While getting grasshoppers off of Dan's body, Homer remarks "I never thought Homer Simpson would be part of the Day of the Locust." The Day of the Locust (1975) is a film whose protagonist was named Homer Simpson. The part was played by Donald Sutherland, who has also guest starred on this series.
The question of whether insects feel pain is one that is still under debate in the scientific community. While many species of insects are aware of such stimulus, some people argue that "pain" requires an emotional response, rather than just awareness. So, it's hard to say whether Lisa is correct when she says that grasshoppers can't feel pain.
Lisa mentions that she promised Paul McCartney that she would never eat meat. This is a reference to the fact that McCartney only agreed to appear in the famous episode in which Lisa became a vegetarian on the condition that the character remain a vegetarian from then on.
Moe describes Dan as the bowling team's new "anchorman." Dan's voice actor, Steve Carrell, appeared in both 'Anchorman' movies as well as playing an anchor in 'Bruce Almighty.'