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 23:20, May the 19th, 2009
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Philly smoking hot for summer

FOOD. When Food Network star Adam Gertler closed up the Smoked Joint a couple of years ago, it marked a low point for Philadelphia barbecue. Center City was without a single barbecue restaurant, and the rest of Philly’s options were far flung, erratically open and often mediocre.

But in recent months it seems we’re having a renaissance. South Street mainstay Phoebe’s Bar-B-Q is turning out Oklahoma-style eats at a second location in Roxborough (5002 Umbria St., 215-483-1330), complete with indoor and outdoor seating.

Just a mile away at the top of Ridge Avenue, Holy Smoke (473 Leverington Ave., 215-482-7500, www.holysmokephilly.com) brings barbecue from St. Louis to Carolina and offers more Victory beer on tap than anywhere but the Downingtown brewery’s own pub.

 Old City has seen the recent reflagging of Philadelphia Fish & Co. as Q BBQ & Tequila Bar (207 Chestnut St., 215-625-8605), whose menu even includes vegetarian options such as a bowl of barbecue spaghetti. Wash it down with one of the 60 or so tequilas they have on hand.

Adding to the barbecue rush will be Smokin Betty’s (116 S. 11th St.). Susan Schlisman, who also owns Devil’s Alley, is completely rehabbing the Center City corner to bring her concept to life. Even the Italian Market is jumping in: Bebe’s BBQ (1017 S. Ninth St., 267-519-8791) is adding a barbecue option to the land of cheesesteaks and tacos, and word on the street about the 12-hour smoked pork has been extremely positive.

 And on Sundays you can find Northeast Philadelphia’s highly regarded Sweet Lucy’s (7500 State Road, 215-331-3112, www.sweet lucys.com) at the Headhouse Square Farmers’ Market. Take a respite from your weekend produce shopping for tasty ’cue at their stand.

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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