the invitation, sent out thursday, april 29:

Halflab Square Birthday Block Party in a Box - Saturday, May 15

This year marks the ninth birthday of HALFLAB -- the House Around Lisa, (Neil)Fred, Louise, And Brandon. As a result, we're feeling a bit square (then again, maybe we're just old). So come to our block on Saturday, May 15 to set everything right!

Let's be square about some things. First, a great party requires a square meal: crackers, ravioli, Kraft Singles, cube steak, Klondike bars, and so on. We trust you can square this menu suggestion with your Low-Stress Potluck(*) contribution, and also with your low stress -- conforming to the theme is of course entirely optional, so think outside the box.

Second, and of equal importance for a great party: square entertainment. You'll find plenty of right angles in our many boxes of board and card games, and plenty of other players to square off against. The (relatively) new arbor in our back yard is (relatively) square, as is the hot tub. Musical video games are more fun than putting a square peg in a round hole, and our television is 16x9 -- that's two squares!

Now that we've got all that squared away, we hope you'll be in agreement that the facts square with this conclusion: for an upright citizen who won't be boxed in, the party at HALFLAB is the one and only place to be on Saturday, May 15.

We'll make you a square deal -- if you RSVP (probabilistically), we'll anticipate your (probabilistic) arrival. It's only fair, right? And as some of us learned nearly twenty-five years ago, it is in fact hip to be square.

Quick summary:

What?Halflab Square Birthday Block Party in a Box
Who?You, your friends, sweeties, children, and other squares
When?Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 4:00pm until late
Where?Halflab - 1174 Fremont St, Santa Clara, CA 95050-4816
Where?? Consult http://www.halflab.com/map/ or call 408-248-HALF.
RSVP?Optionally and probabilistically to rsvp(at)halflab(dot)com
Bring?Food or drink in accordance with Low-Stress Potluck rules(*), towels and bathing suits for hot tubbing, juggling props, games, diversions, T-squares, etc.

Be there, or don't be square!

-- Lisa, (Neil)Fred, Louise, Brandon

(*) The term "Low-Stress Potluck" is explained in far too much detail at http://www.halflab.com/party/