Best Wlup Podcasts (2025)

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182: "Head cheese... I don't even know what that is." 29:55

Play Pause

10h ago29:55

29:55

What'd you like? Send us a text. Tacky Christmas singers. 8-tracks. Latvian actors. Weird ethnic holiday food. Walt and Tim open a really boring advent calendar. And Jim gets hit with a rock. Then: a commercial about Nothing. Hormonal underwear. Prescription cologne. And a song about the perils of an extended family Christmas. Plus more.…

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2025 Revisited with James VanOsdol (Episode 1098) 40:58

2d ago40:58

40:58

I’m back for a special end-of-the-year episode! Watch/listen for a handful of memorable highlights from 2025, including two especially wonderful musical performances. As I explain early in this episode, this is in no way meant to be considered a “best of.” With over 80 episodes recorded this year, it would be impossible to pull something like that …

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Guest host Kevin Kellam talks with SKLAR BROTHERS (Episode 1097) 34:26

2d ago34:26

34:26

Comedian/radio personality Kevin Kellam returns to guest host and welcome special guests Sklar Brothers! Randy and Jason Sklar have been seen everywhere, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Playing House, Better Call Saul, Roast Battle III, Grey’s Anatomy, Entourage, and Cheap Seats on ESPN Classic. My big takeaway fr…

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Guest host Kevin Kellam talks with comedian Adam Burke (Episode 1095) 26:47

4d ago26:47

26:47

Comedian/radio personality Kevin Kellam returns for another guest-hosting stint, and this time around he welcomes comedian Adam Burke. Kevin digs into Adam’s comedy career and the details of Adam's recently-released comedy special, “Unamerican,” recorded at the Den Theatre. There are also a few political tangents, and Kevin learns Amerigo Vespucci’…

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Guest host Jaime Black talks architecture with Stewart Hicks (Episode 1096) 28:31

5d ago28:31

28:31

Guest host Jaime Black interviews Stewart Hicks (Associate Dean of Physical Resources and Planning and Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago) about his eponymous YouTube channel that features deep dives on all things architecture. Hicks details the role of architecture in our everyday lives, reveals the work t…

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Ooops! All talking: "Every kid wanted sausage." 18:49

8d ago18:49

18:49

What'd you like? Send us a text. Pulled from the DLCHH archives: the guys remember that one summer they started a theater camp for kids. Or did they? It’s foggy. Maybe they got one or two of the details wrong. Maybe all of them? Then in the second segment the guys drink cocoa in their PJs and discuss the upcoming Christmas holiday. And Tim tells us…

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Drainage tubes, the colorectal surgeon, appendicitis and me (Episode 1094) 10:50

8d ago10:50

10:50

Hi. It’s me. James VanOsdol. As my recent (and forthcoming) guest hosts continue to kill it, I’m finally in a physical and emotional place where I can check in and let you know everything that’s been going on with me. This isn’t a traditional episode - it didn’t make sense to read sponsor tags or play the theme song - instead, it’s a full recountin…

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Welcome to the Family Business: Fiona VanOsdol guest-hosts (Episode 1093) 22:01

9d ago22:01

22:01

As I continue to recover from a variety of appendix-related issues, I’m turning to capable and talented guest hosts to keep Car Con Carne running. This episode offers something a little bit different: It features the podcast-hosting debut of my daughter, Fiona VanOsdol. Joining her are her friends Faith Ferry and Fionn Riley, co-hosts of her colleg…

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Guest Host Evan J. Thomas welcomes Chicago rockers Now It’s Dark (Episode 1092) 21:26

13d ago21:26

21:26

Guest Host Evan J. Thomas (TAG Publicity, Sound Fury Magazine, Bad Ass Radio Network) fills in for me while I'm recovering from a cruel appendix. For this episode, he welcomes Chicago rockers Now It’s Dark, who are set to play the Bad Ass Radio Network's 4th Anniversary Show at Durty Nellie’s on December 5. Thanks for supporting Car Con Carne, espe…

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181: "I smell like comedy." 27:31

14d ago27:31

27:31

What'd you like? Send us a text. Frats without liquor. The good ol’ days of smoking. Jim almost burns down a forest. The penny’s last days. Truth about pilgrims. And Tim’s mic trouble. Then sketches: Horoscope for stud muffins. The first Thanksgiving, probably. Louisiana, whether you like it or not. And of course, football. Plus more……

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Guest hosts Bellhead talk Killing Joke’s ‘Extremities’ with Martin Atkins (Episode 1091) 46:57

18d ago46:57

46:57

As I continue to recover (and prepare for a couple of procedures and impending surgery) from appendix issues, I’ve excitedly turned Car Con Carne over to guest hosts. For this episode, Karen and Ivan from the Chicago bass duo Bellhead steal the keys to the car while I recover. Their guest is a post-punk legend, entrepreneur, author, and museum foun…

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180: "You been to a lot of orgies?" 28:16

21d ago28:16

28:16

What'd you like? Send us a text. Walt’s dad’s porn books. A.I. country music. The upside of participation trophies. Then sketches: Stupidity. An explosive new bath soap. Mr. Analogy. And pumpkin spice in EVERYTHING. Plus, more…By Duck Logic

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Guest host Kevin Kellam talks about the 90s with author Greg Prato (Episode 1090) 16:37

23d ago16:37

16:37

Hello from James VanOsdol. As I type this, I’m recovering from appendix-related issues and preparing for an appendectomy just before Christmas. I’m counting it as a holiday gift. Bottom line: I’m not able to get out and record the podcast in-person or at my usual pace at the moment. When I first announced that I had been hospitalized (twice!) for a…

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179: "It isn't cheating unless you get caught." 29:59

28d ago29:59

29:59

What'd you like? Send us a text. Tim love for Veteran’s Day. War movies. Jim’s toenail update. And Walter’s drunken bachelor party with his dad. Then: Hollywood’s oldest toddler. The upside of infidelity. A really, really nice talk show. Plus more!By Duck Logic

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178: "They called me Carrot Head." 28:59

1M ago28:59

28:59

What'd you like? Send us a text. Tim thought The Black Phone was cute. Hair transplant fails. Getting your dog drunk. And that time they rubbed radium on Walt’s head. PLUS: Bras have a birthday. Custom condoms. Military movie posers. And what’s happening at the Mall.By Duck Logic

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177: "See what your taint's been up to." 29:18

1M ago29:18

29:18

What'd you like? Send us a text. Self defense with a banana. Something gross fell off Jim. Walt's over-amorous family dog. And an A.I. search engine suggests new names for the pod. Then: a sale on Halloween delinquent supplies. An unexpected hitchhiker. A conversation with a receding hairline. A scary boy loves his parents. Plus more!…

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176: "I'd let her check my pH." 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

What'd you like? Send us a text. Climbing Mt Everest ain’t what it used to be. Bill Belichick’s new squeeze. Jim cleans his place for the TV guys. Walt’s one day job as a baby photographer. THEN: Halloween bargains. Fall fun at a strawberry farm. Breakfast for dinner. And a detective who can straighten your spine.…

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Folk-punk troubadour Sam Russo takes huge leap forward on ‘Hold You Hard’ (Episode 1089) 23:53

2M ago23:53

23:53

Sam Russo put out his fourth album (“Hold You Hard”) a few months ago and is currently touring the states in a run-up to the Fest in Gainesville later this month. The new album was written across America, and feels like the result of travels that were well, if not thoughtfully, spent. Sam jumped in my car in front of GMan to talk about the new albu…

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The 55+ year journey of Chicago legends the Flock (Episode 1088) 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

The Flock was making noise on a national level starting back during the Nixon administration. They were unorthodox for the time: Jazz. Prog. Rock. Fusion. A little bit of everything, all masterfully played by the individual band members. They put out a few major label albums in their prime (Columbia, Mercury) … then, just as quickly as they came on…

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175: "A 20,000-year-old porta potty." 29:17

2M ago29:17

29:17

What'd you like? Send us a text. We are back!! Whoo! Hoo! We took a little break but now we’re back at it this week. We talk about the surgeries we got while we were out, a weekend by the lake, and Jim’s new on-line Master's degree. Then Tim recounts his rearend’s run-in with a yellow jacket and, of course, soup for cats… Then Edie, the Breakfast F…

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Are the Volo Antique Malls haunted? (Episode 1087) 21:59

2M ago21:59

21:59

This episode finds me at the fabulous Volo Antique Malls, where I can easily lose myself for hours at a time. Owners/managers Keith and Lisa Santiago sat down with me to talk about collectibles and antique culture, as well as the fact that their buildings are “haunted.” Seemed like the perfect time of year to dig into the latter, as paranormal tour…

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wht.rbbt.obj delivers fuzzed-out, torchy & sexy new album, ‘Oscar Bravo Juliett’ (Episode 1086) 40:26

2M ago40:26

40:26

Frank and River of wht.rbbt.obj are back to talk about their excellent new album, “Oscar Bravo Juliett.” As I mention early in this episode, the new album is a collection of songs that are alternatingly (sometimes all at once) fuzzed out, torchy, sexy, and searing. We met at Charlie Beinlich’s in Northbrook for burgers (and a tuna salad sandwich) -…

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Oops! All talking #6: "My grandfather's got pigs." 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

By Duck Logic

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Noon Whistle: ‘Who wants chili-infused Malort?’ Everyone: ___ (Episode 1085) 13:35

2M ago13:35

13:35

By James VanOsdol

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HellsGate Haunted House with clubdrugs (Episode 1084) 32:23

2M ago32:23

32:23

By James VanOsdol

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The Ooozin’ Ahhhs have emerged from their hellholes and crypts (Episode 1083) 14:42

2M ago14:42

14:42

In what’s accidentally become an annual tradition, I’m joined by America’s favorite monster band, the Oooozin’ Ahhhs. We met at the wonderful Cigars and Stripes (6715 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 // stripesbbq.com) for the episode, and recorded at the bar. Looking for spooky monster rock this Halloween season? Check out the Ooozin’ Ahhhs all October …

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Oops! All talking #5: "There's a raccoon in my beard!" 17:47

2M ago17:47

17:47

What'd you like? Send us a text. In this week’s flashback, the Duck Logic guys talk about the start of the all-body, “butt deodorant” craze and how Walter swam naked in high school gym class. Then Jim wears googly eyes and we talk about Bob Dylan.By Duck Logic

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Venus Club goes to ‘dark places’ on dreamy new EP (Episode 1075) 22:52

3M ago22:52

22:52

I’m joined by Emilie and Josh from Venus Club — they’re a dark wave Chicago band that I absolutely adore. The new EP, Extended, is dreamy, haunting, and well positioned for your autumnal listening pleasure. We met in a south side parking lot, as people do, and chatted about their sound, their drunken origin story (subject to debate?), Ace of Base’s…

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Bass Drum of Death at Beat Kitchen (Episode 1082) 19:56

3M ago19:56

19:56

Bass Drum of Death was back in Chicago on 9/24/25 for a show at Beat Kitchen, and I sat down with John Barrett (singer/multi-instrumentalist) shortly before he took the stage. We talked about: *Chicago, and the band’s “Live and Let Die” album that was recorded at Cobra Lounge. *The new album, “Six,” a fuzzy, garage rock, banger. *What major lifesty…

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Are you ready for Nü-yacht music? - Jacob on the Moon (Episode 1081) 19:12

3M ago19:12

19:12

Indie-soul band, Jacob on the Moon, recently released their new EP, “The Gemini Club,” and it’s absolutely excellent. Band mastermind, Jake Dineen, joins to talk about the EPs concept and the band’s infectious, unique sound (Nü-yacht?). Keep an eye out for upcoming shows from Jacob on the Moon - this is clearly a band meant to be seen live. Car Con…

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Oops! All talking #4: "Go for the ribs!" 19:13

3M ago19:13

19:13

What'd you like? Send us a text. We’re still on break, sorry. Just gettin’ back from 3 days of fresh air, liquor, and videos games… You? You get a flashback to the show where we improvised a fuzzy memory of the children’s TV show we did (or didn’t do) in a “Fowl Memory” extended cut segment.By Duck Logic

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The Pulsars return! (Episode 1080) 21:41

3M ago21:41

21:41

“This is a very nice day, yeah. Hugs and kisses all the way to Wisconsin” Not to bury the lead: synthy, new wavey, indie rock favorites, the Pulsars are back and moving forward. Full disclosure: I love this band and have waited decades to hear what band leader Dave Trumfio had to say on this podcast episode. The Pulsars will be releasing more music…

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Troubled Hubble at Bay View Bash (Episode 1079) 18:18

3M ago18:18

18:18

Troubled Hubble is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its wonderful “Making Beds in a Burning House” album, and the band joined me in the car before their (long-rain delayed) set at Bay View Bash in Milwaukee! Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space…

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Devon Kay at Bay View Bash (Episode 1078) 15:52

3M ago15:52

15:52

I’m joined for this episode by “one of Chicago, Illinois' biggest crybabies,” Devon Kay. Devon’s a favorite of mine, and it was fun to connect before the band’s (weather abbreviated) set at the Bay View Bash in Milwaukee. We talked about the band’s Harvey Danger cover, their status as “world’s greatest band,” the latest on their next (ska-free) alb…

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The pinball episode! (Episode 1077) 43:59

3M ago43:59

43:59

Warning: This episode will make you want to play more pinball. This episode was recorded outside the perfectly-curated pinball cafe, Pin Grounds (31 W. Irving Park Rd., Roselle, IL). Thanks to Art for his hospitality, and for opening up on an off night to host this podcast and its guests. Thanks also to Dan Lewis of Easy Automation for hosting this…

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Oops! All talking #3: "I think something's growing in your brain." 18:59

3M ago18:59

18:59

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are taking a break so they’re sending along a few “best of” talkie bits from previous shows for your enjoyment. Walt tells us about his “meat detective” dream. Then they remember the musical they did (or didn’t do) based on their cable TV show. Or not. It’s fuzzy. It might’ve happened. Probably not.…

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Iconic guitarist Kid Congo Powers (Cramps, Nick Cave, Gun Club) talks storied career (Episode 1076) 30:35

3M ago30:35

30:35

Kid Congo Powers is an iconic punk guitarist, wildly inventive solo artist, author, and storyteller. His resume includes legendary runs playing guitar in Gun Club, the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He’s also been doing his own thing for decades, most notably with Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds. He’s a prolific recording artist whose …

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Oops! All talking #2: "Jesus was the original Long John Silver." 17:00

3M ago17:00

17:00

What'd you like? Send us a text. Okay, we seriously needed a break so we’re dropping a “best of” from the archives--- That time we uncovered the truth behind Amelia Earhart’s disappearance and how there was someone with her on the plane! That time we did a show with a young Andy Dick. And then a church on TV calls their viewers “shut-ins.”…

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Gina Barcal is ‘Midwest ‘til the End’ (Episode 1074) 28:34

3M ago28:34

28:34

“I could barely stop from grinnin’, and I’m sorry, Jesus, but tonight I’m sinnin’” Gina Barcal has moved away from her punk and indie roots (Venom Lords, Pillowmints, etc.) to create a solo EP of authentic, no-kidding, Americana songs. “Midwest ‘til the End” comes out on November 7, followed by a show at Fitzgeralds Sidebar on November 8. Well befo…

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Never mind the existential dread, here’s Alexis Plaen (Episode 1073) 34:17

3M ago34:17

34:17

Alexis Plaen releases her sharp, conceptual, and beautifully constructed pop debut, “Enjoy the Void,” on 10/10/25. In advance of that, she joined me for a conversation in Avondale that covered: *The pervasive album themes of existential dread and finding oneself *The devastating (and perhaps suspect) house fire that changed everything for her *The …

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Oops! All talking #1: “You don’t want a bent carrot following you.” 17:05

3M ago17:05

17:05

What'd you like? Send us a text. The Duck Logic guys are taking a much-needed break but didn’t wanna leave their loyal listeners hangin’, so here’s a little replay from the archives--- That time they talked about the pharma commercial with a cure for “crooked carrot” disease and Jim gettin’ lucky with a girl on the kitchen floor. Enjoy!…

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Broken Robots meet challenge of ‘The Great American Struggle’ (Episode 1072) 39:33

3M ago39:33

39:33

I’m out of the car for this one, joining Broken Robots (Kat, Tony, Elix, Anthony, Ari) in the band’s Logan Square home studio for a long overdue conversation. The chat lands days before the release (9/12) of what is arguably their finest moment, “The Great American Struggle.” We talk at length about the meaning and construction of the songs and how…

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Cinematic, avant garde, band Friend of a Friend eats tacos (Episode 1071) 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

Friend of a Friend is the brilliant and inventive musical group powered by Claire Molek and Jason Savsani. Their third album, “Desire!,” came out earlier this year, and it’s moody, atmospheric, at-times unnerving, and gorgeous. I love it. They joined me outside Tacos El Tio in Oak Park (1115 Lake Street) for a conversation about their history, “Des…

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174: "The traditional William Shatner film festival." 25:53

4M ago25:53

25:53

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Living in an empty Hobby Lobby. A used pornography store. Betty Page. Elvis movies for the 21st century. And we question Jim’s “friendship” with the kids in his neighborhood. SKETCHES: Canadian Labor Day. Larry David meets Zendaya. Kenny has a bonfire. Our audio centerfold. And a newsman tells a joke. Plus a f…

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‘If NPR’s Tiny Desk grew up, got day-drunk, and moved to the South Side’ - Wonderlick (Episode 1070) 25:21

4M ago25:21

25:21

I’m joined for this episode by two guys who spent decades turning a smart, biting sense of humor into underground, DIY favorites as part of Too Much Joy, and later… Wonderlick. We talked during the pandemic about Too Much Joy in a standard COVID-era “Zoom” chat… and this time around, I met Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield in person. We met at the wond…

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Live at Legit Dogs + Ice (Episode 1069) 36:58

4M ago36:58

36:58

This episode had a long, strange journey. Recorded at Legit Dogs + Ice in South Elgin less than 48 hours before the restaurant closed for good, this episode features guests Lollygagger, Coyote Man, flowersatherfeet, Chris Baker from Ink 180 and Brennan Weaver/Phil Lisiecki of Wild Dogs Comedy. The recording started an hour later than scheduled, due…

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173: "I fed a banana to a goose." 27:20

4M ago27:20

27:20

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Crappy movie previews. “Poop coffee.” A zoo in Demark that’ll feed your pets to their lions. Farting at Veggie Fest. And Jim tells us about his best moment. SKETCHES: Not-so-monster trucks. Franz Kafta’s bucket list. A song about lawyers. And whale farts.By Duck Logic

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Busy Beaver celebrates 30 years of buttons (Episode 1068) 21:24

4M ago21:24

21:24

Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch is an independent business that’s built a lot of big ideas around a small thing…buttons. They’ve made a stunning 63 million buttons to date. Busy Beaver’s celebrating its 30th anniversary with a party at Color Club on Saturday, September 13: “Hot Dam! We’re 30!” will feature performances by Sharp Pins (GBV set), the Hent…

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Chicago food icon Steve Dolinsky previews Pizza City Fest reset (Episode 1067) 30:55

4M ago30:55

30:55

Steve Dolinsky is synonymous with food in Chicago. He’s won 13 James Beard Awards and I swear his face can be seen on the walls of every restaurant in the city, from dives to fine dining establishments. He’s been part of the media landscape …TV, radio, and podcasting… for over 30 years. He was the Hungry Hound on ABC, the Food Guy on NBC and now he…

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172: "There's no telling where my penis will end up." 27:02

4M ago27:02

27:02

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Billy Jack, Kung Fu, Oddjob, Pale Rider, Buford Pusser. And Lollapalooza. SKETCHES: Pajamas. Dudes in college. A hairbrush that works underwater. Flying Bad Boys.By Duck Logic