Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 13:22:04 -0400 (EDT)
From: Robert Eikel 
Subject: The Fortieth of July

When was the last time you went to a good party? I mean, a really, really
good party? A party with bottomless supplies of beef, beer, rock and roll,
good times, American freedom, and lighter fluid? A party that lasts at
least twelve hours and puts at least one foreigner into alcohol shock? A
party where dousing oneself in malt liquor is considered a perfectly valid
(in fact, irrefutable) debating tactic? A party where dunking a fellow
reveler in the kiddie pool is not an offense but a gesture of deep,
heartfelt respect?

If you answered "gee, that doesn't sound like a good party to me - I'd
rather have some chablis and brie and make polite, inoffensive
conversation while listening to smooth jazz", then you probably should
find something else to do on the 7th of August. But if you answered "gosh,
that sounds like last year's fortieth of July", then you're on the right
track.

Yes, that special time of year has come again. Summer is still in full
swing, but the boozy, patriotic fervor of July 4th is just a fading
memory. It is time to renew our commitment to our country, to our rights,
and to Somerville. It is time to forget our troubles, to celebrate
America, to mock Canada, to barbecue like our lives depended on it - and
they do - and above all, to drink. And then to drink even more.

The pleasure of your company is graciously requested.

What: The Ninth Annual Fortieth of July
When: Saturday, August 7, 2004
      from 2pm until whenever
Where: 19 Craigie Street, Somerville, MA. (Directions below).
Web: http://www.reikel.org/40th
Who: You and a hundred of your newest, drunkest friends
Why: Pride.

Craigie Street is off of Somerville Ave just south of Porter Square.
Map: http://tinyurl.com/5mt6z

If you get lost, call 617-899-0641 and we'll send someone out to find your
stupid ass.

P.S. This invitation probably missed a lot of people who should have
gotten it. Please feel free to forward it as necessary.