this is indeed part of my problem - I work 60-70 hour weeks and I am all go go go . when i have time to wind down with a bowl I don't take my time as I seem to want to pack a lot of enjoyment in. This is part of my problem for sure esp when I am half way in and I have relit the darn thing several times I get impatient and torch it. It's on me for sure and i do need to slow down.
Well that speaks volumes. There is absolutely nothing about pipe smoking that goes with being in a hurry or not having patience. If at all possible, pipe smoking should be something you do in a relaxed state. That includes rubbing out or cutting the tobacco, packing the bowl and smoking it. Also, most of us have to relite several times so don't feel that reflects on your patience. The fact that you work so many hours and your always go go go I would guess should be a good excuse to slow down when it comes to smoking your pipe. This is your opportunity to NOT go go go. Just relax, make a cup of tea, brew a cup of coffee, or pour yourself a scotch, then sit down and carefully, slowly and methodically prepare your tobacco, let it dry appropriately (aeros require more drying time), pack your pipe nicely, light it, and set it down, take a sip of whatever, ponder your day, light it again maybe taking a few more draws, set it down, take another sip, light it again and smoke it slowly... sipping on it, while alternating with your drink. Pipe smoking is a period of tranquility, enjoyment.. a time to wind down and ponder a thing or two. That's my 2p worth.
Indeed Monty - I really want to unwind, rather I should say NEED to. My blood pressure is higher than ever these days (mostly work related). What you suggests is ritualistic and that is what I need. I will be very intentional next time and try to hit that zen feeling I have been seeking
this is actually interesting to me since microwave radiation can and does change the chemical structure of molecular mixtures at times. In fact it is often used to promote chemical reactions in the lab. Have you noticed any change in flavor when you nuke vs air dry tobacco? my guess is no
Indeed - I never thought about it until now but I have done microwave chemistry and where a reaction will not work with regular heat at 150 degrees C for several hours, put it in a microwave and all sorts of wondrous things can happen even at lower temperatures in a few minutes. I know one would never nuke tobacco for a matter of minutes but my scientist mind is just curious. It likely doesn't do much for a short time, maybe break down some complex sugars or a few cell walls. I could run the experiment and extract nuked leaves and shoot it on to an LCMS and compare vs a control sample I suppose but I am lazy these days - LOL
For any proteins, denaturing affects secondary and tertiary structures, but usually leaves the primary structures intact. That's why your boiled eggs turn solid. Heat, chemical reactions, and radiation are all easy ways to denature proteins.
