Craig says he needs the last copy of The Boston Herald newspaper. He wants "to see what Murdoch has to say about Fat Boy". This is a reference to the opinion page exchange in early 1988 between Rupert Murdoch, the owner of the newspaper, and then Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, dubbed "Fat Boy".
The title is from the TV drama/movie Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962) written by Rod Serling and produced for the live television show Playhouse 90 (1956) on 11 October 1956.
Auschlander says, "Jumpin' Jack! What was that flash?" He's referencing The Rolling Stones song, "Jumping Jack Flash."
Fiscus quotes R.E.M., "It's the end of the world as we know it. And I feel fine!"