthinking, they called it Stooping NYC and started sharing everything the streets had to offer.

Loyal Bored Panda readers should remember this online project since we've already written about it here, here, and here. However, it just hit a huge milestone: 250K followers. So we thought it's a nice occasion to pay them another visit.

More info: Instagram

#1

West Elm Industrial Coffee Table With Storage

West Elm Industrial Coffee Table With Storage

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"Stooping has been around in NYC long before [our Instagram account], and we think that the concept is so relevant to the city because of what it means to life in the city itself," the couple behind the account, who want to remain anonymous, told Bored Panda.

"People move so frequently, no apartment is ever really the same, the transient nature of New York... all of that means that people are always looking for new furniture, or hoping to get rid of what they have. The act of stooping has seemingly become the New York version of 'paying it forward.'"

#3

Get Lit With These Tiffany Lamps!

Get Lit With These Tiffany Lamps!

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#5

Visual Merchandising At Its Finest!

Visual Merchandising At Its Finest!

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As the couple highlighted in one of our earlier conversations, hosting stooping on social media not only means that the locals have a much better chance to find what they need, but it also allows to 'export' a part of the city to outsiders, allowing them to have a digital walk through the neighborhoods.

"It gives access to a piece of New York City culture to people who follow from far and wide," they explained back then.

"It also has enabled us to 'gameify' stooping, with stoopers sharing stories of things they spot, stoop, take home, and ultimately give new life to. It would really be challenging to tell stories around the pieces like we do on any other platform."

#6

The Look Of A Stooping Success!!!

The Look Of A Stooping Success!!!

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#7

Sitting Very Pretty! Perfect Incredible Aqua Corner Sofa

Sitting Very Pretty! Perfect Incredible Aqua Corner Sofa

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The couple behind the account also said that one NYC area in particular is stooping a lot more than the others.

"Brooklyn is by far the most active stooping borough, but there are a ton of stoops that we get daily from all pockets of the five boroughs, Jersey and even Long Island!"

Stoopers are excited about a lot of things, running the spectrum from essential apartment features like bookshelves and kitchen islands to valuable treasures, such as beanie baby collections and pianos, and beyond. Plus, they also make sure that no plant ends its days on concrete!

#9

“Take Me! I Still Work. Unlike My Freeloading Ex-Boyfriend!!”

“Take Me! I Still Work. Unlike My Freeloading Ex-Boyfriend!!”

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#10

Red Alert!!!!! Beautiful Globe Bar Cart

Red Alert!!!!! Beautiful Globe Bar Cart

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Blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lets hope that woman who found one of these and PAINTED it did not find this ha ha

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If you also want to try your luck hunting these gems, the couple said you should, "1) Follow @stoopingnyc on IG; 2) Turn on your notifications; and 3) Get ready to run when you see something you like! Things go quickly."

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Covid has had an impact on the stooping culture too. At the start of the pandemic when there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding health and safety protocols, the couple refrained from posting. But once they started up again in the summer, they were flooded with a wave of submissions caused by New Yorkers leaving the city.

"In a moment in time when good news can seem few and far between, we continue to feel so lucky to have such a positive and wonderful community of stoopers that are focused on sharing with each other!" they added.

#14

Holy Saturday!

Holy Saturday!

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#18

Gorg Table

Gorg Table

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#19

I Don’t Want To Be Rude, But Why Hasn’t Someone Written Us A Stoop Anthem?!

I Don’t Want To Be Rude, But Why Hasn’t Someone Written Us A Stoop Anthem?!

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#21

I Mean… Are You Serious? This Baby Blue Leather Couch Is Amaaaazing!

I Mean… Are You Serious? This Baby Blue Leather Couch Is Amaaaazing!

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Natalie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The gorgeous shade of blue and the comfy look of that couch...I want it in my house somewhere! And leather or vinyl, I don't care either way. It just looks so inviting and I want to curl up on it.

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#24

Drafting Table Alert!!

Drafting Table Alert!!

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Seabeast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glass isn't the best surface for a drafting board. It really needs a piece of Borco over top of it.

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#26

Wowzers!

Wowzers!

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#31

Basically The Cutest Little Cooking Machine Ever

Basically The Cutest Little Cooking Machine Ever

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#33

What A Beauty!

What A Beauty!

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#35

Bring Friends! In Front Of The Lab On Newel St In Greenpoint

Bring Friends! In Front Of The Lab On Newel St In Greenpoint

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#36

We Were Going To Go To Bed But Barbie’s Playhouse Exploded

We Were Going To Go To Bed But Barbie’s Playhouse Exploded

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#37

Mid Century Modern Recliner. Comes With A Beer. You’re Welcome

 Mid Century Modern Recliner. Comes With A Beer. You’re Welcome

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#39

Do You Have The Longest Apartment In The World? Then This Is For You!

Do You Have The Longest Apartment In The World? Then This Is For You!

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#40

We’ve Seen A Single Red High Heel Chair Before... But A Pair??

We’ve Seen A Single Red High Heel Chair Before... But A Pair??

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Greymom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somewhere there’s a barefoot giant wondering where her favorite heels went!

GoddessOdd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the statement, but they don't look very comfortable. I guess you wouldn't get these for comfort though, would you?😂😂😂

S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up with a little girl who had one of these in her bedroom. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's also one in the women's restroom at Paula and Raiford's Disco in Memphis, TN. I believe the attendant sits on it if I remember correctly.

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Mermaid Elle-Jaye
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naww 😞 Someone’s stripper room shut down practice, they just remind of old strip clubs 😂

Bored Broad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG they are an incredible find. Would be perfect in my unit as I've got leopard furniture.

Teresa Groth
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be perfect for a teen’s room or a single woman’s apartment

Natalie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hilarious, lol. Can imagine them in a store as statement furnishings though. Would work well!

Connie May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

9x13 Egyptian wedding tent panel, had loomed linen, appliqued decoration, late 1800s 191344_101...b54f2e.jpg 191344_10150124836709496_6825594_o-1-61ef7c1b54f2e.jpg

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#41

Tell Me This Mirror Wouldn’t Make You Super Happy!

Tell Me This Mirror Wouldn’t Make You Super Happy!

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#43

Zero Doubt This Was Going To Be An Awesome Stooping Success

Zero Doubt This Was Going To Be An Awesome Stooping Success

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#44

A Little Fire To Start Your Morning!

A Little Fire To Start Your Morning!

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#45

Plant Parents Unite!! Save This Baby!

Plant Parents Unite!! Save This Baby!

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#47

Instant Apartment Upgrade!

Instant Apartment Upgrade!

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#48

Save It From The Rain!

Save It From The Rain!

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#50

The Weekend Looks Good

The Weekend Looks Good

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#52

Free Orchids!!!!

Free Orchids!!!!

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Legen ( wait for it ) dary
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how I got my beautiful full of flowers orchids. The person was giving a party and want them with flowers. Went to a flower shop and put the ones without flowers out of the house.

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#53

Gorg Dresser

Gorg Dresser

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Tamra Stiffler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd put a botanical or geometric wallpaper on the drawer fronts, and maybe replace the hardware. Nice, sturdy looking piece.

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#54

Amazing Wednesday Find!!

Amazing Wednesday Find!!

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Tacocat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg it's a console! My grandma has one that my mom and uncle used to dance on and sing with hairbrushes when they were tiny. Amazing find!

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#55

This Is The Smaaaart Decision

This Is The Smaaaart Decision

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#56

NYC Is Officially Insane. It’s Gone

NYC Is Officially Insane. It’s Gone

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#57

Come. On. Every. Damn. Day

Come. On. Every. Damn. Day

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#58

I Like The Suggested Bar Shelf

I Like The Suggested Bar Shelf

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Elli Rahim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ancestral spirits would love to be remembered with some good cheer.

#62

This Is The Pink Kitchen Of Your Dreams! Well… At Least Sort Of

This Is The Pink Kitchen Of Your Dreams! Well… At Least Sort Of

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#66

A Salmon Vision

A Salmon Vision

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

Ooh with the blue leather couch in a super cute living room. Edit: nvm just saw the blue suede couch

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#67

Have You Always Wanted A Painting Of A Tiny Dog On A Tricycle?! Now Is Your Chance!

Have You Always Wanted A Painting Of A Tiny Dog On A Tricycle?! Now Is Your Chance!

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vivioh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have one of these with a Boston Terrier. And also one with Dalmatian. You can get them at Michael’s for about $10 and up for the larger ones. They have some really cool jungle animals too.

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#68

Verified Stooping Champs!

Verified Stooping Champs!

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#70

Lip Shaped Really Nice Coffee Table

Lip Shaped Really Nice Coffee Table

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

What a beauty. Would sit with it until I found a friend to pick me up.

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#71

Massive Warehouse Clean Out Means A Huge Stooping Haul

Massive Warehouse Clean Out Means A Huge Stooping Haul

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#72

If This Vanity Could Talk It Would Say “Don’t Look Me In The Eye”

If This Vanity Could Talk It Would Say “Don’t Look Me In The Eye”

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#73

We Got To This!

We Got To This!

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Joyce Deering
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It just needs a good cleaning and ya'll gonna need a bit mo stuffin'!

#74

Well... I Think It’s Fair To Say This Couch Is Not For Everyone

Well... I Think It’s Fair To Say This Couch Is Not For Everyone

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#75

Hopefully Not Too Wet!

Hopefully Not Too Wet!

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#76

And Another One

And Another One

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ima cat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I flipping love this, the glass section brings it all together 😍

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#77

Real Flowers Are So Overrated. Am I Right?

Real Flowers Are So Overrated. Am I Right?

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#82

A Tangerine Dream!

A Tangerine Dream!

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#83

Omg. Stoop Chair Is Not Only Back But It Multiplied!

Omg. Stoop Chair Is Not Only Back But It Multiplied!

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#85

Stooper Moving To LA

Stooper Moving To LA

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#86

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall Vibes!

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall Vibes!

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#87

Vintage Fanciness!! It's A Lamp Extravaganza!

Vintage Fanciness!! It's A Lamp Extravaganza!

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#88

Did Someone Say Banger?!

Did Someone Say Banger?!

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#89

And I’m Dead

And I’m Dead

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LynzCatastrophe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are people throwing away so many gorgeous blue pieces? This is special! (My hair is blue, I'm biased).

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#92

Cuffing Season Comes Early

Cuffing Season Comes Early

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#93

You Can Get A Monitor Off Stooping Quicker Than From Your IT Department

You Can Get A Monitor Off Stooping Quicker Than From Your IT Department

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#97

Stooping Saturday!

Stooping Saturday!

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#98

Excuse Me…are You The Cutest Mirror I’ve Ever Seen?

Excuse Me…are You The Cutest Mirror I’ve Ever Seen?

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#99

Have You Been Looking For A Wine Rack Shaped Like A Bull Standing Upright While Holding A Platter? We Delivered

Have You Been Looking For A Wine Rack Shaped Like A Bull Standing Upright While Holding A Platter? We Delivered

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#100

Another Day, Another Stoop Journey (Not To Mention Excellent Balance)

Another Day, Another Stoop Journey (Not To Mention Excellent Balance)

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#101

Excuse Me I’m Dead At The Cuteness. Baby Pink Dresser / Night Stand

Excuse Me I’m Dead At The Cuteness. Baby Pink Dresser / Night Stand

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#103

Incredible! Cool Iron Side Tables, Sterling And Flatbush

Incredible! Cool Iron Side Tables, Sterling And Flatbush

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Tamra Stiffler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man, I love industrial stuff like this! Could also replace the glass with some sturdy plywood and cover with foam and leather for a couple of stools.

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#104

Well That’s Gorgeous

Well That’s Gorgeous

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#105

Run Don’t Walk! We All Need This In Our Lives!

Run Don’t Walk! We All Need This In Our Lives!

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#107

The Stooper Who Submitted This Informed Us That There Is Also A Bonus Toaster Oven Inside So You Can Both Store Shoes Here And Make Yourself A Bagel. Win/Win

The Stooper Who Submitted This Informed Us That There Is Also A Bonus Toaster Oven Inside So You Can Both Store Shoes Here And Make Yourself A Bagel. Win/Win

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#108

Such A Good Stooping Day!!

Such A Good Stooping Day!!

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#109

12 Prince St By Elizabeth! Just Waiting For You!

12 Prince St By Elizabeth! Just Waiting For You!

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#110

Dream Seat!

Dream Seat!

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Kevin Camp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the chair in your wood paneled study for your evening cigar and bourbon wind down.

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#111

Give Me A Bar, But Make It Vintage

Give Me A Bar, But Make It Vintage

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#112

Guys!! This Is A Halloween Costume!!! Amazing!

Guys!! This Is A Halloween Costume!!! Amazing!

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#113

What In The World Is This? (See What I Did There?)

What In The World Is This? (See What I Did There?)

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#114

Is The Heart Chair The New Ear Mirror?!

Is The Heart Chair The New Ear Mirror?!

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Joyce Deering
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd take it! I could just hear the Hubby if I brought that home. lol

#115

Happy Friday!! Hand Painted IKEA Desk

Happy Friday!! Hand Painted IKEA Desk

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Amaranthim Talon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is nightmare fuel, right there- that blue thing walks in the night...

#116

Vintage Peloton

Vintage Peloton

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Tiny Dancer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's called an exercise bike. Let's not make Peloton a catch-all name for exercise bikes in the way Kleenex came to mean tissues. Don't dumb it down for your audience. Lift them up with knowledge!

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#117

Can Someone Please Make Sure Its Been Rescued???

Can Someone Please Make Sure Its Been Rescued???

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MauKini
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor thing! I hope someone took him home, gave him a clean tank, plants and some friends.

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#118

Gemmmmm

Gemmmmm

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another contender for a favorite chair—-and I like the petal green.

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#119

Of Course There Is A Photo Booth Out. Not Sure If It Works But Worth Finding Out!

Of Course There Is A Photo Booth Out. Not Sure If It Works But Worth Finding Out!

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Parthania Dawson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great to have for parties if it works. *sigh* parties, when will we have those again?

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#121

This Is So Much More Than A Free Couch… It’s A Hot Pink Free Couch

This Is So Much More Than A Free Couch… It’s A Hot Pink Free Couch

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#122

Tell Me You’re A Couch In Williamsburg Without Telling Me You’re A Couch In Williamsburg

Tell Me You’re A Couch In Williamsburg Without Telling Me You’re A Couch In Williamsburg

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#123

It’s All About The Details

It’s All About The Details

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#124

If Elmo Were A Chair

If Elmo Were A Chair

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#126

When You Need Somewhere To Put Your Jeans But Also Want To Check Out Your Current Fit

When You Need Somewhere To Put Your Jeans But Also Want To Check Out Your Current Fit

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#127

Excuse Me While I Pass Away Over This Mirror!

Excuse Me While I Pass Away Over This Mirror!

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#128

Anyone Opening A Bodega?

Anyone Opening A Bodega?

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#129

Have You Been Thinking 'All That’s Missing From My Home Decor Is A Giant, Papier Mache Camel?'

Have You Been Thinking 'All That’s Missing From My Home Decor Is A Giant, Papier Mache Camel?'

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#130

Great Multi Tiered Mirror Situation On 60 Thompson!

Great Multi Tiered Mirror Situation On 60 Thompson!

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#131

We Can Confirm That This Is A Lamp. Also, This Will Most Definitely Give Me Nightmares Tonight

We Can Confirm That This Is A Lamp. Also, This Will Most Definitely Give Me Nightmares Tonight

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#133

Caption Contest!

Caption Contest!

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

1 fish- 2 fish, Red fish- blue fish, Who fish? Dead Seuss fish

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