This episode is based on the film "Stand By Me". Homer plays Wil Wheaton's part. And Moe is River Phoenix.
When Lenny said he wouldn't jump at the quarry because he was shaking like a French soldier, the French version said he was shaking like a leaf.
Burly Paper Towels is a parody of Brawny paper towels, right down to the lumberjack on the package.
The scene where Mesmerino predicts how much left is left in his checking account (which is 17.76) is a parody of Johnny Carson's "Carnac" where he would predict an event on a piece of paper sealed in an envelope and give the answer before opening it.
Mesmerino hypnotizes Homer into believing he is Emily Dickinson. However, as Homer runs circles around Mesmerino, he exclaims that he's Angie Dickinson.