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Top Picks: The Star Walk app, the three-CD box set 'Real World 25,' and more

The PBS series 'Food Forward TV' features people across the US looking for solutions to the problems in our food system, the movie 'Chef' is a heartwarming tale about a chef opening a food truck with his sous-chef and young son, and more top picks.

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Courtesy of Greg Roden © 2012
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Courtesy of NASAPLAME/PBS
Peggy Whitson
  • By Staff

Food truck capers

From the file of feel-good foodie films, Chef is the heartwarming tale of a chef trying to save his artistic reputation by opening a food truck with his sous-chef and young son. Rehabbing a taco truck in Miami and filling it with the aroma of Cubanos, the trio embarks on a cross-country journey back to Los Angeles, tweeting along the way. Writer and director Jon Favreau stars as the title character. Viewers should be prepared for plenty of colorful language. “Chef” is available on DVD and Blu-ray Sept. 30.

Trailblazing women

As part of its series showcasing the progress of women, PBS’s Makers continues this fall with six new documentaries focused on war, space, comedy, business, Hollywood, and politics. The first, “Makers: Women in Comedy,” features comediennes from Phyllis Diller to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, including an interview with Joan Rivers. The series, which includes some adult content, begins Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. and continues through early November.

Food rebels

A new 13-part series began airing in September on PBS called Food Forward TV. Each episode features “food rebels” – farmers, chefs, teachers, scientists, fishermen, and ranchers – across the US who are looking for solutions to the problems challenging our food system. Check local listings or visit pbs.org/foodforward to stream episodes and more.

Star map

Star Walk, one of the best stargazing apps for iPhone, just received two major make-overs. Star Walk 2 refines the look and feel, while Star Walk Kids throws in larger, more colorful buttons and informational cartoons. Both versions retain the best feature of the original: Hold your iPhone skyward and the star map moves with you, revealing the constellations and planets overhead. It costs $2.99 and is also available on iPad. 

It’s a small world

In 1989, Peter Gabriel launched Real World Records to unite musicians and artists from around the world and give them access to recording facilities and new audiences. The label celebrates its 25th anniversary with a three-CD box set, Real World 25. It’s a rich collection of sound featuring artists as diverse as fusion superstars Afro Celt Sound System and the gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama, in addition to rising talent worth knowing. For videos, back stories, and more, visit realworldrecords.com/25.

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