I think having unscreened calls contributed to the feeling, too. Anyone could call Art and Art would talk to anyone. Now, apparently, the calls are so screened that only pablum-pushing idiots get through. It's horrible.
I've always thought the unscreened calls feature was the best part about the show. And I agree with what's been said -- Coast with Art always has the feel of him talking directly to YOU. His skill as an interviewer is every bit as good as the best in the business -- people like Terry Gross, Dick Cavett and Larry King (in his radio days). It's because he carries on an actual conversation with the guest -- or the caller. He's interested in what they have to say and he asks questions that are incisive and intuitive.
Listen to some of those older programs and listen to him handle the unscreened calls. Yeah, there's the usual share of oddballs, but sometimes those oddballs actually have something interesting to say -- and Bell had this uncanny ability to bring it out of them.
George on the hand, just can't do this. It's why he needs a phalanx of screeners to make sure he gets the lowest common denominator of caller. Rush Limbaugh once said that the reason for his heavy call-screening process is to make sure that the caller that does get on the air will make him look good. Evidently Noory's this way too.
George's main effort is to get to the next break. His interviewing skills are non-existent. Have you noticed that when a followup question is in order, he takes a break and then never returns to the previous topic? He seemingly does zero preparation -- and this was in graphic evidence the other night with Deepak Chopra and Leonard Mlodinow.
It's a damned shame. I'm not usually into these internet message boards, but I really liked Coast at one time. I dig the paranormal, UFOs, magick, ghosts, the juxtaposition of science and spirituality and I like a good yarn, too (Mel's Hole!) -- all that stuff -- it's fascinating. But this fool Noory has ruined what was a great program and I'd like to see him go away. I don't care where he goes, I just want him gone.
