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.
 
Published 22:46, May the 12th, 2009
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Let the summer drinking begin

Looking for a sudsy summer? Here are three new spots that will have you celebrating.

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South St., www.brauhausschmitz.com) is getting tantalizingly close to opening. The South Street German restaurant and bar will fill the embarrassing lack of a German restaurant downtown left by Ludwig’s Garten’s closing. Owners Doug and Kelly Hager have just put the call out for front-of-the-house staff as construction continues within — the drywall is complete and the kitchen is being installed this week. The restaurant and bar will serve up 16 German beers on tap and will, of course, feature authentic German standards such as potato pancakes, Bavarian soft pretzels, a variety of schnitzels and even a meter-long wurst meant for sharing.

Over at Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.,  215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com), the new beer garden looks close to completion on the east side of the diner. The fenced-in area will have 50 alfresco seats and access to Silk City’s beers on draught, plus an interesting array of bottles. The addition is aiming to be open by Memorial Day.

B rew (1900 S. 15th St., 215-339-5177) opened last Friday, and the cornerstore looks to serve the Newbold neighborhood day and night. Owned by South Philadelphia Taproom’s John Longacre, the spot combines a coffee shop with a takeout bottle store. Right now, only Ultimo Coffee —  the java side of things — is percolating. There are four varieties of coffee and eats, such as croissants, yogurt and simple sandwiches. In a month or so when the liquor license is in place, it’ll have more than 500 beers available for takeout.


Arthur Etchells is a local food blogger. Read more at www.foobooz.com.

 
 
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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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