I know this doesn’t seem like the best time to be taking a break from my usual rants about politics.

I mean, we did just sanction Iran and the Iraq War is still illegal and unjust.

Not to mention, poor families with children are being used and abused by politicians on both sides of the aisle over the incredibly popular and efficient, yet not quite veto proof S-Chip bill and Mr. Bush is still in the Oval Office instead of in a jail cell at The Hague.

But since it is just becoming fall, and before we know it we will be faced with winter, I thought I’d try to warm everyone up with my top five ways to get through the cold weather.

Tip No. 5. Drink hot green tea in the mornings and at night.

While I know many of you probably don’t drink coffee every morning, (I used to down about six cups a day until I got the strength to quit, which could be the reason I’m only 5 feet 8 inches) a nice cup of green tea can go a long way.

Studies have found that those who drink green tea have a lower rate of infections, which is great for this cold and flu season we are about to enter and can also help with weight loss.

The only drawback is the caffeine-induced insomnia, which is why you might want to skip that nightly cup if you find yourself lying in bed trying to count the dots on the ceiling.

Tip No. 4. Take a personal day if you have to. Skipping class might not sound like a cure-all, but it really can help.

Now don’t go just skipping any random class, I’m talking about waiting until that perfect day-whether it be a day of cold wind and rain, or just a brisk day where you just want to lie on the couch, futon or bed, watch old movies and hang out.

The weekends aren’t as relaxing as they used to be.

You either have work or a boatload of homework, or Baker has decided that they should have high school students invade the campus for the weekend, thereby killing off all ideas of partying (especially for greeks).

This plan does not work on days in which you have a test, a quiz or an important lecture relating to a test or a research paper. Professors, this applies to you too.

Tip No. 3. Wool socks. Period.

Tip No. 2. This one is something I haven’t thought of much, however the other day I was watching my friend Beam-Ward do the laundry and we had an enthralling discussion about cold-weather bedding. He recommends flannel sheets starting now.

This will allow you to remain nice and warm, despite the increasingly cold weather seeping in through your windows-plus you can save money on your heating by possibly not having to turn it on until the morning when you wake up in only your boxers feeling nice and warm in your flannel sheets, then get out of that nice comfortable bed to realize Kansas is actually located in Eastern Russia.

Tip No. 1. The Bob Special. Named for its creator Robert Todd (or Bobby T), the Bob Special has been keeping my friends and me warm for the past few years.

While it may seem rather simplistic, it really, really, really works. What you need are a pair of pajama pants that aren’t longer than pants and your most comfortable pair of jeans.

Step one: Put on pajama pants.

Step two: Put on jeans.

Step three: Rinse and repeat.

I hope these tips will find you well and help you cope with the cold weather that is here to stay.

Don’t skip very many classes though; it has a detrimental effect on your grades.

So throw on those flannel sheets, put a kettle on for some tea, dig into a couch for your favorite movie and thank God for geniuses such as Robert Todd.

And did I mention wool socks?