Recently, we interviewed Dr. Tom Kim - founder of a clinic for underinsured and uninsured East Tennesseans - about how he would solve our healthcare crisis.

Dr. Kim's prescription was pretty simple.  "Quit smoking, eat less and walk instead of driving places."

He's no doubt right.  We would all be healthier if we followed Dr. Kim's advice.  But how far are we willing to go toward that end? How comfortable would we be if we were "ordered" to quit smoking, eat less and walk more?

During the two weeks of the Lemaricus Davidson murder trial, a steady stream of people sat inside the courtroom. Mostly family members, friends and supporters of the families, filled the seats.

But others - with no connection to the families - also spent time there.  Attorneys, court workers, other government workers and police officers were often part of the courtroom contingent.

There were also some random folks there, like the guy from Florida who handed me a racist newsletter. Or the soccer mom who wanted to see the "monster."

Were you as surprised as I was that all the major networks led their newscasts tonight with the story of the "balloon boy?"

No doubt it generated lots of interest and for good reason. In the early moments of the story, everyone was concerned about the fate of a 6 year old boy who might be trapped inside that high flying balloon. 

But really - once the boy was discovered safe and sound at home - was this a major national story?  Or for that matter, was it even a story?

On this first day of early voting, the Public Trust PAC has released its list of endorsements.  The Public Trust was formed a few years ago as a non-partisan political action committee that financially supports and makes endorsements in local political races. 

It describes itself as a group working to "improve the quality and effectiveness oflocal government."  It also says its only agenda is to "improve on the outstanding quality of Knoxville/Knox County."

A news release from the Burchett campaign today describes a "growing campaign momentum" for the State Senator.

Burchett was the only announced candidate seeking the Knox County Mayor's office next year until late Tuesday afternoon.

Former Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison filed an "Appointment of Treasurer" report with the Knox County Election Commission.  He named C Dewitt Ingram as his treasurer.  This allows Hutchison to begin raising money for the 2010 campaign.

If you're wondering where disgraced governor's go after being tossed from office, wonder no more.

For former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich - losing the powerful state seat - is only a stepping stone for a turn on -- Donald Trump's TV show - Celebrity Apprentice.

At least that's the unofficial story.  Officially, NBC hasn't commented yet and it's unknown if Blagojovich will be a contestant or just make a visit.

Yahoo News quotes NBC spokeswoman Amanda Ruisi saying,  "NBC doesn't comment on casting until there's an official announcement."

First District Congressman Phil Roe is waiting to hear from the President.

The  Congressman from Johnson City wrote to President Obama in July,  hoping to take up his offer to visit and go over healthcare reform legislation "line-by-line." 

Roe wrote a second letter earlier this month and he says he has yet to hear from anyone at the Whitehouse.

So is Roe grandstanding?  He says no.

Victor Ashe - the former Knoxville Mayor - reflects on his time as U.S. Ambassador to Poland.

Below is a newsletter from the Ambassador describing his time in Poland, including his observations about new embassies going up around the world, which you may find interesting.

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I raised this point on the radio the other day with Rich Bailey prior to the President's speech to school kids. "When did it become OK for kids to disrespect the Office of the President?"  For the last several days - I heard all kinds of unkind comments regarding the President and his upcoming speech - from children.

When did they become so partisan?

City Law Director Debbie Poplin and City Council Attorney Charles Swanson are in agreement that current local law banning guns in parks in the City of Knoxville are still valid and won't require an additional vote.

Swanson told Council Tuesday night that ordinances banning guns in parks that were approved prior to June 8, 1986 remain in place and thus, Council doesn't have to vote to opt out of the new law.