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If we want to learn something new and grow as individuals, we need to expose ourselves to things we haven't encountered before. That's often easier said than done, because stepping outside our comfort zones requires a willingness to be vulnerable in the face of the unfamiliar.

So, we decided to create a controlled, zero-risk environment where everyone who wants to expand their horizons could easily do so. Bored Panda put together a list of fascinating pictures for curious minds, revealing nature, technology, and other aspects of the world you might never have explored—each one ready to spark your next big interest.

#1

Modern Icelandic Houses Are Built With Geothermally Heated Water Pipes Under Their Sidewalks So Icelanders Never Have To Shovel In Winter

Blue pipes laid out along the exterior of a building showing a fascinating picture for curious minds learning about the world.

karljam Report

Marianne
Community Member
6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're clearly living in the future.

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    #2

    One Bench In The Netherlands, One In Germany, And One In Belgium

    Three people and a dog near a circular bench and flagpoles in a wooded area, showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    Omphaloskeptique Report

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No passport required to play musical chairs.

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    #3

    My Uncle, Who Works On An Arctic Research Vessel, Got An Unexpected Visitor Today

    Man feeding a polar bear through a small window in an unusual setting, fascinating picture for curious minds learning.

    johnny_love Report

    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Won't this make the bear come back, which is not a good thing?

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    #4

    This Sign At This House That Takes In Stray Turtles

    Green sign on black iron fence reading Turtle Sanctuary with instructions to deposit roaming or lost turtles over fence.

    Dont_Tell_Me_Now Report

    megabeth
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's so sweet! Talk about life goals ...

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    #5

    Forelimb Of A Fin Whale And Human Skeleton

    Skeleton of a fin whale flipper and human skeleton displayed side by side, fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    casualphilosopher1 Report

    I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you awkwardly go for a high 5 but the other person was aiming for a handshake 🤝

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    #6

    Dad’s Relay Torch From The ‘84 Olympics

    Hand holding an Olympic torch with Titus inscription near a bright window, fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    red_suspenders Report

    Mreoww
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oooh. From Reddit: “ He’s a union worker and the organization donated money so he was able to carry it for a stretch. He was a huge runner back in the day. I have a pretty cool photo of him finishing a marathon with a 2:43 time”, OP says about their dad.

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    #7

    In Finland They Advertise The ‘Extra Large’ Size As ‘American Size’

    Hand holding a large jar of Hellmann's real mayonnaise with 100% free range eggs on a dark surface, curious minds learning.

    pawnografik Report

    #8

    Inside The Eye Of Category 5 Hurricane

    Sun shining above thick clouds and blue sky, a fascinating picture for curious minds exploring the world.

    NOAA_HurrHunter Report

    Dominik
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if only there was a safe way in or out

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    #9

    A Few Years Ago I Submitted A Gallery Of Photos I've Taken While Working As A Flight Paramedic In The Canadian Arctic

    Pilots navigating an aircraft cockpit, person observing northern lights, and medical professional using equipment inside a plane.

    TheNewNorth Report

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    #10

    I Found A Wild Peanut

    Peanut sprouting from soil surrounded by mulch, showing a fascinating natural growth process for curious minds.

    BenevolentCheese Report

    #11

    Dutch Firefighter After Dousing A Fire In Freezing Conditions

    Firefighter covered in ice after a freezing rescue, showcasing one of the fascinating pictures for curious minds about the world.

    japie06 Report

    #12

    Galileo Sees Io Erupt. You Can See Volcanic Eruptions On Jupiter’s Moon Io From Space

    Close-up view of volcanic activity on a celestial body showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds learning about the world.

    NASA/JPL/DLR Report

    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow Galileo's telescope was truly awesome for a first attempt.

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    #13

    X-Ray Image Showing The Pregnancy Of A Dog

    X-ray revealing developing skeletons inside a pregnant animal, showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds studying the world.

    ClerkMajestic Report

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    #14

    I Went To The South Pole

    Person in winter clothing leaning on a pole with flags on snow-covered ground, fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    raytrem03 Report

    Agfox
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Selfie while waiting for the hairdresser"

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    #15

    It’s Someone’s Job To Hoover The Whale At The American Museum Of Natural History (NYC)

    A large model whale in a museum being cleaned by a person on a hydraulic lift, showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    reddit.com Report

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a great thing for the CV. Would anyone believe it?

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    #16

    Car Parking Without Safety Barriers

    Cars parked precariously on a narrow ledge above city street, showcasing a fascinating picture for curious minds.

    mannymelb1987 Report

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    #17

    Roof Is Painted Two Colors And The Pigeons Only Congregate On The Tan Colors

    Large group of birds perched on a metal roof above a fenced area in a clear sky, illustrating fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    UnstableIsotopeU-234 Report

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    #18

    The Underside Of A Ladybug

    Close-up of a brown beetle on glass, one of the fascinating pictures for curious minds wanting to learn more about the world.

    Axt_ Report

    #19

    Gorilla Hands Up Close

    Comparison of a gorilla hand and a human hand side by side behind metal bars, showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    reddit.com Report

    CP
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One time me and 99 friends...

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    #20

    Inside The Cargo Hold Of An Lng (Liquiid Natural Gas) Tanker

    Three people in protective suits inside a massive, grid-lined chamber showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    5_Frog_Margin Report

    Agfox
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't be the only Panda who would yell "Hello" at the top of my voice if I were in that space

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    #21

    Why Sunscreen Is Important

    A close-up of darker-skinned hands resting on lighter-skinned legs, showing skin texture and contrast for curious minds.

    austinskinphysicians Report

    I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow one of fathers arms is like this. He's in his 80s now but years of farming and being on a tractor with his right arm only getting sun. We live in Ireland so it wasn't much sun and for past 30 years he wore sunscreen but the damage was already done. The skin is so brittle it bleeds a lot. We're all very fair skinned mostly red heds so it really drives home the importance of sunscreen even in countries that aren't known for sun.

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    #22

    The Vein Finder At Docs Office Was Fun To Mess Around With

    Hand with green vein visualization projection shown on skin, demonstrating fascinating pictures for curious minds learning about the world.

    un028717 Report

    I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have terrible veins so this invention has been a huge help for both my arms and my nurse's patience!! (Pun intended)

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    #23

    The Border Between Canada And The U.S. Is Just A Clearcut Line In The Forest. This Is Above Eureka, Mt

    View through dense forest down a green hillside toward valley and distant mountains in fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    Raulboy Report

    Disco Cat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Canada needs to build a wall 😂

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    #24

    I Saw 1 Of The 25 Blimps Left In The World

    Airship floating in a cloudy sky, a fascinating picture for curious minds who want to learn more about the world.

    UnitedTale3460 Report

    SCP 4666
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did you know that the German word for blimp is Zeppelin. So Led Zeppelin would technically be an illuminated blimp 😁

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    #25

    Southern Los Angeles Looks Like A Computer Motherboard

    Aerial night view of a sprawling cityscape illuminated by thousands of lights for curious minds to explore.

    Mistapeepers Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe it is. But They don't want us to know...

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    #26

    Cab Of A Modern Trash Truck

    Cabin view of a high-tech agricultural vehicle with controls and screens driving through green fields, curious minds exploring technology.

    Phreedom1 Report

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For anyone who doesn't have respect for the trash collectors. You need brains to deal with this lot.

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    #27

    Huge Wheel

    Large mining truck tire with heavy-duty chains and worker in safety gear adjusting chains on muddy ground, fascinating pictures.

    erdknochen Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to drive one of those at a rock quarry. That and high explosives, I loved it.

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    #28

    A Camera-Less iPhone Issued To My Buddy That Works At A Nuclear Plant. No Cameras Allowed

    Hand holding a scratched iPhone on a green marble surface next to a glass jug, for curious minds learning about the world.

    dopeyout Report

    I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting. I would have thought even camerless wouldn't have been allowed.

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    #29

    My Forearm Difference (Professional Tennis Player)

    Two forearms shown side by side highlighting differences in skin tone and hair, fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    rst214 Report

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    #30

    I Have A Tile Of Uranium Glass

    Hand holding a glowing green square object emitting light in a dark indoor setting for curious minds to learn more.

    VadiMiXeries Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just don't ingest it. Our skin is pretty tough but it wreaks hell bombarding our soft tissue. Depending on the amount I suppose. And now I just thought of "Hey honey, come look at this" and show her my glow in the dark poop. It's 3am forgive me.

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    #31

    Old Growth Lumber vs. Modern Factory Farmed Lumber

    Close-up of two wooden blocks showing distinct natural grain patterns for curious minds learning about the world.

    LifeWithAdd Report

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure I know which one is stronger.

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    #32

    This Tortoise Getting X-Rays At My Work Yesterday

    Turtle trapped between metal pieces showing curious behavior in fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    Embarrassed_Suit_942 Report

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    #33

    People Actually Drank This

    Vintage One Night cough syrup bottle with ingredients like cannabis and chloroform, curious picture for curious minds.

    High5WizFoundation Report

    Marianne
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure this will help you sleep.

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    #34

    Contact Area Between Train Wheel And Rail

    Close-up of a train wheel on railway track showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds exploring the world.

    XWHV Report

    Nadine Debard
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The train wheels are slightly conical (3 degrees) to allow turning without having a differential between the wheels and it also keeps the train on tracks because of the forces that apply on the conical wheel.

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    #35

    24 Hours After Being Stung By A Yellow Jacket On My Middle Upper Knuckle

    Close-up of swollen hand compared to normal hand on striped fabric, showcasing a fascinating picture for curious minds.

    reddit.com Report

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    #36

    Cat vs. Lion Fang

    Two differently sized animal teeth beside a US quarter on a hand, showing fascinating details for curious minds.

    reddit.com Report

    #37

    Concentrated Solar Farm I Saw On A Plane To Vegas

    A fascinating aerial view of a solar power plant with reflective panels under a cloudy sky for curious minds.

    geotristan Report

    Verena
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are mirrors, focusing in on the tower in the middle to transmit the heat to water. Basically a giant solar oven.

    David Houde
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I remember correctly, this is a sodium pump power generation facility. And they are in the process of decommissioning it. EDIT: It's the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project, it uses molten salt and it was shut down but is currently being restarted.

    CultOfBambi
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember it well from playing Fallout New Vegas. LOL I think they called it Helios1 though.

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    DowntownStevieB
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dozens of birds die regularly by these.

    Tom Brincefield
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As opposed to the billions that die from flying into windows every year.

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm all for green energy, but Michigan having solar farms, as cloudy as we are due to the lakes, makes no logical sense. Wind? yes. Solar?...?

    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We're in northern Germany, pretty cloudy a lot of the time too, but our solar power still provides a lot of energy. We do also have wind power of course. I think a mix of whatever you've got is best.

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    Rich Black
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    already obsolete. time marches on. who will pay to remove this stuff in 50 years?

    PataSata
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sunny side up complete in nought point one second.

    Corvus
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Concave mirrors have a focal point.

    nottheactualphoto
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can also make a concave mirror out of an array of flat mirrors. It looks like that's what they did here.

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    Verena
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Insane, went to the homepage of this to get some more information and am greeted by court orders (of which I understand exactly zilch) and some MAGA-talk. "Unleashing America's energy dominance" doesn't go well with "deepen economic partnership with Central Europe". Central Europe is locally known as Eastern Europe, and that 3SI/TSI is trying to connect countries alongside the Russian border. This adds another level of delusion, if the US wants to lead that, they should reconsider their military good-bye to Europe.

    Tom Brincefield
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm thinking you posted this in the wrong place.

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    MsPlants
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this isnt Burning Man?

    Verena
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It will if somebody will put themselves in the focal point

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    Cyndi Hafele
    Community Member
    6 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Cyndi Hafele
    Community Member
    6 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Jane Hower
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any chance AT ALL that the expense of putting this together will EVER be recouped with electric savings??? I highly doubt it. The case with most 'new green ideas'. s**t

    Tom Brincefield
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Which means you haven't looked into it. You just believe it doesn't work because FOX tells you it doesn't.

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    Cyndi Hafele
    Community Member
    6 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I keep getting censored. KiIIing birds in h0I0cau5t numbers.

    Tom Brincefield
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not even close to the number that die from hitting windows.

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    #38

    My Friend's 0.3 Millimeter Drill Bit Used For Working On Models

    Close-up of a thin, tiny metal wire on human fingers, showcasing one of the fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    ShiningRedDwarf Report

    I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I could not be trusted with this. It would be lost within 10 seconds

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    #39

    Flying Over North Sentinel Island

    Aerial view of a coastal landscape with clear blue ocean waters seen from an airplane window, fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    Ok-Mission6945 Report

    #40

    Whole Hotel Building Getting Fumigated

    Striped building shaped like a giant shoe with parked cars nearby, an intriguing picture for curious minds to learn more.

    BeginningEscape8058 Report

    #41

    My Local Super Market Sells Ostrich Eggs

    Ostrich eggs displayed for sale with price tag, illustrating fascinating pictures for curious minds learning about the world.

    Robsta_20 Report

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    #42

    Hubble Shows That Jupiter’s Great Red Spot Is Smaller Than Ever Seen Before

    Jupiter and its Great Red Spot captured in fascinating pictures for curious minds exploring the world.

    nasa Report

    I_imagine_even_worse_w***s
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So fascinating that this storm has been raging for centuries.

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    #43

    My Husband Got Tipped With A $10 Coin At Work Tonight

    Close-up of a hand holding a 1993 Clinton ten-dollar coin, a fascinating picture for curious minds learning about the world.

    dehydrationking Report

    Alfred Wessex
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately that’s not a valid US currency. It’s just a commemorative coin issued by the Hutt River Province in Australia. It’s one of those things you see for sale on late night TV.

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    #44

    Doing A Reno And Thought It Was Interesting How Nails Have Changed In Almost 200 Years

    Old rusty nails compared to new shiny nails on a wooden surface, showcasing fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    therealmattyboy Report

    Hell'n Damnation
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well the first lot lasted 200 years, and still look pretty sturdy.

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    #45

    1936 Concept Of Making The Eiffel Tower Accessible By Car

    A fascinating vintage illustration showing Eiffel Tower with a large mechanical contraption, curious minds exploring the world.

    loulan Report

    Dominik
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is just wild. Straight outa childs' lego dreams

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    #46

    A Ferris Wheel Being Taken Apart

    Ferris wheel under construction at sunset with vehicles parked nearby in a scene for curious minds.

    trevoronacob Report

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    #47

    Woman Using A Treadmill In The 1920s. Not Sure What The Arrow Is Meassuring

    Young woman using an early treadmill exercise machine demonstrating fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    Electrical-Aspect-13 Report

    #48

    The Size Of This Allen Wrench

    Hand holding a large hex key wrench indoors against a wooden wall in fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    Subliminal_Image Report

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What can I buy at Ikea that would need that?

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    #49

    Toilet On The 155th Floor Of The Burj Khalifa

    Toilet with open lid in a high-rise bathroom offering a panoramic city view captured for curious minds.

    KosherNazi Report

    Dominik
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    bad idea in today's drone age (even if Drake's drone is supposed to be staged)

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    #50

    The Pilot In My Flight Had To Dump Fuel Before Emergency Landing. That’s How It Looks Like

    View from airplane window showing wing with clear sky and landscape below, perfect for curious minds who want to learn more.

    super-bamba Report

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    #51

    The Model Used For The Dime Is At My College

    Large stone bust of a man displayed in a corner chair setting, illustrating fascinating pictures for curious minds.

    Not-sure-wtf-I-am Report

    HistoryNerd
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks exhausted. Like this was right before he died.

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    #52

    This Pizzeria Sign Is An Actual Pizza Encased In Acrylic

    Sign outside an Italian restaurant with fresh dough made today text and a faded pizza image for curious minds.

    shifting_baselines Report

    #53

    The Amount Of Security Cameras At This Casino

    Arcade machines with colorful lights in a gaming room, perfect for curious minds wanting to learn more about the world.

    glenwoodwaterboy Report

    LuckyL
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They want to make sure, that nobody and use helium ballons to hide from a camera

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    #54

    Foam Beer In Japan. Paid 400 Yen (Us$ 2.60)

    Glass of white liquid on wooden surface with blurred background, illustrating fascinating pictures for curious minds learning about the world

    BocaTaberu Report

    megabeth
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im from Milwaukee (USA) and a bartender and am super confused. I would get laughed at or cussed out for serving that. More likely institutionalized.

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    #55

    "American Section" At My Belgian Grocery Store

    Store display with American products including snacks and drinks under a large Uncle Sam figure, for curious minds to explore.

    sanandrios Report