I don't know how many of you saw/heard this in the news, but Casey Kasem (the voice of Mark in BOTP) is at the center of an ugly family feud. Poor guy...can't have any peace... Casey Kasem's Family Feud

That's just terrible! I hope his current wife has a good reason for her actions -- besides being a gold-digging, evil stepmother. (Which makes it even more disgusting since the kids and grandkids aren't interested in his money.)

Wow. It just makes me glad I'm not a celebrity/in a celebrity family. It causes many more tensions, and then your life is subject to this kind of 'publicity'. Ugh.

I wonder if some of his old friends there include the remaining voice cast from BotP?

This is very sad, but before we start villianizing the wife because we empathize with the children, we need to consider one thing: We don't know what Casey wants. There are people who when faced with a debilitating disease like Parkinson's don't want people to see how week or feeble they have become, how the disease affects them. She may be acting on her own thinking that she is preserving his dignity, she may following his intentions, or maybe somewhere in between. Whatever her reasons, I hope she realizes that this will not help him, and that they are shutting out a valuable support network.

My mother had Parkinson's. It does cause depression. But as Ame said, there could be more going on. My mother started to deny her care, which included oxygen. This wasn't at the end of the course of the disease. Sje could still walk on her own if she bothered to use her oxygen. Three of my four siblings and I fought our father about it. To us, he was letting her commit a slow suicide. We ended up calling in the County Welfare. He never forgave us for 'going over his head'. We don't know what Casey's most recent conversations with his kids had been. If they really are being denied access to him, they should get a lawyer in to talk to him about his wishes.

So sad -I didn't know that Casey Kasem has Parkinson's disease. Here's hoping he can have peace with his family soon! For some reason, it also surprises me that he's 81 -a year older than my father. Funny to think that he would have been well into his 40s when he did Mark's voice for Battle of the Planets.

His wife should arrange a phone conversation between him and one or more of the children (English needs a word for adult children) so they can know what's up. Janet Waldo is 89. Ronnie Schell is 81. Alan Young is 91. So they're not rushing around very much.

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter (English needs a word for adult children)

There is off-spring and descendants, but they sound awkward in that situation. However, if you ask any parent, their children are their children no matter how old they are, unless of course they've been disinherited for some reason, but then they are still children just with an additional adjective or two.

It's so hard to believe they are that old. But then again, how old are we? I'd be curious what our age demographics are here.

40 something. Not copping to anything else.

Originally posted by Becky Rock It's so hard to believe they are that old. But then again, how old are we? I'd be curious what our age demographics are here.

I think a lot of us here started out as Battle of the Planets fans, so if we could chart the birth dates of all members registered here, I wouldn't be surprised if it looked something like this:

42...man, I'm old! How did this happen? LB, I'll bet that chart is pretty accurate!

When I was teaching high school students and they'd ask how old I am, I always answered in this riddle: I was born on the 11th anniversary of the day the music died. If they really wanted to know my age that badly they could look it up and do the math.

I've been thinking about it because the big 50 is coming up in a few months. Since I plan to live to 100 at least, I've got lots of time still coming.

What scares me more than my body falling apart, is the possibility of losing the few marbles that I have in my head. I could live easier, happier in a body that doesn't work as long as I can think and read, then I could if I had a fully functioning body with a mind that was gone.

Originally posted by amethyst I could live easier, happier in a body that doesn't work as long as I can think and read, then I could if I had a fully functioning body with a mind that was gone.

I'd rather have both a functioning mind and body. Having a functioning mind trapped in a useless body is an especially nasty form of hell on earth.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst I could live easier, happier in a body that doesn't work as long as I can think and read, then I could if I had a fully functioning body with a mind that was gone.

I'd rather have both a functioning mind and body. Having a functioning mind trapped in a useless body is an especially nasty form of hell on earth.

True, EW, having both is always preferable.

I think staying busy is important, too. People who just lay around aren't using their bodies or their brains. That's one of the things I like about writing. It does keep the mind active. Look at Betty White. I want to be her at that age.

Im 40 as well, people are shocked when I say this. I look and act much younger. one day I hope to be as young as my father (he is 76)

Born 1962.

Are you then, UW, the oldest of us? Our ages so explain why our fics usually are of a more mature nature.

Originally posted by amethyst

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst I could live easier, happier in a body that doesn't work as long as I can think and read, then I could if I had a fully functioning body with a mind that was gone.

I'd rather have both a functioning mind and body. Having a functioning mind trapped in a useless body is an especially nasty form of hell on earth.

True, EW, having both is always preferable.

Since I am already blind in one eye, my biggest health-related fear is that I will go blind. I suppose that's why vision and vision loss plays such a predominant theme in my fics ...

Originally posted by jublke

Originally posted by amethyst

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst I could live easier, happier in a body that doesn't work as long as I can think and read, then I could if I had a fully functioning body with a mind that was gone.

I'd rather have both a functioning mind and body. Having a functioning mind trapped in a useless body is an especially nasty form of hell on earth.

True, EW, having both is always preferable.

Since I am already blind in one eye, my biggest health-related fear is that I will go blind. I suppose that's why vision and vision loss plays such a predominant theme in my fics ...

That makes perfect sense to me, Julie. It also explains why we both give Jason or Mark headaches so much since we both suffer from migraines.

Things seem to have taken a worrisome turn in the Kasem family turmoil.... http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/05/13/casey-kasem-daughter-dad-may-be-on-indian-reservation/9031009/

I'm glad you posted this! I just saw it this morning! So terribly sad...I just don't understand why his wife is acting so crazy. Let the kids see their dad!

I have to admit I've become suspicious -- the first thought that came to mind was that, when Mr. Kasem and his current wife turn up, there will also be a radically different will than the one he'd had drawn up before this dilemma started.

That saw that a few hours ago. How'd they sneak him out of the country? If they really did.

His daughter thinks they're on an Indian reservation. Depending on which one, it could be a very difficult search.

Originally posted by Becky Rock Are you then, UW, the oldest of us? Our ages so explain why our fics usually are of a more mature nature.

Nah - I got that beat by a couple of years... But - true - most of us are of the "first wave" of fans...

It is all very unfortunate. I heard the reports from months ago and saw the latest a couple days ago. All I can do is shake my head and wonder what (other than money) could lead to family problems like this. I was in touch with him for a while and I'm thankful he was able to hear from Battle of the Planets about how much the show meant to him. Like the rest of the voice actors, he didn't realize there was such a big fan base for the show. It surprised him when we got in touch with him about the DVDs and doing the Comic-Con. When they left to go back to LA from the Comic-Con, he said he was really touched at some of the things people said to him. Hopefully things will end up better for both him and his children through this whole mess. As a palate cleanser, here's a picture of Janet, Ronnie and Casey from that Comic-Con appearance in 2002. http://www.battleoftheplanets.info/staffcast.html Jason

Jason -- I'm glad to see you posting! And thank you for the reminder of happier times -- it can be so easy to forget them when this kind of horrible drama's happening.

Hi Jason! Welcome back! I hope he keeps in mind his fans care and that knowing we're out here comforts him.

Jason, I'm very glad to see you back as well! I hope this means that your computer issues are improving! It does (at least, from my distant perspective) seem to be a money issue. There's no other reason for his wife to keep him apart from his kids, particularly with that court order.

Heard this morning that they found him and his wife in Washington state at a house of a friend. The police checked up with them and say he's getting the care he needs, so the police left him there. That's all I know.

His daughter is n the process of getting him returned home, but nobody's said anything beyond that.

http://news.yahoo.com/authorities-casey-kasem-found-washington-state-063737965.html

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Jason, I'm very glad to see you back as well! I hope this means that your computer issues are improving! It does (at least, from my distant perspective) seem to be a money issue. There's no other reason for his wife to keep him apart from his kids, particularly with that court order.

Thanks all for the welcomes back. I'm still having the same computer issues, but if I plan to do everything I want in one sitting, I can get things done. I'm glad to see Casey's been located. I hope all this ends up seeing him continuing to get the care he needs.

Jason so good to see you back as well I hope you are feeling much better! I agree, I was worried about Casey too and hope he is getting the best treatment possible and that things with his family improve. Loved the pic of the trio awesome memories of a simiplier time.

I think I caught this story on Entertainment Tonight the otehr day. It certainly does seem to be in the news. I guess they found him in Washington state with friends and he was in good health.

For those of you who don't know...Casey's daughter Kerri is in charge of his care now, and they are not giving him food or water...just pain meds. Evidently, from what I've read, it is cruel to continue food and water because it causes him pain. It sounds like he may be passing away any time now. Here's a link to a lot of info. on the topic: Casey Kasem News

I totally sympathise with the daughter, a year ago I was in exactly the same position, having to make the same end of life decision for my father, and it is a tough call indeed. But when I saw him in the hospital bed, the smallest sip of water causing him agony, but his insisting on taking one anyway, just so he could talk, and the doctors tell you there is nothing more they can do for him, you really want the pain and suffereing to end as quickly as possible, even if that means saying goodbye forever. my father passed away just two days after I gave consent for him to be placed on what is known here as the Liverpool Care Pathway, so, yes, sadly it seems Casey Kasem hasn't got very long left.

What an awful decision to have to make for a family member.

*hugs* KT :/

Nothing is harder than watching a loved one die. It is sad that this family had to do it with the involvement of the courts and with the public watching. Hopefully everyone has time to say their goodbyes.

I'm sorry to hear that, KT. I can't imagine having to make that decision. I feel badly for Casey as well.

KT// It's illegal for doctors to help terminal patients to end their lives in my country. So many old people are dying in enormous pain or chose suicide. I hope his soul is now resting in peace above heaven....

Thank you all for your kind words. rachel - it is also illegal for doctors to assist in patients deaths here too. What they did in my father's case was withdraw treatment, giving him only pain medication, and keep him as comfortable as possible until he passed away naturally.

RIP Casey Kasem...he passed early fathers day surrounded by his older kids and loved ones

I'm sorry for your loss too KT, I've been in that kind of situation with a loved one and it's not easy

my thoughts are with his family and friends! R.I.P Casey Kasem

KT...so sorry you had to do that...*hugs*

Here's a link to his obituary, if you want to read it: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/06/15/american-top-40-radio-host-casey-kasem/10017207/

Condolences to his loved ones. So very sad, I hope he is at peace now. Thank you for creating such happy childhood memories for myself and so many others.

My condolences to his family. My mother died of complication from Parkinsons, so I know how horrible the disease is. I just hope his wife and kids can now let him rest in peace.

My heart is broken ... Mr. Kasem and his lovely voice have been such a huge part of my life -- indeed, I cannot even recall a time when I dldn't know it. As a small child, Scooby Doo was one of my favorite shows, as was Josie and the Pussycats, Batman and Robin, and many of the others that featured that phenomenal voice. But it was not until Battle of the Planets that I actually became aware of it ... of him ... specifically, and began to listen for him. And at that time, I was lucky, because he was everywhere ... TV commercial voiceovers, cartoons, and then I found his shows on radio and television. I can still recall the very first time I had ever seen what he really looked like and, at first, if I closed my eyes, I would see Mark instead him when he spoke! Years later, I had the great fortune to meet him once and I can honestly say that Mr. Kasem was a genuinely kind, gracious man and I will forever remember him in my heart and I will miss him greatly. I remember in an interview once, the interviewer asked Mr. Kasem what would be engraved on his tombstone, and he jokingly replied, "He needed the rest." I hope you can rest easy now, Casey, and are among those stars you always spoke of. "Keep your feet on the ground ... and keep reaching for the stars." -- Casey Kasem, at the end of each and every show

I found a much more fitting tribute to him than what I had posted earlier. http://enews.earthlink.net/article/top?guid=20140615/c3d4c76e-e1c6-4cd1-957f-f88b72082193

I didn't find out that Casey Kasem was the voice of Mark until much, much later -- it wasn't mentioned in the TV guide when I watched BoTP as a kid in Greece. However, my sister and me would listen avidly to Kasem on the radio station that broadcast from the american bases in Greece (it was the Cold War...), and they had America's Top 40. Funny, I had forgotten this until I read your tributes here. RIP Casey, one of the voices of my childhood.