Oregon’s Springfield is star of ‘Simpsons’
Oregon is the winner as far as “The Simpsons” are concerned, according to creator Matt Groening, who told Smithsonian magazine that the real-life home of his fictional characters is the Springfield in the Northwest.
Groening acknowledged that he has always avoided naming the state.
“I don’t want to ruin it for people, you know? Whenever people say it’s Springfield, Ohio, or Springfield, Massachusetts, or Springfield, wherever, I always go, ‘Yup, that’s right.’ “
“Springfield was named after Springfield, Oregon,” Groening told the magazine. “The only reason is that when I was a kid, the TV show ‘Father Knows Best’ took place in the town of Springfield, and I was thrilled because I imagined that it was the town next to Portland, my hometown.
“When I grew up, I realized it was just a fictitious name. I also figured out that Springfield was one of the most common names for a city in the U.S. In anticipation of the success of the show, I thought, ‘This will be cool; everyone will think it’s their Springfield.’ And they do.”
Anthony files for divorce from Lopez
Marc Anthony has made his breakup from Jennifer Lopez official by filing for divorce in Los Angeles. The singer filed his petition Monday to end the marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The pair announced they were ending their marriage in June after seven years. Anthony is asking for joint custody of their twin children.
Axl Rose declines Rock Hall induction
There’ll be no Guns N’ Roses reunion at Saturday’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in Cleveland. Axl Rose says he won’t attend and is declining his induction into the hall.
The seminal band, which ruled the rock world for years disbanded in acrimony in 1996.
But in a letter to the hall released Wednesday, Rose said he won’t be at the ceremony and would avoid what would have likely been a “complicated or awkward situation.”
“I won’t be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2012 Ceremony and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N’ Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame,” he said in the letter. “I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf.”
The birthday bunch
Jazz musician Herbie Hancock is 72. Actor Ed O’Neill is 66. Author Tom Clancy is 65. Talk show host David Letterman is 65. Singer David Cassidy is 62. Country singer Vince Gill is 55. Actress Shannen Doherty is 41. Actress Claire Danes is 33.