When it gets this cold, the best thing to do is curl up under the kotatsu and watch time melt like marshmallows. Hands wrapped around a hot chocolate, I like to listen to new music as recommended by pitchforkmedia.com. Especially nice this time of year are Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Joanna Newsom and Iron and Wine. If the internet is on, which it usually is, I like to read about sumo wrestling at In the Hall of the Mountains Kings. Or I’ll pick up a book. Say, for example, Inventing Japan, which arrived just the other day, two months ahead of schedule and not in the least soggy (thanks Kevin). If I get tired of reading, I’ll watch some Corner Gas, after which I’m toasty warm and ready for bed.