http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/ http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808a.mp3 Early voters: Arkansas and North Carolina http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/early-voters-arkansas-and-north-carolina/ true 6576 segment Early voters are casting their ballots in record numbers. The Takeaway asks why they voted early and what it was like — and, of course, who they voted for. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808b.mp3 Reading the polls a week before the real thing http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/reading-the-polls/ true 8775 segment With one week to November 4th, the countdown to the presidency is on, and the poll numbers all over the (Electoral College) map. The Takeaway look at the states in play and the ones on the sidelines. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808c.mp3 On the Ballot: Same-sex marriage http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/on-the-ballot-same-sex-marriage/ true 8395 segment Dan Fritz of California's KPFK discusses Proposition 8, the ballot measure that would amend the California constitution and ban same-sex marriage in California. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808d.mp3 Al-Qaida Web site endorses Republican presidential candidate John McCain http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/al-qaeda-web-site-endorses-republican/ true 5558 segment Four years ago, Osama bin Laden released an election-themed videotape referencing presidential candidates George Bush and John Kerry and "the best way to avoid another catastrophe." Kerry blamed the tape for his loss in the 2004 election. Now al-Qaida is endorsing the Republican candidate John McCai http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808e.mp3 Microsoft turns to computing in the cloud http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/microsoft-turns-to-computing-cloud/ true 7959 segment "Cloud computing" is just a buzzword, but major software players are betting on computing that happens over the Internet rather than on desktops. Yesterday Microsoft unveiled its brand new "cloud-based" operating system, and if you use Facebook, Skype, Google Documents, or Apple's MobileMe, you are http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808f.mp3 Calling all infants: National Children's Study begins 21-year health mission http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/calling-all-infants/ true 6043 segment The largest children's study ever undertaken in the United States kicks off in 2009. Researchers plan on tracking 100,000 kids from the womb to the age when they can legally crack open a beer. Scientists hope 21 years worth of hair, urine and environmental samples will reveal why the incidence of ch http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808g.mp3 Sen. Ted Stevens guilty on all counts in corruption trial days before election http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/sen-ted-stevens-guilty/ true 9098 segment Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has been convicted of lying about gifts he received from an oil contractor. Despite the guilty verdict, the Republican isn't out of the race for the Senate seat he's held for 40 years. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808h.mp3 Obama and McCain focus on Pennsylvania as election nears http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/obama-and-mccain-focus/ true 8270 segment Both presidential candidates believe Pennsylvania is a crucial — and winnable — prize. Today Barack Obama, John McCain and Sarah Palin are campaigning in the state. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808i.mp3 White House quiet after cross-border Syrian attack targets al-Qaida smuggler http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/white-house-quiet-after-cross-border/ true 10299 segment U.S. officials are only speaking anonymously about why American military planes bombed the border of Syria on Sunday. Joshua Landis of the Center for Middle East Studies explains how the attack may affect U.S.-Syrian relations. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808j.mp3 Study shows dismal high school graduation rates in many U.S. cities http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/study-shows-dismal-high-school-graduation/ true 9324 segment Guess what percentage of U.S. students complete high school? 70 percent? 80 percent? 90 percent? A new study by America's Promise Alliance puts it at roughly 50 percent in many American cities. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808k.mp3 NBA basketball looks to bounce back despite a deflated economy http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/nba-basketball-looks-to-bounce/ true 8104 segment The NBA season begins tonight. The Takeaway looks at how the tough economy is playing out on the hardwood. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/takeaway/takeaway102808l.mp3 Unemployment on the rise as economic hard times continue http://www.thetakeaway.org/2008/oct/28/unemployment-on-the-rise/ true 9935 segment Looking for work will be a challenging prospect in the coming months as the nation grapples with a wilting economy. Eric Janszen, president of iTulip Inc. and a former venture capitalist, joins The Takeaway to discuss the plight and repercussions of unemployment.