You Say You Want a Resolution, Well You Know, We All Want To Change The World.

Thanks to everybody who read "Hitless Wonder" or listened to "Brick and Mortar" in 2012. For reviews, the NPR story and basically a review of all the cool things that happened in the past year click here It's cold out and "Superior" is edging towards 10,000 views. Watch it here   

Upcoming events:Wednesday January 16th "Charlie is My Darling" Gateway Film Center for Reelin' and Rockin'. bar 7, movie 8pm. Tuesday January 29th Colin will be performing along with many other talented people as part of the debut "Johnny DiLoretto Variety Show" at Shadowbox Live's Backstage Bistro. 8-10pm. This is going to be a GREAT show. Totally different. February 7th-Colin Gawel and The Lonely Bones opening up for our pals the legendary Dash Rip Rock at the Rumba Cafe. Bones on at 8, Dash destroys after. Saturday February 16th- Colin solo with other artists at "Music in the Round" at the Capital Music Center to benefit the Marafiki AIDS Orphanage. Wednesday Feb 20th- "Sound City" at the Gateway Film Center for Reelin' and Rockin'. Click the link on this page for more info.

You Say You Want a Resolution......

People often ask me, "Colin, how do you manage to juggle so many things and do them all so well? What is the secret to your success?"

Actually, that isn't exactly true. It's phrased more like, "Colin...Jesus, you look exhausted, are you OK?" 

Still, with a new year ringing in my ears along with the tinnitus, I would like to share my thoughts on successful habits and the value of New Year's Resolutions. 

"From Small Things, Big Things One Day Will Come", isn't just an under rated Bruce Springsteen B-side, it is also a phrase that is coincidentally the backbone of my personal survival strategy. I'm not one for resolutions in the traditional sense. I don't enter a new year and proclaim, "this is the year I finally finish my screenplay, slash my online porn consumption and run the Boston marathon!". No sir, not me. While big goals are dandy and may work for some, I've come to understand that for myself, If I achieve small goals on a semi- daily basis, eventually some form of productivity emerges from the rubble of the Holiday season. In the New Year I re-dedicate and tweek my system to focus on goals to help me create things I enjoy. Off the top of my head and in no particular order this year I would like: To write good songs, Compile all my solo recordings and release as a full length, start a band called "Why Isn't Cheap Trick in The Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame" that plays Cheap Trick covers and calls attention to this gross injustice, record new Watershed music and play a show in Minneapolis, make a Willie Phoenix Wiki discography page and write a really long, stupid essay about KISS. If I hope to accomplish just one of these worthy goals, I need two things: Energy and Time Management.

 Goal#1: Energy is everything. And I'm not talking about some sort of vague hippy energy or positive vibes or anything groovy like that. Or green energy or coal energy or energy drinks. No sir, I'm referring to actual "I'm not tired, I have some physical energy" energy.

See, "The Man" demands most my time working to break even at the coffee shop. As "President" of Colin's Coffee, my number one responsibility (outside of keeping the women's restroom clean) is to work as many hours for free as possible so everybody else gets paid. Once the bank, landlord, suppliers, utilities and employees are satisfied, I can continue working for free for another month. After the shop, my most important duty begins when I pick up Owen from school and give him some quality time doing whatever fun stuff he enjoys. You only get to be a parent once and I try to bring my 'A' game when the little guy and myself are together. Certainly, I'm not bringing the 'A' game to his college fund so some weekly trips to the zoo, one on one basketball, COSI and Dirty Frank's are the least I can do.

Creative time comes last. It may just be 45 minutes to work on a new song or essay about resolutions, but this is when I need some energy to do something worthwhile. If i want to write songs or stories or anything, it is my responsibility to make it happen. Sure, I had more time in my youth, but I do better work now ( I think) because I don't take free time for granted. For me, it is the 45 free minutes each day where the battle for an interesting life is fought. 

ENERGY = Sleep + healthy food + Working out.

SLEEP:  Be in bed reading a book by 9pm four nights a week so when I wake to go to the coffee shop at 5:30 am, i am semi rested for the upcoming day.

Healthy Food: when at the shop, no salt, sugar, bread or fat before noon. water, coffee, oatmeal, beans, veggies, etc. 

Working Out: I have to pick up Owen at 2:50pm so from 1pm until then I hit the gym even just to break a sweat. something is better than nothing. It's not like I'm going to be an Olympic poll vaulter or anything.

Or put another way: Starting at 9pm and stretching over a 24 hour period to the following night when I go back to bed at 9pm. I figure I have slept, eaten right and exercised for 20 of the 24 hours. That is a pretty good percentage in the big scheme of things. By 5 pm my will power is shot and I usually take one small sip of red wine and a tiny hit of crack. Actually, I drink a beer or five, cook dinner and write things like this.

                                               Life is Long.  Time Is Short.

 Like most, I'm a flawed person who enjoys giving into temptation as much as the next. The idea that I am going to do a month long body cleanse or give up something "forever" is laughable. At this point, I know myself pretty well and safe to say forcing any such scheme would surely antagonize the devil in me to likely produce the exact opposite result I was striving for. Besides, did you know that some egghead genius types claim, "willpower is a limited resource you have to conserve?". Well they do. Read it here

I try to break each day into 24 hours and then win 20 of those hours.  

Goal #2-USE TIME SEMI WISELY: Maybe it was my Mom dying when I was relatively young or my life long infatuation with disasters, but I really don't take living for granted. I could die tomorrow and so could you. Tornado season is right around the corner. Shit happens. Would I like to spend my final hour listening to local sports talk radio? maybe. But I could probably do better. I've been trying to incorporate audio books to my workouts and drive time in the car. When there is free time at the coffee shop I try to hop on the computer and work on an essay or read a good book. Go hiking or take a walk when possible. I make an effort to stay offline and off the grid whenever possible. No matter how much fun, this is the #1 killer when it comes to spending time wisely. Airplane mode baby. To provide content, I can't spend all day scrolling through it. Exposure to art is good. Exposure to twitter ??

Resolution # 9......#9.......#9........#9..........#9.........#9.........#9..........#9........#9........#9.........#9.........#9

That doesn't mean anything but just going with the Beatles theme....

Reading back over this essay I am struck by two things: One: this is pretty boring and two: I think I make it sound like i actually execute this plan regularly. I don't. This is the goal, not the reality. Just last night I stayed up until 10:15 watching episode four of Homeland. Sunday I was drinking beer at band practice at 1pm.  Still, having a plan is better than no plan at all.  

To Recap  -   1) Bed by 9pm- 2) no sugar, salt, bread or fat before noon- 3) break a sweat -4) stay offline 5) play audio books when driving. 

Alas, that is the glory of the New Year Resolution. It provides all us weak-willed sinners a second chance to become our ideal selves. Isn't that what life is all about anyway? No matter what you have done in the past, it is always possible to have an outstanding day. And if you can have one, you can have two and from there you don't feel as guilty about the inevitable bender just over the horizon. Wishing us all good luck in 2013! - Colin

Colin Gawel is probably the last person on Earth who should be talking about resolutions. He has failed so spectacularly that a best selling book "Hitless Wonders" was written about him and his band Watershed due to their historic lack of success. Yet, they happily press on. He is a father, husband, songwriter and coffee shop owner. He is currently trying to book his side band "Why Isn't Cheap Trick In The Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame?" at the Beachland Ballroom Thursday April 18th though the band as of now, only exists in his head. Check out his music and more at www.colingawel.com 

I Still Love Christmas!

-If you are looking for press, NPR story or reviews concerning Watershed "Brick and Mortar" or the book, "Hitless Wonder" please click here to be quite impressed. Both make an excellent present.

                       watch this:    "Still Love Christmas"       

The Holidays and the Andymanathon go hand in hand. I cannot have one without the other. For me, appearing on Andy's annual 48 hour radio marathon became what I would imagine midnight mass feels like to others. Sure it was fun.. and sometimes boozy... but still, it was for a great cause and it really felt like you were part of a bigger community. It was spiritual. Sadly, our good friend Andy "Andyman" Davis left this world too soon and now it is up to us to continue his good work, keep his legacy alive and "help the kids".

Watershed fans have always made me proud by turning out in mass to help with this worthy endeavor and this year can be no different. It's time to strap it on and be part of the Andyman community. There are two easy ways you can help remember our friend Andy.

1) Watershed will be performing along with Los Gravediggers, Miranda Sound, The Girls, and Two Cow Garage at the Bluestone Sunday December 16th. Watershed will be on at 9 sharp. Why Sunday? The decision was made to have the concert become the official "after party" of the 48 hour Andymanathon radio marathon ending the same day at 5pm. The concert will start early and end early so no worries there. Tickets are only $10 and ALL proceeds go to Andy's memorial fund and cd101 for the kids.

2)Call CD1025 @ #614 221 1025 during the the Andymanathon (Fri Dec14-Sun Dec16th) and pledge money to hear your favorite Watershed/Colin Gawel music played on CD102.5. Take over the airwaves!! They have operators standing by. so call call call. or come down while we play the big room Saturday night and make the donation then. For every $20 (cash) you give at the station, you get a ticket to the big show Sunday.

share the facebook event here 

While at Amazon, throw a copy of "Hitless Wonder" in your cart.

The highly acclaimed best selling memoir written by Joe Oestreich featuring: Colin Gawel, Mike "Biggie"McDermott, Kate Faber, Dave Masica, Herb Schupp, Mark "Pooch"Borror, Ricki C., Willie Phoenix, Cheap Trick,  Growing up in Worthington, Used Kids Records, Tim Patalan, CD101, Howlin Maggie, Scrawl, Frankie LaRocka, The Toll, Ron Severance, The Insane Clown Posse, Jim Steinman, The Smithereens, Dan Dougan, Slim Dunlap and a whole bunch of tales concerning triumph and heartbreak mixed with sex, drugs and rock n roll. And it's all true. (except for the not cool stuff about me- obviously)

If you have already read it, you know how great it is. Buy it for somebody to enjoy. Click here to purchase

The Calendar to Wrap up 2012:

Thursday December 6th- Colin solo Happy Hour (5:30-7pm) World of Beer, Easton

Thursday December 13th- Colin solo Happy Hour (5:30-7pm) World of Beer, Easton

Saturday December 15th- Watershed Live in the CD102.5 Big Room for Andyman A Thon. Midnight and open to public. Please pledge money all weekend to hear your favorite Watershed/Colin Gawel songs and donate to this great cause. 

Sunday December 16th-Watershed Live at the Bluestone for annual Andyman A Thon Benefit concert. Once again an amazing line-up for a great cause. The show will be starting earlier as it is a Sunday and wrapping up the on-air fund drive details for the concert and Andyman A thon here

Wednesday December 19th- Reelin and Rockin' at Gateway w/Brian Phillips "The Story of Mudhoney"

Thursday Dec 20th- Colin solo Happy Hour (5:30-7pm) World of Beer, Easton

Friday December 21st- Colin Gawel and The Lonely Bones Annual "Still Love Christmas" Happy Hour at the Rumba Cafe. 6-9 pm.

and last but really first is Joe Peppercorn's annual Beatles Marathon  Saturday Dec 29th at Kobo.

It's going to be tough to top 2012 for excitement, but bring on Lucky 13. Happy New Year! - Colin

Colin Gawel's 2012 Election Day Manifesto.

Click here for Watershed 'Brick and Mortar"/"Hitless Wonder" reviews+press + weekend edition story---Colin Gawel & The Lonely Bones Live at Woodland's Tavern Friday Nov 16th.8pm sharp. free show!

 In lieu of clogging of Facebook/Twiitter with political chatter, I mostly abstain from partisan politics online to stay focused on shameless self promotion of my music and coffee shop along with insightful sports analysis and worthy intellectual endeavours such as ranking the entire Cheap Trick song catalog. However, every couple of years I take a dip in the mud pit and organize a handful of political musings. So..

Colin Gawel's 2012 Election Day Manifesto

But before we go any further, I thought it might be helpful to establish some ground rules and have a political science refresher.

See, there is this thing called "democracy", and under this system of government, everybody gets a vote and is allowed, if not encouraged, to voice their opinion. The founding fathers set it up this way because they were tired of a "King" telling everybody what to do all of the time. This revolutionary approach seems pretty groovy until you realize that sometimes your candidate and/or issue loses. In fact, I've been doing a little research, and it turns out that this has happened every single election in US history. Go figure. 

Even worse, the real bitch of it all with this "democracy", is that no matter your best efforts, you might occasionally hear a differing viewpoint than your own. Free speech? Ugh!!! So aggravating!  So please, before reading any further, if you are one of "those people" who get all pissy when somebody disagrees with you, why not just stop now and save yourself the agony? I own a small coffee shop and I hear opinions all across the spectrum (Obama or Romney) every day. That is how it is suppose to work. I welcome your opinion. Post it on facebook. Stop by the coffee shop and talk some smack. We may disagree, but it isn't personal. Only a person of low character would lose a friendship over something as trivial as politics. Or put another way, I don't agree with Ted Nugent, but I still crank up Wango Tango when it comes on the radio. Dig?

ISSUE #51 Upper Arlington School Levy 

Full disclosure: I am a little biased on this one. I didn't overpay for my quaint house in Upper Arlington to enjoy the wide sidewalks, family rec. center or hopping night life. No..I moved here for the same reason everybody moves to U.A., the outstanding school system. Our son Owen is now in 3rd grade and I have nothing but great things to say about his experience in UA schools. High expectations have been exceeded. Still, money doesn't grow on Buckeye trees and lord knows times are tight so it is reasonable to make sure hard earned/inherited money is being spent wisely. I have seen numbers favoring both sides of the issue so let's call that a wash and  put it another way: Imagine this scenario--

  "Times got a little tough for the community, but we came together and voted down the school levy, and after that, things really started to change for the better."

Please cite an example of this happening and I will consider changing my position. Until then I will be voting "Yes" on Issue 51. 

Issue #56 - Something About Feeding the Seniors? 

Ugh, these seniors are just bleeding us dry with their socialized health care system and now they want a hot meal and a bath once an while? When do the entitlements stop? I thought we just gave them some new board games in 2004? I'd make a joke about the practicality of "death squads"except that sort of remark might come back to haunt me if i ever ran for office. Still, at my advancing age, there is an increasing chance I could actually live to be 65 and in that case, a hot meal and a bath would sound pretty good. So, I will vote YES on Issue 56

Maureen Reedy for Ohio State Representative ~ 24th District

 I know Maureen as a neighbor and Colin's Coffee regular. She is whip-smart and on the side of working families/moms and small business. I have seen this first hand. She won "Teacher of The Year".  And to top it all off, she is a huge Springsteen fan. Obviously, this makes her WAY over qualified to be serving in the Ohio State House but if she wants the gig, who am I to argue? An absolute no-brainer here... I will be voting for Maureen Reedy come Nov 6th.

ISSUE # 2  No More GerryMandering of Districts by Politicians

Speaking of no-brainers, this is the wonkiest and by far, most important issue on the ballot this year. Incumbents win re-election something like 95% of the time. A big reason for this is that they are allowed to re-draw their districts to guarantee victory. Passing Issue #2 would take this power out of the hands of politicians and give it to a non partisan civilian board. Or let me put this simply: If you vote against issue #2, you don't have the balls to "throw the bastards out" as I so often hear around the coffee shop so spare me the rhetoric.  Tea Party where are you when we need you? This should be your issue. No gerrymandering + term limits would go a long way to restoring power to the people. Once again: If you support career politicians vote no Issue #2. If you want real change and competitive races you must Vote YES on ISSUE #2

Sherrod Brown vs Josh Mandel (this could have been a whole essay) 

We can argue all day long about how big that pie should be they are splitting up in Washington, but bottom line is they ARE splitting it up even as you read this. As a Senator for Ohio, your job is not to parrot conservative/liberal ideology, no, your job is to do right by the state of Ohio.

Or put another way,"Your job is to help us, not to, fuck us up. Does this seem clear to you?" In fact, that whole scene from the movie Glengary Glen Ross seems pertinent.

Presenting "Glengary Stimulus Money Lost" starring Al Pacino as Senator Sherrod Brown, Kevin Spacey as Josh Mandel and featuring Jack Lemmon as former President Bill Clinton... WATCH IT here (Achtung!! Adult Content- NOT for virgin ears)

Sherrod Brown went balls to the wall to save the auto industry for the state of Ohio and that meant real jobs for real people, not just talking points. By any measure, the economy of Ohio has really improved over the last 4 years and I think Governor Kasich and Sherrod Brown both deserve credit for this.

As for Mandel, I see absolutely nothing on his resume that qualifies him to represent Ohio in the United States Senate. I'd guess Rob Portman must shudder at the thought of Josh being his "Jr" Senator. In fact, when Rob walks in with Josh, it might get mistaken for take your kid to work day. Even my hometown uber-conservative news paper the Columbus Dispatch endorsed Sherrod over Josh. First time in 30 years they have endorsed a Democrat for Senate.

But I have even worse news for Josh Mandel, he fails the most potent argument know to man, "Just Look At Him?"

Ex: "Geez, I don't know if I can vote for Mandel, I hear what you are saying and you have some good points but...ya know,.... just look at him?" look here

Instead of the Senate, why doesn't Josh just run for the House of Representatives? I mean, any jack-ass can serve there, I mean, just look at them? 

Isn't There Some Issue about More Bars on Lane Avenue?

I Vote Yes

and now............................................................................................................................

Ding. Ding. Ding.  Are You Ready To Rumble? It's Time For The Main Event!! In this corner, the Master of Disaster and defending Champion, President Barack Obama!! And this corner, from the great conservative state of Massachusetts, challenger, "Iron Mitts" Romney!!!!

The thing I like most about Mitt Romney is how much he reminds me of President Obama. Recent political rhetoric aside, both are pragmatic moderates who won't stray very far from the middle. I'm sure either one could do a decent job over the next four years. I personally think Obama was dealt a terrible hand and has played it well enough to deserve four more years.

It took major balls to tackle health care reform. It was a politically unpopular position to take but he did it anyway which tells you he felt it was the best thing for the country. Otherwise, why would he bother? I love the mandate. Everybody pays, asshole. Just like car insurance. "But why should I pay, I'm not gonna get hurt..." yeah right, fast forward to emergency room and who is picking up the tab? You and me, suckers. Everybody pays. Damn, I sound like a republican, oh right, that was a republican idea. Hell, it was modeled on Mitt's idea. I think he was right the first time. Still, like any bill, it is loaded down with every congress man's bacon and will need to be ironed out over time. Stupid constitution.

Bored to tears with all these words? I feel you. For a musical version watch my song Chemotherapy

Other things I like. Health Care Exchanges (another good republican idea-let the markets work!) Race to the Top (built on top of "No Child Left Behind"), FINALLY making our hospital records electronic (a cop can tell from his car that I got a ticket in Texas in 1994, but go to a hospital and I am filling out paperwork? embarrassing), the end of don't ask don't tell, support for same sex unions, picking March Madness on ESPN and killing that bastard Bin Laden. He had it comin'.

Oh and the debt, easy. I'll solve it now. Bush tax cuts expire, social security age raises 2 years over 8 year span. 10 cent gas tax goes to pay off war debt and war veteran care, it's called the Patriot tax. That should do it.

And let's be frank, Mitt's whole 47% speech wasn't exactly reassuring to this small business owner who pays all kinds of taxes and still hears and I quote, "My job isn't to worry about those people". I mean, what kind of sensible citizen in my position could hear that and not at least re-evaluate whether or not this is the best canidate to represent your family in the White House. Now I concede, if your house has two kitchens or you can see boats from your living room, Mitt probably is your guy. If not, might be worth investigating further. I think we can agree to disagree here.

In closing, coffee shop business is up, wars are wrapping down, and in my opinion now is no time to change course. Or to directly quote a Republican coffee shop regular, "I hate to admit it because I don't want Obama re-elected, but my business is booming".  

But once again, and I cannot stress this enough, I think Mitt and Barack are both good, decent men who are doing what they think is best for the country. No matter what the result of election day, I will be humble in victory and magnanimous in defeat. I have my preference and you have yours, but I am confident both candidates would handle the office OK*. 

I will be voting for Barak Obama

*Ok =  better than George W Bush.

Colin Gawel writes songs and plays in the band Watershed. He is a featured character in the best selling memoir "Hitless Wonder" written by Joe Oestreich. He owns a small coffee shop in Upper Arlington where people express opinions but are usually wrong.He is married and has a 9 year old son. Recently they have been shooting baskets in the driveway listening to the new KISS CD "Monster". sometimes he writes things like this but not very often as he prefers beer and rock n roll. He has no idea what his taxes are and doesn't care. www.colingawel.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Bonus tracks and unreleased B-sides!!

1)Who gives all this money to such obvious duds like Josh Mandel? Don't they visit Nate Silver 538? He has no chance. 3 days out from the election and still the air waves are flooded with his ads. I know people have money and causes but yeesh....If you must throw good money after bad give it to your favorite charity. Or visit the new casino. I mean, I love the Cleveland Cavaliers but I am not going to bet a million dollars on them to win the NBA title this year.

  2)---"Even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that is something that God intended to happen." -Indiana Senatorial Candidate Richard Mourdock (R) Oct 23rd, 2012    

Those aren't the words of a FOX pundit or even Don Trump. That is a Republican candidate for Senate. He has a big R next to his name. Just like worthy Republican candidates have an R next to theirs.. I don't know who is in charge of the Republican party these days, but that kind of crazy talk is damaging your 'R' brand like Tiger Woods banging a waffle house waitress on the hood of his car in a church parking lot. Not good for business. Might want to get the boys in line and tell them to save that kind of talk for the stag bar at the country club. where it belongs.