Heat Wave

We have been setting record temperatures the last three days - Tuesday hit 100°F (38°C) at LaGuardia Airport. When it gets this hot in the city, it becomes intolerable anywhere there is no air conditioning. The subway platforms become an inferno. The sidewalks and streets are blistering.
 Some people take matters in their own hands, like this fellow who opened a NYC fire hydrant for a little relief (second photo). This is a typical scenario, especially in city neighborhoods where there are children. Every year during heat waves, residents are reminded that they are not to open hydrants on their own and that low flow sprinkler heads are available at the local fire station. To prevent unauthorized use, the hydrant requires a large wrench with a pentagon shaped socket to open it, but this is a small deterrent to the determined...