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Somewhere between "why didn't I think of that?" and "this person deserves a Nobel Prize," lives a collection of 26 designs that make regular inventions look lazy. While most of us were living with billow-happy shower curtains like cave people, someone woke up and decided to solve physics. From meat thawing belts that speed up dinner prep to cookie dunkers that keep your fingers dry and your cookies perfectly soaked, each creation proves brilliance often strikes in the most random places.

Watch cats groom themselves willingly (yes, really) with brushes that turn self-care into a game, while dogs actually enjoy bath time thanks to lick mats that distract them from their water-related trust issues. Need to take your meds on the go? Someone crafted a water bottle with a secret pill compartment in the base because apparently, they've met humans and understand our needs. Even tree swings got a glow-up with surf-style seats that make backyard hangs feel like catching waves. Every item showcases what happens when designers stop accepting minor inconveniences and start solving problems we didn't even know had solutions.

Unique invention of a pleated shower curtain tilted to increase space in a compact shower.

Review: "I love my SPACE Expanding Shower System that I have bought two. No more having to deal with my shower curtains getting stuck to my body or not having room I totally recommend them to everyone they are a breeze to install and you can pick from different colors and washable they are a dream come true for your shower." - Noelia Stokes

amazon.com , Noelia Stokes Report

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

I have never had this problem! I have a translucent shower curtain to let more light in, too. (Might be an idea in this space if you like natural light.)

camomooey
Community Member
10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine is also translucent, and is thicker plastic, so it doesn't billow or hug. I've also been using it for almost 15 years. The cheaper ones I've had before tore by the hangers, and rarely lasted more than a year or two.

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April Pickett
Community Member
10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this, my shower curtain is always so affectionate. Unfortunately, they don't have in clear. I like clear because you aren't in an "enclosed", shadowy spot. I have SADD and the clear shower curtain helps.

Jonas Fisher
Community Member
10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All you have to do is put the shower curtain rod farther away from the edge of the tub. That way, the curtain doesn't hang down limply, but is lying against the edge of the tub. No extra item needed at all. Just common sense.

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

I've never had this problem, you must have a strange shower curtain.

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    Man enjoying a swing in a wooded park, showcasing clever inventions to reduce frustration.

    Review: "We bought a Swurfer swing about a month ago and we absolutely love it! The only problem with it is that all of the kids AND adults have trouble waiting for their turn. The board appears well made with a smooth finish. I am looking forward to giving this gift to friends and family in the future. It keep the kids outside and having fun!" - chris hostetler

    amazon.com , chris hostetler Report

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

    ngl i kinda really want this

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We still use tyres where I live, but we have moved up to radials over the past few years.

    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That thing is crazy stupid expensive!

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    Yellow multi-tool pen with a ruler, level, and extra refills, on a wooden surface.

    Review: "Bought for kids and father stocking stuffer they loved it." - ronny

    amazon.com , Andy S. Report

    paul tress
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my mum bought me one for xmas, they are very handy little tool

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great product. But there doesn't appear to be a metric version. That would really expand the market.

    Hilary Gilbertson
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is if you live in Spain I have one and worship its useful bits!

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    Person holding a clever water bottle invention, wearing a blue plaid shirt.

    Review: "It is hands-down the best water bottle I have had. It’s easy to drink from the colors is amazing and I love how it has the small container that you can hold things in it." - MOMMA G

    amazon.com , Matthew Nelson Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could be useful. I have a pill I'm supposed to take half an hour before eating. This would help me keep to this schedule if I'm out of the house.

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    Cat using a clever invention brush mounted on a corner, enjoying a satisfying scratch.

    Review: "I got this for my 3-legged cat because he can't scratch his left side. He'll be trying to scratch and all you see is his little nub going crazy. I found these and he immediately LOVED it! The expression on his face when he first tried it was priceless. The only downside is that it's possible it'll fall off because it was hard for me to get all pieces of tape to stick on a corner at the same time, but I can always buy more double sided tape so not a big deal to me. The product is for Floyd, not me, and he's happy so five stars." - WeedWendy

    amazon.com , WeedWendy Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I tried to put one of these up, and I just don't think they are well designed. The nails I used to attach it to the wall prevented the scratchy part from resting securely in the frame.

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    Clever invention: a black octopus-shaped scrubber, opened to show a gray cleaning pad inside, on a tiled surface.

    Review: "This works miracles on my pores! I use it twice a week on my nose and it’s dramatically improved the skin." - Brittany

    amazon.com , Kindle Customer Report

    Joots (shants/jorts)
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only 4.0 stars on Amazon, meh. Anything less than 4.3 stars on Amazon is not a good product

    christie tondu
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just gotta say, I believed the hype and bought one. Didn't work at all.

    Person wearing a black hoodie stands indoors with hands in pockets, showcasing innovative clothing design.

    Review: "I really like it a lot. I really like the quality of the fabric." - Christian

    If you are a frequent flyer, this hoodie is right up your alley! But don't forget to check out these 26 other travel fixes for your worst nightmares abroad.

    amazon.com , OpinionsRLike... , Sandra Ruiz-Velasco Report

    Jp@nda
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great for if the plane has a less than ideal landing

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like a very practical idea. My only worry would be sweating because of the (presumably) plastic air bladder.

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    Hands placing clever laundry invention inside a washing machine.

    Review: "It works as advertised. No more tangled sheets!! They come out of the dryer with less wrinkles! I love it. Where has this been all of my life? Ha! Ha!" - Gracelatitude

    amazon.com Report

    camomooey
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And who cares if they are wrinkled? As soon as they go on the bed, the wrinkles are gone.

    Jackie Lulu
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It keeps the sheets from balling up in the washer or dryer, something that makes me crazy. I love these things!

    Clever invention for evenly thawing frozen meat in a sink using a spreader.

    Review: "Great product for thawing frozen food in your sink! Works great! Highly recommend!" - Laura S

    amazon.com , Kaitlyn Report

    Phero
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or put it in the fridge the day before, and save water + electricity?

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

    Quite. In an emergency a microwave oven, on the right setting) is much better and faster than sitting something in hot water like this anyway. Surely everybody has a microwave don't they?

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

    There's a defrost button on my microwave. If only there was a use for it. *hmmm*

    Sven Grammersdorf
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just use my bacon press for this same purpose

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    Innovation takes unexpected turns as we explore more creations that prove genius often hides in life's little annoyances. Each upcoming find demonstrates how the right person, armed with enough "what if" energy, can revolutionize even the most basic daily tasks.

    Clever inventions showcased as book spines create a hidden message on a shelf.

    Review: "I absolutely love this! It's really solid and stable. I bought it to hide the surge protector and cords for my computer at work; however, I didn't consider the angle this would be viewed. The first photo is eye level with the desk, but the 2nd pic is the view from standing in the doorway. Oh well! It still does the job for folks just walking past my office - the cables become invisible because the brain barely registers a line of books and passes over the cords behind. I know this because I took a survey of coworkers who had walked by my office. :)" - WilmaPGuinn

    amazon.com , WilmaPGuinn Report

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

    Everyone knows there are cables, who cares if you see them?

    James Frail
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I been saying the same thing about butts for years, yet no one at work thinks "pantsless Fridays" are a good idea.

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    Innovative tuna can strainer minimizes frustration, sitting atop a can on a kitchen counter.

    Review: "I’m really happy with my purchase, exactly what I need it…" - Danzig666x

    amazon.com , Uti Report

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

    Who needs fancy gadgets when you've got...... the lid from the can to press down on to drain the tuna?

    April Pickett
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This thing makes it easier to hold onto the can and push down to drain the contents.

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    April Pickett
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had one of these for years. It's great for draining cans and the little side things make it easier to hold onto the cans when draining them.

    Zippered scrunchie bracelets on wrist, showcasing clever inventions for convenience.

    Review: "Cute, practical and functional." - Peachphs

    amazon.com , Punky Munky Report

    Kirsten Kerkhof
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Adding a zipper even makes DIY scrunchies easier as you can now turn the thing right side out after stitching the seams without an ugly gap that still needs closing.

    Sven Grammersdorf
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes your cash and keys super easy to steal!

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    Dog enjoying bath with clever invention, a wall-mounted lick mat for stress-free grooming.

    Review: "These mats keep my dog busy for 30 min when covered with peanut butter or frozen applesauce! He loves them!" - Meghan

    amazon.com Report

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

    If I'm going to lose an arm, I'm going to lose an arm! Cheap parlour tricks simply don't work in my house.

    Bugg
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you know what else you can cover in peanut butter that your dog will lick 😉

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    Car side mirror with an additional convex mirror, a clever invention to reduce blind spots and frustration while driving.

    Review: "My car has terrible blind spots so I purchased these to help me when driving. The adhesive is strong, they are easy to use & blend in well. Makes me feel more secure when I drive." - Nichole

    amazon.com , Liz Report

    Justme
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Highly recommend- love mine!

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are really brilliant. So brilliant, if fact, that I've been using them since they arrived on the market about 40 years ago!

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    Clever inventions for dunking cookies in milk using blue holders.

    Review: "Perfect for your cookie lover. Easy to clean and fun to use!" - Viki Tucker

    amazon.com Report

    ί𝔫CίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly! So much unnecessary plastic things in the world. When are we going to stop??

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    Hannah
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is probably the end of humankind.

    Warren Peece
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Humanity has officially hit bottom.

    Joots (shants/jorts)
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pour the milk from a plastic container, pull cookie from plastic packaging, insert more plastic into milk, put cookie straight into more plastic

    Alicia Bobcheck
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a pair of small bamboo toast tongs and I use them for this, among other things. It's also great for getting cheese puffs out of a bag without getting cheese all over your hands.

    Wang Zhuang
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, I have to boo this product

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    Yogurt cups stored under a shelf using a clever invention, maximizing fridge space and reducing frustration.

    Review: "These are awesome for keeping yogurt from taking up valuable shelf space in your fridge. Each one holds 4 Chobani yogurts beautifully! I bought two since I’m a big yogurt fan. I highly recommend these if you’re a nerd for organizing like I am." - Kelly

    amazon.com , Kelly Report

    Sergy Yeltsen
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, all yoghurt containers in the US are only the one Chobani size and shape?

    Sven Grammersdorf
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely not. Chobani and the Dannon Oikos are the same size and shape, but everything else is different. I worked in the dairy department at Kroger for 11 years.

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    Evan W
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel I just wasted 15 minutes I'll never get back.

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    A clever invention balances a spoon on a wine glass among various wine bottles on a dining table.

    Review: Went from not being able to drink wine at all to having two full 6 ounce classes with one wand! A little bit of a stuffy nose but absolutely no headache!!! Definitely worth a try." - Shannon Naughton

    amazon.com , Shannon Naughton Report

    Daya Meyer
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And why should I force myself to drink wine?

    Jessica Tolar
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Damn these comments are making me wonder why everybody is so gd miserable

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Six ounces of Class sounds about right for this, possibly a bit on the generous side.

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

    Removes sulphites and histamines, allegedly. Low quality wines _may_ have excessive amount of these compounds and they _may_ be involved in hangover headaches. Not really proven, though some people claim it works for them.

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    Debby Keir
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looked it up on the River, but the sachet's not reusable and I couldn't see anywhere selling just refill sachets (UK)

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    Clever invention in a fridge drawer, a blue fruit preserver surrounded by oranges and a red apple.

    Review: "Bluapple-They have keeps my fruit, fresh, crisp, and longer than in the past. Recommend and we will purchase again." - TimothyS. Clippinger

    Amazon.com , TimothyS. Clippinger Report

    Sven Grammersdorf
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is fresher produce worth the plastic waste? I don't think so.

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    Brilliance continues to shine through designs that transform ordinary challenges into "why didn't we always do it this way" moments. Our next collection showcases how creative thinking and practical problem-solving merge to create products that make you question everything you've accepted as normal.

    Spray bottle on a counter and laptop screen with reflection, showcasing clever inventions to reduce frustration.

    Review: "Works great on all screens. I’ve used in my car, iPads, laptops, etc. Love that you can take it apart and refill with glass cleaner. Very easy to use and convenient." - Amazon Customer

    amazon.com , Amazon Customer , M M Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of the old 'Discwasher' system for vinyl record albums.

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    Car console with a grey seat gap filler and cup in holder, showing a clever invention reducing everyday frustration.

    Review: "This is such a great, simple accessory that is so effective! With 2 kids in the backseat who constantly need me to hand them things, this has been so helpful in not dropping things and having them get stuck and lost and forgotten under the seat. It also proves a little resting place for items that otherwise would have dropped down. This came with 2, and we put one in each car by the driver’s seat since we slide our sunshades in the little area by our passenger seats. Very easy to put in- and it stays in place. Great buy!" - Paige

    Amazon.com , Paige Report

    MissMePhoenix
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no snarky comments yet? No "wHy DoNt YoU jUsT StUfF a ToWeL dOwN tHeRe?" Lol

    ί𝔫CίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did buy these, they're grossly overpriced, but the first day it saved half my Arby's from going down the hole. The issue is that crumbs still collect in the crevices of the product and you have to save those crumbs from going down the hole when cleaning.

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    Clever invention: a cactus-shaped laundry tool for removing hair and lint.

    Review: "These are awesome!!! They keep clothing from getting tangled and help the clothes to dry well and evenly. I was so excited to find out that these cute cactuses actually work. I highly recommend them!" - Debra R.

    amazon.com , Melissa Report

    Sergy Yeltsen
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NGL - looks more like something you've been unclogging the shower drain with.

    Sven Grammersdorf
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That dryer has wayyy more settings than mine does

    Bugg
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder where else it’s been 😉

    Joots (shants/jorts)
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wool dryer balls DO work at drying clothes faster - & they dont collect nasty hair like this 🤢🤮

    Stella D
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grabbing the hair is the point - it’s much easier to get off the cacti than the clothing! (Yes, I have these. And shoulder length curly hair. They grab cat hair too)

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    Dog drinking from a clever portable water bottle on a walk.

    Review: "This water bottle is easy to use, very durable, convenient & does not leak when you lock the water dispensing feature. I stick it in my backpack often and have never had a problem with it leaking. My dog always drinks out of it very easily and it’s great to take with us on walks. I love that it also has the poop bags attached since we definitely need those on our walks as well. I highly recommend this water bottle it’s been awesome for us so far. For size reference, My puppy was only 12 weeks and 6lbs in this photo." - Alisha Cosby

    amazon.com , Alisha Cosby Report

    Phoenix
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have one of these and it is great for my little dog when we travel.

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

    I heard these work great-haven't got one but maybe I should...?

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    Purple-handled clever invention eyelash curler on a gray surface.

    Review: "This curler makes it eyes to curl my lashes and comes with a comb. It is a pretty color and is very sturdy." - Lexi

    amazon.com , Lexi Report

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    10 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    The idea of messing with things like that next to my eyes is disgusting.

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

    I've used one for most of my life, but you're right, there is something speculum-like about it!

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    Yellow bird-shaped herb s******r tool on a kitchen counter surrounded by fresh greens, showcasing clever inventions for kitchen use.

    Review: "I stripped thyme and curry plant for my lunch with this tool, and it was pretty impressive! There are multiple sizes holes for different plants. Very handy tool in the kitchen." - Happy Shopper

    amazon.com Report

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    Clever car invention: a sauce holder attached to an air vent for easy dipping.

    Review: "Awesome little gift for anyone who eats on the go! I purchased it more specifically because my guy guzzles down Chick-fil-a sauce like an animal in the car. These trays are sturdy and made to universally clip any vent style. Take out the reusable insert it comes with and a Chick-fil-a sauce container will fit perfectly into the clip. The reusable insert can be used if you wanted to mix sauces or add a few packets of ketchup together, so be sure to hang on to those too. - Jen

    amazon.com , Cora Ruiz Report

    paul tress
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i ban anyone from eating in my car......ever

    Sven Grammersdorf
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can eat beef jerky or chips in my truck, but I draw the line at sauces

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    Christos Arvanitis
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you are solving the problem of being able to dip your food while driving... you have bigger problems I think

    Phero
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell me you are american without telling me, you are american.

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