Bias 2 1/2; Political Correctness

I suppose you could call this an entirely separate bias, but really I think its merely derivative of Bias #2. If you're seeking to host parties with a tangible thrill factor to them, clearly worrying about political correctness is only going to get in the way of hosting an awesome event. Our advice: Leave it at the office!

Please do not confuse consideration for your guests' feelings with political correctness. The first is an indispensable element of hosting; the latter is useless baggage. The boundary can be a little fuzzy though; for instance, if you throw a party with a Voodoo theme, and actually have a voodoo practitioner as a guest or possibly sympathetic advocates from other alternate religions, you will want to do a little groundwork before the party, to find out where their boundaries are.

In our case we contacted the individuals in question, discussed with them what we were trying to do, and asked for their input. In return, we received useful advice, their understanding of what we were attempting, and -- here's the kicker -- the Voodoo practitioner agreeing to make custom, wearable gris-gris bags for the party, from spell ingredients purchased in New Orleans from shops catering to the Voodoo community there. Can we say BEST DOOR PRIZES EVER?

Besides - we find people obsessed with political correctness rather tiresome ... if they want to cultivate their emotional sensitivities as if they were hot-house orchids, that's their prerogative -- but we don't have to invite them; they aren't usually much fun anyway!

For the rest of us, here's a fine (and exhaustively tested)  batch drink recipe that I came up with for the occasion:

Voodoo Doll (serves about 4)

8 oz dark rum (Myer's)
5 oz pineapple juice
2 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice (not bottled!)
1 oz Green Chartreuse
1 1/2 oz grenadine

Shake vigorously with plenty of ice for about 15 seconds, and strain into small Old-Fashioned glasses.