Cold resistance - After spending some time researching both 'Resist Cold' and 'Resist Fire', I think I've come to my latest interpretation on the spells, based on the semantics of how the spells are worded. Let me know what you think.
Both 'Resist Cold' and 'Resist Fire' specifically state 'All ST against [damage type] are made at +3', AND 'all damage sustained is one-half'. I interpret this as two seperate effects provided by the spel. If there is a ST allowed, and the ST is made, it's one quarter damage. So I don't think this spell is giving you a bonus ST where there previously was none, but if there was already the opportunity to make the ST, it could drop to 1/4 damage.
Example of my interpretation, using ZZ but not including his magic items:
Scenario A: ZZ has 'Resist Cold' running and enemy casts 'Ice Storm' using the damaging hailstones, ZZ would take 1/2 damage, since 'Ice Storm' is called out in the spell and ALL cold damage is 1/2 just for having the spell running.
Scenario B: The enemy cast 'Cone of Cold', ZZ gets his ST vs. spells for 1/2 damage. If ZZ has 'Resist Cold' running, he would get a +3 to his ST AND the damage would be 1/2 (failed ST) or 1/4 (made ST).
Band of Anathro: This is making the assumption that no 'Resist cold' spell has been cast:
As this item provides 'Protection against Cold' (+2 to save, -1 HP / die of damage), I would judge that:
In the case of an Ice Storm, where there is no ST, ZZ would take damage, but get the bonus of -1 HP / die of damage.
In the case of a Cone of Cold, ZZ would get a +2 to his ST, and regardless of ST result, the damage would be -1 HP / die of damage.
What got me to this conclusion is 'Resist Fire' calls out 'Meteor Swarms' as a spell it resists against. 'Meteor Swarms' spell description points out: "Any creature in the straight line path of these missiles will receive the full effect of the missile, or missiles, without benefit of a saving throw." The actual damage from the spell comes from the explosions of the meteors, which is where the ST is made for full or half damage. If you're in the direct path, you would take full damage regardless, but I would put forward that a 'Resist Fire' spell would give you protection from the fire blasts, causing 1/2 damage.
You can speak and understand the languages of those in the the radius, while the spell is in effect.