:)

My e-mail:
"I hope you're keeping warm over there. Any suggestions as to what I can bring? Also, I was wondering if you could find out some information for me, if you can. I wanted to know if you could ask the Holiday Inn staff if the TV's were equipped with RCA inputs. And if it was possible to attach a PS2 to it, as I do not really see myself going out much with the cold weather and all. Anyway, that's only if you have some extra time and if it is not too much of a hassle. "

Response from ____ 10 minutes later:
"All the TVs that I have seen so far have RCA inputs on the front (i.e. Room 318).

First defense is information. Always constantly check the weather for Real Feel temperatures. bookmark www.accuweather.com and enter Totowa's zip code of 07512 and click on Details or Hourly weather for the day you are inquiring. Keep in mind even if the temperature shows 9 degrees F with the wind chill factor that could easily be -12 degrees below 0.

First of all avoid cotton, cotton waffle or woolen thermals they are too bulky, specially if you have to move around in a C-Class with a fleece pullover and a coat or jacket on top of that. My suggestion for the cold weather is to go to Sport Chalet, REI or Adventure 16 and get 1 or preferably 2 sets of Hot Chilis MTF (Moisture Transfer Fabric) tops and bottoms, they are a little expensive but worth the warmth and wide temperature range (going inside and outside) they do not hold body odors, you may not even need to wash them while you are here if you alternate between 2 sets. Additionally get a couple of sets of polypropylene thermal liner socks and a couple of good sets of warm wool socks. Try to bring 3/4 height or higher boots made for snow that are waterproof or have Gore-Tex with them because the snow might be anywhere from 2 to 6 inches (like what we are getting by tomorrow morning).

On top of the thermals try to get a zippered fleece (polyester and Lycra) pullover (that is windproof) which is made for the cold not fashion, wool sweaters are not too windproof. And a good shell with a hood made for snowboarding or skiing should work out fine. A good cashmere or polyester beanie with or without a baklava with round it out. A good long scarf (wool or polyester) and winter gloves lined with Thinsulate would be great, you could get good deals on these at Marshall's or Wal-Mart. But, the rest of the clothing is best from a specialty ski/snow/outdoor store. When you are cold it does not matter how much it costs? The good thing about the Holiday Inn-Totowa is that it is beside a Ski Barn, but their inventory is kind of low on some items or sizes. Anyway if you shop in LA you have more time to get what suits you rather than going for compromises at the last minute. It would be good to get sunglasses (maybe prescription) made for the higher contrast during cloudy or overcast conditions in the snow (somewhere around 16% light transmittance). I hope this helps to keep you warm but it may run you at least $500.00 just the thermal tops and bottoms alone are over $200.00 for 2 sets. Remember it is what you put on the inside closest to your body is what will keep you warm not how many layers of cotton or nontechnical fibers that you put on top.

There are also some winter clothing tips in today's edition of USA Today, Section A, page 3.

Kindest Regards,
______ "

Some people are just good people....