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Sometimes things go according to plan, which is great. Other times we fail miserably, but that’s okay, too. And then there are the rare cases when we fail successfully, typically not even knowing how, and often resulting in some rather comical situations.

Plenty of such instances are shared on the ‘Task Fail Successfully’ reddit community, which proves that not everything in life is as black and white as failing and succeeding. Scroll down to find some bizarre cases of these gray areas and enjoy a good giggle; or confusion.

On the list below you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with an expert in employee engagement, award-winning author and speaker, Eddie LeMoine, who was kind enough to answer a couple of our questions about the links between success and failure.

#1

Double Trouble

Double Trouble

rosseepoo Report

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    #2

    She Spittin Straight Fax!

    She Spittin Straight Fax!

    Your1AfricanPrince Report

    #3

    I Guess I’ll Give It Another Try

    I Guess I’ll Give It Another Try

    NFMonkey Report

    Boasting over 14,000 members, the ‘Task Fail Successfully’ community shows that far from everything in life goes according to plan. Be that as it may, going off a set course a little might end up benefiting the person nevertheless.

    “The journey toward success is rarely a straight path; it's often filled with unexpected turns and obstacles. When things don't go as planned, it can serve as a valuable learning opportunity,” author, speaker, and expert in employee engagement, Eddie LeMoine told Bored Panda in a recent interview. “This feedback mechanism—identifying what worked and what didn't—is crucial for personal and professional growth.”

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    #4

    Successfail Race

    Successfail Race

    bsm1379 Report

    #5

    Failed Successfully: Cheating

    Failed Successfully: Cheating

    WaSSuP532 Report

    Kyle Drury
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “If you like piña coladas…”

    Shark_a
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are they still together or did they get together with their online crushes?

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, the grounds for divorce won't be incompatibility.

    Lene
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must be proof that these two are truly meant for eachother. Haha!

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

    So...meant for each other? I guess?

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you like making love at midnight in the dunes on the cape. Then I'm the love that you've looked for. Write to me and escape."

    I heart Boo-BI-es
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live on the Cape and I definitely don't recommend making love at anytime in the dunes..very unpleasant.

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    FrogMan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Well this is awkward…”

    Arthur Waite
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does anybody ever read All the comments before diving in and making a repeat? Yes, anybody does.

    Hey!
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The song "Escape" is really engaging and all but I hate the song's lyrics. It's not even funny. Cheating is cheating. That song came out when I was a teenager and it's at that age that I understood my mother was a cheater and my father did everything to keep her happy.

    junipurrrrr
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, I’m not sure how that could work for the rest of the relationship. Like you know that your partner has been cheating on you and it’s gotten to the point where you’ve both agreed to meet up with this person you’ve cheated on your partner with. And it’s your partner. And really that’s such a lucky (possible unlucky chance) and I don’t think you could really do anything about it either. Because you’ve both cheated on eachother, but it was with eachother online. Gosh. Edit: I found an article from a news outlet, not the most reliable, but like the way they frame the relationship it seems kind of crummy like there was this part like “and my wife who had told me such sweet things over the internet and I couldn’t believe it was her because she had never said anything like that to me.” Like what that’s so sad.

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like under the right circumstances this could work out, though? Like, it kind of shows that without all the baggage of whatever else was happening in the relationship that made them want to cheat, they still care about each other and have a connection, and if they want to they could frame this as motivation to get counseling and work on being those people for each other?

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

    Is it possible to learn this power?

    Shelli Aderman
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s kind of sweet, actually! The stock photo, however is a bit creepy…

    Pan dulce
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But... but the treachery...?

    Maartje
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That took me back to this song by Kate Bush : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xckBwPdo1c

    Ozymandias73
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You're what I've always wanted. Let's me irl!" LMAO

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Accidental role play foreplay. Hope they both felt the same way, whichever way they went.

    Angrykitten
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't decide if divorce is needed here.

    Nosirrow
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People there are reluctant to date outside if their religion/ethnicity, so I guess this story is not so shocking.

    Jack Burton
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks like a win-win situation...

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    “Our achievements sum up all experiences, including successes and failures. These varied experiences enrich our understanding and enhance our problem-solving skills,” LeMoine continued.

    “In a world with countless variables and unpredictability, expecting plans to unfold without any hitches is impractical. What matters most is our ability to learn from these situations and adapt our strategies accordingly.

    “This perspective encourages us to view failures not as setbacks but as integral steps toward achieving our goals. Each challenge presents a chance to refine our approach, making us more resilient and better equipped to tackle future challenges. Embracing this mindset transforms apparent 'failures' into stepping stones for success, ultimately contributing to our overall development and achievement.”

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    #6

    My Bank Sent Me 28 Letters In The Mail To Inform Me I Have Opted Out Of Receiving Paper Statements

    My Bank Sent Me 28 Letters In The Mail To Inform Me I Have Opted Out Of Receiving Paper Statements

    ryanctag Report

    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just making up for the statements you'll miss in the next two years.

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    Discussing the instances of things not going the way one expected them to, E. LeMoine pointed out that it's crucial to remember that the path to success is not always linear. “Although it can be disheartening not to achieve the desired results, these moments are ripe with opportunities for learning and growth. Each unexpected result provides valuable insights that can guide our future efforts, helping us adjust our strategies and improve our approach.

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    “Maintaining focus on our long-term goals is essential during these times. Setbacks are inevitable in any journey and should not deter us from our objectives. Instead, they should be viewed as temporary obstacles we can overcome with persistence and resilience,” the expert suggested, adding that we can navigate challenges more effectively by staying committed to our goals but flexible in our methods.

    #9

    Yes

    Yes

    BlackoutORK Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Somehow it reminds me of how AIs are working.

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    #10

    Well Yes But Actually No

    Well Yes But Actually No

    Sad_Pocoyo Report

    Candace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I showed this to my high school math teacher and all she said was and I quote: "It is wrong, but it's also right, just don't do it like this in your exam." 🤣

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    #11

    Our Smoke Detector Caught Fire

    Our Smoke Detector Caught Fire

    hugejourney Report

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    The employee engagement expert believes that adapting our plans based on the lessons learned from setbacks and obstacles is critical to moving forward. “This adaptive approach allows us to refine our tactics and strategies, ensuring better preparation for future endeavors. This combination of learning from our setbacks, keeping our eyes on the prize, and being willing to make necessary adjustments will ultimately lead us to achieve our goals,” he told Bored Panda.

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    #12

    An Interesting Title

    An Interesting Title

    HoobidyMcBoobidy Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And did her kiss taste better than chocolate?

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    #13

    But The Sign On The Wall Said

    But The Sign On The Wall Said

    flopsychops Report

    #14

    Battle Of The Sign Successfails

    Battle Of The Sign Successfails

    bsm1379 Report

    NutsnB0lts
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think the first one was a fail. I've seen it before and it was on purpose

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    “Failing a task successfully” does not call for a special talent, as, according to LeMoine, failing in general is inevitable on one’s path to success. “It's a crucial part of the journey,” he said. “It's hard to find anyone who has achieved great things without facing setbacks. Even professional athletes who dedicate their lives to perfecting their skills and strive to minimize failure experience it. Their setbacks don't define their careers; they serve as catalysts for growth and improvement.

    “If you're not failing, you're likely not pushing your boundaries or taking enough risks. Innovation and progress demand stepping into the unknown, where failure is possible. Like a child learning to walk, failure is not a signal to stop trying but a natural step towards mastering a new skill. We encourage children to keep trying despite numerous falls because perseverance leads to success. This principle applies equally to adults pursuing their goals.”

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    #15

    Went Axe Throwing In Our Yard And Yeah…

    Went Axe Throwing In Our Yard And Yeah…

    Soft-Ad-2652 Report

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    #16

    I Guess That’s A Win

    I Guess That’s A Win

    idontknowanynamesohi Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cupid in action or "How I met your mother" when she was selling nudes online.

    View more comments
    #17

    After Accepting A Gift On Steam, Thanks For The Useful Information!

    After Accepting A Gift On Steam, Thanks For The Useful Information!

    boozygamerkc Report

    According to the expert, recognizing that failure is part of the success equation allows us to approach challenges with a healthier mindset. “It's not about intentionally courting failure but understanding that when we aim high and stretch our capabilities, setbacks are part of the process. Each failure brings valuable lessons that refine our approach and make us stronger, wiser, and more resilient.”

    LeMoine emphasized that embracing failure as a necessary component of success enables us to navigate our paths confidently and determinedly and teaches us vital lessons that pave the way to our ultimate achievements.

    #18

    We Were Talking About Running

    We Were Talking About Running

    Mauerk Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if he answered instead:"Oh, thank you for saying first. I didn't know how to tell you."

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    #19

    Another One

    Another One

    aftersick Report

    #20

    Somewhere In Japan, Someone's Sprayer Got Broke Along The Handle

    Somewhere In Japan, Someone's Sprayer Got Broke Along The Handle

    sa547ph Report

    While failing is an inevitable part of moving forward, many can attest that it gets frustrating at times, nevertheless, and requires loads and loads of patience. 

    “Patience, much like any emotion, exists on a spectrum,” LeMoine pointed out. “On one end, we find emotions driven by fear, such as anxiety and stress, and on the other, emotions fueled by positivity, like happiness, passion, and excitement. Losing patience tends to shift us towards the realm of fear, a place where achieving our goals becomes significantly more challenging.”

    #21

    Man Buys A Car With Cigarette Money Then Dies

    Man Buys A Car With Cigarette Money Then Dies

    cur346457y76 Report

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    #23

    My Jar Of Salsa Broke Rather Practically

    My Jar Of Salsa Broke Rather Practically

    Arnstone Report

    ThatG
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’d still get rig of it.

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    According to the expert, operating from a place of fear, anxiety, and stress can hinder our progress. That’s why when discussing tips for not losing one’s patience when things don’t go according to plan, he suggested working on shifting the emotional state towards the positive end of the spectrum.

    “One effective way to do this is by practicing gratitude. Gratitude is an incredibly powerful emotion that can transform our outlook and emotional state, helping us to focus on what we have rather than what we lack.

    “Additionally, focusing on your ultimate goal rather than the current setbacks is crucial,” LeMoine continued. “It's easy to become consumed by the frustration of not reaching your destination yet; it's important to remember that every step, even those that feel like missteps, is part of the journey toward your goal.”

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    #24

    My GF Tried To Catch A Moth. It Was Easier Than Expected

    My GF Tried To Catch A Moth. It Was Easier Than Expected

    inetaaa- Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Hold it Honey. Hold it, till I get a big enough bag I can take you both outside in.

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    #25

    Went To Mcdonald’s And Ordered A Cheeseburger With Ketchup Only.. Well I Guess I Got What I Ordered

    Went To Mcdonald’s And Ordered A Cheeseburger With Ketchup Only.. Well I Guess I Got What I Ordered

    sirLUL Report

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    #26

    Task Failed Successfully? (Found This On Youtube)

    Task Failed Successfully? (Found This On Youtube)

    wysiwyg1998 Report

    “Tools like mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking a moment to reflect on what you're grateful for can significantly impact your emotional state, moving you away from fear and towards a mindset of positivity and resilience. This shift improves your well-being and enhances your ability to navigate challenges and progress toward your goals,” LeMoine told Bored Panda.

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    “Remember, the journey to success is seldom straightforward. Embracing this and learning to manage our emotional responses to setbacks can make all the difference in achieving lasting success and fulfillment.”

    #27

    There's Always A Funny One

    There's Always A Funny One

    BioBraster Report

    #28

    Me Irl

    Me Irl

    sithwonder Report

    arthbach
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A simple, 'No, thanks'. is all that's required.

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    #29

    It Works I Guess

    It Works I Guess

    FluffyWolfy777 Report

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    #32

    Walked Into The Kitchen To Find This Monstrosity

    Walked Into The Kitchen To Find This Monstrosity

    maxweinman76 Report

    #33

    Pretzels

    Pretzels

    aftersick Report

    Amy
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But I see them. Lemme have one!!

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    #34

    Saw This Rather Attractive Window Display In London Today

    Saw This Rather Attractive Window Display In London Today

    BinaryExplosion Report

    #35

    Good Enough For Me

    Good Enough For Me

    EJY2003 Report

    #36

    My Fly Catcher Caught A Fly On The Non Sticky Part

    My Fly Catcher Caught A Fly On The Non Sticky Part

    Zsastrasza Report

    #37

    Does This Count?

    Does This Count?

    samisaga95 Report

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    #39

    Gay Task Failed Succesfully

    Gay Task Failed Succesfully

    reddit.com Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you hear "There's something wrong with you" all day long you get depressed even if there's nothing wrong with you. CORRELATION IS NOT CAUSATION.

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    #40

    Failed To Start Because Of The Following Error: The Operation Completed Successfully

    Failed To Start Because Of The Following Error: The Operation Completed Successfully

    jackinsomniac Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would it start again if it's already done? Doh!

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    #41

    Technically It Sort Of Did Its Job

    Technically It Sort Of Did Its Job

    Marmadune_shazbot69 Report

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    #42

    Installation Failed Successfully

    Installation Failed Successfully

    diep06_ Report

    Herringbone
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I update the controller for my sound system on the pc I get 'Update failed. Try again'. So I try again, and get 'No update required'.

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    #43

    Ai Forgot How Motorcycles Work But The Details Are Immaculate

    Ai Forgot How Motorcycles Work But The Details Are Immaculate

    HushMoneyMan Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you sure you didn't write "monocycle"?

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    #44

    Can You Spot The Difference?

    Can You Spot The Difference?

    ZealousidealCream878 Report

    Herringbone
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perhaps the expected answer had the lines drawn top to bottom, and the person drew at least one of them in the opposite direction.

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    #45

    Lock Picking Failed Successfully

    Lock Picking Failed Successfully

    Feykro331 Report

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    #46

    I Think This Belongs Here. It Failed And Span 180° On The Bed But Continued To Print, Successfully?

    I Think This Belongs Here. It Failed And Span 180° On The Bed But Continued To Print, Successfully?

    MrFoxy Report

    #47

    Steam Successfully Failed

    Steam Successfully Failed

    TEST_Entity_1 Report

    #48

    Soda Failed Successfully

    Soda Failed Successfully

    Itsyaboysnippy Report

    #49

    Did I Hit It Right?

    Did I Hit It Right?

    WereWolfFlame Report

    Iampenny
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Something similar happened to my husband, but instead he hit the power off button and ended the game (which I was winning at the time)

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    #50

    Bruh

    Bruh

    toasterburger Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be sent to every "influencer".

    #51

    Okay Nintendo

    Okay Nintendo

    reddit.com Report

    BlueBlazer999
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks… off. Is it a modded system?

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    #52

    Ice-Skating!

    Ice-Skating!

    NBRWonyt Report

    #53

    Mee6 Successfully Banned Mee6

    Mee6 Successfully Banned Mee6

    ThatGuyWhoLovesSCR Report

    Diana Burnwood
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a bot on discord that can do jobs for you, like banning people from a group chat, incase somebody doesn't know

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    #54

    My Bad

    My Bad

    Aurora_Knight Report

    #55

    Does This Go Here Lol

    Does This Go Here Lol

    Dramatic_Gamer05 Report

    #56

    Litteraly The 'Sent' Mark Over The Top Of The 'Not Sent' Mark

    Litteraly The 'Sent' Mark Over The Top Of The 'Not Sent' Mark

    LegoBricksAndMemes Report

    #57

    Task Failed Successfully

    Task Failed Successfully

    Darklord0711 Report

    Javelina Poppers
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did it just congratulate itself for successfully failing to verify??

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    #58

    Bugs Not Fixed Successfully

    Bugs Not Fixed Successfully

    Cyka_blyatsumaki Report

    Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's nothing like having your bugs fixed incorrectly. Why, the house would be overrun with larvae! I refuse to babysit.

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    #59

    Can't Use One Or More Drives Completed Successfully

    Can't Use One Or More Drives Completed Successfully

    cyberrader Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never make drive pools without a completely separate physical mirror drive of the same size because that s**t right there... always happens. Some drive breaks and the whole thing comes crashing down.

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    #60

    Thanks Adobe

    Thanks Adobe

    woodlands_109 Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Adobe in general. Remember back in the day having to have Acrobat to read PDFs and ONLY to read PDFs? They called it Acrobat and most of us only used it to read ONE SINGLE file type. It's like a human acrobat that can only do jumping jacks.

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    #61

    Getting Vitamin C

    Getting Vitamin C

    SpookySofa Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Potassium. Bananas are for potassium and Oranges are for Vitamin C. I know they both have both but association in popular culture etc.

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    #62

    Well I Dont Know

    Well I Dont Know

    reddit.com Report

    Candace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually it's an issue with the number = woman(singular)/women(plural)

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