"@Ted Morgan - Nothing impressive about it, both the FO and I saw and read the balloon as it passed a few feet over the top of the windscreen... it is a feat well within the capabilities of most people.  The point is, it is not necessarily difficult…"

"@Fnoop - I've been able to easily and clearly read the words "Happy Birthday" off of a helium filled latex children's balloon at a TAS (closing speed) of around 320KTS (370 mph) while in cruise flight in the mid-30,000 ft altitude band."

"What rules did he "brake"?"

"Using spoilers, as you have there, will cause a reduction in lift resulting in a coupled rolling moment as well a decrease in efficiency.  Use of split ailerons or a Prandtl-D configuration would likely be more suitable."

"@ Dan Murray
I just wish you'd just leave Lindsay alohan"