Chances are, you were among the uncounted numbers of people watching the drama unfold as rescuers tried to figure out how to save a little boy floating away with an experimental Mylar balloon.

Of course, it turns out 6 year old Falcon Heene was safe at home the whole time, hiding in the attic.

In an interview on CNN, little Falcon, when asked about the incident, told Wolf Blitzer he heard his parents call for him from the garage. When asked by his father on-air why he didn't respond, the boy replied, "You guys said we did this for the show."

What do you think of this story? Was it a genuine family misunderstanding that could have ended tragically, or an incident that only brought global news coverage for the father's so-called "3D low altitude vehicle." Let us know what you think below, we'll try to get your comments on air on Morning Express with Robin Meade today.

News Correspondent Richard Lui

The debate over health care reform could be heading in a new direction. Democrats are considering going at it alone. That would mean trying to pass it without Republican support.

Caution: Relations between Dems and the GOP could get toxic.

Democrats want to use a process called reconciliation. It would only require 51 votes in the Senate to get a health care bill passed. Normally, a bill would require 60 votes to be passed. Also, with the reconciliation process, only 20 hours of debate would be allowed, no filibuster would be allowed, stamping out opposition debate.

Some Republicans might call the use of this process an underhanded move, and suggest that their efforts to hammer out a bipartisan solution unappreciated. Some Democrats would say their efforts to discuss major issues, even the public health plan option, are going unappreciated.

This is not the first time the reconciliation move has been discussed. President George W. Bush used it for major tax cuts. President Bill Clinton rejected reconciliation when he was trying to get his health care bill passed.

During the congressional break, bipartisan debate continues fervently in town halls across the country and in DC on health care. Democrats are trying to appease conservative members of their party to stay on board with the President, while wooing moderate Republicans.

What do you think of reconciliation? Smart move or the wrong move? Let us know what you think about the ongoing fight over health care right here, and we’ll share your comments later on Morning Express with Robin Meade.

Producer Aimee Puvak  

          President Barack Obama sat down for a beer at the White House Thursday with Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, and James Crowley, the Cambridge, Massachusetts policeman who arrested him earlier this month.  Vice President Joe Biden also joined them. 

Gates was arrested July 16 and accused of disorderly conduct after police responded to a report of a possible burglary at his Boston-area home. The charge was later dropped. The incident sparked a debate about racial profiling and police procedures.  President Obama quickly got involved, saying at a news conference that police had “acted stupidly” in arresting Gates.  But later, the president softened his stance, saying “I could’ve calibrated those words differently.”

Gates and Crowley both seemed upbeat after the 40-minute meeting in the Rose Garden. None of the men apologized.  But Crowley called the meeting “cordial and productive.”  He says they agreed to move forward, rather than dwell on the past.  He said he and Gates plan to meet again.

Gates wrote on his website that he and Crowley need “…to foster greater sympathy… for the daily perils of policing on the one hand and for the genuine fears of racial profiling on the other hand.”

After the meeting, President Obama said in a statement, he was thankful to Gates and Crowley for joining him at for "a friendly, thoughtful conversation.”  The president’s statement went on to say: "Even before we sat down for the beer, I learned that the two gentlemen spent some time together listening to one another, which is a testament to them… I have always believed that what brings us together is stronger than what pulls us apart. I am confident that has happened here tonight, and I am hopeful that all of us are able to draw this positive lesson from this episode." 

So, what do you think about the meeting?  Is there a lesson learned here?  Will it help advance race relations in this country?  Or, was it too much for you? 

Send us your comments.  We’ll be reading some of them on the air Friday on Morning Express with Robin Meade.

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

Normally when it comes to haters, I delete your emails without a second thought (Mom, cool it on the criticism, will you?)

But this time Sports Haters, I want to hear from you!

He's baack! ... And not so much by popular demand.

Fan is short for fanatic and with that passion comes the dark side of adoration—disdain! Forbes Magazine recently published a poll of the most disliked athletes in sports. Here they are:

1) . Michael Vick, former NFL quarterback
2. Manny Ramirez, Los Dodgers outfielder
3. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees third baseman
4. Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills receiver
5. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers guard
6. Allen Iverson, NBA free-agent guard
7. Isiah Thomas, Florida International basketball coach
8. Stephon Marbury, NBA free-agent guard
9. Nick Saban, Alabama football coach
10. John McEnroe, former tennis champion / bad boy

The biggest surprise was McEnroe who hasn’t played for 17 years. Obviously he left an impression. Unless his commentating is turning folks off? Some missing notables? O.J., Roger Clemens, and Jose Canseco for reasons that are obvious. Who would you say is your least favorite sports figure? It could be a coach, a player, active or retired. We wanna hear from you!

Check out some responses Morning Express viewers sent, via text message:

Kru in SoCal texted:
David Beckham. I can't list all my 50mill reasons. But one of them is he promised many things but delivered none. GO Galaxy.

Anonymous:
I don't like Kobe..to me he thinks he's all that..and he's not..a Michael Jordan wanna be and i don't like his attitude..

Jeremy D Traverse City, Michigan:
Most disliked athlete?
O.J. Simpson, why isn't he at #1??

Bob:
Barry Bonds. He has done more to ruin one sport than any other person. Vick looks like a boy scout in comparison.

Anonymous text:
I dislike Peyton Manning. I respect his game but hate his arrogance. People make him out to be so much but he is not all that.

JAC, TENNESSEE TEXTED:
I dislike Brett Favre. He has played the attention game as much as he has football during his long drawn out 'retirement'. He lost my respect.

Anonymous text:
Robin. One name should do for the list . Jose Canseco and we all know why

Anonymous text:
Wayne Gretzky because he was so arrogant and no player, no matter how good, should have his number retired league wide.

Camer texted:
I dislike Dale Jr. The most because he is over-rated as a driver & cant win a race let alone finish one. He relies on his dads fame.

An anonymous text:
its definitely tiger woods. He is an arrogant spoiled brat! Just look at his actions n the british open. Nuf said. None of the greats ever did that trash.

Frank in Iowa texted:
Pete Rose is my most disliked. He is conceited, arrogant, a liar and madly in love with himself!

Billyum, from West New York:
Ocho Cinco! or Chad Johnson or who ever he is. If you're gonna be a bragger you have to be able back it up, and he doesn't.

As Sarah Palin handed over the Alaska governorship this weekend, the wear, tear and resentments of a year on the big stage were evident for the former GOP vice presidential candidate.

Sarah Palin on Sunday says she'll continue to fight 'for what is right, and for truth.'

Her parting words Sunday included a parting shot at the media:

"So how about in honor of the American soldier, you quit making up things. And don't underestimate the wisdom of the people. And one other thing for the media - our new governor has a very nice family, too, so leave his kids alone," she said as she handed off power to Sean Parnell, the lieutenant governor.

Palin's farewell to the governor's office was a three-day rolling picnic, from Wasilla to Anchorage to Fairbanks. Palin, a mother of five, was surrounded by friends and supporters.

We asked Morning Express viewers to weigh in on Palin's resignation, and what they think her future role in politics will be.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments field below.

- Sarah Palin is right and she should move on to bigger and better things. I am a firm supporter of her values and of her mission! ~Randi in Aztec, New Mexico

- Smart? SMART?! Are people really trying to use this word in the same sentence as "Palin"? – JF in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

- If Palin cant finish one term as governor why would anybody elect her for any job?

- Palin started her national exposure looking like an idiot so it is appropriate she do the same now. – Jess in TN

- Sarah Palin's not the first to get bad press and wont be the last! – Stew in Las Vegas, Nevada

- Sarah Palin comparing herself to a US soldier? Another disjointed speech! She is done.

- Palin just wants attention. And she knows all she has to do is open her mouth and it becomes breaking news she is old news.

- Leave the poor woman alone. She was a mother before governor. Any mom wants to protect her children. – Imelda, Mom 2 an Angel

- I think Palin resigning is the best thing to happen to Alaska. We all think of her as a quitter! – Rebecca

- Palin should just stay in Alaska and take care of her kids. The world has heard enough from her.

- She should have finished the job the voters elected her to do. No one likes a quitter! Voters will remember the slap in the face to all "lame ducks" in office.

- Thank God Palin is out of office and I pray she never returns to politics. She managed to sound worse with each speech she gave.

- Keep your eyes on her she may just be the real change we so disperately need. – Jerrie in South Carolina

- Palin made a choice she felt was right for she and her family. Personally, I think you need to see your commitments through. It's time to let this go.

- Everyone I know admitted they never heard of Sara Palin until the elections so no hearts broken that she's gone and soon forgotten. – Lynda in Georgia

- Just leave Palin alone she s trying to get her family out of the spotlight and put her priorities in order (Family first). – Jen in Virginia

- Palin has not made a smart move in her entire life. She is an embarrassment to women everywhere. – Christy in Tennessee

- People talk about Sarah Palin running for President. We deserve someone extraordinary in that chair, and she is not it!

- I think Mrs. Palin is just saying what many Americans would if they had a national platform. We should be able to protect our families just like famous people.

- I say good riddance! It's probably the first smart move she's made. Good luck to her and her fight for truth. – Ciara in New Jersey

- A great % of Americans are not interested in "polished". We want straight answers that PALIN is known for. She'll have my vote for president. – Joann

- Good move for Palin. Was only way she could battle the biased news media that continues to attack her unfairly. – Mark in Tennessee

- Palin should be quiet. Each time she speaks, idiocy spews forth. And my eyes are tired of the involuntary rolling. – Jen in Illinois

- I say congrats to Palin. I think she was treated unfairly in the media and Hollywood. Look at the mistakes others have made yet did not have the ridicule.

- Palin hasn't made a smart move yet! She's so unpolished, so small-time ... this behavior will never win her the ticket. – Suz in Chicago

- Smart move if Palin wants to run for president. It will allow her to stay in the spotlight in the lower 48.

TV/Web Producer Kate

A suburban Philadelphia swim club faced allegations of racism after a group of children from a day-care center that had paid for access to the pool were privy to racist remarks while swimming there.

Later in the day, the Valley Club terminated it's contract with the day-care center.

With the children terribly upset and their contract terminated with no explanation, the day-care center brought the incident to the public eye. The Valley Club responded by saying that the contract termination was not the result of racism, but due to the fact that there were too many children in the pool with the day-care there. However, to help smooth the incident over, the club invited the children back to swim.

We asked Morning Express viewers for their take on what the day-care center should do next. Should they accept the clubs offer to return, even after many children suffered such a terrible experience there? Or should they find somewhere else to swim? Or do you think there is another solution entirely?

See what Morning Express viewers have to say below, and share your own thoughts in the comments field.

- I think the kids should decide whether to go or not, as several were very upset. Plus have the attitudes of their regular patrons changed?

- Teach the daycare kids that even racists at the swim club can change & do the right thing by them. Go back & swim! – Sharalee in Santee, CA

- I think nothing short of giving those kids a PRIVATE DAY at the pool each week, would be right to smooth feathers again. – Steve in Alabama

- I feel they shouldn't accept the invite. There will still be members to speak out, so why put kids through that?

- The children should go back, it would send a clear message that racial discrimination is not tolerated in the USA period. – Kelly Trammell in Fort Worth, Texas

- I think that a positive approach will overcome all negativity. They should return and stand in the face of racism. – T Smith in Jackson, Mississippi

- I would not take my camp back there. It took too much to get the club to recognize they did wrong. If I were them I would find a new more welcoming club.

- There is no advantage to the little campers. They would just be swallowing their pride, and providing a kind of therapy for the pool-club's intolerant members. It's a sad life lesson that needs not to be taught. – Arnie in Ottowa

- Not going back would perpetuate mutual bad feelings. If kids OK with going, this would be a great healing opportunity for everyone. – Scott in Rochester, New York

- They should take the offer. They were over-reacting either way ...

- I'd tell them to kiss my bass. Thanks. – Chuck in Toledo

- I do not think the camp should go back to the pool, obviously the staff and guests there have issues ... my heart goes out to the day camp. – Lindy, TX

- I would not take the kids back, they only want them back because they're scared of a lawsuit. – Alesia in North Carolina

- I would as long as they get those white people out of the pool. Then they can see how it feels to be treated like trash. – Mike in Texas.

- I believe that the children should go back and swim. Be the bigger person in this case and show others that they accept the apology of those at fault.

- ABSOLUTELY NOT! The ignorance of people nowadays is shameful. The daycare should take their money somewhere else! – Amanda in Niagara Falls, NY

- They should ask the kids how they feel, if they'd like to go back or find another place to swim for the summer.

- Concerning the swim camp issue: I thing the camp should return and take the opportunity to show the children that although racism still exists, that there are also people that will do the right thing when it is brought to their attention. Racism is like abuse, it should not be hidden. Change occurs when things are brought to the forefront. The children have an opportunity to be part of something that started out negative and turns into something positive. It can be a great opportunity to stand strong in faith ... – Donna Medlin in Tappahannock, Virginia

- ABSOLUTELY NOT. I'm half American Indian and would NEVER take a chance of re-exposing my children. I taught mine to respect WHO YOU ARE! – Rebecca in Everett, Washington

- It is difficult to see the swim club doing anything else here but "sugarcoating racism" even a tearful apology on TV doesn't cut it. – Columbus Ohio

- The club should not have invited the camp back. Over crowding is not safe and if something were to happen, the club would be liable. Kaivon-Orlando

- No way would I send a child of mine to suffer that hurt again. THE ATTITUDES OF THE PATRONS HAVE NOT CHANGED – IT'S JUST BEEN EXPOSED. SHAME. – Linda W.

- These are adults, they should know better than to make those kinds of remarks. Those kids should not return there.

- There's no point in fighting for something if you're not going to reap your reward after fighting. This is what they wanted, isn't it? – Randy

- I think that the day camp should stay away from that pool. This should have never happened. – Sylvia

- What a shame. I hope the reason and the offer 2 have them back is genuine, I hope this can be resolved.

Producer Aimee

Family, friends, and fans have said a final goodbye to Michael Jackson. Some 20,000 people gathered yesterday in L.A.’s Staples Center for a public memorial service for Jackson. Millions of others round the world watched on television, or via Internet.

The event included a line-up of celebrities, singing and sharing their stories about Jackson.

Singer Smoky Robinson set the tone for the memorial when he read a letter from Diana Ross, who did not attend. In it, Ross explained why she was not there:

"I am trying to find closure. I want you to know that even though I am not there at the Staples Center, I am there in my heart. I have decided to pause and be silent. This feels right for me. Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can't seem to find words to express."

Among the others who took the stage were Mariah Carey, who performed Jackson's "I'll Be There"; Lionel Richie with "Jesus is Love"; and Usher with "Gone Too Soon.”

Perhaps the most dramatic moment of the service was when Jackson’s 11-year old daughter, Paris, addressed the crowd. She said tearfully: "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father I could imagine. I just want to say I love him so much."

What did you think about Tuesday’s service? Did it honor Jackson the right way? What was the most memorable moment?

Blog us with your comments. We’ll be reading some of them on the air this morning on Morning Express with Robin Meade.

Producer Aimee

Throngs of Michael Jackson fans are pouring in to Los Angeles from around the country, and the world, ahead of today’s public memorial.

A fan signs a Michael Jackson poster covered in messages outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles Monday.

The service begins at 1 p.m. ET at the Staples Center downtown. More than 1.6 million people registered for free tickets to what could be the biggest celebrity send-off of all time. A total of 8,750 people were randomly selected to get two tickets each.

It’s not just the crowds, today’s memorial will be a star-studded event as well. It’s expected to feature singers Mariah Carey, Usher, and Stevie Wonder. Among some of the other celebrities participating – Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Martin Luther King III and Reverend Al Sharpton.

For those who don’t attend, about 50 theaters around the country – from Washington, D.C. to California – are planning to broadcast the memorial live, for free.

You can get your complete coverage right here on HLN. Showbiz Tonight will broadcast live at 11 a.m. ET. Then watch coverage of the public memorial, hosted by our very own Robin Meade, beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET.

We want to know what you think about today’s event. What are your feelings about today's public memorial? How will you remember Jackson? Do you plan to watch today’s service, either in person – or on TV?

Share your comments … and we’ll be sure to read some of them on the air!

TV/Web Producer Kate

With 18 months left to serve in her term as Alaska governor, Sarah Palin announced on Friday that she would step down from her post, in order to serve what she cryptically referred to as a "higher calling."

Palin will step down as governor of Alaska this month.

It remains to be seen whether Palin's 'calling' will consist of a bid for President in 2012. Palin explained that she is resigning because she doesn't think it would be good for Alaska if she served her last 18 months as a lame duck.

Critics of Palin's decision say that whatever her reasons for resigning, walking away from her responsibilities as an elected official is a questionable move, at best.

We asked Morning Express viewers for their take on Palin's resignation. Below are a selection of their responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.

- I certainly would not vote for someone who quits on her voters because she has a "higher calling." Thank goodness she is not our VP ... would she leave that post for Hollywood? If the media attention is too much, then politics is not for you, Sarah. Maybe Rush can give her a job. – Joanie in Peoria, Illinois

- I think she should've stayed in office cause she might have a better chance at a nomination for president.

- Sarah Palin makes very intentional moves, this is what she needed to do in order to clear a path & set the stage for what will be a very public next year!

- I think Gov. Palin resigned due to all the negative media coverage of her and her family. She has been repeatedly attacked by the Democrats and supported very little by her own party. – Randy in Alpharetta, Georgia

- I bet a baby with special needs is harder than she thought. – Julie

- I think Palin should move to South Carolina and replace Gov. Sanford so he can move on with his life. – Concerned resident of South Carolina

- Regarding Palin – Sounds like a great Presidential candidate, the people vote her in and then she quits before serving her term. – Matt in North Carolina

- Governor Palin could have made a substantial presidential run, but people won't vote for a quitter, so I hope her reasons are for it are adequate.

- I am tired of hearing about Palin, an inexperienced politician who was LUCKY to be chosen to represent Alaska & only received notoriety by her looks. – MiMi

- She is a quitter. She was elected to be the governor of Alaska and she is quitting. Guess that is better then quitting as vice president.

- I don't care why she quit but I'm sure this is the end of her political career. I won't vote for someone who might quit.

- Palin's resignation, on the surface, is merely a demand for attention. Beyond this shallow pursuit of her 'higher calling', she's relying on what?

- I am THRILLED that Palin is leaving office! Hopefully, the execution of wolves will stop with her out of control!

- It's a sad day for this country when we need people like her.

- I wish people would leave Sarah Palin alone. She said she was leaving for a higher calling. Being a mother is often referred to as a higher calling, maybe she just wants to be more hands on with her kids. – Connie in Frisco, Texas

- Palin quitting early is a BAD MOVE. If she quits Governor how can the people trust a quitter to be elected as a President?! - Brian in Ft. Myers, Florida

- Palin flying the coop just makes me more comfortable that there's less of a chance she could ever get into the white house! – J Roach in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

- Palin rocks! Dems are just afraid of her! – Kathy in Virginia

- Sarah Palin is too much of a freak show for America to trust. – Stuart in Iowa

- I think Sarah Palin realized she should quit now instead of continuously embarrassing herself as she is not a great speaker.

- Sarah Palin has done yet another silly thing that makes her even more unelectable at the national level! – Martha in Kentucky

- I think if Gov. Palin felt it was time to go then she did the right thing and the Dems should just back off and leave her alone.

- Something more has to be brewing for her to just quit like that ... there will probably be a scandal soon.

- I can't understand why someone who wants to be considered for national office would quit in the middle? Would she have quit if VP job was too hard?

- Sarah P. is a very smart lady. I support her decision. – Vic in Lubbock, Texas

- Sarah Palin should run as a third party. Enough of the republicans and the democrats voting as a block instead of what is in the interest of the American people. – Katie in Wild Rose, Wisconsin

- I hope Sarah Palin is running our country in the future.

- I think that this another publicity stunt. She wants to keep her name out there. – Juanita in Arkansas

- Palin once again showed poor judgment. Why not finish what you started? Would she quit again if elected to another office? Who knows. – Cathy

- I think we need to remember that she is human and she should know what's best for her and her family and life.

- Good! I'm glad she's leaving office. I'll bet it has to do with personal family reasons. Hopefully she'll disappear into obscurity! – Dee in Dover, Delaware

- What happens if she's elected President in 2012 and then when she's a lame duck in 2016 – is she going to just walk away then? No one likes a quitter. She was elected Governor for a full term. Not just elected Governor until she is no longer interested in it or she feels she has something better to do. - D.L. in Crescent City, Florida

A California teacher put together a class highlights DVD for her students, but it included 6 seconds from the teacher's own personal sex tape. Watch as Natasha Curry, fill-in anchor for "Morning Express with Robin Meade" explains:

Apparently, since the it was an unintentional mistake, the teacher won't face charges. What do you think??

Leave your thoughts in the comments field