We have the Simpson's episode that makes reference to "Steve Grabowski" on tape. My husband used to tape the show and caught it accidently. He has kept it all this time because his name is Steve Grabowski!

Hey, my name is Steve Grabowski and I live in Lancaster County, PA. I think that the New York Simpsons episode is the best one ever.

I saw it when it first aired September 21, 1997 and it shocked me when I heard my name, because I think the character is actually named after me, personally. I believe this because, earlier that year, I sent a letter to the Simpsons company complimenting their work over the years.

I guess they liked the letter, saw my name, and put in the episode. Maybe it was just a random full name that they chose- I don't really know.

Anyway, I've taped the episode twice since then, and I couldn't help but notice that it was not aired for a while because of the attack on the World Trade Center.

That would not be out of character for The Simpsons' writers. One of my favourite episodes ever is the Worst Episode Ever episode, since it was basically the writers making fun of alt.tv.simpsons newsgroup posters who had complained about the decline in the show's quality as well as continuity goofs. It could be one of those random nonsensical things that the writers just put in there (like Homer's reference to being the first non-Brazilian to travel backwards through time in a rerun I just saw), but then, like you say, it could be an inside joke at your expense. :)

I think we should get a Steve Grabowski Club going.

What do you all think?

Steve Grabowski

That 'first non Brazilian person ever to travel through time' was a reference to writer Carlos Casteneda. Not a non sequitor, but a very funny reference.