I, too, saw and enjoyed L.A. Story; another favorite scene of mine was in a restaurant where each of ten or so guests ordered a different variation of cappuccino. As I'm not a coffee drinker, the names didn't stick with me, but I was practically howling as I sat through the scene.

But that's not my main reason for responding. Instead, I want to express sympathy for the restaurants which now bill people who make reservations but don't show up for the meal.

This is just common sense. You expect a guaranteed table at a certain time, right? If you don't show and don't cancel, the restaurant will keep the table empty for some time in anticipation, thereby causing a potential loss in revenue. Meanwhile they may be turning walk-ins away. And whose fault is it? Yours.

More restaurants should do this. If nothing else, it might make us better customers.