Quiet, Please

There is a noise epidemic in this country. When you go to a sporting event, the only time the noise is related to the action is when the teams are actually playing. In the interim the decibel count is mountainous.

As the NYTimes pointed out today the NBA is a prime offender in this category. Personal example: my wife became physically sick from the excessive noise between plays at a New Jersey Nets basketball game some time ago. We haven’t been back since and won't go to any NBA game again.

Where does it say patrons have to be “entertained” by blasting sound between plays. Excessive noise is not confined to athletic events. How about the “music” at weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and the like. You can't hear yourself think. Adults have to leave the ballroom for a sanity break or to actually converse with someone.

What about the throbbing sound coming from the car in front, next to or behind you? Besides annoying us, what effect can that booming sound have on the driver? Can he or she actually pay attention to the traffic when entombed in sound?

We've all encountered (mostly young) people with ear buds leaking music at us in elevators or next to us on buses or planes. Can they not enjoy their music at a personal as opposed to stadium level?

I know I'm an old fogy but I can't be the only person around who would like the music/noise volume tuned down a little. Not necessarily off, just lower, please.