Fake or Real?

Today's news included a story out of Colorado about the Heene family's traumatic afternoon during which they feared their 6-year-old son had accidently flown away in a makeshift hot air balloon, but was not in the craft's basket when it landed. Turns out the boy was safely hiding inside his home the whole time.

Now some folks think the whole thing was a publicity stunt. Apparently the boy's father is an internet video star (news to me) based on a rant-style show he produces called "Fake or Real?" The family also has participated in the reality series "Wife Swap."

Raising the question, was the balloon scare fake or real? Hard to say, but I think it's difficult to fake genuine panic over the unknown whereabouts of a child. (Ever seen parents who report fake kidnappings? You can tell!) This particular family seems to have a strong fame obsession, but that doesn't mean they didn't really experience a true safety scare. Here's the story:

Balloon Family's Stab at Video Fame Included Father's 'Fake or Real' Rants

The moral of this one? Best not to leave your hot air balloon parked in the back yard. Just in case.