The way the heat works around here

Most, if not all, buildings are heated from central plants that send steam to large numbers of residents. I suppose we're getting waste heat from power plants, but I'm not really sure. I just know that our radiators get hotter when the outdoor temperatures drop, and the system usually works pretty well.

Unfortunately, Alla had a hot flash yesterday and called ЖЕС (the people in control of the heat) to complain that they were wasting energy and she was too hot. Now today everybody in our district is probably wearing hats and two sweaters at home because of this. Somebody please call and tell ЖЕС that we're all freezing!