Well, today was the day to leave cold weather and snow behind for the warmer air of Hollywood. We were revelling in having missed the big snow storm and were expecting clear sailing on our flight out of town.
We found out snow isn't the only deterrent to a on-time trip. After loading our plane at Erie International Airport, we moved on to the tarmac to prepare the plane for flight. The Pilot then informed us that one of the engines was not responding and we would have to return to the terminal.
Ten hours later and a bus ride to Cleveland, we finally rose into the air toward California. It was a really long day, but the unobstructed view of the sun above the clouds put optimism back in our souls and the excitement of covering the biggest night of the year for the movie industry was palpable.
We planned to visit the Academy headquarters upon landing Tueslday, but that stalled along with the propeller engine that morning.
Once we landed, we talked to Randy Haberkamp, program coordinator of Educational and Special Projects and reworked our plans for a tour of the Academy Headquarters and a short interview with him. Randy is from Northwestern Ohio and enjoys sharing the work the Academy does year round, not just on Oscars night.
Before we get rolling on the day to day happenings here at the Oscars, we want to say a big thank you to our sponsors who helped make our trip a reality: The Star Beacon, ACMC, Conneaut Savings Bank, EB & Co., Star 97, 98.3 The Bull, Magic Oldies 102.5, New Knoxville Telephone and Cable Company, and of course, my employer Conneaut Telephone Company and CableSuite 541.
Watch the Star Beacon Website daily for our video updates with video and information from the Red Carpet and other Oscar activities.
Ken Johnson is the general manager and media director for CableSuite 541, part of the family of services from The Conneaut Telephone Co.
Ken at the Oscars
Related Photos
Discussion
Day one at the Oscars
- Ken at the Oscars
-
-
Ken at the Oscars 2012
It’s Time for Oscars 2012!
Forget Groundhog Day! For me, the last week of February gets me through the cold, dark winter. This year is no exception. Once again, I’ll make my pilgrimage to the center of the entertainment world and bring back you sounds and images from the Academy Awards 2012.
Continued ... -
Ken at the Oscars 2012 Day 2
Yesterday we laid out an ambitious plan of our Oscars coverage this year. The problem is though, that while you read the stories and watch the video, you are stuck at home while I’m enjoying the Oscar buzz in Hollywood. Doesn’t seem fair does it?
Continued ... -
Ken at the Oscars 2012 Day 3
Oscars Day 3
Today is the big travel day to the Oscars. We woke up today in Ashtabula County, and before I get to lie down in pajamas to sleep again, we’ll drive to Pittsburgh to catch our flight, land in Las Vegas to rent a car, and then drive five hours over to Hollywood!
Continued ... -
Ken at the Oscars 2012 Day 4
In today’s video clip, CableSuite 541 Movie Critic and Star 97 DJ Jim Kulko and I opine about our favorites for the Oscar wins this year. Many people ask why the Oscars don’t more closely track the box office with the movie making the best money in the year winning best picture.
Continued ... -
Ken at the Oscars 2012 Day 5
Thursday is one of my favorite days covering the Oscars (along with the rest of them) because Thursday morning is the Governor’s Ball Food and Beverage Preview! The Governor’s Ball is a formal dinner held at the Hollywood and Highland Center immediately following the Oscars telecast. You have to remember the Oscars take place at 5:30pm Pacific time, so when the show is over three hours later, there is still plenty of time to party in Tinseltown!
Continued ... -
Ken at the Oscars 2012 Day 6
Thursday rounded out nicely, having spent the morning dining on Wolfgang Puck treats, then in the evening, it was time for the Oscar Nominated Features Symposium. The Animated Features Symposium is a chance to meet the filmmakers behind the year’s Oscar Nominated Animated Features and a chance to ask them questions about the animated medium.
Continued ... -
Ken at the Oscars 2012 Day 7
It’s Oscar Day! After a week of preparation and stories leading up to the event, I’m almost sad that the day is upon us. Of course, this also means I have to return to Northeast Ohio and my day job, but I think I am ready to get back.
Continued ...
-
Ken at the Oscars 2012
