The family of the fake flying balloon boy, the Heenes, whose strange, sad story so captivated us for about an hour two months ago has been hit with a $42,000 fine for the cost associated with tracking the balloon through the skies of Colorado.

I was once enamored by this family so dedicated to science as to have a balloon that could even potentially lift a small child in their back yard. But after learning of the father’s sad, strange fame-whoring and their goals of being on reality TV, I think the feeling I’m going for is disgust. I hope these kids are able to look past their parent’s failings and that they work this out.

-crunchgear