FYI -- I've gotten some email from friends who don't live in college towns. They're wondering whether the multiple football games this weekend are potential targets. Certainly, attending any large gathering is risky at this time, but here's a portion of what Ohio State is doing for Saturday's game:

http://www.wcmh4.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic+FTContentServer?pagename=FutureTense/Apps/Xcelerate/View&c=NBCArticle&cid=NBCFQ5I92SC&p=NBCRTJZRB8C&live=true

"Security will be much tighter, and a no-fly zone has been established over the stadium.

Fans will also be prohibited from bringing certain items inside the stadium, including some that have become bleacher seat staples. Prohibited items include:

- Backpacks

- Fanny packs

- Coolers

- Bags containing clothing

- Containers of any kind

- Seat cushions

- Televisions

- Cameras

- Hand held radios

- Binocular cases

- Mini TV's or radios

- Binocular cases.

You can still bring along a cell phone, small purses and binoculars (without the case) to the stadium."

I thought this was an interesting list. It doesn't ban food or drinks themselves but does ban coolers.

Not mentioned in this article are the extra security officers (who will be both in uniform and plain clothes) hired for the rest of the season, I presume. The security companies are doing heavy recruiting on all of the area campuses right now and offering hiring bonuses.

I've already decided that I'm not going to attend any large gatherings for awhile, but I'm glad that TPTB are taking an interest in at least eliminating some potential threats. Establishing the no-fly zone is particularly impressive because of all the lost revenue --I didn't think they'd be will to take that much of a loss.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

Answers

Also, in some of the closer lots, "tailgating" (parties held from the backs of van, station wagons, etc) are being "discouraged." I haven't figured out if this means outright banned. It wouldn't surprise me if tailgating is banned and that vehicles will only be allowed into the parking lots two hours before the game. For those who are wondering: some tailgate parties start about 7 am. By gametime, many of the participants are quite drunk.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

Stay Safe Meemer.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001