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Voice of Bluto dies

Jackson Beck, a master of voice-over who bellowed "It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!" to introduce the Superman radio show, and who used his versatile voice to promote everything from toothpaste to roach killer, died Wednesday (July 28, 2004). He was 92. He suffered a series of small strokes four or five years ago. In addition to narrating Superman's adventures, Mr. Beck doubled as villains, supporting characters and the Daily Planet copyboy, Beany, on the radio broadcasts of the 1940s. He also portrayed the bully Bluto in more than 300 Popeye cartoons and was heard on television commercials for Sugar Frosted Flakes, Pepsi, Brawny paper towels, GI Joe and other products, as well as football and boxing promotions for NBC. He helped found what is now the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Talent misses Miss America cut

The Miss America pageant is pulling the plug on its talent competition, eliminating the two-minute routines that have come to feature cheesy stunts such as tractor driving and trampoline jumping. Instead, this year's crowning Sept. 18 will showcase some of the women performing in a videotaped montage culled from talent routines staged in preliminary competition. Just one contestant chosen by the pageant's producers will perform live, after the selection of the five finalists for Miss America 2005. ABC-TV is trimming the telecast to two hours this year. Last year, an all-time low 10.3-million viewers tuned in, marking a steady decline over the last few years.

Talk About Our Love singer Brandy is engaged to pro basketball player Quentin Richardson, People magazine reported. Richardson, 24, surprised Brandy, 25, with an 111/2-carat diamond ring valued at $1-million at a reception Tuesday, the magazine said Thursday.

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