Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

abe · Jul 5, 2007, 11:31 PM

Art Bell Retires

Monday, July 2, 2007
Art Bell Retires from Coast to Coast Radio Show

Art Bell announced last night that he is retiring from his popular Coast to Coast radio show.

Knowing that his listeners have heard him retire on previous occasions, Bell said, "This time it's for real though. (chuckles) It's for real."

Bell explained that this time he was retiring not for some tragedy or emergency, but to be with his wife and infant daughter. He married Airyn (Ruiz) Bell, roughly 40 years his junior, last year -- just a few months after his wife Ramona died suddenly. A daughter, Asian Rayne Bell, was born just a few weeks ago. Bell's voice sounded emotional at times during the announcement, as though he was holding back tears:

“God has blessed me with love in my life at a time, frankly, when I thought I had lost any reason to live following Mona's death: my wonderful wife Airyn and now our daughter Asia. I really want what time the Lord has left for me to be with them."

Bell commented that on June 17th, he became eligible for Social Security. Then he laughed as he reflected on that fact. He turned 62 on that date.

Bell explained last night that he had needed to return to the air after Ramona's death because his audience was what was "familiar", they were "family" in a way. "All I had left at that dark time in my life was all of you." Being a private person despite being a public figure, he had a very small circle of close friends "and that's about it." But he now needs, he said, to go off the air as he enters a new phase in life. He added that it's not often that a person gets a "second chance" in life.

So listeners can no longer expect to hear Art Bell's relaxed but upbeat voice on Saturday and Sunday nights announcing that it is "my privilege to escort you through the weekend.” But he will still be associated with the Coast to Coast show he helped found, he says, and will be back occasionally to fill in or do a special. Listeners can still reach him, he said, at his two e-mail addresses on the Coast to Coast website.

Although Bell had not mentioned in his retirement announcement at the beginning of the show that he was going to the Philippines, his guest made mention of it at the end of the show when wishing him a good retirement: "I know you're going to the Philippines. Enjoy it." Bell responded, "OK".

Bell reminded his listeners that it had always been a "distinct pleasure" to be their host and then signed off:

"From the high desert. . .Goodbye."

Downtown Eastside Enquirer: Art Bell Retires from Coast to Coast Radio Show

I know you all join the rest of his fans in wishing him a fond farewell and a long, happy and healthy life together with his beautiful bride and daughter.

- - e r i k - - · Jul 6, 2007, 12:04 AM

I really don't get your teenage girl-ish fan hysteria with this crackpot. But then again, I don't get the rest of your personality either.

Chuckit · Jul 6, 2007, 12:59 AM

He named his daughter "Asian"?

Kerrigan · Jul 6, 2007, 01:06 AM

abe, it's been a while since you were last seen here

smacintush · Jul 6, 2007, 01:54 AM

That show is kooky but Art is a good host and I enjoyed listening on occasion. George is good too though.

You don't have to be a "believer" to enjoy the show.

KisforKennedy · Jul 6, 2007, 02:36 AM

I don't think it's right for 62 yr olds to impregnate women. That kid is going to have a dad in depends by the time they're like 15-20. Scary.

Chuckit · Jul 6, 2007, 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by KisforKennedy

I don't think it's right for 62 yr olds to impregnate women.

What if you don't actually wait for them to become women, like Art Bell?

KisforKennedy · Jul 6, 2007, 02:55 AM

yeah, it's just ****ed up in general. Yuck.

Kevin · Jul 6, 2007, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

What if you don't actually wait for them to become women, like Art Bell?

Oh if like she wasn't over 18 and didn't know what she was doing I'd agree.

Dakarʒ · Jul 6, 2007, 08:07 AM

I thought this guy already retired in that other thread abe started.

Kevin · Jul 6, 2007, 08:33 AM

Does it matter? Can't be any better/worse than most of the threads in the lounge.

BTW Good to see you back abe.

Dakarʒ · Jul 6, 2007, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

Does it matter?

Well, I'm curious whether my memory is faulty or this guy retired twice.

Originally Posted by Kevin

Can't be any better/worse than most of the threads in the lounge.

What does this have to do with anything? I haven't commented on this thread or it's quality.

Kevin · Jul 6, 2007, 08:41 AM

I think abe just wanted to start a new thread on it IMHO is what I am saying. No one retired twice.

Dakarʒ · Jul 6, 2007, 08:51 AM

Yeah, I see that. I glossed over the last thread, and it looks like he took an extended leave of absence after his wife died, so that must have been what I was thinking of.

Chuckit · Jul 6, 2007, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

I think abe just wanted to start a new thread on it IMHO is what I am saying. No one retired twice.

Actually, as Art himself pointed out in the article, he's retired several times.

Dakarʒ · Jul 6, 2007, 10:09 AM

Obviously I didn't bother reading it (other than to confirm that Asian part).

Edit: I start too many sentences with 'yeah'

Kevin · Jul 6, 2007, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Actually, as Art himself pointed out in the article, he's retired several times.

Ah, not a art fan. Doesn't excite me. Didn't read it either.

besson3c · Jul 6, 2007, 10:59 AM

I still think that Abe is Art Bell.

Y3a · Jul 6, 2007, 11:02 AM

The REAL Art Bell was abducted YEARS AGO!

Dork. · Jul 6, 2007, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by besson3c

I still think that Abe is Art Bell.

Or possibly Kris Benson. Or maybe Anna Benson?

Dakarʒ · Jul 6, 2007, 11:04 AM

or Benson Dubois

Kevin · Jul 6, 2007, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by besson3c

I still think that Abe is Art Bell.

And his wife is really besson!

Hey this IS fun!

Kerrigan · Jul 6, 2007, 01:47 PM

Well when I'm 62 I hope I'm boinking 20 year olds. Well.. Make that 21 year olds. 21-24, somewhere in that age range.

Chuckit · Jul 6, 2007, 01:54 PM

When I'm 62, I hope I'm boinking 20-year-olds. Well, make that 20 16-year-olds.

besson3c · Jul 6, 2007, 04:29 PM

When I'm 62, I wonder if I'll still be posting here?

Kerrigan · Jul 6, 2007, 05:26 PM

Will you still need me, will you still feed me...

besson3c · Jul 6, 2007, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

Will you still need me, will you still feed me...

No, I won't.

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:09 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

I really don't get your teenage girl-ish fan hysteria with this crackpot. But then again, I don't get the rest of your personality either.

Good. I'm glad you stopped in to say hi and to share with us your puzzlement.

Atta boy! Don't stop trying to learn.

BTW, had you ever bothered listening to his show? He was heard down undah, too.

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:12 AM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

He named his daughter "Asian"?

Almost, Chuckit. Almost.

Asia Rayne Bell

The blogger got it wrong. Must be a "Fuzzy Brained Liberal."

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:19 AM

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

abe, it's been a while since you were last seen here

I wasn't welcome here and the feeling was sorta mutual. But the Admins and mods and I have decided to give it another try. Let's see if we can keep from ticking each other off this time.

But, as a way of keeping me in my place I've been denied P/L privileges.

Sounds like a TV sitcom plot.

(And hilarity ensues?)

Thanks for stopping by Kerrigan!

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:23 AM

Originally Posted by smacintush

That show is kooky but Art is a good host and I enjoyed listening on occasion. George is good too though.

You don't have to be a "believer" to enjoy the show.

Hey smacintush! You are absolutely right! One doesn't have to be a believer to enjoy the show. All you need do is have an interest in the world around you and there is or will be a show coming up to deal with that subject. People who look down their noses at information before they know what it is have an interesting title.

I'm glad to see you, man!

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:25 AM

Originally Posted by KisforKennedy

I don't think it's right for 62 yr olds to impregnate women. That kid is going to have a dad in depends by the time they're like 15-20. Scary.

You have a point.

Hi. My name is abe.

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:27 AM

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ

I thought this guy already retired in that other thread abe started.

Hey D3! I see you follow MacNN developments as closely as you do world events.

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:31 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

Does it matter? Can't be any better/worse than most of the threads in the lounge.

BTW Good to see you back abe.

Of course it isn't as good as threads dealing with the rationale behind ninja attacks or the subjective assessment of iPod volume but it's solid, I think. The largest listenership of any night time radio show in the world, it's been on the air for more than 20 years. He's broken news stories and is much more than a footnote in history, having been enshrined in the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. I'd say that a thread about the retirement of a legend is definitely solid subject matter.

I missed ya, Kevin! Thanks.

After several months of playing, how are your hands liking the guitar?

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:43 AM

Originally Posted by besson3c

I still think that Abe is Art Bell.

If I weren't the person I am, or you weren't the person you are I think you and I would have gotten to know each other better. But we would have gotten on each others nerves and we'd have had many terrible arguments and arrived at the conclusion, "fire & water."

So whattya say we don't, but imagine we did, and now just go our own separate ways, figuratively speaking.

Non-sequiter:

I just caught a wisp of a fragrance of soap I loved during childhood and never smelled again since.

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:48 AM

Originally Posted by Y3a

The REAL Art Bell was abducted YEARS AGO!

Hey Y3a!

True dat!

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by Dork.

Or possibly Kris Benson. Or maybe Anna Benson?

Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end. We sang and danced forever and a day. We lived the life we'd choose, we'd fight and never lose for we were young and sure to have our way.

Good to see ye, Dork.!

(That period after your name is a strange and interesting appendage, isn't it? Almost like the tattooed dragon's nostril that convinced the lad that doing the rest of the beast might not be such a grand idea. And so it remained. Alone. First as an irritant, then a friend. And eventually it came to take on a life of it's own.)

Chuckit · Jul 7, 2007, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by abe

Almost, Chuckit. Almost.

The blogger got it wrong. Must be a "Fuzzy Brained Liberal."

Oh, well, at least "Asia" is a real name. I was thinking he just named her the first adjective that popped into his mind when he saw her. "Hey, she's Asian! Hm…'Asian'…I like the sound of that…"

Dakarʒ · Jul 7, 2007, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by abe

Hey D3! I see you follow MacNN developments as closely as you do world events.

Oh good, the lame comments begin.

besson3c · Jul 7, 2007, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by abe

Hey D3! I see you follow MacNN developments as closely as you do world events.

Abe, while you were gone Dakar helped thwart several terror attacks.

I think you owe him an apology. Our protector and savior George Bush would be very cross if he heard you ragging on Dakar.

♥ · Jul 7, 2007, 01:25 PM

Art Bell was a bit of a weirdo. Wasn't there something about his wife being murdered and then he ran off and married some Asian chick?

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by ♥

Art Bell was a bit of a weirdo. Wasn't there something about his wife being murdered and then he ran off and married some Asian chick?

*Let's play fast and loose with the facts and start some rumors, shall we?*

Yes, I heard he secretly had the aliens bump her into outer space so he could marry some Asian chick. And then he'd impregnate her with his Art Bell (patent pending) "Demon Seed." Then, once Art's time on Earth was ended he'd once again join his beloved Ramona (his FIRST Asian chick) in the next Galaxy. Then, when his daughter grew up she could find a guy who loved her (alot) and who was also an oldies music fan. And on their honeymoon he'd think to himself, Asia (Rayne) o'er me.

Cheat sheet: Think, "Who"

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Oh, well, at least "Asia" is a real name. I was thinking he just named her the first adjective that popped into his mind when he saw her. "Hey, she's Asian! Hm…'Asian'…I like the sound of that…"

Heh. Maybe he did!

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ

Oh good, the lame comments begin.

Can I take it back?

Would it matter if I could?

Would you feel better if I did?

Or is the Universe unfolding as it should?

abe · Jul 7, 2007, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Abe, while you were gone Dakar helped thwart several terror attacks.

I think you owe him an apology. Our protector and savior George Bush would be very cross if he heard you ragging on Dakar.

You still think I owe YOU an apology!

I thought you and I had gone our separate ways.

Kerrigan · Jul 7, 2007, 07:45 PM

Oh god, this inane bickering is back.

♥ · Jul 7, 2007, 09:44 PM

Should I take this abe guy seriously? Or is he a kid?

Chuckit · Jul 7, 2007, 09:54 PM

That would be no on all counts.

Kerrigan · Jul 7, 2007, 10:01 PM

abe is an interesting chap but he needs to stop being so argumentative.

besson3c · Jul 7, 2007, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by ♥

Should I take this abe guy seriously? Or is he a kid?

Abe is kind of a wacky variant of Kevin/Zimphire... He just enjoys arguing about stuff, and will attempt to win debates not on coherent arguments, but on sheer persistence. He can get a little arrogant and over-the-top at times, and at other times just plain old bizarre, obsessive, and unraveled (sort of like Christopher Lloyd's character in Back to the Future or something).

He means well, but at times it can be difficult to restrain yourself from continuing a line of conversation with him. When this happens, conversation just sort of gets progressively worse and his essays become longer and longer and increasingly tangential to what is actually being said. Once this line is crossed, it is best to just sort of walk away from it, but usually what happens is that people sort of crowd around like people do on the highway near a car crash, and threads end up going 20 pages or so of ridiculous nonsense. Sometimes once the thread gets to this point it can be fun though! I'm personally a fan of ridiculous nonsense...

Oh, and everything he writes always seems to be about Islamo-facism and why we should be scared shitless about it, and why George Bush is the answer to all of our problems. He is a paranoid dude, and sort of expects everybody to be equally as paranoid. If you're not, he will write up these long and convoluted essays trying to convince you that you are wrong and he is right. These will be full of all sorts of strange anecdotes and stuff that completely bypasses everything you've said up to this point. If you respond to any of this, he'll continue to bypass and pontificate some more with pages and pages of essays, often just cut and paste jobs from other websites. It is extremely rare when he will actually respond to direct questions and engage in an actual conversation.

That is Abe/Aberdeenwriter/Mojo2 in a nutshell.