I’m looking forward to taking the family to see “The Avengers.” I just can’t get enough of that $6 popcorn. If you’re going, let me remind you that there’s no need to talk during the movie (like that will sink in). Also, please resist the urge to text, answer your cellphone, play games on your phone or put your smelly feet on the back of my seat. Thank you.

The Atlantic 10 showed some spunk last week by adding Butler to its roster. That move (which I suggested in this space last year) effectively neutralizes the pending loss of Temple to the Big East. It also makes the A-10 a bit more attractive for Dayton fans, who have had trouble getting pumped up for conference games against the likes of Fordham, St. Bonaventure and La Salle.

With Charlotte also leaving the A-10 next year, perhaps the league can give one of the bottom-feeders a push out the door and form a strong 14-team alliance by adding Virginia Commonwealth and George Mason.

Meanwhile, the other Division I men’s basketball program in town is hurting. Julius Mays, whose jump shot was the only pretty thing about Wright State’s offense last season, will transfer and play his final season of college ball at a big-time program.

That leaves the Raiders with no returning double-figure scorers and just three guys who averaged more than six points per game.

I hate the Yankees more than canned spinach, but I feel bad for Mariano Rivera, the legendary closer who tore his ACL while shagging fly balls last week.

Rivera has been one of the constants in sports, like your favorite blanket on a cold winter day. Plus, it’s great to see that he actually does shag fly balls, not just stand around with teammates and complain about the price of gas.

Spring in the Midwest means rain. That’s why it’s so amazing that the Reds have had only six home games postponed by rain since Great American Ball Park opened in 2003.

Last Tuesday’s game was sent to the showers after a 2-hour, 13-minute delay. No word on how many Budweisers were sold.

RIP, Junior Seau. The legendary linebacker’s suicide is another reminder that pro football players earn every dime they make.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2163 or bkollars@coxohio.com.