We haven't really seen this, either

From Gannett News Service and our local paper:

Don't have a cow, man! But, are you ready for the movie?

As the world prepares for the debut of "The Simpsons Movie" on July 27, we've prepped some trivia for you to throw out at life's cosmic cocktail party.

Question: Who is the mastermind behind "The Simpsons?"

Answer: Matt Groening.

This Portland, Ore., native first gained recognition for his comic book and strip "Life in Hell," which appears in 250 newspapers nationwide. This led to his first animated work, "The Simpsons," and subsequently to "Futurama." He was creator and executive producer of both Fox animated series. Groening continues his work on "The Simpsons," including serving as a writer on the upcoming film. He also oversees all licensing and merchandising of "The Simpsons."

Groening and fellow writer James L. Brooks have been rather tight-lipped about the plot of the up-coming movie. According to IMDB.com, though, here's a peek at the storyline: "Homer mistakenly pollutes the river with toxic waste from the power plant, he loses his job and forces evacuation from Springfield, possibly forever."

Q: When did "The Simpsons" get its big break?

A: "The Simpsons" began as a two-minute short on "The Tracy Ullman Show" in 1987. The 30-minute series debuted on Fox in December 1989.

Q: Who are the voices of the lovable Simpson clan?

A: Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) and Marge (Julie Kavner) head the family of three children: Bart (Nancy Cartwright), Lisa (Yeardley Smith) and Maggie.

Q: How long have "The Simpsons" been on TV?

A: The animated show is currently America's longest running sitcom and is broadcast in 45 languages. The 400th episode aired in May, as the show celebrated its 20th anniversary. The popular program returns for its 19th season on Sept. 23.

Pop culture expert Robert Thompson, head of Syracuse University's Center for the Study of Popular Television, was quoted by CNN.com in 2003 as saying "The Simpsons" is "among the best comic American art of any medium," up there with Charlie Chaplin, Mark Twain, the Marx Brothers and "Peanuts."

Q: How many awards has the show has racked up?

A: The show has enjoyed 90 wins in various entertainment awards competitions, including multiple Emmys. "The Simpsons" had their star added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000.

Q: Which celebrity guests have appeared over the years?

A: The show is famous for the celebrity guest voices, which have included: The Beatles' George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Johnny Carson, Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, the Rolling Stones, R.E.M., Tony Bennett, Phil Hartman, Kelsey Grammer, Jon Lovitz and Eric Idle.

As the world? Huh. Guess we're not part of it. We've seen maybe three episodes in their entirety -- and one of them was in German. We're, um, not scheduled to be part of the world this weekend. Between Harry Potter and Homer Simpson, we feel, um, not cool.

Or does this make us cool?

Huh. Quite the quandry.