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Comedy on the Computer
The funniest podcasts the net has to offer
By Brad White

With Dave Chappelle's absence from Comedy Central and Saturday Night Live in yet another one of it's slumps, the world of comedy is now going underground to video and audio podcasting. If you don't already know, Podcasts are RSS feeds you subscribe to via the Information Super Highway. When a new file, either audio or video, is available, it automatically downloads to your computer, and you don't need an iPod to watch or listen to it.

While any wacko with a $10 Radio Shack mic and an Internet connection can have their own podcast, it also allows for a new breed of comedians to release uncensored material while building an Internet fan-base. I've done the work and weeded out the talentless busters to find a few of today's best video and audio comedy podcasts.

Flapping Crane (Video):
This six-man comedy troop is definitely one of the best video podcasts around. They offer a wide range of skits, from the Laguna Beach parody "Lagayna Beach" to commercial parodies like the Gatorade-esque drink "Rum-Ade," where after replenishing themselves, a friendly game of baseball turns into an all-out brawl. Aside from the top-notch writing, the cast is what really makes this group great. While Eric Page stands out at first glance, it is clear that every member contributes something unique to Flapping Crane. Expect a new skit every week, with much more material on their Web site.

www.flappingcrane.com

Secret Pants (Video):
Another group on the video podcast scene is the Philadelphia-based Secret Pants. The group has roughly 14 members, allowing for a wide variety of characters in their episodes. One of their top sketches is their anti-Drunk Driving campaign. In one ad, a Satanist is seen sacrificing a stuffed duck before fading to white with the text "Merv Rosenblatt, 22, killed by a drunk driver." Another favorite is "En Espanol," where a student opens fire on a Spanish class while the teacher insists that no English is spoken. Expect a new episode every week.

www.secretpants.net

144oz (Audio):
The Minnesota duo of Eric and Skipp are committed to drinking at least a 12-pack of beer during every episode. They begin every episode by proclaiming, "Drink up fuckos," and explain that they're not a podcast about beer, but a podcast on beer. Their talk-radio format shows are typically about an hour long, and they currently have close to 130 episodes available for download. Their unscripted profanity-laden shows involve reminiscing about childhood antics, bashing other podcast hosts, and trying to figure out how they got home the night before. The audio quality is above average and when mistakes do occur during their show, they're quick to cover it up with a "devil can care" attitude. It all makes for a great way to pass the hours at work, just be sure you have headphones. Expect around three new episodes every week. They like to drink.

www.144oz.com

The Garrett Murray Podcast (Audio):
While most podcasts are listened to once and get deleted, this is one you'll want to listen to twice. This semi-scripted show is hosted by Garrett Murray and Shawn Morrison. A newcomer to the podcast scene, the show currently has six half-hour episodes. The banter between Murray and Morrison is very relaxed and the punch lines are perfect. Their signature style of humor is the way that they seamlessly blend subject matter. In episode 2, what began as a discussion about getting a new theme song ended with how homeless people enjoy harmonicas because they can be used as weapons in a "hobo fight.” Expect a new episode every two weeks.

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