So the whole thing was a hoax?

So much for giving people the benefit of the doubt. Or rather, giving parents of small children that room. Lesson learned... although the Gosselins and Octomom schooled me on that particular compulsion already.

According to CNN, the Balloon Boy's mom, Mayumi, admitted, via an affidavit, that the whole thing was a hoax, from start to finish.

So no adrenaline filled panic due to the other son's claim?

So no redeeming qualities to be seen within the Heene family?

And no, Mayumi copping to the lie isn't redemptive in any way. She's saving her butt, which is entirely understandable, but where was this survival instinct years ago when she allowed herself and her small children to live in squalor for her husband's pleasure? His pleasure, since he was oh so sure about his scientific skills and charisma that roughing it would seem justified down the line.

It didn't - now, these @$$hats have upped the ante on how low parents will stoop to get their children and themselves on television.

This whole phenomenon promises to get worse before it gets better... if it's even possible.