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Top Picks: Low's album 'Ones and Sixes,' the PBS show 'I'll Have What Phil's Having,' and more

The blog 'This Victorian Life' chronicles the lives of historians who follow the fashion, culture, and lifestyle of the late 19th century, the PBS concert 'Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jacksonincludes artists such as Jon Secada and Jennifer Peña presenting their versions of the King of Pop’s tunes, and more top picks.

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Wire walker

The new film “The Walk” features actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt portraying Philippe Petit, who astonished the world by walking on a high wire between the towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. Check out what Petit himself said about his life in his TED talk and how he learned his unusual skills. Go to http://bit.ly/ppetit.

Latin Michael Jackson

Classic Michael Jackson songs such as “Smooth Criminal” and “Billie Jean” get a Latin take with the new PBS concert Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson. Percussionist Sheila E. hosts the program, which includes artists such as Jon Secada and Jennifer Peña taking the stage to present their versions of the King of Pop’s tunes. The tribute airs Oct. 9 at 9 p.m. 

Sparse beauty

Musical miniaturists Low, the veteran band from Duluth, Minn., prove that “less is more” on their moody new album, Ones and Sixes. The slow burning beats; fuzzy guitar riffs; aching, melancholy harmonies; and rich piano chords add up to something that is much more than the sum of its parts. Writer/singers Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker bring each song to a slow boil, knowing the precise moment to turn up the heat. Standouts include the stirring “Lies” and the infectious “What Part of Me.” 

Foodie travels

Phil Rosenthal, creator of the TV hit “Everybody Loves Raymond,” takes his wit and voracious appetite to the best foodie destinations on the planet in a new PBS series, I’ll Have What Phil’s Having. His next stop is Italy, airing Oct. 5, before he continues on to Paris, Hong Kong, Barcelona, and finally his hometown of Los Angeles. If you are the kind of person who plans your vacation around the best places for culinary pursuits, Rosenthal offers a feast of ideas to explore as he pulls up a chair to talk and dine with friends around the globe. Check local listings for times.

Living history

Ever wonder what it would be like to ride a Victorian ordinary bicycle or wear a corset? Sarah and Gabriel Chrisman are historians who follow the fashion, culture, and lifestyle of the late 19th century in Port Townsend, Wash. One exception: Sarah blogs about their experiences on the site This Victorian Life. Check it out at www.thisvictorianlife.com. 

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