Distraction Avenue

The way-too-soon deaths of comedian Norm MacDonald and actor Michael K. Williams and what we've lost. Covid stuff and why there is not a "vaccine mandate." Plus, 99.9% of K-Mart stores are gone.

Back from a summer break and trying to stay on top of the news. carrying on with Covid and the Delta variant, travelling and the deaths of actor Ed Asner, ZZ Top bass player Dusty Hill, and Charlie Watts, the drummer for the Rolling Stones

The big rant: vaccinations, the Delta Variant, selfless vs. selfish and conspiracy theories. Plus, Jean Smart gets very well-deserved Emmy nominations for her roles in two HBO Max series, Mare of Easttown and the hilarious Hacks. And decisions, regrets, and moving forward.

A review of the newest HBO series , Mare of Easttown. Spoiler alert: it's terrific! Is there anything that Kate Winslett hasn't been good in? For more: Mare of Easttown | HBO

Same management, same RSS feed, same dumb podcast, but with a new name: The Weapon of Self-Distraction Podcast is now Distraction Avenue. This episode: having vaccine envy, the top 10 people you see at the gym and TV ratings for the Jeopardy! guest hosts. Finally, RIP to the amazing and wonderful Charles Grodin.

The trial and conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd. Plus, some interesting social media statistics - numbers on Facebook, TikTok and more. And the return of an Obscure But Cool Song.

Two guys in Australia drift two miles out to sea on an air mattresss, a new foster dog named Jessie, and some thoughts on being single...again. Plus, comedian Danny Jolles has his first special, "6 Parts" available for free on You Tube. He's amazing, and so is his special.

Doug Brod is the author of the fantastic book, They Just Seem A Little Weird: How Cheap Trick, KISS, Aerosmith, and Starz Remade Rock and Roll. We talk about how he wrote the book, how those bands are all connected, their influence and how they're still relevant today. And that despite a lot of trial and tribulations, they're each still great. At the top: Super Bowl LV, the Tampa Bay Bucaneers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, and Ten Random Super Bowl Facts. They Just Seem A Little Weird: How...

Quick reviews: Steve's all-time favorite band of all-time, Cheap Trick just released a rocking song, "Light Up The Fire," and it rocks! "Light Up The Fire" rocks! Plus, new music from Dead Daisies and Smith/Kotzen, a new side-project from Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. Its all killer!

Why not say "Happy New Year" deeper into January? Guests hosts on Jeopardy! Crocs had a booming 2020, Netflix massive spend for new content and Ben & Jerry's doggie desserts.

The new song by Van Morrison and Eric Clapton, protesting their being asked to help the greater good during a pandemic, is discussed, and Rickie Lee Jones' reaction to their song. Plus, holiday traditions come and go, and a reminder of a previous tradition: Wilford Brimley, via the old Imus in the Morning Show, talking about oatmeal.

The awesome cat and occasional unwitting podcast guest Pluto passed away; a euology for the best pet, ever. And paying it forward - 900 times! - at a Dairy Queen in Minnesota.

Various distractions and shenanigans...and wouldn't the latter make a great name for a restaurant: a familiar concept is discussed. The biggest distraction: Covid-19 all the time, the five likliest places you get the virus and the overall statistics are staggering. Warner Brothers announces all their 2021 movies will open simultaneously on HBO Max and theatres. Plus, dairy camels in Australia. Yes, dairy camels

The start of another Covid-19 lockdown/shutdown should mean more time for a few things, including new podcast episodes. Quick takes on that viral Tik Tok video of the skateboard guy and the Fleetwood Mac song "Dreams," some shows on Netflix, including David Letterman's My Next Guest Needs No Introduction and the British crime drama Broadchurch. Plus, A Cool But Obscure Song.

News about new music from AC/DC, Foo Fighters, and Paul McCartney. Plus, Wolfgang Van Halen's solo debut and upcoming Howard Stern interview

The most influential guitarist of a generation, Eddie Van Halen, died October 6, 2020 succumbing to cancer after a long fight. Full details and discussion provided in this episode from The DLR Cast, the podcast by and for fans of David Lee Roth, hosted by Steve and his good friend Darren Paltrowitz. Plus AC/DC drops a new single, "Shot In The Dark," from their forthcoming album Power Up, which comes out November 13. Darren Paltrowitz is a freelance journalist covering entertainment. He also...

Talking about cool new music from Deep Purple, who recently released their 21st (!) album, Whoosh; two new songs from Bruce Springsteen, the newest/latest album from the great Butch Walker, American Love Story, and Cheap Trick who just released a cover of the David Bowie classic, "Rebel Rebel," produced by Jack Douglas. Plus a wild boar is chased by a nudist!

On being officially an "empty-nester" with college starting, a mix of bittersweet and excitement. Plus, the new Netflix series Away

Coivd-19 puts the kibosh on some travel plans - rather, fear and risk does. Plus, a new podcast, by Steve and his friend Darren Paltrowitz, The DLR Cast - the essential podcast by and for fans of David Lee Roth!

One of the greatest hard rock albums, and the second-biggest selling album of all time, Back In Black by AC/DC, turns 40 years old this week. The album is a document to the perseverance, work ethic, and musical greatness of Angus and Malcolm Young, following the death of their inimitable lead singer Bon Scott; where the terrific Brian Johnson is a perfect fit, all combining to make incredible, and history making, music. Plus, some recommended reading as there's no shortage of informative...