On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:56:54 -0500, Michel Boucher wrote:

> "Pete C." > wrote in news:4a424b16$0$13914
> :
>
>> It is the signal that the party at the table is waiting on the
>> waitstaff, i.e. they are already delinquent, just as they are delinquent
>> if you glass is completely empty before they check on a refill.
>
> And when is it that you expect them to develop the ability to read your
> mind above all others? Considering that most people who wait on tables
> have no professional training to do so, I think your expectations are
> largely fanciful and the product of your own sense of self-importance.
> Either that or you're just a cheap ******* who looks for any reason to deny
> a decent tip to a hard-working individual.
>

i'm gonna vote for 'all of the above.'

your pal,
blake