1995-08-25 – Open Lines – Alien Hotline

Show: Coast To Coast AM

Air Date: August 25, 1995

Guest(s): Open Lines

Topic(s): Alien Hotline

Art announces that the night’s show promises to be unusual and intriguing. He mentions a technical issue with his fax machine, which has been replaced, and provides the new fax number for listeners to send in their faxes, emphasizing a three-page limit.

The discussion then shifts to current news, starting with Harry Wu, an activist and American citizen, who vows to continue his fight against Chinese policies despite risks. Art comments on the dangers of Wu sneaking back into China, especially given the upcoming women’s rights conference and the lack of humor of the communist Chinese towards such acts.

Art also touches on the situation in New York, where a fire in Long Island has become difficult to control. He expresses relief that the fire hasn’t affected his mother’s area yet. In a surprising political development, Senator Bob Packwood, facing charges of sexual misconduct, opts for public hearings, which Art believes is a smart move for transparency.

The segment also covers the O.J. Simpson trial, highlighting Judge Ito’s weekend review of significant legal issues and tapes related to the case. Art mentions the unprecedented length of the jury sequestration and anticipates further developments when the trial resumes.

Art brings up the tragic aftermath of Chicago’s July heat wave, where dozens of unclaimed victims were buried in a mass grave. He expresses astonishment at the scale of the tragedy in modern America. The segment concludes with a note on NASA’s Endeavour shuttle, discussing the replacement of problematic insulation on its booster rockets and the plans for its upcoming launch.

Art expresses his curiosity about the prospect of flying on the first privately launched NASA mission, given the inherent risks and the fact that the contract might go to the lowest bidder. This leads him to invite listeners to share reasons why they would or wouldn’t want to fly on such a mission. The topic then shifts to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order for propeller inspections following a recent aircraft incident.

A significant portion of the segment is dedicated to a harrowing story involving Jeremy Brown and Reginald McFadden. Brown was kidnapped, raped, and forced to withdraw money from ATMs by McFadden in 1969. Despite serving time, McFadden was released in 1994 and went on to commit more murders. This leads to a discussion on the punishment of criminals, with Art wondering if extreme crimes like McFadden’s should be met with equally severe punishments, akin to practices in countries like Saudi Arabia where theft can result in amputation.

The conversation turns to the Roswell crash and a CBS television report on the upcoming Fox presentation about it. Art notes that new photographs, allegedly from the incident, have surfaced, including close-ups of six-digit limbs and an alien face. He remarks on the speculation about the authenticity of the film and its potential as groundbreaking proof of extraterrestrial life.

Art then shares his personal stance on the topic of aliens and unexplained phenomena. Despite hosting a show that often delves into such mysteries, he maintains a skeptical and investigative approach, believing only in what can be scientifically proven. This leads to a broader contemplation about how the public might react to the potential reality of extraterrestrial life, pondering whether people will be dismissive, shocked, or serious about the implications.

Art expresses his disbelief over a Hawaiian state senator’s proposal to rename the islands “Gilligan’s Island,” considering it sacrilegious and hoping the senator was voted out. He then shifts to a discussion about volcanic activity in the Caribbean, referencing Gordon Michael Scallion’s prediction that volcanic eruptions in the Caribbean could signify the start of an end cycle. He notes the USGS’s warning of a potential major eruption in Montserrat.

Art comments on Bill Gates’ singing abilities, jokingly suggesting he should not quit his day job. He then discusses the Oklahoma bombing case, highlighting the defense lawyers’ efforts to move the trial to another state for fairness. Art finds it intriguing and invites knowledgeable listeners to comment on this legal issue.

The conversation shifts back to the upcoming broadcast about the Roswell crash. Art shares a listener’s update from San Diego, mentioning a full-page TV Guide announcement and suggesting that locals check their local listings for the Fox channel airing time.

Art prepares to open the phone lines, giving out numbers for first-time callers, the wild card line, and toll-free lines for listeners east and west of the Rockies. He encourages listeners to drive the conversation in their desired direction and announces the opening of the alien line.

The segment includes a few failed attempts to connect with callers, followed by a conversation with a caller from Minnesota about the alien line and the upcoming broadcast on Monday. The conversation continues with a discussion about sexual harassment and how it pertains to Senator Bob Packwood’s case. A caller from Princeton, Minnesota, points out that there were no sexual harassment laws at the time of Packwood’s alleged misconduct. Art acknowledges this perspective, highlighting the complexity of applying contemporary standards retroactively.

Shifting the focus, a caller from Washington discusses a recent power surge in the western United States. They describe witnessing what appeared to be meteors with vapor trails just before the power outage. Art confirms that there were indeed meteor sightings in Washington and California, and they discuss the lack of an official explanation for the power surge. This prompts speculation about a possible connection between the meteors and the power outage, with Art expressing skepticism about official denials of any link.

A caller from Columbus, Ohio, shares his struggles to find a local radio station that broadcasts “Coast to Coast AM.” The conversation touches upon the state of talk radio in Columbus and the popularity of trucker shows. They also discuss a recent topic from the show involving a bank account error that led to a significant unexpected deposit.

The segment ends with a caller from Youngstown, Ohio, talking about college football and the excitement surrounding the upcoming game between Ohio State University and Boston College. Art, however, expresses a preference for the NFL over college football, citing the unique atmosphere of tailgate parties.

A caller from Portland, Oregon, discusses the perspective of Frederick Heineman, a retired deputy chief from New York City, on gun control. Heineman, who had also served as the chief of police in Raleigh, North Carolina, observed a stark contrast in gun-related problems between New York and Raleigh. He concluded that the problem lies with criminals rather than guns, a point which reportedly left Chuck Schumer, known for his stance on gun control, without a strong counterargument. Art reflects on the current state of gun legislation, predicting no new significant changes.

The conversation then shifts as a caller inquires about a previous show guest, Leonard, who hasn’t been heard from in months. The topic changes to the power surge and meteor sightings in the western United States. A caller from Wichita, Kansas, relates her experience during the power surge and Art shares similar reports he received from across the West and Canada. There’s speculation about whether the meteors caused the power surge, though Art is unaware of meteors having such capabilities.

Another caller brings up the Roswell autopsy and a letter from the photographer who documented it. They discuss discrepancies in the letter, such as the behavior of military personnel at the crash site and the destruction of potential alien evidence. Art ponders the legality and logic behind such actions, considering the context of the nuclear age and high-security concerns. The discussion also touches on the photographer’s use of the term “force,” which the caller finds inconsistent with American terminology.

Art expresses more interest in the American public’s reaction to the Roswell incident than the media’s portrayal, acknowledging that public response could range from indifference to serious concern.

A caller from Seattle revisits the topic of the strange brownout in the west coast, connecting it to a conversation they had earlier about Amtrak and the Clinton administration’s decision to cut back on high-speed rail development. Art agrees with the caller, expressing disappointment in the United States’ lack of progress in high technology transportation. He reminisces about the 1960s, when the nation was united by the goal of landing on the moon, lamenting the lack of similar ambitious national goals in the present day.

Art reflects on his personal traits and ambitions, acknowledging that some might find his approach dictatorial or egotistical, but he emphasizes the importance of setting and pursuing goals.

The conversation then shifts to a lighter note as Art announces the opening of the “alien line” on the show. This special segment is dedicated to callers who claim to be aliens – beings from other dimensions, galaxies, or planets. Art sets a humorous yet serious tone for the segment, warning human beings not to call the alien-exclusive line. He expresses curiosity about the reasons aliens might have for visiting Earth, whether they are stuck here, sharing technology, or simply exploring.

As the show awaits the responses on the alien line, a caller from Columbia, Missouri, discusses two articles in their local paper. One article describes a fireball from a meteor storm that destroyed a trailer home, while another article relates to the broader theme of the show.

A caller from Seattle revisits the topic of the recent brownout on the west coast and shifts to discussing Amtrak and high-speed rail development. They express disappointment with the Clinton administration’s decisions regarding high-speed rail, and Art agrees, lamenting the lack of national ambition and technological progress compared to the era of the moon landing.

The conversation then takes a more unusual turn as Art opens the “alien line” for callers claiming to be extraterrestrial beings. A caller who claims to be from the Rigel system in Arizona shares that their visit to Earth began as a research mission to understand human culture. The caller criticizes the human judicial system, particularly the handling of criminals, and reveals that on their home planet, harsher punishments are enforced, including capital punishment for serious crimes.

The alien caller also comments on Earth’s technological and literary advancements, mentioning that they collect artifacts, including books and technology like Windows 95, to take back to their planet. Art humorously notes that Windows 95 has reached other planets, highlighting the widespread impact of Earth’s technology.

A caller from Santa Rosa expresses concerns about an impending event or crisis, similar to feelings they had prior to the Kobe and Northridge earthquakes. The caller wonders whether these feelings are indicative of a midlife crisis or something more. Art offers reassurance, suggesting that while it’s normal to have such anxieties, they might be overly influenced by the show’s content.

Art then reflects on the concept of longevity, pondering how long people would want to live if given the choice, especially considering health and quality of life. He expresses contentment with his current age and the state of his life.

The conversation takes a turn towards the whimsical as Art returns to the “alien line.” A caller claims to be from a distant system, collecting a mysterious chemical from deep within the Earth. This chemical is supposedly used to distill water on their planet, which is facing pollution issues. Art humorously engages with the caller, inquiring about the process of shrinking themselves to access the chemical.

Another caller from Peoria shifts the conversation to the upcoming public broadcast of the alien autopsy film. They discuss the potential impact of this broadcast on public awareness and the pursuit of truth regarding extraterrestrial life. Art mentions Congressman Schiff’s involvement in the GAO investigation of the Roswell incident and encourages listeners to view the broadcast to form their own opinions.

A young caller named Jimmy, who claims to be 11 years old, tells Art he is an alien, with a human father and an alien mother named Passion, representing an alien race. Jimmy talks about his experiences as half-human, half-alien, such as seeing ghosts and auras, a trait he attributes to his alien side. Art questions him about physical characteristics and his thoughts, trying to discern any alien aspects.

Art then discusses the concept of “walk-ins” – aliens who arrive on Earth and are born like humans, experiencing birth trauma which often hinders their alien memories. He reads a fax from a listener suggesting a more efficient way for aliens to collect a chemical needed for their planet’s water supply, by drilling less than 25 miles into the Earth instead of 3,000.

The show then moves to another caller who tries to connect Art with an alien for an interview. A caller claiming to be from the planet Venus, who works as a truck driver, humorously engages with Art. When asked about the Roswell crash, the caller affirms its reality, attributing the crash to fuel shortage and distancing their own species from the incident.

A caller from Phoenix discussing the shift in drug trends from crack cocaine to heroin, with new product names like “Body Bag” and “Poison.” They suggest that drug abuse is a symptom of a larger problem, lacking inspiring goals like a vigorous space program. Art agrees that people may turn to drugs due to a lack of significant achievements by humanity, emphasizing the need for inspiring national goals.

The discussion then shifts to a hypothetical opportunity to travel to Mars on a one-way trip. The caller expresses interest in such a mission, provided it is well-equipped for scientific exploration. Art muses on the idea, considering it himself, but noting the importance of having a balanced community, including women, for such a long-term endeavor.

Another caller from Oceanside, California, brings up the topic of the upcoming broadcast on the Fox network about UFOs and expresses concern that the network’s entertainment focus might lead viewers to take the content less seriously. They also recall a mysterious bright light and a transformer explosion in their area, speculating a connection to the broader discussion of unexplained phenomena.

Art receives a call on the “alien line” from a caller claiming to be an extraterrestrial named Parrish, who was on a mission to gather information about humans. The alien’s mission coincidentally overlapped with the O.J. Simpson trial, leading to a humorous exchange about the trial’s cultural significance.

A caller from Salt Lake City discusses seeing an air show where Art’s music was played. He also offers to set up a web page for Art, leading to a discussion about existing Art Bell web pages. Art encourages listeners interested in creating web pages about him to join forces with others or start their own.

The conversation shifts to a caller from Pekin, Illinois, who shares a humorous phrase he heard about the series of storms in Florida, described as a “conga line of storms.” Art acknowledges the severity of the situation in Florida, with heavy rainfall and lined-up storms resembling a freight train.

Another caller, Gary from California, discusses the future of work and income. He references Jeremy Rifkin’s book “The End of Work” and the idea of decoupling income from productivity. The caller suggests that we might need to establish the right to an income independent of work, sparking a debate about the morality and practicality of earning money without work. Art raises concerns about the implications of such a system on third-world countries, questioning whether it would be morally acceptable to benefit from their labor while offering them only a fraction of the profits.

A caller discusses the idea of earning money through the productivity of capital rather than labor. They debate the moral implications and practicality of this concept, considering how it might impact third-world countries and the global economy.

Art then shifts to discussing various current events. He talks about Harry Wu, a Chinese human rights activist, and the risks he faces if he returns to China. Art also mentions a fire in Long Island, New York, that is proving difficult to control, and the O.J. Simpson trial, highlighting its length and impact.

A particularly poignant story discussed is the mass burial of heat wave victims in Chicago, where 568 people died, and not a single mourner attended the funeral. This leads Art to contemplate the nature of punishment and justice, particularly in the case of a criminal who, after being released as a ‘model prisoner,’ committed more crimes. He invites listeners to consider whether prison conditions are too lenient and if punishments should more directly fit the crimes committed.

Art also talks about the space program and the privatization of space exploration, reflecting on the shift from national to private endeavors in space.

Returning to the lighter side, Art keeps the “alien line” open for extraterrestrial callers. He humorously warns that only genuine aliens should call in.

A caller from Lake Washington shares his experiences with what he believes are aliens disguised as feral felines. He describes observing interactions between these supposed aliens and his domestic cat, noting changes in their behavior over time. Art listens with interest and humor, discussing the dynamics of the cat’s relationships.

Another caller claims to be from a destroyed planet in the solar system Xena. This alien caller explains that they came to Earth to absorb water due to a lack of it on their original planet. The conversation delves into the caller’s backstory, including the destruction of their planet and the dispersion of their people across the galaxy. Art humorously relates this scenario to political differences, comparing it to hypothetical liberal and conservative planets.

Switching topics, a caller named Suzanne from Palm Springs discusses the concept of computers or the internet gaining consciousness. They refer to a series called “VR5” and speculate on what might happen if an artificial intelligence took control. The conversation touches on the potential for a logical, yet possibly dangerous, rule by such an entity, pondering whether it would handle issues like national debt more effectively than humans.

A caller from Palm Springs discusses the Noah’s Ark discovery and the Ark of the Covenant. The conversation explores the potential implications of finding such biblical artifacts, with Art suggesting that the discovery of Noah’s Ark would force skeptics to re-evaluate their beliefs and consider the biblical accounts more seriously.

Another caller brings up the discovery of the Holy Grail by the Knights Templar in Italy. This leads to a discussion about the significance of the Grail and whether it could help resolve global issues. The caller speculates about the potential for deriving power from the Grail, although Art remains skeptical and curious about the truth of the claim.

The conversation shifts when a caller from Erie, Pennsylvania, reports a recent meteorite sighting with a blue-gray streak in the sky. The caller mentions that the meteorite might have landed within a 50-mile radius of Erie, potentially causing a trailer fire in Canada. Art reflects on the frightening prospect of a meteorite striking a residence and the general sense of awe and mystery surrounding such celestial events.

A caller from Erie, Pennsylvania, shares additional information she wanted to discuss. She mentions using dried blood as a gardening tactic to deter animals, a method Art finds impractical for his large property. The caller also describes how she and her coworker secretly listen to Art’s show at work, a hospital, without affecting patient care.

Art then discusses the idea of meteorites and their impact on Earth, responding to a caller who observed meteorites moving horizontally across the sky. He explains that the colors seen in meteorites depend on their chemical composition and warns about the potential dangers of meteorites that change direction or land on Earth.

The conversation shifts to a more serious tone when a caller from California discusses the desire for revenge. They debate the natural human inclination towards revenge and its implications. Art reflects on the complexity of human emotions and the moral questions surrounding the desire for retribution.

A caller named Charlie from California reflects on the nature of justice versus revenge, particularly in response to horrific crimes. They discuss how the pursuit of revenge can become a destructive force, affecting both the individual and society. Charlie also shares his thoughts on the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, speculating that advanced societies might need to develop space travel to escape dying stars.

Art wonders about the authenticity of callers claiming to be aliens, considering the possibility that among the many callers, some might actually be extraterrestrial. He reflects on the vastness of the universe and the likelihood of other intelligent life forms.

The conversation shifts to a discussion about political ideologies. Charlie talks about the value he finds in listening to conservative perspectives, emphasizing the importance of balance between liberal and conservative views. He argues that both ideologies have their merits and that hatred between the groups is unproductive.

A truck driver from Indiana calls in, expressing skepticism about a previous caller who claimed to be an alien truck driver. Art humorously entertains the idea, discussing the mundane aspects of an alien living a typical human life. The caller also shares his thoughts on another regular caller, Steve, suggesting that while Steve is genuine, he is not on a mission like the alleged alien truck driver.

A caller from Indiana, a truck driver, discusses the practicality of drilling into the Earth, commenting on a previous suggestion about drilling from the other side of the planet. The conversation then shifts to the Nazca Lines, with the caller suggesting they might be an alien runway and that the Incas were an alien race.

Another caller claims to be a community monitor, originally from another planet, and shares a story about their ancestors conquering Earth after fleeing their home planet due to a disease that reduced their population. This caller’s story contributes to the ongoing theme of extraterrestrial life and human origins.

A caller from Olympia asks about animals’ ability to sense evil or threatening presences, which Art affirms. He discusses the idea that animals, including domestic pets, may have a more developed sense of detecting danger than humans, possibly due to modern noise and distractions masking these instincts in people.

A caller claiming to be from the planet Vega Six talks about his planet’s similarities to Earth and his experiences with activities like sailing and golfing. He explains interstellar travel through what he calls a “corridor network,” likening it to a magnetic energy corridor in space. Art humorously engages with the caller’s descriptions.

Art then discusses a stargazing experience shared by a listener in Nebraska, who witnessed a spectacular meteor. The listener describes the meteor’s trajectory and the excitement of observing such a celestial event.

The conversation takes a turn to political discussions, with a caller from Omaha expressing disillusionment with both liberals and conservatives. The caller and Art discuss the tendency of political ideologies to become fascist or dictatorial, highlighting the importance of keeping government power in check.

Art also reflects on the leadership styles of various political figures like Newt Gingrich and Bill Clinton, analyzing their approaches and public perceptions. He humorously refers to Clinton as “the monster from our id,” a creation of public desire for certain types of political leaders.

A caller claiming to be a time-traveling tourist from the Pleiades discusses visiting Earth to witness significant disasters. They mention an impending volcanic eruption and an earthquake, adding a cryptic note about these events coinciding with the airing of the alien autopsy movie. The caller also shares their civilization’s solution to social problems through mandatory sterilization, resulting in a crime-free society.

Another caller ponders why, despite numerous entertainment options, many people still complain of boredom. Art agrees, emphasizing that he, too, would find ways to stay engaged and not be bored if he had abundant free time. He suggests that boredom might be more related to individual personality than the availability of activities.

The conversation then shifts to a discussion about the authenticity of a reported meteor hitting a trailer in Ontario, Canada. A caller reports that news channels found no evidence of a meteorite fragment at the site, adding to the mystery.

Art also discusses a news preview of the alien autopsy film, analyzing the clarity and authenticity of the images shown. He speculates about the potential impact of the film’s release on public perception and the likelihood of other networks picking up the story.

A caller from Houston inquires about the seamless construction of UFOs and whether it’s a product of nanotechnology. An alien caller responds, mentioning that their craft landed in Montana and explaining the necessity of a seamless structure for space-time travel.

Another caller, Karen from Houston, asks about “Project Prometheus” during abductions, to which the alien caller is unable to provide an answer. The conversation also touches on cultural differences and challenges faced by extraterrestrials on Earth.

A caller from Las Vegas discusses Art’s attitude towards conspiracies and how it seems to have evolved over time. The caller suggests that Art has become a little tighter in his opinions, though Art believes he has actually become more open and less inclined to immediately embrace conspiracy theories.

The discussion then shifts to a caller from Erie, Pennsylvania, who describes witnessing a brilliant meteor event. The caller, along with several others, observed a pulsating light in the sky that turned into a bright, intense fireball with a long tail. Art engages with this description, noting the excitement and awe such natural phenomena can evoke.

rt then takes a moment to remind listeners about the upcoming broadcast on the Fox network, a special program scheduled for Monday evening at 8:00 PM. He emphasizes the significance of the program but notes that he can’t guarantee its quality. Art encourages listeners to check their local listings for the exact broadcast time, especially in the Rocky Mountain region where the schedule might vary.

Art concludes the show by mentioning his upcoming Sunday program with Norio Hayakawa, who will discuss Area 51. He also reminds listeners about the regular syndicated program returning Monday night.