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 10:47, May the 27th, 2009
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Thanks for the tasty reminder

FOOD. We may not need widespread recognition to highlight how great Philadelphia’s dining scene is, but accolades from national publications are a nice reminder that we’ve got something special going on.

The next time you’re stuck choosing between champagne mango and Madagascar bourbon vanilla or one of the other phenomenal flavors of gelato at a Capogiro location (www.capogirogelato.com), remember you’re not just in a conundrum, but in one of the 10 best ice cream stores in America according to Bon Appetit.

Looking for a quality pizza? Forget Brooklyn and celebrate with a pie at Tacconelli’s (2604 E. Somerset, 215-425-4983) or Osteria (640 N. Broad St., 215-763-0920). Both were named among the 25 best pizzas in America by GQ magazine.

Philadelphia has scores of great burgers, but Food Network has named the Royal Tavern’s (937 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-389-6694) version the best in Pennsylvania. With toppings of Gouda, chili mayonnaise and long hots, is it any wonder?

Jose Garces  — who recently picked up a James Beard Award for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic — grabs national mentions by the boatload. Most recently his Distrito (3945 Chestnut St., 215-222-1657) made Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List. Who knows what praise will be heaped on his next project, Village Whiskey?

Fellow newbie Zahav (237 Saint James Place, 215-625-8800) was also on the list, and was among the spots highlighted in a recent New York Times travel article on Philly — a piece that refreshingly didn’t focus on cheesesteaks, but rather on the likes of Silk City, North Bowl and Sabrina’s Café.

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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