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 16:55, June the 30th, 2009
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Holiday barbecue to rival your own

We love the holiday barbecue as much as the next guy or gal, but we wonder — will your weekend ’cue be able to match up with these dishes that are on menus around town?

A barbecue without hot dogs would be sad, indeed. But a grill with something like what they’ve got on the menu at Varga Bar (941 Spruce St.) would be sublime. The new Washington Square West bar pumps up the humble dog by braising Kobe beef with Sly Fox Helles and topping it with house-made chili.

Burgers demand a spot on the grill, and when your dogs say Kobe, the burger had better step up its game, too. We’re so in love with the dry-aged burger with aged cheddar on Barclay Prime’s (237 S. 18th St.) pub menu that we can’t decide if it’s just the best burger we’ve ever tasted or maybe the best meat dish we’ve ever had.

We dig the grilled taste on seafood, too, and right now the tender tentacles of Johnny Brenda’s (1201 Frankford Ave.) grilled octopus are tops.

It isn’t the Fourth without corn on the cob, and Cantina Dos Segundos (931 N. Second St.) makes a version worth copying. It’s tough to best the classic salt, pepper and butter, but the Northern Liberties Mexican spot does so with this rendition: The grilled cob is topped with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, powdered ancho chile and lime.

Finish up your fantasy barbecue with an “all-American” apple pie from Steven Starr’s comfort foodery, Jones (700 Chestnut St.).  This version has a double crust and is topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. If you’re lucky, the one mom will make this weekend can compete.

Arthur Etchells is a local food blogger. Read more at www.foobooz.com. Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages. Arthur Etchells is a local food blogger. Read more at www.foobooz.com.

Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages.
 
 
 
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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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