US – Tuesday, February 9
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

 
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 22:40, June the 16th, 2009
 

Sip every day this week

FOOD & DRINK. Center City Sips (www.centercityphila.org) is in its third week of Wednesday night happy hours of $2 beers, $3 wines, $4 cocktails and half-priced appetizers. And judging by the overflowing crowds, it’s a huge success. But how about the rest of the week?

David Katz’s Mémé (2201 Spruce St.) recently added a happy hour. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., three wines are $5 a glass and a selection of snacks are $5 per plate.

Down the street a bit, the Sidecar (2201 Christian St.) offers something for everyone living the frugal life: half off select apps, a dollar off all craft beer, and $2.50 Miller High Lifes.

Plenty of Center City workers crow about the happy-hour menu at McCormick & Schmick’s (1 S. Broad St.) and their long menu of bites for under $5 between 5 and 7 p.m. Or you can class it up nearby at Le Bec-Fin’s Bar Lyonnais (1523 Walnut St.), where you’ll find $5 wines, cocktails and bites, as well as a little sophistication.

Ansill Food + Wine (627 S. Third St.) is sure to please anyone who works a little later with its accessible 6-8 p.m. happy hour. The bar offers $1 oysters, $3 Yards beer and $5 glasses of Prosecco. And hear this, Center City Sips — it even happens on Saturday.

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

 
 
 
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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