Like drinking Starbucks coffee or going to Planet Hollywood, the latest trendy thing is to be against the war, to gleefully mock our country's president and for Dan Rather to portray Saddam Hussein as a "survivor" and America as an "invader" on the "CBS Evening News."

I'm not some gung-ho, knee-jerk military booster, but the trend bugs me. I'm sure they're well-meaning, but protesters say they don't want war but offer no solution. How can some say they're for the troops but against what they're fighting for? It makes no sense.

Others, however, want to show our men and women in uniform that our country supports them and realizes we wouldn't have the freedom to oppose our government if it wasn't for efforts like theirs.

It should be no surprise that at the forefront of that movement is the business community, even though the specter of war has kept the economy lethargic.

With Westfield Shoppingtown West Park manager Jim Govro already deployed to join Operation Enduring Freedom, I called senior marketing director Joyce Hunter about a mall matter last week.

That's when she told me about A Court of Honor, the mall's plans to open an area on March 10 at the mall next to the Pasta House. The court will be distinguished by a large American flag and an identifying archway.

The area is being designed for the community to pay tribute to the members of the U.S. armed forces. Hunter said all residents will be invited to submit names of loved ones serving in any branch of the military and it will be posted on a display called "Salute to those Who Serve."

A 44-by-12-foot "Message to the Military" wall will host messages of support submitted by area residents. Also, a table featuring a scroll and markers will invite visitors to write words or pictures of encouragement. All of the messages will be forwarded to the troops every 10 days, via the American Red Cross.

Hunter said the court isn't being done only because of Jim, but it is more special because he serves.

"We are fiercely proud of our military and feel compelled to show our support to the troops and their families," Hunter said. "This is a living, breathing tribute to our military that we believe will grow and change."

By the way, Joyce said that area residents are encouraged to call 339-1333 or e-mail jhunter@westfield.com with the name, branch of service and rank of loved ones in the military to be included.

Across the spectrum

Spectrum Training Center is scheduled to open today at 14 N. Sprigg, owner Chris Mitchell said last week. The center will have step aerobics, kick boxing, yoga, low-impact body sculpting and various ab classes. There will also be core classes for specific muscle groups.

There will be a full gym, with two treadmills, elliptical machines, a stair master and squat machines, too.

Many of you aeroboholics know Chris. She's been in fitness 21 years, working at all the main fitness centers in town. She'll also have equipment downstairs, and she'll offer some personal training.

"I've had my business and been on my own for a year," she said. "I was doing aerobics out of a gymnastics gym, renting an area. They raised the rent, so I thought I could open my own place."

She will sell punch cards or set a fixed rate for entrance. She said she thinks that will appeal to people who don't like to sign lengthy contracts.

Chris said that people seem to like the way she teaches.

"I'm hard core," she said. "But I can mellow out, too. I give them what they want: a good, hard workout."

Actually, what I like is a good, hard nap.

Change of plans

Clark and Sons Excavating has withdrawn its architect's plans for a retail/office center planned for 1705 N. Kingshighway in that area next to Elias Ace Hardware. I couldn't reach the people at Clark for comment, but apparently Clark wants to change the plans, but still has designs on a center of some sort. More as I get it.

Scott Moyers is the business editor for the Southeast Missourian. Send your comments, business news, information or questions to Biz Buzz, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699, e-mail smoyers@semissourian.com or call 335-6611, extension 137.