I spent a bit of time last week making a heating pad out of two $1 bandanas (one for a pillow case), half of a $2 bag of rice, and some chamomile and mint teas that no one was drinking.  If you are poor and cold a lot, THERE IS NO REASON YOU SHOULD NOT MAKE ONE OF THESE.  Here are the instructions I used (although I segmented the bag and added some tea to make it smell nice), here are some instructions to make one out of an old sock.  If you do make one, make sure not to use instant rice or wash the rice bag.

Ananth and I are in New York City right now -- we just came back from the second Scott Pilgrim book release shindig, and we'll be at New York Comic Con (as attendees) on Saturday.  I should also note that we will both ALSO be at Katsucon next weekend (Valentine's day weekend >_o ).  There is a chance that myself, Ananth, Conrad, and maybe-maybe-possibly John will be there at the same time.  But no promises.