Top Picks: The Stray Birds' album 'Magic Fire,' the movie 'Captain America: Civil War,' and more
Norway's slow TV programming on Netflix is truly relaxing, the Afropop Closeups podcast is an intriguing listen, and more top picks.
Bold birds
The sound of the Stray Birds is the sound of America: bold, open-hearted, and resolute. Their songs and voices jump out of the speakers and simply won鈥檛 be denied. This is a band on the rise, bound to span musical genres and make new fans wherever their bus and the radio takes them. Hailing from Lancaster, Pa., the five-piece band is on tour now promoting their stirring new album, Magic Fire. Catch them live if you can and check out a wonderful 鈥渕aking of鈥� video at .
Relaxing tv
Looking for a truly relaxing TV experience? Norway鈥檚 programming on Netflix is guaranteed to soothe you, from 鈥淪low TV: Train Ride Bergen to Oslo,鈥� featuring footage of a train ride (yes, that鈥檚 it) to 鈥淪low TV: National Knitting Evening,鈥� which features people knitting and showing off their wares. Search for 鈥渟low TV鈥� to see all the selections 鈥� it鈥檚 slow in the best way.
Aluminum history
You may associate aluminum with the foil in your kitchen drawer, yet the metal has had a profound effect on history. In a recent video, those behind the Real Engineering YouTube channel explore the history of aluminum, from its use in the engine made by the Wright Brothers (pictured) to its essential place in the construction of the Empire State Building. See the video at .
Afropop podcast
The company Afropop Worldwide recently created a new podcast, Afropop Closeups, and a recent intriguing episode looks at the proliferation of Haitian radio in New York City and how some Haitian immigrants have encountered problems bringing their country鈥檚 rich radio traditions to the Big Apple. Check it out at .
Superhero fight
The film finds former superhero allies such as Captain America and Iron Man facing off. Actor Tom Holland, who plays Spider-Man for the first time, provides some of the film鈥檚 funniest moments, and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man is also a highlight. The movie is available on DVD and Blu-ray Sept. 13.聽