How to Open a Jar

Boing Boing linked to a video of Rachael Ray describing various techniques for opening jars.

The problem with all but the first of Rachael Ray's techniques for opening jars is that although they give you additional traction, they all require the same amount of force as you would use without her methods. (Additionally, her first method -- slamming the jar upside down on the counter -- is dangerous.) It seems to me the point of these methods should be to reduce the amount of force required to open the jar. One technique that works for me: use a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver to pry the side of the jar lid away from the jar out just enough to break the seal. You will probably hear the air escaping from the jar as you do this. The lid can then be unscrewed almost effortlessly. (See video above.)

Commenters on the YouTube video also suggest running the jar under hot water to expand the air within, thereby breaking the seal. Another person suggests striking the lid ten times around its circumference to break the seal. I've tried the hot water idea a few times, but I find the pry-the-lid method to be more direct and reliable.

Remove the Sodium and MSG from Cup Noodles

Nissin Cup Noodles (also colloquially known as "Cup o' Noodles") taste great, but they have huge amounts of sodium and MSG. MSG gives me headaches.

That's why I* came up with this Soup Hack™ to eliminate excess sodium and MSG while retaining much of that great flavor.

step 1: add boiling water
step 2: wait three minutes
step 3: POUR THE BROTH-LIKE SUBSTANCE OUT.
step 4: enjoy headache-free noodles.

Stay tuned for more Soup Hacks.

* and by "I", I mean my friend Anthony.