I've started a new website where I don't just post things solo but am joined by all kinds of other talented people. Please visit frequently to read my musings. Updates often! Our music page is crushing too.. check it out
The summer music calender is filling up. Here are some of the highlights:
Friday May 3rd: Colin Gawel and The Lonely Bones @ Woodland's Tavern. 8pm showtime
Friday May 31st: Colin solo at Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza on at 8 pm
Saturday June 8th: Watershed headlines Columbus Arts Festival. Scioto Mile Stage on @ 9pm
Saturday June 15th: Colin Gawel and The Lonely Bones @ Easton Craft Beer Festival on @ 7pm
Weekend June 28/29 Colin Gawel and The Lonely Bones @ Comfest details TBA
]]>"Excuse me. Come again?"
"Your shirt. It sucks."
He was pointing to the shirt I was wearing which read, "Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?"
"How's that? " I asked.
"Alice Cooper should be in the hall before Cheap Trick"
"I think Alice Cooper is in the Rock Hall, aren't they?" **
"Nope. And that's why your shirt sucks, and the Rock Hall sucks"
I countered: "But the reason for a hall of fame in the first place, be it baseball, football or rock and roll, is to spur conversation among fans about who should be in. Rock and roll is going extinct like the dinosaurs, yet here we are—two strangers having a conversation about Alice Cooper and Cheap Trick in the checkout line at the grocery store. I think that's what makes the Rock Hall pretty cool."
"Whatever. Alice Cooper should be in before Cheap Trick"
This conversation really happened and I think sums up the whole point of Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? To get people talking and damn if we didn't. The original story crushed all previous Pencilstorm records with over 2,500 hits. Facebook blew up with all sorts of Cheap Trick and music sites jumping on board. I knew we were cooking with gas when metal nerd guru Eddie Trunk himself tweeted about the gig. Rumor has it that even Rick Nielsen himself was e-mailing people asking what this was all about. At least that is what Cheap Trick expert and legendary DJ/ renaissance man of all things rock Lou Brutus had heard. There were also numerous articles written about the shows but I think this one by Andy Gray from the Youngstown Tribune was the best. Read it here.
Other press: Columbus Alive, Cleveland Scene, Cool Cleveland, The Examiner
Both shows were well attended but the Columbus show was damn-near a madhouse/sellout thanks to Brian Phillips from CD102.5 and Dan Orr WLVQ for plugging the gig on the FM dial.
And for those of you asking about the set...
Stop This Game/ Hello There / Come on Come on / On Top of the World / These Days / Speak Now / Baby Loves to Rock / Downed / I Can't Take It / It's Only Love / Southern Girls / I Know What I Want / Voices / Tonight It's You / Oh Clare / Surrender. Encore: Daytripper / Way of the World / He's a Whore / Auf Wiedersehn
Given our limited time/resources/talent, I thought we did a pretty damn fine job not embarrassing ourselves. Click here for a taste.
Anyway, thanks to all who helped Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall Fame? For everybody's sake let's hope this is our first/last show and Cheap Trick gets the induction NEXT YEAR. If not, we will be back again trying to find an answer to a simple question: Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
** Alice Cooper is already in the Rock Hall. I fucking knew it!
Colin Gawel plays in the band Watershed and fronts his solo band The Lonely Bones. He started Pencilstorm during downtime at his coffee shop, the cleverly named Colin's Coffee. He really wants to know why Cheap Trick isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. colingawel.com watershedcentral.com
]]>The date is significant because the actual induction ceremonies for the Rock Hall are taking place, in Los Angeles, that same night, and once again, Cheap Trick is not among the inductees. And as for the location, well, duh, Cleveland is where the Rock Hall is located. Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? will also be performing a free show the next night at KOBO in Columbus just for the hell of it.
Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? is the brainchild of Colin Gawel, co-founder of the band Watershed. Gawel and Joe Oestreich decided to form a band after attending a Cheap Trick concert when they were in middle school. The two were so determined to follow their heroes' path, Watershed eventually ended up getting signed — and dropped — by Epic Records, Cheap Trick's recording label for many years. Oestreich tells the tale in the 2012 memoir Hitless Wonder: A Life in Minor League Rock n Roll. The book was featured on National Public Radio and reached No. 1 on Amazon music biography list.
While Gawel doesn't have the discipline to write a book, he did once rank EVERY SINGLE Cheap Trick song, complete with links, essays and personal stories. (Better call off work because it takes about five hours to read properly.)
Gawel said he decided to form Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? after getting sick of watching the band get snubbed year after year. "If Cheap Trick were from New York City instead of Rockford, Ill., they would have been in the Rock Hall years ago*," he said. "Show me someone who doesn't appreciate what Cheap Trick has meant to rock and roll and I will show you a dipshit."
Gawel added: "To draw attention to this injustice, we plan on performing every year on the night of the induction ceremony until Cheap Trick gets the call. For everybody's sake, let's hope this is our first and last show. I mean, Cheap Trick makes it look easy; surely we will prove otherwise."
Gawel said he is a big fan of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "My son and I go every summer and always have a great time," he said. "This event isn't for the haters bitching about how their favorite band has been snubbed, too. Start your own band If you want to. This show is about taking a place I already enjoy and improving it with the addition of Cheap Trick."
Gawel will be joined on stage by his backing band The Lonely Bones, featuring Four String brewmaster Dan Cochran on bass, Rick Kinsinger on guitar and former Watershed member Herb Schupp on the drums.
A limited number of Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame? T-shirts are available to spread the word and help cover the cost of van rental, gas, and beer for the band. Click here to purchase. Shirts will NOT be available at the show. Any extra proceeds will be plowed back into free stickers and/or buttons, which will be available.
Click here for Facebook event page and help us spread the word
Colin Gawel sings and plays guitar with Watershed along with his solo band The Lonely Bones. Once a year he performs with his side band, Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame? in Cleveland. He owns a small coffee shop in Columbus, Ohio, where he manages the website Pencilstorm. He is married and has a 9-year-old son who has seen Cheap Trick three times and met Rick once. www.colingawel.com
* It occurred to me one evening while watching the Silver concert DVD that if a band from New York tried a show like that in Central Park, it would be covered live on all media outlets and probably have its own pullout section in USA Today.
Try to imagine a band from New York that had sold 20 million records over 30 years; been produced by George Martin, Todd Rundgren, Jack Douglas, Roy Thomas Baker and Steve Albini (OK, were recorded by Steve Abini); were John Lennon's favorite American band; had persevered through tough times and continued playing gigs all over the world because that's what rock n roll bands do; rallied to put out an amazing CD in 2009, The Latest; were beloved by Conan O' Brien, The Onion, David Letterman, The Simpsons, Steve Colbert and other pop-cultural icons; were the featured band at 2010 SXSW; performed on Austin City Limits and World Café; were invited by the Los Angeles Philharmonic to recreate Sgt. Pepper's at the Hollywood Bowl; influenced bands such as Green Day (Billie Joe left a note on Rick's door the first time Green Day played Chicago that said "We are going to be a good as your band one day") and Nirvana ("I think of Nirvana as being like Cheap Trick," Kurt Cobain once said). If a band from New York City accomplished even half of this, they would have been inducted into the Rock Hall on the first ballot. — Colin
]]>As 2013 started, I shifted my focus to getting pencilstorm.com off the ground and so far, so good. It's like a Colingawel.com on meth with all my smart friends helping out. Check it out. As always, I've got a bunch of new song ideas kicking around but to be honest, my brain just isn't ready to go there. My brain is tired of relentless prodding for it to do more work. It just wants to drink beer and play Cheap Trick songs. Thus the idea for "Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame?" was born.
"Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame?" will be performing two FREE shows of all Cheap Trick covers that will surely make you long for the real Cheap Trick. The first show is Thursday April 18th at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. Why that night? As you know, Cleveland, Ohio is the home of the actual Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, BUT.. that same night in Los Angeles, the induction ceremonies for the Rock Hall class of 2013 will be taking place. And once again, Cheap Trick has been snubbed. This show is a protest show to hopefully draw attention to this shameful miscarriage of justice. We plan on performing every year on this night until justice is served and Cheap Trick gets their rightful respect and is welcomed into the hall.
We will also be performing another FREE show the next night at KOBO on High in Columbus, Ohio, just for the hell of it. As the event gets closer, look for a big announcement at pencilstorm.com but until then, make plans to attend a show and help us in our protest.
To read my complete Cheap Trick song rankings click here you nerds.
later- Colin
]]>"Superior" is edging towards 10,000 views. Watch it here
Pencilstorm.com is a new website featuring myself and some of the best writers banging around the interweb. The days of trolling through facebook/twitter for the occasional witty remark or insightful analysis are over. Now you can visit one site and get your head filled up with all sorts of useless information concerning music/sports/movies/culture/stuff... That's the idea anyway. We will be listing all sorts of events there as well. For instance, I have posted some info about Reelin and Rockin' at the Gateway as a test run. In fact, why not take a look? click here
Obviously, the site is just getting off the ground (lots of changes coming) and at this point it is all a work in progress but contributors already on board are: Brian Phillips, David Martin, Johnny DiLoretto, Joe Peppercorn, Greg May, Ricki C, Will Kenworthy, Jeff Hassler and yours truly. I won't bore you with the details now, but each one of these guys bring a unique talent and resume to the table. We plan to add more contributors soon, but this is a good start. In the meantime we will be working on some snappy graphics and snazzy slogans. Like...
Pencilstorm.com.... "It's like a DVR for Facebook" or Pencilstorm.com "It's like Colingawel.com on meth"
Pencilstorm.com "Just Like Grantland, But Not As Good"
That sort of thing.
Anyway, you are now in on the ground floor of a virtual building. This will be fun. - Colin
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"Superior" is truly a Northern song in every sense and edging towards 10,000 views. Watch it here
Colin playing Saturday February April 16th for Music in the Round benefiting Rafiki AIDS Orphanage at Via Vecchia. details at musicintheround.com
Songs From Northern Arlington.
What can I say? I've always been a winter type of guy. I prefer long underwear, jeans and big boots to kacky shorts and flip flops. I like the cold sting of January better than the dog days day of August. I can get shit done in the winter. Less distractions. Less fun all around in general. And whatever fun there is to be had is usually self generated. For better or worse. Like this post. Come May, I would be out in my driveway blasting rock n roll, firing up the grill throwing baseballs with O, enjoying the lovely weather. No way would I be sitting in my family room "blogging" as the kids say. It's a Thursday right now but it feels like a Tuesday. Oppressive cold and clouds make everyday feel like a Tuesday. I've often thought if the seven day week were: Monday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Saturday Sunday, I could really have accomplished some things. Mondays are over rated. I need Monday to acclimate my work ethic and recover from Sunday. If it can wait till Monday, it can wait till Tuesday. That's my motto. Not really, but I have seen worse bumper stickers. anyway... I like Tuesdays. I can get some shit done on Tuesday.
You know what else I like? Taking long walks listening to music on a cold winter evening with the the northern wind blowing and remnants of lake effect snow falling. Calibrating I-Pod with basic instructions. Check. Filling 20 oz Colin's Coffee Tumbler with nice warm red wine and strapping on boots, headphones and gloves. Check. Stepping out door, hit shuffle and ...play......here is what I heard on Thursday January 31st/2013. (Click on song listen/artist)
Blizzard of 77 - I always know how to start. I start with this.
Start Again - Can't wait any longer than #2. Thanks to Joe Peppercorn and Branden Barnett for re-focusing me on "Songs From Northern Ireland". (Songs From Northern Arlington...Get IT??? huh? Get it?)
December - Teenage Fanclub working so hard they are worth a deuce.
Within You Reach - Replacements are the very definition of "Northern" rock
Best Thing That Never Happened - Reminds me of long cold walks in Marquette, MI.
Superior - inspired by semi true events in same town. My attempt at a Northern song.
Inside of Love - Nada needs a deuce too.
Things Have Changed - actually Bob D is two hours North of Mats'. Biggie, since you have vowed to outlive me and piss on my grave, could you at least have the decency to play this song at the ceremony? thanks. Seems like a good song to go out on.
Whispering Pines - and The Band are mostly more North than Bob. Oh Richard, why did you have to do it?
Mt. Everest - My #1 snow shoveling song of 2012!
Father John Misty and this song - Eric Zimmer just gave me his annual best of CD. It's pretty much where i find my new music these days.For all I know by the time Father John hits my ears he has gone from Destroyer to Unmasked on the hip scale. but i know I like this song.
Hard on Me - which reminds me how much I love this Richard Thompson song. Man, they sound they same but who cares. Snowing again.
Silver Age - Husker Du North. Walking faster. Thinking about throwing snowballs at cars. Bob M's book isn't quite as good as Hitless Wonder but Bob didn't have a "Biggie" character to work with.
Supercharged / Punch the Clock - Detroit is mostly cold and mostly always cloudy. Hearing this makes me want to hop in a Ford econolione and run the Widespread Panic bus into a ditch off I-75 near Macon, GA compliments of John Speck.
Answering Machine - anger management sorta
Rewind - Tim Easton has a new greatest hits out. listen to it. this song isn't on it because it's hard to make a living with long sad songs that appeal to guys walking along the Olentangy river drinking Red Wine out of a coffee cup. That is the very definition of a nitch market.
Ok, time to warm up. How many days until pitchers and catchers report anyway? This is ridiculous. Who's bright idea was this anyway? I'm freezing. I'm ready for Spring. Damn, i should have played "Darkness" by Leonard Cohen. next time. BYE
Colin Gawel is a songwriter who plays in the band Watershed and fronts his solo band the Lonely Bones. He is featured in the best selling rock n roll book Hitless Wonder. He is also freezing from spending so much time outside walking in the frigging cold and has to get up at 5:30 am to go to Colin's Coffee. He doesn't figure anybody will actually listen to these songs now, but one day, way in the future (hopefully), his son young Owen might stumble upon this post and be glad that he did. colingawel.com
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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
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
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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
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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.
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Needless to say, the greatest radio station on Earth, CD102.5 has picked up the song and put it in rotation. They have taken the risk, now it is our turn to let them know we agree.
Request "Set The World On Fire" now!
Seriously, stop what you are doing and...
Text: Request Watershed Set World Fire to: 68683
Do it once a day and pass the word. If you aren't from Columbus, request at your favorite station and if they haven't yet received it, let me know I will make sure they will get a copy. (stuffed with cash and some blow, naturally)
Still not sold? listen to kick ass studio version of Set the World On Fire here or watch this early live version here
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