Planning on Protesting? That Depends...

Tuesday, July 1, 2008 | 1:27 PM

For the past month, rumors have been circulating that those hoping to reprise the hazy glory of 1968 will have to contend with a new, high tech gun that causes possible loss of bodily function control by emitting an infrasound microwave frequency. New and old media alike have been buzzing with reports ranging from the mysterious: "Activists Preparing For Use of Brown Note," to the indelicate: "DNC Protestors Fear Crap Cannon." Though Mayor John Hickenlooper's refusal to deny or confirm the story is likely in the service of discouraging potential agitators, it has instead galvanized them. Recreate 68's founders Glenn Spagnuolo and Mark Cohen have been using the issue to promote their organization, citing it as yet another reason to protest and offering medical care on site. A little background research reveals that all the panic (and adult diapers) may be for naught- a Princeton study found "scant" evidence of the weapon's purported effects and The Mythbusters (those fellows who explain the nucleation of Mentos and Diet Coke) seem to have debunked it with their own test back in 2005. As the "brown note" looks to be about as effective as the military's famous "gay bomb," protesters will face the more tangible problem of chain links and chicken wire.