Let’s start with a Happy Labor Day to all of you in the United States. I only hope that you aren’t having to “Labor” today…and are enjoying the 3-Day Weekend, without Grinding for TSTO “bling” much! Most of you should be waaaaay ahead of the calendar by now. So, tip back…enjoy your favorite beverage, and read a couple of stories from the REAL Springfield (well…one of them started here).
There is countless debate over where the Real Springfield is. But during a visit to Springfield, Oregon, to help celebrate the unveiling of a huge Simpson’s mural, the “Real Lisa Simpson” (at least the voice of the real Lisa Simpson) let it slip that indeed, Springfield, Oregon was the true Springfield. We never had a doubt…
But, apparently, more than just this revelation was hatched when Yeardly Smith visited here. Love…and a True Crime show were born…
That’s right… when Yeardly was here, not only did a new romance with one of the local detectives who was tasked to escort her on her visit…but the seeds a new “True Crime” podcast were planted.
But, the crowd that welcomed her, and greeted the unveiling of the huge mural that graces one of the main streets of the “REAL SPRINGFIELD” was pretty darn cool. They served free, over-sized donuts!
You can read all about it IN THIS STORY in the Register Guard.
So..Yeardly comes to Springfield. where she spills the beans, and then ends up getting “twitterpated” with the police detective that is escorting her…whose real life stories of life on the force (incredibly with his twin brother who is also on the force) inspired her, along with a longtime friend, to start a new True Crime podcast.
I’ve listened to the first three episode (you can find them on iTunes and other streaming services) of “Small Town Dicks.” They are compelling…interesting and true! (although I have to admit that the title is a bit misleading…as I have no idea what equipment her policeman friend has…HEY!…keep it clean…I’m talking about crime gear!).
It’s an interesting “listen”…the stories are riveting…and it all started in Springfield!
And SPEAKING OF CRIMES…
It is an absolute CRIME that we got word this past week that Alf Clausen was unceremoniously terminated from his job as the primary composer, and conductor of the Simpsons. It sucks!!!
I have to think that this is just one more way that the producers and the network can squeeze more dollars out of their Simpson’s Cash Cow…and frankly, as a musician, I am appalled.
As reported in the “Variety Magazine,” Clausen, whose Emmy record includes two wins (1997 and ’98) and another 21 nominations for “The Simpsons” dating back to 1992, has scored more than 560 episodes of the series, starting early in the 1990-91 season. He is believed to be the most-nominated composer in Emmy history, with a total of 30 nominations overall.
He has also won five Annie Awards, all for his “Simpsons” music. His long tenure with the series has made him one of the most respected creators of animation music in TV history.
Clausen’s last complete score for the series was for the season finale of Season 28, which aired in May. The season premiere is slated for Oct. 1, but it is not yet clear who will be scoring that episode.
Speculation about Clausen’s dismissal involves cost-cutting measures, which have been ongoing at “The Simpsons” in recent years, despite its massive profits for Fox and executive producer James L. Brooks’ Gracie Films.
Clausen uses a 35-piece orchestra every week — something that “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening insisted upon from the start of the show. Including costs of musicians, recording studios, and orchestration, expenses routinely run into the millions of dollars per year. Danny Elfman’s “Simpsons” theme is expected to be retained.”
This is a HORRIBLE decision by the powers that be. Clausen, and his amazing music is as much a part of the fabric of the show, as the animation and story writers. In fact, I would go so far as to say, that much of his original music, and parodies, are BETTER than a lot of the show’s writing in the past couple of decades.
It is one of those things that actually warrants an outcry of support…and nasty letters and tweets to the “head honchos.”
Al Jean, and James Brooks have twitter accounts… LIGHT THEM UP!!
OK. That’s about all on that information…I’m livid…and this is one of those things that I won’t “just get over.” It sucks. Period.
On a positive note…College Football started this week, and my Oregon Ducks actually had a good start to the “Willie Taggart era.” It was against a cupcake team…but we put up 77 points…which is a good way to win back some confidence. Alabama proved they are going to earn their #1 rating again, and USC may in fact be over-rated (they looked pretty lousy against a team they should have crushed.
That’s it from the “Real Springfield.” Have a great “rest of the day,” and “keep on tappin’!!”
AND…LET US KNOW WHICH OF CLAUSEN’S SONGS ON THE SIMPSONS MADE YOU LAUGH THE MOST! There are LOADS of them…think about all of the good music that makes you smile (even more than Weird Al) and you will see why he will be missed!