Two separate articles from the infamous 'Straight Talk' column are combined in a single podcast.

Hatred is spreading at Republican rallies lately, especially in the lines outside these rallies. This is where Obama and McCain supporters see each other from across the street, and sometimes it can get ugly.

Meanwhile, the economy continues going into the tank. Host Robert Blevins discusses these issues with fervor, with quotes by American writer and broadcaster Garrison Keillor.

This is not one of our regular podcast episodes, but a short interview with Kevin Harris of Anchorage that was recorded with Cathy Phillips, the news director for KUDO 1080 AM. Mr Harris is the father of Deryck Harris, one of the four young men involved in a vandalism incident with school buses in Wasilla. It had been alleged that Track Palin, the son of Sarah Palin, was one of the four boys. The radio station, in conjunction with Adventure Books of Seattle, did a thorough investigation. They also found that Track Palin was NOT involved. Listen to Mr Harris explain what happened - and how it did NOT include Track Palin.

Another pair of articles from the MSNBC/Newsvine column Straight Talk and hosted by Robert Blevins.

'Obama's Big Night' - A report on one of the biggest political events in recent history, as Barack Obama fills Mile High Stadium in Denver and gives a message of hope to Americans.

'Who is Sarah Palin?' - We take a look at political newbie and McCain running mate Sarah Palin of Alaska.

Two episodes from the infamous Straight Talk column at MSNBC/Newsvine.

'Christina Applegate's Brave Choice - and Why She Did It' - Examines why the Broadway and television star decided to take the radical route in her treatment for breast cancer.

'Meet Joe Biden' - Who the heck IS Barack Obama's running mate, and what does he bring to the table for Democrats? A lot, as it turns out. Thirty-five years of foreign policy experience is just the tip of the iceberg. Find out a lot you didn't know about a guy who works well with people, loves to campaign, and is nearly as good a debater and speechmaker as Obama.

'The Most Evil Website in the World' talks about The Satan Service, a sort-of central clearinghouse for serious evil. Know your enemy, as they say. This podcast is suitable for all, but the site discussed certainly IS NOT. You've been warned.

'What Georgia's President Wants You to Know' - The country of Georgia is currently under attack from Russia. A few days ago, President Mikhail ('Misha') Saakashvili stood on a rooftop in the capital city and gave an interview to Glenn Beck of CNN. Some quotes from the interview, and an overview of the situation. Because of the extensive use of images in this article, we encourage you to drop by Straight Talk and have a look at the original article.

Narrated by host Robert Blevins.

Democrats - Aren't you glad now that Barack Obama didn't rush out and select John Edwards to be his running mate?

Republicans - Don't you wish he HAD?

Host Robert Blevins takes a look at the fall of John Edwards and provides some additional info on his mistress, Rielle Hunter. This article appeared in the August 7 edition of Straight Talk

The official platform on how John McCain and Barack Obama stand on the following issues: The Federal Budget, The Death Penalty, Marijuana, Taxes, Same-Sex Marriage, The Economy, Civil Rights, Gun Control, Health Care, Abortion, and Energy.

Host Robert Blevins begins by listing eight states where either candidate currently has a lead in the polls of five points or more. From the Straight Talk column at Newsvine/MSNBC.

From the Straight Talk column at Newsvine/MSNBC. Click the link to see the full text of the article and its accompanying hilarious cartoons.

Host Robert Blevins discusses how America got onto its current path and what you can do to help. This is a short, but moving plea for common sense. We encourage you to visit by using the link above and have a good laugh at some very funny cartoons.

Original Title: 'The John McCain Campaign Show - Cartoons and Commentary'.

This article is also viewable in its entirety at Publishers and Authors for Obama.

A few months before they swept America, the Beatles recorded a five-song set in front of a small audience for Swedish radio. This is one of the few, high-quality public domain recordings of the early Beatles. Found at the Internet Archive. Turn up your speakers - this is not some crummy wire recording from their Hamburg days...

Songs: 'I Saw Her Standing There', 'From Me To You', 'Money', 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me', and 'Roll Over Beethoven'. Short introduction by host Robert Blevins from Straight Talk

Host Robert Blevins talks about the growing phenomenon of employers doing advanced searches on you at Google before offering you a job - or even an interview.

This episode concludes with a live version of Eric Burdon and the Animals playing a tune from the old TV show 'Hullaballoo'. From the Straight Talk Column at Newsvine/MSNBC.

He's endured attacks on his wife, his family, and his race. If he had a cat, some people would attack it as well. He is the butt of thousands of racist images and comments across America. And yet he may still be our next President.

Host Robert Blevins takes a hard look at the candidate and the racism that sometimes surrounds him as he makes his bid for the highest office in the land.

This article appears in the July 20 entry of the Straight Talk column at Newsvine/MSNBC.

'Where is Karl Rove?' takes a hard look at former Bush advisor Karl Rove, his failure to appear at a recent Congressional hearing, and a few things about his career (if you can call it that)in politics.

'This Bud's (not) For You' - Host Robert Blevins examines the sale of Anheuser Busch to Belgian brewer InBev with a jaundiced eye...and his usual hard wit.

You can also view these articles at the Straight Talk column at Newsvine/MSNBC.

'Now for something completely different...' Have you ever wondered just HOW technology advanced so quickly after World War 2? Perhaps the answer lies in the sci-fi story 'Hole Card', a disturbing tale of a man held prisoner from the rest of the world. Some minor use of profanity makes this story rated 'Teen'.

From the sci-fi anthology 'Dimensions' by Robert Blevins and British author Geoff Nelder.

'The Burning of the West - Why Wildfires are Spreading' examines the increase in wildfires not only in California, but all over the Western U.S.

'The Air in Beijing Causes Drop-In Only Olympic Games'. The World Health Organization says that particulates in the air at 108,000 parts per liter is considered a 'serious health risk'. The latest air sample taken from Beijing, China registered at a whopping 780,000 parts per liter. Host Robert Blevins pokes a little fun at the 'blanket of death' choking the city picked for this year's Olympic Games - and what the Chinese are doing about it.

These articles also appear at the infamous 'Straight Talk' column over at MSNBC/Newsvine.

Iran's latest missile tests are making Israel nervous and helping to destabilize the situation in the Middle East. Host Robert Blevins takes a hard look at Iran's past and present history - and what may bode for the future of peace in the region.

This article also appears (with images courtesy of The Arizona Rain Man ) at the The Straight Talk Column at Newsvine

Another pair of articles from the infamous 'Straight Talk' column at MSNBC-Newsvine.

'Intervention in Oil Addiction' examines our current energy situation, including the little-known 'Enron Clause' that was included (and still exists) in President Bush's first term energy policy. The 'Enron Clause' has made energy speculators rich, because it allows the purchasing of energy futures 'on margin'. This means an investor only needs to put up a fraction of the value of the stock in cash, and can go 'on margin' with the remainder, hoping the stock will go up. If enough people invest...it does. And then gas prices go higher.

'DNA Collection at Birth - Big Brother's Ultimate Database' - Bet you didn't know Congress just passed a new bill that Bush signed into law recently that allows the government to take DNA samples from newborn babies at birth. Host Robert Blevins takes a hard look at the building of a database that is ripe for abuse by our government. And not only does the government want to TAKE a sample of your infant's DNA, they want to do RESEARCH on it too.

From the Straight Talk column at Newsvine, a tribute to the journalist of his generation - Tim Russert of NBC.

Host Robert Blevins presents the article What Tim Russert Means to Me. Commentary and a song at the end. There are a couple of minor glitches in this episode, probably because the staff has been upset today over Tim's untimely death. Our condolences go out to his wife and son, and to his friends and colleagues from NBC. He will be missed greatly.

'Prozac Platoons' examines the recent news that 20% of our troops in Iraq are now on antidepressant drugs.

'Gas Hogs' takes a look at high gas prices and what YOU can do about it. But first, you have to stop whining about the situation - because you helped bring on the problem.

These articles, along with their pictures and cartoons, can be viewed at the infamous Straight Talk column over at MSNBC/Newsvine.

Hosted by Robert Blevins

A science-fiction story from the book 'Dimensions', 'A Smaller Step' is the tale of four astronauts - two Russians and two Americans - who undertake a risky drive over the lunar surface to do a bit of research.

'Should Barack Obama Pick Hillary Clinton for Vice President?' lays out a quick overview on the current situation faced by Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama, and looks at Clinton's possible motivations.

'Do Aliens Exist?' is a comedic look at the idea of aliens, and why they wisely avoid direct contact with us. Several cartoons were published with this article over at the Straight Talk column at MSNBC/Newsvine and can be viewed there.

'An Idiot's Guide to the Real Motives of Terrorism' takes a hard look at suicide bombers in the Middle East and what REALLY motivates them.

'Disaster Preparedness Made Easy' is a no-nonsense guide to increasing your chances of survival in a natural disaster or national emergency.

Hosted by Robert Blevins

From the infamous 'Straight Talk' column at Newsvine/MSNBC, host Robert Blevins presents two articles dealing with skyrocketing fuel prices.

'Road Idiots' takes a no-prisoners look at those Ricky Racer commuters you love to hate, and why they are helping to drive up gas prices.

'1969 Subaru' compares Subaru of America's early imports and their extreme gas mileage (up to 66 miles a gallon) and asks why Detroit still can't come up with something similar almost forty years later. Host Robert Blevins also reveals his personal adventures in this strange little car.

An intense look at the death penalty in America by host Robert Blevins. This article was picked up by several major news organizations, and when you hear it you'll understand why.

'Choices for the 21st Century'

We've had our way with the planet for a long time, but now things are turning against us. Tonight's show begins with a look at the future, the spectre of overpopulation, and some possible solutions.

'John McCain Recruits Army of McSpammers'

The Republican nominee for President of the United States is actively recruiting volunteers to flood forums and websites with pro-McCain messages. Then you report back to the website with your results and are awarded 'points'. Is it recruiting spam? If so, McCain COULD be breaking Federal laws by promoting it. Host Robert Blevins presents the story and lets YOU decide.

Host Robert Blevins presents an article that urges listeners to check-in at the Reality Hotel for the 2008 Presidential Election. Taken from his popular 'Straight Talk' column at Newsvine/MSNBC.

'Are You Afraid of Terrorism? - Don't Fall For It' - compares Al Qaida to some REAL terrorists, and shows you practical reasons why they are nothing but amateurs.

'Will the Last Campaigner for Hillary Clinton Please Turn Out the Lights?' - After her latest gaffe regarding Bobby Kennedy, and with her campaign more than $20 million in debt, is it time for Clinton to withdraw from the race? This author says YES.

'Ten Strange Things About Rich People in America' takes a look at how the priorities and habits of wealthy folks probably differ from yours.

This article appeared on the Straight Talk column at MSNBC in June of 2007.

'How Beer and a Pair of Pliers Saved My Life - Host Robert Blevins tells his strange story of survival after wandering too far off road in Death Valley and smashing his car into a fallen tree.

This article also appeared at Straight Talk in June of 2007.

'Mars - Answering the Ultimate Question' - Water has been discovered on Mars. Does this mean we should try for a manned mission to the Red Planet?

'Lisa Nowak and Julie Payette' - Straight Talk takes a look at two female astronauts, Lisa Nowak from NASA and Julie Payette of the Canadian Space Agency. Two astronauts, two very different stories.

'Who is Ron Dante?' - He's had a few hit records you know, and has been touring, playing, and producing music since 1968. But if you passed him on the street, you probably wouldn't recognize the guy.

'T.C. and the Alien Invasion Shelter' - TC's latest Church of Sci-Fi-Ology project is a strange one. He thinks aliens are coming to invade the Earth, and he's getting ready for them...

Two short episodes from the famous 'Straight Talk' column at MSNBC/Newsvine.

'Military Magnetics' examines how our troops in Iraq are actually a magnet for terrorists. This article was published in the Seattle Times newspaper on March 15, 2007.

'Am I Drunk, or Just Dead Already'- The unbelivable, yet true story of a former King County Detective who broke all the records for driving while intoxicated.

Presenting two episodes from the Straight Talk column:

'The Five Basic Goals of the Iraq War Have Been Reached' and

'America's Ugly Legacy - Grooming Our Children for Violence'.

Image credit: 'AZrainman' /Creative Commons/Flickr

Tonight's episode -

'The Self-Perpetuating Entity of America's Prison System'

Mr Blevins examines the justice system in America, and shows how it keeps expanding by feeding on itself - and he offers some solutions.

Two articles from the 'Straight Talk' column at Newsvine/MSNBC

'How the Brain Boys in Detroit are Missing the Point' - talks about the recent Detroit Auto Show, and how automakers are not meeting the REAL needs of consumers.

'Ten Things the Next U.S. President Must Address - and Quickly' -Our next President has to do damage control from the last Administration.

From the 'Straight Talk' column of September 29, 2007:

'How Barack Obama Beat Hillary Clinton on the Internet' compares the websites of Obama and Clinton.

'The Manson Girls Reach 60 and Counting' - The infamous Manson Girls keep coming up for parole every two years - and they are continually denied. If you had to pick ONE of them for eventual release, who would it be?