Art Bell

[PB the Deplorable]

... My issue is that many here have done nothing but complain about Art not continuing (hello)...

I'm not sure anyone has done that.

It's the way he's done it. 

Not to mention the constant threats to do so during the run ups, and continuing after the shows began airing.  People don't like being jerked around, then fed bullshit.  They really don't. 

I wonder if any of that's sunk in with him.  I sort of doubt it.

[SciFiAuthor]

It's just a radio show.

It's a post to SredniVashtar, such things cannot be accomplished in less than 8000 words.

[Gruntled]

It's a post to SredniVashtar, such things cannot be accomplished in less than 8000 words.

[onan]

I'm not sure anyone has done that.

It's the way he's done it. 

Not to mention the constant threats to do so during the run ups, and continuing after the shows began airing.  People don't like being jerked around, then fed bullshit.  They really don't. 

I wonder if any of that's sunk in with him.  I sort of doubt it.

Well, yeah PB people have done that.

OK, Art flaked, again. As you say, it's just a radio show. Yeah, I wanted it to last much longer. It didn't.

I agree people don't like being jerked around. As jerk arounds go this is a small one. You and I both have dealt with much bigger annoyances.

[Value Of Pi]

I may have said that once, around about 1987. From now on, I will drop 1970's Monty Python quotes in my correspondence with you as though they are current British colloquialisms, though they may still be current for YP.

It's the opposite, actually. There's nothing in what Art's said that is inconsistent. None of the people around him have said anything inconsistent. His decisions are not inconsistent with his past decisions that are public, "all in" and such. There's nothing there from which to make the suggestion that this is anything other than what Art explained. To go outside of that, one must make assumptions based on nothing. That's akin to religion.

What sort of proof do you expect there to be? Short of a stalker sitting in a prison cell, as far as I know the only thing would be the police reports, which were posted.

That's the problem, since everything we know is consistent, to invoke that people do inexplicable things is to wander off into the weeds. There's just no need for it in light of what we know.

In the context of the point you were trying to make, it may as well have been the same situation.

I've said that from the beginning. You must make at least one assumption in this. There's no way out of it. The scenario with the least amount of assumptions is the one that is most likely to be the case.

No petards involved, just the simple fact that the more assumptions you make, the less reliable your model. I'll at least say that I cleaned off the applicator when returning it.

I'm actually saying the opposite. I'm saying that most of the analysis here has been a case study in overcooking the dead horse.

That assumes that death threats are something out of the ordinary for celebrities. They're not. There are a lot of loony tunes people and bored high school kids out there and I'd be skeptical that the police would even put the resources into investigating them. It doesn't surprise me likewise that Art wouldn't want them wasting resources on something that he said may not have even been related.

I seriously doubt that Salman Rushdie put life on hold for the last 25 years to hide out in a state of constant, unyielding fear never venturing out of the house or doing anything fun again. It doesn't work like that. You continue to live life as best you can. I actually find it hard to believe that anyone found anything unreasonable about taking one's daughter out in the middle of the night to see the first snow in god knows how many years out the desert. It astounds me that some people are so coldly analytical about something so simple and human.

Yes, you do what you must when you hitch yourself to talent. I can't imagine what you must go through dealing with the Marlon Brando-like blow ups and difficulties, the mayonnaise, the constant threat of George and Tommy snarfing your cash cow out from underneath you, the multiple Bellgab quits for six month long "apartment cleanings", the need for constant ego stroking and perhaps more, again involving the mayonnaise. Know that I do not envy you. In fact, your plight often moves me to fits of weeping.

Why is it necessary to make ANY assumptions at all? Why do we need a scenario in the first place? Why not just say this is an unclear situation based on the shortage of hard evidence and leave it at that? Why do we need to decide how much of the truth we actually know?

Past a certain point, it seems to be a useless, unwinnable argumentative exercise -- for those that enjoy that kind of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Uncle Duke]

Why is it necessary to make ANY assumptions at all? Why do we need a scenario in the first place? Why not just say this is an unclear situation based on the shortage of hard evidence and leave it at that? Why do we need to decide how much of the truth we actually know?

Past a certain point, it seems to be a useless, unwinnable argumentative exercise -- for those that enjoy that kind of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I'm with you Pi.  I make no assumptions, just look at what's been presented and note irregularities and inconsistencies that lead me to a series of questions.  Clearly things don't add up, but I accept we'll probably never know what actually happened.   As I've stated openly before, my gut feel is Art was unhappy with the show for possibly any number of reasons, but I can't prove it.  Bottom line is he's not on the air, and I doubt he ever will be again.  Sad to see it end this way, but in hindsight maybe it shouldn't be a surprise.

[Element 115]

Why is it necessary to make ANY assumptions at all? Why do we need a scenario in the first place? Why not just say this is an unclear situation based on the shortage of hard evidence and leave it at that? Why do we need to decide how much of the truth we actually know?

Past a certain point, it seems to be a useless, unwinnable argumentative exercise -- for those that enjoy that kind of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Correct. Regardless of any hypothesis, the net result in all of it is that Art is not hosting. Everything else is useless speculation.

[ItsOver]

... You and I both have dealt with much bigger annoyances.

"That's true!"

[Jackstar]

Everything else is useless

[Value Of Pi]

Correct. Regardless of any hypothesis, the net result in all of it is that Art is not hosting. Everything else is useless speculation.

Yes, that's a fact which everybody agrees is unfortunate. Which is not insignificant since people often argue even when a fact is universally acknowledged. But add in an argument over what the facts are or might be and things can go nowhere fast.

I reiterate my call to settle this in a COD online Death Match. Last one standing gets to write the history of this whole series of events. Paladin, the former Marine, still can't play due to his unfair advantage.

[pyewacket]

I'm not sure anyone has done that.

It's the way he's done it. 

Not to mention the constant threats to do so during the run ups, and continuing after the shows began airing.  People don't like being jerked around, then fed bullshit.  They really don't. 

I wonder if any of that's sunk in with him.  I sort of doubt it.

You've summed this up nicely, PB. I'm not bothered that he quit, but by the the way he handled it. I guess it was asking too much for him to show a little respect and appreciation (and will the "Art owes you" crowd please shut up about that nonsense) for his faithful fans and make a dignified exit. Everyone (with the exception of a few) would accept it with no ill will.

It's a post to SredniVashtar, such things cannot be accomplished in less than 8000 words.

I can't speak for others on the matter, but a well worded debate between two intelligent people with a sense of humour is entertaining and a reason to visit this thread.
   

[trostol]

Why is it necessary to make ANY assumptions at all? Why do we need a scenario in the first place? Why not just say this is an unclear situation based on the shortage of hard evidence and leave it at that? Why do we need to decide how much of the truth we actually know?

Past a certain point, it seems to be a useless, unwinnable argumentative exercise -- for those that enjoy that kind of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

i've been trying to say that..simplest way to put it..something happened

[Zenman]

Good post. That's about how I feel. I was disappointed. There was a period of about two or three days when I was bummed that I wasn't gonna be hearing Art for a while. But I've got friends to see, shows to promote, paintings to finish. Life isn't all that bad. The thing I listen to while I'm doing stuff at night changed into something a bit different. That's not a huge deal to me. I still like it.

As for investing time, energy, and money into promoting the show...

Well, I've been promoting punk shows for half my life. DIY or die. It's everything to me. When the band comes to town, what's mine is theirs. If they need a place to stay, We've got one for 'em. If their gear's been lost or stolen, they can use whatever I've got, if I've got it. If the show doesn't make money (and it usually doesn't), I don't care. It's a blast.

Jumping in and promoting MiTD was something I was thrilled to do. It came as second nature. I do it anyway, all the time, every day. Why not do it for Art? So I did. Nothing about that sucked, for even a second. I don't want my time, money or energy back. I had a blast.

I know most of the world doesn't work this way, and I don't fault them for it, but when my friends and I support an artist, we pitch in and help out any way we can. If a band needs a poster, I'll draw it up. If they need it spread around town, I do a thirty-mile loop on my bike around the city every night, pinning posters to telephone poles. Putting one more up is not gonna put a dent in my plans.

Art's one of my heroes, and Heather's cool. I support the show. So I'm doing it again. I've got a whole new batch of MiTD posters, stickers and buttons coming. I'll be at the world's largest UFO convention in a few weeks handing 'em out and hiding paintings. If you're gonna be there, you should come say hi to me. We should be friends. If you're not gonna be there but would like a sticker and/or copy of the new poster, gimme your address and I'll send you a couple.

If you think I'm lame or an idiot for getting my hands dirty again, that's cool. I want you to have an awesome life anyway. I hope we can be friends some day.

Nice to have some positive vibes around here, NX. I hope the aliens don't take you back to wherever you came from. You're doing too much good around here. 

[Mr. Fidget]

I can't get no... no, no, no...

[ItsOver]

All right!  Happy pancake!

[Mr. Fidget]

All right!  Happy pancake!

Almost... FIFY

[Inglorious Bitch]

I can't get no... no, no, no...

Nice! 

[NXOEED]

Nice to have some positive vibes around here, NX. I hope the aliens don't take you back to wherever you came from. You're doing too much good around here. 

ah thank you, buddy. It's good to see you.

[Mr. Fidget]

Nice! 

Thx!

[BettyO417]

Hey, if the main ingredient is vinegar I bet it's still perfectly edible.
Cute, I'd never even so much as seen the bottle before.

Thanks for the response VictoriaPandora. Glad to know you! Main ingredient is Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Pizza Punch. Guess that's not a go!
On another note, Isn't it sad that we're here having some of the most absurd conversations when in fact six months ago the excitement around this forum was overflowing. Hopefully there will be winds of change that will carry us through the night again! One thing is for certain IMHO I believe we're a multitalented, fine group of characters! So take that you thin skinned sheeple out there!

[malachi.martini]

I'm not sure anyone has done that.

It's the way he's done it. 

Not to mention the constant threats to do so during the run ups, and continuing after the shows began airing.  People don't like being jerked around, then fed bullshit.  They really don't. 

I wonder if any of that's sunk in with him.  I sort of doubt it.

You've summed this up nicely, PB. I'm not bothered that he quit, but by the the way he handled it. I guess it was asking too much for him to show a little respect and appreciation (and will the "Art owes you" crowd please shut up about that nonsense) for his faithful fans and make a dignified exit. Everyone (with the exception of a few) would accept it with no ill will.

Exactly.

Wasn't even mad when he quit this time, thought it was a good run. Like with MV, that kind of resignation turned into a fair measure of contempt with each bit of drama craft.

[munbeam666]

Thanks for the response VictoriaPandora. Glad to know you! Main ingredient is Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Pizza Punch. Guess that's not a go!
On another note, Isn't it sad that we're here having some of the most absurd conversations when in fact six months ago the excitement around this forum was overflowing. Hopefully there will be winds of change that will carry us through the night again! One thing is for certain IMHO I believe we're a multitalented, fine group of characters! So take that you thin skinned sheeple out there!

I agree, in fact I'm blown away by the incredible creativity and intelligence of the folks here who post in this forum.
Cool

[ManiacMatt]

History repeats.  I've never heard this clip before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSR3itxyOBk

[GravitySucks]

Thanks for the response VictoriaPandora. Glad to know you! Main ingredient is Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Pizza Punch. Guess that's not a go!
On another note, Isn't it sad that we're here having some of the most absurd conversations when in fact six months ago the excitement around this forum was overflowing. Hopefully there will be winds of change that will carry us through the night again! One thing is for certain IMHO I believe we're a multitalented, fine group of characters! So take that you thin skinned sheeple out there!

No

http://youtu.be/4xmckWVPRaI

[GravitySucks]

History repeats.  I've never heard this clip before.

Damn. Time to make some popcorn.

[MikeJ]

If you think I'm lame or an idiot for getting my hands dirty again, that's cool. I want you to have an awesome life anyway. I hope we can be friends some day.

You must be Canadian.  With that attitude, you sure ain't no 'Merican!

[Mr. Fidget]

   Art will be back. He has to come back to lift his blacklisting, or else his legacy will be besmirched horribly. I know this, belief me, I know this. My designs are in academia, they are of historical significance, and if Art does not "set the record straight" in my case... he will be footnoted...

Oh, never mind.

/bcc:

[Uncle Duke]

History repeats.  I've never heard this clip before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSR3itxyOBk

I remember hearing that live.  As I recall, it was the proverbial bolt out of the blue, announcement made right at the end of the program.  Struck me as odd, but I had not been listening for very long at the time, maybe three months,  and even then I only got to hear the last hour of show on weekdays getting ready for work.

[littlechris]

History repeats.  I've never heard this clip before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSR3itxyOBk

I wonder what Art thinks, listening to this all these years later?

Art, please get professional help, and GET BACK ON THE AIR!!!

[Element 115]

History repeats.  I've never heard this clip before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSR3itxyOBk

I heard this live. I had been a fan for years before this occurred.