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35 Times People Online Were Better Than Google At Identifying Unknown Objects (New Pics)
The answers come to those who seek them. Especially on the subreddit 'What Is This Thing?'
This online community is home to 2.3 million members who are always ready to help people identify the mysterious objects they found.
The gig is simple: someone uploads a photo of whatever it is they want the name of, and the gang starts commenting under it, offering their input until, inevitably, a person shows up who knows exactly what it is.
However, even if you're not posting anything, scrolling through their solved cases feels like an interesting challenge, where you can test (and expand) your own knowledge. So we invite you to do just that!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Strange Metal Thing On The Bottom Of My Drivers Side
Answer: Your mechanic is gonna want that back. It’s part of a lift.
Mimi La Souris 2 years ago
I’m afraid of the quality of the repairs, if they don’t see that much is missing...
M O'Connell 2 years ago
Lifts typically come with several sets of lift pads for lifting different types of vehicles. There are also tall U-shaped pads for trucks and SUVs, and short V-shaped pads for low ground clearance vehicles. They may just not have noticed this one went missing.
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RELATED:
#2
This Metal Piece Is Attached To The Wall In A Wc In My Airbnb In France
Answer: It's a magazine rack installed upside down because people decorating Airbnb's don't know what they're doing.
CouchChihuahua 2 years ago
I appreciate the rack, magazines and comics r nice to read, but umm that’s a bit too close 4 my liking
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Bouche, Audi, and Shyla, oh my! 2 years ago
Don't hang, don't hang so close to me.
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Fenchurch 2 years ago
Snap. Mines also in my loo, but further away from the toilet than this!
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CarpeDentum 2 years ago
I was gonna say, it looks like the IKEA-rack my mum has but upside down. Glad I was proven right. (Maybe this one isn't IKEA, what do I know)
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I don't know how we rank this sort of list, do we up vote the ones we know or the ones that are the most mysterious? Anyway, this is number one and I recognised it immediately, so now I'm wondering if they are all this easy to spot or this is deceptively drawing me in :)
Mary Peace 2 years ago
I thought voting keeps it in the list or higher up the list, so I up-vote the ones I like and ignore the ones I don't like. If I REALLY dislike something (not necessarily in this list) but if something makes me feel yuk, then I down-vote.
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#3
Saw This In A Restroom Which Has Faucets And Drain Down Low And A Dryer
Answer: This setup prevents Muslims from having to lift our legs up dangerously high while trying to stick our feet in the sink one at a time. The alternative to that is we have to take a handful of water and pour it onto our feet below the sink causing the floor to get wet. Muslims also have to keep their feet clean before praying, which is obviously problematic in a bathroom where everyone pisses on the floor and walks with their shoes between the stalls and the sink, so you might see them trying to keep one shoe on while washing the other foot and then switching. It’s also why we take our shoes off before praying and use prayer rugs to avoid touching unclean things while praying.
Fernando Álvarez 2 years ago
The day humanity understands that unclean things come from inside the human heart, not from the outside or from innocent creatures like dogs and pigs, this world will be very different.
rullyman 2 years ago
So strange that you have tried to cast habits like washing before prayer and not eating pork as something bad. Pigs are omnivores and house tapeworm, that's why they are forbidden in ancient texts like the Torah and the Koran. And other cultures wash before prayer too- handwashing is part of the Shinto purification ritual.
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Biana Weatherford 2 years ago
This was very educational. I work at a university with a large international population and our bathrooms have been very messy/damp. Now I understand. And I'm going to look into how we can accommodate our Muslim students.
Tiramisu 2 years ago
As a Muslim, I want to apologize. I have had to clean myself for prayers in public restrooms before, and I recognize that these restrooms are not meant for me to clean myself this way in. So I try to clean up after myself, mop up the extra water the spilled or spread. The people using the restrooms at your university should also be doing this.
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Tiramisu 2 years ago (edited)
The casual Islamophobia in these comments is real. The fact that these comments are being being upvoted is so sad
Lorraine 2 years ago
You're absolutely right. Here respect only applies if I agree with it.
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That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
<3 that's so kind and thoughtful of whoever designed the bathroom!
Brandi Delph 2 years ago
I would love to know if this pic is from a predominately Muslim country or if it's of a workplace or school that is being considerate of their Muslim employees/ students.
René Sauer 2 years ago
Oh, it´s for praying. I was confused at first why muslims would need to stick their feet underneath the sink...
Tiramisu 2 years ago
Eh, once you get used to it, it’s just another part of life.
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#4
Round Shelf Attached By Metal Brackets To Underside Of Table. What Is It For?
Answer: It's a place to rest your beer while you play cards.
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
Huh....never seen one of those in the States. Simple idea. Never occurred to me.
#5
Weird Semi Circle Wires With Various Beads On A Wooden Plank Found In An Older House
Answer: A Himalayan Calendar. The outer ring as 12 balls, each corresponding to a month. The next two rings have a tens and ones digit. The tens has three balls for up to the 31st, and the next has nine balls, for 0 to 9. And then four rings for the year, up to 9999.
Binky Melnik 2 years ago
“The next has nine balls, for 0 to 9”: I’m confused, because zero to nine is ten, not nine. How does that particular ring work?
maddie 2 years ago
If it needs to be set to 0, you just don't have any beads on that side
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Hyde and Seek 2 years ago
An abacus is rectangular , this person did answer correctly.
Load More Replies... Mary Peace 2 years ago
I thought it was an abacus. (To learn counting & basic adding-up).But I'm very interested to learn the right answer.
#6
Hard, Waxy, Blob-Looking Thing Found During Low Tide
Answer: It's whale sick get it checked it could be worth thousands a kg. It's an ingredient used in high end perfumes.
LonelyLittleLeafSheep 2 years ago
Think of it as equivalent to a hairball in cats.
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LonelyLittleLeafSheep 2 years ago
Nowhere in the US. Violation of the Marine Mammals Act. Illegal to sell in the US.
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LonelyLittleLeafSheep 2 years ago
It is in the US. Not sure about any other countries though.
Load More Replies... LonelyLittleLeafSheep 2 years ago
Ambergris cannot legally be sold in the United States. Whales are protected by the Marine Mammals Act which prohibits the trade of their parts/secretions. So, ZERO value in the US.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
It comes from the digestive tract of sperm whales. And apparently when it's fresh it smells like poop. Why would you want that as a perfume? ;)
Hey! 2 years ago
I'm wondering why it's illegal to sell in the USA. The guy didn't kill the whale for it, he found the piece at the beach. I checked online and it's worth $10,000 per pound!!!
LonelyLittleLeafSheep 2 years ago
Because some people are not content with just finding it on the beach and will actively hunt and kill ENDANGERED whales to get it.
Load More Replies... #7
What Is This? It’s Made Like A Barrel But Looks Like A Carrier Of Some Kind?
Answer: It is a Vasculum, a sturdy collection container used by botanists on field excursions in which plant specimens can be collected without damaging them.
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago (edited)
I'm completely gobsmacked by all these people out there who know these stuffs
PetPotato 2 years ago
I know about these because I loved Moomin as a kid (Hemulen collects flowers in a vasculum)
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Bloodyklaws 2 years ago
Sounds very useful for many applications. I’m a sucker for sturdy containers for stuff
#8
Steel, Engraved, Hooked Tool Hidden In The Foundation Of An Old House
Answer: My wife says horse hoof cleaning tool, and she's a major horse gal. Also, burying an iron object within the foundation of a home was once considered good luck.
Nathan Pogorzala 2 years ago
This item looks like a wedding favor from February of this year. Appears to be the item described but it wasn't in a foundation very long.
Kaa 2 years ago
The font and the making of the inscription looks pretty modern and not like 1923.
Fenchurch 2 years ago
I agree, you can see where the machine jittered around the engraving. So it's modern piece of c**p
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Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
Looks like a wedding trinket, and since it’s dated February 7, 2023, it’s probably one of those Covid-friendly door opener rings that you attach to your keychain.
Needmorecowbell 2 years ago
I’m a major horse gal too and the hollow tip doesn’t resemble any hoof pick I have seen. Normally they are fairly pointed to make it easier to get the crud out. Being hollow would allow the junk to gather in the tool.
Lara Harris 2 years ago
I dunno what that is but its not like any hoof pick I've seen. First its hollow and overly wide. Also the font isn't right for 1923.
Fly_Agaric_Frog (They/Them) 2 years ago
It does look like a hoof pick. Just a weird one with no brush. I have horses and every one I have seen has a brush.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I've had lots of hoof picks without brushes attached. I actually prefer them.
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ninjaTrashPandaBoom 2 years ago
Yes, used to remove rocks and dirt from under a horse's hoof. Rocks get stuck there and hurt the horse's hoof. Farriers use them to clean up the hoof before shoeing.
Load More Replies... #9
Made Of Clay/Terra Cotta, Can Fit Inside A Palm. It Came With Something I Bought But Can't Remember What
Answer: Terra cotta sugar saver. You put it in with your brown sugar to keep it from clumping or drying out in storage.
Jan Rosier 2 years ago
Have the same but with a tobacco leaf on it, obviously for another purpose : soak in a cup of water for an hour or two and then use in a tin or jar of pipetobacco that has dried out a bit.
Nichole Harris 2 years ago
Yeah??? I just put an apple slice in mine? Didn't know they had a thing 😂
Load More Replies... Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago (edited)
I would have guessed, from the droplet picture on it that it was a terracotta diffuser made for essential oils (a certain pyramid scheme essential oil company I know used to give similar things as free gifts or in “kits”). You would put a few drops on it and it would diffuse the scent around - hood for when flames or electric diffusers couldn’t be used (like in the car)
Shannon Donnelly 2 years ago
You could probably use it for that too. Terracotta is very pourous, so it'll absorb whatever liquid you put it in, or put on it.
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Helen Taylor 2 years ago
There are also similar items that are supposed to prevent boil over when placed in a pan.
#10
What Is This Spoon With A Tong-Like Attachment? Seen In An Antique Store In Lyon, France
Answer: It is a spoon designed to separate the fat from the sauce, called "cuillère dégraisseuse".
Ace 2 years ago
The lever opens a little hole in the bottom of the spoon to let the water-based juices drip through while the fat floating on top remains in the spoon, then you release the lever keeping the fat there and pour it away.
#11
Found On Charmouth Beach, Dorset. Screw Cap And Has Bright Green Liquid Inside
Answer: It’s a diver rescue marker, for ocean rescue. You release it to dye the water around you and even at night a blacklight can light it up.
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
Imagine if someone found out they lost it when in danger
TheAmericanAmerican 2 years ago
If only they "believed in" science, math, logic, and reason instead of cutting costs of safety, they'd still be here, exploiting their workers for even more wealth... so so tragic
Load More Replies... #12
What Is This Wall Mounted Metal Thing That Was Seen In Hohensalzburg Fortress? There Were 3 Or 4 Rooms With One Of These Objects And None Had An Explanation
Answer: These are pretty much radiators that were filled with embers and/or hot stones when needed.
Grace Note 2 years ago
I didn't know, obviously, but guessed it must be a radiator given where it was situated and that there were more of them in other rooms. Clever big gadget.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Looks pretty dangerous! Good thing they used child labor./s
#13
This Plaque Came In As As Scrap Metal. Measures Approx 1.5ft X 6in. Made Of Cast Aluminum. Google Turns Up No Results. Witt??
Answer: Probably a horse. The bottom is the sire and dam.
Shannon Donnelly 2 years ago
Not necessarily wrong. A lot of them still have a sense of humor. I have a bunch of gay friends who would absolutely fight over that!!! Lol
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Silke Juppenlatz 2 years ago
Stable plaque most likely. Top is the name of the horse, below are sire & dam. (Father & Mother)
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Definitely a stall sign for a horse. Probably a race horse (Thoroughbred) due to it listing the dam and sire (mom and dad). Lady Crittenden is the registered name.
Fly_Agaric_Frog (They/Them) 2 years ago
I'm gonna go on a website called All Breed Pedigree and see if I can find the horse.
Fly_Agaric_Frog (They/Them) 2 years ago
I found two for the sire and dam but no Lady Crittenden. Here are the links: https://www.allbreedpedigree.com/gay+song2 https://www.allbreedpedigree.com/clever+queen2 (I am pretty sure they are both correct due to the years they were born)
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#14
Found In Kitchen Junk Drawer. Heavy, Solid Brass
Answer: Telephone dialer. You put the ball end in the desired number of the phone dial instead of your finger tip and used it to turn the dial.
Ace 2 years ago
Useful for those 'secretaries' with massively long fingernails in movies from the 1960s,
Cathy Roberts 2 years ago
useful for secretaries, period, dialing those things multiple times a day gave sore fingers
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Riley Quinn 2 years ago
People with long nails, fat fingers, and arthritis would use pencils, or similar sturdy objects on hand, to dial telephones.
#15
What Is This Oval Metal Thing In A Plastic Holder Mounted To The Kitchen Wall Next To The Sink?
Answer: Steel "soap" bar. Removes odors like onion from ur hands when u wash with it by just adding a strong steel odor on top.
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Doesn't anyone realize that most of us have a kitchen drawer full of stainless steel items? Pull out a serving spoon, rub it under running water, works exactly the same
Francis 2 years ago
also most faucets are stainless steal, just wash your hands, rub them on the faucet and voila! you also clean the faucet doing that LOL
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Linda van der Pal 2 years ago
The 'replaces work strong steel odor' part is not true. I have a stainless steel garlic press and after using and rinsing it, I rub my fingers on the handle, works just as well.
Linden 2 years ago
How it actually works: "Metal soap works because of the chemistry between certain foods and stainless steel. Odors from fish, garlic and onions contain sulfur molecules, which are transferred to your skin when cooking. Stainless steel binds these molecules, shifting them from your skin to the bar."
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
Oh so this is what this is? I've always seen in stores but never understood the function, now I know I'm sure won't buy it
Ace 2 years ago
You really should; they actually work incredibly well, also removing traces of chilli from your fingers, so you don't have to sorry about rubbing your eyes (or anywhere else, ahem, 'sensitive') for hours after chopping them.
Load More Replies... Riley Quinn 2 years ago
I simply used my stainless steel faucet conveniently stored in the kitchen.
Gregory McCombs 2 years ago
It has been shown that Chromium ions bond with sulfur compounds and completely neutralizes the smell of onions and garlic on your hands. Simply run your hands on the tap and the smell disappears.
Epona 2 years ago
Or, hear me out, don't eat onions! I'm not trying to throw shade at the onion lovers in the comments (and the world), but onions are gross and slimy and just blech 🤢🤮. Maybe that's my neurodivergence talking, but I have never liked the texture or smell or taste of onions (apart from in spanakopita or barley soup because the other flavours disguise the sliminess and taste of the onions). My own preference, though, so don't come for me!
#16
1940 Mercury Dime Turned Into A Two Sided Spoon Of Some Sort With Fused Ring At The Top. Came With Odds And Ends From Deceased Older Relative From Ohio
Answer: A vintage spoon pendant used for illegal substances.
Agfox 2 years ago
Great grandparents have now earned (posthumous) street cred with younger members of the family
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Hell, cocaine used to be legal, and was even in tooth powders, and the coca leaf was part of the formula for Coca-Cola—-though, to be fair, indigenous people chew coca leaves for energy during times when they have to do a lot of heavy labor. The leaves are not addictive. However, the synthesizing process to produce cocaine introduces an highly addictive quality to the drug that is not found in its natural form.
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Andrea Wylie 2 years ago
these were also used to clean out the wax in your ears. We found one in my grandmother's things, and listening to everyone yell C*****E SPOON! was HILARIOUS. As IF. She had two, and they were both for her ears.
Kallen Kneeland 2 years ago (edited)
or just for snuff (powdered tobacco for sniffing/sneezing) which isn't illegal [EDIT - sorry didn't see other snuff answers b4 posting; also like the ear spoon idea except the edges of the tiny bowl are a tad sharp for that. My grandmother's ear spoon had rounded edges so she wouldn't cut her ear canal.]
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
That little spoon thing is the reason your inheritance is only a little spoon thing.
Mrs. EW 2 years ago (edited)
My granny would collect and make jewelry from various turquoise. She lived in New Mexico and I in New Jersey, so I rarely saw her. One of the objects she bought unknowing the purpose was a beautifully hand crafted turquoise and silver “illegal substance” spoon. I inherited it from her… but no, I’ve never used it for its purpose. It’s on display in my China closet, lol
#17
4 Inches, Plastic, Pointed On One Side. Received As A Xmas Gift?! Witt??
Answer: Looks like a page spreader for reading. Point end goes into the spine and thumb in hole so you can one hand books easy.
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
As an avid reader and even with the explanation I have no idea how this works
Mat Hall 2 years ago
Put your thumb through the hole so the pointed edge is on the same side as the pad of your thumb, then you can hold a book in your hand and use the plastic doodad to keep the pages open.
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Jon Steensen 2 years ago
looks like it has been 3d Printed, so who knows? I 3d print a lot of "wierd" customade stuff, that no one but me knows the real purpose off, and they have no chance at guesing. So if it was a pressent, how about asking whoever made it what they had in mind when choosing it?
Something 2 years ago
You're right, but it's actually a published print file with a known purpose. Here's one example: thingiverse.com/thing:1503676
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Sabrena Patterson 2 years ago
I love these. You can hold a book in one hand and keep the pages open easily without your hand cramping. Just choose the hand, also your thumb into the hole with the point side down, open your book and place the point into the middle of the bottom of the pages. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to use it all the time. I want another one.
#18
What Are These Heavy Metal Objects I Found In A Thrift Store?
Answer: You hang weights on chains to power mechanical cuckoo clocks. One powers the clock mechanism, and the other powers the cuckoo. The weight turns gears in the mechanism as the chain drops. To wind the clock, you pull on the other end of the chain and bring the weight back up, and the same for the chain that powers the cuckoo.
Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
We had a cuckoo clock growing up and I miss seeing the song and dance every hour.
Elizabeth 2 years ago
My mom likes to joke that all of the other army families returned home from living abroad in Germany with cuckoo clocks, while my family came back to the US with baby me instead. They did get a grandfather clock there before I was born (we still have it) so I don’t know what she's complaining about.
#19
Bought A New Pair Of Nike Shoes. Inside The Box Was This Small, Plastic Bubble, Filled With Air, And What Looks Like Tiny, Colorful Micro Plastics. Has A Loophole On The Top And Is About An Inch Long
Answer: Micro plastic particles. Probably to show how Nike helps to clean up our planet. Greenwashing at best.
Tarik Dursun Zorgulen 2 years ago
soo..l let me get this straight, they put a tiny amount of so called recaptured micro plastic, inside a big plastic container... produced to put the aforementioned micro plastics that are a side affect of producing plastic stuff ? hmmmm. And this is hoping those ARE recaptured microplastics and not just produced to put in there for show.
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
I thought they were like those little pouches that come with shoes so that don't get moisture that say DO NOT EAT but name brand fancy. Didn't know they were pointless
Mary Peace 2 years ago
Yes, I thought it was to keep the shoes in perfect condition til you bought them. But I've never seen it until I saw this pic today.
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#20
What's This Heavy, Brass, Genie Lamp-Like Object With Both A Weird Cutout Spout And A Narrow Upwards Spout?
Answer: It’s a lamp. It’s literally an oil lamp, to be used to create light. The wick goes in the spout. The oil goes in the belly. You light the wick and a flame will burn on the end of the spout like a little candle, and you can carry your lantern around with you.
User# 6 2 years ago
The upward spout used to have a polished metal plate attached so it reflects the light.
Bloodyklaws 2 years ago
The Genie takes that bit as part of the wish exchange. It’s all very formal really
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Colleen Glim 2 years ago
10000 years will give you such a crick in the neck
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#21
What Would This Antique Silver “Locket” Have Been Used For? It Looks Like Possibly Ink Residue On The Two Pads Inside, But No Indication That The Inside Door Would Have Been Sealed Tightly Enough To Be A Reservoir
Answer: It's actually a purse. There's space in there for some coins for bus/cab fare, some powder makeup (behind the little door), and calling cards.
T5n 2 years ago
I may have to adopt the phase “conveniently stabby” into my vocabulary
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Elizabeth Elliot 2 years ago
I think that the little compartment was for stamps - people used postcards like texts back in the day as there was same-day delivery in many places!
Jennifer Ness 2 years ago
The post was delevered multiple times a day in big cities (London, at least) prior to phones.
Load More Replies... Bloodyklaws 2 years ago
Damn, a tactical purse back in the day of coins. So ahead of its time this is ingenious
Matteic 2 years ago
I'm pretty sure it can also be used as a weapon against people who harass women in the street
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
Sadly, there's always been that problem :(
Load More Replies... #22
A Short Thick Metal Coil That Can Be Plugged Into An Outlet. Doesn't Seem Very Safe At All. I'm Thinking It's Missing A Larger Piece That Creates It's True Purpose
Answer: Immersion heater. The metal piece goes into a cup of water and heats it.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Same. Had one years ago at work, in a place that didn’t have one of those industrial coffee makers, and before drip coffee makers (F**k, I AM old). Had to have coffee in the morning, even if it was instant, so I made it at my desk with one of these.
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okpkpkp 2 years ago
common in prison cells so inmates can heat water for coffee/tea/or to murder your cellmate.
A.E.P. Face The muddy professor 2 years ago
We actually used to make these with an extension cord, and nail clippers that were tied together, but separated from touching by a plastic spoon or giant rubber eraser. We weren't allowed to have them ( but everyone did anyway), they'd be confiscated during "shakedowns", but we'd just make more. I learned to cook really well with one of those, we called them "stingers".
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NOLAHusker 2 years ago
I identified it as a heater, but I thought it might be a diesel block heater.
#23
Found This Spiked Metal Collar Hanging In One Of The Upstairs Rooms In The House I Just Bought In Spain
Answer: Anti-wolf collar for sheepdogs.
GoodWolf 2 years ago
The spikes go on the outside so the wolf can't bite the neck of the dog
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deejak 2 years ago
I wonder if the wolf sees it and thinks twice, or just finds out the hard way?
Dekker451 2 years ago
Depends how smart the wolf is. It may take previous experience with something spiky, but even if they have to try it once, that'll probably be the last time.
Load More Replies... Jennifer Ness 2 years ago
I think it's hanging on a hook out of picture. Probably near the door to store it when the dog isn't wearing it?
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Riley Quinn 2 years ago
Predators prefer a quick, clean kill, so they go for the throat. A spiked collar thwarts this attack, allowing the dog to escape.
Norman Beattie 2 years ago
I am going with a BDSM Dominatrix collar, Yes, people did things a long time ago, it's not just a modern idea !
#24
Small Trailer With Individual Openings. Seen While Driving, No Obvious Marking That Would Indicate What It’s For
Answer: It's for transporting racing pigeons.
Marcos Valencia 2 years ago
Me too! There is a long tradition of pigeon racing in my region in Spain.
Load More Replies... Nichole Harris 2 years ago
Racing...... Pigeons???? That's a thing???? WOW and I thought camel races were cool
Norman Beattie 2 years ago
They Race Homing Pigeons all over the US, Someone has to transport the birds far far away and release them and record the actual time of release then the coop has a a mechanism that records the exact time the bird when he enters the coop, This is serious business !
FloralDangerNoodle 2 years ago
I dunno how things are done these days, but back when I was a kid, my dad, and all other pigeon club members, all had pigeon clocks, where the bird's leg band had to be inserted into the clock, which would somehow record the time of insertion.
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Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
Never understood how carrier and racing pigeons always come back or go-to the desired location.
FloralDangerNoodle 2 years ago
They're trained to do it, by transporting them further and further from home, gradually.
Load More Replies... Riley Quinn 2 years ago
I saw a show or movie with these pigeon transport cages, otherwise I'd be perplexed.
#25
What Is This Cabinet On Wheels I Got At An Antiques Market? The Drawers Can Be Accessed From The Front As Well As From The Back, There Are Also Two Compartments With Small Key (???) Hooks On Each Side
Answer: This is just a scientific specimen cabinet, which could be used for anything from geology to lepidopterology.
mcborge1 2 years ago
Perfect if you need somewhere to display your Geode and butterfly specimans.
The Other Guest 2 years ago
Especially if it's on an edge row/column, since it would cross three triple word score cells and two double letters. And if you use up all your letters in the process, that's another 50 points on top of it.
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Diana Graham 2 years ago
I need this!! Smaller drawers to dry specimens. Long drawer for maps. I need this!!
#26
Found This In Our Donation Bin, We're A Nonprofit, We Recycle Eyeglasses And Hearing Aids. It's A Gold Plated Speaker With A Short Cord With 2 Prongs At The End, It Also Has A Gold Plated Clip With An Opal-Like Material Of A Horse On It
Answer: An old Beltone type hearing aid. There's a transistor in the tie clip, and it plugs into a cord for the hearing aid.
Riley Quinn 2 years ago
Too lazy to research, but I wonder if Beltone made brooches for women or pins for working class who don't wear ties.
Jessica Boggs 2 years ago
Awwww, I can imagine a little girl wearing this and personalizing it with the cool horse back in the day.
#27
Wooden Block With 6 Metal Fins, Inscribed 'Hemma Patent'
Answer: Cabbage sliced for making sauerkraut.
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
Early mandolin. (Culinary not musical obviously) but I bet you could bang on the blades with a spoon and jam out if you want.
#28
Strange Looking Hook Thing Found Buried In A Hutch. The Inscription On The Hook Side Is In French. Any Ideas?
Answer: It's a butter curler, for making fancy bits of butter.
EmBree 2 years ago
One thing from the past that I don't miss. I have spent many hours curling butter (bonus points for making roses). It's messy after a while when the butter starts melting and the reward is tiny compared to the effort.
Stannous Flouride 2 years ago
Worked as a prep cook at a Jersey shore summer hotel and made more d***ed butter roses than I could count. For months afterwards they'd haunt my dreams.
Load More Replies... Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
Used one of these briefly while in Culinary school to make butter roses. Tedious little thing.
Bloodyklaws 2 years ago
Arrr matie ye found my hand! Twas removed on the last ship pillaging! Give it here and ye shall have this gold coin
#29
What Are These Little Knit Tubes?
Answer: They can be used to avoid chairs scratching your floors. So they are socks, but for chairs rather than humans.
Valerie Hunte 2 years ago
They also keep your chairs from making the SCRRRONNNNCH noise on the floor, as well. I have some that look like cats paws, and I laughed so hard I cried when I was putting them on my chairs.
CommanderDucky - He/Him - cis. 2 years ago
I also have cat paw ones !! I got them when I re-did my floors and was scared to scratch them
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Mahayana 2 years ago
Or for cats if you are able to put it on them before being scratched into oblivion
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
I found chair socks on sale at a DAISO once! I posted a picture on Facebook saying something about how ridiculous the whole thing sounded, but instead of laughter I got people saying things like "ooooh, can you get some for me??" I ended up buying several packets of them and they really are dead useful! Though they do tend to pick up dust.
Bouche, Audi, and Shyla, oh my! 2 years ago
At the prison I was in, they had those plastic molded lawn chairs for use in TV and game rooms. I would illegally put one in my room, and put socks on it to keep it from scraping.
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Austin Sauce 2 years ago (edited)
Also used during RHCP concerts. I’d ask for a banana for scale, but I don’t think I’d really want to see that.
Jennifer Smith 2 years ago
They are one solid color. It’s the reflection of the package that makes it look like that
Load More Replies... #30
Found In A Safe In A Deceased Man's House: 11 Identical Stacks Of Thin Black Paper Strips, Wrapped In Plastic Foil, Covered In Fine White Dust. Measurements Of Each Strip Approximately 16 Cm X 6,5 Cm, Height Of Each Stack Approximately 5 Cm. Other Than That, The Safe Was Empty
Answer: "Black Money Scam". It's construction paper or similar, he was scammed to believe it was currency dyed to be smuggled and could be restored.
Marcos Valencia 2 years ago
We need to talk about an important business that will change your life. Would you like to be the owner of time, put your money to work, live the live that you want to live, etc.? If yes, talk to me. If not, maybe you would like to talk to a Nigerian prince who is in a difficult situation right now.
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Duolingobird 2 years ago
Or he was trying to scam people but no one was dumb enough to fall for it
#31
Plastic Ring With Three Relatively Sharp Metal Claws, Found On Beach In Scotland
Answer: It's a "claw" to help pull in fishing nets.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
My back DID NOT itch until I read your comment!
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Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
I'm trying to mash the words "donut" & "Wolverine " but it isn't working.
Norman Beattie 2 years ago
Just a wild guess but the all the beaches I have been to in Scotland have a good amount of rock instead of sand, makes this an ideal tool for beach combers ! Since I don't pull fishing nets That's what I would use it for !
#32
We Found This On Top Of A Bookcase While Cleaning Our Office. It Appears That The Jar Is Sealed. The White Things Inside Weigh Next To Nothing. We Didn’t Want To Open It Until We Have Some Idea As To What It Is. They Look Pretty Soft. Nothing Identifying On The Jar Itself
Answer: They look like silkworm cocoons.
Marcos Valencia 2 years ago
In my region, there was an important production and trade of silk (a proof is the "Silk Exchange", built in the 15th century). All kids at a certain moment received silkworm eggs. This is definitely the cocoon. The butterfly in the inside is probably dead.
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
Ooooooohhh I wanna open it now to see the pretty butterfly/moth
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PotatoNinja5000 2 years ago
Could also be silk cocoons used in someones beauty routine. I keep mine in the original box, but I know some folks like to put their products in nice jars.
Norman Beattie 2 years ago
My first impression was Cheetos soft cheese balls, but probably not !
#33
What Is This Wavy Pattern On The Back Of A Piece Of Mail I Received?
Answer: Obfuscation pattern, it's there to hide info or keep people from trying to read through an envelope and look at personal information.
Mary Peace 2 years ago
I've seen this whenever the bank send me a new PIN for my credit or debit card.
The Other Guest 2 years ago
Just because you know something, doesn't mean everybody does. You shouldn't mock someone for learning a fact that "everybody knows." ten_thousand.png 
#34
Plastic Device With A Blade That Cuts A Chunk Out Of Paper
Answer: Wow, that's a blast from the past. It's for write protecting a 5.25" floppy disk.
It’s for making a single sided disk double sided.
Giles McArdell 2 years ago
"Blast from the past" is right, I remember these, they used to come with a bunch of stickers to go back over the punched hole to make the disks write-able again.
happyplants28 2 years ago
I had so many of these in fancy shapes for coloured paper to make lil shapes when I was a kid! Is this not common?
Pamela Diehl 2 years ago
My question is, why do they still use the floppy disk icon for "save" when no one knows what it is?
Majungasaurus 2 years ago
We’ve been using it for so long that everyone just recognizes it as the universal save icon. Lots of people don’t know what a floppy is, but they know exactly what the save icon is. Changing it could cause confusion. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it 🤷♀️
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Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Oy. We had one of these in the computer room when I was a kid. I feel so old XD
Sergy Yeltsen 2 years ago
You feel old? Our office (IT) moved buildings, and we had thrown a box of 5.25" and 3.5" disks in a box. The new kid who was around 18-19, didn't know what they were. None of them. Yeah, we all felt f**king old on seeing that. At least he didn't come out with "Oh, you've got a hard copy of the save icon." 🙄
Load More Replies... #35
I Spotted A Few Of These Wrought Iron Poles On A Road In Central London, They Must Have Had Some Historical Usage, But I'm Not Sure What. Perhaps For Lamps? Did The Circle At The Top Used To Hold Something? Was The Arm On The Right For Hanging Something?
Answer: It's an early 19th C Gaslamp. The gas is piped up the pole, and a copper pipe would have extended into the glass lamp house, which fitted into the hoop.
Ace 2 years ago
Not seen that exact type before, but yeah. The horizontal piece was used by the lamplighter to prop a ladder against - yes, they had to climb up each lamppost to light them manually. Lots of them still to be found in many British towns to this day, converted to electricity sometime in the mid 20th century. Sadly a lot of them were ripped out and replaced by modern monstrosities back in the 1960s-70s.
Stephen Smith 2 years ago
I don't think they had to climb each lamp post to light them. They had a lighter on a stick, or would just ride around on a horse to light them. But did need to put up a ladder when servicing them.
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#36
This Thing Came With The Perfume Gift Set But I Have No Idea What’s Supposed To Be, It Feels Like It’s Made Of Clay Or Something But There’s No Description In The Box Or Anything. Is It Just A Random Trinket?
Answer: It's a perfume diffuser. You can spray your perfume on it, and it will absorb it and release the smell into the air.
Lynn Morello 2 years ago
Or you can place it into your lingerie drawer. imparts a lady's perfume into her undergarments,
#37
This Tiny Door On My Wall Below The Window? 1926 NYC Apartment Building
Answer: It is a cold box.
MellonCollie 2 years ago
How awesome! Didn't know those existed! My in-laws lived in an apartment that had a box similar to this one but inside the cast iron radiator, a hot box, if you wish!
Cyber Returns 2 years ago
Back in the day, glass was expensive, so companies would put in these doors on higher floors for executives to jump from when things got bad and save on the cost of replacing the glass
Budcot 2 years ago
Similar effect to being a student in halls in winter, food in carrier bag hung on window latch and dangling outside the window while it's shut to keep your food cold rather than use the communal fridge.
Load More Replies... #38
What Is This Rooster Basin Looking Things On The Wood Stove Used For?
Answer: Chicken steamer, it's used to add humidity to the house.
SweetCheesySpaghetti 2 years ago
We had one in the house I grew up in. it broke at some point so after that we just put a pot of water on the stove haha
boredpandaki 2 years ago
there are also stoves with room next to the fire to be used as oven and plates above the fire for cooking. And yes, they used to leave a pot with water on a plate for adding humidity
#39
What Is This Camera Looking Thing My Neighbors Pointed At My Backyard?
Answer: HPDFCU Ultrasonic Animal Deterrent.
Penny Fan 2 years ago
Our old neighbours put one of those up because they didn't like our cat. Our cat peed on it...
Michal Pifko 2 years ago
This is the most annoying thing ever. Someone a few streets from my house has it in his front yard and the high-pitched beep it makes is well within the audible frequency range. Whenever i pass the house my head is about to explode. I would rather have molehills and cat sh*t in my garden than this abomination.
Mia Black 2 years ago
I recently had to constantly walk through the door of a customer and every time I heard an extremely high-pitched noise that caused me pain. the customer and my boss were surprised when I pointed to a device hanging above the door and asked if and why it made such high-pitched sounds. Neither of them heard anything but I was told it's for cat repelling. they thought it was good to know that the device appears to be working. After a few minutes I was so far that I had to take a deep breath every time I went outside and already ducked my head for fear of the noise and pain.
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Francis 2 years ago
we had those against martens. and it helped. but also we kids were able to hear the sound AND IT WAS AWFUL! a very high pitched PEEEEEEEP
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Stephen Smith 2 years ago
Ask them to not point it at you. If they don't just switch it off, the switch is on the bottom.
#40
What Is This Kitchen Utensil? - Cutting (?) Wires Inside A Semi-Oval Shape Thing
Answer: It’s an avocado slicer. You cut the avocado in half and seed it, then scoop out slices.
The Other Guest 2 years ago
Looks like it would be a pain to wash. I'll stick with a plain knife & uneven slices TYVM.
SkekVi 2 years ago
you literally just dip it into soapy water and wiggle it around it's not hard. XD
Load More Replies... #41
This Weird Wire Was Pushed Through My Bathroom Ceiling
Answer: This is a mushroom growing in the ceiling and is likely the result of water damage from the floor above.
Owen 2 years ago
I think fungicide would be a better choice, but I like your style.
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Mary Peace 2 years ago
Isn't it more a toadstool than a mushroom? If it's mushroom I'll put it on my pizza tonight!
French panda says ur worth it 2 years ago
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#42
What Is This Mechanism? It Is In A Wooden Box And Has A Hand Crank Turns A Chain Inside Possibly Generating Electricity?
Answer: Part of an old telephone. The bell is for incoming calls. The crank is to buzz the operator to connect you to the other party.
similarly 2 years ago
People also used to use old hand-crank telephones to illegally "telephone fish". According to my Mom (many, many years ago), they'd put the wires in the water, crank the phone, and the electricity would stun the fish, causing them to float to the top where you could scoop them up.
Cyber Returns 2 years ago
It was used to catch catfish, and in the 1950's, people in Alabama discovered that the hand cranked magneto in the phones would create enough current to stun fish for up to 5 to 10 metres away. It was stopped and made illegal when the catfish population was being decimated
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#43
About 2 Feet Long Numbers 1-10 On Both Sides. At A Restaurant (Shari's)
Answer: Worked at a Ponderosa back in my teens as a line cook and we had one of these. When an order was up we would press a button on a box and it would light up a number, so a server would know their order was ready for a table.
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago (edited)
Ponderosa....ah what a memory. Buffet, cheap steak, and I remember when it was a big deal when they got the self serve ice cream machine and all the toppings. I can actually smell the restaurant now. People actually could afford to go out to eat and had actual conversations with the people they went with before the cellphone was invented
Francesa Miller 2 years ago
It isn't just cell phones ruining conversation. Music is played WAY too loud at too many places.
Load More Replies... #44
What Is This Pointy Thing On This Multi Tool Flash Light?
Answer: It's a window breaker for car windows.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I keep mine in the driver's side door pocket since I'm not sure I could reach the glove box in an emergency - especially if my seatbelt was stuck. My tool has a seat belt cutter as well as a window breaker.
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Elchinero 2 years ago
Headrest posts do the same (so I've read ... never drive into oceans, bays, rivers, sounds, stream ...
Beck 2 years ago
I was going to say this too. And aim for the corners of the windows.
Load More Replies... #45
What Is This Leather Belt Thing With A Cup In The Middle?
Answer: A leather fishing belt. You can put the end of the fishing rod in the hole for support.
Omiyaru 2 years ago
my thought too, how crude minds can be when left to ponder
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#46
Witt About 2 Foot Wide Indent In The Wall That Has Its Own Overhead Light And Light Switch
Answer: It's a phone “booth.” At one point it likely held a phone (likely a payphone). You could stand it in, have your call, and not be in the middle of the hallway.
Unstable_Artist 2 years ago
Imagine you miss a deadline and your Boss sends you to timeout
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#47
Small Metal Tool With Hook On End. Found With Some Old Keys And Jewelry
Answer: It's a button hook.
HARRY KOPPERS 2 years ago
slogan for a dime store on it. J. J. Newberry's advertised 5-10-25 cents.
Fabian Bernard 2 years ago
Yes, for boots buttons or guêtres ( don't know the word in English)
#48
What Are Those Wooden/Plastic Boards In Front Of Doors? Found In A Small Spanish City
Answer: Boards that keep stray dogs from peeing on the door.
David Andrews 2 years ago (edited)
Not sure if it's just a similar thing, but I live in the Mediterranean, and boards like these are used in when heavy rain is expected. Because they don't get rain that often here, streets basically turn into rivers when they do, and streets like the ones in the pictures that are sloped with no pavements would result in the water slamming into your door. The boards help channel most of it it back into the street instead of coming into your house
Anyone-for-tea? 2 years ago
That sounds more likely than just to stop a dog going for a wee.
Load More Replies... UnpopularPanda 2 years ago (edited)
Similar borad are set up at apartment doors in India to keep housemice out and/or pets and toddlers in.
Gabriele Alfredo Pini 2 years ago
While the water bottle is to keep cats away. I use them and they works!
#49
This “Gate” On The Niagara River, There’s Nothing Behind It. I Assumed It Was Part Of A Dock Or Something, But Can’t Think Of Its Use
Answer: Basically there are huge underground tunnels that take water to the power plants, these gates shut the water to them.
Manda Hart 2 years ago
:scrolls up and down: 'What are you doing?' 'Testing my nausea threshold'.
#50
Strange Circular Huts, Made Of Brick And Metal
Answer: These are old kilns.
#51
This Little Ramp Thingy On The Bottom Of A Lotion Bottle
Answer: It’s for the manufacturing of the product so that it can be turned while standing up.
#52
Tennisracket With A Hook On The Back, On A Long Chain With Ball At The End. Looks Like Merchandise, But What Is The Hook And The Chain With The Ball For?
Answer: This is used to measure the height of the net in tennis.
Mary Peace 2 years ago
Maybe this was the best way to make sure it was always measured the same each time, rather than people using different rulers, etc
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I think it's meant to look like a tennis racquet
Load More Replies... #53
Small Vintage Metal Decorative Item That Gets Blazing Hot When Plugged In. (Unplugged Immediately To Avoid Fire)
Answer: A cigarette lighter.
Cathy Roberts 2 years ago
I would love to do a "wrong answers only" edition of this because I have thoughts....
#54
Thin Piece Of Metal With A Group Of Varying Hole Types
Answer: It’s for drafting. It’s an eraser shield.
DC 2 years ago
... as I started to study engineering in 2003, I still got to learn to draw and construct by hand, on paper. I've never seen such a simple thing being THAT useful! Erasing usually smears most of the graphite over a large area, and takes off a little bit. The affected area, you ca limit effectively by these. Also, the smearing depends on type of eraser. If it smears, cut off the graphite-saturated layer, just a very, very thin slice to not waste it, then it is fine again. I just looked, I haven't found mine, but it had slightly different cutouts than this has. I'll look again and maybe comment again with a pic, in case I find it.
#55
My Husband Found This While Hunting. It's Made Of Metal And Is A Little Bit Bigger Than A Plow, At Least 10' Wide And 25' Long
Answer: It’s a baler! The metal bands have small metal prongs protitruding, they pick up the hay. The corkscrew in the back moves it into the baling chamber, where a ram compresses it into a bale, after that it’s tied together and pushed out of the machine.
#56
What Are These Little Dots On Our Hotel Mirror? They Seem To Be Behind The Glass
Answer: Mirror guy here, there are lots of things related to the adhesive that can pull off or degrade the silver backing, including: forceful detachment of the adhesive which pulls off the silver, using an acid curing adhesive instead of a neutral curing adhesive, putting the adhesive onto unpainted Sheetrock which screws up the curing process, or drawing a closed shape with the adhesive so air gets trapped in it when the mirror is pressed against the wall.
B Jones 2 years ago
I'm not sure I agree, reminds me of what you see on the wall in movies right before a alien virus kills everyone
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Stephen Smith 2 years ago
Ho no it's the two way mirror coating coming off, you soon will be able to see the camera.
#57
What Is This Thing? It’s Magnetic, Very Dark Grey, Weighs 22 Grams, I Think It’s Metal. Cold To Touch, But Warms Up In My Hand
Answer: It's one of a pair of "rattlesnake eggs". You hold them separated slightly in your hand, and toss them up in the air, and they make a cool noise when they magnetize together. That's about it.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
They're magnetic! I had one stuck to my fridge once upon a time... where the hell did that thing go, anyway? I hope it didn't hatch into a magnetic rattlesnake.
SkyBlueandBlack 2 years ago
Ah, see, no. As cattle graze, they can end up eating bits of metal from barbed wire fences in the area. If those bits were to go through the intestines, they'd shred the tissue. So you have the cow swallow one of these. It stays in the stomach and keeps the sharp metal bits out of the intestines.
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Cyber Returns 2 years ago
Don't put them in separate trouser pockets. Took 3 months for the cruises to go
SkyBlueandBlack 2 years ago
This is wrong. It's a magnet meant to go in a cow's stomach. It keeps bits of barbed wire that might be ingested while grazing from shredding the intestines.
#58
Witt: This Weird Object With A Glass Roof On A Back Of A Truck I Found In Astoria, Oregon On Street View
Answer: It's a dry water massage bed. A person lays inside and water pummels them.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
I paid a few bucks to use one of those when I was in Vegas! It certainly was intense. But I did indeed come out bone dry.
Jcusack 2 years ago
Used one in a mall once for fun. It was awesome! I wouldn't recommended the mall part tho. The amount of people that stick their head under to ask, "Does it feel good!?" was a baffling amount for 5 minutes.
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Brandi Delph 2 years ago
There is a thin, flexible barrier (vinyl, maybe?) between the person and the water. You do not get wet. Also, the blue bit sticking out is for your head so you don't get slammed in the face
Load More Replies... Biana Weatherford 2 years ago
Planet Fitness has dry water massage beds. They are nice, but I would like to be able to regulate the temperature.
#59
This Plastic Hole Filled With A Foam Insert Underneath Nike Sneaker Sole Insert, Only In The Left Shoe
Answer: It is a space for a wireless pod that tracks your running workout called Nike+ sensor.
#60
A Kind Of Wooden Gateway In A Fence In The Woods?
Answer: It’s a badger gate.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
Looks like those wooden blocks are just hanging from the top, so a badger should be able to shoulder through.
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Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
From a site that sells modern aluminum badger gates: Our Badger Gates have been designed to allow badgers to pass freely through fences without causing damage. Badgers often use set routes within their territory, if a stock or deer fence is put up across a badger run, they will either dig under the fence, or attempt to break through.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Same thing with wombats, I have seen some of these in Australia
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DC 2 years ago
Is it to prevent badgers from passing, but allowing other animals, or the other way round, allowing badgers to pass?
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
The latter. Smaller animals don't have the strength to push past the planks.
Load More Replies... #61
What Is This Stuff In The (Seawater) Canal Next To My House?
Answer: This happens a lot in seawater. You see it in the beach all the time as a thick brownish foam. Basically, as marine creatures and so on (especially algae) decompose after death their bodies break down into various components. One of the processes is called saponification and basically converts fats into soap (fun fact, the same thing can happen to un-preserved humans). This coats the sand, gravel, rocks etc and then it is stirred up into foam by the water and (usually) high winds. On the beach it’s usually a mix of these animal byproducts, sand and other contaminants, it’s likely similar here but with less sand. In a canal it is likely stirred up by the wake of watercraft.
Uncommon Boston 2 years ago (edited)
Also could be pollen. It is on our cars, walkways, swimming pools and ponds. This year it won't stop coming. Rain water has a yellow leading edge.
#62
What Are These Rails Between The Main Rails Called And What Is Their Purpose?
Answer: Guide rails for keeping a derailed car from getting too off center.
Jon Steensen 2 years ago
...you often see them in locations where a train going off rail would lead to an extra catastrophic event. E.g. on bridges where a derailment would mean that the train either goes into the water, or could end up on a raod bassing under the track etc. In the depicted location, it looks like a train station where a derailed train could smash into a lot of passengers waiting on the platform.
C L 2 years ago (edited)
That train crossing the Yellowstone River didn't "derail", the bridge collapsed as it went over. Different problem.
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#63
What Is This Thing? It's Wooden And About 6ft Tall, Found Inside Goethe House
Answer: Linen press.
Laughing otter 2 years ago
I think you're right. I've never seen a laundry press that looks anything like that. They usually have rollers of some kind.
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Similar to the original Xerox machine (they’re smaller, metal, and fit on a tabletop). While the ink is still wet on your document, you put it in one of these things along with several other pieces of blank paper on top of it, then press TF out of it. The wet ink will bleed through to the other pieces of paper, and voila! you have copies.
#64
What Is This Large White Pod Thing In My Neighbours Garden?
Answer: It’s a home observatory. The telescope inside doesn’t have to be particularly big, but chances are if they spent the money on the dome they have a pretty nice scope.
#65
Anyone Know What This Is? Gold Ring With Thin Plastic. About 1 Cm
Answer: Looks like the membrane from a kazoo.
Jill Pulcifer 2 years ago
Also looks like a bingo chip. although usually the plastic is colored.
#66
Metal Spring Thing With 2 Red Glass Balls. Can Be Separated, The Balls Do Come Out. Little Over 3 Inches. Looks Like A Pair Of Tongs Holding The Red Balls
Answer: An old blade honer/sharpener.
boredpandaki 2 years ago
I see no comments here... we all know what you were thing before reading the answer...
#67
What Is This Ancient Bronze Pot With Two Spouts That Looks Like A Hanging Lavabo But Whose Necks Are Too Low To Carry Water Without Spilling?
Answer: An oil lamp.
#68
Two Plastic Hook Shaped Tools With Double Forks On The End. What Are These And What They Used For?
Answer: A tick removal tool. It's called a "tick twister".
Anna roberts 2 years ago
My mom used to light a wooden match, blow it out then stick it on the tick on my head. I was never her favorite though... LOL
WindySwede 2 years ago
I have not had any luck with this on the cats. Prefer the one with a nylon string loop. Something like this Fasting-2-...x800-1.jpg 
#69
3-4 Inch Metal Barrel With Holes On Top, Bottom, And Sides. Found In Elderly Couples Home While Cleaning Out
Answer: A holder for moth balls, called "mortemoth".
#70
What Are The Built-In Funnel-Like Things In These Early 20th Century Kitchen Cabinets?
Answer: A Hoosier flour sifter. The flour is contained in a box above or in this case - the conical bag and you crank out what you need below.
#71
Municipal Pickup Trucks Blowing Gas Through The Streets
Answer: This is a ULV mosquito adulticiding fogger.
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago (edited)
Just had the fogger come through the neighborhood yesterday. It's the muggy season in Ohio. Stuff kinda smells but I'll take a toxic cloud over mosquitoes anyday. (Cough..cough...wheeze)
Persephone 2 years ago
Omg I live in the OH too... went running in my neighborhood with my dog at night when they came thru, and had to detour into a school playground bc it was so gross and I also didn't want to hold them up... I hate the mosquitoes, but they also made our honey bee hive collapse which was heartbreaking.
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Joeshar 2 years ago
Some people think planes spray gas to control humans. I guess this is the old-school method.
Midnightoil 2 years ago
I guess the people who used to live in my current home thought the same thing- that jet condensation trails was the government spying on us!
Load More Replies... nm 2 years ago
Back in the '80's I was living in Brazil and there was a problem with aedes aegypti mosquitos and dengue fever. The City had a truck with a fumigating machine onboard, passing from all the roads and a laud-speaker asking people to open their windows for the fume to go inside. It was presumed that was safe for humans. Besides that City's employees were visiting house by house, inspecting the gardens.
#72
Fully Wooden, Too Short To Be A Table, Too Wide To Be A Bench. Found At A Farmers Market
Answer: It's a chair, howdah style.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
"A howdah is is a carriage or chair which is positioned on the back of an elephant, or occasionally some other animal such as a camel, used most often in the past to carry wealthy people during progresses or processions, hunting or in warfare. It was also a symbol of wealth for the owner and as a result might be elaborately decorated, even with expensive gemstones."
#73
My Neighbor Had A Sink Hole In His Yard. It's Been Dug Up And There Are 3 Chambers. There Was A Cement Slab Over All The Chambers And At Least 6 Inch Walls All Around. One Of The Ceiling Slabs Gave Out And Exposed A Dry Empty Hole
Answer: Old septic tank.
TheAmericanAmerican 2 years ago
First thing I thought was old septic tank... How is this not obvious?
The Other Guest 2 years ago
It *is* obvious, if one is familiar with septic tanks. Not everyone is.
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#74
Cast Iron Chicken, Rescued From The Scrap Heap. Any Idea What They’re Used For?
Answer: These are Japanese folding screen weights.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
I'd love to see what they'd look like if they were professionally restored.
PandaGoPanda 2 years ago
Something like this https://www.chairish.com/product/5553626/meiji-japanese-byobu-screen-holders-weight-cast-iron-metal-mandarin-ducks-birds-gilt-gold-stand-ant
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#75
Found In A Jewelry Box. 2 1/2” Metal Piece That Unscrews And Has Three Pointy Plastic Pieces Inside
Answer: It's a tooth pick in a design patented in 1881.
Omiyaru 2 years ago
and greedy people seek cheaper options, and that's why wie have all this disposable c**p compared to high quality items
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#76
Plastic Trinket Found In A Corporate Swag Bag. Has A Hole Just Big Enough For A Fingertip, And Two Nubs Looking Like It Clips To Something
Answer: It’s a keyboard key remover. It’s to help install custom keys but if it didn’t come with any custom keys, they probably gave it to you to help you remove all the keys to make cleaning easier.
Biana Weatherford 2 years ago
I popped mine out with a letter opener. (because I was at work and didn't have a butter knife)
#77
Laptop With Folding Sensors And Wires Going Into A Backpack. They Seem To Be Measuring Something. Saw Multiple People Walking Around With These Setups At A Major League Baseball Game
Answer: They're measuring wifi strength and saturation as part of MLB's deal with Extreme Networks.
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
The fact that there is a seat behind that support beam means at some point some poor schmuck has paid for that seat.
White Sauce Hot Sauce 2 years ago
The stadium owners don't expect anyone to sit there for the game. There are a number of places to stand and watch. This is just a way to be able to sell extra tickets.
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#78
What Is The Purpose Of The Vertical Slot In Hotel Bedside Table?
Answer: It’s for laptop/tablet storage while charging.
Mary Peace 2 years ago
At the very moment I read the answer, my laptop told me it needs charging. I've been on BP too long, again, tonight.
#79
Contraption Found On A Hiking Trail In Utah Made Of Several Flat And Round Pieces Of Metal, Held Together By Screws With A Thicker Hollow Part Running Parallel To The Longest Metal Strip
Answer: A wagon brake.
Susan Robinson 2 years ago
Oh boy…I read that as contraception instead of contraption. Totally different!
#80
What Is This Black Rubber Thing Attached To A Bungee Type Cord Inside My New Ski Jacket?
Answer: It is a phone holder.
#81
What Are These Giant Bowls With Straw "Hats" In The Beginning Of The Magnificent Seven?
Answer: They are granaries, for corn and grain.
#82
What Is This Thing? It’s An Unmanned Ship Of Some Sort About The Same Size As A Big Kayak. Expensive Radar & Solar Panels On It. We Were On A Head Boat & This Was About 15 Miles Off The Coast In North Carolina. Captain Radioed The Nearby Navy Ship Who Claims. It Was Not Theirs
Answer: Saildrone.
NOLAHusker 2 years ago
These and some unmanned ROVs are used to map the ocean floor. Retired admiral who plays guitar in my church's praise band used to head the program. It's really cool.
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
It's the Deep State's secret mind control body. It tracks you while you fish and uses 5G signals to hack your brain.
#83
Found At An Estate Sale. Ceramic Bars/Tiles? Roughly 5 In By 1 In. Painted Bottom?
Answer: Knife rests.
KittyMommy 2 years ago
You put the base of the knife on the table and the blade is propped up on the rest
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#84
What Is This Chain With 2 Handles That Fit Together?
Answer: It's a vintage police restraint chain called "chain nipper".
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
According to the description I read, the police officer would loop the chain around the suspect's wrists, then the officer would grasp both of the handles. Nowadays, handcuffs are used XD
Mary Peace 2 years ago
Certain police officers must have been very pleased when handcuffs first came into use.
Load More Replies... #85
What Is This White Plastic Looking Thing And The Tan Clay Like Material Sticking To The Siding On My House?
Answer: It's a temperature sensor for a humidifier.
Elwood Schwartz (it/that) 2 years ago
I was gonna say it's plastic explosive and they better run
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sofacushionfort 2 years ago
When you want to treat your fellow man to an enema, but are concerned about strangers entering your home
#86
What Is This Metal Bowl Shaped Thing With A Hollow Handle/Spout?
Answer: It's part of a cream separator for milk.
#87
What Is This Tiny Fork For? Dinner Fork For Scale
Answer: This is a seafood or cocktail fork.
Louise Clarke 2 years ago
My parents have some cutlery with that print lol
Load More Replies... Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
All the knowledge from the Great Midcentury Dinner Party period is disappearing. I learned it all because my mom loved to throw dinner parties. I'm GenX, so...
The Other Guest 2 years ago
Etiquette changes over time, just like everything else.
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#88
Large, Heavy Metal Hexagonal Object Found In Central Wyoming. It Has 3 Hollowed-Out Containers Each Attached To A Central Pipe. The 'Lids' On Top Are Bolted Shut
Answer: A ball mill. Similar in concept to a rock tumbler, but used by industry to powderize or smooth materials.
#89
Small Metal Rocket Found At A Yard Sale Years Ago. Seen Only Other Other Similar Item, But It Had No Description As To What It Was
Answer: It's a lazy dog. A small bomb dropped in large numbers. No explosives in it.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
"The weapons were designed to be dropped from an aircraft. They contained no explosive charge but as they fell they would develop significant kinetic energy making them lethal and able to easily penetrate soft cover such as jungle canopy, several inches of sand, or light armor. Lazy Dog munitions were simple and relatively cheap; they could be dropped in huge numbers in a single pass. Though their effects were often no more deadly than other projectiles, they did not leave unexploded ordnance that could be active years after a conflict ended. Lazy Dog projectiles were used primarily during the Korean and the Vietnam Wars."
Suna Amun 2 years ago
Lakota, at this point BP should just hire you, I think.
Load More Replies... #90
Hollow Aluminum Sphere 23"5/8 Circumference, Made From Two Hemispheres Welded Together. Has Multiple Ports. Painted Olive Drab Green
Answer: Hydraulic fluid reservoir for a military vehicle, possibly a hercules.
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
Looks like a mine. But the description in the post seems pretty confident
Duolingobird 2 years ago
Is it bad that my first thought has been BOMB on three of these already?
#91
Several Of These Went Up In A County Park Near Me; Small Wooden Boxes, Some Of Them Have Jars Underneath
Answer: Carpenter Bee traps.
SkekVi 2 years ago
I learned in animal training "you can't say 'don't' without giving a 'do'." and honestly that works for so many things. You can't just make a place hostile or set traps, you have to make sure you provide a more attractive spot for them to do their thing. They don't want anything to do with our structures, they just don't have any alternatives! Make a lil bee hotel and put it away from the building and they'll use that they'll like it much better!
Samantha Mannion 2 years ago
True I have tons of carpenter bees at my house and the only reason I'm not super annoyed with them eating holes on my deck and porches is because I'm replacing them next year. There is whole parts eaten out of the railings. Once I put in the new deck I'm going to have to figure something out because my flower bed needs my pollinators but I don't want then eating up my wood lol
Mia Black 2 years ago
maybe it would be a possibility to offer the carpenter bees an alternative dwelling. as far as I know they prefer deadwood. so you could set up old trunks in the garden and hope they cling to it instead of to the porch.
Load More Replies... #92
Renting A House And The Basement Has These Ropes With Some Sort Of Plastic Hooks/Clamps
Answer: A display for hats.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I'd figure out a way to attach potted plants and have a lovely vegetation wall :D
#93
Weird Plastic Red "Key" That I Found In My Apartment After The Firefighters Left After A Fire
Answer: A pull pin from a fire extinguisher.
M O'Connell 2 years ago
Not really. Every fire extinguisher I have ever handled had either a coiled wire pin or a one-piece black plastic ring.
Load More Replies... #94
Brass Spear Shaped Item With Twisted Copper Handle Or Attachment
Answer: Looks like a it’s maybe a flagpole finial, possibly 19th century or early twentieth.
Alisa LaVine 2 years ago
Looks like it might be military for the guidon bearer in an honor guard unit. Used in parades and special events. Yes. I was a baby guidon bearer in the USAF in Basic Training and Tech School. Never did Honor Guard though.
Jon Steensen 2 years ago
My guess is that it is somehow related to splicing of ropes or wires. The pointy spoon like thing (splicing spike) can be poked in between the strands of one end of a rope, and a strand from the other roper can then be slid under through the grove in it, in order to "weave" the two end toghether.
#95
A Foam Rubber Promo Item From The Local Water Authority. What Is It For?
Answer: YVW Water Watchers! Initiative to remind children to conserve water when possible. This is insanely clever. The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently when they know or feel like they’re being watched—choosing a healthier meal at lunch with your fit friends, or being more productive at work when you sit near the boss’s office.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Ah, like when an honour payment system is more effective if there's a picture of a pair of eyes next to the box.
#96
What Is This Coiled Sheet Metal Attached To A Piece Of Wood?
Answer: It's for holding books.
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
Book catapult. Pull one book out, the thing springs shut, firing one more into the air.
Mary Peace 2 years ago
I have one of those instead of bookends, so I only have to open the spring to insert more books. Do have to be careful when removing a book.
#97
Floppy Silicone Thing Found At Amazon Bin Store. It Does Not Stick To Bathroom Tile To Hold Toothbrushes
Answer: It’s a spoon rest for cooking so your counter top doesn’t get dirty. Can hold multiple utensils at once. Easy to wash and clean.
Owen 2 years ago
I would love one of these. I waste a lot of water by constantly washing utensils as I cook.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Or having limited space on a traditional spoon rest.
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Mary Peace 2 years ago
I didn't recognise this. I've had lots of spoon rests but they've all been china.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
If you're my mom, all of them! :) I got her one of these because she tends to use every utensil in the kitchen and then leave them scattered on the counters. Not that she actually uses the spoon rest I bought her, but I tried!
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#98
I’ve Been Walking By This On The North Side Of 10th St (Between 6th And 5th Ave In The West Village) In NYC For Years. It’s The Only One Like It That I Know Of. Made Of Brass, Embedded In The Sidewalk. What Is It?
Answer: It’s a sensor to turn the heated sidewalk on and off.
#99
Big Wooden Thing That Kinda Looks Like A Clothes Pin. It's About 4lbs, And 85cm Tall. It's A Dark Wood That's A Bit Worn Down And I'm Guessing It's Over 40 Years Old?
Answer: A wash tamper or "wasstamper" in Dutch.
PandaGoPanda 2 years ago
It’s a washing dolly, to help you agitate and clean the laundry better, and it’ll probably closer to 100 years old than 40.
#100
Lightweight, Metal Object With Chain Connecting Two Pieces. Both Sides Are Identical With No Identifying Marks. Labeled As “Mystery Item”
Answer: It’s a pull chain and hanging bracket for a solid door bell.
#101
Purple/Blue Light In Hotel Only Comes On When Hitting Up Channel
Answer: It's an infrared based occupancy sensor. The TV controller is outputting an infrared signal activating the sensor.
Source: husband who is an electrical engineer.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
But why? Because it sure looks like a camera or something else that’s fishy.
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
I was curious enough to look it up. They're called Passive Infra Red sensors. "The PIRs are multi-purpose and can be used for different applications such as room occupancy detection, energy management, light switching, HVAC control, curtains & blinds control, automated night light switching, access control and security."
Load More Replies... #102
Fun Plastic Ball Captive In A Strange Plastic Enclosure; Ball Rotates Pretty Freely, Hole In Base Of Enclosure. Found In Garage
Answer: It’s a manual massage roller ball.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago (edited)
My boyfriend has one of these on his desk and he uses it constantly to massage his arm muscles when we play games. The sound of it rolling in its socket drives me INSANE for some reason. I HATE the sound XD
#103
Container That Opens Sideways Seen At Homegoods. No Luck With Image Search On Google
Answer: It's a container for keeping herbs fresh in your refrigerator.
#104
This Washed Up On The Beach. Is Very Heavy But Seems To Barely Float. It Is About The 3-4 Feet Long And Looks Like Fiber Glass On The Outside But Not Completely Sure
Answer: It is an outrigger for trolling. you attach a long line to it and this carries it out away from the side of the boat so you can put out two long lines at once. Used for tuna and swordfish in the gulf stream.
#105
Yellow/Orange Plastic, Semi-Circular Object Found In My Coworkers Dog's Stomach, Just Removed During Surgery. Approximately 1"X2" Long. Any Ideas? This Is The Only Photo I Have, No Other Angles Unfortunately
Answer: A rotisserie clamp.
#106
What Are These Wooden Tools/Implements Being Used By These Guys On This 1940s Swiss Poster?
Answer: That is a paddle designed to swat back a small ball 'a hornet' in the traditional swiss sport or hornussen.
Clément D. 2 years ago
Actualy, you can throw your paddle to intercept the ball before it hits the ground. crazy game.
Load More Replies... Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
It's three guys with pizza peels chasing down a rogue group of Wild Margheritas.
#107
Found On The Side Of The Road. It's Made Of Metal And Says Craftsman On The Front. It Has Some Sort Of Cup With A Nozzle Attached. There's Also A Small Rope. It Looked Heavy. About A Foot An A Half Wide And Not Quite A Foot Tall
Answer: A vintage craftsman wet wheel sharpening stone tool.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
It's Craftsman. Take in and ask for replacement. See what ya get.
#108
Construction Device With A Yellow Base. Not Sure If It Goes Into The Ground. Makes Melodic Humming Noises At Regular Intervals And Increases In Pitch
Answer: Sonde device to measure pipe blockage / delineation using acoustic waves.
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
Very similar device used by High Voltage Engineers seeking where the underground cables or grounding coils are buried
#109
I've Seen These Metal (Strings?) Being Taped To Anything From Shampoo Bottles To Face Cream. Some Have Them, Others Don't. What Is It?
Answer: They are anti theft strips and will sound the alarm if you try to pass the detectors at the door when not having paid the item.
ROSESARERED 2 years ago
I had to put them inside expensive books, and playstation/ game console booklets
Load More Replies... #110
It’s Like A Hammer But One Side Is Like Spiked. The Head Is Iron With A Wooden Handle. Weighs 500-800g Estimated. There Are No Noticeable Markings On It
Answer: It’s a comb hammer for dressing stone.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I don't see how you'd be able to use that hammer to button up the stone's shirt, though. (Joke - wordplay on "dressing stone" - in actuality, to "dress" stone can also mean "to make or set straight" or "to prepare for use or service".)
#111
What Is This Knee Wrapping Belt I Saw On An Airplane?
Answer: It's a back support.
#112
What Is This Disc Thing I Was Just Handed With My Bagel? About 10 Inches In Diameter. Pouch Is Too Small To Hold A Can. Tag Says “Dist. By Primeline (Alphabroder) Cpsiatracking.com” I Went To The Url, And It Doesn’t Exist. Searched Those Companies’ Products And Found Nothing Relevant
Answer: It's a foldable flying disk.
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
My dog shits bricks for these. I have never seen him love a toy more than his GIANT flying discs.
#113
What Is This Padded Satin Item With Ribbon Ties And A Hole In The Middle? Appears Possibly Handmade, Like A Case For A Beauty Item
Answer: A hanger cover. It's to prevent suits or similar from getting a crease when hanging on a hanger with sharp angles.
#114
Metal Cylinder Washed Up On Beach, Destroyed By Bomb Squad (Pic Taken From News Site)
Answer: Mk 25 marine location marker.
John L 2 years ago
I'll bet you the Bomb Squad blew it up, just to do something, since they were there.
Frappuchino the hedgehog 2 years ago (edited)
I bet 1 dollar this dude doesn’t know what a bomb squad is. Oh wait he doesn’t!!
Load More Replies... #115
Anyone Know What This Is For? It Came With My House From 1948. Measures About 4.5” X 5”. Front Part Lifts Up. The Only Markings Is A Handwritten “50” On The Back. Looks Like It Would Have Originally Been Black
Answer: It's a hose holder that prevents tangling.
#116
Wire Suspended Above Freeway Onramps In Chandler And Tempe Arizona
Answer: It is an Eruv.
Agfox 2 years ago
An Eruv is a ritual enclosure around a home or community. It enables the carrying of objects out of doors for Jews on Jewish Sabbath that would otherwise be forbidden by Torah law
Fat Harry 2 years ago
What a bizarre concept. "We're orthodox enough to follow the rules, but not so much that we don't come up with ways around them". Surely either follow the rules or don't!
Load More Replies... Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
"An eruv is a ritual halakhic enclosure made for the purpose of allowing activities which are normally prohibited on Shabbat, specifically: carrying objects from a private domain to a semi-public domain, and transporting objects four cubits or more within a semi-public domain. The enclosure is made within some Jewish communities, especially Orthodox Jewish communities. An eruv accomplishes this by symbolically integrating a number of private properties and spaces such as streets and sidewalks into one larger "private domain" by surrounding it with mechitzas, thereby avoiding restrictions of transferring between domains. Often a group constructing an eruv obtains a lease to the required land from a local government. An eruv allows Jews to carry, among other things, house keys, tissues, medication, or or babies with them, and to use strollers and canes – all of which are otherwise forbidden from being carried outside one’s home during Shabbat, in the absence of an eruv."
Ace 2 years ago
Had to google it. The lengths some people go to for their beliefs sometimes amazes me. https://www.npr.org/2019/05/13/721551785/a-fishing-line-encircles-manhattan-protecting-sanctity-of-sabbath
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I don't see the problem as long as it doesn't interfere with the lives of other people.
Load More Replies... Mary Peace 2 years ago (edited)
I've learnt a lot about Jews and their faith from this thread, and I'm finding it fascinating.
#117
This Inflatable Pillow-Like Object Was Found In Our Yard After A Windstorm. There Is An Opening To Inflate/Deflate It. There Is No Other Text On The Object
Answer: An inflatable cushion for securing cargo.
M O'Connell 2 years ago
The proper name is a Dunnage Bag, used to take up the empty space in a semi trailer or shipping container to prevent the cargo from moving around.
#118
Woven Bamboo Object Found In An Antique Shop In Kyoto, Japan. I Believe The Owner Said It Had Something To Do With Tea. Does Anyone Know What This Is?
Answer: These are tiny mock versions of what they used to use on riversides to stop erosion. Now they're mostly just decorations or hashi holders (chopstiick holders, but they have much smaller ones - i have some in my cuppard) so your food-covered hashi doesn't touch the table. They were called Takejakago.
#119
This Christmas Cookie Shape Has Been Confounding My Boyfriend's Family For Over Two Decades. They Call It "The Bomb Cookie"
Answer: Chef's hat.
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
It’s anything you want it to be, if your frosting skills are on point!
#120
What Is This Donut Shaped Thing Made Out Of Some Sort Of Recycled Cardboard?
Answer: It’s a core plug for a large roll of paper. You take them out when you load them onto a cutting machine to make smaller rolls like adding machine tapes or toilet paper rolls.
Mike Fitzpatrick 2 years ago
We had these years ago in a printing plant I worked in. They make awesome camp fire fuel once you get the fire lit.
Omiyaru 2 years ago
and hell you could string a bunch together on a hike too
Load More Replies... #121
What Is This Small Wooden Board With Odd Numbers On It
Answer: It’s part of a magic kit where the magician “guesses” someone’s number… should be like 6 of them with various numbers on them…
Mary Peace 2 years ago
I presumed it was so that you have lots more numbers to 'choose' from.
Load More Replies... #122
Anyone Know What This Oval Glass Dish Was Used For? It Has A Raised Circle In The Top Left. The Pen Is Next To It To Indicate Size. Thanks!
Answer: Snack plate. Circle is for a cup to rest in.
RapidUnscheduledDisassembly 2 years ago
Considering it's glass, it's probably more specifically a shower/fancy party plate. It would have matched the punch bowl and cups.
#123
Aluminum Capsule Found On Beach Of Lake Superior. Has What Looks Like “Manitoba” In Small Letters On One Side. Completely Sealed, But Sounds Like Liquid Inside When Shaken
Answer: It's a fishing net float.
#124
What Is This Table Of Numbers With Dots Found On A Plastic Suzuki Wheel Arch?
Answer: The month and year of manufacture. It’s a permanent dent made in the tool steel of the injection molding tooling, so the most recent dent is the birth date of the wheel arch.
#125
What Is This Strange Mirrored Panel Above The Bath In My New UK Apartment?
Answer: A waterproof bathroom mirror TV.
Stephen Smith 2 years ago
Smash it and remove the WIFI camera behind it. Or maybe you like to be watched ?
#126
Found Behind A Metal Fabrication Factory. Feels Like Plexiglass. 6-8 Feet Long. Very Light. No Words Or Numbers On It. Studded Metal Around The Plexiglass
Answer: Canopy covers for glider cockpits.
Jon Steensen 2 years ago (edited)
Just canopies. Canopy covers are made from fabric and is put on top of the canopies to protect them from getting dirty/scratched when not in use, or to prevent the cockpit and everything in it from getting excrusiatingly hot from the greenhouse effect, if the plane is left in the sun on a hot summersday (the buckles on the parachute or seatbelt can be so hot that you burn your skin touching them).
#127
Wooden Stick. Made Of Dark Wood With Wrapped String Detail, Roughly 2 Feet Long, With Big Heavy Lump At One End, And A Small Hole The Other End. Too Short To Be A Walking Stick
Answer: A South African Knobkerrie.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
"A knobkerrie, also spelled knobkerry, knobkierie, and knopkierie, is a form of wooden club, used mainly in Southern and Eastern Africa. Typically they have a large k**b at one end and can be used for throwing at animals in hunting or for clubbing an enemy's head."
LK 2 years ago
Interesting, I came across a 'knobkerry' in a book. It was described as above, but without any African connection. It was owned by a pub landlord and he called it his 'peace keeper'. When things got a bit too rowdy he'd reach under the bar and grab his knobkerry. When the patrons of the pub saw it they often decided it was better to quit the rowdy behaviour than be hit on the head with it.
Load More Replies... FloralDangerNoodle 2 years ago
It's a shusher. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEnZ5AJcGug&t=111s
#128
Found This Weird Mountain Dew Thing. It's Magnetic And That's Pretty Much All I Know About It. I Google Image Searched It But Used Nothing But A Lemon Juicer So... What Is It?
Answer: Cell phone holder for the car vent.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Those projections go into the vent so the flat, magnetic surface is on the outside. That Mountain Dew card is also a magnet to hold your phone hands free.
#129
Recessed Kitchen Enclosure: What Is The Purpose Of This Recessed Enclosure In The Wall Of A 1935 House In Southern California? I Don't Have The Measurements, But I Think That It's About A Foot Or So Tall And Is About Five Feet Up On The Wall. There's A Hinged Door That Opens Upward, As Shown
Answer: I think the dowel was put into a shelf slot after the fact to possibly make this into a paper towel holder. I say breadbox.
#130
This Tool Which When Folded Up Is Carried In A Leather Pouch And Ia About 2" Long. Folds Out With Two Telescoping Rods That Extend To About 17"
Answer: It's a vintage “Midget” folding garment hanger.
Pyla 2 years ago
What movie is it where the bad guy has the stars tied up (I think) and pulls out a garment hanger and each move startles them, then he just hangs up his coat? I wish I could remember.
Jean Thompson 2 years ago
The film is Raiders of the Lost Ark. When ?Karen is held and about to be interrogated at her mountain bar, the nasty Nazi asks for this metal contraption, which we all think is an instrument of torture. Then he opens it and uses it to hang up his coat. Clever "eeek" moment for the audience!
Load More Replies... #131
Metal Disk Encased In A Dome Shaped Award From The Atomic Energy Commission
Answer: It's a paperweight.
Mary Peace 2 years ago
Someone has to not know, or where would Bored Panda be?
Load More Replies... #132
Large Metallic Bar Across The Top Of A Bike Frame, Apparently Collapsible, With A Knob
Answer: It’s an old style attachment for a child seat.
#133
What Is The Function Of This Row Of Flexible Plastic Tabs On My Fridge Door? It’s Not Removable
Answer: To hold bottles up, so they don't fall out of the door.
Mat Hall 2 years ago
The photo is a slightly unhelpful angle, but it's on the back edge of a shallow tray. When you put bottles in the tray it flexes and holds them securely so they don't slide around when you open the door.
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#134
What Is It? I Found This In One Of Our Flowerbeds. It Looks Like Two Chain Links With Four Rubber Bands Around Them. On The Side It Says “Narrow” And “Zsc-Z51”
Answer: Fidget toy.
#135
Small Metal Thing Attached To Pipe. Looks Like A Pressure Valve At The Top?
Answer: A Remfly Perimeter Trip Alarm.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
"The metal thing attached to the pipe is an alarm mine. It uses a trip wire to set off a pin to strike a black 12G shotgun cartridge which would be installed facing downwards." Yikes!!
Beck 2 years ago
Reminds me of a crazy horror movie I saw. Person was in living room chair and had it rigged so when someone opened door the gun shot the side of their face and head off. There was a weird tub death scene too.
Load More Replies... #136
Found In A Garage In The Pnw. Metal, Copper-Colored Disk About 2-3 Inches Across And Over 1 Inch Thick. One Side Has 2 Teardrop Grooves That Almost Looks Like A Pig Nose, The Other Side A Holographic Sticker Of A Rock And Roll Skeleton Skull
Answer: It’s a pog slammer.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Pogs, oh my god. They were the RAGE when I was a kid. I still have a sweet Mortal Kombat slammer from the early 90s!
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago
Blast from the past. I had a whole set of National Hockey League teams. They were simple but fun. Collectable money pit and often confiscated by teachers for playing Pogs in class
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#137
Found A Weird Rolling Shelf In My Wardrobe
Answer: It’s for ties.
Clément D. 2 years ago
You may use it for ties, but it's a trousers holder. Tie holders are generelly narrower and side mounted
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
That's a pretty absolute statement. Someone who wears ties all of the time might have quite a few. Businessmen, pastors, etc.
Load More Replies... #138
What Is This Electrical Outlet Box Plugged In To The Outlets At My Hotel?
Answer: It's a type of WAP for the hotel staff called AT&T Staff Alert.
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 2 years ago
Wireless Access Point...allows connection to their network
Load More Replies... #139
A Black Metal Puck With A Silver Tri-Point Pattern On One Side; Unscrews Into 3 Pieces. About 2in/5cm Wide, 1.5in/4cm Tall, Weighs About 13oz. Listed As "Mystery Item" At A Public Auction In Southern California
Answer: I think it's actually to evenly distribute the coffee rather than tamp it, the tamper would be used after this thing and has a flat bottom.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
These entries are all already solved ;) This is a coffee grinds distributor for use with espresso.
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Add New Image
What do you think ?
Mojo Flizash 2 years ago (edited)
I found this thread super informative and fun. Alot of Bored Pandas are younger and may not have any exposure to many of these items and thus have no point of reference to even guess. Some items may be regional or just way too old for people to know about. I read this post with one of my 14yr old sons and it was very educational. Sure, I knew alot of these things too but I have life experience and points of reference for what things might be used for. There were also quite a few new things I learned about too. I'd like to see this type of thread again some day in the future. Thanks 🐼s!
VonBlade 2 years ago (edited)
I'm obviously wasting my life away, as many (50%+) of these I knew. Although everyone should know the Goethe book press, and if you don't, here is a cool 20 minute documentary on printing and paper manufacture (starring Arthur Weasley). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q9Qhl-DJck
Lyone Fein 2 years ago
I love these types of articles. So much more uplifting than all the ones that are about people putting each other down.
ggus44 2 years ago
Hey, I have an object here and I don't know what it is. I found it hidden at the top of the bathroom cabinet of the apartment I just bought. Does anyone know what it is? Heeeeelp 😝 IMG_5457-6...8f-png.jpg 
wowbagger 2 years ago
Maybe I'm just in a cranky mood, but I got irritated at the ones where the person could easily have asked museum staff or the employee handing them the item instead of posting their question online.
Mike Fitzpatrick 2 years ago
You can say things WITHOUT being abusive in your delivery. Jiminy cricket, did you wake up on the wrong side of your web?
Load More Replies... Mojo Flizash 2 years ago (edited)
I found this thread super informative and fun. Alot of Bored Pandas are younger and may not have any exposure to many of these items and thus have no point of reference to even guess. Some items may be regional or just way too old for people to know about. I read this post with one of my 14yr old sons and it was very educational. Sure, I knew alot of these things too but I have life experience and points of reference for what things might be used for. There were also quite a few new things I learned about too. I'd like to see this type of thread again some day in the future. Thanks 🐼s!
VonBlade 2 years ago (edited)
I'm obviously wasting my life away, as many (50%+) of these I knew. Although everyone should know the Goethe book press, and if you don't, here is a cool 20 minute documentary on printing and paper manufacture (starring Arthur Weasley). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q9Qhl-DJck
Lyone Fein 2 years ago
I love these types of articles. So much more uplifting than all the ones that are about people putting each other down.
ggus44 2 years ago
Hey, I have an object here and I don't know what it is. I found it hidden at the top of the bathroom cabinet of the apartment I just bought. Does anyone know what it is? Heeeeelp 😝 IMG_5457-6...8f-png.jpg
wowbagger 2 years ago
Maybe I'm just in a cranky mood, but I got irritated at the ones where the person could easily have asked museum staff or the employee handing them the item instead of posting their question online.
Mike Fitzpatrick 2 years ago
You can say things WITHOUT being abusive in your delivery. Jiminy cricket, did you wake up on the wrong side of your web?
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