Jim and The Americans

with about 2 months until the potentially epic (god, I hate that that word has been co-opted) AI-XX, the AI-Lip Sync Committee has asked that we remind those planning to attend that this ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no foolin' around.

behold:  

An Invitation to Save the Date

The AI Semantics Committee asks "what is the difference between a 'Save the Date' missive and an invitation?"  Are the recipients to 'save the date' as an exercise in using their calendars? Is the 'save the date' notification meant to imply that the sender thinks there is somehow a difference between that and something labeled "invitation?"  Is it a conspiracy concocted by the printing and gift card industries?  Is it a cry for attention? a signal to the guests of just how important the host and his or her event is? Are we to 'save the date' in the hope that something happens that day?  Are the potential guests meant to meekly accede to their host's mercurial whim?  And how long does one wait between issuing a 'save the date' and an invitation?  Is there a retraction, a "disinvitation", if the host changes his or her mind about their apparently epic shindig?  Or what?

On the other hand, The AI Scheduling Committee hereby requests you 

SAVE THE DATE for AI-XX.  

And, more importantly they suggest you save THESE DATES:

Thursday, March 24 - Monday, March 28

Any previous information you may have received is hereby rendered inoperative.

The AI recommends you immediately enter these dates into your electronic calendar on your phone, PC or tablet; and, for Gordon, leave sticky notes all over your house.

XX looms.