A music special from Public Radio International: More than two thousand years ago, in the days of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the religious life of the Jews was brought almost to a halt by the ancient Greeks. But rather than give in to the pressure to assimilate, a band of Jews who practiced their faith in secret returned to their holy city and rededicated the Temple. Their courageous act and its aftermath form the focus of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Mindy Ratner and Bill Morelock offer a program which explores the customs and music of the holiday: Dec. 9 until Dec. 16.

"Theme Attic," the radio show that picks themes and plays music from a variety of genres about selected subjects, usually has a playlist that's twice as long as the show. That means that a lot of GREAT music gets left out. This week's show takes care of some of that problem, as some songs that were accidentally left off of other themes get their chance. There will also be some seasonal songs as well. Join host DJ Phil Maq on Thursday, December 6th, at 10:00AM for his clever and unusual takes on music!

December 21, 2012 is almost upon us. This is the end date of the Mayan calendar and some say the “end of days”. Do these prophesies hold water or are they just all wet? Our guest will be Joseph Marra, a Doctor of Nursing Practice with an established practice at his Urgent Care Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Joe is also a hypnotherapist, reiki master, intuitive healer, and spiritual counselor. Joe’s teachings have been heard all over the globe through his Universal Talk Radio Show. Mr. Marra believes in curing the body, mind and spirit. He is also well versed in the 12-21-12 prophesy.

Thanks to the Michigan Information and Research Service for making available this podcast of Gov. Snyder's speech to the Michigan legislature last week on his proposals for a statewide energy policy. Though mostly a subscription news service for the professional media, MIRS does offer a free podcast with Lansing political updates available to all every Monday: mirsnews.com.

The Christmas season has been going on for one full week...and it's still NOVEMBER,(!) so this seems like the appropriate time to put Autumn to rest. "Theme Attic," the radio show that picks themes and plays music from a variety of genres about selected subjects, will feature autumn songs as well as some "cold" ones. Join host DJ Phil Maq on Thursday, November 29th, at 10:00AM for his clever and unusual takes on music!

In this time of supposed-and expected-Good Will and Good Cheer, some are depressed, to one degree or another. It's a major cause of death of young persons, surprisingly. Station Advisor Jay Korinek hosts this documentary, with research and some thematically-chosen music. Note: this show will be archived for listening anytime from this website; click on Talk Shows-Tuesday Forum-(select date).

PhiloTalk: With the recent global economic crisis, many people wonder if our economic policies are built on sound principles or on dubious, unscientific claims. What kinds of assumptions does Economics make about markets and the behavior of producers and consumers? Then, Louie Schwartzberg, filmmaker, makes a statement for "Nature, Beauty, Gratitude." Our podcast of this show is available immediately after broadcast: click on Talk Shows--Monday Forum--(select date). Note: the VIDEO version of all TED Talks is available at TED.com.

WHFR will feature normal Thursday programming until 4pm, followed by two classic "Motor Live Drive" shows, and then, starting at 6pm, please enjoy Classical 24 throughout the evening. So make sure you listen to the Thanksgiving editions of THEME ATTIC (10am-Noon), BLUESTIME (Noon-2pm), and GLOBAL VILLAGE (2-4pm)! HAPPY THANKSGIVING from everyone here at WHFR!

On the next edition of "Metaphysically Speaking" be sure to tune in to hear host, Mike Holloway, and his special guest, Palm Reader Darlene Denning discus the aspects of palm reading and what all those seemingly innocent lines, bumps and shapes on your hands really mean. Darlene will tell how she became interested in palm reading and how "reading" your palms can reveal things about love, life, career and health as well as opening up new vistas for you to explore! She also discuses the connection between palm reading and other modalities such as numerology, etc.

Two of the best recent podcasts for you this week are news and information from The Sierra Club (11-10-12), featuring an interview with author Beth Terry, and from The Planetary Society (11-12-12), "Celebrating Carl Sagan." This hour is available as a podcast from this website immediately after broadcast from listening anytime: click on Talk Shows--Monday Forum--(select date).