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 21:18, August the 11th, 2009
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Seth Green, the genius behind “Robot Chicken,” is all laced up and ready to go.Seth Green, the genius behind “Robot Chicken,” is all laced up and ready to go.
Photo: GETTY IMAGES
 

Ready to roll

Robot Chicken and friends are going skating

On thin ice

Don’t look for a “Robot Chicken” on ice tour. “Ice skating’s a whole different party,” says Green. “Ice is really hard, and those skates are sharp.”

 

 Admit it — once you get your hands on the new “Robot Chicken” DVD, all you need are some stale Fritos to call it a party. But the crew behind many a pure, random moment of Adult Swim joy are going all out for the “Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II” release with a free multi-city roller skating party.

“We’re trying to create an experience, a day that you won’t forget and we can share,” says party emcee Seth Green, who is alternately esoteric and giddy about it. “We’ve got Stormtroopers on skates!”

Plenty of Stormtroopers, actually, in addition to Slave Leias, Darth Vaders, special guests the Philly Roller Girls, the cast and crew — including Green and his “RC” co-creator/co-producer Matt Senreich — and the Gym Class Heroes, who will provide your couples’ skate music. The night is totally free, but if you buy the DVD, you’ll find a ticket for early admission.

As for Green, he’s been rocking a pair of custom quadskates (complete with rims). “It turns into a kid’s birthday party — everyone just lets loose and nobody thinks they’re too cool,” he says of the parties.

‘Robot Chicken’ on Wheels Tour
Thursday, 8 to 11 p.m.
Riverbank State Park
679 Riverside Drive, Free
www.adultswim.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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