Time waits for no one, as they say. But does it wait for inanimate objects? The effect of the clock is seen everywhere in the physical world, thanks to the laws of physics. Sometimes, the result can look incredible to human observers. Whether it's the sun, gravity, repetitive water pressure, or even just the wind, time multiplies the power of the elements. Prepare to have your mind blown by how passing years have totally warped things we take for granted.
Check Out These Delightfully Deformed Stairs on Your Next Trip to Italy
It's a world-famous monument, and its strange exterior has dazzled visitors for centuries. The Leaning Tower Of Pisa is a building that was constructed on a sinking foundation. As a result, it leans to one side. Locals liked it as is, and they left it standing. That should be enough of a novelty for tourists all by itself.
But wait! Have you seen the stairs leading to the top of the tower? It takes 30 minutes to reach the peak, and more than five million people stop by every year. That's a lot of feet! The pressure had resulted in stone stairs that appear melted. Incredible!
These Copper Pennies Completely Changed Color Over the Years
There's nothing quite like a shiny new penny, hot off the press. The United States mint makes more than 13 billion each year, just in case a few get lost in the gutter. You read that right: 13 billion, brand spanking new, annually.
Some might wonder how people can lose so many of them, to justify such constant production. Maybe the issue is that they are a lot less pretty to look at as the years go on. Eventually, they get downright dirty. This picture shows the degradation of America's most useless coin. Which phase do you prefer?
Repetitive Pressing Made Wore This Button Out in the Best Way Ever
Music is the soundtrack of our lives, in the good times and bad. These days, there are many ways to enjoy tunes on our smartphones and laptops. Digital boomboxes are a little outdated, but some people still have them lying around, well-loved from simpler times.
Here, one music lover perfectly captured their hobby in a photo. Over time, their finger used the play button so many times that the old finish has worn away. The internet was amused to see that it looks like a victorian portrait somehow. Funny stuff!
Teddies Age Like the Rest of Us
Sometimes, the internet has some real gems to share. This is one of them if you're interested in time-lapses. As the story goes, when a baby boy was born in 1985, he received a teddy bear as a gift. Little did he know that mom saved an identical toy in the closet, all those years.
For thirty years, Teddy number one received plenty of love. But the hidden teddy was shielded from use, and recently debuted online. He looks good as new — because actually, he is. As the owner of this snap explained, the second bear is intended for a grandchild. What a tradition!
How the Statue of Liberty Looked Before It Oxidized and Turned Green
It might be hard to believe, but the iconic Statue of Liberty was not always the green lady she is today. Back when she was a warm gift from France, she had an entirely different look. Check out this correctly colorized example!
Because the exterior is made of copper, the air really did a number on her. The metal used by its french artist was unusually pure, and time faded the real reddish hue. We don't mind the makeover, but it's interesting to see the original.
When Foot Traffic Is Constant, Linoleum Will Tell the Tale
Los Angeles has its fair share of iconic restaurants. Some are very high-end, to be sure. But some of the most well-loved places are just normals eats, for normal folks. Here is one such example: The Original Pantry Cafe, open since 1924. How has the floor held up?
The owners have decided to let you see for yourself. They never replaced the worn linoleum, right outside the entrance. As users come in, their feet make a permanent impression on the place. The layers are spectacular, and they certainly tell a story!
The Effect of Stirring Every Morning Is Obvious in This Photo
Coffee is a morning essential for millions of people, if not billions. Americans in particular, consume a whole lot of it every year. Stats say they drink 146 billion cups annually. Not hard to believe, if you’ve ever lived there.
Here, one regular joe photographed the effects of mixing his cup of joe. Swirling his spoon around really made an impression on his mug here. The design is almost beautiful at the bottom. Make this spiral go viral, caffeine fiends!
Wearing Out Your Welcome Is a Literal Statement on This Mat
Everyone likes a good welcome home after a long day in the world. Maybe that's why so many people purchase welcome mats, to literally greet their feet. Do they last forever? Not really. Take a looked at this old specimen, and see what happens over time.
On the right side, the word has mostly worn away. Anyone who is familiar with these products will still understand the idea, though. We've all come to expect this decor. And the warm sentiment is clear, even if the text is not!
The Big Secret Under This Carpet Was Preserved by Time
It's a fact: Americans are addicted to carpets and have been for decades. They just can't resist the idea of an entire floor covered in comfort. At the very least, they get an area rug. No slippers are necessary when the ground itself is fluffy.
Every once in a while, people decide to try something novel. One couple decided to go modern and embrace their hardwood floors. This is what they uncovered when they peeled back the carpet under their dining table. Shocking how things fade, isn't it?
He Took off His Wedding Ring After Decades of Marriage
Wedding rings are a tradition around the world, and many people wear a band for most of their lives. Sometimes things end, for one reason or another. Here, a grandson was around to see what happened when gramps took off his ring after five decades.
Looking closely, it's fascinating to see how his hand changed around the shape of the metal. As his fingers grew wider, one area stayed the same. It's probably not going back to normal at this point. And by probably, we do mean definitely.
The Difference Between New Bills and Old Bills Millions Have Touched
A new stack of bills is crisp and clean, and a joy to hold. But what about old, ugly bills? After they have been handled by generations of shoppers, they actually have a different look and feel. Don't believe us? See for yourself.
Here, a photo contrasts the stacks for all to see. The old bills no longer sit flat and seem thicker, somehow. Is it an optical illusion? Hard to say for sure, but time certainly had an effect on these British pounds!
Telephone Poles Covered in Posters Have More Layers Than We Think
Concert promoters are used to slapping new ads up, every week. They attach flyers to message boards and slide them under apartment doors. But their favorite place of all? The city telephone pole. We've all seen their handiwork.
Here, a curious pedestrian decided to take a much closer look at what's lurking under the latest promotion. What he uncovered was shocking! Over time, layers of paper have created a super cover on the post. Check out this hole, and be amazed at its depth.
Sharpening Your Knife Takes Its Toll Over Time, Believe It or Not
In our kitchens, we probably have a few favorite knives. They serve us well for cooking and peeling. But professional chefs take their tools more seriously than we do. They have sharpening equipment to make sure things never get dull, at all.
Check out this very well-loved knife. Over time, it was sharpened over and over again at the restaurant. The owner of the blade never gave up. But honestly, he might need to soon. There's almost nothing left of this thing!
Water Flow Can Be a Powerful Tool With Enough Time
In the game of rock-paper-scissors, rock crushes scissors. Stone definitely has a strong reputation, but is it any match for the element of water, combined with the element of time? If this photo is any indication, rock may have a new enemy.
H2O is one of nature's most powerful change agents, it turns out. It's responsible for creating all sorts of formations we know and love. Even the grand canyon was carved from the flow of rivers, over a very long period of time. It's mind-blowing, but true!
Someone Rubbed Lady Juliet the Wrong Way Too Many Times
Everyone had to read Romeo and Juliet at some point in their schooling. Does the story really live up to its romantic reputation? Maybe, maybe not. But regardless, art everywhere seems to celebrate the tale. This metal Juliet is just one of many examples.
Visitors have long admired her on their trips to n Verona, Italy. But years of oxidation have taken their toll on the bronze beauty. The only place that has retained its natural luster is the part that people rub. It's funny to see exactly where that is!
Sleeping On This Mattress Changed Its Color and Design Over the Years
Under our covers and sheets, we all have a mattress. The older models used to include a pretty print, to catch the eyes of shoppers. Here, someone has peeled back the layers to look at how things are holding up. They found a fun surprise underneath.
The way they sleep has undoubtedly impacted their colors here. The fowers are totally faded where they put the most pressure. It is likely they didn't know their unconscious habits, but now, there's no denying the truth of where they really roll around.
We Now Know That Footprints on Wood Are Not Impossible
Monks live a quiet life of habit, wherever they are. Hiding in the mountains, few outsiders see their daily routines. Sometimes they have guests, though. Here, a visitor took a look at the floor and saw an entire story in the boards.
The footprints here make it obvious what has been going on in the temple. Every single day, the same man prays in the same spot. He is so disciplined that he never strays even an inch. As a result, his feet made an incredible impression!
The Sun Really Faded This Stop Sign From Its Original Red
Everyone knows that humans need to wear sunscreen to get protection from the sun. Ultraviolet rays give us skin cancer, in the worst-case scenario. People know they will at least get a sunburn if they stay out long enough. But who knew the same rays had a serious effect on road signs?
As this stop sign demonstrates, time under the sun does change objects. The chemical bonds break down in some paints, and the color slowly leaves. In this case, the red is pretty important. People need to know when to stop and go on the road!
Decades of Game Night Created an Incredible Pattern on This Table
Whether you love a game of poker or an afternoon of dominoes, there's usually a table involved. The more serious players buy a special game table. Here, friends used a wooden one for their entertainment. Look at it, and notice the pattern. Did it come this way?
That would be a good guess. But if you thought so, you would be wrong. This is not an intentional design! It's clear folks were leaning over the table with a board in the center spot. Maybe it even looks better this way. What do you think?
The Major Contrast Between a New and Old Disney Glass
We all had beloved cartoon cups where we were kids. Most of them haven't lasted until now. Maybe mom threw them away, behind our backs. It may have been time to clear the collection, and maybe that's okay. Today, though, it's time for a flashback.
Here, a nostalgic adult pulled out the old Pocahontas cup. What was the special occasion? Apparently, she found an identical, perfectly new version at the flea market. Comparing them side by side really shows the passage of time in her life!
Careful Footprints Ended up Creating a Permanent Path in the Grass
Sometimes, signs demand that we stay off the grass. It may seem like a stuffy request, but maybe there was a good reason to be so strict all along. Take a look at just what happens when you ignore it entirely!
Years and years of footprints in the exact same spot created a path of sorts. Now, people probably follow it just for fun. The perfect footprints are right there, and it's impossible to get lost. It may be ugly, but it is useful!
Repetitive Paper Sliding Made Little Cuts on This Office Equipment
The modern office is full of contraptions to help us with productivity. Some are big and some are small, but all are essential to keep things running smoothly. What happens to them over time, though? This photo offers some much-needed answers.
Workers have slid paper into the scanner so many times that a physical impression has been made. A thousand impressions, to be more accurate. Who knew that a plastic machine could receive a papercut? Maybe machines are more like us than we ever knew.
Years of Dust and Grime on This Building Created Quite a Contrast
City life is dirty, as even the most committed urban dwellers will tell you. It's a cost they are willing to bear in light of all the fun. Here, municipal workers were told to tidy the grime up a bit. How are they doing?
At this stage in the cleaning, it looks like they are doing a great job. The side of this structure looks like it went through a fire. But it's just smog and dirt, collected and compressed. Their steam machine is totally transforming the look, and taking years off in minutes!
Grandpa’s Vintage Silver Dollar Got Really Worn Down Over Time
Back in the day, Americans used different coins. Bills weren't very popular to carry around until much later. The silver dollar is a relic of the past, and some people still have a few stored away. Grandpa, for example, probably has plenty.
This example was uncovered by a youngster, and they knew they had to document the effect of time. It may be metal, but fingers really wore it down. The original face is barely visible anymore. Can you even guess who this is?
Footprints on the Bank Floor Show How Many Customers Stopped By
Nowadays, most banking takes place online. The act of physically showing up to a building and waiting in line all day should go in the dustbin of history, and it mostly has. But look at what used to go on, as evidenced by this floor.
Think back: Speaking to a teller meant standing at this little window and waiting for service. Clearly, thousands of people patronized this location. The footprints have preserved the good old days. Or the bad old days, depending on your views.
The Steel Floor at the Amusement Park Lost Its Pattern From Happy Feet
It's sad, but true: Standing in line is a part of the experience at the amusement park. Most people wish it wasn't, of course. That's why some venues offer special passes to skip ahead. The wise always buy to maximize their fun!
Here, the diamond pattern on the ground shows just how many people stood waiting for their rides over time. It's amazing to think that the light pressure of a shoe could do this much damage. But the proof is undeniable!
Pressure on This Hook Made a Real Impression in the Metal
Here underneath the gazebo, we've found another perfect example of the effect of father time on our world. The hook here looks like it's in good condition, but if you move it to the side, you will that the bracket holding it up has been totally corroded. Why?
It's not a coincidence that the changes occurred where they did. Obviously, there's been years of heavy pressure. That's thousands of days of pulling, hanging, and holding. A dip in the metal has formed, and it looks like it's about to snap. Watch out, folks!
Years and Years of Student Foot Traffic Cleaned the Speckled Floor
At some point in design history, linoleum was all the rage. Adding to the unique look of the time, pebbled or speckled prints spiced up homes, schools, and public bathrooms. The latter is what we are here to examine today. Take a look at this beeline, from the door to the toilet. It tells quite the story, doesn't it?
It's obvious to us looking at it now. As generations of students made their rush to the seat, a pathway became clear on the floor. The dots have worn away with time. Foot traffic is powerful stuff, especially if you've gotta go.
New City Architecture Covered the Old Design, as Seen Here
Sometimes, it's hard to imagine what came before us. The history of the city we live in may have been lost in popular memory. But the buildings don't lie. Here, a trace of what came before is visible on the neighboring apartment complex.
We can all see the size and shape quite clearly. It looks like a classic design, complete with an old chimney. With central heating nowadays, very few of us have external smokestacks on our roofs. Chimney sweeps have all but gone out of business!
They Played Piano So Many Times That a Hole Appears in the Pedal
Most of us had normal childhoods, free to play outside at our leisure after school. But then, there were those who took piano lessons. Learning all 88 keys was no joke, and hardly fun and games. It was serious stuff, seriously!
Not everyone succeeded in the end. Some kids just weren't meant to be Mozart, and that's okay. But here, a very well-loved piano was photographed. Over time, the foot pedal was used so long and so aggressively that a hole appeared in the middle.
The Wood Shows How the Wind Blew the Grass Back and Forth
The wind usually isn't strong enough to knock us down or make a mark on anything. But anything repetitive can have an effect if done for long enough. Here, a wispy plant was blown around near a fence for ages. Look closely and be amazed!
The swishing must have gone on for ages to produce such marks. It would have been impossible to see it as it happened, swish by swish. But in the end, the internet loved the design, courtesy of the natural world. Thanks, mother nature!
Look at the Design on the Pole After a Thousand Tetherball Games
The playground had all sorts of options when we were kids: You could sit in a circle and braid bracelets. You could play freeze tag or basketball. But the special few knew about tetherball. Check out this vintage pole, just for old time’s sake!
The chain on this game was clinky and loud. But did anyone notice how much it rusted? Maybe it was hard to see the resulting marks back then. But as the years have gone by, the pattern is here for all to see.
This California Bear Sculpture Got a Lot of Friendly Nose Rubs
Here on government property of the golden state, a glorious statue reigns. The state animal of California is the grizzly bear, as many have seen on its flag. In truth, the last grizzly was hunted in the last century. Only black bears still roam free!
At least as a memorial, visitors like to rub this brown bear's shiny nose. Was it so polished at the beginning, though? No, only through time did it become so golden. Too many touches over the years changed the design, as you can see!
The Wire Mesh on This Bridge Was Worn Down Completely
Hikes can be a hazardous activity if you don't watch where you are going. For park rangers, it's hard to rely on the common sense of all visitors to prevent accidents. There was good reason to install this wire layer over a bridge in the forest, to prevent slips during rain and sleet.
But of course, time got in the way of a good plan. As people walked over the bridge, the mesh wore down. Without a clear function now, it might even be a tripping hazard. The exact opposite of what was intended, really!
Three Years of Use Really Changed the Look of This Lip Balm
With so many products on the market these days, it's easy to stock up and keep multiples of products we use every day. Some people still choose to be frugal and use up jars before purchasing anything new. Like this fellow, for instance.
After three years, he's finally done with this lip balm pot. It must have taken discipline to keep at it, but rub away he did. The interesting aspect of the resulting photo is the lid. Just regular use can really rub away a design. It's just a matter of time and fingers.
As This Bench Shows, Strangers Don't Like to Share Space
It seems like there is no sense of community out there, these days. With all those warnings about stranger danger from an early age, we can't say we are surprised people want their breathing room. Here a photo shows just how far that mentality has gone.
This bench shows how people in public scoot away when given the chance. Although there are three seats, it is clear that everyone avoided the middle spot. There's virtually no wear and tear, showing an extraordinary commitment to breathing room.
Under the Right Conditions, Time Can Improve Some Things
When it comes to tomatoes, time is very limited. There are very few days when the veggie is perfectly ripe and ready for eating. If you wait too long, it starts to rot. Is there a way that leaving them out won't result in waste?
Why yes, of course. Sun-dried tomatoes break all the rules when it comes to expiration dates. What would have been a big, stinky pile now lasts for six months. Time in the sun is totally different than time in the fridge, somehow. It's wild how that works, chemically!
The Sun Moves All Day and Created a Line in the Grass
This one is a bit tricky if you don’t know what you are looking for. This lampost stands tall in the sun. Every day, the sun moves from east to west. During this time, the lamp post casts a shadow, and light shines through the glass. The result? A big magnifying glass effect, here on the grass.
When the beams hit the green in just the right way, the grass heats up. The barren strip of dirt in a perfect line is the result over time. It's not clear exactly what the solution is, if the city wants to keep everything fresh and new. But understanding the problem is the first step, surely.
Be Careful, the Sun Can Fade Even the Brightest of Clothes
Solar radiation is a big deal when it comes to laundry. If you leave clothing out in the sun for too long, it can fade significantly. Even the brightest of colors will lose pigment. It’s just a fact of nature!
But once everything is dry, the story is far from over. Even our closet is not immune from the maximum effects of the clock. Letting time elapse in poor storage spaces can really result in damage. Just look at this jacket, once a vibrant red!
The Power of the Sun Absolutely Destroyed This Paint Job
For those who regard their car as a prized possession, listen up. The world we live in has harsh elements, and vehicles are not immune. Sun and heat can actually crack the paint. That's the last thing anyone wants, right?
Car pros have a suggestion. Make sure to wax your car to minimize cracking and peeling under the hot summer rays, season after season. This creates a barrier from the ultraviolet spectrum, which all adds up over a period of years. Be smart, and time can be on your side, for once!