US – Tuesday, February 9
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
The Word
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
New York Arts
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
My Books
The facets of Anne Frank and her diary
Generations of schoolchildren have read and recognized their own experiences in the words of Anne Frank, finding surprising commonalities with this young girl despite the passage of generations and the unique horror of  her situation. But according to Francine Prose’s fascinating new account of the writing of Frank’s diary, our veneration of her outpourings has eclipsed a proper assessment of Anne Frank — conscientious author.

 
Movies
Channing Tatum on love and war
Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.
 
Updated 20:43, March the 17th, 2009
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Bargain eats a done deal

 Before Beer Week began, The Bite was renamed The Sip for a day. Today, perhaps a better name would be the Art of the Deal. It’s all about how to eat in the best restaurants at restaurant week — or better — prices.

March is Restaurant Month (take that, restaurant "weeks") in Chestnut Hill, and nine participants are offering deals for under $20. At Cin Cin (7836 Germantown Ave, 215-242-8800, www.cincinrestaurant.com) on Tuesdays, you can enjoy a crispy spring roll, choice of soup and one of six main courses for $19.95, and the venerable McNally’s (8634 Germantown Ave,, 215-247-9736, www.mcnallystavern.com ) is offering three of their famous Schmitters sandwiches for $19.95.
 
If you’re headed to Suburban Station after work, detour to the Comcast Center and you can find yourself dining in the Georges Perrier realm at just $35 per person. Table 31 (1701 JFK Blvd., 215-567-7111, www.table-31.com), the steakhouse of Chris Scarduzio and Perrier, is offering a $35 menu Monday tthrough Saturday from 5 to 7pm. The appetizer, main course and dessert will be prepared by the same chefs that can make a prime porterhouse sing but at a fraction of the price. Start with calamari pasta or Prince Edward Island mussels before choosing a flat iron steak or crispy branzino.

At Perrier’s flagship Le Bec-Fin (1523 Walnut St., 215-567-1000, wwwlebecfin.com), deals are available if you’re an early bird or a night owl. Monday through Thursday, between 5:30 and 6:30 and from 9 to 10pm, the French stalwart is offering a 3-course pre-fixe meal for just $35.

At this point you might even be able to afford valet parking on Walnut Street.

 
 
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Music
MMMpod
The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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