The Larimer County Sheriff reports that indeed, the Heene Family also known as the Balloon Family's airborne adventure last week was indeed a publicity stunt.

The Heene's wanted more than their 15 minutes and at least a million bucks. So they launched, the kid hid, the kid puked, we puked, the media covered it live and now felony charges face all.

Both the Heene's and the Sheriff found out dealing with the media is dangerous business.

I feel so sad for the kids, so shamelessly exploited by two parents desperate for fame and fortune that they literally risked the lives of rescuers both on the ground and in the air. The media was exploited and when you do that the media comes back you with a ferocity you can't imagine.

This will all play out through the courts, but why do I still see as book and TV deal for the Heene family?

Another huckster and shamless self-promoter on this is attorney David Lane, who also defended Ward Churchill. Sadly, the same media that feels exploited by the Heene family is being exploited by Lane (again) and offering him every opportunity to be on camera or in front of a microphone.

Lessons learned from all this? Apparently none.