Opinions to go Online

The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill

Archive for December, 2004

Columbia's Centennial A Family Affair

His old Columbia Restaurant Group business card used to read: Richard Gonzmart, “CEO/President.” His new one: Richard Gonzmart, “Fourth Generation.” It speaks volumes. Gonzmart, 51, remains the out-front presence and the day-to-day operator of the CRG, whose crown jewel is the Columbia Restaurant, the iconic anchor of Ybor City. He’s also co-owner with his brother [...]

Columbia’s Centennial A Family Affair

His old Columbia Restaurant Group business card used to read: Richard Gonzmart, “CEO/President.” His new one: Richard Gonzmart, “Fourth Generation.” It speaks volumes. Gonzmart, 51, remains the out-front presence and the day-to-day operator of the CRG, whose crown jewel is the Columbia Restaurant, the iconic anchor of Ybor City. He’s also co-owner with his brother [...]

"Secretary of War" Rumsfeld Has Staying Power

By most criteria, Donald Rumsfeld has the right stuff for the job he’s in. As in intelligence, patriotism, determination, toughness, media savvy, work ethic and as impressive a breadth of experience as any secretary of defense has ever had. But it’s also the righteous stuff and the fright stuff. He is the architect of the [...]

“Secretary of War” Rumsfeld Has Staying Power

By most criteria, Donald Rumsfeld has the right stuff for the job he’s in. As in intelligence, patriotism, determination, toughness, media savvy, work ethic and as impressive a breadth of experience as any secretary of defense has ever had. But it’s also the righteous stuff and the fright stuff. He is the architect of the [...]

Stork's Stark Reality

It was re-affirming to see the numbers for The Florida Aquarium’s most recent fiscal year. The Channel District attraction took in revenue of $11.8 million, the best ever performance in its nine-year history. As a result, the city’s subsidy was lowered (from $850,000 to $750,000) for the current operating budget. What was re-affirmed is that [...]

Stork’s Stark Reality

It was re-affirming to see the numbers for The Florida Aquarium’s most recent fiscal year. The Channel District attraction took in revenue of $11.8 million, the best ever performance in its nine-year history. As a result, the city’s subsidy was lowered (from $850,000 to $750,000) for the current operating budget. What was re-affirmed is that [...]

Waiting Room TV

Ever notice there are some TV shows that you never, ever see unless you’re in a waiting room? Last year I was spending down time waiting for my Jeep at Ferman, when I was privy to “Family Feud.” Amazingly, it’s still on. But who’s watching it who’s not part of a captive audience? That’s what’s [...]

It's Called Christmas

Have a safe and Happy New Year’s. Moreover — and please do take this as an anti over-the-top-secularism message — here’s hoping everyone had a very Merry CHRISTMAS.

It’s Called Christmas

Have a safe and Happy New Year’s. Moreover — and please do take this as an anti over-the-top-secularism message — here’s hoping everyone had a very Merry CHRISTMAS.

New Chamber Chairman Has Practical Agenda

It was that time again, and the guard recently changed at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce with the installation of Sam Ellison as chairman. And with the new chairman, who otherwise wears the (hard) hat of managing director of the Beck Group commercial construction firm, comes a new perspective. One, quite frankly, that is [...]