You may already know what the top-selling songs and albums were for 2011, but what was the BEST of the music released that was EQUAL TO OR BETTER than those "hits"? WHFR DJs look back on their playlists from this year to truly bring you the best of the ALTERNATIVE music, in every style we proudly feature. So you'll hear the year's best from INDEPENDENT and, as much as possible, LOCAL artists that the commercial stations haven't played. WHFR: beginning our 27th year of "making waves."

Our volunteer DJ staff has recorded FOURTEEN different one-hour shows celebrating all the holidays associated with the season: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanaa, New Year's--and WHFR's Birthday (26 years old on Dec. 20, now beginning our 27th year!). So tune in often during these 60 hours. Each set will repeat several times. All of our regular shows are suspended until Monday. ENJOY!

"Forgive and Forget" is the Philosophy Talk episode featured today, especially appropriate for the season, we think. Also EarthSky8 (only 8 minutes!) features an interview with Leon Lederman in which he explains the mystery and beauty of the Higgs boson--a.k.a. the "God"particle.

Catch up on the latest ecology and science news from recent episodes of "Sierra Club Radio (from The Sierra Club)," 12/3/11, and "Planetary Radio (from The Planetary Society), " 12/8/11. Then, one episode of TED Talks: Joe Sabia gives a four minute tribute to the creator of POP-UP BOOKS [great trivia question!] in his presentation, "The Technology of Storytelling."

Dan Merritt, besides being co-owner (with his wife Katie) of Green Brain Comics in east Dearborn, is also the vice president of the EDDDA, East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority. He'll speak of the area's growth and future plans, and the role of the EDDDA, as well as the struggles of today's small business person in general. (NOTE: Dan is also a former WHFR DJ!)

It's the time of the year when people of all ages might actually wish for something. "Theme Attic," the radio show that picks themes and plays music from a variety of genres about selected subjects, takes a non-definitive look at songs about "wishes" and throws in some Christmas songs for good measure! Join host DJ Phil Maq on Thursday, December 8th at 10:00 AM for his clever and unusual takes on music!

Host David Twichell interviews Paul Von Ward, an independent scholar, author and ordained Baptist minister. His book, “We Have Never Been Alone: A History of Extraterrestrial Intervention," explores the ancient astronaut theory, world religions, and cultural myths to demonstrate their connection with today’s UFO phenomenon. Mr. Ward has graduate degrees in government and psychology from Harvard and Florida State University, and for three decades has served as a U.S. naval officer, U.S. diplomat, and international educator.

This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores Gullibility--why people believe and/or do dumb things. One example: why do we believe in Climate Change? EarthSky8 presents the opinions of three scientists: Richard Alley, The Abruptness of Climate Change; Frank Wentz, More Rain?; and Frank Hill, No New Ice Age. Listen and decide for yourself!

The global economy appears to be very volatile these days. So it seems logical for "Theme Attic," the radio show that picks themes and plays music from a variety of genres about selected subjects, to feature songs loosely based on finance. Join host DJ Phil Maq on Thursday, December 1st at 10:00 AM for his clever and unusual takes on music!

Join host Ned Apigian, Dearborn Heights council person, for a "Financial Analysis of the Future of the City," with the current Dearborn Heights City Assessor, Barbara McDermott; the City Comptroller, Vince Macari; and the Human Resources Director, Elizabeth Sobota-Perry.