Art Bell

[RealCool Daddio]

Thanks for the support, folks.  My personal philosophy is that you create a positive energy from within, whatever the world challenges.  There has never been an "ideal" time, the present is always the most important time in history because it is the time when one can act.    One can write letters, protest, or just proclaim your truth here, on the internet.  This may require bravery.

I am pleased to hear that Michael received many PM's about Carruther's objectionable post that it was so great to screw a "girl" who's ass fit in the palm of his hand (really--a three-year old?).  Michael defended him and removed the comment due to PMs which agreed with me.  Nevertheless, he stuck to his guns that that comment was just humor.  Next a poster from someone who would seek a place in America which would allow him to marry a sixteen year old. Michael agreed with that joke, too.  Next, Michael posted a list of violent crimes which he believes are perfectly ok topics for humor if handled "correctly."   Here is his post:

"second, my point in posting the bill hicks video was to illustrate the fact that things are sometimes funny, despite how "off limits" or socially unacceptable they are to you personally.  i can't (and won't) control what makes me laugh.  when i'm hearing/reading/watching comedy, i don't do so through the prism of anything being off limits.  i think people who DO limit their humor exposure in that fashion aren't fun or funny people, despite how they might like to see themselves.

also on the list of subjects that can be funny if delivered smartly:
rape
suicide
abortion
retardation
pink socking
spousal abuse
homosexuality
white supremacy

One poster PMd me asking what pink socking was.  That's a hate crime, folks, where a bunch of bullies put dirt in socks and wait in the shower for their gay victim.  When the boy comes in they beat him bloody, hence turning the sock "pink" --water+blood, get it?

Michael invited me to leave this forum; he thinks it might not be right for me. As he stated above, I am not fun or funny because I don't like this kind of humor.  It makes violence a sick joke.   I have been thinking it over and considering that he may have a point.  This forum has been a big part of my life and has helped me through some rough spots, and I have made some "real" friends here.  This is why I have hesitated, also because I wanted to calm down.  Honestly, I suspect Michael is going through a rough time with Nabila gone and his back hurting.  And he just moved, so you know he's still living among boxes.  That can't be fun. 

This is the last straw for me, folks.  I realize everybody is entitled to his own opinion and I have supported, respected and tried to understand Michael Vandeven's positions.  But the combination of him defending Carruthers while believing sexual predators should be killed and him listing (and arranging prettily!) these "appropriate" topics for humor.  No, and I don't want to support the site of someone that believes this.  Nothing personal, I just have to stand by my own convictions.

Michael doesn't want people to say goodbye, he thinks they should just quit if they don't like CoastGab. I think freedom of speech includes the right to say why you are leaving.  I considered CoastGab my community--I've been a daily poster and I want to say goodbye, share my thoughts, and thanks for all the laughs.

Anagrammy

PS. If you'd like to stay in touch, email me at anagrammy@gmail.com

Hi Anagrammy,


Welcome back.  I have quoted your "I quit coastgab" post, not to troll you, but to ask the question - what changed? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Agent : Orange]

Thanks all and a special hi five to Onan --- now where is Hal9000, the preemie guy?
Anagrammy

There's Anagrammy. If my theory is correct, where's Fort Rock?
Oh that's right. He left the stove on. Or some other excuse....

[guildnavigator]

Hey is there an airdate set for the Ft. Rock interview yet?







P.S. Welcome back Anagrammy!

[BobGrau]

Hey is there an airdate set for the Ft. Rock interview yet?

Presumably Dec.21st?

[heater]

[11angeleyes11]

Yes, welcome back Anagrammy!

[HorrorReporter]

Yes, welcome back Anagrammy!

So many coming back.. just as Art seems to leave us?
It's like a restaurant getting good food after years of decline. And just when all the patrons return, the cook quits.

[McPhallus]

Art Bell could not host a live show in 2012 with live callers.

I think you're putting too fine a point on the issues with callers.  A lot of these issues would be solved by Art doing some sort of Internet-based show.  There'd be no more radios to turn off, although you'd still have to worry about people with shitty connections, bad mics, low bandwidth, crappy phones (anyone even use landlines anymore?).  He'd be in total control, but it would be a ton of work to build out and maintain since he'd be starting essentially all over again in a different medium.  It would be as likely to happen as Fort Rock marrying a retired supermodel.

[b_dubb]

I think we should do a mock / actual funeral for Coast. we could invite Art and he could be the High (desert) Priest. I think it would help everyone get some closure. Which would help everyone deal with the suck

[kf5iwe]

 The only way to deal with the suck is with an ounce of lead in the left ear

[guildnavigator]

I think we should do a mock / actual funeral for Coast. we could invite Art and he could be the High (desert) Priest. I think it would help everyone get some closure. Which would help everyone deal with the suck

This thread IS the funeral.

[HorrorReporter]

This thread IS the funeral.

The grieving process has been continuous since December '10

[Blutsauger]

I think you're putting too fine a point on the issues with callers.  A lot of these issues would be solved by Art doing some sort of Internet-based show.  There'd be no more radios to turn off, although you'd still have to worry about people with shitty connections, bad mics, low bandwidth, crappy phones (anyone even use landlines anymore?).  He'd be in total control, but it would be a ton of work to build out and maintain since he'd be starting essentially all over again in a different medium.  It would be as likely to happen as Fort Rock marrying a retired supermodel.

I wouldn't be surprised if FR kept one of those in a pit in his basement.

[Fly By Night]

Hey Art, are you sick of people begging you to come back? I see it's been Feb 26th since you last visited. How are the cats doing? You want to be in my NCAA bracket?

[Blutsauger]

I totally agree with these observations.  Also, just imagine the amount of prep time and research it took for Art to keep up with the many paranormal areas the show covered.  Noory has a huge team doing that for him (which is why he is not so hot in the retort department, or even in the keep-the-conversation-going arena.  There is a big difference in you yourself knowing where the cutting edge is on UFOs or Bigfoot and having a research assistant giving you cards with suggested questions.  Art could always add to the conversation by asking relevant questions and George never could.


That's all over now for Art.  Retirement means he doesn't have to keep up with all the topics, nor tolerate the repetitive questions and the  technical irritations of cellphones, radios left on, etc.  I don't care what kind of a job people have, it gets old saying the same things over and over.  Art was into the technology being an engineer and all-- which leads me to my lingering remaining question:


Did Art come back to the USA because the cable was cut by the earthquake in the Philippines?  Or did some other reason emerge?


Thanks all and a special hi five to Onan --- now where is Hal9000, the preemie guy?


Anagrammy

I won't pretend to know why he moved back here.

I did spend a few years in Asia, playing in a band and immersing myself in the culture.  If I had to guess, I would say he and his wife didn't want to raise their daughter in a third world country.  The Philippines is not exacty modern even by south east asian standards.  It is pretty much a horrible, poverty stricken cesspool. I'm sure he has enough money to live in the "good" part of town on the best of the many islands, but even then, it's still a sweaty, dirty, make believe existence. They could build a Disney park in Manilla and people could go there and pretend all they want that things are wonderful and magical. One step outside the gates tho, and that illusion is immediately dispelled.

An other thing to think about would be that asian culture is very racist, and Art's daughter is mixed. She would never be treated fairly in school, work, or socially, even in the philippines, which is considered one the lowest of asian areas racially. Not very pallatable to us Americans, but still a way of life in that part of the world, whether we like it or not.

Your mention of the technology being interrupted intrigues me. I don't know anything about the "cable" being cut during the earthquake and tsunami, but I can only imagine what happened there phone, internet, and tv wise. The infrastructure in a country like that is incredibly fragile, and the replacement hardware would have to be shipped from other countries most likely, so he might very well have wanted to come back to the USA where he knows that the internet, etc is only out for a few hours unless a nuclear bomb hits.  I know I go through withdrawals if Mine is out longer than it takes me to go to the liquor store and back.

We may never know why he came back to the USA, it might just be because he missed his trailer in the desert and the beautiful night sky. Or maybe he will tell us on his first podcast. Something I think he COULD do for a long time.

[Blutsauger]

I'm actually a little surprised anyone bothered to reply, as your point seems to be that Art can't be a host in 2012 because he:

"Is impatient with callers who leave their radios on and, he complains about  poor phone connections."

Your point took 524 words - mine 16.

BTW, I'm also annoyed by radios left on, and poor phone quality.

P.S. I also recognize I'm not known for my brevity; but really dude... really?

You said it yourelf, you are the last person on these boards who has a right to chastise others for being verbose.

[Fly By Night]

I won't pretend to know why he moved back here.

I did spend a few years in Asia, playing in a band and immersing myself in the culture.  If I had to guess, I would say he and his wife didn't want to raise their daughter in a third world country.  The Philippines is not exacty modern even by south east asian standards.  It is pretty much a horrible, poverty stricken cesspool. I'm sure he has enough money to live in the "good" part of town on the best of the many islands, but even then, it's still a sweaty, dirty, make believe existence. They could build a Disney park in Manilla and people could go there and pretend all they want that things are wonderful and magical. One step outside the gates tho, and that illusion is immediately dispelled.

An other thing to think about would be that asian culture is very racist, and Art's daughter is mixed. She would never be treated fairly in school, work, or socially, even in the philippines, which is considered one the lowest of asian areas racially. Not very pallatable to us Americans, but still a way of life in that part of the world, whether we like it or not.

Your mention of the technology being interrupted intrigues me. I don't know anything about the "cable" being cut during the earthquake and tsunami, but I can only imagine what happened there phone, internet, and tv wise. The infrastructure in a country like that is incredibly fragile, and the replacement hardware would have to be shipped from other countries most likely, so he might very well have wanted to come back to the USA where he knows that the internet, etc is only out for a few hours unless a nuclear bomb hits.  I know I go through withdrawals if Mine is out longer than it takes me to go to the liquor store and back.

We may never know why he came back to the USA, it might just be because he missed his trailer in the desert and the beautiful night sky. Or maybe he will tell us on his first podcast. Something I think he COULD do for a long time.

Or read the Art of Talk. He likes the desert and not being around lots of people. Nothing more nothing less

[PB the Deplorable]

... We may never know why he came back to the USA, it might just be because he missed his trailer in the desert and the beautiful night sky...

Not a trailer...

[HAL 9000]

You said it yourelf (sic), you are the last person on these boards who has a right to chastise others for being verbose.

Except that, post length notwithstanding, I am at least cogent.

[morphiaflow]

I know this is in a different direction, but I have a conundrum.


I have Art as one of my Facebook friends; in fact I was one of the first people he added. Subsequently, I've been added by various young Phillipinna ladies who are friends of either his profile or his wife's. But just now, one young lady specifically messaged me in private and asked if I can help her find love.


So my conundrum is this. While I love Asian women as much as they next American white boy, I'm just not interested in pursuing this kind of relationship. BUT at the same time, I can't help but gloat and chuckle that I'm being offered the very thing our friend Fort Rock would probably wet himself over. And I fear if I were to turn her down, she might turn to him, which I wouldn't wish on anyone.


Whatever am I to do?

[Oversoul]

So my conundrum is this. While I love Asian women as much as they next American white boy, I'm just not interested in pursuing this kind of relationship. BUT at the same time, I can't help but gloat and chuckle that I'm being offered the very thing our friend Fort Rock would probably wet himself over. And I fear if I were to turn her down, she might turn to him, which I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Whatever am I to do?

I think you already KNOW what to do. 

"This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man." 
(Polonius' advice to Laertes, from Hamlet: Act 1, scene 3)

[Blutsauger]

Except that, post length notwithstanding, I am at least cogent.

I don't believe cogent is the correct term for making fun of my poor typing skills and lack of proof reading. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you meant to apply it to my posts in general but couldn't find anything better to use as an example. Loquacious, yes.  To say they aren't cogent is debatable.

Why the animosity towards me? Are you intellectually threatened? Having read your early posts in the Noory thread, it is obvious that you consider yourself incredibly skilled with computers and it is important to you that other people realise this. It's well known in psychological circles that intelligent people are often threatened by other intelligent people. Kind of like one body builder being threatened by the size of another's larger biceps. There are plenty of smart people on these forums, why no childish attacks against them?

Is it because my posts are long? Plenty of other people post long replies to threads, some rambling, others enlightening. Again, I don't see any immature emoticons or disparaging remarks towards them. (Fort Rock being the obvious exception to this.) Is it because you don't like the things that I have said?  Or do you think of these forums as "your territory" and want to establish your dominance over a new poster? 

Regardless of the reason, I feel no need to attack you, and would appreciate it if you would show some maturity and refrain from ridiculing and attacking me.  Just ignore me if I bother you so much, as I will be doing you, from now on.

[Frys Girl]

the philippines, which is considered one the lowest of asian areas racially. Not very pallatable to us Americans, but still a way of life in that part of the world, whether we like it or not.

I've heard it said like this: "Philippinos are the black people of Asia."

[Gassy Man]

An other thing to think about would be that asian culture is very racist, and Art's daughter is mixed. She would never be treated fairly in school, work, or socially, even in the philippines, which is considered one the lowest of asian areas racially. Not very pallatable to us Americans, but still a way of life in that part of the world, whether we like it or not.

No offense, but sweeping idiotic statements like this bug the heck out of me.  Asians are more than 60% of the human population, and to somehow say there is some monolithic "Asian" culture in the world is preposterous and itself potentially racist.  Just as we would accept that German culture is distinct from English culture which is distinct from Spanish culture which is distinct from French culture which is distinct from Italian culture -- and that there is a wide range of diversity within these cultures -- and therefore avoid painting anyone from the continent of Europe or their descendants as somehow representing identical ideas, it makes no sense to apply simplistic standards to the cultures of Asia.  And obviously there will be some people in any culture who are offended by that which is different just as there are people in the same culture who embrace the concept of diversity.  It's 2012; maybe it's time to grow up when we talk about people in other parts of the world, especially if they are in the majority of human beings.

[Oversoul]

Frankly, I'd think Art would be looking for diversions from his family. How much 22 year old girl and 4 yr old daughter can a man take? All day long, morning noon and night??

Don't underestimate a young Filipino or Asian woman's ability to captivate and "capture" an older Caucasian man's needs and ego. 

I've seen that kind of chemistry at work a number of times in several people's lives.  Do you remember a famous man named John Lennon who had a Japanese wife named Yoko Ono?  I need not say more.

[Oversoul]

I won't pretend to know why he moved back here.

x                    x                    x

We may never know why he came back to the USA, it might just be because he missed his trailer in the desert and the beautiful night sky. Or maybe he will tell us on his first podcast. Something I think he COULD do for a long time.

There could be one simple reason.  It's been five (5) years since he married his Filipino wife, who, during that span of time, would have acquired a permanent resident immigrant status (a "green card" holder).  Assuming that she would have by now satisfied (or intends to soon satisfy) the legal requirements of actual physical residence in the USA, she'll be qualified to undergo the naturalization process by which she can become a full US citizen.  She cannot do that while residing outside the USA.  Therefore, she, Art and their child will have had to relocate back to the US.  From that point of view alone, it is not surprising why Art might have returned to the USA.   

I did spend a few years in Asia, playing in a band and immersing myself in the culture.  If I had to guess, I would say he and his wife didn't want to raise their daughter in a third world country.  The Philippines is not exacty modern even by south east asian standards.  It is pretty much a horrible, poverty stricken cesspool. I'm sure he has enough money to live in the "good" part of town on the best of the many islands, but even then, it's still a sweaty, dirty, make believe existence. They could build a Disney park in Manilla and people could go there and pretend all they want that things are wonderful and magical. One step outside the gates tho, and that illusion is immediately dispelled.

An other thing to think about would be that asian culture is very racist, and Art's daughter is mixed. She would never be treated fairly in school, work, or socially, even in the philippines, which is considered one the lowest of asian areas racially. Not very pallatable to us Americans, but still a way of life in that part of the world, whether we like it or not.

Your mention of the technology being interrupted intrigues me. I don't know anything about the "cable" being cut during the earthquake and tsunami, but I can only imagine what happened there phone, internet, and tv wise. The infrastructure in a country like that is incredibly fragile, and the replacement hardware would have to be shipped from other countries most likely, so he might very well have wanted to come back to the USA where he knows that the internet, etc is only out for a few hours unless a nuclear bomb hits.  I know I go through withdrawals if Mine is out longer than it takes me to go to the liquor store and back.

Your statements above regarding the Philippines, Filipinos, and generally Asians are very RACIST! 

They are demeaning, coming from a seemingly bigoted person living in a rich and fully developed western country such as the USA.  Typically, you have omitted the fact that Art Bell with his US Dollar money would have lived exceedingly well and fit for a king, because of the huge buying power of his US Dollars against the Philippine Peso currency.  Over there, he could have easily afforded to have many luxuries of life and to hire household servants, cooks, maids, chauffeurs and nannies (which are bountiful and cheap over there) which you probably never can afford in your entire lifetime over here. 

Asians in the southeast Asian region generally do not discriminate against Americans.  They welcome and embrace western peoples and western culture.  They are very hospitable to foreigners -- it is ingrained in their culture, so unlike Americans -- specially the Caucasian or White-trash variety -- who can and do discriminate against their own countrymen of other color. 

As someone else in this Weblog has written, it is 2012 already.  The Mayan calendar has ended or is ending 2011 or 2012, as Noory would probably want it -- in a catastrophe.  I just wonder if you are part of that catastrophe.  Get a double grip on your feeble mind and your primitive soul (if any), and GROW UP.

[Oversoul]

I've heard it said like this: "Philippinos are the black people of Asia."

Is that your own PERSONAL point of view as well?   I hope not . . . for your sake. 

What're you trying to insinuate about Art's wife?   

[Eddie Coyle]

Don't underestimate a young Filipino or Asian woman's ability to captivate and "capture" an older Caucasian man's needs and ego. 

I've seen that kind of chemistry at work a number of times in several people's lives.  Do you remember a famous man named John Lennon who had a Japanese wife named Yoko Ono?  I need not say more.

Yoko was 7 years older than Lennon. Art is roughly 40 years older than his wife.

[BobGrau]

I need not say more.

I certainly agree with this bit.

[Oversoul]

Yoko was 7 years older than Lennon. Art is roughly 40 years older than his wife.

I was referring to the interracial chemistry between such interracial relationship between the sexes, not necessarily to any age difference one way or the other. 

However, in a situation where the Asian woman is much younger, the femme fatale effect can overwhelm. I've seen it many times with American men in that particular kind of situation.