Jenny's Noodle

Kmart Wants Everyone to Ship Their Pants

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:37:00 +0000

If shipping your pants is cool, consider this ad Miles Davis.

(via Kmart)

Rubber Barber Erasers

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:44:00 +0000

It's fun to make mistakes when you've got this cute set of four erasers. Designed by Chen Lu Wei for Megawing, the rubber characters' hairstyles take shape whenever erasures are made.

(via Colossal)

Test Your Knowledge: The National Spelling Bee Quiz

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

The Scripps National Spelling Bee organizers have just announced a major change to the format, adding multiple-choice vocabulary tests to the annual competition.

For the first time in the 86-year history of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the evaluation of vocabulary knowledge will be formally incorporated as an element of the competition.

"This is a significant change in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, but also a natural one," said director Paige Kimble.

"It represents a deepening of the Bee's commitment to its purpose: to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives."

The 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee will take place on May 28–30 in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Visit HuffPo to test yourself with a sample of the questions the competitors may face. For example:

What is the purpose of defibrillation?
a) removing fibrous matter from vegetables
b) removing bodily hair
c) restoring the rhythm of the heart
d) reducing a fever using medication

Here's my score, not that I'm bragging (okay, maybe a little bit):

How well did you do?

Mysteries of Vernacular: Clue

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:36:00 +0000

CLUE: Something that serves to guide in the solution of a mystery or crime.

Did you know? Before the word clue became associated with mystery novels, it was spelled "clew" and meant a ball of string or thread, a definition dating back to Greek mythology.

Clue is among the growing list of interesting word origins explored in the Mysteries of Vernacular video series:

In its final form, Mysteries of Vernacular will contain 26 etymological installments, one for each letter of the alphabet.

Each episode takes more than 80 hours to create between the research, construction of the book and animation.

The videos are haphazardly arranged on a bookshelf background — a unique site design that's worth at least a quick glance. Watch the episode above, then visit www.mysteriesofvernacular.com for more.

Comic of the Day: Vintage Social Networking

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 20:50:00 +0000

(via Neatorama)

The Great Spaghetti Harvest of 1957

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 01:07:00 +0000

On April 1, 1957, BBC television viewers were treated to a short documentary about the spaghetti harvest in Ticino, Switzerland. The film showed spaghetti trees laden with ripe pasta, and Swiss farmers harvesting long strands and laying them out to dry "in the warm alpine sun."

It's believed that this story was the first use of television for an April Fool's prank.

Wait — so there's no such thing as a spaghetti tree?!

(via Mental Floss)

A Special Message from the President

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:22:00 +0000

This morning, the White House released a special video message from the President. Watch: youtu.be/5byDhm-E-YE
— The White House (@whitehouse) April 1, 2013

...one of the least annoying April Fools' Day pranks posted online today.

Miscommunication Between Chocolate Easter Bunnies

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:01:00 +0000

(via DinnerCakes)

Life in Five Seconds: Vincent Van Gogh

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 01:13:00 +0000

In our jet-fueled, caffeine-induced, celebrity-a-minute world, who actually has the time to learn a thing or two?

C’mon, let’s face it, life’s too bloody short. What you need is instant knowledge.

"Life in Five Seconds" takes 200 world events, inventions, great lives, places, animals and cultural icons that you really need to know about, and then, hey presto!, cuts away all the useless details. The Last Supper, Lady Gaga, the moon landings, the Mona Lisa, the invention of electricity, Ikea, the Berlin Wall, celebrity chefs and everything in-between.

"Five seconds? Then how come the video timer shows 20 seconds?" the skeptic thinks to herself. Oh right, bumpers. Just watch.

p.s. Happy 160th Birthday, Vincent!

> Watch more of the "Life in Five Seconds" videos
> Buy the book featuring "Over 200 Stories for Those with No Time to Waste"

PBS Inventors: Magic, Toys and Puzzles

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 02:44:00 +0000

From PBS Digital Studios, Inventors Series:

Mark Setteducati is a magician and artist who uses principles of mathematics and illusions in the toys and puzzles he invents. He's also a founder of the Gathering For Gardner, a biennial celebration of the life of mathematician and writer Martin Gardner. Here he talks about how math and magic influence him as an inventor.

(~~I want~~ You're probably going to want a jigazo puzzle after watching this. Amazon has them.)

Comic of the Day: Creative Blocks

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:15:00 +0000

(via Incidental Comics)

'Sign Painters' Documentary Explores an Invisible Art

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:10:00 +0000

Sign painting is an invisible art and industry.

Most people don't think about everyday signs as an art form, but there is real skill involved in the handmade process of sign making.

"Sign Painters," a new documentary film and book by the same name, showcases the dedicated practitioners of sign painting, their time-honored methods, and their appreciation for quality and craftsmanship.

This project is the first anecdotal history of the craft, featuring the stories of more than two dozen sign painters working throughout the U.S.

The filmmakers explain:

There was a time, as recently as the 1980s, when storefronts, murals, banners, barn signs, billboards, and even street signs were all hand-lettered with brush and paint.

But, like many skilled trades, the sign industry has been overrun by the techno-fueled promise of quicker and cheaper. The resulting proliferation of computer-designed, die-cut vinyl lettering and inkjet printers has ushered a creeping sameness into our landscape.

Fortunately, there is a growing trend to seek out traditional sign painters and a renaissance in the trade.

Watch the trailer below and visit the film's website to learn more.

Pantone Pairings

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:30:00 +0000

Minneapolis-based graphic designer/illustrator David Schwen created a delicious project entitled Pantone Pairings. Instead of complimentary colors, he combines foods that traditionally pair well together, and displays them on Pantone cards.

(via Zillamag)

And We're Back!

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 01:07:00 +0000

Jenny's Noodle has returned from a brief hiatus! YAY!

And how do you feel about this news, Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man?

He's obviously really excited about it.

> Remember: You can follow @JennysNoodle on Twitter and Facebook!

The Year in Review: 2012

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:46:00 +0000

See how the world searched, and what they listened to. It's the year 2012 in review, courtesy of Google Zeitgeist and Pop Danthology.

How to Bake the Perfect Batch of Cookies [Video]

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 21:09:00 +0000

There's nothing better than warm, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies on a rainy Saturday afternoon like today.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide to making that dream come true. Sort of.

(via Pleated Jeans)

Posting #900!

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 20:24:00 +0000

Image credit: Buzzfeed

Jenny's Noodle has hit a milestone — WELCOME TO POSTING #900!

Thank you to all of my loyal readers.

How the New York Times Crossword Puzzle is Made

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 03:27:00 +0000

The New York Times just recently launched a redesign of its online Crossword Puzzles for the first time in a decade. While a subscription is still necessary to access/solve the daily crosswords, there are samples available for free (she typed excitedly, as she waved goodbye to productivity for the remainder of the evening).

[Tip: If you're new, start with Monday puzzles. The crosswords get more difficult as the week goes on.]

As part of the launch, there are also new crossword-related videos posted for all of us puzzle geeks to enjoy. Here's one entitled "How a Crossword is Made," starring my hero, NYT crossword editor Will Shortz.

Google Type

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Google Type uses random Google images as characters for a typeface.

The image above is what Jenny's Noodle looks like using the Google Type font. Try it for yourself at www.google-type.com.

(via Presurfer)

The Art of Ironing

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 00:07:00 +0000

What can you create using only a white sheet and an iron? If your answer is burn holes, then watch this commercial for Philips Russia and be amazed. An artist demonstrates his ironing skills by recreating masterpieces including Vermeer's "The Girl with a Pearl Earring," Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear," and Rembrandt's "Self Portrait with Beret and Turned-Up Collar."

(via My Modern Met)

Guy Fieri Responds to Restaurant Critic in Unaired 'SNL' Skit

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 23:21:00 +0000

Last week, a New York Times restaurant critic wrote this humorously scathing review of Guy Fieri's American Kitchen & Bar in Times Square.

In a series of rhetorical questions, the critic addresses Fieri directly, asking things like: "Hey, did you try that blue drink, the one that glows like nuclear waste? The watermelon margarita? Any idea why it tastes like some combination of radiator fluid and formaldehyde?" and "Why is one of the few things on your menu that can be eaten without fear or regret — a lunch-only sandwich of chopped soy-glazed pork with coleslaw and cucumbers — called a Roasted Pork Bahn Mi, when it resembles that item about as much as you resemble Emily Dickinson?"

Needless to say, the critic was less than impressed with his ride to Flavor Town.

This week, "Saturday Night Live" posted an unaired video of Fieri's response to the critic. Watch:

RIP Hostess

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:00 +0000

Photo credit: Buzzfeed

I can't even remember the last time I ate a Twinkie, but after today's news, it's suddenly all I can think about. Same goes for Ho Ho's, Ding Dongs, Donettes, Sno Balls, Wonder Bread, etc.

Maybe they weren't always the healthiest snack options, but everyone deserves a treat once in a while. School lunches and after school snack times will never be the same.

Hostess Brands Inc. today announced that it is winding down operations and has filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking permission to close its business and sell its assets, including its iconic brands and facilities.

“We deeply regret the necessity of today’s decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike,” said Gregory F. Rayburn, chief executive officer. “Hostess Brands will move promptly to lay off most of its 18,500-member workforce and focus on selling its assets to the highest bidders.”

The wind down means the closure of 33 bakeries, 565 distribution centers, approximately 5,500 delivery routes and 570 bakery outlet stores throughout the United States.

In memoriam, here's an inside look at how Sno Balls ~~are~~ were made, courtesy of Food Network.

'Dumb Ways to Die' is the Cutest PSA Ever

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 00:45:00 +0000

Until today, pretty much nobody paid any real attention to Metro Trains Melbourne — I'm presuming. But now their new PSA, "Dumb Ways to Die," is making its way around the web, and it's the cutest video about death that you'll ever see.

(via Buzzfeed)

The 'Law & Order' Verdicts, a Chart

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:19:00 +0000

Ever watch an all day "Law & Hour" marathon and think to yourself, "Damn that Jack McCoy is good. Does he ever lose a case?" Turns out he does. But not very often.

Some dudes at Overthinking It over-analyzed all 456 episodes of the show and compiled the verdicts into this ~~useless~~ super handy chart.

Here are their findings. Doink, doink.

click image to view larger

(via Buzzfeed)

10 More Bets That You'll Never Lose

noreply@blogger.com (JST) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 01:33:00 +0000

Quirkology is back with 10 more bets that you'll always win. Watch and impress your friends.

> Previously: 10 Bets You Will Never Lose