We are having some folks over for dinner. Deciding who to invite is a chore I would love to avoid, but I am not allowed to. I have a few things I argue for in compiling the list (of 12):
1. No deeply religious people. I am a heavy user of four letter words and offensive language. Particularly after the second or third bottle is opened. If someone takes it too seriously, there could be a scene. Scenes ruin dinner.
2. No deeply political people. None. Despite my rep around here, I almost never discuss politics outside of my barber shop and Daily Kos. I don't like political conversation as I find it difficult to hide contempt. When the host looks at you with contempt, it ruins your dinner. You want to leave.
3. No all-business people. I don't like talking about business when I'm not at work. Some folks, all they do is work. I don't want to hear about it. The best way to avoid this is avoiding people who really love their jobs or really hate their jobs.
4. Creative types welcome! Especially folks who make things with their hands. Poets and novelists are good too. A little dark energy at the table balances out the bias towards happy behavior that tends to dominate this sort of thing. That is, as long as they do not talk politics. Which is boring and ruins dinner.
5. Happy, drunk comedians welcome! Obviously! Especially if they're broke. Rich comedians aren't funny. They make fun of people, which ruins dinner.
6. Be careful with family. If you invite one, but not the other, word is going to get out. Then you've got post-dinner issues with family. Mrs. BBB is in agreement with me on this point. (Especially since her family is Petrossian caviar and my family is government cheese). No family members. Except for my cousin who is a very broke poet and comedian, has three baby mamas, is a weed guy, and carries a harmonica. He's excellent with the harmonica. Definitely a must have.