December 31, 2002: Art's Farewell Show - Predictions
The evening centers on the annual predictions tradition, with Art reviewing 123 predictions made for 2002 from the Bell family vault. Listeners score hits on topics ranging from cloning advances to increased UFO sightings, while predictions about Planet X and the Pope's passing receive a definitive "bonk." Callers from around the world phone in their forecasts for 2003, including predictions of a manned Mars mission, Korean unification, and gold reaching $400.
Between predictions, Art fields calls from places as far-flung as Seoul, Moscow, and Busan. Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center offers warm tribute to Art's contributions to ufology. Throughout the broadcast, Art reminds listeners of the artbell.com website closing and the commemorative CD collection available for a final few hours.
Key Moments
Goodbye forever (with a caveat): Art frames the night as a true farewell, then immediately walks back the word 'forever' by promising to return whenever George Noory needs relief.
Iraq case not yet made: Art tells caller Scott that President Bush has not outlined sufficient specifics on Iraq to justify sending young men and women to die, and that North Korea is the more critical threat.
Ramona's tribute: 'I love you baby': Ramona Bell takes the microphone, credits Art for putting his whole heart into the program from the KDWN days, and tells him on-air she loves him and that they will not just sit on rockers on the porch.
Caller honors KDWN, Art's alma mater: A Las Vegas caller wishes Art and Ramona well from KDWN, the station where Art Bell's overnight program was born; Art calls it his old alma mater.