“Looks like another scorcher today,” said the TV weatherman.  “All along the East Coast from Florida to Maine, the temperatures could reach record highs.  It’s 10:00 in Central Park and already 101 degrees.  By 3:00 the thermometer may top out at more than 110 which would be a new state record unless some city inland records a higher temperature. 

“The high pressure mass of very hot air is straining electrical utilities almost to the breaking point.  Yesterday, a record amount of electricity was used all along the East Coast which is importing electricity from Canada and out West where the temperatures are slightly below normal.  Con Ed officials fear that a blackout like the one that darkend much of the East Coast in November of 1965 could occur unless people cut back on their electrical use.  It may feel uncomfortable to set the thermostat on 80.  But if enough people do that, a blackout that could lead to hundreds of deaths could be avoided.”

Everyone at Wow was sweating it out with the air conditioning on low.  Drops of perspiration fell on paper and colors that were inked started to run.  A committee of five people met with Drozin in his office which was just as hot as the other offices.  With Kent in charge for the day, he had easy access to the mini-fridge which was constantly being opened so cold drinks could be retrieved.  But almost as soon as the supply of beverages were replenished, they would be taken out. 

“Drake, we would like to take the rest of the day off and maybe the next few days as long as the conditions are unbearable,” said Ted Young who was an old-timer in the company.  “Kent is hogging the drinks in Bob’s office.  He makes sure his drinks are cold.  But we all have to settle for drinks that are slightly below room temperature and you know what that is.”

“That’s the perks of being the boss for the day,” said Drozin. 

“It stinks,” said another writer.  ”Even the cold water in the bathrooms is warm.  Can you do something?”

“What do you want me to do besides pray for snow?”

“We don’t know.  But do something.  Anything,” said Ted. 

“If you are having a problem working due to the heat, ask Kent if we can go home early,” Drozin suggested.  ”Tell him I think it’s a good idea.  We’re not going to get any work done here.  There isn’t even a breeze outside to cool you off if you worked outdoors.”