Louie talks with John White, curator of the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens at the UTEP Centennial Museum. John gives us the lowdown on holiday plant care, including the care of poinsettias, Christmas cacti, and live or cut Christmas trees.  He also talks about why we shouldn't sing the praises of the parasitic, poisonous mistletoe!  John also fills us in on holiday snacks such as pecans, and why the drought is affecting the supply.  Aired Dec. 15, 2012.

Host Dennis Woo talks with Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack and her mother, Vangie Soza.  Marquez-Sharpnack & Soza are co-authors of the "Muy Bueno Cookbook," and they talk about the family history and cultural traditions that led to this publication featuring over 100 recipes. They will be present at a booksigning & reading on Sat. Dec. 22, 2-4 p.m., at The Bookery, 10180 Socorro Rd.  Treats featured in the cookbook will also be available. www.muybuenocookbook.com.

Dennis also talks with Estela Reyes, Director of Communication with Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe, about the Navidad de La Fe Luminarias & Canned Food Drive event taking place Sat. Dec. 15, 6-10 p.m., along Scenic Drive.  Scenic Dr. is closed to traffic during this event, except for westbound traffic.  El Pasoans are invited to enjoy the display of luminarias and bring canned food or financial donations to benefit needy and hungry families in the region.  www.lafe-ep.org, 915-545-7190.

Aired Dec. 15, 2012.

Creative Director Ben Jaffe, previews the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s upcoming Creole Christmas performance at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band  - Creole Christmas
Saturday, December 22nd at 7:30pm
UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium
(915) 747.5234
http://www.preservationhall.com/band/

Anthropologist, Dr. Weldon Lamb, previews his lecture at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology on the meaning of the predictions of the Maya stone glyphs.

Will December 21, 2012 be the “End of the World”?
Lecture by Dr. Weldon Lamb
Friday, December 21, 2:00 pm
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
4301 Transmountain Road
(915) 755-4332
www.elpasotexas.gov

Denise, Bill, and Norma talk about the ways we can protect our outdoor plants from the cold weather.  Plus, we'll get a sneak preview of January's Master Gardener rose sale. Aired Dec. 15, 2012.

Charles talks to his fellow Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) voting member Felipa Solis to talk about the recently-released nominations for the upcoming Critics Choice Awards.  They talk about the films and actors they think were overlooked, and about which movies have the best chance to walk away with an award.  www.criticschoice.com.  Aired Dec. 15, 2012.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who earlier this week canceled a trip to Morocco and the Middle East because she was ill with a stomach virus, is at home recovering from a concussion she suffered in a fall, her spokesman says.

According to an email that State has sent to reporters, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philippe Reines says that:

Fresh Air Weekend highlights some of the best interviews and reviews from past weeks, and new program elements specially paced for weekends. Our weekend show emphasizes interviews with writers, filmmakers, actors and musicians, and often includes excerpts from live in-studio concerts. This week: