VATICAN CITY— Homer Simpson a Catholic? Don’t have a sacred cow, man.
The Vatican newspaper has declared that Homer is part of the pope’s flock – a claim that is leaving “The Simpsons” TV producer baffled.
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“Few people know it and he does everything to hide it but it is true: Homer J. Simpson is Catholic,” L’Osservatore Romano wrote in its weekend edition. The paper quoted an analysis by a Jesuit priest, the Rev. Francesco Occhetta, discussing Homer’s and his son Bart’s conversion in a 2005 episode.
L’Osservatore says the analysis shows that behind the TV program’s jokes are themes “linked to the sense and quality of life.” While noting that “The Simpsons” often takes jabs at religious figures, it said parents should not be afraid to let their children watch “the adventures of the little guys in yellow.”
But the show’s producer told Entertainment Weekly the Vatican may have gone a step too far in its analysis of the satire, noting that Homer and Bart only considered converting in the 2005 episode.
“My first reaction is shock and awe” EW.com quoted executive producer Al Jean says.
Jean noted that the Simpson family attends the First Church of Springfield “which is decidedly Presbylutheran.”
Levi Johnston want to be Wasilla mayor
JUNEAU, Alaska — Levi Johnston says there are really no qualifications to hold the job that Sarah Palin once held – that of mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.
Johnston, the father of Palin’s grandson, was grilled on “The View” Monday about his mayoral ambitions.
In August, Johnston’s manager confirmed Johnston’s plans to run for the office as part of a reality TV show and insisted he was serious about it.
Johnston said the only real qualification is to live in the city limits for a year before the election.
Johnston said he has no platform, which drew groans from the round-table.
Elton John: Hostility in U.S. ‘heartbreaking’
NEW YORK — Elton John says he’s heartbroken by a mean tone that he says is enveloping America.
John spoke at his annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit Monday night and honored the memory of AIDS activist Ryan White, who died 20 years ago. The teen contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion and faced ostracism and discrimination. White worked to combat prejudice and ignorance associated with the disease until his death.
John and White became close friends during White’s crusade; John said White is the reason why he started his foundation, which has doled out tens of millions of dollars to AIDS-related causes.
However, the legendary singer said some things have not changed since White died in 1990.
“I’m saddened and disturbed to realize we are still dealing with the same problems,” John said.
The British superstar professed his love for the United States, but said there is an increasing hostility in the country that “breaks my heart.”
Obama to do ‘Daily Show’
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is taking his campaign message to “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart.
White House spokesman Dan Pfeiffer says Obama is taping an appearance on Oct. 27, just days before the Nov. 2 elections.
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