You learn something every day

So based on a Fark link, I just did a quick Google on something I hadn't heard about before. Apparently the Japanese were able to bomb North American during World War II using bombs affixed to balloons that travelled across the Pacific. However, it was not reported  at the time because the Office of Censorship asked the press to not mention it at all. The Japanese kept an eye out in the papers for reports, saw none, and gave up on the program. However, about 5 months later, the US government changed their mind, because 6 people, including 5 children died due to a balloon bomb that they came across and had no idea of what it was or its danger. Those were the only deaths in the continental U.S. during WWII due to enemies.

Some links I have read to write this entry:

• Censorship's Trial Balloons - What happens when wartime news gets censored?
• USAF Museum - Japanese Balloon Bombs in WWII
• Pieces of Paper (Thanks Government of Canada)

(no subject)

Ok, I don't like cribbing from Kottke, but Possible Follow-up Songs for One-Hit Wonders was too good to pass up.