Studies show we can’t seem to stifle our involuntary yawn reflex, but the reasons why are still a little fuzzy.

Am I the only one who has a problem with rude people seated at a game venue?

Some of you know that I enjoy my sports. At a recent basketball game, the folks in the row in front of me, who have been there for a good portion of the season, refuse to stand-up to allow those people seated further down the row to move into their seats. They squish backward into their seats, turn slightly right or left, but never stand up to allow more room for the folks to squeeze past.

That tweaks my attitude. Am I missing something here?

Another thing that disturbs me is the “in-n-out” fan. He/She moves in and out of the row to get drinks, food, more drinks, knick-knacks, more drinks, bathroom break, more drinks, more food, more drinks… Are you kidding?

The worst part of all this is this movement is done right in the middle of the game. Announcers ask that fans respect the viewing rights of others. The “in-n-out” fan does not care.

Here’s another one. The fan (him or her) that is on the cell phone from the moment play starts till the end of the game. One female fan in particular started talking mid-way thru the first quarter and it wasn’t until she got up and left at the mid-way point of the fourth quarter did the cell phone stop being in use. She seemed a bit miffed that my cheering for my team was interrupting her diatribe about her new set of knockers that she just got out of the bandages.

The true fans around me applauded when she left… must have been a funny scene, cause there was a time out and nothing was going on on the court.

And this type of behavior extends to the “talking twins”. From the moment they sit down till the end of the post game interview, these people talk… and it’s not about the game.

Opposing team fans are another pet peeve. In most cases, these fans are pretty well behaved. Then there are the antagonists who like to incite riots. These are the guy/gals who support their team but they are a little over the top. Let’s face it, fans get emotional about their team. But to rub salt into an open wound when you’re in the home teams arena?

How about the fan that sits next to you that seems to think his seat and your seat are one in the same. He (and I say “he” because I have never had a woman do this) spreads out in the seat so far that you have to curl up to the opposite seat to get away from this guy. You ask politely to have a bit more room and things correct for about ten minutes… then it’s right back to the “I’m entitled to your seat also” sprawl.

And lastly… the fan in the row behind you that manages to empty his 24 oz. tumbler of lite beer into the hoodie of your jacket that’s been placed behind you. Every damn time. No apologies, just bucket loads of beer.

Makes you wonder why you even go to the games in person. The outright assault on your person, your space and your enjoyment of the game makes it an evening from hell.

My T.V. provider gives me the games in HD. I think I’ll stay home and watch the game there. At least if the phone rings I can pick it up and hang-it back up without saying a word. I can also watch the game in silence, well, except for the screaming at the refs, bad play and thuggish opponents. The very thought of doing all this while sitting in my jockey shorts makes me think I should have been doing this all along!

<yawn> And if it looks like my team is kicking the crapolla outta them other guys, well… <yawn> I can just… <zzzzzz>

Until next week…