6-year-old boy is floating away

But you're also not doing all kinds of crazy shit like reality shows and storm chasing -- (I assume) ? ;D

I think it's the total picture you have to look at. Is the borderline insane lifestyle contributing to the kid's weight?

 

My only point was there's nothing inherently wrong with the kids' weight. All the other crazy stuff they're doing, like taking the family into storms, yeah, that's probably something the authorities need to look at.

The other thing about his weight is it's possible the report of him weighing 37 pounds is not accurate. If someone asked me, right now, how much my kids weigh, I'd only be able to guess based on the last time they were weighed, if I even remembered. My kid hasn't been on a scale since his last doctor's appointment seven months ago. He could be anywhere from 35 to 45 right now, which is a pretty big difference.

OK, now this thread has really gone off on a tangent.

 

Famewhores.

 

Former assistant to the dad says it was a hoax.

http://gawker.com/5383858/exclusive-i-helped-richard-heene-plan-a-balloon-hoax

 

But all the other reporting has been so dead-on.

 

For what it's worth, no pun intended: Gawker said it paid him for the interview.

 

Do you think they would have paid him if he said it wasn't a hoax?

 

Charges will be filed.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13586026

 

Hilarious.

 

What are the charges?

 

I was reading another story that said even if they are charged and found guilty, it's just a misdemeanor for filing a false report or something like that. They could theoretically have the family pay a fine for the cost of the search and rescue, but it's not like they are going to throw the dad in jail or anything.

 

AP story says the sheriff is consulting with the feds on charges. I'm sure there is something they can dig up that would go beyond your boiler-plate misdemeanor.