Buzz
Censorship refers to the restriction of public communication deemed inappropriate, harmful, or sensitive. It takes various forms, such as moral, military, political, religious, and corporate censorship. Project Censored, a research initiative, monitors news published in independent journals and newsletters. They compile an annual list of 25 socially significant stories that have been neglected, underreported, or self-censored by major national media outlets. This year’s top stories include Global Strategies to Replace the Dollar, the US Department of Defense as the World’s Leading Polluter, and Risks to Internet Privacy and Personal Access. This article explores ten censored topics and events.
10. Chiemgau Impact Crater
On October 16, 2004, the journal Astronomy published an online article highlighting a newly discovered strewn field of impact craters in southeastern Bavaria, Germany. The field spans from Altötting to the Lake Chiemsee region, covering an elliptical area 36 miles long and 17 miles wide (58 by 27 kilometers). It contains at least 81 craters, ranging from 10 to 1,215 feet (3 to 370 meters) in size. Numerous German publications have explored this topic, identifying Lake Tüttensee as the largest crater in the field. It features an 8-meter-high wall, a rim-to-rim diameter of approximately 500 meters, and a depth of about 30 meters.
The Chiemgau impact research team has determined through physical and archaeological studies that the impact event occurred between 700 and 300 B.C., during the Holocene epoch. Further refinement of the timeline suggests it happened around 200 B.C. (2,200 years ago), supported by tree-ring data from preserved Irish oaks showing slowed growth around 207 B.C. The impact is believed to have been caused by a low-density, loosely bound asteroid or a fragmented comet. The largest fragment, responsible for creating Lake Tüttensee, would have struck with the force of 106 million tonnes of TNT, equivalent to 8,500 Hiroshima bombs.
Investigations into the Chiemgau impact crater began in 2000 after amateur archaeologists found metal fragments containing unusual minerals near Lake Chiemsee. Further evidence includes Celtic artifacts discovered locally, which show signs of being burned on one side. Historical accounts from Roman authors also mention stone showers falling from the sky. However, the Chiemgau impact theory remains controversial and is not widely accepted by the scientific community. Geological studies and the discovery of undisturbed peat layers have challenged the claim. Scientific consensus identifies Lake Tüttensee as a kettle lake formed under the Bavarian Alps.
9. Operation Payback
Operation Payback refers to a collective of internet activists operating under the name 'Anonymous,' targeting opponents of online piracy. In 2010, Bollywood film companies enlisted Aiplex Software to launch DDoS attacks against websites ignoring takedown notices. In response, piracy advocates initiated Operation Payback in September 2010. Since then, the group has executed a series of cyberattacks against prominent pro-copyright organizations, law firms, and individuals advocating against piracy.
In September 2010, Associação do Comércio Audiovisual de Portugal (ACAPOR) lodged a complaint with the government to prevent Portuguese citizens from accessing The Pirate Bay for illegal music and video downloads. In retaliation, the ACAPOR website was hacked, displaying a message from Operation Payback before redirecting to The Pirate Bay. On October 4, 2010, Operation Payback targeted the Ministry of Sound London and Gallant Macmillan websites. By October 15, 2010, protected.com was compromised and defaced. Three days later, the UK Intellectual Property Office faced a DDoS attack from Operation Payback.
In 2010, Gene Simmons of KISS famously stated, 'Protect your brand at all costs...Be aggressive. Sue everyone. Take their homes and cars. Don’t let anyone cross that line.' In response, Operation Payback shut down his two websites. On October 26, 2010, LimeWire was ordered to disable its file-sharing features after losing a legal battle with the RIAA. In retaliation, Operation Payback took down the RIAA website on October 29.
In December 2010, WikiLeaks faced significant pressure to halt the release of confidential US diplomatic cables. Companies like Amazon, PayPal, Bank of America, PostFinance, MasterCard, and Visa froze donations to WikiLeaks due to political influence. Operation Payback retaliated by targeting these corporations. On December 8, 2010, they successfully disrupted MasterCard and Visa websites. An attempt to take down Amazon failed due to insufficient botnet support. On January 27, 2011, five individuals aged 15 to 26 were arrested in the UK for their alleged involvement in Operation Payback.
8. The Mosquito
The Mosquito is an electronic device designed to discourage loitering among young people by emitting a high-frequency sound. Invented by Howard Stapleton in 2005, it was first tested in Barry, South Wales. The latest version, released in 2008, features two frequency settings: one at approximately 17.4 kHz, audible only to younger individuals, and another at 8 kHz, detectable by most people. The device targets individuals aged 13 to 25, as children can hear higher frequencies than adults.
The Mosquito is marketed as a compact speaker that generates a high-pitched sound resembling an insect buzz. It is promoted as a security tool to prevent youth gatherings in specific areas. Over 3,000 units have been sold in the UK, primarily near shops and transport hubs. The device is also available in Australia, France, Denmark, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA, gaining popularity in cities, municipalities, school districts, and public parks. However, it has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it discriminates against young people and violates human rights, especially in public spaces like parks where teenagers are permitted to gather.
Numerous individuals have filed lawsuits against the device. Inventor Howard Stapleton has urged European governments to establish regulations for its use. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has highlighted potential safety risks associated with The Mosquito. Prolonged exposure may harm small children and infants, potentially causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, and cognitive impairment.
The Mosquito has garnered support from municipalities, school districts, property management firms, convenience stores, and other organizations. However, a UK group named 'Buzz Off' is advocating for its ban. Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, has criticized the device as an 'untested and unregulated sonic weapon targeting children and young people.' Interestingly, a ringtone called 'Teen Buzz' has been marketed, allowing kids to use the high-frequency sound to avoid detection by teachers.
7. USA-193
USA-193 was a classified American military spy satellite launched on December 14, 2006. Its exact mission remains undisclosed. After malfunctioning shortly after deployment, it was deliberately destroyed on February 21, 2008, using a modified $9.5 million SM-3 missile launched from the USS Lake Erie, positioned west of Hawaii. FEMA later revealed the satellite contained hazardous materials, including hydrazine and beryllium. On January 29, 2008, an Associated Press report cited a U.S. Air Force general stating that plans were underway to destroy the satellite to prevent debris from re-entering North American airspace.
The plan to destroy USA-193 was initiated on January 4, 2008, with President Bush authorizing the operation, estimated to cost between $40 million and $60 million. The mission aimed to rupture the satellite’s fuel tank to disperse roughly 1,000 pounds (453 kg) of hydrazine, a dangerous substance posing risks to people on Earth. The SM-3 missile, launched from the USS Lake Erie, successfully intercepted the satellite approximately 133 nautical miles (247 kilometers) above the Pacific Ocean. At impact, the satellite was traveling at about 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h).
U.S. officials dismissed claims that the operation aimed to prevent sensitive technology from being acquired by foreign entities or that it was a reaction to China’s 2007 anti-satellite missile test. However, the Russian government alleged the event was a covert test of the U.S. missile defense system, accusing the U.S. of using hydrazine concerns as a pretext for testing an anti-satellite weapon (ASAT).
6. Strait of Juan de Fuca Laser Incident
The Strait of Juan de Fuca is a significant waterway spanning approximately 95 miles (153 km). It serves as the outlet from the Salish Sea to the Pacific Ocean and marks part of the U.S.-Canada border. On April 4, 1997, the Russian merchant vessel Kapitan Man was found anchored in the strait, about 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Port Angeles, Washington. At the request of authorities, a Canadian Forces CH-124 helicopter was sent to photograph the ship, which featured an unusual aerial antenna structure, suggesting potential ELINT or SIGINT intelligence-gathering operations.
The helicopter crew included U.S. Navy Lt. Jack Daly and Canadian Forces pilot Capt. Patrick Barnes. Lt. Daly, a foreign-intelligence officer, was overseeing surveillance of Russian, Chinese, and other spy ships in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, a region housing key U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarine and aircraft carrier bases. While photographing the ship, Lt. Daly suddenly felt sharp pain in his right eye, leading to temporary blindness. Medical examinations confirmed he suffered laser burns to his eye, along with vision issues and severe headaches. Capt. Barnes sustained similar injuries, resulting in his permanent grounding.
Following the incident, Coast Guard teams were granted limited access to search the Russian vessel but found no laser. The Clinton administration had forewarned Russia about the search. The ZM-87 Portable Laser Disturber is believed to be the weapon used against the U.S. and Canadian personnel. Lt. Daly later accused the State Department of orchestrating a media cover-up to protect international negotiations, even calling it 'treason' under Article III, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
5. Invasive species in New Zealand
An introduced species refers to an organism living outside its natural habitat, transported by human activities, whether intentional or accidental. The impact of these species on ecosystems is highly debated. Islands provide an ideal setting to study invasive species, as many flightless birds, which evolved in isolation, face threats from these invaders. Invasive species have caused significant ecological disruption on islands, and New Zealand is no exception, with numerous non-native species spreading across its landscape.
New Zealand’s most significant commercial crop is the Pinus radiata, or Monterey Pine, native to California. While the pine thrives in New Zealand, the forests are also home to North American and European deer, as well as Australian possums, all of which are exotic species flourishing in the region. Another invasive plant, the common gorse, originally a Scottish hedge plant, has adapted well to New Zealand but is considered a noxious weed that threatens native biodiversity.
Rabbits were introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s as a food source but have since become a major agricultural pest, particularly on the South Island. Rats, dogs, and cats pose significant threats to flightless birds, while sparrows, introduced to control insects, have outcompeted native bird species. In Lake Wairarapa, native freshwater fish like the longfin eel struggle against non-native species for resources. Additionally, two spider species, the white-tailed spider and the redback spider, likely arrived via fruit shipments and have established themselves in New Zealand.
Many species introduced to New Zealand have escaped and become invasive in other parts of the world. A notable example is the New Zealand mud snail, which has spread globally. While most introduced species have harmed native ecosystems, some, like sheep, cows, and the clover they graze on, are economically vital. Certain introduced plants have also contributed to increased biodiversity.
4. Carancas Impact Event
On September 15, 2007, a chondritic meteorite struck near Carancas, a village in Peru’s Puno Region, close to the Bolivian border and Lake Titicaca. The impact shattered windows at a health center 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) away and created a crater measuring 4.5 meters (15 feet) deep and 13 meters (43 feet) wide, scorching the surrounding area. Official measurements recorded the crater at 13.80 by 13.30 meters (45.28 by 43.64 feet). Marco Limache, a local official, was among the first to arrive at the scene. He described boiling water emerging from the crater, along with scattered rock fragments and ash, and noted a foul odor emanating from the site.
Shortly after the impact, over 600 villagers who visited the crater reported unexplained illnesses, including skin injuries, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, and vomiting. On September 20, 2007, Peruvian scientists confirmed the meteorite strike but provided no further details about the illnesses. Experts have called the meteorite unusual. While the area’s groundwater contains arsenic, tests showed no significant difference in arsenic levels near the crater compared to local drinking water. Another theory suggests the illnesses were caused by the vaporization of troilite, a sulfur compound found in the meteorite.
Reports indicate that the impact caused groundwater to boil for ten minutes, a phenomenon puzzling to experts since meteorites are typically cold upon impact and do not generate excessive heat. The meteorite’s high iron content and magnetic properties, similar to metallic objects, may explain this anomaly. The event has sparked numerous conspiracy theories, with some suggesting the meteorite was unusual due to its low trajectory. Extreme theories propose an extraterrestrial UFO entered the Earth’s crust or that the impact resulted from the destruction of a U.S. spy satellite, the KH-13. Initially, some Peruvians believed the explosion was an attack by neighboring Chile.
3. Climatic Research Unit Email Controversy
The Climatic Research Unit (CRU) is a leading institution in climate change studies. In November 2009, hackers breached a CRU server, stealing and anonymously releasing over 1,000 emails and 2,000 documents online. The leak occurred just two weeks before the Copenhagen Summit on climate change. Climate change skeptics seized on the leaked information, claiming it revealed data manipulation and suppression of dissenting views by scientists. The CRU denied these allegations, stating the emails were taken out of context and represented normal scientific discourse.
Newsweek reported that climate skeptics interpreted the documents as evidence of a global warming conspiracy. One email referenced a statistical 'trick' used to depict historical warming trends. The Guardian’s analysis revealed that hackers selectively filtered the emails using keywords like Yamal, tree rings, and Phil Jones, highlighting the 'divergence problem' in tree ring data. Numerous organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, reaffirmed that human activity drives global climate change, calling it a significant societal threat.
Six independent committees investigated the allegations and found no evidence of fraud or scientific misconduct. However, they criticized climate scientists for poor organization, a defensive mindset, and lack of transparency. Emails revealed discussions among scientists, including Kevin Trenberth of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, about gaps in understanding, such as the lack of warming in 2009. The incident was widely seen as a public relations setback for the scientific community. Historian Spencer R. Weart noted it was unprecedented for an entire scientific field to be accused of deliberate deception.
2. George Anthony Smith
George Anthony Smith, a former footman and valet in Prince Charles’s Royal Household, made shocking allegations in 1995. He accused Michael Fawcett, a close friend of Prince Charles, of raping him and claimed Fawcett was in a homosexual relationship with the Prince, who allegedly protected him. These claims gained media attention in November 2003 and were subject to a legal injunction in the UK to prevent further disclosure.
Smith’s allegations about a sexual relationship between Prince Charles and Fawcett were reiterated in a legal statement he provided to the Mail on Sunday. In response, Fawcett obtained a High Court injunction to block publication. The Prince’s Private Secretary dismissed the claims, questioning Smith’s credibility as a source.
The story remains unpublishable in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland but has been widely covered in the Republic of Ireland and Italy. British media commentator Geoffrey Wheatcroft described Smith as 'likely the most unreliable source for any story in the UK.' Smith claimed he only saw a Royal Family member and his aide 'tucked under the sheets, lying next to each other.'
In a notable development, Smith reportedly confided in Princess Diana about the alleged rape and his observation of Prince Charles and Fawcett in bed together. Diana is said to have recorded the conversation. The tape’s location became a major controversy after her death in August 1997. George Anthony Smith passed away on August 24, 2005, in Newport, Wales, at the age of 44, due to an unknown illness.
1. Gulf War Illness
Since the Gulf War began, US and UK military personnel have reported unexplained medical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, joint pain, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory issues, memory problems, and neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular conditions. Around 250,000 of the 697,000 Gulf War veterans have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. While the cause remains unclear, exposure to toxic chemicals, including nerve agents like sarin and cyclosarin from the Khamisiyah weapons depot destruction, is considered a key factor.
Three major studies indicate a slight but notable rise in birth defects among children of Gulf War veterans. Other health concerns include higher rates of diagnosable medical conditions, cancer, and post-war mortality. Veterans were exposed to a unique mix of hazards, including pyridostigmine bromide pills (to counter nerve agents), depleted uranium munitions, anthrax and botulinum vaccines, and extensive pesticide use to combat insect swarms.
While the Iraq War and Afghanistan War have shown more typical wartime illness rates, Gulf War Illness continues to present unusual symptoms, particularly respiratory, neurological, and heart conditions. For VA benefits, Gulf War service includes active duty from August 2, 1990, through ongoing conflicts, covering Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2010) and Operation New Dawn (2010-present).
Gulf War Veterans who meet specific criteria are eligible for VA disability compensation without needing to prove a link between their service and medically unexplained chronic illnesses. The VA assumes that certain persistent, unexplained symptoms lasting six months or more are connected to Gulf War service, regardless of cause. Recent findings reveal that U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait have been exposed to hazardous microscopic dust particles containing toxic metals, bacteria, and fungi. This dust includes 147 types of bacteria, 37 metals such as aluminum, lead, manganese, strontium, and tin, as well as disease-spreading fungi.
