Cherry Spitz Comedy

Hello! We're not here anymore...

2011-04-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

At long last Cherry Spitz finally has our very own website!

http://www.cherryspitz.com

Blogger has been our main base of online operations from July of 2009 until early 2011. We've had a lot of fun over the past few years, and these posts will remain as part of the great history of Cherry Spitz. The "PODCASTS" page will still be updated and of course the Twitter feed is still current. Other than that we've pretty much closed up shop here. This is last call.

Thanks for being there for us, Blogger.

And strangely enough, happy 101st post.

Goodbye my friend,
James (on behalf of the team)

Lost Podcast: 80's Movies! (Season 1, Episode 2)

2011-02-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

Let’s take a little journey back to 2009…

Where a ragtag band of comedy hotshots are trying their hand at podcasting...

STARRING: James Stebick, Erik Wargo, Lars Hansen, Tim Gale

What’s up, amigos. James here and we at Cherry Spitz have a treat for you today.

We have unearthed a podcast from our fledgling first season of shows for your listening pleasure. “But website, since you’re a website, can’t I just go back and look up season one of the Cherry Spitz podcast myself?” The answer would be “No, foolish human!” As it turns out, our first season of podcasts are on a feed that we no longer control. There was a fight with Tron, some lightcycles got blown up, it was a big mess – but the point is this: We will be bringing you classic episodes from Season 1 of the Cherry Spitz Podcast you love so much.

On this week’s classic episode, “80′s Movies,” your Spitz heroes (James, Erik, Lars and alumni Tim) take a look at some disturbing movies from the 1980s that were passed of as “children’s films.” Maybe we discuss some of your childhood favorites! Plus we discuss a forgotten classic by John Murray (not to be confused with his slightly more famous actor brother, Brain Doyle-Murray) and we drink some candy booze! Come get a taste of classic podcast goodness.

80's Movies (Lost Season 1 Episode)

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FLASH FACT: This epsiode features the first appearance of what would eventually become our famous sign-off line.

Don’t forget to come see us as we make our long-awaited return to STAGES Theatre in Fullerton this Saturday, February 12th! We will be taking the stage at midnight after the Fly Space show. Tickets are only five dollars, and FREE if you come to the Fly Space show beforehand (which is also 5 bucks). Plus the theater is BYOB so bring a drink and come see your favorite comedy group in action!

See you this Saturday, amigos. Until then, y’all stay classy.

-James

[I'm sorry I sound like death on this podcast.]

Ep. 4.02- Ford Taurus of Solitude

2011-01-29T20:22:00.000-08:00

In our ever-vigilant endeavors to present to you, Dear Listener, the finest in comedic podcastery and robust jackassery, Lars upgrades Catbus Headquarters for another exciting episode. And you'll be so deeply relieved, Dear Loyal Listener, that we FINALLY address the second half of Cyndi Lauper's mega-opus musical video, "The Goonies R All Right". Come on off that ledge, friend, the Spitz are gonna make it all better. Also in this episode, Lars shares what he knows about super heroes emerging in Seattle (which immediately prompts James into planning for a career in super-villainy), Erik and James throw metaphorical wrenches at each others' points, and James takes us through another round of Star Wars Mad Libs. It's another exciting adventure and maybe we'll even find out where One Eyed Willie's gold really is.

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Download-Ford Taurus of Solitude

Related content-

Phoenix Jones and the Rain City Superheroes

The legendary Cyndi Lauper "Goonies R Good Enough" video (The full version because we love you.)

Ep. 4.01 - Downright Sicilian

2011-01-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

We recorded some podcast material that was pure gold... and then we realized it wasn't recording...

And that's where our new episode begins! Hello, loyal fans, it's your handsome hero James here. Welcome to what we are evidently calling Season 4! Hooray!!! Our new podcast opens with Erik informing me that the awesome podcast we thought we had going had not recorded at all. Listen as I take that news poorly. That's right, it's an Erik and James episode!

But that's not all! On this week's show we also talk about other local podcasts we enjoy, the construction happening at Thundergoat Studios, giggling, and the true meaning of the words "CHERRY SPITZ" [Spoiler Alert: It's a lie]. Plus Black Rob shows up to pose another insightful question in a segment we're apparently calling "Rob & a Hard Place."

Download the new episode right over here: Downright Sicilian

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Music breaks provided by HORSE the Band, Primus, Oingo Boingo and The Dead Kenny Gs. Plus we have a BRAND NEW THEME SONG by hip hop superstar and friend of the group Rocom.

Here are some of the podcasts we talked about in the new episodes. Go check em out, but be sure to come back here to us. We get so lonely without you. You know what we like... What were we talking about? Oh yeah, other podcasts. Here are our recommendations:

The Harbinger

The Carl and Josh Show

Podtact

(One time I hit Erik with my invisible car) >>>>>

We have some live shows coming up! Come see us this Sunday January 30th at the Long Beach Play House as part of their Studio Nights. Show starts at 6pm. Also you can see us performing a brand new show at STAGES Theater on February 12th @ midnight. More details on that show coming soon.

Stay tuned, amigos. The Spitz have some rad stuff coming for you real soon. Until then, y'all stay classy.

-James

[Embrace the pods.]

Ep. 3.12 - 2010 Holiday Leftovers: Part 2

2011-01-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

So what did YOU have for Portuguese breakfast?

Ahoy hoy, loyal Spitz fans! Today we clean out our last bit of Holiday Leftovers in a podcast that's way more than just refried bits from other episodes. Join your buddies James, Kat, Erik, Black Rob, and The Dude Von Dude from the Harbinger podcast as they discuss the hard-hitting issues. This episode's topics include the beautiful and endangered pinball machine, the Street Fighter versus Mortal Kombat argument, the top movies of 2010, Steinbeck breastfeeding scenes, and names that sound like genitals. Plus regional sex acts and we all sing Journey's "Seperate Ways" off tempo.

Download: 2010 Holiday Leftovers Part 2

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Audio goodness provided by various old videogames, Lovage, the cast of the Venture Bros, Portugal the Man, the Ramones (live), Beck, Black Flag, Journey, Daft Punk, and Kelly D.

"Nobody has a steamer like Cleveland." - Black Rob

Thanks again to all of you for supporting our weird little Ha-Ha show here. We hope you enjoy all of our podcasts. And stay tuned, amigos. We've got some awesome news coming real soon for all of you wonderful Spitz fans. Until then, y'all stay classy.

-James

[Jeff Hardy's title belt IS gay.]

Ep. 3.11 - 2010 Holiday Leftovers: Part 1

2011-01-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

2010 is over and we need to clear out our inventory, so we're bringing back the Holiday Leftover series with chunks of audio from the previous year that didn't make it into a full episode. It's primarily Spitz members James, Erik and Kat with regular guests Black Rob and The Dude Von Doom. We talk MC Chris, Compton, Predator, Black Dynamite, Bubba The Love Sponge, Jurassic Park, 90s Warner Brothers Cartoons and argue over which 16-bit system didn't show blood on their copy of Mortal Kombat.

Lots of music and audio drops!

See you soon with part 2 and some announcements regarding actual live shows!

Ep. 3.10 - Aquachicken

2011-01-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

Cherry Spitz wishes you a Happy Hangover Day on this joyous 1-1-11! And to nurse those dogs barking in your head, how about listening to us yapping and howling about all the nonsense 2010 brought us.

In the aftermath of Christmas carnage, the gang gets together to lick their egg-nog induced wounds. In this installment we hear from Kat, Matt, James, myself, and special guest brother Kjel from some damn bay area hippy town up north.

Here's a picture of him in his Sunday best.

Kjel recounts exciting stories from up north featuring his work in semi-urban amateur taxidermy and trap setting. Yes, folks, we're going deep into the psyche of a dangerously unstable individual. Also, James introduces a new bit based on everyone's favorite Star Wars about libs what are mad. Sorry, it hard to type- there's an owl in my brain and it won't stop hooting.

Get your sobering sound experience right here- Ep. 3.09- Aquachicken

Related links- Here are the links to some of the websites we cover in this installment

Hipster Hitler

Wunnaweeks- featuring work from Adam Fischer and Danny Ricker of Comedysportz Los Angeles.

Red Letter Media-

Have a prosperous New Year, dear listener. We look forward to entertaining the hell out of you in 2011.

Ep. 3.09 - James Really Phones It In

2010-12-30T23:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, guys!

As the year comes to a close, Cherry Spitz is back, once again, with another episode for your audio funnels. And this time, The Harbinger's The Dude Von Doom soberly traverses the rainbow bridge and returns to our shores.

Join Erik, a freshly tattoo'd Kat and by way of Skype, James, as we dive into what ruled and sucked about Tron: Legacy.

Also, Black Rob swings by the studio to test our psyches. How much do you love your dog? Your legs? Your areolas? Find out when you enter a world where B-Rob is all powerful!

If that weren't enough, we call out DJ AM for the dead hack that he is!

Episode 3.8 - James Really Phones It In

For more in depth discussion on all things Tron, please check out fellow Thundergoat Studios podcast: The Harbinger! Specifically, the episode posted below.

The Harbinger #615 - Tron: Delineation and Televisions

Ep 3.08 - EPISODE 50!

2010-12-10T16:51:00.000-08:00

"This is by far the sexiest podcast we have ever done." - James Stebick

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the internet event over a year-and-a-half in the making. This is the 50th Cherry Spitz Podcast. That's right, 50 episodes! And you better believe we're just getting started...

The Cherry Spitz Podcast: The 50th Episode

{NOTE: There's an audio fuck-up between 7:18-9:25. It's a chiptune issue that we just can't clean up. Sorry guys. Fortunately it's just for 2 minutes. Just tell yourself we meant it to sound like that.}

For this monumental occasion we welcome two esteemed colleagues and friends as our guests: Josh Nicols and Alex Herrera from the Lobby Improv! The Lobby has been a friend of the Spitz for a long time and you can find more about Josh and Alex at The Lobby website. The boys join Spitz legends Lars, James, Tony, Erik, and Ify in some of the funniest stuff you will ever pour in your ear.

"I would rather have a kid than wear a condom." - Josh Nicols

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: The horror/miracle of childbirth, imaginary dictators, Rule 34, classic beat'em up videogames, fun albums to put in Teddy Ruxpin, and why do the Flinstones celebrate Christmas? All that PLUS Ify has a "Coon Story", Lars explains old-timey currency, Tony has jungle fever, and Erik reads from the Twitter page of a modern poet. This is one killer episode.

We also talk briefly about "One Night in Bangkok," which is one of the most epic songs of all time. If you have never seen nor heard the raw power that is "One Night in Bangkok" then your life has not truly begun until NOW:

"Two things I know about the Irish: They don't like drinking, and they don't like fighting." - Alex Herrera

And since we're seven dudes talking, we inevitably get to the topics of Rocky and sex. We talk a lot of sex on this weeks episode. Where's the best place YOU'VE ever gotten down? We go around the room and share our answers.

"I did not understand anything you just said." - Anthony Najera

Do you wish you could follow Cherry Spitz' own Ifechukwude Ijeoma Nwadiwe on Twitter? Well good news! You can find him at twitter.com/ifdeez. And good luck to you with that. Soon enough you'll be reading such brilliance as "Driving while masturbating should be a sport, because I'm playing it now and winning."

We at Cherry Spitz would like to thank all of you wonderful people for your support. We have had a lot of kicks (both above and below the waistline, sunshine!) making these first 50 podcasts. We've learned a lot. Thank you all for playing along with us. Things are only getting bigger and better from here. Stay tuned amigos. Here's to 50 more.

Cheers,
James

[Seriously, what deal with pterodactyl?]

Ep. 3.07- FreedomCAST Part 2

2010-11-22T20:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, our brave fighting men and women have to look for a capable individual to look out after them. Sometimes, America needs a hero.

Instead, you get this guy....

But seriously, don't let this man's charming demeanor fool you; Chuck Farrell fights for America and let's just say you're lucky he's on your side. In this installment, James and myself it captivated by Chuck's return and his tales of Naval adventure in the Caribbean. We learn such important skills as: which whorehouse is most classy in Columbia, how to subdue a drunk marine using playground tactics, and how to effectively wreck expensive military equipment. Hell, we're thinking of enlisting right now if we didn't have all those pesky warrants out for us.

In case you haven't heard the previous Freedomcast, Chuck is our good buddy who happens to be a globetrotting, Army-reserve medic. He goes around the world patching up all sorts of exotic people.

In this episode as well, James and I discuss with Chuck how we felt the Improv Cup wrapped up.

C'mon, soldier! Do your duty for your country and listen to this shit!

Ep. 3.07- D-House- FreedomCast Part 2

And stay tuned for the holiday season with your favorite Spitzers! Stay cozy out there kittens.

-Lars

Sloppy Seconds!

2010-11-16T22:25:00.001-08:00

[Kevin Stevenson, Blaire Byhower, Erik Wargo, Tim Gale, Kat Shea, Lars Hansen, James Stebick, and Ifechukwude "Ify" Nwadiwe]

Last weekend the first Orange County Improv Cup was held in Fullerton, and Cherry Spitz showed why we are the greatest comedy group of all time. Countless improv matches were held over the two-day event, and in the end over 1400 dollars was raised for the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. We at Cherry Spitz wanted to thank Josh Nicols and the amazing people at The Lobby Improv and STAGES Theatre for organizing such an epic event. There are hundreds of pictures of the whole two-day tournament posted at the Orange County Improv Cup Facebook page.

Night 1 saw all 16 teams performing before a panel of guest judges from the ACME Comedy Theatre. These judges would be scoring all 64 players based on creativity, teamwork, and the quality of their scenes. The brackets for Night 2 would be determined by how these judges ranked the top 10 teams.

At the end of the night the Broken Seals (sorry Egon!), the Tasty Cocks (still the best team name), the Chocolate Reindeer, the Berlin Wallabies, the Limber Kittens, and the Robo-Raptors were eliminated. The top 10 teams were then seeded based on their rankings by the ACME judges. Here's how that shook out. (Click to enlarge)

Here's how the rest of the tournament went:

The FOUNDING FLOUNDERS (Blaire's team!) defeated the ADJECTIVE ANIMALS to advance to the Elite Eight.

The GASSY COWS defeated the SPARK PUGS to advance to the Elite Eight.

+Quarterfinals+

The DAPPER DINGOES defeated the POWERFUL PONIES (Ify and Jeff's team!) to advance to the semifinals.

The SLOPPY BLOWFISH (James and Lars' team!) defeated the FOUNDING FLOUNDERS (sorry Blaire!) to advance to the semifinals.

The OPULENT OCTOPI (Kat, Tim, and Kevin's team!) defeated the GASSY COWS to advance to the semifinals.

The RAINBOW UNICORNS defeated the DEVOLVING APES to advance to the semifinals.

The Final 4 teams

+Semifinals+

The SLOPPY BLOWFISH defeated the DAPPER DINGOES to advance into the Finals!

The RAINBOW UNICORNS defeated the OPULENT OCTOPI to advance into the Finals.

+The Final Showdown+

In what could easily be the upset of the century the RAINBOW UNICORNS defeated SLOPPY BLOWFISH in the final round of the Orange County Improv Cup. That's right, Apollo Creed beat Rocky.

The Daily Titan (Cal State Fullerton news) did a peace on the Cup, and even got footage of the final results being announced. Check it out.

[it's quick, but you can totally see how crushed me and Lars are at 1:21]

When all was said and done Cherry Spitz teams placed 6th, 5th, 3rd, and 2nd in the Improv Cup. Yes, it would have been nice to bring home the gold but alas that was not our fate this year. The Rainbow Unicorns (Tony Rey, Jill Tsai, Kristen Sanchez, and Staci Pratt, and yes we actually lost to a team called the "Rainbow Unicorns") were a great team and they played some really good improv. We at Cherry Spitz are glad they are the champions no matter how much it physically pains me to even type these sentences. Real blinding pain. Seriously though, great work you guys. We at the Spitz are looking forward to seeing more of you.

The OC Improv Cup was such a success that next year's event has already been booked. That's right, Spitz fans! We will see you back in Fullerton at STAGES Theatre on November 11th-12th 2010 for the Second Annual Orange County Improv Cup! And we all remember what happens in Rocky 2, right?

-James

[Training for next year's Cup has already begun]

THE ORANGE COUNTY IMPROV CUP: November 12-13

2010-11-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

64 of Southern California's best and most talented performers will come to play. In the end, 60 will fall. Who will be named Orange County's best?!?

On November 12th and 13th Cherry Spitz will be taking part of an epic event known as the Orange County Improv Cup. The fine gentlemen at The Lobby Improv have organized this two-day tournament to find the best improv players in all of Southern California. All of SoCal's top teams have sent representatives and when all is said and done we will know who is the best of the best.

The Improv Cup begins on Friday November 12th at STAGES Theater in Fullerton at 7pm (stagesoc.org). There are 16 teams playing and the opening night will see the teams pair up and perform in 30 minute sets. Judges from the ACME Comedy Theater will be judging the teams as they perform and the top 10 will move onto Day 2. It's important to check the schedule and see what matches you want to see live. Tickets for each of the divisions of matches(Green and Blue) in the opening round are only 5 bucks! Plus, 30 VIP passes will be available on Day 1 (and only Day 1) for the entire weekend of the Improv Cup. 25 dollars for a VIP pass will get you more live comedy than you ever though imaginable. Best of all, proceeds from the show will be going to Hole in the Wall Camps, a charity dedicated to children with serious illnesses. Come see Southern California's best comic talents do battle with one another... for charity!

The teams have been randomly drawn and the first round brackets have been posted. Here's how Friday night is going to go:

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Here's a more detailed break-down of when you can see your favorite Spitz members during the opening night of the Improv Cup.

TEAM 2: The Opulent Octopi
Kat Shea(Cherry Spitz), Tim Gale (Cherry Spitz Alumni), Kevin Stevenson (Cherry Spitz Alumni), and Eddie Zamora (Safety Safari).
Playing TEAM 9(The Powerful Ponies) on friday November 12th at 7:30pm.

TEAM 5: The Founding Flounders
Blaire Byhower (Cherry Spitz), Lindsay Henkenius (Safety Safari), Linda McDaniel (Comedy Kaze), and Adrian Terborg.
Playing TEAM 8(The Tasty Cocks) on friday November 12th at 8:30pm.

TEAM 7: The Broken Seals
Erik Wargo (Cherry Spitz), Steven Jones (Safety Safari), Sam Forbes, and Blake Keller.
Playing TEAM 12(The Limber Kittens) on friday November 12th at 10:00pm.

TEAM 8: The Tasty Cocks
Anthony Najera (Cherry Spitz), Tyler X. Koontz (Safety Safari), Ryan Herrera (The Fornicators of Comedy, The Fly Zone), and Andy Sharp (Fornicators of Comedy).
Playing TEAM 5(The Founding Flounders) on friday November 12th at 8:30pm.

TEAM 9: The Powerful Ponies
Ify Nwadiwe (Cherry Spitz), Jeff Echegoyan (Comedy Sportz LA College Team, friend of Cherry Spitz), LeShawn Holcomb, and Jeffrey Larson.
Playing TEAM 2(The Opulent Octopi) on friday November 12th at 7:30pm.

TEAM 14: The Sloppy Blowfish
James Stebick (Cherry Spitz), Lars Hansen (Cherry Spitz), Chase Hooper (The Lobby), and DJ O'Hea (The Lobby, The Fornicators of Comedy).
Playing TEAM 13(The Rainbow Unicorns) on friday November 12th at 10:30pm.

We can't wait to see all of our awesome fans there. Cherry Spitz is looking forward to kicking ass and taking names... all for charity, of course. All of us are super excited to be working with all of these different teams from across Southern California. Will Cherry Spitz prove once and for all that they are the best in West? Probably! You'll have to come to the Improv Cup to find out for sure! See y'all there.

-James

[Word is Sloppy Blowfish is the odds-on favorite.]

EDITORS NOTE: If I spelled anybodys name wrong or posted the incorrect group affiliation feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email. Or don't. I don't care.

Episode 3.06 - Pretentious Music Critics + HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Hello boys and ghouls! That's right, it's me, James, and I'm doing this post Cryptkeeper style. Happy Halloween to all of you in the Cherry Spitz universe. What kind of treats do we have for you? A brand new podcast! If you listen closely you can hear us eating Halloween candy throughout the whole episode.

In this week's episode Erik, Ify, Kat, and myself talk a whole bunch of music. Everything from awesome break-up albums and killer collaborations to badass songs from cartoons. Horror movie icon Jigsaw stops by to talk about his new movie and how much he loves to use his Slap-Chop. Get ready to write down some recipes. Plus an argument over the awesomeness of "Highway to the Dangerzone" threatens to tear the group apart.

Music by Jay-Z, Jaydiohead, Dangermouse, The Beatles/Wu-Tang, Notorious BIG, Radiohead, Sublime, Nine Inch Nails, Kenny Loggins, NOFX, and the combined efforts of AC/DC and Ray Parker Jr.

ALSO! Check back tomorrow for information about the upcoming Orange County Improv Cup. We will have the first round brackets posted as well as all the different teams posted. The Improv Cup will be November 12-13th at STAGES Theater in Fullerton. The Lobby (friends of the Spitz) are hosting this epic event and the proceeds are going to a great charity, Hole in the Wall Camps.

Well that's all I got for now. Be sure to check back tomorrow for all you need to know about the Improv Cup, including when your favorite Spitz members will be performing. It's gonna be rad. Until then, y'all have a great Halloween. Stay classy and safe.

Master of SCAREmonies,
James

Episode 3.05 - Lithgow Strength

2010-10-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

Look alive!

Good to see you, amigos. James here and do I have some good news for you: Brand. New. Podcast. Super radness just for you. This week's podcast isn't just good, it's LITHGOW STRENGTH good! And that's just the beginning...

We at Cherry Spitz are happy to welcome our newest member Kat Shea to the podcast! That's right, a G-G-G-GIRL (no to be confused with a g-g-g-ghost).

We also continue to display what awesome dudes we are by proving we know a second female. On this episode of the podcast we get to know our newest member by openly mocking her past and how she found her way to the Spitz. Welcome aboard, Kat!

She knows what she's doing.

You may be asking yourself "What does John Lithgow, one of America's finest and most talented actors, have to do with this week's episode of the Cherry Spitz podcast?" You'll have to listen to find out.

He clearly likes it. Plus Erik is gay for his phone, we talk about our Halloween show, and Lars and I do some schtick. Give it a whirl:

Music by Raffi, Cee-Lo, and Mr. T. This is one of the weirder soundtracks we've had in awhile.

And here's a little something for those of you who missed our recent Halloween show.

From L to R: Guest host Kevin Setevenson, Matt (as Spiderman), Ify (as Kratos in a suit), Blaire (as Marty McFly), Tony (as a ghostbuster), Lars (as a wizard), James (as Han Solo), Kat (as Velma), and DJ Poptart.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Happy Halloween! Stay tuned for more upcoming live show dates. Now you can get back to working on that costume of your favorite member of Cherry Spitz.

Seasons blessings,
James

[My "Ify" costume is going to be amazing.]

Cherry Spitz Comedy: Ep. 3.04.5 - Blorange! (Part 2)

2010-10-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hey gang! It's time for part two of our epic journey into the mouth of madness: Blorange!

We debate which is manlier: A Jamboree or a Camporee. Then Lars decides to relieve himself in the middle of the show and then Erik loses his shit on mic.

Also! Find out how you can make it to the VIP section of our next show at the Art Theatre on October 14th!

A Spitzmare on Cherry Street!

2010-10-03T13:22:00.001-07:00

OCTOBER 14TH @ 9pm @ THE ART THEATRE OF LONG BEACH!

Ep. 3.04 - Blorange! (Part 1)

2010-09-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

Who's ready for a piping hot bowl of awesome?

Not only do we have a new podcast for you, but it's part 1 of a massive two-part rockstravaganza. Join Lars, Erik, and James (aka the guy typing this) as we create "Blorange," the greatest invention ever. What the hell is Blorange? You'll have to tune in to find out! Fans of Lars and bleeps will be very happy with this episode.

Since we haven't podcast in two months we have a lot of ground to cover. Lars regales us with stories of his recent travels: Fighting 'round the world, rescuing Canada, and getting engaged at Burning Man. Erik sheds some light on some of the twisted shit he was forced to do in Boy Scouts. Plus Black Rob stops by and tells us about a record-setting suicide he concocted recently. What could that mean? Check out Part 1 of Blorange:

And how exactly did Lars trick his girl Kelly into agreeing to marry him? With Erik and my help, of course! Check out this video we all put together as part of Lars' grand proposal scheme. It's romantic AND a cautionary tale. Enjoy.

You're probably saying to yourself "Wow! These guys are awesome! Where can I see them perform live?" Well good news!

Saturday October 2nd, Long Beach: Come see Cherry Spitz stars Blaire Byhower and James Stebick at the All American Melodrama Theater in Long Beach as they join Laughing Stock Development for their Special Guest Show! Blaire and myself will be doing improv along with LSD (friends of the Spitz!) and several other distinguished guests. Show starts at 10pm and the theater is located in Long Beach's lovely Shoreline Village. It's gonna be great. Check out Laughing Stock Development at their website.

Thursday October 7th, Santa Monica: Cherry Spitz will be opening for Orange County's own Knights of Comedy at the Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica. The Knights have been doing comedy for (almost) as long as the Spitz and we are excited to be getting a chance to do our thing in their theater. Check out the Westside Comedy Theater here. Come see Cherry Spitz performing with the Knights of Comedy in Santa Monica at 8pm.

Thursday October 14th, Long Beach: Once again back it's the incredible Cherry Spitz at The Art Theatre in Long Beach! We are all stoked to be returning to our amazing new homebase, The Art. On Thursday October 14th we will be presenting "Improv on Cherry Street," a Halloween based show to celebrate this awesome time of year. Those of you who were at our last show at the Art know how awesome Cherry Spitz can be live and in full effect. And we promise this show will be even better than the last one! So come on down to the Art Theatre of Long Beach at 9pm to see the best damn live comedy you will find anywhere. Yeah I said it.

Well I'm spent. Come back later this week and we will have part 2 of "Blorange!" all ready for you. In that episode we reveal a super cool contest for all of you beautiful people coming to the show on Oct 14th. Spoiler Alert: You totally want to win this contest. Until then, y'all stay classy.

-James

["Clowns are just transvestites who don't stop."- Patton Oswalt]

This is What We Do

2010-09-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Spitz fans,

Giant-sized thank you to everyone that came out to see us at the Art Theatre in Long Beach. We had a blast and would like to thank the Art Theatre for having us (now that we finally realized we had been spelling 'Theatre' wrong). Big sloppy hugs and kisses go out to our guest performers Josh Nicols of The Lobby and Jeff Echegoyen of the Comedy Sportz LA College Team. Excellent work guys. And how could I not thank our incredible musical guests Bonafide Audio? They rocked the party like you wouldn't believe. Gentlemen, it was an honor and a pleasure. But most importantly THANK YOU. Yes, you. You beautiful wonderful people who support this comedy thing we do. We're only the best because you make us the best.

Yes, high fives all around.

For those of you weren't there to witness the face-melting awesomeness of the show in person, here's the video we used to open the show. Please to enjoy...

For the freshest hip hop straight out of Venice California you gots to check out Bonafide Audio. The brilliant music of MC Goofie and Dr. Miles Arnold can be found on their Facebook and Myspace pages. Yes, Myspace still exists. Bonafide Audio has the dopest rhymes and can rock a show straight a capella if they gotta. They are welcome to kick it with us anytime.

This November friend of the Spitz Josh Nicols and his crew The Lobby are putting on a great improv event for charity. The Orange County Improv Cup is a two-day shortform improv tournament that will be happening November 12-13 at STAGES Theater in Fullerton (Cherry Spitz' old stomping grounds). It's going to be great. The Lobby has got performers coming from all of Southern California's various improv groups and organizations, including Cherry Spitz. Plus the money raised will be going toward Hole in the Wall Camps, an organization that provides summer camps for terminally ill children completely free of charge to the kids and their families. It's going to be a great show and all to support a great cause. More information about the Improv Cup can be found at The Lobby website. Come see Cherry Spitz take home the gold this November 12-13 in Fullerton. That's right, we're in it to win it. Just because it's for charity doesn't mean it's not on like Donkey Kong.

And finally, a bit of sad news. Comedy Sportz Los Angeles is facing closure at the end of October. For those of you who aren't familiar with CSzLA, they are an improv comedy Theater in Hollywood that has been putting on the longest running production in all of Los Angeles with their weekly improv shows. It's a great organization and actually where a lot of us in the Spitz first learned improv (myself included). They are trying to raise enough money to stay open. It would be a real shame to have a great improv organization like Comedy Sportz LA disappear. For tickets and information please check out ourloyalfans.com. We at Cherry Spitz are damn sure going to do our part to try and save this truly great part of the LA comedy community. We hope you do the same.

Well I think that about wraps it up, amigos. Thanks again to everyone who came out to the Art Theatre to see us do what we do. We hope to see you all again at our next show. We will be back at the Art on Thursday October 14th, so mark your calenders now. Our next show will be even more kickass than the last, I promise. Until then, y'all stay classy.

Rock on,
James

September Show!

2010-08-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

Ep. 3.03- Clubber Dang!

2010-07-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yeaaaaaah boi! Dropping this fresh podcast a little bit earlier in the week cause I know ya gotta jam. Dig it!

Why am I typing like a bad strip club DJ? Because in this podcast, Ify takes us through some of his misadventures in the LA club scene. In this installment, James, Tony, Matt, Ify and myself get together to talk pod after a long improv practice at the D House. After we cover Ify's club stories with a reluctant Matt and a spastic Jeff, the podcast degenerates into our usual rantings over crappy summer movies, non-masculine leading men, and the odd natures of McDonald's characters.

Check it yo! You gotta get this funky fresh set right here- Ep. 3.03- Clubber Dang!

Cheers,

Lars

Ep 3.2 - Thundergoat - Trippin' on Hos

2010-07-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

It’s the first Thundergoat session of the new season and we kick things off with a bang as Erik welcomes OC-based indie rap superstar Rocom and legendary Death Row Records founder and all around scary motherfucker Suge Knight.

Music Buffers:
XOXO by Rocom
Too Cold by Vanilla Ice
Bloody Drunk by Closed Heart Surgery

VIDEOS!!

2010-07-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

I like to hold members of Cherry Spitz and The Harbinger against their will and make them do horrible things on camera.

Ep. 3.1- D-House- Queensbury Rules!

2010-07-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Season Three of the Cherry Spitz Podcast. In this auspicious event, James, Erik and I banter on over my very special list. No, not my enemies list- that’s would take at least three podcasts to get through (Die in a fire, Kevin Pereira). This is my Top 10 Most Important Fight Scenes list. Take a download, have a listen.

Download- Ep. 3.1 Queensbury Rules!.

10. Cool Hand Luke- Luke vs. Dragline

In an age before sports science gone awry and personal trainers turning our Hollywood elite into yoked-out freakbeasts for the silver screen, there were real men. The new trend in making Hollywood leading men is to put them on the fast track to looking as ripped and big as possible. I cite Ryan Reynolds, Gerard Bulter, and Jake Gyllenhaal just to name a few. These guys look good on camera, but I feel like we’re not buying it as much as an audience anymore when they look too perfect. We’re not looking at King Leonidas on screen, but rather thinking to ourselves, “Jeezus, Gerard Bulter got fucking ripped for this role.”
Therefore, dear reader, I present to you something a little more grounded. This classic fight between Paul Newman and George Kennedy illustrates that visceral realism of a fist fight between two believable combatants. Dragline, the biggest, meanest guy in a Georgia prison dukes it out with Luke, the smaller yet fiery upstart. Luke is outmatched, but he refuses to back down up to the point where Dragline has respect for his indomitable spirit. These two fighters also look how they should look: sweaty, built physiques that are products of hard labor in the Southern sun. This detail really helps draw you into believing this fight.
I pray to the gods above that this movie is never remade. I picture the remade version of this fight featuring Matthew McConaughey fresh off a six-week program with some top personal trainer fighting the current MMA sensation of the time. Jump cut to an extended ground and pound, octagon-esque, mulit-angled choreographed sequence all pulsing to the beat of whatever Nickelback is producing nowadays. That’s were I think Hollywood and us as an audience are missing the point in fight scenes: the spirit of Luke is gone.

9. Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome- Max vs. Blaster in the Thunderdome

“Two men enter, one man leave.” How can it get any better than this? Admittidly, the third installment of the Mad Max series does take a much crappier turn once we actually get beyond Thunderdome into the world of Never Never Land full of tiny blonde-haired littluns. Seriously, where were the adults in the secod half of that movie? Someone had to fuck to make all those little toe-headed toddlers and judging by the sheer maginitude of Aussie lost boys, there was a whole lot of fucking going on before Max stumbled into that lost vale of box office poison. Why would you ever want to get beyond this wonderful place of post-apocalyptia where men can settle their disputes in a gladiator pit on bungee cords? It’s the American Dream realized (by Australians no less) with all the pizzazz of “fill in the blank of current hit game show”. I have to give this fight scene mad props just based on the innovation of the time. If I had seen this in the theatre when I was a little lad of twelve, I’d be out on the jungle gym the next day with bungee cords hooked into my armpits and a baseball bat in my hands waiting to settle some scores with anyone who looked at me sideways. Yeah, I didn’t have too many friends when I was twelve. Bottom line: its a stylized (but not Crouching Tiger stylized), gladiator fight with action that seems actually plausible which just leaves the viewer wishing that we could just hurry up already and get to the actual post-apocalypse before we’re too old to pick up a chainsaw.

8. Evil Dead 2- Ash vs. his hand

Before Sam Raimi directed slobberknocking super-hero battles in the Spiderman movies, he honed his skillful craft in the horror/comedy masterpieces known as Evil Dead. Here, the immortal Bruce Campbell demonstrates that you don’t necessarily need another person to make a totally bitchin’ fight scene. In the scene, our hero Ash fights his own possessed right hand as it relentlessly bashes, punches, and even judo-flips him into submission. Or does it? You feel a strange sense of retribution as Ash gets the upper, well, hand on his adversary at the end. It’s a perfect blend of the Exorcist meets The Three Stooges.

7. Raising Arizona- H.I. McDounagh vs. Gale

I’d say this particular fight is a Rosetta Stone of sorts for other fight scenes to come. The Cohen Brothers are most definitely the masters of off beat storytelling and in this scene between H.I. and Gale, we see a very unique sort of melee. H.I. is scrappy, but essentially harmless. Only when he realizes that he’s going to have to stop the much bigger Gale from stealing his rightfully stolen baby, he clumsily charges into the fray. Gale is big, clumsy, and not too bright, but John Goodman in any Cohen Brothers always portrays an unstoppable force. One could argue that the trailer where the fight takes place in acts as a third opponent. I still crack up every time I see Nicholas Cage scrape his knuckles on the low ceiling as he goes for the ol’ hammer blow. I like to think that Tarantino gives homage to this scene in Kill Bil Vol. 2 where Elle Driver and Beatrix Kiddo square off in Bud’s trailer. My only complaint with this fight is I feel its over too quick. The Cohen’s had given us something new to work with and in my number six choice, I think you’ll see its progression.

6. Pineapple Express- Dale and Saul vs. Red

In this epic and chaotic brawl, Dale and Saul attempt to keep their friend Red from calling the drug kingpin who’s out to kill them. What is particularly enjoyable about this scene is a sense of objective besides just beating up the other guy. All Dale and Saul want to do is get the phone away from Red by any means necessary. Watch this video back to back with the Raising Arizona one and you’ll start to see parallels. First, we have the massive amount of collateral damage in a relatively tight space. My two favorite sick bumps are Red’s breaking of the toilet with his flying head and Saul’s incredible Jedi-esque coup de grace with the bong. Even the interior colors are close to that of H.I.’s trailer. The second Arizonian factor to watch for is, again, we have some unskilled and clumsy people really giving it their all to kick the shit out of one another. Lastly, this fight has the prize- the winning objective. In Raising Arizona, Gale’s dopey sidekick Evelle hides with the baby in the bathroom. Also in Pineapple Express, Dale attempts to lock down the prize, this time it’s a phone, in a bathroom.
One other thing I’ll mention is the wild dialogue in this scene. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the phrase “Holy cock!” yelled with such urgency in, well, any movie.

5. Kill Bill Vol. 1- Bride vs. O-ren Ishii

I tried hard to not put any Hong Kong cinema pieces on my list. While, I like a good chop socky sequence as much as the next ninja, I don’t think they have the same memorable or meaningful power as the ones on my list. In my opinion, however, Tarantino is a master at taking genre and molding it into the mainstream. This duel uses the power of tension to keep us engaged. It takes several minutes before O-ren or the Bride even attacks, yet the sweeping horns jam in the soundtrack and their gazes lock on each other like true samurai. There’s a real blend of Spaghetti Western and Kurosawa film in this piece. Our minds our going wild as we imagine what must be going through these characters’ heads.
On a deeper level, this fight exemplifies the quality of respect and honor. Both of these fighters are locked in a duel to the death, but they still carry the decorum of Bushido. O-ren gives the slightest of bows to her opponent and at the point where she thinks she has won, she offers the Bride the chance to commit seppuku and kill herself with honor. When O-ren is cut by the Bride, she realizes she was acting too egotistical and makes a sincere apology for mocking her. It’s hard to find a scene like this that so ingeniously mixes style, action, character development, and theme so eloquently.

4. Aliens- Ripley vs. Queen

I figured this list needed a little bit of sci-fi added to it to round it out. However, out of all the fights on this list, I believe this one exemplifies the idea of “raising the stakes.” In the world of Aliens its “game over man” if a human tries to go hand to hand with a regular alien let alone the Queen. They all got mouths on top of mouths, sharp claws, acid blood, and no want or need for diplomacy. So what do you do when you got the mad mammajamma of all aliens crawling around your starship and about to devour your young, plucky child sidekick? Simple. You put on a power lifter suit and bitch slap her into the unforgiving vacuum of space.

3. Chronicles of Riddick- Riddick vs. Lord Marshall

Okay, I know dear reader, you probably are going to fight me on this one. You’re going to tell me that Vin Diesel is a hack actor. You’re going to tell me that Chronicles of Riddick was a shit movie. And to that I will ask the simple question- what part of “balls to the wall action” do you not understand? Alright, let’s pose it to you this way. Remember when you were in middle school and you were bored as fuck in math class so you started doodling machine guns and starships in the margins of your college ruled paper? Remember the crazy scenarios you would imagine in your head as explosions rang out in your head in a desperate attempt to drown out whatever the hell Mr. Morrison was droning on about (what the hell is a hypotenuse anyway)? That’s what Riddick is, but brought to life in a movie that never blinks in how ridiculous the action is.
I can’t for the life of me fid a clip online of this epic fight between Riddick and the last boss of this epic game, er, movie. The Lord Marshall has crazy Donnie Darko warping powers with the ability to teleport all around the cunning Riddick. Luckily for Riddick, he is a badass. Picture Conan the Barbarian in space combined with elements of Street Fighter (the game not the abortion of a movie) but played as straight faced as possible. Oh snap!

2. They Live- Nada vs. Frank

I sincerely hope this movie makes it into the National Archives so that when the bombs drop, we’ll have this treasure of a movie saved for our radiated mutant children to watch and be astonished. For the first awesome factor, let’s start with the actors. Rowdy Roddy Piper is bat-shit crazy and a total real life badass; Keith David is tough as nails and is the voice of motherfucking Goliath of Disney’s Gargoyles fame. In this scene, the entire movie comes to a grinding halt as Piper’s character Nada tries to convince his buddy Frank that there are aliens in disguise all around them and only his special sunglasses can make them visible. Seems like a simple request. I mean, Nada’s not trying to stuff a magical suppository up Frank’s ass to make the aliens appear. However, it might as well be a suppository because what follows is one of the longest, knock-down, drag-out, back alley, bare-knuckled brawls in movie history. It drags out for a solid six minutes of pure head trauma on both combatants. I’ve hear rumor that because of Roddy’s pro-wrestling background, much of this fight is improvised and the actors aren’t pulling their punches much which makes this fight even more special. And how can you not like Roddy’s finishing suplex on the hard concrete?

1. Old Boy- Oh Dae-su vs. everyone in a hallway

I can’t even really tell you why this fight breaks out in this complex Hong Kong story of revenge, mystery, and psychodrama. And you know what? It doesn’t matter. My number one choice is so powerful, so hypnotic, it’ll burn into your memory forever. Oh Dae-su battles a whole gang of baddies in a long, narrow hallway with nothing but a claw hammer and a hell of a lot of fury. This scene is genius. Despite being outnumbered about fifteen to one, the narrow hallway makes it so Oh Dae-su fight only two to three opponents at a time. This factor adds a frightening realism to the fight. It’s a cliché in Hong Kong cinema to watch one guy fight a whole gang of people that inexplicably come at him one at a time. Secondly, this fight is brutal. Oh Dae-su is a badass, but he’s got his limits. He get beat down several times but keeps swinging even to the point where he’s up with a knife sticking out of his back. The slow side-scroll brings a feeling of a classic side-scrolling beat ‘em up video game like Final Fight. Then, you realize that as the camera pans, you’ve been watching this brutal scene all in one take!

Well folks, there’s my list. Like what you read? Have comments? Want to settle a dispute with me in Thunderdome? Leave a comment here then you candyass. Be sure to keep coming back to our little corner of the internet too for some tasty podcasts and articles.

[Kick ass. Chew bubblegum]

-Lars

It's coming...

2010-06-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

...and there's not a damn thing you can do about it.

Ep. 2.11- Catbus Show Part 2

2010-04-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hot damn! It's time now for the second half of our epically lazy Sunday broadcast from last week. It's a good one for sure. There are ninjas AND vikings involved in this one and all hell breaks loose over: Disney princesses, Black Rob's apparent lack of posing good arguments, and a masterful George Takei chorus.

Get all your warm fuzzies right here- Ep. 2.11 Cat Bus Show Part 2

Ep. 2.10- Catbus Headquaters Special Part 1

2010-04-19T21:06:00.001-07:00

From the mysterious, hidden location of the inscrutable Catbus Entertainment Headquarters the Cherry Spitz give you a special podcast for your amusement and astonishment. Listen to James, Lars, DJ Poptart, Erik, and Tony discuss the importance of Life itself. The gang also plugs their upcoming shows this week and what dangers may very well face them. Speaking of danger, Erik and James put themselves through the gastro-intenstinal gauntlet of Southern horror only known as the KFC Double Down. Listen as Erik and James begin to mentally deteriorate as this doom-sandwich clogs their arteries.

Get yours right here- Ep. 2.10- Catbus Headquarters Show Part 1

To give our listeners a real fighting chance at our Pizza Party Challenge mentioned on the show, we recorded this podcast on Sunday, April 18th while watching the Discovery Life marathon on Discovery Channel. First one to reply here or via email at cherryspitz@gmail.com with the correct time of when the sea snakes are having sex, then you win a free pizza party from us at the Cherry Spitz. Confused, yet allured by that last sentence? We thought so. You outta listen to find out more.

April Shows!

2010-04-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

Once again back it's the incredible...

That's right, true believers, Cherry Spitz has two shows coming up at the end of this month. And here's where you come in: We want YOU to come see us. Intrigued? You better be.

First up, we will be appearing at UCI [University of California, Irvine for all of our out-of-state fans who plan on coming] on Thursday April 21st. This will be the second time Cherry Spitz has performed for the fine youngsters at the UCI dorms and we are looking forward to putting on another fantastic show. Come on down to the Campus Village Housing Community Center and see us do our comedy thing in the Atlantis Lounge, which is honestly one of the coolest sounding places we've ever booked. Cherry Spitz presents Dorm Show 2!

Also there's this...

Cherry Spitz is back once again at our new home the Found Theater in Long Beach. On Saturday April 24th we will take the stage to do a little improv and sketch comedy for the good people of the LBC. We will be going on at 10:30pm after the Found's "Medijuana Show," a telethon style variety show examining the current medical marijuana craze. Discount tickets for our show are available for people going to both shows. Medijuana and Cherry Spitz: Two great tastes that taste great together.

So there you have it, two chances to see your favorite comedy group live. And just in case that wasn't enough to seal the proverbial deal, here's a video of me getting eaten by a blanket.

-James

[Ask Erik about the full video]

Ep. 2.09 - Thundergoat Doublecast: Part 2

2010-04-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

Things come to a head in part 2 of this epic crossover event as The Harbinger’s Dude Von Doom finally drinks himself under the table, dragging Tony, James and Erik along with him. Try and spot the point where he officially blacks out. In this episode The Dude reveals his true identity, Erik reveals he’s actually a grammar nazi, James reveals his love for cats and Tony reveals who is in the running for the Green Lantern movie...IN HIS MIND!

Music Buffers
Paranoid by 8-Bit Black Sabbath
Spider-Man by The Ramones
Kitty by Presidents of The United States of America
Fresh by Devo

The Harbinger #501 - Thundergoat Doublecast - Part 1

2010-04-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

What in blue blazes?!

The Dude Von Doom of The Harbinger storms the gates of Thundergoat Studios for an epic crossover event spanning two podcast feeds, a dozen beers and fifteen longboxes worth of comic books.

Tony, James and Erik are here to guide regular Cherry Spitzers through this brave new world of The Harbinger, a comic book show hosted by Dude Von Doom and Erik Wargo (aka Baron Larceny) The show is regularly broadcast live on Titan Radio every Wednesday from 5pm - 6pm.

In part one of the crossover, the gang discusses the Devourer of Wrestling, the Gospel according to Rob Liefeld, the Family Gregory, and unleash a Chris Evans flamewar!

Be sure to add The Harbinger to your iTunes podcast feed by clicking HERE!

Ep. 2.08 - D-House - Sexual Dungeons and Dragons

2010-03-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

On today's podcast, the Spitz's dark past comes back to haunt them as founding members Amanda Arguile and Paul Weigand come down from the hippie Utopia of San Francisco to pay a visit. Bear witness to our bizarre origins as Tony, James, Tim, Erik and myself take you for another roller-coaster-rocket-sled ride down memory lane. Other topics in this episode include: my brother might be a horse, the Bible could be an X-box Greatest Hit, nobody knows how to hum the Jurassic Park theme, and comic book conventions are in every town now.

But wait! There's more! We have a few events to plug. Come see us perform LIVE on Saturday, April 24th at 10:30 pm for a special sketch/improv show at the Found Theater. We will be going on right after their main stage production- the Medical Marijuana Telethon! Check out details here at http://www.foundtheatre.org/currentproduction.html.

On an even wackier note- here's the info for the publicity stunt wrestling match yours truly will be involved in on Thursday March 25th. Will I get my ass handed to me by a high school kid? Will I suplex him into next Tuesday? Will I look fabulous either way? I think we all know the answer to the last question at least. Check out the info at this link here- http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=379109584306&ref=nf

Anyway on with the show- Episode 2.08- Sexual Dungeons and Dragons

Cheers,

Lars

Ep 2.07 - IST - Is That What Skeet Means?

2010-03-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

Heads up, hooligans! The gang has returned with another lean n' mean installment of the one and only Cherry Spitz Podcast. So much crammed into so little! We once again acknowledge the thing thing we all love to hate: Star Wars, then move onto Lost, Breakfast With The Beatles, public transit beatdowns, John Mayer, MF Doom and Bob Segar ("Ohhhhh! Like a rock!")

BEHOLD THE OPTIC ASSISTANCE!

Music Bumpers
Knights of Cydonia by 8-Bit Muse
Dharma Lady by Geronimo Jackson
Rocket Skates by Deftones

Oscar, you so crazy!

2010-03-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hollywood! Home to the stars! It is their town and their night is coming upon us once again. The 82nd Annual Academy Awards are to be held in just a few days. The Oscars are a time to celebrate the celebrated a little more. Our favorite actors, our most revered films, bestowed with honors that quantify their worthiness to be remembered by us. The Godfather, Gone with the Wind, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Amadeus, Silence of the Lambs, American Beauty. These are just a few of the great classic films that will never be forgotten because they won that little gold statue. It elevates the status of your film, or your career, and it elevates our hopes and dreams a little too.

Here is a link to this year’s list of nominees

This year’s awards will be historic and debated as usual. That’s what keeps the Oscars at the forefront of the conversation. As George Clooney said so well in his acceptance speech in 2005,’how do you judge art?’ Real easy, George. Just like this;

The Show

The Academy Awards will be on TV. On a TV channel. At an hour that is consistent to the optimum viewing time of regular jerks at home. I’m not a freaking’ TV guide. Look it up. I can tell you that it’s going to be co-hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. The good Baldwin, the one that’s not fat or a reality TV whore, or dead. And hopefully good Steve Martin, not the House Sitter, Out-of-Towners, Bringing Down the House, Steve Martin. I want classic ‘Lucky Day’ Martin. This will be the first time since 1986 when Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn and Paul Hogan co-hosted the ceremony.

Like all things of our generation the awards show itself has become a circus of glamour and excess and a whole lot of ass kissing. Interest has waned in recent years. Even Jack Nicholson looks bored and he only attends the show after snorting 10 grams of coke out of an underage colon. I’m not advocating the watching of the awards show. But I advocate an interest in the awards themselves.

The Nomination Process

It should be easy. Get all the Academy members in a room, they all start deliberating, and several hours later they come out with a list of nominees. Or, put all the movie titles in a big circular cage. Give the cage a whirl, and have a scantily clad Mexican woman pull out the nominees. Or you could put the names of all the films from the year on individual cups, pour cat food in and release five cats to choose the nominees.

Any of those alternatives would be a great deal fairer than the way by which films are nominated now. Many of the processes by which a film or actor get nominated go largely unnoticed by the public.
Many people do not know that studios run campaigns for actors and films, sending out actual leaflets and pamphlets and booklets, creating posters and creating video clips all ‘For Your Consideration’. In some cases they have to choose for which film and for which category a certain actor will be nominated for. In 2006, Warner Bros. was faced with such decisions for the films Blood Diamond and the Departed. They had to choose first which film to nominate Leonardo DiCaprio for Best Actor. The rules for the Academy Awards say that no actor may be nominated twice in the same category in the same year. Meaning Leo could not compete against himself for Best Actor.

But the film Blood Diamond also starred Djimon Hounsou in a leading role, probably more of a leading role than Leo. No rules against two actors from the same film competing in one category, but that usually decrease the chances of either one winning. So the easy choice would be campaign Djimon for Best Actor and Leo Best Supporting. And then for The Departed Leo could be campaigned as Best Actor along with Matt Damon, and everyone else would be campaigned for Best supporting Actor. It’s not an extremely controversial decision the studio had to make. The point is that the studios decide the nominees as much as any Academy voter and that does not seem kosher to me.

In fact the weight of an Academy members vote is heavily regulated by the rules of the academy as well. In order for the vote to count for a particular category, that individual voter has to have seen all the nominated films or performances in that category. While this is completely fair and logical it has proven impractical. Many Academy voters do not get to see all the nominated films before it’s time to turn in their vote. The most recent victim of this was 2006’s Pan’s Labyrinth, a film everyone widely expected to win Best Foreign Language Film of the Year. It didn’t. It didn’t because many votes that were for that film were disqualified because that voter had not seen all the films in the category.

The Technical Stuff

The awards for editing, sound design, visual effects, etc. are sometimes very hard to determine. And really are probably the most meaningless to your average audience. A lot of films have amazing special effects or are just incredibly visually stunning. The Academy still tries to get a sweeping romance that features great natural visuals in there for art direction and things like that. But more and more these categories are overrun by the big budget effects driven film.

This year I highly expect a clean sweep of the technical awards by Avatar. But these could go all over the place. In some cases this is the only award a film really has a chance of winning. Star Trek for makeup some would think, but a period piece like The Young Victoria is most likely at the head of the class. But most of these categories just don’t even make sense. Transformers 2 gets nominated for Sound Mixing and not Sound Editing? Not starting an outcry on behalf of Transformers, just saying that doesn’t make sense. These are the awards that make the ceremony long as hell.

The Actors

This is the meat and potatoes of the Oscars. The Best Actor/Actress and Supporting Actor/Actress categories are usually a two horse race. The other horses are simply brought to the show to be bid on by dog food manufacturers. This holds true this year. In the Best Actor category the two that stand out as front runners are Jeff Bridges for his performance in Crazy Heart, and Jeremy Renner in the Hurt Locker. The Academy has never been keen on giving an actor multiple Oscars, although it has occurred a number of times. George Clooney and Morgan Freeman both have little gold buddies already, and Colin Firth seems like the guy that accidentally got invited for a being in a movie whose title is easily confused with a good one (A Simple Man- A Serious Man).

Best Supporting Actor could really go to any of these wonderful actors and I would not be displeased. Sometimes Oscars are given for career achievement and not so much for that particular film, i.e. Al Pacino- Scent of a Woman. But I feel like this one is absolutely in the bag for Christoph Waltz, as Col. Landa in Inglorious Basterds. He reaches Hannibal Lecter-esque levels of cinematic villainy. But he could get surprised by Stanley Tucci in The Lovely Bones. But if ever an actor deserved recognition for a lifetime of grand performances, it would be Christopher Plummer.

This year they have made things real easy for the Actress categories. Mo’nique will win Best Supporting Actress fulfilling the Academy’s recent quota for an ethnic winner. Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick will cancel each other out because they are nominated for the same film, Up in the Air. Maggie Gyllenhaal is simply there. Penelope Cruz won just last year. And I fear that Penelope Cruz is slowly becoming the next Meryl Streep, being nominated every year whether she deserves it or not.

And speaking of Mrs. Streep, she won’t win. Like it or not Sandra Bullock will be an Oscar winning Actress. Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep have both won already and are the token, classic nominations, that helps justify the other nominees. Carey Mulligan seems like a real long shot and this might be the last time you’re even really aware of her existence. Same can be said about Gabourey Sidibe in Precious but she’s the only real competition I see for Sandra Bullock. But this is Sandra’s year. That wildcat, that congenial, internet hacking gem of an actress will be bestowed an Academy Award for a role playing the most generic of white southern corn bread American women in a film that ranks just above Rollerball in both the sports and inspirational genres.

The Directors

This could be a very tight race. I will say that there is no doubt in my mind, that the film whose Director wins, will not be named Best Picture. James Cameron could win it again, if Avatar is having a big night up to that point, expect him too. Quentin Tarantino seems like the favorite to win it. The film itself is a masterful display of his various talents as a filmmaker, but a win would be more a career achievement. Lee Daniels for Precious and Jason Reitman for Up in the Air are nice stories. Glad they get a moment in the spotlight but it is neither ones year. I expect Reitman to have many more chances though.

Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker is a weird surprise. Not cause she’s a women, but because she directed Point Break. Yeah that FBI surfer movie. Hrm, so the director of Point Break and one of the stars of Speed could win Academy Awards? Holy shit, is Keanu Reeves going to get one in the next year too?! Whoa.

The Films

For the first time since 1943, the Academy has expanded its list of nominees for Best Picture of the Year to ten, from the usual five. Why did they do this? Simply, many critics have felt the last several years have produced such a plethora of worthy films that many have gone completely unrecognized by the Academy. Last year most notably The Dark Knight and Wall-E were overlooked for Best Picture nominations. So it was decided to expand the tournament to ten.

The advantages of doing so would be more apparent in other years before. 2005 in particular had an amazing number of outstanding films that went completely unrecognized by the Academy, such as Lord of War, History of Violence, Jarhead, and The New World. Worthy films that if given a chance to compete, might have just as easily surprised the field as Crash did. But in this particular year, 2009, we had a drought of fantastic entries into the cinematic library. The field of nominees this year is not particularly inspiring to the memory of the classics that have won before. The winner seems pre destined to live out history on a list of Best Picture winners that were undeservedly crowned. The Greatest Show on Earth, Around the World in 80 Days, and Shakespeare in Love, those will be this year’s brethren.

But a winner must be decided, and if you’re having trouble figuring it out, I can help. I approach this like a scantron examination. A multiple choice quiz if you will. In a multiple choice, you begin by eliminating answers you know to be completely wrong. In this case the similarities between certain films are the key to unlocking the winner.

The two most obviously similar films are Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire and The Blind Side. Both of these films are about the perseverance of two very large African American teens through the adversities of the ghetto and an underprivileged life. Standard Oscar fare, I’m not sure either is a worthy candidate, but the fit into a category that the Academy likes very much. But the similarities cancel out, to make these films losers.

Next are the two war films. Inglorious Basterds is Quentin Tarantino’s violent World War II opus. Great flick with lots of slow paced tension building, and an amazing finish. The Hurt Locker, a film about an Iraqi war bomb unit. Lots of tension and drama, fueled by the risk our soldiers bare in the fight against terrorism. Both films have equally atrocious villains, both take place in war time, and both take place outside the United States. Inglorious Basterds lacks any real main character, focusing on an array of characters that develop the plot rather than the plot developing them. And Hurt Locker lacks any real plot at all. They cause each other to lose.

Up and Up in the Air are both about old men learning how to live life again while thousands of feet in the air. And they both have up in the name. Too similar they lose. And I am extremely perplexed that Up was even nominated for this category at all. First of all it now becomes the second animated film to be nominated for Best Picture, the first being Beauty and the Beast. Not to put Up down( ha ha ha ha ha!) but, seriously it now holds that distinction over oh I don’t know, Aladdin, The Lion King, or The Iron Giant! Its inclusion in this category hurts its chances of winning in the category Best Animated Film. That category almost certainly belongs to Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox now.

A Serious Man is about a Jewish man in the 60’s living in a Midwest suburban landscape, fighting to find his place in a world he seems unfit for. District 9 is about Aliens in the 2000’s living in a South African slum, fighting to find their place in a world they seem unfit for. The exact same movie.

That leaves An Education and Avatar. Actually An Education has more similarities to A Serious Man, as both are sort of coming of age films that take place in the 60’s. An Education features some fine performances and perhaps memorable characters, but its story is formulaic and uninteresting. While Avatar is a behemoth at the box office, it too is formulaic by todays standards, borrowing story elements from Pocahontas and Dances With Wolves. Many have complained about this, albeit very ignorantly. To say that being similar to a critically applauded, Award winning, sweeping classic of a film is no insult. But in Avatar’s case it might be an overstatement.

Are any of these films truly worthy of being bestowed a title of Best Picture of the Year? Not really. Inglorious Basterds and District 9 are probably the only ones that could win without completely insulting every movie lover out there. None of these films stands out as lasting entries in the world of cinema. Except one. Its already changing the way movies are made, watched, and experienced, for better or worse.

The Best Picture of 2009 will be Avatar.
Try to enjoy the show now.

(The Author of this article would like to note that he has not seen any of the nominated films but one.)

Ep 2.06 - IST - Japanese Gameshow

2010-02-26T14:25:00.001-08:00

Rejoice! James, Tim, Tony, Erik, Ify and his loveable sidekick Weldon are back with a lean and mean podcast episode for your thinkmeat. And just in time to hype the crap out of their show in Long Beach this Saturday, too!

VISUAL INTAKE ENGAGE!

Episode 2.06 - Japanese Gameshow

Music Buffers:
Another One Bites The Dust by 8-Bit Queen
Fingerbang by Fingerbang
Я очень рад, ведь я, наконец, возвращаюсь домой by Edward Gil
Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol

Ep 2.05 - IST - Power Bottom Rangers

2010-02-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

In today’s episode, James, Tony, Erik, Tim and Black Rob congregate at Thundergoat Studios to discuss their upcoming cage match against Orpheus Roy, which leads to talks about angry bartenders, status updates on the original Power Rangers, sexual asthma and chicken-fish. Then finally, we reveal what’s REALLY going on in the much feared Blackstar Canyon. Oh yeah, and it was Valentine’s Day… or something.

VISUAL PROPAGANDA: ENGAGE!!

Musical Buffers:
Feel Good Inc. by 8-Bit Gorillaz
I Still Believe by Tim Capello
Power Rangers Theme by Buckethead
I Touch Myself covered by Jack Off Jill
Astronomy by Blackstar
Nobody Loves The Hulk by The Traits

Episode 2.05: Power Bottom Rangers

SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION: GO!

2010-02-09T00:03:00.001-08:00

Pass it `round!

Ep 2.04 - D-House - A Flock of Robins

2010-02-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hey kats and kittens. Hope you're enjoying your sportsball superbowl contest of champions. Lars here, giving you a sweet little post of podcast goodness to wrap up your weekend into a fine package.

In this installment of the Spitz, Erik, Tim, Blaire, James, Tony, Tyler and myself invade the airwaves with talk of our upcoming shows (IO Cagematch on 2/18 and Found Theatre Show 2/27). In other topics: James calls Blaire a She-hulk, Tyler cusses out everyone, hipsters continue to suck, Dreamworks executives are fucking intense, and Facebook doppleganger week has us all worked up.

Also there's this stirring performance from Academy Award winning legend Morgan Freeman:

and....

Get in on all the funny right here- A Flock of Robins

Be sure to mark your calendar for our big big show at the Found Theatre on Feb 27th. And If you can stay up late, come see us fight in a brutal cage match of chuckles at the Improv Olympic on Feb. 18th. Check out our "live show" posts!!!

Cheers,

Lars

Hello Marshall...

2010-02-05T01:11:00.001-08:00

Marshall Givens is it? You may not know me, but I know you. You see, there is only room for one black guy in this thing we like to call improv comedy extravaganza, and I hate to break it to you, but your time is up. I will rise from the deepest depths of hellfire and brimstone, fuming with the deep dark stench of your fears and many other unsettling matters of which cannot be described in the small time frame I have to post. I will flourish into a black ball of hate and strike you down upon the shame and agony of hateful defeat, leaving you gasping for air and breathless hoping only for the sweet release of death only to find out the only thing keeping you alive is my hate for you, which comes in full supply. Full of agony wrenching down on your very existence clenching every nerve in your body, you will beg for mercy and forgiveness, only to be met with dark laughter reigniting the pain and agony , which only sets you right at the beginning of this hell cycle only to be repeated for eternity till my hate burns out into a flicker of content, which will only remind me of you thus stringing you back into your dark torture into which you will be swallowed by my almighty hate. This is what awaits you Marshall, this is what awaits you...

-Ify
-AND IN NO WAY THE REST OF THE CHERRY SPITZ COMEDY GROUP

The Return of Cherry Spitz - 2 Live Shows!

2010-02-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen... Boys and girls... Children of all ages...

I am happy to announce the best news ever: Cherry Spitz is doing live shows again. At long last. Cherry Spitz is back.

We've got two shows lined up at the moment. That's right. We're not just back, we're coming back guns a'blazing.

Thursday Night Feb. 18th @ The IO West in Hollywood: IO West Cage Match
Every week the world famous Improv Olympic hosts a weekly improv cage match where two teams enter and only one leaves... victorious. The other team is obviously then killed. The winning team will then go on to challenge a new team the next week, and so on. Cherry Spitz enters rotation on Thursday Feb 18th when we get our first shot at whatever team has survived the previous week. The show starts at 11:30pm and is a 21-and-over event because of the bar in the theater lobby. I know, and I'm sorry to all of our drunk children fans. The show is FREE. As in no money to get in. All you gotta do is get there and you can see Cherry Spitz perform in one of Hollywood's best improv theaters.

We honestly don't know how long this show will last. We have been training a lot lately because we want to both kick ass AND take names in the IO Cage Match. WE WILL BE PERFORMING EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD IF WE KEEP WINNING. We need our fans to come out and support us. We know we can beat whatever Hollywood can put in front of us, and we want you beautiful people to be there and see us do it. Thursday February 18th @ 11:30pm at the IO West in Hollywood.

iO West
6366 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
http://west.ioimprov.com/
Cage Match Info here

[NOTE: We've been scouting the teams competing in the Cage Match for the past few weeks, and the team of "Orpheus Roy" has won the past seven weeks in the cage. Not only that but last week they defeated the theater's Omega Champ team to become the new IO West Omega Champions. Tonight they go for 8 consecutive victories and possibly their first title defense. If they remain on their hot streak we may indeed be facing them when we go up. Could Cherry Spitz be getting a title shot straight out the gate? We will stay on top of this situation as it continues to develop. Also, Ify is now deeply entrenched in an imaginary bloodfeud with the black guy on Orpheus Roy (who I believe is actually this guy.)]

Pretty awesome stuff, I know. And that's only the first announcement!

Saturday Night Feb. 27th @ The Found Theater in Long Beach
We're back. Cherry Spitz returns to the stage in what will hopefully be our new home, The Found. We want to try and get as many people as we can at this show. If we make a good impression on the people at Found and the whole Long Beach community we will continue performing there. If we're not doing comedy we don't eat. And you don't want us to starve, do you? Of course you don't. That would make you a monster.

Tickets are only 5 BUCKS since this is our first show. It all goes down on Saturday February 27th at 8pm. We are in the process of putting the show together right now, and we will post more information as soon as we can. You can be sure we'll be performing some of the best comedy you'll ever see. Improv? Count on it. Sketch comedy? It's possible. Magic? I doubt it but we'll see. Ultimate fighting? That seems more likely. Erotic puppetry? Sure, why not.

We do know that DJ Poptart will be spinning at our show! That's right, friend of the Spitz and house music sorceress DJ Poptart will be running music for us and Djing the evening. One of California's best DJs performing with California's best comedy group, this show is going to kick ass! Lucky you.

The FOUND THEATRE
599 Long Beach Blvd. at 6th St.
Long Beach, CA 90802

Saturday February 27th at 8 o'clock. Tickets are only $5. Come get some.

See y'all there,
James

[I want that title belt.]

Geek Out: Lost Is Back!

2010-02-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

So like a smoking hot, stir-crazy ex-girlfriend that just moved back into town, Lost is on the air again and I find myself falling back into old habits. Habits I forgot I had. Maybe not so much "habits" as an obsessive compulsive disorder brought about by what I can only describe as a "broadcast television anomaly."

Lost

I could break down what the two-hour season premiere episode meant, like every other blog, or I could just write about why I think it's one of the best shows to come out of the past decade.

Before Lost, the only television shows you'd ever catch me watching were either The Daily Show or South Park for their biting satire, or an HBO original series like Oz, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under or Carnivale, which all played out like visual novels, were commercial free and had REAL characters that are near impossible to develop in major motion motion pictures these days.

As far as I was concerned, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and the WB/UPN/CW were a wasteland of bland sitcoms, reality shows, "gritty" spin-offs of mediocre dramas and something vaguely resembling local news.

Then a friend who I was lending comics to lent me the first season of Lost in return. I was hooked immediately. IMMEDIATELY!! I was blazing through a four-episode disc per night. A week later, I was "buying" the remaining episodes online, catching up about halfway through the 2nd season. By this point, I was like a schizophrenic junkie: not sleeping, swatting away bugs that weren't really there and repeating the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42 over and over and over and over and over.

And numbers are just one of the many flailing conspiracy tentacles that Lost uses to keep a grip on it's audience. There are fresh spins on the cliched flashback technique, endless uses of symbolism and re-occurring characters who turn up in the most unexpected of places. On top of all that, the show is constantly nodding to other great works of literature, film and television. I say "noddng" because the show is by no means ripping off it's inspirations, but honoring them. Why do you think Sawyer reads on the beach so much? Usually it's because they're riffing on that particular story. And they keep doing that until you have this complex tapestry that works. In fact, they put books wherever they can fit them on that island. It's practically a library!

When you get down to it, the show is a combination of The Stand, The Prisoner, Watchmen, Lord of the Flies, Watership Down, Slaughterhouse Five, Of Mice & Men, The Twilight Zone, Fantasy Island and countless others while at the same time, completely original.

Having to adjust to watching one episode per week and putting up with excessively loud commercial interruptions was too much for me. I went into shock from withdrawals and filled that void by browsing websites that dissected the episodes. It's no wonder that the producers quickly took to releasing viral videos on YouTube between seasons. They even published a book of noir fiction by an author that only ever existed on the show.

With all this going on, this is a series that shines when the viewer is actively engaged. There's plenty of explosions and backstabbing and wet t-shirts and one-liners to make it enjoyable for passive viewing, but that's only half the fun. And you don't have to lurk through Lostpedia or play the latest Dharma game to be "active." (Although it helps)

Just pay attention to the details. Even the ones that probably don't mean anything. It's better that way.

Ep 2.03 - IST - The Bee Girl Doesn't Like Being Called The Bee Girl

2010-01-29T23:54:00.000-08:00

Forgive us our bawdy linguistic colloquialisms.

Avast ye, audio adventurers, it is another Cherry Spitz Podcast! In this death defying episode, Tony, Erik, Tim, James, and B-Rob catapult the propaganda by telling stories of: how good Huey Lewis is (or bad...if you like to be wrong), various terrifying road accidents, being the muscle for ladies of the night, and the Bee Girl - oh, the sweet, sweet Bee Girl.

Download: The Bee Girl Doesn't Like Being Called The Bee Girl

Music Bumpers
Back to the Future Overture - The 8-Bit Outatime Orchestra
Because I Got High - Afroman
Detachable Penis - King Missle
I'm Just A Bill - Dave Frishberg and Jack Sheldon
C.R.E.A.M. - Wu-Tang Clan vs The Beatles

And then you laugh! Remember kids, be sure to take your penicillin!

"Let's have fun on television"

2010-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

"If you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." - Conan O'Brien

The king of late-night is dead. Long live the king.

Conan O'Brien did his final Tonight Show this past Friday, a mere seven months into his tenure as the new host. This wasn't supposed to happen. People like me have been waiting for years to see Coco take his rightful throne atop all the other late-night clowns. Seven months. It's like if Obama got laid off a month after being sworn in so that we could have another term under Bush.

I'm sure at this point everyone has heard what has gone down between Conan, Jay Leno, and NBC. Personally I really don't wish to re-hash the details again because frankly there's nothing to talk about. It's happened. Jay Leno is a pompous shitbag, NBC clearly has no idea what it's doing, and as far as I'm concerned the Tonight Show is over. If anyone reading this has no idea what I'm talking about, this video will explain it all. And very clearly.

That's pretty much what happened. Conan turned into the Hulk and apparently Captain America's power comes from the top of his glowing head. It goes without saying that Conan O'Brien deserved better than this. This was supposed to be the dawning of a new renaissance for late-night comedy. After Jay Leno had spent the better part of the past decade making the Tonight Show thoroughly unfunny Conan was finally coming in to return the once great show to Carson-level status. And now, after a mere seven months, it's right back to the old status quo. Goodbye Andy Richter and Masturbating Bear; hello more wacky headlines.

If you have not yet seen Conan's final episode check it out, it's quite a show. Steve Carrell stops by to do Conan's exit interview on behalf of NBC. My professional nemesis Sir Thomas Hanks stopped by and was his usual, charming self. Neil Young performs, and not the song "Hey Hey, My My" as I predicted when I first heard he would be appearing on the final Tonight Show. Plus Beck, Billy Gibbons, and Mister Will Ferrell himself show up for the final close-out. Not to mention all the emotional retrospection and looks back at Conan's epic NBC career. Watch it here: Coco's final Tonight Show

This got to me:

If anything this whole ordeal with NBC screwing Conan over has made me indeed cynical. Cynical about the whole entertainment business and the process behind it. It felt like Conan was talking directly to me/the Spitz. I think I can confidently speak on behalf of the whole group when I say that Conan O'Brien has been an inspiration and idol to me for years and if any of us in the Spitz have even half the career he already has then it would be both a fantastic accomplishment and partially due to Conan himself. Thanks for everything Conan O'Brien. We miss you already, and can't wait to see where you turn up next.

We at Cherry Spitz promise to continue working hard and being kind. Stay tuned for some amazing things.

-James

[He's as free as a bird now...]

Ep 2.02 - IST - Shim Sham Magicians

2010-01-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

`Sup homeskillet?

Cherry Spitz are back with another installment for your hungry, hungry ears. In today's episode, Shim Sham Magicians, Tony, James, Erik and B-Rob avoid the rain (that TONY caused!) and get down to the nitty gritty on topics such as merciless improvisational beatings, the late night tv landscape., disaster movies (including Faces of Death), freakishly skinny CGI actors, "The Cobain Conspiracy," Tony & James' love for Joss Whedon, goth poetry, washed-up professional wrestlers, the 2010 celebrity deadpool and that crappy Vincent Gallo movie that came out a couple of years ago! Just when things can't get any bleaker, a Mexican Standoff breaks out as B-Rob and Erik put guns to our collective head and force us to choose even more heinous fates.

To top it all off, Iffy calls in for a grizzled Q&A session with Erik.

Below is your prescribed optical intake of episodic propaganda. Drink plenty of water when you take these.

Is that game show music that I hear?

-Erik

Download: Shim Sham Magicians

Music Bumpers
Take Me On by 8-Bit Ah-Ha
Money Folder by MF Doom
I Think I Love You covered by Less Than Jake
Debris by Three Horse Whiskey

$4K Raised at Help For Haiti!

2010-01-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hey gang. Just thought we'd share with all your wonderful friends of the Spitz that we helped raise $4,000 dollars at the Help for Haiti show on the 17th.

It was a great turnout and a really good house. We hit the audience with a fast and furious set and they kept up with us just the same.

Thanks again to Virginia and the FOUND Theatre for setting all this up. Really tasty desserts, good acts, and a fantastic crowd; what's not to like?

See you on a stage near you soon.

Cheers,

Lars

The First Offficial Piece of Cherry Spitz Merchandise

2010-01-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

Marvel and stare at the beautiful Cherry Spitz hat!

Ep 2.01 - D-House - The Specialtists

2010-01-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

In a grand meeting of nearly all the Spitz, Lars, James, Tim, Ify, Blaire, Tyler, Tony, and Erik assail your senses at the D-House in this maniacal podcast. Such topics include: sex robots, swastikas, life-saving enemas, and inferior puddings. We also discuss our show happening TONIGHT (that's right TONIGHT), so if you are in the Long Beach area this fine Sunday evening get on over to the Found Theatre and help us help Haiti.

Download right here-The Specialtists

And because we love you, here's some links to the crazy crap we were covering on the show:

Roxxxy the Sexbot

What the hell is a "Cool Dog"?

Semen-like pudding cups

Hope to see you at the show tonight! Stay tuned, dear Spitz fan and come bust with us in '10.

[spotted Richard]

Powered by Podbean.com

"Help Haiti" Benefit Show

2010-01-16T18:11:00.001-08:00

Hey guys.

By now everyone has undoubtedly heard about the earthquake that hit Haiti and the devastation now facing the country.

Cherry Spitz will be performing at a benefit show this Sunday night in Long Beach. The Found Theater is hosting a night of musicians, actors, comedians, and other performers to benefit the international humanitarian aid organization Doctors Without Borders. Details about the show can be found here.

The show starts at 7pm and there is no charge to get in. The Found is simply asking that you donate whatever you can, as 100 percent of the money raised at the door and through concessions will be going to Doctors Without Borders and the Haitian aid efforts.

This is gonna be a great night of performances and all for a really good cause. Hope to see you all there. And don't worry, we'll be back to doing fart jokes next week. We promise.

The Found Theater

Doctors Without Borders

-James

[serious post]

Season 1: Bagged and Tagged

2010-01-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

Wow guys! An entire season of Cherry Spitz podcasting is now behind us. For those of you late to the game, before you lies our epic journey from fritzy sound quality, forced segues and tears of awkwardness, to a more natural and open format, and then to the eventual splitting of podcast styles: D-House and Ice Station Thundergoat (IST).

You'll virtually experience what it's like for a group of chimps to evolve into celestial podcast deities over the course of 30 installments of 26 episodes and a handful of bonus episodes.

If you subscribe to our iTunes, well, there's been a slight, but BETTER change of things.

This is our old feed, where you can also get all of Season 1: OLD FEED

This is our new feed, where going forward, you can get not just podcasts, but video sketches and improv performances: NEW FEED

Podcasting is just a cog in the menacing mirth machine that is Cherry Spitz. Our net is cast wide. Our tentacles, many. It's a new year and a new era for the Spitz.

Be seeing you,

Us.

6/24/09 - Ep 1 - D-House - First Contact
7/01/09 - Ep 2 - D-House - 80's Movies
7/08/09 - Ep 3 - D-House - Hot Lincoln Walnuts
7/15/09 - Ep 4 - D-House - Garret Li
7/22/09 - Ep 5.1 - D-House - *COMIC CON `09 PRE-GAME SPECIAL*
7/27/09 - Ep 5.2 - D-House - *COMIC-CON `09 WRAP-UP*
7/30/09 - Ep 6 - D-House - The Cherry Spitz Forum
8/06/09 - Ep 7 - D-House - A Girl? - *1ST APPEARANCE BY BLAIRE*
8/12/09 - Ep 8 - D-House - Music, Movies & Bears
8/19/09 - Ep 9 - D-House - Rich, Cultural Heritage
8/26/09 - Ep 10 - IST - Welcome To Ice Station Thundergoat
8/27/09 - Ep XX - D-House - Doublecast - *BONUSCAST*
9/03/09 - Ep 11 - IST - Trainwreck
9/13/09 - Ep 12 - IST - Puff Puff, Jerk Jerk
9/27/09 - Ep 13 D-House - Freedomcast
10/05/09 - Ep 14 - D-House - Boys Eerily Watching Girls Drawing Girls
10/10/09 - Ep 15 - IST - *CHERRY SPITZ @ LBCC SPECIAL*
10/19/09 - Ep 16 - IST - Precious Leather Couch
10/21/09 - Ep XX - D-House - Canceled Rainbow - *BONUSCAST*
10/25/09 - Ep 17 - D-House - Young Avengers
11/08/09 - Ep 18 - D-House - Return To Ringpop Island
11/14/09 - Ep 19 - IST - The Return of Tony
11/15/09 - Ep 20.1 - IST - *EPISODE 20* - Part 1
11/17/09 - Ep 20.2 - IST - *EPISODE 20* - Part 2
11/29/09 - Ep 21 - D-House - People Call In
12/02/09 - Ep 22 - D-House - Audio Hug
12/10/09 - Ep 23 - D-House - Bonafide Audio
12/23/09 - Ep 24 - D-House - Merry Krampus
01/05/10 - Ep 25 - IST - The Prisoner's Dilemma
01/08/09 - Ep 26 - IST - Facist Leap

The Harbinger - Episode 5.0

2010-01-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hey gang! Erik here!

This past week has been a blur. Working around the clock for my homies, The Cherry Spitz, has been a rewarding process. Between editing together the Holiday Leftovers series, slapping some lovely buttons on the side of the blogspot and collaborating on some super secret Spitz specials, I managed to squeeze in some time with my good friend, The Dude Von Doom and his MONSTER comic book podcast, The Harbinger, where I have risen to the role of co-host! It is truly an honor.

Check out this very special covert episode recorded in the bowels of the Cal State Fullerton library on a Saturday afternoon.

The Harbinger: Zero Hour

<3

-Erik/Egon/BaronLarseny

I really have to give it up to Egon

2010-01-11T00:29:00.000-08:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

He has done an amazing job with the site, with all the little sexy buttons and such. I've re-devoted my life to the Spitz, so you'll be seeing more of me! Suck on that Trebeck!
-Ifechukwude

Ep 26 - IST - Facist Leap

2010-01-08T00:26:00.000-08:00

Hello again, all you beautiful people.

James here with another Spitz podcast fresh from the audio tubes at Thundergoat Studios. Lucky you!

This week's show is the last of our "Holiday Leftovers" podcasts and features Erik Wargo, Tony Najera, myself, and our own "Nubian Burt Reynolds" Ify Nwadiwe. What's the big topic? Time travel! Specifically, where in history you would want to go if given the opportunity? That and time-travelling Hitler (who's a total douche). Also we start talking about our lives before the Spitz, and have to use fancy sound effects to edit out a name we don't want to mention. Maybe it's you! Plus Ify calls me out for playing a show with The Lobby [hey guys!], and more with our sexy new robot announcer.

Get it here: Cherry Spitz IST Podcast: Fascist Leap

Music by 8-bit Guns and Roses, Reel Big Fish, The Who, and Handsome Boy Modeling School.

Erik keeps an empty keg in his fridge to taunt us. He also ate every last one of those doughnuts. >>>>>>>

Mark your calendars now, Spitz fans... BIG LIVE SHOW on Feb 18th!!! More details coming soon. This is something we need our fans for. Cage matches are serious business...

-James

["Damn whitey"]

The Icarus Project

2010-01-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

I figured this was interesting enough to share with everyone...

How does man make the "Ultimate Sandwich"? This is a question that some friends and I have been discussing recently. We seem to keep coming back to a few key factors: Hot meat core, tasty fixins, and a most excellent edible casing for such an affront to God. Since I am the only one of my friends that works in/around a kitchen I took it upon myself to piece together something that could rival the epic "Luther."

After several drafts and debate over components I assembled what we have been referring to as the "Icarus." Yes, named for the legendary myth of the boy who flew too close to the sun. See also "Led Zeppelin album covers." The name is to serve as a warning to those who would challenge it.

Credit for the actual construction goes to Effy, one of the top cooks at my restaurant. The Icarus (Version 1.0) is composed of the following:
- Half pound cheeseburger, with American cheese
- Bacon, roughly 4 pieces in what can only be described as a "bed of bacon"
- One fried egg, over medium
- Two pieces of French Toast, non-sugared of course

Truth be told, I was only able to finish half of it. I'm already toying with other ideas for monstrous challenge entrees. I'm open to suggestions.

-James

[something with chili?...]

Ep 25 - IST - The Prisoner's Dilemma

2010-01-05T22:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR YOU JACKALS!!

Erik, here. In the mix of all the usual holiday drama, I had forgotten about a big block of audio the Spitz boys had recorded at Thundergoat Studios. It's a fierce onslaught as Tony, James, Ify, Tim, Black Rob and myself breakdown a plethra of meaty topics for two whole hours. Do you think you can handle it? Bare witness to what lies ahead!

Black People and Milk

Yeah! That's right! Ify and B-Rob pull back the black curtain on this compelling social issue. We put on our lab coats and find out what happens when Ify drinks half the milk in my fridge.

Has Acting Down To A Science??

B-Rob, in all his infinite wisdom, believes that Dolph Lundgren is one of the greatest actors ever. Better than Anthony Hopkins! Tony tries to verbally slap some sense into him. But what of Dolph's REAL-LIFE scientific credentials? When will he be recognized for his contributions to the scientific community? Outside of Always Sunny in Philadelphia, that is.

Yeah, Tim Saw It

Come listen to Tim explain how the totally rad looking destruction of Earth is an analogy for the human condition and our constant fear of losing what's left of our innocence. Especially the parts where John Cusack escapes 500 waves and gaping fault lines.

There's a New Karate Kid Movie?!

But...but Jackie Chan does Kung Fu. Right? I'm not crazy for wondering why they call it The Karate Kid. I feel like it's as if there was a movie called The Pitcher and it was a movie about a soccer goalie. Can't they just call it the Kung Fu Kid? Bah. Whatever. We talk about it.

Between A Rock & Prison Gang Rape

Hanging out with B-Rob is like having a mirror into your soul. He reveals things about you that you probably never considered, or even should consider for that matter. Like, if you went to prison for four years, would you.... well, just listen and find out. It's like being an extra on Oz.

New Theme Park?

Ify's been brainstorming. Again, you'll have to listen. Mostly because I don't want to type it out.

Without further adieu, The Prisoner's Dilemma!

This Episode's Music Interludes By:

Chocolate Rain 8-Bit Remix by Coda
Alive & Amplified by The Mooney Suzuki
Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie by Black Flag
Nunchaku Kata by Buckethead (feat. Les Claypool, Brain & Phonosycographdisk)
Roundabout by Yes

Ep 24 - D-House - Merry Krampus

2009-12-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays and the end of this sorry, sad decade comes our final podcast of the year! Wondering what is the horrible freakbeast pictured above? No, it's not Tim after one of his benders, although the comparison is uncanny. This is the Krampus and in this week's podcast, the Spitz discuss bringing back this somewhat forgotten holiday icon. Here are a few other pictures for reference:

The lady (that's right, it's a lady) underneath the Krampus make-up in the photograph is a friend of mine taken from the recent SantaCon flash mob event that took place in LA a couple weekends ago.

The spirit of the holidays is quickly crushed in our usual improvisational meanderings as Tim, Tony, James and myself devolve into such topics as: which cryptid would you want to fight in single combat, the use of the Magical Negro in American cinema (which Tim denies the existence of), and the incorrect plural usage of the word "octopus".

In more holiday related topics, Tony runs down at list of "Christmas movies". You'll just have to listen to find out. Also, Tim goes over Yahoo's top ten searches of 2009. Sadly, "hot lincoln walnuts" did not make the list.

Get your holiday cheer, Spitz-style, right here- CHERRY SPITZ HOLIDAYCAST 2009

Have a fun holiday season and a happy New Year. See you in a drunk tank near you soon!

-Lars

It's a Christmas Miracle!

2009-12-18T00:17:00.001-08:00

I know a lot of you were not able to make it to The Lobby's 4th Anniversary show earlier this month. It was indeed an epic show and one of the most memorable parts about that night was the drunk, mohawk-sporting dickbag in the front row. Egon was kind enough to get a picture of him.

Clearly a winner, right? We played "Eulogy" at one point during the show and Josh, the host, decided to use this guy as the subject. As Josh was interviewing him onstage he kept giving slurred/nonsensical answers and basically just kept being a douche. Even after "Eulogy" was done [an improv game in which this guy was too drunk to even lie on the floor as a corpse] he continued to try and yell stuff at Josh and heckle the rest of us. For me personally, it was truly beautiful to watch the entire rest of the audience turn on this guy. It was awesome. People started throwing stuff at him and yelling "Shut the fuck up!" He quieted down eventually, and ended up getting shot with a lot of Nerf darts when we played "Scene under fire." Anywho, I woke up this morning to find this message on my phone from Josh with an attached photo.

"This is the actual Mohawk boy from the Lobby show after the show. Courtesy of a Lobby fan."

Yeah, get him. I have no idea what the backstory leading up to this picture is, all I can say is that I'm happy to see that this guy got what he deserved. That's for trying to zing me with your weak-ass "that's how much I laughed at your jokes" line after the show. Don't ever come to a Spitz show dude. Seriously.

James

[Happy 50th post! Yay us!]

SNL is approx. 4 months behind us

2009-12-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

This is an awesome little piece of sketch comedy. Well done, Saturday Night Live. Hmmm... It feels weird saying that again.

This is a parody of something we talked about on the podcast and posted on the site way back in August. Could it be that the good people at Saturday Night Live are finally starting to catch up with the collective genius that is Cherry Spitz?!? If nothing else I'm sure Lars and Ify will enjoy the reference to Justin Long as "the Mac guy."

Rat Balls, Slit, AND Thurdersex!? Hella yeah! I'll see y'all at the Worst He-Man Impression Contest.

-James

[In loving memory of Ass Dan, 1981-2009]

Ep 23 - D-House - Bonafide Audio

2009-12-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hey folks. Sorry about this later than usual podcast, but we here at the Spitz have been up to our necks kicking ass and taking names. Also, we're in pre-production on a project with these gentlemen pictured below.

I kniow what you're thinking and no, we didn't just go get two more carnies to help in our operations. This is Lucca Cutrono and Miles Arnold of Bonafide Audio. Think Tenacious D, but with hip-hop.

Here's a taste of some of their rhymes- Bonafide Audio- Thirty

Look for a new music video featuring the talents of the Spitz coming in 2010 ya'll. On this podcast, James and myself talk hip-hop, haters, Harry and the Hendersons and hot crazy asain chicks like this one-

Get your front-flip dunk from half court podcast dunked into your face right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 12/10/09- BONAFIDE AUDIO

Stay classy out there!

-Lars

[this fucking guy over here....]

Cherry Spitz Exit Interview + James @ Stages!

2009-12-05T16:41:00.001-08:00

Cherry Spitz after a hard day of talking.

Ep 22 - D-House - Audio Hug

2009-12-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the Cherry Spitz is here to give you some comedy sweetness in this meandering podcast. Join Lars, James, Tony, and Tyler as we send you some raw, unprepared, spitballing magic.

Also, we bring you "Tyler on Tyler", in which Tyler explains to us non-black Spitzers what the hell is the appeal of Tyler Perry. We also break down the new movie Precious , although none of us have seen it. As Tyler explains it, I'm having a hard time believing its 91% Fresh on Rottentomatoes.com.

Get you new SpitzCast right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 12/2/09- AUDIO HUG

Also here's a picture of Tyler's father, Vincent "Black Atticus" Masterson to give the listeners an idea of who were talking about and why Tyler hates it when we do. See? He's a total badass.

Intro and outro music performed off of mc chris's new remix album Apple Tummy.

And don't forget to catch James performing the comedy in Fullerton this Saturday night. If you don't go, baby seals will start clubbing themselves. And those seals are much too young to go to clubs. It's a bad influence on their fragile upbringing with all that hip-hop music and loose women running about. I'll stop now.

[nobody go downstairs!]

COME SEE (one of) US LIVE!

2009-11-30T23:26:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, December 5th, Cherry Spitz' own James Stebick will be the guest performer at The Lobby's Fourth Anniversary Show. The show starts at 10:30pm and will be at STAGEStheater in Fullerton.

The Lobby is a fellow improv group and friend of the Spitz. They're really funny guys and this show promises to be one hell of a good time. Check out their website:The Lobby Improv

STAGEStheater is located in beautiful downtown Fullerton, and was actually once home to the Spitz. More importantly, STAGES is both totally BYOB and two doors down from a very fine liquors store. That's right. You can bring any drink you want into the theater. The drunker you are the funnier we get.

STAGEStheater
400 E. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832
STAGES website
Info on The Lobby show

And now, so you don't feel like this post was a total self-promotional waste, here's a funny picture featuring Samuel L. Jackson. See y'all Saturday.

[James/the guy in the pic]

Ep 21 - D-House - People Call In

2009-11-29T11:37:00.001-08:00

Hey folks! Since the last podcast took an epic two episodes to complete, we now present to you a brand new podcast from last week.

As Tony, James, Tim and myself discuss our usual Spitzy musings, some callers mysterious find their way onto our show which is odd because we don't have a phone in the studio.

Get your cast on right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 11/21/09

Here are some of the related articles to what we covered on this show-

The Beatles Never Broke Up! You can find *cue dramatic music* the Beatles music from a parallel dimension at this website.

The Worst Reviewed Movies of this decade. It's a pretty solid list of awful and we weigh in on all of them.

Hope all your Turkey Day celebrations were full of sweet, delicious, magic and probably turkey. We'll have another exciting episode coming at you like a banana cream pie thrown by a homicidal clown this Wednesday.

Ep 20.2 - IST - EPISODE 20 - Part 2

2009-11-24T22:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

Erik here.

I blerg this from Ice Station Thundergoat Studios in downtown [LOCATION CENSORED]. Gotta be honest. It wasn't planned for episode 20 to be the slain behemoth we humbly lay at your feet, to roast over an open fire for nourishment or perhaps to skin for shelter and clothing. It demanded to be this big.

Continuing in the tradition of Keanu Reeves and Kevin Costner, we put a magnified glass to Burt Reynolds and Steven Spielberg. Spitz members Tim, Tony, James and myself, along with our allies, B-Rob and Tyler are here to drop the entire spectrum of science on you.

Plus, one of our fans is from St. Louis. We want to know who. Seriously. Who are you?

With music buffers from Foghat, W.A.S.P. and Boston you can rock up an appetite just in time for Thanksgiving!

IST Podcast 11/15/2009 - "Episode 20: Part 2"

Later, fatties!

-Erik

Ep 20.1 - IST - EPISODE 20 - Part 1

2009-11-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hey there, true believers.

Fantastic news! We at the Spitz have reached our 20th podcast! Huzzah! Bang a gong! Why not celebrate by listening to it:

IST Podcast 11/15/2009 - "Episode 20: Part 1"

This week's show features Erik Wargo, Tim Gale, Tony Najera, and yours truly as well as Tyler Masterson, B-Rob, and the various dogs running around Ice Station Thundergoat. We reflect upon the podcast we did the day before and Lars' laser-tag birthday party that followed. Also we take the "Keanu formula" we discovered last week and apply it to the career of Mister Kevin Costner. What do we discover? You'll have to listen to find out. PLUS a funny story about Rob getting beat up by a little girl and a surprise cliffhanger ending you will never see coming.

Personally, I think this week's show has some of the best music we've ever used. Bumper music by Vanilla Ice, Kid 'n Play, and Dolly Parton with Burt Reynolds. Enjoy.

[James]

Happy Birthday, Uncle Mustache.

(Photo taken at Lars's birthday party at Laser Quest)

Ep 19 - IST - The Return of Tony

2009-11-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all. We've got a new podcast fresh from Ice Station Thundergoat ready for you to stuff directly into your head holes.

IST Podcast 11/14/2009: "The Return of Tony"

The big news this week is TONY! That's right, long-lost Spitz member Anthony Najera returns to the team this week to get in on his first Cherry Spitz podcast. He joins Erik, Lars, and myself along with friend of the group, Black Rob, for our normal podcast madness. This week we break down the acting resume of Sir Keanu Reeves, and the numbers are certainly surprising. Is Keanu America's greatest actor? Or is his gift simply his ability to make good career decisions? Also, we get back into the eternal battle of "CAKE vs. PIE," with screaming results (everyone basically gangs up on yours truly). And for the record, the pie gets destroyed between 41:00 and 51:50. So it took approximately 10 minutes 50 seconds for the pie to be completely demolished.

We also get back on to the topic of Ridley Scott's rumored Monopoly project. I'm not quite sure what I think I'm talking about in the podcast, but the actual article I'm referring to can be found here:
Iwatchstuff.com

Music this week is from Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top fame), Dropkick Murphys, and Marshall Crenshaw. Enjoy.

"The best cake is a Twinkie!" - B-Rob

[James]

Cherry Spitz: Behind The Brains

2009-11-12T22:59:00.001-08:00

When watching our smash hit internet sketch "Eaties Promo #2 - Family Breakfast," did you ever wonder what some candid stills from the set would look like?

Of course you didn't. Why would you? Regardless, we've supplied photos.

LOOK AT THEM!!

Ep 18 - D-House - Return To Ringpop Island

2009-11-08T18:28:00.001-08:00

Look out people! It's a podcast of crappy disaster movie proportions. Listen as Lars, Tim, and James tear apart Hollywood this week along with our young, plucky wards Tyler and Matt.

Get the answer to all your problems here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST- 11/08/09- Return to Ring Pop Island

[ULTRA GARBAGE]

Tim's sound advice

2009-11-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

What up, mates.

As you all have undoubtedly noticed there was no podcast this past week. Apologies, but we at the Spitz are still exhausted/hungover from Halloween. We will have a hot new podcast up for you this weekend, we promise. In the meantime I went and dug up an old Spitz video nearly forgotten in time.

Tim does this entire video off the top of his head; there was no script. Blaire filmed and edited this little gem, and if you look closely you might catch younger versions of Ify and myself in the background. Enjoy:

I hope you were all paying attention because there will be a quiz later.

-James

[Or grab them literally.]

Julia Child's Cooking Show of Horrors

2009-10-30T10:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween from Cherry Siptz!

Julia Child's Cooking Show of Horrors! from Erik Wargo on Vimeo.

Ep 17 - D-House - Young Avengers

2009-10-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

We have a ultra-combo-riffic podcast for you this fine week as some of the Spitz's youthful buddies join us for some improv talk. Some of my young improvisational padawans, Jeff, Andrew, and Tyler weigh in on such issues as: films in L.A., Street Fighter, cocaine in your eyes, and ComedySportz. Also, listen carefully for some special call-in guests. Plus, James calls out Seth Rogan. There can be only one!

Get some action right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 10/25/09- Young Avengers

Please, won't someone think of the children!

-Lars

Ep XX - D-House - Canceled Rainbow - BONUSCAST

2009-10-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hey folks. Here's a little bonus podcast that's been hanging around the editing room floor. Within this podcast you'll discover how Levar Burton is handling his dismissal from legendary kid's show- Reading Rainbow.

Also there's this ass-hat-

Get your bonus vitamin P- right here- CHERRY SPITZ BONUSCAST

Cheers,

Lars

Ep 16 - IST - Precious Leather Couch

2009-10-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

You know, all that really matters is that the people you love are happy and healthy. Everything else is just sprinkles on the sundae. - Paul Walker

Yello friends, Tim here. And man alive, have we got a Spitzcast for you!

As many of you know, Cherry Spitz is deeply involved in the Hollywood Underground. So deep, in fact, that no one even knows who we are there, and that's exactly the way we like it.

So this week's podcast features Hollywood pop culture references like: 'Mr. Crinkle', Dirt Nasty, the various construction stages of the Irvine Spectrum (who knew?!), Facebook dominance, and a "good" Paul Walker movie. Yes, apparently one actually exists!

Le Spitzcast

Featuring: Erik, Tim, James, Player X, Black Rob, and a breakfast sandwich.

DOUCHEBAG APPROVED!!!

Ep 15 - IST - CHERRY SPITZ @ LBCC SPECIAL

2009-10-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

What's up, amigos.

New podcast is go! This week Erik, Ify, and myself rally at Ice Station Thundergoat (Egon's studio) to review the big Long Beach Comic Convention. Also joining us at the ol' ice station are friends of the Spitz Josh Easely and B-Rob, with Player X on the board as always.

Listen and marvel as we run down our epic day at LB Comic-Con. We saw Stan Lee, met wrestlers, saw Seth Green, and even got photographed by fans [It happened! No one can dispute me on that!]. Plus Egon is challenged to nerd combat and Ify destroys the watercloset! All that, plus music on the new Cherry Spitz podcast! Come and get your nerd fix.

CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST Ice Station Thundergoat: LB Comic-Con Special

OR if you're so inclined...

Cherry Spitz podcasts available for free download on itunes. Feel free to write us a review.

*and*

Cherry Spitz podcasts on Zune(whatever that is)

Special thanks to Creepy Carly, who sketched the three of us at the Mediocre Militia table. She was dressed as Dr. Girlfriend, which is goes-without-saying awesome. And for the record, I never said what she quoted me as saying. Erik did have a snail on him though. Thanks again Carly. Everyone can check out Mediocre Militia at mediocremilitia.com.

-James

[We were drinking PBR]

Ep 14 - D-House - Boys Eerily Watching Girls Drawing Girls

2009-10-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes folks! It's another sweet podcast from your Spitzers with another sweet lady (as a guest this time). Today, Lars, James, and Tim chat up pin-up artist and co-founder of GirlsDrawinGirls.com, Anne Walker. We also have Chuck back as our "on-site" medical aid. Listen as the lovely Anne talks about sexy ladies not only as art, but in art as well. Hot chicks and their sexy cartoons- what's not to like? We also pick Anne's brain on all the crazy guy stuff that plagues the Spitz on a daily basis such as: gypsies, furries, James Brolin, Looney Tunes, vampire romance, and James' beard.

Get your 36-24-26-eriffic podcast right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 10/04/05- With Anne Walker

And go check out the GirlsDrawinGirls next big, big, gallery opening in Burbank on 10/17/09!!!

Stay close to that internet, dear listener, for more fun guests and improv/sketch adsurdity. Nine out of ten experts agree that a dose of weekly Spitz can prevent Swine Flu so take that ya piggos.

Ep 13 D-House - Freedomcast

2009-09-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

On this week's podcast, the Spitz is happy to welcome Sgt. Chuck Farell (United States Army). Here, Chuck gives us unique persepectives on the war in Afghanistan through his wacky adventures as an Army medic. Learn important Army tips such as: how to run from explosions, protect yourself from a zombie outbeak in the Middle East, find a decent vacation resort in Afghanistan, and know which first-person shooters to play to get ready for war.

Get some right here- Cherry Spitz FreedomCast 9/27/09

We've ran into a few unfortunate technical difficulties as of late, but we'll be serving up fresh podcasts into your lobe every Sunday afternoon. We shall beat the machines!

Keep comin' back. New sketches will be up on www.funnyordie.com/cherryspitz in the fall season. If you like us, or even better hate us, leave some goddamned comments over there. Every time a comment gets left on FunnyorDie, an angel hits a hard eight in Vegas. Which is great for the angel, cuz he owed that mob boss like 50 large and now they won't tune him up in the parking lot and take his wings.

[please think of the angels]

2009-09-20T13:25:00.001-07:00

Egads! It's archived footage of Erik's old band, The Invisible Plan, playing their angsty brand of instrumental art-noise prog-punk. Look out!!

Ep 12 - IST - Puff Puff, Jerk Jerk

2009-09-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Incoming!

It's been a scatterbrained couple weeks here at the Spitz but we are always hard at work for you beautiful people. Today we have a hot new podcast for your little ears.

With Lars gone at Burning Man the rest of us Spitzers have been podcasting from Erik's Orange County studio, Ice Station Thundergoat. Positioned directly under a military flight path, the Thundergoat compound is our home away from home. This week's show features Erik "Puff puff, jerk jerk" Wargo, Tim "Man in the streets" Gale, and "Gorgeous" James Stebick, with Rob "Player X" in the booth. Plus, listen closely for the 30 seconds Lars skypes in to talk about Burning Man.

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: Midget stripclubs, which one of us is gay for Jon Hamm, "baby ghosts", Tim presents "Things I found on the CSUF bathroom walls", Hellboy's lineage, superhero theme parks, and in case you're wondering 'Yakkity Sax" runs until about 25:51. Enjoy!

Ice Station Thundergoat podcast: 9/13/2009

Also there's this- How much do we really know about America's favorite bipolar Fox News personality, Glenn Beck? Recent evidence suggests he may be running from a shady past and we discuss it in this week's podcast. The website we mention, glennbeckrapedandmurderedayounggirlin1990.com (seriously), can be found here:

http://glennbeckrapedandmurderedayounggirlin1990.com/

Tell us what you think. And keep watching and voting for our videos at Funny or Die. Just search for Cherry Spitz or go to funnyordie.com/cherryspitz. If you make us famous, we'll make YOU famous.

-James

[end transmission]

Death penalty declared "Totally Badass"

2009-09-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

What up, Spitz fans.

It's important to keep up on current events and the daily workings of our nation's government. That's why I wanted to post this video, in hopes of generating some intelligent public discussion about modern law. Watch, enjoy, and discuss:

The only thing that bothers me is Chief Justice John Robert's use of the word "hella." I'm okay with absolutely everything else reported in this story.

-James

[I am the Law.]

Ep 11 - IST - Trainwreck

2009-09-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

After one failed attempt at recording an episode, The Spitzers, Tim, James & Erik take a 2nd stab, and it ain't pretty.

Also included: THEME SONG + INTRO!

Listen!

Job Interview

2009-08-31T23:06:00.000-07:00

Howdy Spitz fans.

It sure is rough out there nowadays, what with the economy all in flames and whatnot. Inflation, bailouts, unemployment, hordes of marauders waging war over gasoline. It's gotten so bad that we, Cherry Spitz, have all had to go out seek employment outside of the crazy lucrative world of semi-underground comedy troupes. And as it turns out the only place hiring right now is a company run by a guy that Tim thinks looks like Eric Bana. Time to put on our fanciest "goin out" clothes and get your imaginary resume ready. We need work.

How'd we do??? You tell us! Please to enjoy...

"Job Interview"
Featuring: Lars Hansen, Tim Gale, Blaire Byhower, Erik Wargo, James Stebick, Matt Linzmeier, and special guest appearance by Yoda.
Edited by: Tim Gale

Job Interview - watch more funny videos

If nothing else, I'd really like "Johnny Dickbag" to become the hot new insult of 2010.

-James

[They ended up hiring Yoda.]

Ep XX - D-House - Doublecast - BONUSCAST

2009-08-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

Free bird!

Hey kiddies,

Lars is off blowing his brain up for the next few weeks in the Nevada desert, so it's Tim dropping the bonus 'cast on you this eve. Two podcasts in one week you say?! Por que?! Because we like you - you surly, inebriated audience.

The usual suspects in the cast: James "Jimmy Mac" Stebick, Tim "The Captain" Gale, Lars "Swedish" Hansen and very special guest, "the Dacs", Matt Apodaca.

In the words of Ben Stiller, playing Tom Cruise's stunt double, Tom Crooze, on the set of Mission Impossible 2: "This mission, it just got a hell of a lot more impossibler."

Bustin' makes us feel good! --------------> The Spitz Cast

Muppet Cover-Up

2009-08-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

Here's the Muppet footage that was mentioned in the Spitzcast. Though not quite as funny as I remembered it, it's still pretty damn sweet. And James was right - Rogen does play Rolf. Bill Heder plays an awesome Animal too.

-Timmy G

Ep 10 - IST - Welcome To Ice Station Thundergoat

2009-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

What's up guys??

Erik here! I'm proud to bring you another episode of The Cherry Spitz Podcast, this time from Ice Station Thundergoat (my place) with some audio aid from the infinitely wise Player X. No more will you hear the blistering pops of Bs and Ps within our whimsical rants.

In this episode: James' recent name change, Tim's lust for women with personality, Lars' fascination with Entertaiment Weekly and my crappy A/C unit.

Enough with the boasting. Here's the goods: BAM!

School has just started for most of us, so now that we've got the PSA and cereal sketches out of the way, we're in a bit of a down shifting mode right now. But rest assured, we are plotting.

Enough about us. How are you?

-Erik

Eat your Eaties!

2009-08-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

At long last our first run of zombie commercials are ready for your viewing pleasure. It is my esteemed privilege to present to you, "Eat your Eaties" 1-3. Let us know what you think.

-James

Eat your Eaties 1
Featuring: Tim Gale

Eat your Eaties 2
Featuring: Blaire Byhower, Tim Gale, and James Stebick

Eat your Eaties 3
Featuring: Lars Hansen, James Stebick, Clint Marshall, Courtney Ewell, Sarah Bee, and Erik Wargo

[100% whole braaaains]

Just say no kids....

2009-08-22T23:10:00.001-07:00

Hey kids. Always remember that we here at the Spitz care about what's most important- the children. Please think of the children. Please to enjoy.

Ep 9 - D-House - Rich, Cultural Heritage

2009-08-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

On a very special Cherry Spitz Podcast, the three most senior, active members reminisce about the good old days of Cherry Spitz Improv.

Today, Lars, Tim and James discuss local improv groups that we've encountered in our travels as improvisers in the LA and OC area. We also delve into our rich, cultural heritage that is the all-encompassing Spitz. This is the podcast to get to know your Spitzer better. Learn and be astonished at our origins!

Get yours now- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 8/19/09

Like us? Hate us? Love us and then hate us, but then make up with us by holding a large radio over your head and blasting it at us to our second story window? We wanna know. Send us your comments. Go to our iTunes page and start some shit. We'll be glad you did.

Stay tuned for new sketches up this weekend! [God willing!]

Get off my phone, vampires!!!!

2009-08-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Watch the videos and it all will make sense.

And this last one is pretty fucking funky in it's own right:

You little pinhead!!!!

The Ballad of G.I Joe

2009-08-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all,

I just wanted to post the video we talked about on the new podcast, in case anyone hasn't seen it yet. Here is Cha-Ching Pictures' "Ballad of G.I. Joe," complete with the all-star cast list. From what I understand, this video is a thousand times better than the actual G.I. Joe movie.

-James

The Ballad of G.I. Joe from Olivia Wilde

Laz Alonso as Doc
Alexis Bledel as Lady Jaye
Billy Crudup as Zartan
Zach Galifiankais as Snow Job
Tony Hale as Dr. Mindbender
Vinnie Jones as Destro
Joey Kern as Tomax
Joey Kern as Xamot
Chuck Liddell as Gung Ho
Julianne Moore as Scarlett
Henry Rollins as Duke
Alan Tudyk as Shipwreck
Olivia Wilde as The Baroness
Sgt. Slaughter as Himself

[Buster Bluth is Dr. Mindbender? Awesome!]

Ep 8 - D-House - Music, Movies & Bears

2009-08-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

Whew! We're in the dog days of summer now, so time to turn the Cherry Spitz all up in this bitch!

Hear what the gang has been buzzing about since last week. Topics include- people not being able to stop dancing, cool people running everything, and GI Joe.

Get your latest installment of sweet Cherry extract right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 8/12/09

Remember to check back here soon for some new sketches and other announcements about the Spitz's Fall season.

Missed an episode? You can click on "index" on the main page on the left and find all of our casts or go on iTunes and type "Cherry Spitz Podcast" in the search field. Leave us a comment while you're there. It's like my grandfather always told me, "Every time you leave a comment on the Cherry Spitz iTunes, an angel gets laid."

[please think of the angels]

Ep 7 - D-House - A Girl? BLAIRE'S FIRST SHOW

2009-08-06T20:23:00.001-07:00

We got a fresh, steaming, pile of pod for you! We cover a whole bunch of goodies in this one and this marks the first appearance of our g-g-g-guh-guh-GIRL member of the Spitz- Blaire Byhower. In addition we got our regular casters: Lars Hansen, Tim Gale, James Stebick, Erik Wargo, and Ify Nwadiwe.

Get your cast on right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 8/06/09

Rather than tell you what topics we cover, I'm just going to post a bunch of supplemental materials right here in the post. Check 'em out and you'll know a little more about why we're stock raving mad for covering this shit.

FYI: Look for an entire BONUS podcast in the next couple of days just to cover this damn infomercial.

Watch and discuss. I'm banking this is fake which means this kid has more commitment to the comedic craft than us and that makes me wanna throttle him. I'd at least buy the remote control dinner first....

Click HERE to get your dramatic zombie action on.

Hit up our other sister site http://www.ifechukwude.com/ and find out what's happening in the adventures of Ify.

mcchris.com

This man is a personal hero some us here at the Spitz. Tonight he rap battles his way through Indiana at the mutherfucking Gathering of the Juggalos. Give 'em hell chris.

If you like us, tell us what you think. We have a new sketch out this week too, so come back and stay awhile. I won't feel ya up or nothin'.

Also, if you could, give us some more comments on our itunes. Search for "Cherry Spitz Podcast" in the music store. That be gosh darn swell.

Anyhoo, stay tuned. Have a sweet ass weekend my ninjas.

-Lars

Our next big sketch: Han Solo P.I.

2009-08-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hey guys. I just wanted to announce our next big sketch project. Cherry Spitz is going to be producing 22 full-length episodes of THIS:

Tuesdays on Ion.

Oh yeah, and then there's this...

2009-08-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Creative Goddamned Differences - watch more funny videos

Rumlings of a comedy fued

2009-08-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Beginning of story: Will Ferrell made this Hi-larious video on funnyordie.com

Will Ferrell Answers Internet Questions from Will Ferrell

Then, of course, we provided this response:

We actually uncovered a new e-mail:

RonBurgundyWasAGoldenGod: Will, our comedy group has been a fan of yours since you were trapped in a "glass case of emotion". Then we all bought tickets for Land of the Lost. That movie was so bad we built a giant penis-sized rocket ship and plan to fly it straight into your butthole at an upcoming premiere of yours. P.S. Stop sucking dick."

Wow, pretty harsh, and we wrote it.

Oh, hey, we have a vi-joe: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0a785284c/creative-goddamned-differences

Your move, Ferrell!

well guys, looks like some beat lars

2009-07-31T03:30:00.000-07:00

to his air shark idea

SpitzScene: The War to End All Wars

2009-07-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

A bit of violence happened in the group today.

Many fights and battles occurred.

I will not say who lived and who died.

Okay, I will admit that James died. But he kept eating the peanut butter...and you know how that fuckin' goes for a fat man.

Nevertheless, if you can create comedy through tragedy, then Cherry Spitz hath done so.

-Dom Deluise Jr.

Hello Internetz from da Spitz

2009-07-30T19:38:00.001-07:00

Greetings to all you Spitz fans new and old, big and small, single and looking. We're Cherry Spitz Improv. This site is dedicated to all things Spitzy. Get to know us. Listen to a podcast, check out our videos and sketches, go to our live shows, buy us dinner and a movie- we'll totally put out. All these can be yours on this little fantasy island of the internet except we don't have any little people, but we can sometimes be as suave as Ricardo Montabon. No wait, no one can possibly be that suave. Except maybe Zombie Ricardo Montabon. (Zombiebon?) Anyhoo, stay tuned, follow us, and check us out on iTunes!

Subscribe today- CHERRY SPITZ ON iTunes

Ep 6 - D-House - The Cherry Spitz Forum

2009-07-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! Welcome to the new home for the Cherry Spitz. Kicking off this momentous event, we have a kickass podcast coming your way. Just make sure you don't get it in your eye.

Today's casters are: Lars Hansen, Tim Gale, Ify Nwadiwe, James Stebick and special guests: Kjel Hansen, Miles Arnold, and Matt Apodaca on Skype.

Listen to us rant and rave about sci-fi, pop culture items, Miles' visit to the Playboy Mansion, and how racism can be funny.

Get your sweet podcast action right here- CHERRY SPITZ PODCAST 7/30/09

Podcast Index

2009-07-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Missed a podcast? New to the ways of the Spitz? Curious to see how it all begins? Here you can find all of our archived podcasts. Just click on a link and jump down the rabbit hole....

6/24/09 - First Contact - *PREMIERE EPISODE*
7/01/09 - 80's Movies
7/08/09 - Hot Lincoln Walnuts (+ More 80's Movies)
7/15/09 - Garret Li
7/22/09 - *COMIC CON `09 PRE-GAME SPECIAL*
7/27/09 - *CHERRY SPITZ @ COMIC-CON `09 WRAP-UP*
7/30/09 - The Cherry Spitz Forum
8/06/09 - A Girl? - *1ST PODCAST APPEARANCE BY BLAIRE*
8/12/09 - Music, Movies & Bears
8/19/09 - Rich, Cultural Heritage
8/26/09 - Welcome To Ice Station Thundergoat
8/27/09 - Doublecast
9/03/09 - Trainwreck
9/13/09 - Puff Puff, Jerk Jerk
9/27/09 - Freedomcast
10/05/09 - Boys Eerily Watching Girls Drawing Girls
10/10/09 - *CHERRY SPITZ @ LBCC SPECIAL*
10/19/09 - Precious Leather Couch
10/21/09 - Canceled Rainbow - *BONUSCAST*
10/25/09 - Young Avengers
11/08/09 - Return To Ringpop Island
11/14/09 - The Return of Tony
11/15/09 - *EPISODE 20* - Part 1
11/17/09 - *EPISODE 20* - Part 2
11/29/09 - People Call In
12/02/09 - Audio Hug
12/10/09 - Bonafide Audio
12/23/09 - Merry Krampus
01/05/10 - The Prisoner's Dilemma
01/08/09 - Facist Leap