Economics of presidential politics

Last week you may have been one of the estimated 33.6 million viewers who watched a 30-minute infomercial by Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama that ran simultaneously on Fox, NBC, BET, Univision, MSNBC, CBS and TV One. The ad presented the Democratic candidate's ideas for turning around the weak American economy.

The more than $4 million spent on the infomercial makes up only a portion of the $190 million allotted for Obama's advertising since mid-October. Republican candidate Sen. John McCain spent $76.7 million through Oct. 15, based on numbers from the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics, an organization that tracks campaign spending.

While I care about voting and issues affecting our country, I don't get caught up in politics like a few people close to me. Frankly, I was more interested in the start of the final three innings of suspended game five of the World Series, which drew the lowest ratings ever for an entire series.

What amazes me is the two candidates will spend millions of dollars just for a job that pays $400,000 per year. But I guess that's the price you pay to be the leader of the free world and receive the free perks that go along with the job. Imagine access to your own private retreat in Camp David, a sweet jet that can take the president anywhere in the world, any kind of food you can imagine at any hour of the day and night, exclusive White House entertainment options such as a bowling alley, movie theater, golf green and — my favorite — entrance into any sporting event in the nation.

The question that may be answered Tuesday — that is, unless we have a snafu in one or more states and a judge decides the outcome for up to a few days later — is, will we have Obama or McCain leading our nation? If the long lines and overflow crowd during last Thursday's Sarah Palin rally is any indication of how the rest of the nation feels about voting in this election, we may have quite a turnout. But regardless of whether you are an Obama or McCain fan, don't forget to cast your vote for president and many other offices and issues on the ballot. Too many men have given their lives for our right to be free.

As former U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter."

Tanning salon changes ownership, adds gift shop: Bahama Tan is no longer just a place to turn one's body a little browner. Owner Melanie Little, who took over the tanning salon in early October, has added a retail gift store to the business. Among the items offered are packaged gifts, candles, T-shirts, swimwear and Disciple's Crosses.

"I wanted to make it more than just a tanning salon," Little said. "Plus, I love Jackson and wanted to keep a business here."

The store at 117 E. Jefferson St., Suite A in Jackson, still offers single-session and unlimited monthly tanning. Bahama Tan is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The business can be reached at 243-7511.

Infant and children's consignment store opens in Jackson: Misty Spencer calls herself a thrifty shopper. As the mother of 6-month and 17-month old children, Spencer understands the value of finding deals on children's clothing.

That interest in buying the best-priced quality clothing has turned into a business for Spencer and her husband, Dean. On Oct. 27, the couple opened Lil' Pea Patch, an infant and children's recycled clothing store. The consignment business at 3860 East Jackson Blvd. also sells strollers, baby swings, car seats, bouncy seats and walkers.

Lil' Pea Patch is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The store's phone number is 243-6600.

"I'm very excited to be opening a store that I began dreaming about a year ago," Spencer said. "It's hard to put into words what this means."

Big River Telephone acquires Internet service provider: Cape Girardeau-based Big River Telephone has acquired local Internet Service Provider ATPRS.net. The telephone company will obtain all of ATPRS.net Internet customers and become their primary service provider. ATPRS.net is a division of Advanced Technology Products that provides Internet and web hosting solutions to customers in Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Marble Hill, Mo.

In addition to serving as the primary provider, Big River Telephone will assimilate the same products and services to its newly acquired customers to make sure that they receive the same quality support that they did from ATPRS.net. Big River Telephone will also handle billing and will honor and fulfill remaining contractual agreements regarding ATPRS.net customers' existing services.

"The acquisition of ATPRS.net fits nicely with the footprint of Big River Telephone and their attention to the customers mirrors the winning philosophy of Big River," said Kevin Cantwell, president of Big River Telephone. "We look forward to continue to support these customers and provide additional services to meet their expanding information technology requirements."

Photography studio operating in Cape Girardeau: It began with an interest in taking pictures and turned into an occupation. Elaine Rohde Photography, a home-based studio based out of a Cape Girardeau apartment, offers sessions for babies, children, families, high school seniors, weddings, pets or anything else a client may desire. Owner Elaine Rohde said her style is nontraditional and focuses on the use of natural light.

"I started Elaine Rohde Photography for the simple reason that I love taking photographs of people," Rohde said. "This became clear when I worked part-time for a photography studio during high school. I cannot see myself doing anything else with my life."

Since the studio is home-based, hours are by appointment only. Elaine Rohde Photography can be reached at 979-9608 or www.elainerohde.com.

Business reporter Brian Blackwell can be reached at 388-3628 or bblackwell@semissourian.com.