breaking news
Aircraft at 7000 feet, shaped like a flying saucer...
CNN running it now
Full Version: A SIX YEAR OLD BOY IN HELIUM BALLON IN COLORADO
Deputies chase boy floating in balloon aircraft
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33330516/ns/us...ourts?GT1=43001
updated 18 minutes ago
FORT COLLINS. Colo. - Authorities were trying to determine Thursday how to safely bring down a 6-year-old boy who reportedly clambered into his family's experimental balloon-powered aircraft and floated away from home, sheriff's officials said.
The Larimer County Sheriff's Department said the boy's family had been building an experimental aircraft that had a large helium balloon attached to it at their home, KUSA-TV reported. The aircraft was approximately 20 feet by 5 feet and covered in tin foil, the station said.
On Thursday morning, according to the family and officials, the boy got onto the aircraft and detached the rope holding it in place. Sheriff's spokeswoman Eloise Campanella said the boy climbed into the access door and the airborne device took off.
Several people in the neighborhood said they saw the aircraft floating over their homes and some snapped pictures.
Television news helicopters were tracking the craft, which was last seen floating south of Milliken, about 40 miles north of Denver.
Officials were scrambling to figure out how to rescue the boy.
The craft, which is shaped like a flying saucer, has the potential to rise to 10,000 feet, Campanella said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33330516/ns/us...ourts?GT1=43001
updated 18 minutes ago
FORT COLLINS. Colo. - Authorities were trying to determine Thursday how to safely bring down a 6-year-old boy who reportedly clambered into his family's experimental balloon-powered aircraft and floated away from home, sheriff's officials said.
The Larimer County Sheriff's Department said the boy's family had been building an experimental aircraft that had a large helium balloon attached to it at their home, KUSA-TV reported. The aircraft was approximately 20 feet by 5 feet and covered in tin foil, the station said.
On Thursday morning, according to the family and officials, the boy got onto the aircraft and detached the rope holding it in place. Sheriff's spokeswoman Eloise Campanella said the boy climbed into the access door and the airborne device took off.
Several people in the neighborhood said they saw the aircraft floating over their homes and some snapped pictures.
Television news helicopters were tracking the craft, which was last seen floating south of Milliken, about 40 miles north of Denver.
Officials were scrambling to figure out how to rescue the boy.
The craft, which is shaped like a flying saucer, has the potential to rise to 10,000 feet, Campanella said.
900 feet off the ground and there is no confirmation the 6 year old is still on it...
this is like a live version of "Up"
its at 400 feet now
its at 400 feet now
no one inside the balloon after it landed...
so, where is the 6 year old...
so, where is the 6 year old...
Martians got him, is what I am thinking, graham ....
They are sneaky that way ....
And so ....
They are sneaky that way ....
And so ....
They would have used some kind of ray that they have to beam the boy over from the balloon to their space craft ....
And so ....
And so ....
if the boy never actually was in this balloon, I have a feeling the boy is going to be hiding, his family will find him,
then give him many hugs and kisses... then whoop his arse something.....
check the hampers
then give him many hugs and kisses... then whoop his arse something.....
check the hampers
someone just said and its true
it looks like a big JIFFY POP popcorn
it looks like a big JIFFY POP popcorn
Updates please?
The youngster is still missing and there are concerns he may have fallen from the craft, although there was no confirmation this had happened.
A spokesman for the Colorado National Guard told Sky News the boy's brother had said he saw him fall out of the balloon but that report "is unsubstantiated".
Eloise Campanella of Larimer County Sheriff's Department told CNN: "The bottom of (the balloon) is contained and hasn't been breached.
"So at this point we are thinking he did not fall out of it. He has to be somewhere on the ground near his home."
Falcon's father Richard Heene built the balloon at his family's home in Fort Collins, reportedly as part of his work as an amateur scientist.
Heene, who once appeared on TV as the father of a "storm-chasing, science-obsessed" family, said the craft was hovering above the ground before it came loose.
Captain Michael Hodges, from the Colorado National Guard, told Sky News: "I don't know if that's good news or not, that the boy is not in it.
"We are now going to begin trying to find out where that child is."
Breaking News
10:38pm UK, Thursday October 15, 2009
Boy Still Missing In Hot Air Balloon Drama
US police are searching for a six-year-old boy after the homemade helium balloon he was thought to be inside came down to earth empty.
The silver, flying saucer shaped object, which is about 20ft across, had drifted off after coming loose from its moorings - apparently with Falcon Heene inside.
The boy's brother said he saw the six-year-old climbing into the contraption before it became untethered.
The runaway balloon soared up to 7,000ft in the air and reached speeds of 25mph.
It drifted for miles across the Colorado skies before landing gently in the desert after slowly deflating.
Rescue workers, who grabbed the object as it floated down to the ground, opened it and failed to find Falcon.
Richard Heene, wife Mayumi and three children Bradford, Ryo and Falcon
Falcon Heene is the youngest child (Picture: ABC)
The youngster is still missing and there are concerns he may have fallen from the craft, although there was no confirmation this had happened.
A spokesman for the Colorado National Guard told Sky News the boy's brother had said he saw him fall out of the balloon but that report "is unsubstantiated".
Eloise Campanella of Larimer County Sheriff's Department told CNN: "The bottom of (the balloon) is contained and hasn't been breached.
"So at this point we are thinking he did not fall out of it. He has to be somewhere on the ground near his home."
Falcon's father Richard Heene built the balloon at his family's home in Fort Collins, reportedly as part of his work as an amateur scientist.
Heene, who once appeared on TV as the father of a "storm-chasing, science-obsessed" family, said the craft was hovering above the ground before it came loose.
Captain Michael Hodges, from the Colorado National Guard, told Sky News: "I don't know if that's good news or not, that the boy is not in it.
"We are now going to begin trying to find out where that child is."
He said the area they now had to search was "quite extensive" and added: "Hopefully we can take care of that as quickly as possible and hopefully bring this to a happy conclusion."
Sky's US correspondent Robert Nisbet said: "The balloon was in the air for two hours and travelled a distance of 60 miles.
"You can imagine how difficult such an extensive search would be."
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-New...aft_In_Colorado
A spokesman for the Colorado National Guard told Sky News the boy's brother had said he saw him fall out of the balloon but that report "is unsubstantiated".
Eloise Campanella of Larimer County Sheriff's Department told CNN: "The bottom of (the balloon) is contained and hasn't been breached.
"So at this point we are thinking he did not fall out of it. He has to be somewhere on the ground near his home."
Falcon's father Richard Heene built the balloon at his family's home in Fort Collins, reportedly as part of his work as an amateur scientist.
Heene, who once appeared on TV as the father of a "storm-chasing, science-obsessed" family, said the craft was hovering above the ground before it came loose.
Captain Michael Hodges, from the Colorado National Guard, told Sky News: "I don't know if that's good news or not, that the boy is not in it.
"We are now going to begin trying to find out where that child is."
Breaking News
10:38pm UK, Thursday October 15, 2009
Boy Still Missing In Hot Air Balloon Drama
US police are searching for a six-year-old boy after the homemade helium balloon he was thought to be inside came down to earth empty.
The silver, flying saucer shaped object, which is about 20ft across, had drifted off after coming loose from its moorings - apparently with Falcon Heene inside.
The boy's brother said he saw the six-year-old climbing into the contraption before it became untethered.
The runaway balloon soared up to 7,000ft in the air and reached speeds of 25mph.
It drifted for miles across the Colorado skies before landing gently in the desert after slowly deflating.
Rescue workers, who grabbed the object as it floated down to the ground, opened it and failed to find Falcon.
Richard Heene, wife Mayumi and three children Bradford, Ryo and Falcon
Falcon Heene is the youngest child (Picture: ABC)
The youngster is still missing and there are concerns he may have fallen from the craft, although there was no confirmation this had happened.
A spokesman for the Colorado National Guard told Sky News the boy's brother had said he saw him fall out of the balloon but that report "is unsubstantiated".
Eloise Campanella of Larimer County Sheriff's Department told CNN: "The bottom of (the balloon) is contained and hasn't been breached.
"So at this point we are thinking he did not fall out of it. He has to be somewhere on the ground near his home."
Falcon's father Richard Heene built the balloon at his family's home in Fort Collins, reportedly as part of his work as an amateur scientist.
Heene, who once appeared on TV as the father of a "storm-chasing, science-obsessed" family, said the craft was hovering above the ground before it came loose.
Captain Michael Hodges, from the Colorado National Guard, told Sky News: "I don't know if that's good news or not, that the boy is not in it.
"We are now going to begin trying to find out where that child is."
He said the area they now had to search was "quite extensive" and added: "Hopefully we can take care of that as quickly as possible and hopefully bring this to a happy conclusion."
Sky's US correspondent Robert Nisbet said: "The balloon was in the air for two hours and travelled a distance of 60 miles.
"You can imagine how difficult such an extensive search would be."
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-New...aft_In_Colorado
He's okay. He was found at home, hiding in a box.
Oh Good!
I kinda wish he had been inside the balloon. That's a trip he would never forget huh? I know I would have done that as a kid.
I kinda wish he had been inside the balloon. That's a trip he would never forget huh? I know I would have done that as a kid.
http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-balloon-boy-...0,6905331.story
The parents sound like, well, not the most protective of parents.
The parents sound like, well, not the most protective of parents.
I will be extremely disappointed if this ends up being a publicity stunt
Arianna Huffington had quite a write-up on the family ....
They are saying that the parents are liberals, graham ....
As if that explains everything ....
Say ....
Does it, do you think?
And so ...
They are saying that the parents are liberals, graham ....
As if that explains everything ....
Say ....
Does it, do you think?
And so ...
All at taxpayer expense. I would imagine that there are some folks in the Colorado shelters who might not be too pleased.
Can you spell PUBLICITY STUNT, graham?
Because according to the news this morning, that seems to be where this puppy is heading, anyway ....
And so ...
Because according to the news this morning, that seems to be where this puppy is heading, anyway ....
And so ...
if this is, I think the father should be put in a box in the attic and spanked for a few hours
People smart enough to have the brains for this experimental stuff in the first place, don't make tragic mistakes
(one of the reasons I never bought that John Denver's experiemental plane crash was an accident.
Especially after John made sure to circle around his families (and his first wives) homes before going into the sea
It was a farewell trip and he is /was at peace
The nation yesterday invested alot of caring into that 6 year old. If the father manipulated the nation, well,
something should be done to him.
People smart enough to have the brains for this experimental stuff in the first place, don't make tragic mistakes
(one of the reasons I never bought that John Denver's experiemental plane crash was an accident.
Especially after John made sure to circle around his families (and his first wives) homes before going into the sea
It was a farewell trip and he is /was at peace
The nation yesterday invested alot of caring into that 6 year old. If the father manipulated the nation, well,
something should be done to him.
He'll end up on Oprah, graham .....
They will weep together and the world will then be cleansed by their tears ...
And Oprah's ratings will go up ....
The dude will get a book deal out of it - how to be a scientist, poor father and wife swapper all at the same time ....
Maybe the Democrats will then tap him to run for public office since he will then have name recognition ....
Name recognition is important in American politics, you know, graham, especially if you have a simple name like Bush, which doesn't have a lot of syllables or vowels or consonants in it ....
And so ...
They will weep together and the world will then be cleansed by their tears ...
And Oprah's ratings will go up ....
The dude will get a book deal out of it - how to be a scientist, poor father and wife swapper all at the same time ....
Maybe the Democrats will then tap him to run for public office since he will then have name recognition ....
Name recognition is important in American politics, you know, graham, especially if you have a simple name like Bush, which doesn't have a lot of syllables or vowels or consonants in it ....
And so ...
He lives in Colorado and works for the war industry
odds are he is either a libertarian(which is a reublican conservative) or a Bushie trying to make a new WMD
and his name
he already is an asss, isn't he?
isn't a heene an ass?
odds are he is either a libertarian(which is a reublican conservative) or a Bushie trying to make a new WMD
and his name
he already is an asss, isn't he?
isn't a heene an ass?
I think that would be "hiney", graham ...
QUOTE(Livyjr @ Oct 16 2009, 06:57 AM) 
I think that would be "hiney", graham ...
that's the east coast spelling maybe
people further west can't spell (remember Dan Quayle?)
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 16 2009, 04:58 AM)
(remember Dan Quayle?)
Not particularly ....
Who was he?
QUOTE(Livyjr @ Oct 16 2009, 07:08 AM)
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 16 2009, 04:58 AM)
(remember Dan Quayle?)
Not particularly ....
Who was he?
he was a bad joke, one of many, perpetrated by Bush41 on America, but one with a front story to go with the back story, if you ask me
he was hired so that it would dumb down the public to accept George W. Bush
he was hired knowing he got out of duty using his father's name, just like GWB did
two peas in a pod
Quayle and W
bad jokes perpetrated on society by Bush41.
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 16 2009, 04:58 AM)
(remember Dan Quayle?)
Is he the dude who couldn't spell potato or tomato, or something like that?
QUOTE(Livyjr @ Oct 16 2009, 11:12 AM)
Can you spell PUBLICITY STUNT, graham?
Because according to the news this morning, that seems to be where this puppy is heading, anyway ....
And so ...
Because according to the news this morning, that seems to be where this puppy is heading, anyway ....
And so ...
LOON BALLOON: 'WE DID THIS FOR A SHOW'
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Aheadofth...tory?id=8842957
Child Protective Services to Check Out Falcon Heene's Family
Sheriff Says Boy Too Hyper to Hide for Five Hours
FOR SALE: Proof That Balloon Boy Was A Hoax
from Clusterstock by Lawrence Delevingne
Richard Heene Falcon balloon boyThere is allegedly proof that the story of balloon boy Falcon Heene was a stunt to help pitch a television show.
But the purported proof will cost you thousands of dollars to get.
Today, we spoke with a Denver-area student who claims to have worked with Falcon's father, Richard Heene, on a reality show proposal for ABC.
The student wants to sell the infomation and says the National Enquirer is considering buying it for between $5,000 and $8,000.
The student claims to have been hired by Heene, and says the two worked together from March until May 2009 to prepare "business plans and proposals" to pitch to ABC.
Here's what the seller says the documents prove:
"The show surrounds scientific experiments and controversial pranks, and one of the pranks within it -- actually several of the things within this document -- talks about very similar information to what is being debated on the air."
The seller adds:
"When Mr. Heene is denying having any involvement with this being for a show -- when the little kid, Falcon, says 'Dad, you said to go hide in the attic, we're doing this for the show' -- and then he's adamantly denying that, that's when I started cracking up because I have proof that that's not true."
The student says Heene never paid for the work, which took more than 15 hours. The student emailed him/herself the proposal as a record and doesn't believe Heene knows the seller has the information.
"I never would have thought it would become valuable, but at this time, this is kind of the evidence that they're looking for," the seller says.
"I'm a student, you know, so if I can get my rent paid from this it'd be awesome."
If you want to buy the proof, let us know, and we'll put you in touch with the seller.
http://www.businessinsider.com/proof-ballo...-a-hoax-2009-10
from Clusterstock by Lawrence Delevingne
Richard Heene Falcon balloon boyThere is allegedly proof that the story of balloon boy Falcon Heene was a stunt to help pitch a television show.
But the purported proof will cost you thousands of dollars to get.
Today, we spoke with a Denver-area student who claims to have worked with Falcon's father, Richard Heene, on a reality show proposal for ABC.
The student wants to sell the infomation and says the National Enquirer is considering buying it for between $5,000 and $8,000.
The student claims to have been hired by Heene, and says the two worked together from March until May 2009 to prepare "business plans and proposals" to pitch to ABC.
Here's what the seller says the documents prove:
"The show surrounds scientific experiments and controversial pranks, and one of the pranks within it -- actually several of the things within this document -- talks about very similar information to what is being debated on the air."
The seller adds:
"When Mr. Heene is denying having any involvement with this being for a show -- when the little kid, Falcon, says 'Dad, you said to go hide in the attic, we're doing this for the show' -- and then he's adamantly denying that, that's when I started cracking up because I have proof that that's not true."
The student says Heene never paid for the work, which took more than 15 hours. The student emailed him/herself the proposal as a record and doesn't believe Heene knows the seller has the information.
"I never would have thought it would become valuable, but at this time, this is kind of the evidence that they're looking for," the seller says.
"I'm a student, you know, so if I can get my rent paid from this it'd be awesome."
If you want to buy the proof, let us know, and we'll put you in touch with the seller.
http://www.businessinsider.com/proof-ballo...-a-hoax-2009-10
The Liability of Staging A Flying Balloon Hoax
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-liabili...on-hoax-2009-10
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-liabili...on-hoax-2009-10
"Sheriff: Charges will be filed in balloon saga"
By DAN ELLIOTT, Associated Press Writer
18 OCTOBER 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – A sheriff said he was pursuing criminal charges in Colorado's "balloon boy" saga, which first sparked fear for the child, then relief that he was OK and now suspicions of a hoax.
Deputies searched the home of the boy's parents Saturday night, carrying away several boxes and a computer.
The parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, met with Larimer County investigators for much of Saturday afternoon amid lingering questions about whether he perpetrated a publicity stunt when his 6-year-old son Falcon vanished into the rafters of his garage while the world thought he was zooming through the sky in a flying saucer-like helium balloon.
But Sheriff Jim Alderden didn't say who would be charged or what the charges would be.
His deputies later showed up at the Heene's Fort Collins home with a search warrant and at least three of them began a search.
Sgt. Ian Stewart declined so say what they were after.
Alderden on Saturday didn't call Thursday's hours-long drama a hoax, but he expressed disappointment that he couldn't level more serious charges in the incident, which sent police and the military scrambling to save young Falcon Heene as millions of worried television viewers watched.
"We were looking at Class 3 misdemeanor, which hardly seems serious enough given the circumstances," Alderden said.
"We are talking to the district attorney, federal officials to see if perhaps there aren't additional federal charges that are appropriate in this circumstance."
Suspicion that the balloon saga was a hoax arose almost immediately after Falcon was found hiding in a cardboard box.
Heene, a storm chaser and inventor whose family has appeared on the reality show "Wife Swap," and his wife had said one of the boy's older brothers said Falcon was aboard the homemade balloon when it took off.
Alderden initially said there was no reason to believe the incident was a hoax.
Authorities questioned the Heenes again after Falcon turned to his dad during a CNN interview Thursday night and said "you said we did this for a show" when asked why he didn't come out of his hiding place.
Falcon got sick during two separate TV interviews Friday when asked again why he hid.
After the sheriff spoke to reporters Saturday, Richard Heene and his wife walked out of his office after meeting with officials for several hours.
As reporters yelled questions, Heene said:
"I was talking to the sheriff's department just now."
He then walked to his car with his wife and a friend and drove away.
It wasn't clear where the family spent Saturday night.
The Heenes have said the balloon was supposed to be tethered to the ground when it lifted off, and no one was supposed to be aboard.
A video of the launch shows the family counting down in unison, "3, 2, 1," before Richard Heene pulls a cord, setting the balloon into the air.
"Whoa!" one of the boys exclaims.
Then his father says in disbelief, "Oh, my God!"
He then says to someone, "You didn't put the (expletive) tether down!" and he kicks the wood frame that had held the balloon.
Falcon's brother said he saw him inside the compartment before it took off and that's why they thought he was in there when it launched.
Heene said he had yelled at Falcon before the launch for getting inside.
Over the years, Richard Heene has worked as a storm chaser, a handyman and contractor, and an aspiring reality-TV star.
He and his family appeared on the ABC reality show "Wife Swap," and the show's producer said it had a show in development with the Heenes but the deal is now off.
TLC also said Heene had pitched a reality show to the network months ago, but it passed on the offer.
___
Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers P. Solomon Banda in Fort Collins; Judith Kohler, Ivan Moreno and Colleen Slevin in Denver; and Greg Risling, Lynn Elber and Solvej Schou in Los Angeles.
By DAN ELLIOTT, Associated Press Writer
18 OCTOBER 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – A sheriff said he was pursuing criminal charges in Colorado's "balloon boy" saga, which first sparked fear for the child, then relief that he was OK and now suspicions of a hoax.
Deputies searched the home of the boy's parents Saturday night, carrying away several boxes and a computer.
The parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, met with Larimer County investigators for much of Saturday afternoon amid lingering questions about whether he perpetrated a publicity stunt when his 6-year-old son Falcon vanished into the rafters of his garage while the world thought he was zooming through the sky in a flying saucer-like helium balloon.
But Sheriff Jim Alderden didn't say who would be charged or what the charges would be.
His deputies later showed up at the Heene's Fort Collins home with a search warrant and at least three of them began a search.
Sgt. Ian Stewart declined so say what they were after.
Alderden on Saturday didn't call Thursday's hours-long drama a hoax, but he expressed disappointment that he couldn't level more serious charges in the incident, which sent police and the military scrambling to save young Falcon Heene as millions of worried television viewers watched.
"We were looking at Class 3 misdemeanor, which hardly seems serious enough given the circumstances," Alderden said.
"We are talking to the district attorney, federal officials to see if perhaps there aren't additional federal charges that are appropriate in this circumstance."
Suspicion that the balloon saga was a hoax arose almost immediately after Falcon was found hiding in a cardboard box.
Heene, a storm chaser and inventor whose family has appeared on the reality show "Wife Swap," and his wife had said one of the boy's older brothers said Falcon was aboard the homemade balloon when it took off.
Alderden initially said there was no reason to believe the incident was a hoax.
Authorities questioned the Heenes again after Falcon turned to his dad during a CNN interview Thursday night and said "you said we did this for a show" when asked why he didn't come out of his hiding place.
Falcon got sick during two separate TV interviews Friday when asked again why he hid.
After the sheriff spoke to reporters Saturday, Richard Heene and his wife walked out of his office after meeting with officials for several hours.
As reporters yelled questions, Heene said:
"I was talking to the sheriff's department just now."
He then walked to his car with his wife and a friend and drove away.
It wasn't clear where the family spent Saturday night.
The Heenes have said the balloon was supposed to be tethered to the ground when it lifted off, and no one was supposed to be aboard.
A video of the launch shows the family counting down in unison, "3, 2, 1," before Richard Heene pulls a cord, setting the balloon into the air.
"Whoa!" one of the boys exclaims.
Then his father says in disbelief, "Oh, my God!"
He then says to someone, "You didn't put the (expletive) tether down!" and he kicks the wood frame that had held the balloon.
Falcon's brother said he saw him inside the compartment before it took off and that's why they thought he was in there when it launched.
Heene said he had yelled at Falcon before the launch for getting inside.
Over the years, Richard Heene has worked as a storm chaser, a handyman and contractor, and an aspiring reality-TV star.
He and his family appeared on the ABC reality show "Wife Swap," and the show's producer said it had a show in development with the Heenes but the deal is now off.
TLC also said Heene had pitched a reality show to the network months ago, but it passed on the offer.
___
Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers P. Solomon Banda in Fort Collins; Judith Kohler, Ivan Moreno and Colleen Slevin in Denver; and Greg Risling, Lynn Elber and Solvej Schou in Los Angeles.
this sheriff has to be the stupidest person on earth don't he
what a dufus
he spent days saying it isn't a hoax
now he says its an obvious one
I think this idiot sherif got ballons instead of brains in his head
(but then, whaddaya expect from a sheriff in the first place
what a dufus
he spent days saying it isn't a hoax
now he says its an obvious one
I think this idiot sherif got ballons instead of brains in his head
(but then, whaddaya expect from a sheriff in the first place
What's up with this "WIFE SWAP" show, graham?
Huffington was sniffing about that on her BLOG ....
Apparently, the woman who swapped into the Heene family for three weeks says that she was treated quite badly while there ...
I wondered why on earth she stayed there ....
Why did she go in the first place?
What is up with that, graham?
And so ...
Huffington was sniffing about that on her BLOG ....
Apparently, the woman who swapped into the Heene family for three weeks says that she was treated quite badly while there ...
I wondered why on earth she stayed there ....
Why did she go in the first place?
What is up with that, graham?
And so ...
QUOTE(Livyjr @ Oct 18 2009, 02:58 PM)
He and his family appeared on the ABC reality show "Wife Swap," and the show's producer said it had a show in development with the Heenes but the deal is now off.
Are people in America so hard up for entertainment, graham, that they have to watch a show on wife-swapping on TV?
Is the only reality that there is in America on a TV show?
is it any worse than watching Gilligan's Island or I dream of Jeannie
or watching a soap opera for 30 years(which are quickly becoming obsolete)
I could spend all day watching people getting hit in the privates in America's Favorite Videos and bloopers
Candid Camera was an early reality show when you get right down to it
or watching a soap opera for 30 years(which are quickly becoming obsolete)
I could spend all day watching people getting hit in the privates in America's Favorite Videos and bloopers
Candid Camera was an early reality show when you get right down to it
and they used to have a chimp on the Today show
then they got the now bald Matt Lauer
I think the Chimp is smarter
then they got the now bald Matt Lauer
I think the Chimp is smarter
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 03:35 PM)
is it any worse than watching Gilligan's Island
That would be a form of torture for me to have to sit and watch nothing but Gilligan's Island over and over again ....
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 03:36 PM)
and they used to have a chimp on the Today show
That was J. Fred Muggs, wasn't it?
QUOTE(Livyjr @ Oct 18 2009, 05:51 PM)
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 03:36 PM)
and they used to have a chimp on the Today show
That was J. Fred Muggs, wasn't it?
would rather watch him than say, Katie Couric
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 03:36 PM)
and they used to have a chimp on the Today show
Is that who Katie Couric was brought in to replace?
QUOTE(Livyjr @ Oct 18 2009, 06:07 PM)
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 03:36 PM)
and they used to have a chimp on the Today show
Is that who Katie Couric was brought in to replace?
I don't remember, I don't watch Today
I watch the local CW morning news sometimes now
not the most professional, but they are fun
http://weblogs.wpix.com/news/local/morningnews/blogs/
and Dr.Steve recommends the H1N1 vaccine for everyone, including himself and his family
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 04:12 PM)
and Dr.Steve recommends the H1N1 vaccine for everyone, including himself and his family
I bet he does, graham ....
He gets a cut from the drug companies for shilling the stuff, I would bet ....
And so ...
QUOTE(Livyjr @ Oct 18 2009, 06:24 PM)
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 04:12 PM)
and Dr.Steve recommends the H1N1 vaccine for everyone, including himself and his family
I bet he does, graham ....
He gets a cut from the drug companies for shilling the stuff, I would bet ....
And so ...
ARE YOU SAYING 100% OF ALL DOCTORS ARE CORRUPT???
let me get this straight now
Is that what you are saying?
Would a doctor you personally trust your life with, do this to you?
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 04:28 PM)
Would a doctor you personally trust your life with, do this to you?
I DO NOT put my life in the hands of doctors, graham ....
There is NO doctor that I personally trust ...
And yes, graham ....
Down at the local VA up here, the med companies were in there all the time holding what were called DRUG LUNCHES, where the PHARM companies would bring the doctors in on the latest and hottest drugs to give out ....
MOVE THE PRODUCT AND THERE IS BIG MONEY TO BE MADE ....
And the U.S. government was using older veterans as guinea pigs in drug trials ....
And they killed off a bunch of them ....
Some $*** they gave one of them burned off his eyelids ....
And the government was getting money for that, graham ....
And so ...
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 18 2009, 04:28 PM)
ARE YOU SAYING 100% OF ALL DOCTORS ARE CORRUPT???
Are you saying that they are not, graham?
"Associate of balloon boy's father questioned"
By P. SOLOMON BANDA, Associated Press Writers
20 OCTOBER 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – An investigation into possible criminal charges for a Colorado couple who told authorities their son floated off in a balloon shaped like a flying saucer has spread to those who worked with them.
Robert Thomas told sheriff's investigators about what he observed between amateur storm chasers Richard and Mayumi Heene when he helped record the husband's ideas earlier this year, said Thomas' attorney, Linda Lee.
Thomas earlier sold his story to the Web site Gawker.com.
Lee said Richard Heene was "obsessed" with trying to land a TV show and become famous.
"Heene believes the world is going to end in 2012," she said.
"Because of that, he wanted to make money quickly, become rich enough to build a bunker or something underground, where he can be safe from the sun exploding."
Thomas told the "Today" show on NBC on Tuesday that he had nothing to do with the hoax and didn't know about the balloon being launched until he saw it on television.
Asked whether he should be profiting by selling his story, Thomas, who described himself as an entrepreneur and a college student, said he was told that people sell their stories to the media and that he was paid "way less than most people think."
Larimer County investigators have been poring over e-mails, phone records and financial documents from the Heene home as they ponder charges against the Heenes.
The Federal Aviation Administration has opened its own investigation into the balloon flight, spokesman Mike Fergus said Tuesday.
He said the inquiry began either Friday or Monday, but he didn't know how long it would take.
Fergus said the FAA investigates only civil allegations, rather than criminal ones.
He declined to provide details.
The balloon landed near Denver International Airport, and some flights had to be changed to a different runway for 20 minutes.
The sheriff's office said its findings will be forwarded to prosecutors next week to decide if the Heenes should be charged with falsely reporting that their 6-year-old son, Falcon, had drifted away in a large home-built helium balloon to drum up publicity for a reality TV show.
The investigation could reach beyond the Heenes.
Sheriff Jim Alderden said documents show that a media outlet had agreed to pay the Heenes.
However, it was unclear if the outlet was a conspirator.
Alderden didn't name the organization.
Richard Heene emerged briefly from the family's home Tuesday morning but didn't answer reporters' questions.
He showed two delivery workers where to find five helium tanks that were being returned to Flexx Productions, a Fort Collins rental company, because the lease was up.
The workers said four of the tanks were empty and one was partially full.
The Heenes apparently wanted to star in a reality show focusing on a range of bizarre experiments, such as trying to attract UFOs with a weather balloon.
Thomas worked with Richard Heene on the idea for the show from March until May.
Sheriff's officials interviewed Thomas on Sunday, after he revealed that Heene had been planning a media stunt to promote the show, Lee said.
Thomas' notes include Richard Heene discussing a hoax that involved a balloon, Lee said.
"Pretty much he wanted to recreate this Roswell effect making it seem like there's a UFO," she said, adding that Thomas opposed the idea.
Lee said investigators told her Thomas would not face charges, but she was seeking immunity for him "just to be safe."
Thomas has said he had no idea that a possible hoax would involve the Heene children.
Richard Heene's attorney, David Lane, declined to say directly whether he believes the incident was a hoax but said the Heenes are innocent until proven guilty.
The Heenes didn't comment Monday.
If prosecutors "can prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, that's one thing," Lane told The Associated Press.
"If they can't prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, that's another."
Mayumi Heene's lawyer, Lee Christian, declined to comment on whether the couple still maintains they thought their son was in the balloon before he emerged at home and told reporters he'd been hiding in the garage.
Alderden said the children were still with the parents and that child protective services had been contacted to investigate their well-being.
Alderden said charges he is seeking against the Heenes include conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, making a false report to authorities, and attempting to influence a public servant.
The most serious charges are felonies and carry a maximum sentence of six years in prison.
Alderden said authorities also would be seeking restitution, though he didn't have an estimate.
It's unknown who else may have been working with Heene to launch the reality show.
Heene has a profile listed on a Web site that helps people get cast in reality shows, and the site said he last logged on in late September — around the time investigators said the hoax was taking root.
The site lists his occupation as a research scientist and general contractor with a high school education.
The Heenes twice appeared on ABC's "Wife Swap," including a March episode in which they discuss their approach to parenting and talk about their belief that they're the descendants of aliens.
The producer of "Wife Swap" had a show in development with the Heenes but said the deal is now off.
The TLC cable network also said Heene had pitched a reality show months ago, but it passed on the offer.
___
Associated Press writers Dan Elliott and Colleen Slevin in Denver and Greg Risling in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
By P. SOLOMON BANDA, Associated Press Writers
20 OCTOBER 2009
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – An investigation into possible criminal charges for a Colorado couple who told authorities their son floated off in a balloon shaped like a flying saucer has spread to those who worked with them.
Robert Thomas told sheriff's investigators about what he observed between amateur storm chasers Richard and Mayumi Heene when he helped record the husband's ideas earlier this year, said Thomas' attorney, Linda Lee.
Thomas earlier sold his story to the Web site Gawker.com.
Lee said Richard Heene was "obsessed" with trying to land a TV show and become famous.
"Heene believes the world is going to end in 2012," she said.
"Because of that, he wanted to make money quickly, become rich enough to build a bunker or something underground, where he can be safe from the sun exploding."
Thomas told the "Today" show on NBC on Tuesday that he had nothing to do with the hoax and didn't know about the balloon being launched until he saw it on television.
Asked whether he should be profiting by selling his story, Thomas, who described himself as an entrepreneur and a college student, said he was told that people sell their stories to the media and that he was paid "way less than most people think."
Larimer County investigators have been poring over e-mails, phone records and financial documents from the Heene home as they ponder charges against the Heenes.
The Federal Aviation Administration has opened its own investigation into the balloon flight, spokesman Mike Fergus said Tuesday.
He said the inquiry began either Friday or Monday, but he didn't know how long it would take.
Fergus said the FAA investigates only civil allegations, rather than criminal ones.
He declined to provide details.
The balloon landed near Denver International Airport, and some flights had to be changed to a different runway for 20 minutes.
The sheriff's office said its findings will be forwarded to prosecutors next week to decide if the Heenes should be charged with falsely reporting that their 6-year-old son, Falcon, had drifted away in a large home-built helium balloon to drum up publicity for a reality TV show.
The investigation could reach beyond the Heenes.
Sheriff Jim Alderden said documents show that a media outlet had agreed to pay the Heenes.
However, it was unclear if the outlet was a conspirator.
Alderden didn't name the organization.
Richard Heene emerged briefly from the family's home Tuesday morning but didn't answer reporters' questions.
He showed two delivery workers where to find five helium tanks that were being returned to Flexx Productions, a Fort Collins rental company, because the lease was up.
The workers said four of the tanks were empty and one was partially full.
The Heenes apparently wanted to star in a reality show focusing on a range of bizarre experiments, such as trying to attract UFOs with a weather balloon.
Thomas worked with Richard Heene on the idea for the show from March until May.
Sheriff's officials interviewed Thomas on Sunday, after he revealed that Heene had been planning a media stunt to promote the show, Lee said.
Thomas' notes include Richard Heene discussing a hoax that involved a balloon, Lee said.
"Pretty much he wanted to recreate this Roswell effect making it seem like there's a UFO," she said, adding that Thomas opposed the idea.
Lee said investigators told her Thomas would not face charges, but she was seeking immunity for him "just to be safe."
Thomas has said he had no idea that a possible hoax would involve the Heene children.
Richard Heene's attorney, David Lane, declined to say directly whether he believes the incident was a hoax but said the Heenes are innocent until proven guilty.
The Heenes didn't comment Monday.
If prosecutors "can prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, that's one thing," Lane told The Associated Press.
"If they can't prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, that's another."
Mayumi Heene's lawyer, Lee Christian, declined to comment on whether the couple still maintains they thought their son was in the balloon before he emerged at home and told reporters he'd been hiding in the garage.
Alderden said the children were still with the parents and that child protective services had been contacted to investigate their well-being.
Alderden said charges he is seeking against the Heenes include conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, making a false report to authorities, and attempting to influence a public servant.
The most serious charges are felonies and carry a maximum sentence of six years in prison.
Alderden said authorities also would be seeking restitution, though he didn't have an estimate.
It's unknown who else may have been working with Heene to launch the reality show.
Heene has a profile listed on a Web site that helps people get cast in reality shows, and the site said he last logged on in late September — around the time investigators said the hoax was taking root.
The site lists his occupation as a research scientist and general contractor with a high school education.
The Heenes twice appeared on ABC's "Wife Swap," including a March episode in which they discuss their approach to parenting and talk about their belief that they're the descendants of aliens.
The producer of "Wife Swap" had a show in development with the Heenes but said the deal is now off.
The TLC cable network also said Heene had pitched a reality show months ago, but it passed on the offer.
___
Associated Press writers Dan Elliott and Colleen Slevin in Denver and Greg Risling in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
waste of taxpayer money on all sides
and a distraction
the kid will be notorious his whole life
he could actually pprobably make money his whole life signing books and photos of the balloon
and a distraction
the kid will be notorious his whole life
he could actually pprobably make money his whole life signing books and photos of the balloon
QUOTE(graham4anything @ Oct 21 2009, 05:16 PM)
... and a distraction ....
What is it a distraction from?
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