THE LEFT LANE
Tropical frostbite

Turns out she is not alone: skiers, fishermen, hunters and others around the world use 450 million warmers a year. Grabber Warmers, the most widespread brand in the United States, are a blend of iron, water, cellulose, vermiculite, carbon and salt contained in playing card-sized packets; the mixture, is activated when exposed to air and maintains a pleasant warmth for the length of a work shift. A packet of 30 sells for $54.99 plus shipping at grabberbodywarmer.com.

Film festival entries

Entries are being accepted for the 12th annual Honolulu Gay and Lesbian Film Festival through March 22. Presented by the Honolulu Gay and Lesbian Cultural Foundation, organizers are asking for submissions of all lengths and genres — drama, comedy, documentary, etc. The festival will be held May 30-June 2. Applications and guidelines are online at hglcf.org or by contacting the festival office at 941-0424, ext. 18. Or send e-mail to info@hglcf.org. The foundation supports gay-oriented films, cultural and artistic events that boost awareness of Honolulu's homosexual community.

In an effort to help homeless people who need housing, job training and other assistance, Kenneth Cole Productions is organizing a "clothes call" for Help USA. Cole is teaming with Tower Records to collect gently worn shoes and clothes through February. In appreciation, customers will receive a 20 percent discount on nonsale merchandise at either Cole's own stores or at participating Tower locations, including stores in Hawai'i. This marks Cole's 10th initiative with Help USA. So far, 500,000 pairs of shoes have been collected. Cole, who is famous for plays on words in his ads, says: "We alone cannot 'heel' the world, but together we can be an accessory." Visit helpusa.org/