West: Don't tell anybody

By MIKE WEST

This is a "terrible" confession.

But sometimes we watch TV at work. Actually, watch is an inaccurate term. Unless it is an important story breaking (like the U.S. firing cruise missiles at Syria) we usually have the TV on for background noise.

Back in the day, we used to listen to the clatter of typewriters, the whirl of a printing press and noises of that nature. These days, it can get pretty quiet at a newspaper, especially after hours when you don't have many phone calls or visitors.

For example, I currently have a crazy cable TV show on about UFOs. Yep, Unidentified Flying Objects. It's not really distracting except for the occasional yells of the uh, cosmic explorers. But it's preferable to the whirl of a fan and the random clicks and whirrs of the air conditioning system and the occasional roar of a pickup truck zipping by on Water Street.

Here's where the problem comes in.

The Courier staff doesn't necessarily agree about our favorite background noise.

For example, I like "Chasing UFOs," while Teresa Stoetzel prefers the antics of "Judge Judy."

Now, don't get me wrong. "Judge Judy" is alright in my book, but I have a tendency to let my brain slip away from work and onto Judge Judy's smart-mouth lectures of those knuckleheads who don't have enough sense to keep their legal problems off TV.

As for my UFO shows, I could care less about where they are, what they're doing, etc.

But Judge Judy has a way of sticking in my brain. So it goes.

Of course, there is a third option for the Courier's background noise. It's called ESPN and is, yep, all sports all the time and is publisher/owner Ron Fryar's favorite.

I don't really care much about baseball, but football is a different matter. When they get to arguing about Johnny Football's alleged punishment for signing all those posters, I tend to argue back.

That leaves us with Sports editor Tony Stinnett. You can imagine what he likes to watch, but fast-talking Tony tends to be his own favorite message.

So there you go. Maybe the problem with TV viewing is yours truly?

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Speaking of favorite things to see … the Color of Fall Car Show is quickly approaching on Sept. 28 on Woodbury's Square.

Sponsored by the Cannon County Chamber of Commerce, this will be the 15th annual show featuring all makes, models of both cars and trucks. Unique vehicles are welcome too. Cash prizes are awarded in seven classes and trophies and honors go for everything from Best Cadillac to Best Rat Rod.

Judging begins at 9 a.m. to noon. There are goodie bags for the first 100 entries. Dash plaques are also planned for the first 100. A rain date is set for Oct. 5.

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While you are in town for the car show, don't forget another major event, "Piggin Around," a Kansas City BBQ Society Sanctioned Competition.

Sponsored by American Legion Hilton Stone Post 279, "Piggin Around" is set for the Fairgrounds in Woodbury.

The BBQ competition is a two-day event with hours on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28. Friday's hours are 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday's are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.