Our daily need for food means that people who need to lose weight have a hard time, as we cannot simply withdraw from food’s siren song, unlike the non-essential addictions for cigarettes or alcohol.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Should pie a la mode be served on a plate with a fork, or in a bowl with a spoon? I am always frustrated when I am served a dessert topped with a scoop of ice cream on a flat plate ...