Last night, beginning about 6:30, two helicopters began buzzing downtown Denver. They were quite low, very very noisy, and easily pegged as military aircraft.

Repeatedly swooping in circles, hovering over one tall building, then another, then another. Then lifting up again to begin another go-around, each time seeming to come lower and rise up again. As the ballgame was winding down about 9 pm, they were still at it.

By then, my teeth were on edge and I finally called a local newspaper. "This is some kind of drill, in preparation for the Democratic National Convention. We've put a brief article on our website."

So, of course, when I got home, I checked the website. No local military installation would provide any information to the press, and the local Air National Guard base had stated that the copters were not based there, and had not taken off from that field.

This morning's paper has a different spin. It's now part of a Homeland Security drill of some sort, for terrorism combat training. Oh, goody. My home town is considered a likely spot for aerial combat teams to gain familiarity. Now it doesn't have anything to do with the DNC. Local military installations are still claiming that they know nothing. Right.

And this is the most disconcerting part - the drills are scheduled to continue for about a week. Although the head of local Special Operations command was quoted as saying these were Blackhawk helicopters; this was "routine;" the police department had been briefed; the press would not be allowed to cover anything or gain access to any details; and the populace should just relax. Or words to that effect.

Well, the head of Special Ops can believe his own press release if he chooses, but last night was more than unnerving. For about the first time in my years at the stadium, I was not envious of people living downtown. I was very glad to head the car west toward the suburbs and away from the buzzing engines and swooping helicopters.

Don't these guys who plan these things ever pay attention to the various theories about "black helicopters" which I have always dismissed until last night? I can't help but believe that someone somewhere was getting a sadistic kick out of spending the evening unnerving several thousand people.