Photo: Claire LowerHappy hour with 3 ingredientsHappy hour with 3 ingredientsThe weekly beverage column with super simple but delicious libations.

Portland and many other cities are currently experiencing the first wave of artificial spring, and it seems to be doing wonders for the collective mood. Personally, the sunshine has rekindled my craving for patio pounders – relatively low ABV drinks with bright, fresh flavors that can be consumed with no really unfortunate effects. And Lillet is a great base for this genre of cocktails.

Lillet, crispy, sweet and refreshing, is an enriched, flavored wine, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be further enriched with a little vodka and a few dashes of bitter substance. When you combine a fair amount of Lillet Blanc with a smaller amount of vodka, you get a very spring-like inversion Kangaroo situationexcept you are using Lillet instead of vermouth. (Full Disclosure: Although I bought and written about Several times before, Lillet was sent this special bottle that I made this drink out of, free of charge.)

If your preference is gin I totally understand, but try vodka first for a cleaner, lillet-forward-facing experience. If you use vodka instead of gin, the honey and citrus flavored aperitif will seem much like the sun you should drink it under. This drink is good over crushed ice and it is good in a super cold cocktail glass. Try it both ways and see which one you prefer.

To do it you will need:

• 2 ounces white lillet
• 1 ounce of vodka
• A few dashes of bitter, either angostura or orange

Mix the vodka and lillet in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir to cool. Strain over crushed ice or pellet ice, or serve in a chilled coupe for a silkier, denser drink. Shake a few dashes of the bitter and enjoy.

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Photo: Sandratsky Dmitriy (Shutterstock)

When you walk into a shoe store, you’ll see hundreds of pairs to choose from. From barefoot running shoes to a $ 200 pair of Nike. The fact is that there is no such thing as the “perfect” running shoe. Everyone needs a different type of shoe, and when it comes down to it, choosing the right shoe is more about what’s comfortable, not about price.

What is the difference between a running shoe and other shoes?

You can run in any footwear you want, but a shoe made specifically for running is best. Running shoes usually have a flexible sole and enough structure and cushioning to support your feet if you keep hitting the sidewalk.

Unlike basketball and tennis shoes, which offer lateral support, running shoes do not have lateral stability because you don’t move your foot back and forth as you run. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends that you purchase a sport-specific shoe if you participate in a sport on a regular basis. So, if you love running but also play basketball, your feet will be happiest when you buy individual shoes for each one.

It is possible to buy running shoes from a general shoe store or sports store. However, your best bet is to visit a store that specializes in running shoes. You won’t be distracted by other options, and you have a much better selection of the different types of running shoes that are out there.

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The main difference between different types of running shoes

So you stand in the shop and stare at a thousand different shoes. What’s the difference between all of them? Essentially, running shoes are typically marketed in four different styles:

• Motion control or stability: Stability shoes are recommended for people who overpronate. This means that your foot will roll inward as you run. Motion control shoes are usually the stiffest and heaviest shoes out there. Stability shoes are less so. If you have flat feet, you can be directed to them.
• Padded: These shoes don’t try to greatly affect the movement of your feet, but they do tend to have extra cushioning. People who are heavier or have high arches prefer these.
• Neutral: As the name suggests, neutral shoes are for people with a neutral gear. Usually they have a little bit of cushioning.
• Minimalist or “barefoot” shoes: These shoes tend to have little to no cushioning or support. You should imitate to run barefoot as accurate as possible and at the same time offer the protection that many people need.

What does all of this mean for you as a buyer? Not that much, actually.

What really matters is how you feel when you run

Many shoe companies shy away from the above rigid categories because a number of studies showing previous ideas about the type of foot and the type of shoe you need aren’t as accurate as you think. A series of studies of the The US military has shown that the shoe type is no longer as injury-related as we used to think. Additionally studies by the University of British Columbiaand the British Journal of Sports Medicine show that the way shoes are prescribed and sold is usually too simple and not based on evidence. Basically, the way running shoes are sold doesn’t exactly correlate with injury prevention or comfort.

Scientists, shoe companies and runners have spent the last decade grappling with this topic. The truth is, there isn’t a best practice way of telling you which shoes to buy.

When it comes to shoe types, the safest thing to do is stick to something neutral unless you’ve tried neutral shoes and you know they’re not for you.

When you go to a running store and talk to a representative, they may examine the shape of your footprint to see if you have high or low arches and may ask you to run on a treadmill while they analyze your gait. But after all that, their recommendation may not be any better than if they happened to have picked a neutral shoe off the wall.

The nice thing about this process, even if unscientific, is that you and the run store rep have time to chat about what you’re looking for in shoes. Tell them what you like and dislike about your current shoes and whether you have had a pair that you loved in the past. When it comes to shoe types, the safest thing to do is stick to something neutral unless you’ve tried neutral shoes and you know they’re not for you.

How to choose the right pair

Once you’ve figured out the differences between all of these different types of shoes, it’s time to pick the pair that is best suited for you. This is a surprisingly difficult task.

If you’re new to running or having problems with your shoes, you may need to reconsider what type of shoe you need. For this purpose, it is a good idea to go to a specialized running shop and get advice and fit from them. When you are there they will take a look at your posture, age, and physique. Then combine that with your goals, your training intensity and the place you run to find the right type of shoe. If it’s your first pair of running shoes, it’s a good idea to skip ordering online and pick them up in person so you actually get the right fit. (That said, there are options for Choose the fit when ordering online.)

Fit is most important, and that means the heel is snug, you have enough room for the ball of the foot to move a little, and enough room to wiggle your toes. For a few more tips to help you find the right fit, Visit the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Athletic Fitting to make sure you try them on correctly. Don’t be surprised if you have to buy your running shoes half a size larger than your street shoes. most of us do.

As for the price, it probably doesn’t matter. Certain shoes may be better made than others, but comfort and fit are more important than anything on the price tag. And to be clear, “comfort” means how they feel when you run, not only when you are in the shop. Ask to jog on the treadmill or run around the block. They usually let you.

From a technology standpoint, no two shoes are exactly alike, and a pair of shoes a friend swears by may not work for you. When shopping for shoes, think about the main goals: comfort, support and fit. That’s all that really matters when it comes down to it. As many runners often say: the best running shoe is the one you never notice.

This post was originally published in 2013 and was updated on March 12, 2021 to add information, update links, and to adapt to current Lifehacker style.

Photo: Twelve South

Top product: Hori Split Pad Pro | $ 40 | Amazon

The thing that is so appealing about that Nintendo Switch is its flexibility. While other modern consoles are literal giants that only move if you guess their name correctly, the Switch is bespoke for every gamer. Whether you want to play at home or on the go, Nintendo has everything you need. On a personal level, I just play this thing undocked. As much as I love the idea that it can be plugged into a TV, I like it when I can take it with me on the go or play in bed. The idea of ​​a fully portable console appeals to me.

That got me thinking: what would it take to make the Nintendo Switch the ultimate portable console? Let’s say you’ve really decided to do this thing as a handheld, or at least as a setup. What kind of buffs would you need to really get the most out of it? The obvious answer here is, “Just buy one Switch Lite, ”But your options are limited there. You can’t take that off Joy-conThis means that you are losing some of the versatility that tabletop mode offers. Instead, we want to create a versatile portable system that will maintain the normal functionality of a switch while addressing its shortcomings. After all, there are so many switch peripherals out there filling all sorts of loopholes in the console.

After months of combing through officially licensed third-party switch peripherals, I cobbled together the ideal portable switch console … I think. If nothing else, I’ve pulled a variety of peripherals that solve all of the problems a gamer would run into using the Switch exclusively on the go. This includes everything from battery issues to the system’s limited audio options. Here is the ideal Nintendo Switch. You may not like it, but this is what excellence looks like.

Image: Giovanni Colantonio

Problem: Let’s start with the controllers. The Joy-Con included with the Switch are perfect for casual gaming. However, those looking to use the Switch as a hardcore system know they won’t cut it. They’re tiny, don’t have a proper D-pad, and have a serious drift problem. To get the most from your consoles, consider upgrading to a more creative controller setup. The official Pro Controller is a good bet, but it doesn’t lock onto the switch itself.

Solution: There’s no shortage of third-party controller options, however Horis Split Pad Pro solves many of these problems. It has a more traditional controller design with handles, but it still snaps onto the switch. In addition, it has a real D-pad, rear shutter release and a turbo function. While you can only use the regular Joy-Con here, the Split Pad Pro offers an excellent solution for those who want to experience the feel of a console without compromising the ability to hold it in your hands.

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Image: Giovanni Colantonio

Problem: Before we get excited, let’s cover a really basic problem. When moving your Switch in and out of an enclosure, you need to take care of the screen. The Switch screen is a bit fragile, unfortunately. Even if you put it in the dock, it can cause small scratches on the system’s screen. If you want to commit to a completely portable life, you need to make sure this screen is safe and solid.

Solution: Like I said, nothing special here; You just need a good tempered glass. Is your best option amFilm’s Switch Glassthat is cheap and easily adheres to your display. It’s thin and scratch-resistant without affecting your ability to use the system’s touchscreen. This product has over 76,000 reviews on Amazon and a five-star rating so you can count on it.

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Image: Giovanni Colantonio

Problem: There are actually two issues that we need to address here. First, the switch’s stand isn’t the most rugged way to support your system in tabletop mode. It’s weak and doesn’t offer flexibility in the angle at which you can place it. As a completely separate issue, the Switch has terrible battery life. Play a game like Breath of the wild and you have to plug it in within three hours. What if there was a way to kill two birds with one stone?

Solution: There are! There are some table stands on the market that will actually charge your Switch while you play. I’ll go with you for that Nintendo’s official charge level. It’s a simple little stand, but one that gives you a range of angles while charging your Switch. There are a few others on the market, but this little design makes it easy to set up and tuck away when you’re done.

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Image: Giovanni Colantonio

Problem: The most noticeable problem with the Switch is the lack of Bluetooth support. That means you can’t use AirPods or wireless buds with them. There must be some big old wire hanging around while you’re playing. This is especially a problem for people who want to use headphones while playing the docked system. In our “ultimate portable” scenario, we would ideally want some kind of bluetooth system. In order to achieve this, we must third or go bankrupt.

Solution: After scrolling through tons of different options, I’ll go with that Twelve South AirFly Here. While there are many other adapters on the market that are more discreet, the AirFly has one distinct advantage: It plugs into the system’s headphone jack. Most other Bluetooth adapters designed for the device use the USB-C port. However, this means you will lose access to the charger (which defeats the purpose of the charge level you just selected). Some headphone jack adapters don’t play well with the Switch dock either, so this is a consideration here as well. The AirFly solves all of these problems, making it the best Bluetooth choice for those who want to share their USB-C while they still grab something that works on the go and at home.

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Image: Giovanni Colantonio

Problem: Okay, so you have every accessory you need to create the perfect portable Nintendo Switch. The only problem is … how are you going to carry this damn thing around now? With all of the added dongles and buffs, your Switch is now too unwieldy to fit in your standard slim carry case. Carrying cases is generally a pain as you have to find a balance between something that isn’t too big but can still hold whatever you need. And since we’re making it big, what we essentially need is a bag that easily goes with any add-on.

Solution: For this particular scenario, I’ll go with you iVoler Mega Switch carrying case. It’s huge compared to your standard switch case, but there are good reasons for that. It fits on top of the console itself, the bulky charger, a Pro controller, and even the TV stand. In addition, it has space for 18 playing cards and a mesh bag in which you can store an HDMI cable or headphones. There’s a lot of room in there, which means it’s one of the few cases where you can really do all of your setup on the go.

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The pandemic has turned dating from a difficult and necessary evil into a fundamentally impossible and dangerous temptation. But with COVID-19 cases declining internationally and vaccination rates increasing daily in the US, you will likely stumble through an awkward date again, just like the old days. And if you did, why the hell would you take another lame, lackluster walk?

A walk is fine. And that’s really all it is … okay. If you’re looking to excite your potential date, especially after you’ve been in isolation for months after months, then you may want to suggest something more creative and fun than another stroll through a park.

Virtual alternatives

We are not quite out of the forest of the pandemic yet. We can hope for a vaccinated summer to frolic with people we haven’t seen in a year, but for now, you could opt for a virtual date. Yes, I know the term “virtual date” doesn’t exactly create the anticipation you might otherwise get from an IRL meeting, but there are some good options that may suffice while we wait.

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• Virtual escape room: Do you like to solve puzzles, especially when it comes to rescue from a (virtual) trap? Do a virtual escape room with your date. These prioritize teamwork and can definitely help you determine early on if you and your date can work together (if your goal is to win at all costs).
• Try wine together: Are you two unbearable wine snobs? Then enjoy this snobbery by tasting wine together. You can buy the same bottles or order wine flights to their respective homes, pour out a few glasses, join a video conference and let the tannins and pretension take over.
• Online tours: This may seem like a novelty stolen from the early days of the internet, but given the options available to you these days, it can actually be pretty cool. I mean you can take one virtual tour of the Louvre together. Or the Great Wall of China, the Georgia Aquarium, or any number of cool options.

Fun IRL alternatives to walks

Walks are often viewed as facilitating discussion or a very intimate get-to-know activity. This is true. But it is also true that your legs can walk while you do other things besides speaking. Of course, given the tenacity of this pandemic, unless you’ve both been vaccinated, which is fine under the CDC protocol for now, you should wear a mask.

• Mini golf: Is there a soul on this planet who doesn’t love mini golf? It will get you out of your comfort zone, and if you can maintain a positive mood while battling a goofy golf course, you will have a great time.
• Picnics: You don’t go, you sit. But you’ll sit and talk, have a nice drink, and maybe eat something like sausage if that’s your speed.
• Handcraft: Better still, if you go to a park for a picnic, why not get creative with some crafts? More specifically, why not bring some color and wine to someone else’s park or garden?
• Outdoor movies / stand-up comedy: As the weather warms up, cities across the country will soon start projecting movies onto big screens amid local parks. There is also an option for stand-up and other performances to take place outdoors.
• Bike tour: Take a bike ride in a picturesque location. Take a blanket and some lunch. Make it a day.
• Look at the sunset: What could be nicer than going to a beautiful place (maybe on a bike), watching the sunset and coming home with fireflies lighting your way? I dont know! But you can definitely make that date come true this summer.
• Botanical Gardens: Well, technically this is a walk, but it’s not an old walk. If your city has a botanical garden or nature reserve, walking around your local park will be a breeze.
• tennis: Maybe you two aren’t the sporty types, but if you are, tennis is a fun game as you can really test your stamina to keep the chemistry going as you hit the ball back and forth.

This is just a small fraction of the things you can do that aren’t just about walking, which, quite frankly, is a boring activity to do on your own.

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As part of an expanded COBRA program, President Biden’s COVID Aid Act includes a temporary healthcare grant that covers 100% of your premiums if you were laid off or worked fewer hours during the pandemic. The coverage lasts from April 1 to September 30, 2021 and is also available to people who are already participating in the program. Here’s how you can qualify.

What is COBRA?

With COBRA or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, you can stay with your company’s health insurance for up to 18 months, if the company has one 20 or more employees (Depending on the case, this can be extended for a further 18 months specific qualification events). You qualify if you have been laid off, have fewer hours, or even been laid off unless the termination was due to gross misconduct (i.e. vaguely defined– Some employers will ignore this and offer COBRA coverage just to evade the courts.

Sounds good, right? There is a catch, however. While you can keep your employer’s insurance under COBRA, you still have to pay the monthly premiums yourself. Employers often cover that 80% of your premiumsThat’s a high price– –averaging $ 7,470 per year for individuals and $ 21,342 for family insurance, on average according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

COBRA also does not cover other employer policies such as life or disability insurance, which also adds to your costs. In the absence of any subsidy, like other options Medicaid or Obamacare might be preferable.

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Who is eligible for the extended COBRA grant?

Via cnbcThe 100% premium subsidy applies to everyone who already qualifies for COBRA. It is also available to employees who did not opt ​​for COBRA coverage during their original term, as well as employees who originally chose COBRA but are lapsing their coverage. However, those who are eligible for other group insurance or Medicare are not eligible for the grant.

That means pretty much anyone who lost their job at the start of the pandemic can qualify, as their 18-month COBRA period spans April 1 to September 30, 2021, when the subsidy ends.

Starting April 1, employers may also offer you one special registration period of 90 days sign up for a different group health plan, although the premiums cannot be more than what you have already paid. This is an optional policy for employers. You should therefore check with your previous employer to see if this is offered.

How do I get the grant?

Your employer or your health insurance company should send you a declaration of eligibility. If you were expecting one but haven’t received it yet, contact your company’s HR department or your health insurer directly. However, as soon as you have been informed that you are eligible for COBRA, you will need to register within 60 days.