Sunday, 22 June 2014

Best travel songs of all time






Back when the Grateful Dead recorded their immortal ballad of the blacktop, "Truckin'" defined a state of mind far more than it did the actual act of riding in a truck.Back when the Grateful Dead recorded their immortal ballad of the blacktop, "Truckin'" defined a state of mind far more than it did the actual act of riding in a truck.

Fueled by the CB radio lingo of the day -- "10-4," "Good buddy," "Breaker 1-9" -- C.W. McCall's ode to outrunning smokeys resonates with "Convoy" fans to this day.Fueled by the CB radio lingo of the day -- "10-4," "Good buddy," "Breaker 1-9" -- C.W. McCall's ode to outrunning smokeys resonates with "Convoy" fans to this day.

Was lead-footed rocker and Ferrari owner Sammy Hagar celebrating travel? Or merely challenging the authority of a paternalistic government? Either way, readers demanded "I Can't Drive 55" make the list of top travel tunes.Was lead-footed rocker and Ferrari owner Sammy Hagar celebrating travel? Or merely challenging the authority of a paternalistic government? Either way, readers demanded "I Can't Drive 55" make the list of top travel tunes.

Aficionados of big rigs and power flutes, ever-versatile Canned Heat memorably lit up the crowd at Woodstock in 1969 with "Going Up the Country."Aficionados of big rigs and power flutes, ever-versatile Canned Heat memorably lit up the crowd at Woodstock in 1969 with "Going Up the Country."


Reader Eric summed up the passionate support for Lindsay Buckingham's theme from National Lampoon's "Vacation" movies: "'Holiday Road' by Lindsey Buckingham is #1." Well, #11 according to his fellow readers, but still pretty good.

Reader Eric summed up the passionate support for Lindsay Buckingham's theme from National Lampoon's "Vacation" movies: "'Holiday Road' by Lindsey Buckingham is #1." Well, #11 according to his fellow readers, but still pretty good.

Readers suggested various versions of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee," but most cited Janis Joplin's 1971 version as the one they like best.Readers suggested various versions of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee," but most cited Janis Joplin's 1971 version as the one they like best.

Bob Seger first recorded "Turn the Page" as a solo artist, but the 1976 live version with the Silver Bullet Band (Seger in front, pictured in 1977) is the classic rock radio staple. Bob Seger first recorded "Turn the Page" as a solo artist, but the 1976 live version with the Silver Bullet Band (Seger in front, pictured in 1977) is the classic rock radio staple.

Out standing in their field, the Allman Brothers Band's "Ramblin' Man" includes a line about being born in the back seat of Greyhound Bus and one of the most memorable guitar solos in rock history.Out standing in their field, the Allman Brothers Band's "Ramblin' Man" includes a line about being born in the back seat of Greyhound Bus and one of the most memorable guitar solos in rock history.

Wanderlust and a near-empty gas tank (apparently) inspired Jackson Browne to write "Running on Empty," one of the greatest travel songs ever ... even if we didn't originally say so. Wanderlust and a near-empty gas tank (apparently) inspired Jackson Browne to write "Running on Empty," one of the greatest travel songs ever ... even if we didn't originally say so.

Ricky Nelson hooked up with a "pretty Senorita" in Mexico, a "cute little Eskimo" in Alaska, a "sweet Fraulein" in Berlin and a "China doll down in old Hong Kong." Or so he sang in "Travelin' Man."Ricky Nelson hooked up with a "pretty Senorita" in Mexico, a "cute little Eskimo" in Alaska, a "sweet Fraulein" in Berlin and a "China doll down in old Hong Kong." Or so he sang in "Travelin' Man."

An ode to American train culture written by Steve Goodman in 1971, "City of New Orleans" has been recorded by many artists, but Arlo Guthrie (pictured) had the signature hit with it in 1972. An ode to American train culture written by Steve Goodman in 1971, "City of New Orleans" has been recorded by many artists, but Arlo Guthrie (pictured) had the signature hit with it in 1972.

Golden Earring (pictured in 2014) is still on the road playing that not so forgotten song. Reader whymilikethis wrote: "'Radar Love' -- I get speeding tickets listening to that one. My favorite drivin' tune."Golden Earring (pictured in 2014) is still on the road playing that not so forgotten song. Reader whymilikethis wrote: "'Radar Love' -- I get speeding tickets listening to that one. My favorite drivin' tune."

Canadian Hank Snow had a 1962 hit with "I've Been Everywhere" (written by Australian Geoff Mack in 1959), but Johnny Cash's 1996 version is the one most cited by CNN readers. By the time he recorded it, Cash (with Emmylou Harris and June Carter) had been pretty much everywhere himself.Canadian Hank Snow had a 1962 hit with "I've Been Everywhere" (written by Australian Geoff Mack in 1959), but Johnny Cash's 1996 version is the one most cited by CNN readers. By the time he recorded it, Cash (with Emmylou Harris and June Carter) had been pretty much everywhere himself.

The places named by Bobby Troup and sung by Nat King Cole in "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" are familiar even to those who haven't made the journey. The places named by Bobby Troup and sung by Nat King Cole in "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" are familiar even to those who haven't made the journey.

No song left off our original list inspired as much outcry as Tom Cochrane's "Life is a Highway." We deserve to have our passports shredded for leaving this one off the list.No song left off our original list inspired as much outcry as Tom Cochrane's "Life is a Highway." We deserve to have our passports shredded for leaving this one off the list.








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  • We chose our favorite travel songs. Our readers scoffed. And came up with a new list

  • "Me and Bobby McGee" is much-covered, but most readers prefer Janis Joplin's version

  • "I've Been Everywhere" was written by Australian country musician Geoff Mack in 1959

  • Bob Seger had a number of songs nominated by readers -- only one made the top 15 list




(CNN) -- Once in while, the CNN Travel braintrust blows it -- make that all the time if you happen to be @cnnalwaysblowsit47.


Such was the case last year when we published our updated list of the greatest travel songs ever recorded.


Sure, we included a few unassailable classics about life on the travel trail.


Even @cnnisamoron231 couldn't rage against our inclusion of Willie Nelson's all-time sing-a-long "On the Road Again."


But we have to admit, once in a while, @iloathecnn and @cnntroll99 have valid points to make.


How exactly did we miss such obvious wanderlust ditties as the Allman Brothers Bands' "Ramblin' Man" and Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee"?


MORE: Adorable kid, exotic Bolivia star in magical travel video


These and more than 150 other musical oversights (as suggested by readers) marred what we naively assumed was a list sure to get readers humming tunes and tapping their toes -- not calling for our jobs and swinging their air guitars like Game of Thrones truncheons.


Good thing defenders of never-faltering good taste and intellectual omniscience (thank you, @cnnyoushouldbeashamed) are around the make sure no misstep goes un-roasted.


Below are the best travel songs our readers couldn't believe we missed the first time around -- frankly, neither can we.


Click here for our original list of best travel songs ever -- which, to be fair, does include Simon and Garfunkel and the Hoodoo Gurus. We didn't miss all the biggies.




Grateful Dead: Together, more or less in line.

Grateful Dead: Together, more or less in line.



15. "Truckin'" (Grateful Dead, 1970)


Back when the San Francisco herbadours recorded their immortal ballad of the blacktop, "Truckin'" defined a state of mind far more than it did the actual act of riding in a truck.


Perhaps that's why the Grateful Dead's terminally relaxed supporters didn't bother caterwauling in our comments section about long strange trips and mellowing slow.


Most simply left a single word of wisdom: "Truckin'."


14. "Convoy (C.W. McCall, 1975)


It's hard to imagine now, but for a flicker in time, no one in the world was as hip as America's red-blooded and red-eyed long-haul truckers.


Fueled by the CB radio lingo of the day -- "That's a big 10-4," "Good buddy," "Breaker 1-9," "Put the hammer down," they're all here! -- C.W. McCall's ode to outrunning smokies and teaming up with 11 long-haired friends of Jesus in a chartreuse Microbus resonates to this day.


Deanna J. Dragonus wasn't the only reader to chastise us for neglecting traveling professionals, but she did it with the no-nonsense aplomb of a truck stop waitress when she wrote: "Apparently, CNN didn't bother to ask the people that travel for a living for input otherwise there would be song (sic) such as C.W. McCall's 'Convoy.'"


Reader Popeboof chimed in from down the counter: "Hell ya Convoy!!!!"


MORE: Best places in U.S. to escape civilization




Sammy Hagar: Let\'s hope that\'s not a cop in the rear view mirror.

Sammy Hagar: Let's hope that's not a cop in the rear view mirror.



13. "I Can't Drive 55" (Sammy Hagar, 1984)


From Long Island to Los Angeles, howls of indignation echoed across the country when the U.S. government decreed a nationwide federal speed limit of 55 molasses-like miles per hour on the nation's interstates.*


No one howled quite like lead-footed California rocker and Ferrari owner Sammy Hagar.


His populist challenge to the authority of a paternalistic central government remains an all-time classic.


Reader Marisofhm summed up the feelings of many by dubbing our original story a "lame list" without the inclusion of the Red Rocker's high-octane hit.


*The U.S. government passed the National Maximum Speed Law in 1974, making 55 mph the top speed on all interstate roads. In 1995, federal speed limit controls were officially removed with the passage of the National Highway Designation Act, largely leaving the matter of speed limits up to individual states.


MORE: 10 things Mexico does better than anywhere else


12. "Going Up the Country" (Canned Heat, 1968)


MoDef wanted to know: "What about the Canned Heat??????"


That wasn't the only call for this chooglin' blues-rock number that deploys a power flute, promises a trip that "might even leave the U.S.A." and memorably lit up the crowd at Woodstock in 1969.


That's a travel-song resume for the ages.


11. "Holiday Road" (Lindsay Buckingham, 1983)


Widespread support for the theme from National Lampoon's "Vacation" movies took us by surprise.


We're big Lindsay Buckingham fans, but we'd deemed this one a little too lightweight for our original list.


Along with a number of others, reader Eric passionately disagreed: "'Holiday Road' by Lindsey Buckingham is #1."


But pspdude summed up the Buckingham Bridgade's beef best: "The road anthem of all time, 'Holiday Road' by Lindsay Buckingham. CNN, what were you thinking to leave (this) out?"




Janis with music impresario Clive Davis, not Bobby McGee.

Janis with music impresario Clive Davis, not Bobby McGee.



10. "Me and Bobby McGee" (Janis Joplin, 1971)


Reader pepina questioned our travel bona fides when lambasting the absence of this undisputed travel masterpiece from our original article: "Guess the writer has never been 'busted flat in Baton Rouge ... waiting for a train.'"


That's true enough, pepina, but various members of the CNN Travel staff have been busted flat in such places as Bangkok, Melbourne and Blythe, California.


Enough, it goes without saying, to admit we should have known to include this one in our original story.


Readers suggested various versions of Kris Kristofferson's drifter fable originally recorded by Roger Miller in 1969.


Wes Scott called the Grateful Dead's take the "best version of that song I EVER heard, and I LOVE Janis!"


But most cited Janis Joplin's 1971 version as the one they like best.


MORE: 7 extreme places to visit in the United States


9. "Turn the Page" (Bob Seger, 1973)


Perhaps representing the roots rocker's mature and tolerant fan base, reader Mark was among many who lobbied in genial fashion for the inclusion of this world-weary tour bus ballad.


"Ease up people everyone's list is different," wrote Mark. "'Turn the Page' by Bob Seger would've been on my list but I'm not gonna bash (writer Barry Neild) because it's not on his."


Several other Seger songs garnered mentions from readers, including "Roll Me Away," "Travelin' Man" and "Against the Wind."




The Allman Brothers Band: Let\'s get ready to ramble.

The Allman Brothers Band: Let's get ready to ramble.



8. "Ramblin' Man" (The Allman Brothers Band, 1973)


Reader Kokapelye was driven to multiple exclamation points (actually a pretty common reaction) by the omission of this Southern rock tour de force: "What?! No Allman Brothers!! One of my road tapes is almost all Allmans."


We'll agree that any song that includes a line about being born in the back seat of Greyhound Bus, as well as one of the most memorable guitar solos in rock history (by Dickey Betts), deserved a place our original list.


We'll also agree that anyone who has a cassette player in their car is probably driving something way cooler than we are.


7. "Running on Empty" (Jackson Browne, 1977)


Micah Burns wrote: "'Radar Love' and 'Runnin' On Empty' ... are better than half the songs on this list."


Micah should be happy -- both picks were echoed often enough by others to make the readers' top picks list.


Driver of the magical cassette-rockin' car Kokapelye chimed in with an interesting if dubious claim: "Ooh yeah! 'Runnin' on Empty!' I actually get better mileage from the bottom of my tank by humming that song!"


MORE: Cheeky signs keep drivers focused on tricky Alaska road


6. "Travelin' Man" (Ricky Nelson, 1961)


Thomas McCraw wrote: "I am in my 50's and only recognize about 6 of these songs ... Where did they come up with this list of obscure songs? Surprised they did not have 'Traveling Man' by Ricky Nelson."


Smitty echoed the sentiment: "What no mention of Ricky Nelson's 'Traveling Man'?"


It's true, of course, that there are at least five or 10 benighted music fans under the age of 35 don't know who Ricky Nelson is.


Perhaps his high ranking here will help rectify the troubling musical vacuity of today's youth.


5. "City of New Orleans" (Arlo Guthrie, 1972)


Reader Neibo Eneri wrote: "I can't believe you left out 'City of New Orleans' by Arlo Guthrie."


Only a handful of songs were more popular among readers than this ode to American train culture originally penned and recorded by folk troubadour Steve Goodman in 1971.


"City of New Orelans" has been performed by a number of artists, including Johnny Cash, John Denver and Willie Nelson, but Arlo Guthrie had the signature hit with it in 1972.


Noting the song's numerous iterations, SteveK77536 wrote: "Not bad, I hope Goodman got some money for all that."


MORE: Train trip around the world in 53 days offered




Golden Earring in 2014: Turns out that song\'s not so forgotten after all.

Golden Earring in 2014: Turns out that song's not so forgotten after all.



4. "Radar Love" (Golden Earring, 1973)


Reader chuck d opined fiercely: "What, no 'Radar Love' ?????? flawed list my friend."


Is that the Chuck D?


We doubt it, but much respect anyway, both from CNN and a number of readers whose road trips apparently aren't the same without this ESP booty call psalm from the driving Dutchmen of Golden Earring.


Reader whymilikethis reported a disconcerting connection with the song: "'Radar Love' -- I get speeding tickets listening to that one. My favorite drivin' tune."


3. "I've Been Everywhere" (Johnny Cash, 1996)


After scanning our list, Ron Bolin wanted to know: "Where is Hank Snow's 'I've Been Everywhere'?"


Idbrandel piped in: "Ron Bolin's vote for 'I've Been Everywhere' is a good call, though more people probably know Johnny Cash's version."


Jeff said: "LAME list. Forgot Johnny Cash -- 'I've Been Everywhere.'"


We're not sure that missing one song renders an entire list LAME, but we get your point, Jeff.


Ron Bolin and Idbrandel are also each right, though not quite complete.


Canadian country warbler Hank Snow took this rhythmic road riff to number one on the U.S. country chart in 1962.


But the Man in Black's 1996 version, produced by Rick Rubin, is the one most often heard today and the one most often cited by CNN readers.


However, the song was written by Australian musician Geoff Mack in 1959.


The original lyrics included a rundown of Aussie towns such as "Strathpine, Proserpine, Ulladulla, Darwin, Gin Gin, Deniliquin, Muckadilla, Wallumbilla, Boggabilla, Kumbarilla."


The lyrics were later adapted to name check American towns.


MORE: 10 amazing Australian hikes




By the time of this 1951 performance, Nat King Cole had put plenty of miles on \

By the time of this 1951 performance, Nat King Cole had put plenty of miles on "Route 66."



2. "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" (Nat King Cole, 1946)


Reader Littleredtop nearly blew a head gasket when he came across our original list of greatest travel songs ever: "(Writer) Barry Neild* must either be twelve years old or the most poorly informed music critic ever. He has completely overlooked the greatest travel song of all time -- Nat King Cole's rendition of 'Route 66.' This isn't just my opinion as hundreds of millions of people all across the globe will agree."


Many (though not quite hundreds of millions) did indeed agree.


SDM113: "Was shocked that neither 'Kokomo' nor 'Route 66' made this list."


Guest: "2 words, my friends. 'Route 66.' Get your kicks."


Kokapelye: "Other than Nat King Cole's original, Asleep at the Wheel has performed a great cover."


STSEndeavour: "'Route 66' by Depeche Mode (or anybody for that matter)."


*Little Barry Neild actually turns 11 this year. He's recently been introduced to the Rolling Stones and is currently in the process of recovering his self-esteem.


1. "Life is a Highway" (Tom Cochrane, 1991)


No song left off our original list inspired as much outcry as this rousing run through destinations from Mozambique to Memphis.


Greg Breault wrote: "list is invalid without 'Life Is A Highway.'"


Brad Johnson: "Life is a highway needs to be on here!"


Nikki Nik: "You left out 'Life is a Highway' by Rascal Flatts."


Stephen Haladay: "Tom Cochrane: 'Life is a Highway.' Come on CNN!"


Quite right on all counts -- we deserve to have our passports confiscated by surly border guards for leaving this one off the list.


Also, we like Rascal Flatts' twanged-up version almost as much as the original.


What we're not certain about is the whiff of anti-Canadian sentiment that colored some responses.


Alex1234 wrote: "What about 'Life is a Highway' by Tom Cochrane. Oh. He's Canadian."


Stumping for the Cochrane, Marty wrote: "Already disqualified because of Canadian citizenship. Hey, no one said life was fair!"


Hey, we've got nothing against Canadian anything -- some of our best editors are Canadian -- as the links below attest:


MORE: How to pretend you're Canadian when you travel


MORE: 10 things Canada does better than anywhere else


The fact is, we could build a whole top 10 list of greatest travel songs ever solely with songs by Canadian artists.


In addition to "Life is a Highway" and "I've Been Everywhere" there's BTO's "Roll On Down the Highway," Gordon Lightfoot's "Carefree Highway," Rush's "Fly By Night," and ... um ... then there's ... uh ... help us out here, people!


Honorable Mention (songs that received multiple nominations from readers): "Country Roads" (John Denver), "Highway Song" (Blackfoot), "Highway Star" (Deep Purple), "Hot Rod Lincoln" (Commander Cody), "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" (The Proclaimers), "Jet Airliner" (Paul Pena/Steve Miller Band), "King of the Road" (Roger Miller), "Magic Carpet Ride" (Steppenwolf), "Midnight Train to Georgia" (Gladys Knight & the Pips), "Roll On Down the Highway" (Bachman-Turner Overdrive), "Southern Cross" (Crosby, Stills and Nash), "Take It Easy" (Eagles).


Still some great travel songs we've missed? Drop a title (critique of our musical knowledge, travel experience and fitness for journalistic duty optional) in the comments.



Craigslist ad: 'My kids suck'




"They begged. They pleaded. They told me how they'd use it EVERY day." This is why I have a dog.






  • Scott Maney of Wellesley, Massachusetts, advertised a trampoline on Craigslist

  • Maney's writeup poked fun at his kids and went viral

  • His trampoline sold in less than 24 hours




Editor's note: Each week in "Apparently This Matters," CNN's Jarrett Bellini applies his warped sensibilities to trending topics in social media and random items of interest on the Web.


(CNN) -- There are two good reasons to own a giant trampoline.


The first is for bouncing super-duper high to spy on your weirdo neighbors, what with the constant sound of all that slapping leather.


And the second reason is because you're fearlessly young and enjoy the occasional compound fracture.


You know how kids are.


"I'll show you my tibia if you show me yours."




\

"Apparently This Matters" Is Jarrett Bellini's weekly (and somewhat random) look at social-media trends.



But the pleasures that come from owning your own spring-loaded backyard injury machine only last a short time. Roughly about an hour. Maybe longer if you use it without pants.


But then it just becomes this thing that sits in the sun and collects leaves.


Which is exactly what happened for Scott Maney of Wellesley, Massachusetts.


So Maney finally decided to sell his trampoline on Craigslist, and in the process, used it as a beautiful opportunity to crap all over his wonderful kids.


Naturally, the Internet loved it.


His June 8 Craigslist headline reads "My Kids Suck" and the ad begins like this:



"They begged. They pleaded. They told me how they'd use it EVERY day. How our house would become THE place to hang out. We had a hot tub. And a basketball court. And a fire pit. And a hammock. But if we had THIS, well, we'd be rock stars."


Here, Maney was referring to his three aforementioned wonderful kids -- his Irish triplets -- who are now 18, 16, and 14.


He bought the trampoline two years ago for them, sort of as an apology after his family relocated to Wellesley from Chicago. The kids weren't happy, and he tried to make it up to them.


Maney explains this in the ad:


"Plus since I "messed up their lives" by moving them here in middle school, I owed them at least this much. God, dad."


So, it seemed like a good idea.


Besides, in the outdoor space which would eventually become the trampoline's quiet home of sadness and neglect, the previous homeowners had left behind a play set.


"The kids were too old for that already, and the dog kept pooping in the sand box," Maney told me. "I knew it had to go."


The ad continues:


"So I caved. And I bought it. And I built it. And that first night they jumped."




Faintly bouncing \'round the spring-loaded backyard injury machine.

Faintly bouncing 'round the spring-loaded backyard injury machine.



THEY jumped. Maney, in fact, did not.


"Are you nuts? You know how dangerous those things are? That's got torn ACL written all over it."


Next, the ad gets rather sad and sentimental. He wrote:


"Then I watched from my window as the summer turned to fall and the fall turned to winter and the flurries came down and the snowmen went up and the rain came down and the flowers came up and spring turned to summer and I watched even still from the window, waiting, just waiting, for someone, anyone, to use that damn trampoline even once more. Oh, please, please, just once."


At which point Maney's brief poetic aside comes to an abrupt stop:


"My kids suck."


Maney drove this point home, telling me that he wasn't even sure if any of his kids had been on the trampoline in over a year. Maybe just him when he swept off the leaves to take pictures for the ad.


Which concludes:


"So after two years of sitting in my window staring out like a creepy old neighbor, I am selling it to make room for gardenias or tomato plants or a stockade jail to house three grumpy teenagers. Haven't decided yet."


The trampoline sold in less than 24 hours.




To avoid future situations like this, try poking around the official Reddit support group for being r/childfree.

To avoid future situations like this, try poking around the official Reddit support group for being r/childfree.



Which, of course, was great.


But the reactions he got online were ever better.


Maney says he received about 100 e-mails from people who enjoyed his trampoline ad, and about 20 more from people who actually wanted to buy it.


His ad was on online hit.


"I've worked in the advertising business for 20-plus years and never had a piece of content go truly viral," he said. "I write one Craigslist ad..."


Now he's had a taste. And it feels good.


In fact, Maney's thinking of seeing if lightning can strike twice.


"I'm scouring the house looking for that French horn. My Kids Suck, Part 2."


Follow @JarrettBellini on Twitter.


See more content with questionable news value at CNN Comedy.



White slaves freed as police smash prostitution ring


IN a joint operation with the Romanian police, National Police in Almeria have freed five women who were being forced to prostitute themselves.


The victims were enticed with false promises and lies about finding a good, well paid job in Spain and, once here, they were forced into total isolation in their homes and then sexually exploited.


The investigations began when one of the women made an official complaint at a police station in Almeria in which she stated that since she was a minor she had been forced to prostitute herself for a group of Romanians. The young woman had been captured in Romania and transported to Almeria by the gang. If she ever refused to comply with their orders they would threaten her and her family as well as ill treating her both physically and mentally.


Initial investigations revealed the identity of several members of the gang, their MO, how they selected their victims for sale - all the women were young, poor and uneducated Romanians.


Their MO was to select a young woman and make her promises of a “new life” in Spain with a good job. Once here they were subjected to constant threats, lived in isolation from each other so they had nobody to confide in, and were told that, as they could not find work for them the women would have to pay their debt, incurred during their transport to this country, by prostituting themselves in the many clubs and brothels of El Ejido.


Several of the women who were interviewed in the course of the investigation explained that they were frequently moved around and “sold” on to other clubs and other gangs, always Romanian.


So far six men, all Romanian, have been arrested, the joint operation continues and a police spokesperson has commented that there may soon be more arrests but that all the leaders of the gang had already been caught.



Kasem offers lesson on end-of-life care






Casey Kasem, who entertained radio listeners for almost four decades as the host of countdown shows such as "American Top 40" and "Casey's Top 40," died early Sunday, June 15, according to a Facebook post from his daughter Kerri Kasem.Casey Kasem, who entertained radio listeners for almost four decades as the host of countdown shows such as "American Top 40" and "Casey's Top 40," died early Sunday, June 15, according to a Facebook post from his daughter Kerri Kasem.

Kasem, the legendary DJ, host and voice-over talent, was born in Detroit and got his start at Michigan radio stations. Here he is in the DJ booth at Detroit's WJBK in 1957.Kasem, the legendary DJ, host and voice-over talent, was born in Detroit and got his start at Michigan radio stations. Here he is in the DJ booth at Detroit's WJBK in 1957.

Kasem moved to the West Coast in the early '60s. He hosted the KTLA music show "Shebang!" in Los Angeles in 1965.Kasem moved to the West Coast in the early '60s. He hosted the KTLA music show "Shebang!" in Los Angeles in 1965.

Kasem was also an actor, though his films weren't necessarily Oscar material. In 1971, he starred in "The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant" with Berry Kroeger, left, and Bruce Dern. Kasem was also an actor, though his films weren't necessarily Oscar material. In 1971, he starred in "The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant" with Berry Kroeger, left, and Bruce Dern.

He made occasional TV guest appearances as well. "The Mystery of the Hollywood Phantom," an episode of "The Hardy Boys Mysteries" in which Kasem affected a Columbo-like persona, also starred Pamela Sue Martin (as Nancy Drew) and Parker Stevenson (as Frank Hardy).He made occasional TV guest appearances as well. "The Mystery of the Hollywood Phantom," an episode of "The Hardy Boys Mysteries" in which Kasem affected a Columbo-like persona, also starred Pamela Sue Martin (as Nancy Drew) and Parker Stevenson (as Frank Hardy).

Kasem married Jean Thompson in 1980. Kasem married Jean Thompson in 1980.

Casey and Jean Kasem attend the 21st Annual International Broadcasting Awards in Century City, California, in 1981.Casey and Jean Kasem attend the 21st Annual International Broadcasting Awards in Century City, California, in 1981.

Casey and Jean Kasem are shown with children Kerri Kasem, Michael Kasem and Julie Kasem at the Lebanon-Syrian American Society of Greater Los Angeles Man of the Year Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985. The children are all from Casey Kasem's first marriage, to Linda Myers.Casey and Jean Kasem are shown with children Kerri Kasem, Michael Kasem and Julie Kasem at the Lebanon-Syrian American Society of Greater Los Angeles Man of the Year Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985. The children are all from Casey Kasem's first marriage, to Linda Myers.

Casey and Jean Kasem were frequent participants in the Hollywood social circuit. Here, they attend the Stars 'N Hearts Benefit Fund-raiser for Animals in 1982.Casey and Jean Kasem were frequent participants in the Hollywood social circuit. Here, they attend the Stars 'N Hearts Benefit Fund-raiser for Animals in 1982.

Kasem was an in-demand voice-over artist. He's probably best known for supplying the voice of Shaggy in the "Scooby-Doo" cartoon series. Kasem was an in-demand voice-over artist. He's probably best known for supplying the voice of Shaggy in the "Scooby-Doo" cartoon series.

Kasem hosted a number of countdown shows, including "American Top 40," "Casey's Top 40" and "America's Top 10." He handed off "AT40" to Ryan Seacrest in 2004.Kasem hosted a number of countdown shows, including "American Top 40," "Casey's Top 40" and "America's Top 10." He handed off "AT40" to Ryan Seacrest in 2004.

Casey and Jean Kasem ride in the 2007 Hollywood's Santa Parade in Hollywood, California, on November 25, 2007.Casey and Jean Kasem ride in the 2007 Hollywood's Santa Parade in Hollywood, California, on November 25, 2007.

Even after leaving his long-running radio shows, Kasem stayed active. He attended Fred Segal's birthday charity event and auction at a private residence in Malibu, California, on August 29, 2009.Even after leaving his long-running radio shows, Kasem stayed active. He attended Fred Segal's birthday charity event and auction at a private residence in Malibu, California, on August 29, 2009.








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  • Millions of Americans face difficult decisions at the end of a loved one's life

  • Casey Kasem had Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder

  • Baby boomers are turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day




(CNN) -- This weekend, Casey Kasem's family will gather at a private memorial service to honor the legendary radio host, who died on Father's Day at age 82.


"The world will miss Casey Kasem, an incredible talent and humanitarian," his children Kerri, Mike, and Julie Kasem said in a statement. "We will miss our dad."


Kasem dominated the radio world from 1970 until his retirement in 2009 and leaves a powerful legacy. Yet at the end of his life, Kasem's name dominated headlines for a different reason: a bitter legal battle as his family debated the best health care for the ailing radio host. A rift that dated back years between his wife, Jean, and children from his first marriage deepened as Kasem's health deteriorated.


Kasem was incorrectly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2007, a diagnosis that was later changed to a progressive brain disorder called Lewy body dementia.


Lewy body dementia is the most misdiagnosed form of dementia, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Like Alzheimer's, confusion and memory loss are present, but visual hallucinations, severe sleep disruptions, fluctuating alertness and problems with movement are also symptoms.


As Kasem lived out his final days, the family feuded over the best care options for him. Kasem's children said they were complying with their father's wishes to die comfortably and peacefully surrounded by family and friends, while his wife claimed they were ceding care and prematurely ending Kasem's life.


Casey Kasem's family feud


"My husband's a fighter! He's an American treasure. He would have never, ever wanted this," Jean Kasem tearfully exclaimed to CNN shortly before Kasem's death.


The family battle over Kasem's end-of-life care was magnified by the media. Yet the story of families facing difficult decisions at the end of a loved one's life is one that millions of Americans can relate to.


"If you take away the fact that he has a net worth of $80 million, he represents a case that is a very typical," said Ira Wiesner, an elder law attorney based in Sarasota, Florida. "I think we're going to see more of these cases hit the limelight at all levels."


Baby boomers are turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day, according to the Pew Research Center, a trend that's expected to continue for the next 16 years. People 65 and older are expected to make up 20% of the total U.S. population by 2050, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse.


"We're in the midst of a longevity revolution," said Ellen Goodman, co-founder and director of The Conversation Project. "We now live 30 years longer than we did 100 years ago. Sixty is not the new 50; 60 is the caregiver of the 85 year old."


Eighty-five-year-olds today are driving, playing tennis and going to book clubs. Yet extended life spans require resources, and the responsibility of caring for loved ones with dementia or diminishing physical capabilities can weigh on families -- emotionally and financially.


Overwhelming burden, cost of Alzheimer's to triple


"We have to make decisions about how we want to end our lives," Goodman said. "Do it early. It's always too soon until it's too late. Don't wait for a diagnosis; don't wait for until someone is in the ER."


It's important for seniors to designate a health care agent, also known as a proxy or surrogate, to speak on their behalf when they become ill or cognitively impaired. While a spouse or child may seem like the obvious choice, sometimes a health care agent more removed from the situation is emotionally better suited for making tough choices.


It's essential that the proxy have a strong backbone and be willing to fight for the elderly person's wishes.


"I see it all the time, the edginess that occurs when somebody starts becoming incapacitated," Wiesner said. "Issues of power come to the forefront, internal struggles between family members rise to the top, and it all explodes."


Seniors should write down specific instructions about their end-of-life care and identify the designated health care agent in a document called a durable power of attorney for health care. The written record ultimately becomes a gift to family members, since it eliminates the guessing game.


It's also important for you to be aware of your state's medical laws. Many states have a pecking order for designating a health care agent: spouse, children, parents, then siblings. However, some go by different rules; for instance, Wisconsin will not let anyone step in to make decisions if a health care agent isn't designated, while West Virginia allows the patient's tending physician to determine who will be the best decision-maker.


"I've never heard anybody say, 'I want to end my life with a feeding tube and on a respirator or ventilator,' but that's what happens to a lot of people if they haven't expressed their wishes, given the medical system," Goodman said.


Dying: What no one wants to talk about


Beyond medicine, it's essential to also think about other care decisions, such as whether you would prefer hospice care or to be moved back home for your final days. The most imperative thing for families to remember, Goodman says, is that even if there are varying religious views amongst family members, the specific wishes of the ailing elderly individual must be respected.


"A lot of families can relate to the chaos and confusion. When you don't hear the voice of the person you love in your ear, you always doubt whether you've done the right thing," Goodman said.


The Conversation Project seeks to eliminate the stigma surrounding conversations about death and encourage families to have early discussions about end-of-life decisions. A recent survey by The Conversation Project indicated that 90% of seniors thought it was important to plan their end-of-life decisions, but only 30% of those people actually had open discussions about facing death.


"Too many people are not dying in ways they choose; too many are experiencing hard deaths," Goodman said. "The difference between a good death or a hard death is whether they had sat down at kitchen table, talked about values and talked about how they wanted to live at end of life."


"Casey Kasem is a celebrity, but this is an everyday American story."


Opinion: Give patients end-of-life options


Common end-of-life medical terms


CNN's Jacque Wilson contributed to this story.



Fugitive French rapist at large despite electronic tag


SPANISH police officers traced a rapist who fled France by tracking his electronic tag to Madrid.


But Jean Luc Moindrot remain at large despite the device supposedly being able to pinpoint his location precisely.


The 48-year-old Frenchman was sentenced to nine years in prison in 1991 for sexual assault.


In 2001 he was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for raping three different women. However, he was released in December 2013 after his sentence was reduced.


A French judge had sentenced him to wearing an electronic bracelet. The bracelet was fitted with a geolocation device which gives out a constant signal allowing law enforcement to know where he is at all times. But the signal was lost on June 12.


The French police suspected he had left the country, but did not know his exact whereabouts.


It seems two Spanish students saw him in Madrid prowling university bathrooms and alerted the police after identifying him.


Spanish police officers were able to track him the following day. The signal from the tracking device he wears indicates he had been at the Atenas Park in Madrid. Spanish police think he may still be in the country.


He drives a grey Opel Vectra, licence plate number CZ-257-V.


Geolocation is a groundbreaking technology which provides the exact location of a device in real time. It is based on geographical coordinates and measurements.


It works thanks to a built-in GPS found in the tracking device that basically propagates its latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. These are then identified on a map to give an address that may include country, city, building name and oftentimes even the street address.


Most parolees are required by law to wear a tracking device that records their movements 24 hours a day. Police officers can access their tracking information from a computer or a laptop and can even know how fast the parolee is driving.


Furthermore, the unit is designed to broadcast an alert if someone tampers with it or if the parolee tries to take it off.



Banderas moving back to Malaga after Griffith split


AFTER his split with wife of 18 years Melanie Griffith, it seems that actor Antonio Banderas is looking to move back to his Malaga roots.


The Hollywood heart-throb, 53, is reported to have bought a penthouse in the historic heart of his home city and is said to be looking forward to spending more time with his Spanish friends and family rather than in Los Angeles, USA, where his wife and daughter live.


The flat is close to the historic Roman theatre and Alcazaba castle and just a short stroll from the cathedral. Perhaps even more importantly it is said to have a superb view of the Brotherhoods' Easter processions, which Banderas often takes part in. It also has views of the Picasso museum.


Banderas has always said he disliked living in LA, and he is now waiting for his daughter, Stella-Carmen to leave college before making the move. It is thought he may keep a US base, but in New York rather than California.



Saturday, 21 June 2014

Task force created to save honey bees





  • Honey bees pollinate fruit, nuts and vegetables

  • Pollination is crucial for the food industry

  • Honey bees have declined sharply due to pesticides, mites and other factors

  • In California, the almond industry is at risk because it relies on bees for pollination




(CNN) -- The United States is launching an effort to save some of its busiest workers: honey bees.


President Barack Obama created a task force comprising various agencies to address the issue of rapidly diminishing honey bees and other pollinators.


Honey bees pollinate fruit, nuts and vegetables, and are crucial for the nation's food industry.


They have declined sharply in recent years due to various factors, including pesticides, mite infestations and loss of genetic diversity, the White House said Friday.


"Pollination is integral to food security in the United States," it said. "Honey bees enable the production of at least 90 commercially grown crops in North America. Globally, 87 of the leading 115 food crops evaluated are dependent on animal pollinators."


During pollination, insects, birds, butterflies and bats transfer pollen between plants, which allows them to make seeds and reproduce.


In addition to food sustainability, honey bees boost the economy.


"Pollinators contribute more than $24 billion to the United States economy, of which honey bees account for more than $15 billion through their vital role in keeping fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets," the White House said.


In California, the almond industry is at risk because it depends on 1.4 million beehives annually for pollination. Almonds rely exclusively on bees for pollination.


The number of managed honey bee colonies in the United States has fallen sharply from 6 million colonies (beehives) in 1947 to 2.5 million today, according to the White House.


Obama said the Environmental Protection Agency and United States Department of Agriculture will spearhead an effort to determine why honey bees, Monarch butterflies and other pollinators are dwindling and find ways to boost their conservation.


In addition, Obama's budget for next year recommends about $50 million for multiple agencies within USDA to help boost research, increase the number of acres dedicated to pollinators' conservation programs and boost funding for research on pollinator losses.