Top Picks: Digital magazine LensCulture, the 'Independent Lens' documentary 'The Kill Team,' and more

The Dark Sky weather application tells you whether to bring that umbrella to work, Jessica Nadel's cookbook 'Greens 24/7' shows you how to put extra vegetables in everything from soups to dessert, and more top picks.

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LensCulture/Lam Duc Hien

Still cookin’

Last fall, seven veteran jazzmen who originally rose to prominence in the 1960s and early ’70s recorded a new album in Brooklyn, N.Y. The result, The Cookers: Time and Time Again, is a vibrant, swinging delight from first note to last. Among the musicians – most well into their 70s – are familiar names to aficionados: Eddie Henderson (trumpet), Billy Hart (drums), George Cables (piano), and Cecil McBee (bass). 

War crimes

The “Independent Lens” documentary The Kill Team, directed by Dan Krauss, centers on infantryman Adam Winfield, who was serving in Afghanistan when his platoon committed war crimes. With the help of his father, Winfield tried to tell the military about what was going on, but he was soon threatened by his comrades and ultimately arrested for murder. The documentary, which contains strong language and graphic images, premières Jan. 19 on PBS at 10 p.m. 

Lens on the world

For those looking for inspiration to improve their photography skills, check out LensCulture, an online network and stunning digital magazine that highlights contemporary works. Collections delve into current global topics, such as “Iran’s Booming Consumer Culture”; creative digital manipulation projects; and everything from street scenes to travel landscapes. Go to lensculture.com. 

Rain predictor

If you wonder if you will need an umbrella to walk the dog, or if you want to hit the slopes just as the snow begins to fall, check out the Dark Sky weather application. The app uses GPS to deliver an up-to-the-minute forecast for your exact location, or any location you plug in. Users say it is scary spot-on, sending push notifications when precipitation will start and stop. It also offers a map of global precipitation and temperatures. It’s available in the iTunes Store for $3.99. 

Greens for winter blues

What better way to chase away the winter blues than with a generous helping of fresh greens? Jessica Nadel, who writes the popular food blog Cupcakes and Kale, has just published Greens 24/7, a cookbook that can help you swallow those extra vegetables with innovative recipes that tuck them into smoothies, soups, salads, entrées, baked goods, and even dessert. Spinach brownies, for real? It can’t hurt to try.

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