Oscar Security Working Overtime [FReeper HELP needed: "Rally for America" at the Academy Awards]

E! Online (Entertainment Television) ^ | March 14, 2003 | Josh Grossberg [and RonDog]

[RonDog]

.

Oscar Security Working Overtime

by Josh Grossberg
Mar 14, 2003, 2:00 PM PT

Fear not, Oscar fans, your favorite little golden guy has got plenty of protection this year.

Due to concerns over an impending U.S. war with Iraq and a heightened terrorist threat, security has been stepped up tremendously this year for the 75th Anniversary Academy Awards, set for March 23 at Hollywood's Kodak Theater.

And like last year's post 9-11 shindig, those lucky enough to attend should expect even more street closures, metal detectors, bodyguards and a beefed up security force that will even include an FBI contingent to get everybody in a partyin' mood.

(There's no truth, however, to the rumor that Attorney General John Ashcroft will present an award for Best Video Surveillance.)

Aside from more than 700 private guards, the Los Angeles police plan to bring out its big guns, stationing a SWAT team and officers from the department's newly formed Homeland Security Bureau on the premises as well as the areas nearby.

"We had a large contingency of officers there last year, and we're gonna have an even larger contingency this year," says L.A.P.D. Seargent John Pasquariello.

The police will also be in charge of organizing reps from the local fire department, California Highway Patrol and the Department of Transportation, who will no doubt have to redirect all the heavy traffic such street closures will inevitably cause. The FAA will shut down air traffic over Hollywood, too.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Feds will also be red-carpet fixtures, with an undisclosed number of agents keeping an eye out for anything suspicious (do Björk swan dresses count?).

"Have we always had a presence [at the Oscars]? No," FBI spokeswoman Laura Bosley tells the Reporter. "It's routine now. Though not historically. We'll maintain a presence for intelligence purposes. There's just not much more we can say."

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the folks behind the Oscars, has gone the distance in terms of securing entry to the Kodak, hiring Napco Security Systems to install high-tech Trilogy access-control locks that limit access. To go anywhere in the venue, people must have a secure PIN code with different PINs assigned to different doors. Those numbers are also easily erasable and new ones can be rapidly issued should there be a security violation.

Speaking of security, the shipment of 44 Oscar statuettes arrived under guard Friday in Los Angeles. The little guys will have their own personal security team until Oscar night.

As for those bleacher creatures who used to camp out for days in hopes of spotting their favorite celebs walk by, the times they have a-changed.

According to Academy spokesman John Pavlik, fans had to mail in their application for a bleacher seat on February 11 and then pray that, after a random drawing, they were one of the 500 lucky winners (there were 4,000 entries this year). And unlike years past, they won't be allowed on the bleachers until the morning of the ceremonies--and that's not until they clear a security background check.

But hey, that's not so bad considering what the diamond-studded nominees and their guests have to deal with. Note to attendees: Better leave your pocket change at home--there will be dozens of metal detectors scattered around the inside and outside of the theater.

Once they're in, Hollywood's glamourous can sit back, stretch out and hope this year's affair ends in time to hit all the major parties. Last year's Oscarcast clocked in at four hours and 16 minutes--the longest Oscar show ever, and the lowest rated. Producer Gil Cates has vowed to bring the show in at three and a half hours, so it should wrap by midnight ET.

Cates also says he won't censor winners' acceptance speeches, as long as they bring them in under 45 seconds.

But no matter. The evening will feature plenty of lively entertainment to keep the likes of Danny DeVito from dozing off, including wisecracks from host Steve Martin, as well as performances by U2 (whose Gangs of New York ballad "The Hands that Built America" is up for Best Song) and Paul Simon (he's up for "Father and Daughter" from The Wild Thornberrys Movie).

One notable absentee, however, will be Eminem who is "on vacation" and will be unable to rap his nominated "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile.

Meanwhile, Harrison Ford, Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, John Travolta, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Garner, Michael Douglas, Meg Ryan, Jennifer Connelly, Will Smith, Renée Zellwegger, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are among those celebs tapped as presenters.

And if a war in Iraq does get underway, the Academy has said the show will go on (under heavy guard) as scheduled. Cates says he and ABC have hashed out several contingency plans, but he hasn't been specific, saying only it would likely involve a combination of news bulletins and a ticker actross the bottom of the screen.

ABC's live coverage begins March 23 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT., preceded by a 30-minute arrival show at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET.

E! begins its all-day coverage at 7 a.m. ET/4 a.m. PT, with Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers on the red carpet beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

[sweetliberty]

Okay, never mind the when. I see the post. I am assuming that is Pacific time.

[RonDog]

Ted Hayes, Justiceville/ Homeless USA, and Free Republic Network, along with the Young Republicans, College Republicans and others, will be participating in the "1st Annual Hollywood March Against Terrorism" to show support for our troops.

This event is affiliated with the "Rally for America/Liberty Weekend."

For more information about the HUNDREDS of pro-USA rallies scheduled for "Victory Weekend" (3/22-23), see also:

***RALLY FOR AMERICA: CONSOLIDATED INFORMATION THREAD***
FRN Home Page ^ | 3/12/03 | Diotima
Posted on 03/12/2003 2:53 PM PST by diotima

Original Announcement
Rally for America! Links to Patriotic Merchandise Vendors!
Local/State/Nat Pols and MEDIA! Conservative Orgs! News/Talk Media! Columnists!
RFA Press Release
RFA! Local Military/Veterans Organization Locator! (Thanks VetsCor!)
Rally for America! - GREAT Bulk Deals on American Flags!
RFA! National Sponsors Added!
Rally for America! Find Local Chapters of National Organizations! NETWORK TIME!


General Rally Infomation
List your Rally
Resources for Organizers
Sign the Petition

IF YOU ARE PLANNING A RALLY PLEASE TAKE PICTURES. WE WILL BE COMPILING CD'S WITH PICTURES OF THE RALLIES FOR AMERICA TO SEND TO OUR TROOPS TO KEEP THEIR SPIRITS UP! (we need to counter the leftists covered in the media, let the troops know WE SUPPORT THEM!!!)

and, from:

www.Freeper.org:

"Rally for America" National Sponsers

GREAT work, dio!

WONDERFUL graphic, Registered!!

AMAZING animation, Nick!

And, THANK YOU for EVERYTHING you do, Bob J!!!

[BossLady]

Zing for my buddy Rondog!!!!

I agree with earlier poster.....Celebs want the protection of the US only when it suits their own purposes.....getting an award! This shows their true agenda......themselves.

Go get 'em LA Chapter!!!!!

[RonDog]

Thanks, BossLady!

What's news with our FRiends in RENO?

[RonDog]

Thanks, D1! And thank YOU for all of your tireless work to direct the LA Chapter, Mr. President!

Perhaps now would be a good time to promote our NEXT southern California event?

Please mark your calendars NOW for THIS amazing seminar:

Would you like to be MORE EFFECTIVE politically?

YOU can learn to focus your passion, and
do what it takes to get RESULTS!

Please make plans TODAY to attend
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at the HACIENDA Hotel (near LAX)
on SATURDAY, April 26, 2003
from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Learn what REALLY works in politics today,
in a seminar specifically designed
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by instructors from the well-respected
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For more information - or to REGISTER online, please go to:
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[RonDog]

Not sure if we can get these through security, but pehaps if we fold them, or roll them up - and only UNFURL them when the cameras come on...

Check out THIS extarordinary work by FReeper Cacique:

FreeRepublic version of Joe Repya's poster
courtesy of Cacique:

To download a printable PDF format,
click on picture (above).
Makes sign 3 feet wide by 1.5 feet high.
Suitable for rallies.

Most printers use PDF files for their plates.
Take to your local printer and have a bunch made.

To use on your printer turn on the collate option when using regular 8.5x11 paper.

Make copies and distribute everywhere.

[DoughtyOne]

You're doing a great job Ron. Take the credit bud, you deserve it. We're going to have a great time next weekend.

[RonDog]

FreeRepublic version of Joe Repya's poster courtesy of Cacique

That would be THIS guy, from:

Eagan [MN] man makes 'Liberate Iraq' signs to counter antiwar ones
The Minneapolis Star Tribune ^ | 2/8/03 | Eric Black
Posted on 02/08/2003 5:22 AM PST by Gothmog

Signs reading "Liberate Iraq" may be appearing in Twin Cities yards and windows thanks to a retired soldier who was getting frustrated with the proliferation of "Say No To War With Iraq" signs.

Joe Repya, 57, of Eagan and his wife, Deb, were riding home from church a couple of Sundays ago thinking about how to respond to those "Say No" signs that have become popular with opponents of President Bush's Iraq policy. They decided to print 250 copies of their own sign. In addition to "Liberate Iraq," the sign encourages people to: "Support Our Troops, Call Your Congressperson!"

Repya, a retired lieutenant colonel and veteran of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, is a military analyst on KSTP-AM radio, and he used one of his on-air appearances to announce that he would give out the signs in front of the station's St. Paul headquarters Friday morning.

Business was brisk, despite weather that was even more brisk. Most of his customers took multiple copies, saying they had relatives or neighbors who would display them.

Richard Olson of Faribault took two signs because he has two sons already posted to the Persian Gulf.

Mike Keenan of Shoreview took five signs, saying his brothers each wanted one. Keenan's reason for wanting the signs reflected a sentiment common among those who drove up to Repya's stand: "I've been riding around, seeing the anti-war signs, saying to myself, 'This is crazy.' But I had no way to fight back -- until now..."

-- snip --

To: Gothmog

5 posted on 02/08/2003 6:06 AM PST by martin_fierro

CLICK HERE for more

See also THIS thread:

PHOTOS from FreedomDogs.com!
St Paul, MN: Col. Joe Repya distributes 5,000 "Liberate Iraq" Signs!
www.freedomdogs.com ^ | February 22, 2003 | Derek Brigham
Posted on 02/22/2003 10:46 PM PST by RonDog

.....

Support Our Troops in America's Fight for Freedom
with FreedomDog's Smart Shirts!
ORDER NOW 1-651-238-7227 FREEDOMDOGS HOME

Photos from February 22, 2003—St Paul Minnesota—
Capital Building. Col Joe Repya distributes 5,000 Signs!

Colonel Repya

CLICK HERE for the rest of the thread

[BossLady]

My pleasure!!!!

We're getting everything set in motion, gathering ideas, supplies and supporters!

March 22 @ the Reno Federal Building. (waiting for final word from permit office though)

Will keep you updated!!

[RonDog]

I will be there.

EXCELLENT!

Please FReep-mail me (click on Private Reply) with your contact information (e-mail and cell phone number) - so I can keep you informed of any "last minute" changes.

[RonDog]

:o)

[Joy Angela]

**NOW*** on KFI Radio (Saturday)
From NOON to 2 pm

Host Howie Carr is taking Pro-American calls
and he's openly Anti-Clinton!

Phone number 520-1KFI
out of LA 1-800-5201KFI

This show is great!!

http://www.kfi640.com

Listen at AM 640 KFI on the radio!!

[Joy Angela]

(from freeper JefferyH) Fantastic Posters-Yard Signs!!

"Not sure if you want any of the signs I made/copied....

Yours for the taking....

http://www.icubed.com/~horneman/pictures_and_posters.htm

have at 'em - all free....."

[texxie]

we are always nice when we are from Texas:)

[texxie]

Count me in!! BobJ please don't forget my baseball cap:)

[FIT-AIM-ACT-1]

Wow...how do you do all of this? Very very impressive. Hats off to you!!!

[FIT-AIM-ACT-1]

Thanks. We'll need Freepers calling talk radio all next week about our event. Keep Freeping guys!!!

[RonDog]

Wow...how do you do all of this? Very very impressive. Hats off to you!!!

Thanks!

I have had a lot of practice. ;o)

But you ain't seen NOTHIN' yet!

I just got back from an extraordinarily productive visit into the "belly of the beast."

We had to re-schedule the meeting with Ted, but I used the extra time to find:

1 - The PERFECT epicenter for our rally, and
2 - A WONDERFUL visual aid that the media will love, and
3 - An IDEAL home for our after-action networking and fellowship.

[RonDog]

1 - The PERFECT epicenter for our rally...

Just about ALL of the beautiful buildings surrounding the "red carpet" area are owned by what would seem to be pro-Hollywood (and ANTI-our rally) entities, i.e. the entire Kodak Theatre/Hollywood & Highland complex, Disney's El Capitan theatre across the street, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel - so that THEY would not want us near them, and the REST of the buildings in the area are run-down and ratty-looking, i.e. souvenir junk shops, or TACKY, like Ripley's Believe it or Not "Odditorium" - so that WE would not want to be near THEM, except for THIS one:

Hollywood First National Building
6777 Hollywood Blvd.
Northeast corner of Hollywood and Highland

Built by architects Meyer & Holler in 1927, this property is a historic site.
This combination of Gothic and Art Deco was created by the same architects who designed the Chinese Theater.
From 1927 to 1932 it was the tallest in the city.
However, Los Angeles City Hall was built in 1932 which was taller.
Currently an office building that will be undergoing renovation by its owner in 1999.

Note that in the "red carpet" picture posted at #4 (above), you can see this classic building (on the far right) when the cameras look towards the area where we think that the limos will arrive.

1 - The police have already told Ted that they will accomodate him SOMEWHERE on Highland.
2 - Most of the sidewalks along both Hollywood AND Highland will be closed, except for an "eight-foot walkway" - see from post #6 (above).
3 - There is an "alcove" of sorts right at the entrance to the Hollywood National Building - where the police could allow Ted, and a handful of his supporters to gather, more or less "off the beaten path" where the crowd needs to move.

This area would be MY choice, if I were the LAPD officer in charge, IF Ted would limit the number of people who join him to less than a dozen, or so.

The REST of our people could gather somewhere ELSE, at a place which I have not (yet) determined - possibly further north on Highland, in the direction from which it APPEARS that the limos will approach.

[John Lenin]

What a joke, the Hollyweirders are Weasels.

The terrorists would no more attack hoolywierd than an anarchist would firebomb the Kinko's where they print their posters.