One has thought that a polite decline of any dish was enough. But some have to go into long explanations of why they couldn’t possibly eat something so horrible. I cook with love and care, and only wish to entertain with delicious, nutritious food. Has passively insulting one’s host become the norm?. That is a complete ban on talking about food at the table. And “complete” means that even compliments are not allowed. That part was abandoned to acknowledge the hosts’ efforts when the middle class no longer employed cooks. Eventually, the rule was forgotten entirely, opening the way for complaints. We badly need that ban back. Appreciative guests can praise the food in their letters of thanks.

In this so-called era of Peak shoes, sneakers, boots, loafers, ballet flats, slippers, sandals, women's shoes TV, the shows just keep coming and coming, Even in the cold months of winter — or what the broadcasters like to call “midseason.”, Yes, it can be crazy-difficult to keep up, but no worries — we’ve got your back, What follows is a list of premiere dates for returning shows (many of which took holiday breaks), and for brand new series on the networks, cable channels and streaming sites, In addition, we’ve listed dates for major events like the Golden Globe Awards, the Grammys, the Super Bowl,  and the Academy Awards..

Panorama of arts — plus wine: The Peninsula turns into an art gallery this weekend, with 150 juried artists assembling for the 25th annual ACGA Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival. Look for handblown glass, jewelry, stoneware, garden art, vases and statement pieces, along with live demos. The event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 8-9 at the Palo Alto Art Center; free admission; wwwacga.net. Not far away, the Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival will feature fine art, concerts, plus food, brews and wine. The festival runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 8-9 at Los Altos Village; free admission; http://downtownlosaltos.org.— Linda Zavoral, Staff.

Menorahs and Miracles: Families are invited to celebrate Hanukkah at the museum in partnership with Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley (APJCC), featuring performances by singer Lior Ben-Hur and students from the Yavneh Day School and Hanukkah storytelling shoes, sneakers, boots, loafers, ballet flats, slippers, sandals, women's shoes with Yael Schy, Activities include making celebratory candles,  playing dreidel games, tasting latkes, trekking on a miracle scavenger hunt in Bill’s Backyard and  sculpting clay dreidels, To celebrate the first evening of Hanukkah, members from the APJCC will light the first candle in a menorah at 4 p.m, Dec, 2, noon, Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose, www.cdm.org..

Also expect to see the C.B. Hannegan’s Homeboy Bagpipe Band on March 16 and again on March 17. In fact, St. Patrick’s Day itself is a nonstop whirl of activities with various bands, pipers and dancers performing throughout the day and evening. The pub is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, with food served until approximately 9 p.m. Tickets cost $50 and can purchased at the pub, 208 Bachman Ave. “A lot of people show up for lunch, go back to work and then come back for dinner because the tickets have in and out privileges,” chef Max Benson said. “We’ll have an all-you-can-eat barbecue with Guinness lamb stew, corned beef and cabbage with root vegetables, shepherd’s pie and a rotisserie pig.”.