Philadelphia Weekly

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Monster Jam

And now, a word for the gentlemen of Philadelphia: Valentine's Day is, of course, a day of caring, warmth and kindness. It's a day of rose petals scattered ever so tenderly wherever your lover may tread. It's a day for taking her gently into your arms, drawing her close and whispering the three precious words she's been aching to hear: Monster. Truck. Rally. This weekend the U.S. Hot Rod Association's Monster Jam rolls into the Spectrum for the last time on 6-foot-tall novelty tires, providing more chaotic, ear-splitting romance than you ever dreamed possible. Will Bounty Hunter take down Grave Digger? Will Batman turn the tables on Captain's Curse? Will your relationship survive a Valentine's Day monster truck extravaganza? If not, take solace: You'll always have the memory of screaming at those car-crushing behemoths like a sugar-shocked 8-year-old.

Thomas Ricks

Thomas Ricks' 2006 book devastatingly indicted the Bush administration's wartime bungling, forcing even conservatives to concede the failure of U.S. strategy. Iraq has now achieved a fragile stability, which Ricks documents in The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008.

tick ... tick ... BOOM!

Written by Jonathon Larson, this rock 'n' roll musical is like Larson's Rent, without that whole screwing- up-the-plot-of-La-Boh�me thing. It'll take some creative SEPTAing but your total cost will still be less than a ticket to last week's performance of Rent at the Academy of Music.

Pub Theatre Fest

Thurs., Feb. 12, 7pm. Through Feb. 28. $10.Fergie's Pub, 1214 Sansom St. 215.627.4304. www.bratproductions.org

Brat Productions is the perfect theater company for these times. Dedicated to presenting edgy theater in alternative venues at rock-bottom prices, Brat hits the bar scene with its new weekend series. The shows range from performer/playwright Charlie Bethel's new spin on the ancient stories of Beowulf and Gilgamesh to the world premiere of Tony Lawton's Buddy Felch Tells It Like It Is, in which Lawton discusses philanthropy, art and how to poison Nelson Mandela's dog. Other highlights include a revival of the powerful drama Eden, which reunites Inis Nua Artistic Director Tom Reing and Madi Distefano. Each show is $10 and includes a free pint of beer from Sly Fox Brewery.

Hearts Afire! Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus Bachelor Auction and Disco Party

On Friday the 13th, try to get lucky against all superstitious odds when the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus, dedicated to the pursuit of "challenging musical opportunities" since 1981, offers up some of its finest members and supporters to the highest bidder during its annual "FUNdraiser." Stay after the man-meat sale to grind to some of the biggest dance hits from the early '70s and '80s spun by DJ Michael DeCero. Chair massages to rub out those workweek kinks and tarot readings will be available all evening, and Pure's signature $3 "pink drink" specials will run from 9 to 11. The best disco outfit of the night will win a prize, so make sure you dress the part. And since it'll be raining men, may we suggest a raincoat to match those platform shoes?