How to compliment people

From "Why Compliments Terrify Us" by Elizabeth Bernstein for the Wall Street Journal

• Be sincere.
• Be selective. Think Goldilocks. Not too big or too small. 
• Be specific. Don't say" You look pretty today. Say: That sweater really brings out the color of your eyes. 
• Show impact. Tell people how they have positively affected you. Instead of "I like your column today," try "Your story made me run out and complement a stranger. 

When you receive a compliment, just say thank you. Be gracious, not self-deprecating. Don't worry about returning the praise. It's a compliment, not a volley.

Picking the best artichoke

Artichokes are neither fruit nor vegetable. They're delicious flowers!

Picture by Matthew Wallenstein 

The tastiest ones have the following qualities:

• Fat stems (the fatter the stem, the bigger the heart 
• Bright, shiny leaves 
• Dense weight (heavy for its size)

Fresh ones give a squeak when you squeeze gently.

If you are not eating the artichoke right away, seal it in a plastic bag with a few drops of water before refrigerating.

Backpacking in the cold weather

The best way to stay warm and toasty is by staying in your flannel PJs inside your house. But if you've been tricked into joining a backpacking trip (Drat!), here are some tips to make yourself as comfortable as possible in freezing weather (32° F/ 0° C). 

Wear the right clothing:

• Do not wear anything cotton. When you work up a sweat, your cotton gets wet and stays wet. This is a recipe for a shivery night.  
• Bring one more layer than you think you'd need. It is cold on the ground, plus your body doesn't generate as much heat as when you're standing up. 
• For your core body: Wear a non-cotton base layer, a light fleece sweater, and one of those thick college hoodies with a single large pocket that has two hand openings. The hoodie is the perfect outer layer because it forms a light wind shell, keeps your heard warm while you are sleeping, and provides an instant hand warmer (not all sleeping bags have that nice little feature, so it's kinda cool making your ghetto adaptation). Oh, and you can stash a water-proof glove (cycling gloves also works) in the pocket, in case your hands still get cold.   
• For your legs, get fleece, thermal wear or cycling tights, all of which are warmer than silk pants. Cycling tights are a bit more wind resistant. Put rain or snow pants over the base layer to deflect the wind. You could also just wear a wind-breaking sweat pants with fleece lining, if you don't have fancy rain/snow pants. 
• Bring a pair of really warm sleeping socks. If you don't hike with these, you can just bring one pair for sleeping. It's worth the weight when things get really cold, and your body starts retracting heat from your extremities to keep your core warm. 
• Bring a windproof beanie that goes over your ears. Then put your hood over your head to keep it from sliding out when you sleep.

Generate and conserve as much heat as possible

• Hydrate well, but stop drinking right before bed. The cold weather will make you want to go to the potty more often than usual. Each time you leave your sleeping bag, you'll need to warm it up all over again.  
• If you have to go answer nature's call, sprint back to your tent. This generates a little bit of extra heat right before you stash yourself into the now-cold sleeping bag. 
• If you are still cold, do sit ups inside your bag. You'll heat up fast, and if your bag will keep the warmth in, long after you'd stop. 

Other things to make you comfortable:

• Use an insulated 4-season air mattress (Thermarest, for example). Not only does it provide cushioning, but it keeps the ground from chilling you. 
• Invest in a bag liner. Silk, flannel, and some synthetics can add 5° or more of warmth and they keep your sleeping bag cleaner and might, for some people, feel better than the sleeping-bag fabric. Silk is the lightest and most expensive option. 
• Bring a compressible camp pillow, which has an incredible weight-to-comfort ratio (backpacking is a trade off between light weight and comfort). Yes, you could use your clothes as a pillow, but if you're wearing all your clothes because it's so darn cold, you'll need a pillow! The generic one from REI is cheap and comfy! 

Things you can ditch:

• Since you are bringing more layers than you normally do, you have to look for places to lighten the load. Double up on the food/drink pack. Consider packing single-serve soy milk instead of just plain water. It quenches thirst and it's calorie rich (compared to water).
• You probably drink less water in cold weather than in warm weather. Adjust accordingly. Don't be too stingy though. It's always better to carry more water than you think you'd need than being parched, head-achey, and grumpy, You can always spill out water. 

Saving money:

• Outdoor activities can get so expensive, so it's best to repurpose what you already have. For example, winter cycling clothing, which are designed to wick sweat out and dry rapidly, can be repurposed for other cold activities, like hiking and skiing. They are designed to keep you warm and dry without restricting movement. 
• Cycling tights take little space yet are great for keeping you warm without overheating you.  However, they are designed for the a seated, not upright position, and they can get clammy if you are one of the sweaty types. Test it out first to make sure that you're comfortable with it. The generous padding that's great in cycling might get annoying in hiking. 

Your mileage may vary with these tips and tricks, but they worked well for us. We definitely had a much better experience than our other camping buddies, who actually had better gear.

Applying sunscreen

Instructions for applying sunscreen seems, well, unnecessary... afterall what does one need to know beyond: squirt into hands and apply all over exposed flesh? Well, the thing is, I've observed people apply too little with their expired SPF-12 lotion with no UV-A protection whatsoever (you know who you are). Why not just sprinkle yourself with chicken blood (or, if you are vegan, soy sauce) hoodoo? It's just as effective.

Sun damage is cumulative, so it's best to minimize it. Here are three simple tips:

• What to apply: Get broad-spectrum "sweatproof" sunscreen that protects you from both UV-A and UV-B rays. Not all sunscreens are created equal. In fact, the Environmental Working Group claims in its study that 4 out of 5 (84%) are ineffective or unsafe. For UV-A protection (against aging), look for zinc oxide, titanium oxide, avobenzone, or ecamsule in the ingredients. For UV-B protection (against burning), look for at least SPF 30.
  Costco sells Neutragena sunblock*—which claims to meet all criteria, plus it's non-comedogenic (won't block pores) and feels light on the skin—for a good price. If you'd rather use something else, you can check out a database of tested suncreen. And do keep an eye out on the expiration date.
• When to apply: Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every few hours. Be OCD if you are fair-skinned.
• How much to apply: You need an ounce of sunblock to cover your entire body (more if you are a big guy). An ounce is about 1/3 of a standard-sized Neutrogena tube. You need to apply half a teaspoon each for the face, neck, and arms; and a full teaspoon each for the chest, stomach, back, and legs. Don't forget your ears and the top of your shoulders!

For some background on UV-A and UV-B, see the previous post. Physical protection, such as wide-brimmed hats work great, too, but don't forget about reflected radiation. Bah, just get a burqa. Maybe one made from reflective tin foil.

* Neutrogena also contains oxybenzone, which a few animal and lab studies suggest might release free radicals and mildly affect hormone systems, however these studies did not show harm in sunscreen users. In any case, the risk of not applying sunscreen is many multiples worse (as assessed by the American Cancer Society)!

If you're really creeped out by chemicals, you can use suncreen that contains inorganic particulates, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Picking the best melondramatic fruits

Melons (such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew) are delish and stuffed with goodness. Their colors give you a hint of their superpowers. The cantaloupe is brimming with vitamin C and beta-carotene; honeydew has loads of folate; watermelon has super high levels of citrulline, which the body converts to nitric oxide (relaxes your blood vessels and lowers your blood pressure).

Some studies have shown that melons could help with anxiety, stress, panic attacks, as well as stroke and heart disease. And the beta carotene can't be bad for your eyes.

OK, OK, so we love melons. But how do you pick one?

A good melon:

• Is heavy for its size
• Sounds hollow when you tap it (if it has a dull thud, it might be overripe)
  
• Is brightly colored
• Has a yellow spot (the fruit ripened on the vine, not the warehouse)
• Plays well with others, including the ugly fruits
  

Go Row

For warming up, the rowing machine gives the most bang for your time. In addition to getting your heart rate up and getting the blood going, it works most muscle groups in your body. (And if you are a swimmer, rowing is good training for your sport.)

If your arms get tired too soon, change your technique. 

• Push with your legs (you should feel the top part of your thighs working), and keep your arms extended as you glide back. 
• When you reach the end of the movement, lean your torso back (without rounding your back) and pull the handle all the way towards your tummy. (For variation, you can pull the handle towards your chest instead of your tummy. This works a different part of your back.) 
• When you complete the motion, return to the starting position. Slide as far forward as your flexibility will allow; don't return just midway. But don't go too far forward either, lest you strain your back.
  

Try to complete the rowing stroke in one fluid motion, not in stilted steps. Start slow until you get the hang of things. Maintain your posture and never round your back.

Oh piddlewinks, blahblahblah, just watch the video. It sounds complicated, but rowing is worth the rewards.

p.s. Avoid the machine if it aggravates your shoulder and knee issues.
p.p.s. Rowing is not weight-bearing, so be sure to supplement it with other activities that are.