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BY JACQUELINE CUTLER Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart (from left) 'The Simpsons' turns 500 On Sunday, Feb. 19, "The Simpsons" marks an extraordinary feat – its 500th episode. The characters, which began as droopier versions in 20-second cartoons on "The Tracey Ullman Show," have evolved, as creator Matt Groening and star Dan Castellaneta discuss in a very rare interview with Zap2it. First, though, consider some numbers. Now in its 23rd season, the show has won 27 Emmy Awards, is seen in more than 100 countries and has 37 million likes on its Facebook page. Guest stars have included Buzz Aldrin, Anne Bancroft, Tony Blair, Rodney Dangerfield, Stephen Hawking, Michael Jackson, Jack Lemmon, Jack LaLanne, Paul Newman, the Ramones, J.K. Rowling, Elizabeth Taylor and John Updike. It's in the Guinness Book of Records for having the most guest stars. Before they worked together, Groening loved Castellaneta's improv work, and Castellaneta read Groening's "Life in Hell" comics; the two still get a kick out of each other. Question: Did you have any notion "The Simpsons" would have such a life or that it would provide your livelihoods? Groening: I thought the show would be a hit. It was always defined even when they were 20-second cartoons on "The Tracey Ullman Show." It was designed to be a TV series. However, I didn't think it would be that successful. Maybe we would get it on the air. I didn't think we would have it on the air 25 years later. I have been working with Dan since '87, and I still can't believe those voices come out of his mouth. Question: What are your favorite lines? Groening: My favorite line (Castellaneta) ever said on the show was in the ill-fated monorail episode. The control panel opens up, and a mother possum is hanging by (her) tail, and Homer says, "I call the big one Bitey." He doesn't understand it is a possum. And he is perfectly happy that it bit him. 4:00 p.m. (ESPN) NBA Basketball All-Star Celebrity Game. From Orlando, Fla. (Live) (HD) (ESPN2) College Basketball Loyola (Md.) at Rider. (Live) (HD) 6:00 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Marquette at West Virginia. (Live) (HD) (TNT) NBA Basketball 2012 NBA Rising Stars Challenge. From Amway Arena in Orlando, Fla. (Live) (HD) UNDERWAY! VOTING IS Vote for your favorite Tehama County Businesses! Online Ballots Only at www.redbluffdailynews.com at random from all eligible ballots on March 1. Each will receive a $100 Shopping Spree at the Tehama County business of their choice! 2 x 5" ad February 18 - 24, 2012 Five Lucky Voters will be selected BOXING SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) 10:45 p.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) SUNDAY 10:30 a.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) MONDAY 5:00 p.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) 11:30 p.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) Did You Know? You have the choice to select your own repair facility. Fast, High Quality Repairs with 100% Satisfaction GUARANTEED! Red Bluff Collision Auto repair and refinishing, glass repair, custom paint and matching 530.527.6160 • 915 Madison St., Red Bluff The Daily News and North Valley Community Newspapers 2 x 3" ad © Tribune Media Services select TV 5 THURSDAY 11:00 a.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) 9:00 p.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Freddie pushes for perfection as fight night approaches. (HD) FRIDAY 6:00 p.m. (ESPN2) Boxing Juan Carlos Burgos vs. Cristobal Cruz. (Live) (HD) D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 Your "Local" Daily Newspaper Since 1885 To Subscribe Call Today! 1 x 2" ad 527-2151 9:30 p.m. (HBO) On Freddie Roach Drama surrounds boxer Manny Pacquiao. (HD) GOLF SATURDAY 12:00 p.m. (CBS-12) PGA Tour Golf Northern Trust Open, Third Round. (Live) (HD) SUNDAY 12:00 p.m. (CBS-12) PGA Tour Golf Northern Trust Open, Final Round. (Live) (HD) HOCKEY SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. (NBC-24) Hockey Day in America (Live) (HD) 9:30 a.m. (NBC-24) NHL Hockey San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings. From Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. (Live) (HD) 12:00 p.m. (NBC-24) NHL Hockey Bos- ton Bruins at Minnesota Wild. From the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. (Live) (HD) MARTIAL ARTS FRIDAY 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2) MMA Live (HD)