I've posted this before, but it's so good, here it is again: a super-simple explanation of why differential gears are necessary in cars and how they work.

(via @stevenstrogatz)

We often meet new people at parties or through work situations. Do you have a good way to get to know someone new without just talking about your job and where you are from?

We all know it’s best to avoid talking about politics, religion, and sexual orientation. Usually you are just looking for a pleasant way to pass the time and maybe to find a new friend. Talking about touchy subjects makes neither very likely.

The best way to really get to know someone is to learn what they do (with their spare time) and what they like (probably also shows up in what they do). The questions below will give you some new ideas for topics to discuss when meeting someone new. Be ready with your own answers too.

Get to know someone by learning what they like

Would you rather…

1. Watch, Star Wars, or Star Trek? Use whichever moves you find most relevant.
2. Read on a Kindle or paperback book? This question is a starter for many possible conversations on reading, favorite books, technology, libraries, bookstores, and more.
3. Go to a play or musical?
4. Go to the theater or a movie?
5. Hike or bike?
6. Wear jeans or chinos?
7. Have a Margarita or Pina Colada?
8. Drink a glass of Guinness or Fat Tire?
9. Crash with friends or stay in a hotel?
10. Visit Europe or Mexico?
11. Vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
12. Go skiing or snowshoeing?
13. Travel by plane, train, or automobile?
14. Enjoy a houseboat or speed boat?
15. Go climbing or zip lining?
16. Go to a comedy club or dance club?
17. Have a night out or evening in?
18. Watch TV or read a book?
19. Go canoeing or waterskiing?
20. Camp in an RV or stay in a tent?
21. Use Facebook or Twitter?
22. Choose a free trip or money? This may tell you whether the person values experiences over dollars.
23. Win the lottery or find your perfect job?
24. Swim in a pool or the ocean? Salt water and waves crashing on the beach or temperature controlled, lovely water all year round.
25. Travel by sailboat or cruise ship?
26. Watch sports or play sports?
27. Play dodgeball or kickball?

Get to know someone new when you learn how they think:

1. Who would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?
2. If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?
3. If money was no object, what would you do all day?
4. Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?
5. What is your favorite memory?
6. Who is your favorite author?
7. What is your favorite book?
8. What was your favorite activity in gym class? Personally I think the parachutes were a lot of fun.
9. What has been your biggest challenge?
10. What is your biggest success up until now?
11. What does your perfect day look like?
12. University or life experience, which do you feel best prepares you for life?
13. What is the one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t already?
14. If you were to create a piece of art, what would the subject be?
15. What one thing would you change if you had to do it over?
16. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
17. What does your life say about you?
18. How would your friends describe you?

Start the conversation normally — rather than just asking a question, say: “Movies are fun, but the theater is a richer experience. I recently saw … and loved it. What do you prefer, movies or theater?”

Don’t just go rattle off question after question; let the question you ask naturally lead into a conversation. Once they tell you if they prefer theater or movies, probe into what about their choice makes it preferable.

What question do you feel would help you best get to know someone? Share it with us in the comments below.

Want to meet new friends in new cities?: How To Make A Bunch Of New Friends In Any New City

The post 45 Questions To Ask To Get To Know Someone appeared first on Lifehack.

Chicken nuggets is like my family. 

[reddit]

After going vegetarian toward the end of college I became well acquainted with black bean burgers. At most restaurants (at least in my hometown) that serve burgers, the only vegetarian option is a black bean burger. I quickly found that I LOVE them (thankfully!). If I ever decide to join back up with the meat eaters, I will probably still be ordering black bean burgers from time to time. (Just for the record, I am currently a pescatarian, meaning the only meat I eat is seafood.)I like to experiement in the kitchen. If black bean burgers are awesome then what about other beans? Like, say, edamame? Freaky green burgers that are also freaky delicious? Yes, please.Spicy Edamame Burgers, make 5-6.

1/3 white onion
4-5 garlic cloves
30 ounces cooked edamame
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you like the heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
a generous sprinkle of pepperA simple way to make bread crumbs is to leave bread out (like extra hamburger buns) the night before. Then in the morning pulse them in a food processor. If you forget to leave bread out, you could toast the bread in the oven and then blend it up. But I like the overnight version, because I'm lazy.In a food processor, blend together 2/3 of the edamame, onion, garlic, cilantro, 1/2 of the bread crumbs, egg, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper until a thick paste forms. In a bowl combine this paste with the remaining edamame (give them a rough chop first) and bread crumbs. Fold together until just combined. With your (clean) hands form 5-6 patties. You can wrap these in plastic and freeze them or cook them immediately.

To cook, heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly dredge the patty in flour. Cook in the oil until warmed through and crispy on both sides.These have a truly delicious and unique flavor plus a little kick from the red pepper. They are also super healthy and a fun alternative to whatever burgers tend to be your usual. Enjoy these! xo. Emma

P.S. Want more vegetarian dinner options? Check out: portobello mushroom burgers, vegetarian chili or asian style dumpling soup. 

via http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard

Submitted by: Unknown

Space Oddity, 1972

With the recent release of his new album “The Next Day,” legendary musician David Bowie also released a bunch of vintage videos online on Vimeo. They include greatest hits music videos like 1980s “Fashion” and “John I’m Only Dancing” from 1972, as well as a 1973 interview with Bowie by Russell Harty, and lots more. It’s really quite a fun trip down the memory lane of Bowie’s illustrious career.

Fashion, 1980

John I’m Only Dancing, 1972

1973 interview with Bowie by Russell Harty

Heroes, 1977

Let’s Dance, 1983

via Open Culture

Submitted by: Unknown