News Of The Week Roundup: Week 3, 2021

It was another historic week in America. On Wednesday, Joe Biden was sworn in as President and Kamala Harris, Vice-President. On each Wednesday of the year so far in America, we have had (1) the Capitol Insurrection (2) Donald Trump's second Impeachment and (3) a Presidential inauguration. That is pretty wild in straight historical terms. We do live in interesting times. 

On Inauguration Day, a star-studded concert captivated the country during Prime Time. The best part? A massive fireworks display at the very end of the live broadcast. It was the best fireworks show I have ever seen, even edging out a massive show at Disney World during "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Celebration." Seriously, Disney knows how to do fireworks. The ones in Washington D.C. were so much better.

Still dazzled by the inauguration show? Here’s how it came together, and why Tom Hanks looked so cold. https://t.co/5nMzA869by

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 22, 2021

January is on track to be the deadliest month of the COVID-19 pandemic in America. Period. While so many continually act as if the pandemic is over, infection and hospital data still show otherwise. The good news is that a 10 day average of nationwide hospitalizations is *finally* showing a decrease of new admissions. Hopefully we will stay on that trend. In the UK, the month is just as deadly regarding the pandemic, despite very strict lockdowns.

BREAKING: January 12 was the deadliest day of the pandemic so far in the UK https://t.co/NAEmXwNckn

— HuffPost UK (@HuffPostUK) January 20, 2021

Also, it looks like double masking is becoming standard advice among the science community. I've been doing it for awhile now. Just seemed like common sense, especially since the UK variant may be more deadly than the other COVID strains.

What's the best way to wear your mask? 😷

Scientific studies have found a double layer of fabric and surgical masks are the most effective in filtering out particles.
📷AFP pic.twitter.com/nn0cFW6hhU

— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) January 20, 2021

In random and fascinating science news, motorcyclists now have an airbag option of sorts. Check out this story on pants that are basically airbags, making riding a little more safe.

These super-strong jeans have concealed airbags inside the legs to protect motorcyclists. https://t.co/ZvIaEhffEj

— CNN (@CNN) January 22, 2021

And finally, I leave you with this: apparently Def Leppard's Phil Collen lost all his "lockdown weight" and is as lean as humanly possible. Goodness!

"Being physically fit is only 50% of the routine...the other 50% is challenging your mind with constant creativity in all aspects and form." - Phil💪
📸 @jaxsonsbusymama pic.twitter.com/zyilEqjGXq

— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) January 23, 2021

Farewell Larry King - A Look At Some Musician Interviews

Legendary broadcaster Larry King died this morning at the age of 87. He had been hospitalized recently due to complications from COVID-19. King is best known for his CNN interview show Larry King Live, which ran for 25 years. Over the years, Larry interviewed all sorts of folks - including a lot of musicians. A few gems below:

Larry King interviews Joe Perry of Aerosmith and asks him about his craziest groupie moment:

Larry Kings interviews Jon Bon Jovi about making it big:

Larry King interviews Prince way back in 1999 - I remember watching this in real time!

...and finally, Larry King interviews Steel Panther... while wearing a big hair wig. Yep.

pic.twitter.com/yVbhbdIwbl

— Ora TV (@OraTV) January 23, 2021

New Package Features Bon Scott Rarities

Before AC/DC, Bon Scott was in a band named Fraternity. Seasons Of Change - The Complete Recordings 1970-1974 is now available from Cherry Red Records. The package includes two albums from Fraternity that were never officially released and this package also includes some long-forgotten session tapes. Have a listen:

We’ve got reissues from Marc Almond, Fraternity, Buzzcocks, and Edgar Jones out today on #NewMusicFriday! Get to know them all here 🍒👇https://t.co/YI5LXe30ck pic.twitter.com/n18Sa6smN1

— Cherry Red Records (@CherryRedGroup) January 22, 2021

Bernie Sanders Inauguration Meme Goes Viral... And Metal

So folks usually get dressed up to attend a presidential inaugural. I mean, especially the folks that actually get to sit on the platform with the President and all that... but Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders does not care about fashion and would just rather be warm (and left alone).

A photo of Bernie bundled up in huge mittens became a viral meme yesterday during Joe Biden's inauguration. Our friends at Loudwire put Bernie on some iconic Metal album covers. My favorites are definitely Bernie on the cover of Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? from Megadeth, Metal Health from Quiet Riot and Pleasures of the Flesh from Exodus. Click through the link below and enjoy. Last night I wanted to put Bernie's face on the cover of Poison's Look What The Cat Dragged In but I just didn't have time. I am slow at PhotoShop.

We put Inauguration Day Bernie Sanders on 35 rock + metal album covers:https://t.co/LMBS5LziMt

— Loudwire (@Loudwire) January 21, 2021

Kramer Releases Snake Sabo Guitar

For just under a thousand bucks, you can buy a Snake Snabo guitar from Kramer. Snake plays a guitar like this one while on the road with Skid Row. The guitar is available for order online or in stores like Sam Ash. The Kramer website reads:

Kramer presents the premier signature model from Skid Row's Snake Sabo. Inspired by his favorite road guitar, the Snake Sabo Baretta features a replica graphic commissioned by Sabo and created by legendary Kramer artist Dennis Kline. The Snake Sabo Baretta features a new Kramer 85-T™ Double Black Open Coil Humbucker™ that was designed by Gibson™ USA Luthier Jim DeCola, a K-Speed SlimTaper™ neck with jumbo frets, a Floyd Rose® 1000 bridge system, an EVH® D-Tuna® Drop D Tuning System, a Floyd Rose LRT-L40 Trem Stop to keep the tuning stable when using the D-Tuna, and it comes with a gig bag. Kramer stands behind every guitar they make with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and Gibson Brands™ Customer Service. Kramer - Made to Rock Hard!

Just released today! Thank you to everyone at Gibson/Kramer!! I’m so proud and humbled!@KramerGuitarsUS @Gueikian @GoAljon @OfficialSkidRow #35yearsinthemaking pic.twitter.com/phn9AT5FPG

— sNAKE sABO (@sNAKEsABO) January 20, 2021

Saxon Releases Video For 'Speed King'

Saxon has released a cover of the Deep Purple song "Speed King." Saxon will release the covers album Inspirations on March 19. Other acts Saxon covers include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones.

Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth Arrested After Capitol Siege

Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer is facing six federal charges stemming from his alleged involvement during the siege on the U.S. Capitol earlier this month. Schaffer did surrender to the FBI. The charges Schaffer faces are:

1. Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority

2. Disrupting the Orderly Conduct of Government Business

3. Knowingly Engages in an Act of Physical Violence Against any Person or Property in any Restricted Building or Grounds

4. Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building

5. Engage in an Act of Physical Violence in a Capitol Building

6. Parade, Demonstrate, or Picket in a Capitol Building

*Jon Schaffer, guitarist for heavy metal band Iced Earth, is arrested on 6 federal charges in Capitol riot.
*Charges include: physical violence in a Capitol building, disrupting conduct of gov’t & violent entry.
*FBI says he used “bear spray” on officers. https://t.co/WtMTgmjpq3 pic.twitter.com/pZvZINCcZG

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) January 18, 2021

Photos: Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer Carrying ‘Bear Spray’ During Capitol Riot https://t.co/sGsnnstu9l

— MetalSucks (@metalsucks) January 18, 2021

Jon Schaffer, Columbus, IN, has been arrested in connection to Jan 6 incident at the U.S. Capitol. Schaffer faces 6 charges including engaging in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building. Schaffer was allegedly among rioters who sprayed Capitol police with "bear spray."

— FBI Indianapolis (@FBIIndianapolis) January 18, 2021