Thursday Three – I am a NERD

I hope that you find joy, humor, or inspiration in my Thursday Three!

Here are the three things I’m obsessed with this week.

Photo by Food Junk

1 – Food Junk

Although I rarely partake in junk food (winky wink), I do indulge in spending time reading some Food Junk. What makes the blog even more awesome are the emotive images of Clone Troopers in various positions of repose. If I’m having a particularly bad day, I can peruse a few of these photos and, oh happy day. He reviews some of the most esoteric stuff like Japanese Sour and Butter Pringles and Star Trek Romulan Ale Energy Drink. Take a look…you’ll find yourself laughing out loud. Really. Oh and Food Junk was recently nominated for Saveur Magazine’s Best Food Humor Blog. Yeah, it’s pretty good stuff.

2 – Oishinbo (The Gourmet)

I know what you’re thinking. First junk food and now comics? And no, I’m really not a teenage nerd in woman’s clothing. I’m a 40-something nerd in woman’s clothing. Oishinbo is Japanese manga (comics) series featuring Japanese cuisine. The fictional news staff is searching for the “Ultimate Menu” in Japanese cuisine and the stories illustrate their adventures in their search. I think I first heard about these books on the interwebs. Or maybe it was my friend Amy Chu who mentioned something on Twitter? Maybe, maybe not? Anyway, it was first published in 2005 and now has been compiled and translated into English for our consumption. The reading from “back to front” and “right to left” takes a little getting used to, but the stories are pretty damn addictive.

3 – Interactive design planning tools

Now let me just say that as a designer/architect, these tools do NOT replace the expertise and guidance of a designer or an architect and should just be used as a guide. BUT as a designer, I have to admit, playing around with these tools are pretty fun. If it required a Wii remote, then I would totally be all over it like SPAM on rice. Am I wrong, people? Let me know what you think of these tools. The only downside? You have to register to create an account to save your layouts.

Urban Barn has an room planner tool where you can layout out a room with their furniture. I’ve never heard of Urban Barn, but if you’re planning to furnish a room, you can really get an idea of your “dream” room using this tool.

NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) even put a kitchen and bath virtual planning tool for homeowners! Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of promoting the professionals they’re certifying? REGARDLESS, it’s a very basic tool and it certainly doesn’t replace an expert, but I think it’s definitely helpful in visualizing your dream kitchen. Ah, I dream of walk-in pantries with refrigerators, and marble everywhere…