It was at a party in New York City during the 1999 heat wave that I learned the answer. And no, the heat didn't have anything to do with it. As they say, it's not the heat, it's the stupidity.
originally appeared October, 1999

Because of size reduction to accommodate 14" monitors (blame them), the caption in panel 1 reads "Legend has it the Paleozoic Era ended on July 30, 245 billion BC. Each years, friends of mine on Manhattan hold a party to celebrate. Here is what truly happened at this year's party.

The second panel's caption reads "They live on the top floor of their apartment building ... a 5th floor walk-up. So of course the parties often congregate up on the roof."