Cinema Blues
I WAS listening to the radio and was surprised to hear a woman complaining that a recent outing to the cinema had been ruined by people “masticating around me in the dark.” Given her sensitive nature, she should consider herself lucky that the lights were off. The woman was complaining about the prices, too, but it was definitely the “mastication” that she found most unpalatable. That's what you get for sitting in the back row, I suppose.
On the other hand, if you choose to occupy a front seat at the cinema you find yourself surrounded by all the short-sighted people who keep groping around in the dark for their spectacle cases and therefore if you know where to sit the “mastication” is done for you.
I suppose that's what comes from a generation raised on TV. She should have just said "chewing" to avoid any confusion. I'm glad cinemas are still around. Their demise has long been predicted, dating back to the invention of the television. I agree with Alan Parker, the film director. He said there's something magical about the big screen you can't get from a small box in the corner of your lounge. I love going to the flicks and I'm glad cinemas appear to be here to stay.