User:Sbankes/sandbox

The Conversation Curve is a small semi-public meeting place in which the members of a single neighborhood congregate, either to observe an event of some importance or simply for mutual enjoyment. The name comes from the shape of the patio and its purpose, which often involves regular informal gatherings. The Conversation Curve was intended as a place for neighbors to meet on observe the children on the block playing but eventually became an important social center of the block where the residents would meet, discuss current events, observe special occasions, as well as the hosting of events.

Although secular in its purpose, the Conversation Curve became the subject of religious sermons that centered around the subject of evangelism and community as these sermons found inspiration in notion of sitting and building community just as Jesus sat with his followers "And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men" Matthew 4:19.

The Conversation Curve was the inspiration for the Neighborhoods, Inc. "Please, Have a Seat Program" designed to improve neighborhoods in working-class neighborhoods in Northwest Indiana.

Block parties are reported as a World War I innovation originating from the East Side of New York City, where an entire block was roped off and patriotic songs sung and a parade held to honor the members of that block who had gone off to war.[1][2] Traditionally, many inner city block parties were actually held illegally, because they did not file for an event permit from the local authorities "if needed". However, police turned a blind eye to them. In the suburbs, block parties are commonly held on holidays such as Fourth of July or Labor Day. Sometimes the occasion may be a theme such a "Welcome to the Neighborhood" for a new family or a recent popular movie. Often block parties involve barbecuing, lawn games such as Simon Says and group dancing such as the Electric Slide, the Macarena or line dancing. In many small towns, the local fire department may also participate in the party, bringing out trucks that they display for show. The British equivalent is the street party. In other usage, a block party has come to mean any informal public celebration. For example, a block party can be conducted via television even though there is no real block in the observance. The same is true for the Internet. [edit]Related topics

Party LAN party Demoparty Dave Chappelle's Block Party Mifflin Street Block Party [edit]References

^ "Block Parties", The Outlook, 16 October 1918; reviewed 2008-09-20. ^ Fiocco v. Carver, 234 NY 219 (1922)