Connection Between Michael Jackson and The Simpsons?

Image from source, TV Squad

I'll confess, some time very soon after hearing about Michael Jackson's death, Nancy Cartwright's voice as Bart Simpson went through my head: "Michael Jackson, I love you, man!" The controversial video for "Black or White" premiered during an episode of The Simpsons, and the singer did uncredited voice work on the show too. But apparently, there was more stuff that I was unaware of.

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Michael Jackson's connection to The Simpsons runs deeper than you think

Michael Jackson's impact on TV's infallible mammoth The Simpsons goes far deeper than we previously suspected. In fact, Jackson is probably one of the many creative minds who helped the show and its characters move into more musical territory and become an even deeper part of global pop culture. When you're a king, you have all sorts of powers, so you might as well use them for the good of your kingdom. . .

Read more at: TV Squad

The Simpsons Post I Never Wanted To Make

Image from source, TV3

As is evident in many of my previous posts, I'm not a big fan of the religion. I've covered my reasons pretty thoroughly, and if you have any interest, you can type the word "religion" in the search box above.

It's a strange sensation to have one of your idols become swept up in religion. Sure it's a personal choice that has nothing to do with me. It's their business, right? But I can't help but think a little less of them, particularly when it is a religion like Scientology.

Like Mormonism, Scientology is a rather recent arrival in the world of religion. It was brought into being by a science fiction writer, L. Ron Hubbard. Curiously, the religion closely resembles some of Hubbard's earlier sci-fi stories. And worst of all, in order to "progress" into the higher levels of the religion (!), one must fork over ones hard-earned cash. Lots of it. Ugh.

So, which of my idols has given tons of cash to this religion? Bart Simpson. Or, more accurately, Nancy Cartwright, who voices Bart. I'm a long-time, die hard The Simpsons fan, having watched since the first short clip of it appeared on The Tracey Ullman Show on my 21st birthday. It may be odd to idolize a cartoon, but I truly believe that the writers and voice actors of the show embody an incredible talent, intelligence and wit. Scientology is just the type of thing that The Simpsons would ordinarily mock mercilessly. Why, Nancy, why?

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Voice of Bart Simpson donates $10m to scientology

Nancy Cartwright, the voice behind cartoon character Bart Simpson, has been awarded Scientology's Patron Laureate Award after donating $US10 million to the organisation in 2007. . .

Read more at: TV3