STRICTLY BUSINESS: IS THE O.J. TRIAL COSTING BUSINESS?

The O.J. Simpson trial has given new definition to the words, "coffee break."

The murder trial of O.J. Simpson could cost U.S. businesses as much as $10 billion this year in lost productivity.

That's the consensus of a Money magazine report.

Simpson's case, including the ongoing police investigation and courtroom expenses, has already cost California taxpayers more than $2 million, according to Money, a financial publication. That amount could double, even triple, by the time the trial is over, legal experts warn.

But, America's obsession with the case could end up costing U.S. businesses far more in lost output, as viewers from coast to coast tune into the television trial during work hours or squander a few minutes discussing the case each day in the workplace.

Money quotes Bernard Lentz, an economics professor at Ursinus College near Philadelphia.

"Fascination with the trial is almost certainly interfering with productivity in the workplace," says Lentz, who explains his theory.

If only one in 10 of America's 115 million workers squander 10 minutes a day, watching, listening to, or gossiping about the Simpson case on the job, that lost time could cost businesses around $10 billion this year, Lentz said.

Lentz, you may recall, previously estimated the value of time wasted on the "Monday after beer-bash Super Bowl Sunday" at $938 million.

Another $10 billion loss

Even employees hard at work at their computer stations may be costing companies big bucks -- if what they're doing is playing solitaire instead of updating the stockroom inventory.

Playing solitaire and other computer games at work has become more popular as more games become available.

The games office people play on their computers are also becoming a big problem as employees spend time shuffling cards, firing weapons and dodging enemies and bullets.

Some national studies estimate American businesses lose up to $10 billion a year in lost productivity from employees playing computer games.

Of course, there is an up side to the computer game syndrome. It's a "break" and people -- including employers -- realize that an occasional break is good, whether it's a walk to the coffee machine or water cooler, a stroll around the building or a quick shuffle of cards for a game of black jack, solitaire or hearts.

New on the business scene

Ryan's Steak House will open here Wednesday.

The 10,000-square-foot restaurant will seat between 375 and 400 people.

Ryan's Steak House, a chain based in Greer, S.C., is completing its restaurant immediately south of the Drury Lodge, at I-55 and Route K.

John Agnello is general manager of the Cape Girardeau restaurant.

A new tool store will open in Pocahontas Saturday.

Hanners Handy Tools will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for grand opening weekend.

The business, at Highway C and Main Street in Pocahontas, will offer a wide selection of new tools, including S & K Sockets and Black & Decker brands.

Mike and Jeannie Hanners are the owners of the new store, which will also carry a line of archery, hunting and fishing supplies.

After opening weekend, the store will be open Tuesday through Saturday. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar will open at 11 a.m. April 4 at 1125 E. Main in Carbondale, Ill.

The new restaurant is the fifth Applebee's for DeStock Inc., headquartered in Cape Girardeau. DeStock operates Applebee's in Cape Girardeau, Paducah, Ky., Owensboro, Ky., and Terre Haute, Ind.

Dennis Stockard, owner of DeStock Inc., Dan Chandler, director of operations for DeStock, and Applebee's management team will hold a special VIP party for media and other invited guests at the new Carbondale restaurant April 3.

A donation of 50 cents per beverage during the VIP party will benefit Gateway Youth Care, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for teens, the only in-house program for teen-age girls in Illinois.

Applebee's International Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., develops, franchises and operates more than 500 restaurants in 43 states.

Payless Optical opened recently at 75 Plaza Way in the Town Plaza Shopping Center area.

The company, which has more than 20 stores in operation, will carry more than 1,000 frames in stock, featuring rimless and designer frames. The Cape Girardeau store will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The store is closed Wednesday and Sunday. Bill Chadd is store manager.

The riverboat gaming industry

The Missouri Riverboat Gaming Association has issued an economic impact report on the riverboat gaming industry in Missouri.

With just five boats licensed for a part of 1994 and adjusted gross receipts of $110 million, the new gaming riverboat industry employed 5,590 people (direct jobs) with salaries totaling more than $58 million.

The Missouri riverboat gaming industry started operations in mid-1994, but slot machines weren't available at the gambling facilities until December, 30 days after voters approved reel slots.

"The industry is proud of its initial economic contributions in Missouri," said Thomas W. Purcell, president of the Missouri Riverboat Gaming Association.

The first industry report, based on the Missouri Gaming Commission's "1994 Annual Report to the General Assembly," and the financial records of the licensed riverboats as of Jan. 31, provides information on payroll, taxes to home dock communities, capital investment, construction costs and direct purchases from Missouri and regional vendors.

The reports:

Number of employees, direct jobs: 5,590.

Payroll costs: $58.1 million.

State gaming tax and admission fees: $24.7 million.

State license fees and reimbursements: $1.6 million.

Local gaming tax and admission fees: $6.9 million.

State sales tax: $1.4 million.

Local sales tax: $268,000.

Other local taxes (real estate and personal property: $1.7 million.

Fees and lease payments to host community, $7.3 million.

Purchase of materials and supplies with Missouri or regional vendors: $54.7 million.

Capital investment: $326.5 million.

Construction costs: $161.7 million.

Gambling casinos are in operation at North Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, St. Charles and Riverside near Kansas City. The Gaming Commission is currently processing applications for Boyd Gaming Corp. for a second Kansas City operation, and Aztar Corp., for an operation in Southeast Missouri at Caruthersville.

Preparing for a casino operation

The slots have been installed and work is progressing on table games on the riverboat, "City of Caruthersville," Aztar's gambling riverboat which is expected to start operations late next month.

The "City of Caruthersville" riverboat, which can hold about 600 people, will have 500 slot machines, 24 blackjack tables, two roulette wheels and two crap tables.

The riverboat casino will operate from a temporary landing facility until the land-based construction is completed.

Aztar's $50 million investment at Caruthersville includes the land-based facility, which will have two levels, a 40,000-square-foot pavilion to house boarding facilities, restaurant, sports bar and lounge, and a 1,000-car parking lot. The land-based facility should be completed by June 1.