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Part of traveling and seeing new places is the thrill and excitement of finding out how people live in other countries. And the more drastic the difference is in culture, the more exciting it is.

Meet Jorie, a Chicago creative who has moved to Norway to live together with her husband, family, and pets, and who has also turned her TikTok channel into a platform to broadcast all of the interesting things she as an American found foreign in Norway.

In her running series of videos, appropriately titled “Things In Norway That Are Foreign To Me”, she points out things like bread cutting machines in grocery stores, leaving baby strollers with babies outside, packing your own groceries, and the like.

This, and other videos on her channel, have drawn in nearly 24,000 followers and almost 800,000 likes.

So, we’ve turned her intriguing points into a curated list that you can vote and comment on below. So, get cracking, and if you’re an international living in another country, why not share your biggest culture shocks in the comment section below!

More info: TikTok

#1

Dogs Are Allowed On Public Transport

Dogs Are Allowed On Public Transport

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

Dogs should be allowed everywhere. Church, restaurants, theaters, schools, hospitals, nightclubs, prisons, trampolines, TV studios, nuclear substations.....all things better with dogs.

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Bored Panda got in touch with the face behind the channel, Jorie, for an interview on her Things In Norway That Are Foreign To Me video series and all things Norway.

In the beginning, Jorie thought of creating these videos for an American-only audience as a way of informing them about the Norwegian culture. But she quickly understood that Norwegians like to see their culture reflected back at them, so the audience grew rapidly.

"Of course, it’s a small country in population and representation is exciting. I also think they enjoy explaining (as much as I enjoy reading it) why these differences are the way they are," elaborated Jorie.

So as my audience arose, I now try to point things out to Norwegian viewers of things here in Norway that are not common in other countries, especially the Americas, that they might not realize (like how much they add canned corn to, its not something they notice until they realize many other places don't have it as a common pizza topping!)."

#2

Grass On Roofs

Grass On Roofs

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Trond Hermansen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The turf was traditionally used to hold birch bark in place thus creating a leak proof roof.

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#3

Stop Light Buttons That Actually Make Drivers Stop

Stop Light Buttons That Actually Make Drivers Stop

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Now, it's not all culture shock, as there are also "spot the difference" videos. Sure, some can be a tad bit shocking, like the idea of the government having to agree on a baby's name, but the latter category would involve things like date format differences and, according to Jorie, they are more for the sake of discussion.

And speaking of videos in general, Jorie used to keep a running list of things to discuss in them, but it changed a bit when the audience got involved:

"Now I read heavily through the comments, and just note things as I experience them. Again, there are 2 categories in the series: the ‘culture shock’ which doesn’t have many items left on the list as I’ve been living here a while; and the 'basic-known differences', those I have a few more on the back burner about. I’m also highly sensitive to all the things that will be misinterpreted as 'stupid American' so I try to stay always from those… or at least give a very thorough brainstorm of how to communicate it in a video."

#6

Leaving Babies In Strollers Outside

Leaving Babies In Strollers Outside

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andreavilarmelego avatar
Ozacoter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be so afraid that somebody would take the baby. Its pure paranoia but I cant even leave our dog outside of a store just in case.

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

I certainly won’t leave my dog outside in Portland, Oregon. People are stealing dogs here. 🙁

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ylva-edqvist avatar
(T)reacherou(S)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Normal in all of scaninavia. It's healthy and many kids enjoy it.

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

Is it? Never seen anyone doing this in Sweden, social services will probably take away your baby if you do it too.

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

Perfectly normal here in Germany, too. And even in the coldest of winter. I put my son (now 6 month) even out on the porch in January. Warmly wrapped of course.

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

In your garden - sure, but in scandinavia they let them alone in front of a restaurant, have never seen this here.

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

People understand how to be civilized there. I wish I lived in one of the Nordic countries.

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

A woman from Europe did that here in the states. Just did what she's used to. She was arrested

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

This is getting less common in the nordic countries as some cases of strollet theft has occured (with baby inside, usually stolen without the thief realizing that..so babies found unharmed where thief left them

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

This is called safe country plus educated parents. In my country I would not leave babies in prams in a public space, but in a private garden it is very good for them to sleep outside at all types of weater except strong wind.

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

When I had a German exchange student, they just left their backpacks wherever. They thought lockers made no sense. Blew our American minds.

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

Depends a bit on where...having a coffee with friends and at the same time keeping an eye on the stroller through the window...people are getting a bit more careful..times have changed,sadly...same with dogs,every shop would have a hook outside to attach a dog lead,but dog-snatching is becoming more frequent..

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

I used to joke if someone kidnapped one of mine they wouldn't be long returning them.

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

People do that too where I live. Always frightenend me, even if the sat directly opposite the stroller inside the cafe. I'd rather take them into the cafe and let them sleep in the stroller.

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

Yeah, you get life without parole. I mean you have stupid laws like Jay walking. The land of the free. The free Karens.

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

There's a far bigger risk of your dog being stolen than your child if you leave either outside a store or cafe

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

In America its a crime to leave children under a certain age unattended. Plain and simple.

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

Evidently America has worse people than Norway. Good for them!!

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

I know I know its "normal" but this is not something I'd EVER be comfortable with

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

Actually I wouldn't be either, and I live in Sweden. My friends with kids wouldn't do it either. But if other peoole are comfortable doing it.. who am I to judge. (I mean leaving them outside resturants etc. not on their own lawn or something)

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

Oh, there are some people here in the states that would love that. Good thing they’re still in prison.

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

I WISH this was a thing in the US. I was always so freaking stressed taking my kids out in public due to the intense scrutiny.

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

Not about the theme, but is that Maria Mena in the poster at the front? Uhh I really miss Norwegian music.

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

Yep never leave your baby out someone might take the baby or children services called on you

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

People might steal dogs in Scandinavia because they can be resold, but they're not gonna steal your baby.

sandra-olovsson avatar
Cat Crazy Lady
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Danmark "Over the past five years, the number of pram thefts has practically doubled from 369 reports in 2012 to over 600 in 2016." Stealing a stroller is ofc. another thing than stealing a baby. But they aren't always empty. Two years ago "Gothenburg kidnap: Baby in pram snatched from outside Swedish nursery A huge search was mounted after the baby girl was taken when her mother left her in a pram outside a kindergarten." It's extremely rare! But to say it could never happen...

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

At Disney World, people leave strollers packed full of things, including sleeping kiddos, at Stroller Parking. Still blows my mind.

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sandra-olovsson avatar
Cat Crazy Lady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Crazy people exist. Never heard of crazy women doing it out of desperation when they can't have their own? Child trafficking? Poverty? I know it doesn't happen all the time. It's rare, but it happens.

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Sylvi Ann Børsheim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Healthy, fresh air for the baby! And mum, or dad, sits right on the other side of the window, keeping a watchfull eye.

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

What?! Kidnappers, paedophiles, and sex traffickers just done exist there?

rix_1 avatar
Arenite
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a Danish woman who did this a few years ago in NYC. Oh man, the headlines!

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

I lived in Scotland back in the mid 80's, and it was common to see babies left outside. Usually only in the small villages.

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

There is a law in US against leaving young children in a car, and for good reason. Don't know about outside in a stroller, but it would constitute as abandonment I'm sure. Lots of crime in US.

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

This is true in Alaska. Leaving any child under the age of five unattended is considered abuse. Its not about having your child stolen (or taken by a stranger to the police), its about responsibility. Babies outide in cold is not the issue either.

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

Nope. Me and my family would eat for 30 mins. Why would my family member be outside tge restaurant?!

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

Because a baby doesn't eat solids yet, and is perfectly fine sleeping. And sleeping outside is better then in a stuffy restaurant. And how on earth did you order, eat, finish and pay with a family in 30m ??

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#7

Colorful Houses

Colorful Houses

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(T)reacherou(S)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What colours do they use in usa if not blue and red (not trying to be mean, honestly curious)?

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#8

Recycling Bottles And Cans

Recycling Bottles And Cans

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

We have this in the US. You take them to the recycling center to exchange

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There are, however, videos that Jorie decided not to post, or there are videos that were posted despite it not really being "new" information at this point. She elaborates:

"Like I just mentioned, I hate the 'stupid American' comments. Of course, I know in Europe the dates are D/M/Y vs M/D/Y, or that the power outlets here were different, but I still want to post these small differences for Norwegians and other Europeans that don’t know how America does it."

"I also get a lot of comments telling me how America works (in a negative cliche light) from people who definitely have never been. Mind you, we are made up of SO many states that are SO different culturally than one another. So videos that bring up politics, I’ll stay away from as I don’t like feeling any personal association with those cliches.

"On the other end, I’ll get comments from people who studied abroad in the states telling me I’m wrong about my comparison (roundabouts are not common in the US, period, end of story!)."

#9

Bread Slicers In Grocery Stores

Bread Slicers In Grocery Stores

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#10

Clean Drinking Water From Faucets

Clean Drinking Water From Faucets

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#11

Packing Your Own Groceries At Checkout

Packing Your Own Groceries At Checkout

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Fat Harry
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The whole of Europe (that I know of) does this. Again, the US is the odd one out.

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#12

Different (Consecutive) Date Format

Different (Consecutive) Date Format

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

Why the Americans have it different I do not know, it makes sense day, month then year.

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#13

Smaller Milk Packaging With Shorter Expiration Periods

Smaller Milk Packaging With Shorter Expiration Periods

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Trond Hermansen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Norwegian scientists recently clarified that milk can be perfectly good for way longer than what is printed on the carton.

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Jorie continued:

"My biggest takeaway on it is that these videos are not 'who’s right and wrong', and no, I personally don't think the world revolves around the US, and many try to declare that. It’s just a fun note on how different countries and cultures can be. Although I find my commenters can be a very literal bunch! So I also try to put out as many disclaimers as I can to avoid all these types of comments."

"Sometimes my videos are dramatizations (I added canned corn to everything I ate that week of shooting, I do know Norwegians don't add it to those specific items). And some of my videos are more based on my experience coming from Chicago, not just the general US. But no matter how hard I try, no one reads captions and they will still find a point of contention. I do have a huge experience I plan to talk about in the very near future that I’ve been eager to share on social. So those will maybe become a sub-series to this series very soon. Stay tuned!"

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#14

Smaller Fridges

Smaller Fridges

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Pat Bond
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a good size fridge freezer. Won't be too hard on the electrics and no plumbing required.

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#16

Standing Rather Than Sitting Next To A Stranger On Public Transport

Standing Rather Than Sitting Next To A Stranger On Public Transport

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#18

Roundabouts

Roundabouts

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

Studies have shown that these are much better for traffic flow than traffic lights - don't know why everyone doesn't use them

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"Norway is a beautiful, safe, and lovely place to be! Posting videos and interacting with so many Norwegians via TikTok has been a great microscope to even more of their culture than I could experience alone. The biggest challenge was trying to explore my new home during Covid times. I hope to keep it up throughout my time living here," concludes Jorie.

Stay tuned for more videos from Jorie, which you can check out on her TikTok channel. But don't leave just yet, as there are more things to see by scrolling below, and why not leave a comment with some of your culture shocks in the comment section!

#19

Flexible Shower Doors

Flexible Shower Doors

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

The author of this topic seems to live in a world apart! I am impressed! Foldable barriers are normal in Europe!

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#20

Blinds Outside Windows

Blinds Outside Windows

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

I don't mean to sound stupid, but how do you lower the blinds? Do you go outside each time?

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#21

Windows Open In Multiple Directions

Windows Open In Multiple Directions

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Olga Dremina
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You mean, it is different in the US? I thought, windows are the same everywhere?

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#22

More Laid-Back Airport Security

More Laid-Back Airport Security

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#23

Separating Beer Packs

Separating Beer Packs

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#24

Canned Corn In Almost Any Dish

Canned Corn In Almost Any Dish

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

I add canned corn to so many things, salads, beans on toast, pizzas, stews etc. Not tried it with ice cream yet though.

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#25

Different Electrical Outlets

Different Electrical Outlets

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