The Simpsons may be an animated series, one whose storylines are as far-fetched as any sitcom on television, but the long-running show has actually been especially impacted by a pair of current events.

First, the show dedicated last night's episode to Elizabeth Taylor. Why? Because she's actually the voice behind one of the most iconic Simpsons quotes on record: Maggie's first word, as shown here:

Meanwhile, due to tragic events in Japan, various countries have started to edit out references to any kind of nuclear meltdown at the Springfield power plant.

Executive producer Al Jean totally is fully supportive of this decision, telling Entertainment Weekly:

"We have 480 episodes, and if there are a few that they don't want to air for awhile in light of the terrible things going on, I completely understand that."