Top Picks: A book on the history of Columbia Records, a PBS special that studies the life of Henry Ford, and more
Writer Deon Meyer spin a fascinating South African mystery in 'Seven Days,' PBS honors the astronauts on board the Columbia, and more top picks.
Henry Ford on PBS
PBS
Surround sound
What do Al Jolson, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, Leonard Bernstein, Barbra Streisand, Dave Brubeck, Bruce Springsteen, The Byrds, Johnny Cash, and Adele have in common? They've all recorded for the oldest record label in the world, Columbia Records. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, music historian Sean Wilentz has written 360 Sound: The Columbia Records Story, a lavishly illustrated history of the label, its groundbreaking sound innovations, and – most important – its peerless cavalcade of artists.
Free App Alert
Some clever iPhone programmers figured out there's a lot of money to be made in giving away applications free of charge. Temporarily dropping an app's price to $0 can boost interest and word of mouth, potentially creating new customers once the app goes back to its normal price. Apps Gone Free tracks these lightning deals and lists the apps that are worth checking out – if you act fast. This iPhone and iPad app is, of course, free of charge.
The art of numbers
The Story of Math Collection is a delightful, award-winning array of films that bring that most arcane and challenging of disciplines to hilarious but meaningful life. Through the title film as well as "The Code," plus "The Music of the Primes," the set explores the colorful history of numbers, the music of prime numbers, and hidden patterns inside nature. Out on DVD from Acorn Media.
