rice noodles:

Those Asian dried rice noodles in the plastic packages--what do you do with them?  Soak them in cold water for 30-60 minutes.  You want them just separated but still firm and not mushy.  In a pinch, place them in warm water for 10-15 minutes, but this may cook them slightly.  The water temperature only matters if you're looking for a fresher, firmer texture.  Throw them in soup or fry them up with plenty of oil.  Rice noodles are sometimes called rice stick.  The "cellophane" noodles that are like thread are usually made of mung beans and not rice.  They take longer to cook and are not the same as rice noodles though they look similar.  So, beware!