People

TV SONGWRITER, MR. ED'S SINGING VOICE DIES

The man who created some of the most familiar music in television has died. The New York Times says that composer-actor-singer Sheldon Allman -- who, among other things, was the singing voice for the talking horse Mr. Ed -- died at his home in the Los Angeles suburbs recently. Allman, in addition to being a singer, wrote the theme music for "Let's Make a Deal," "Super Chicken" and "Tom Slick." He also created the often-heard theme, complete with lyrics, for "George of the Jungle -- Look out for that tree!" In addition to his musical work, the Chicago native also appeared in such notable movies at "In Cold Blood," "Dirty Harry," All the President's Men" and "Hud." Sheldon Allman was 77.

MRS. ROMANO DECRIES LOSS OF PRIVACY

In the latest issue of Ladies' Home Journal, Anna Romano, for nearly 15 years the wife of "Everyone Loves Raymond" star Ray Romano, says that she's "mortified" that so many of the personal "bedroom" aspects of her home life eventually become plot twists on her husband's sitcom. Mrs. Romano notes that every time she complains to Ray about the incidents he reminds her that they are living the good life. "Go cry on a bag of money," he often retorts. She additionally tells the publication that she remembers one incident when, before Ray was to accept a national TV award, she warned him not to make her blush with his remarks. During his acceptance speech he mentioned her request then said: "Why would I embarrass the woman I love, who makes this cute little noise during sex?"

CLINTON TO MAKE MAJOR SPEECH IN SYDNEY

Former Pres. Bill Clinton is a huge celebrity in Australia, bringing out big crowds when he travels there. Now correspondent Neal Travis reports that Clinton will soon go Down Under again, this time to make a major political speech. His topic will be the relationship between mainland China and Taiwan. Clinton's paycheck for the trip will be in excess of $300,000. By the way, entertainer Lorna Luft will be the featured singer at a concert in Mr. Clinton's honor. In speaking with Luft about the concert, Travis says that Luft denies rumors that her relationship with half-sister Liza Minnelli has cooled again. The only reason she won't be able to attend Liza's upcoming marriage in New York City is that she will be on the Clinton junket.

TRUMP TO SHARE ENTREPRENEURIAL SECRETS

The man known as "The Donald," Donald Trump, is going on the lecture circuit. The New York Post is reporting that the real estate developer and a member of the "rich and famous" will be speaking in the Big Apple's Learning Annex next Monday. Attendees at the event will pay as much as $200 each to hear Trump and other successful businessmen share some of their secrets. In addition to Trump, "super agent" David Falk will speak. Also on hand will be the driving force behind the USA Networks of cable fame, Kay Koplowitz, and music mogul Russell Simmons. The publication says that as many as 2,000 "wannabe developers" will pay the freight to hear the messages.

BASEBALL'S SOSA ROBBED IN HOTEL

Police in Caracas, Venezuela, confirm that baseball superstar Sammy Sosa was recently robbed of $20,000 in the lobby of a hotel there. Sosa and his brother had left the money on a desk in the lobby. The cash was in a bag wrapped on a towel. The pair left the money when they went to a nearby restaurant. When they remembered their oversight and rushed back, the bag was gone. Published reports indicate that when the hotel's management attempted to review security tapes they found that the recorders were not working during the time of the robbery. Sosa was visiting Caracas after attending a series of baseball games involving teams from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

MAN NABBED FOR CRASHING DIVA'S ROOM

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on Long Island for allegedly breaking into the dressing room of pop diva Janet Jackson. The incident reportedly happened while she was onstage performing at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Published reports show that Mario Backman, of Manhattan, has been charged with burglary. He reportedly took some stuffed animals, a cap with an FDNY insignia and some personal papers. Backman was released on his own recognizance and has a future court date set for next week. Jackson, 35, is in the final days of what has been a long national tour to promote her latest album, "All of You."

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 265

The other day one of the readers of this column wrote me and used GBA as my first name. So, that made me wonder. Many regulars know that my name is Dennis. And, except on days when colleague Pat Nason fills in for me (I still do the Q-and-A section) it's my column. But someone thinks that GBA are my initials. So, here's today's question: "Do you know who or what GBA means at the end of my reports and did you notice when it started appearing there?" Put GBA in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 260 (BROADWAY)

Last week we asked your suggestions for cartoon or TV characters who might make wonderful plot material for the mounting of a major Broadway musical. Here are some of the replies: Pam D is among several who think that "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" would make a great musical treatment. Pam, I could not agree more. I've been sitting here thinking of the dark music that could be used. RB joins us with the thought that there might be a major music version of "The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones." "Calvin and Hobbs" gets the vote of Christy. She suggests that one major scene should center on Calvin's attempts to build a snowman. Might be tough under the bright lights of the theater, but miracles of state design can happen. Finally, PA comes through with the most-offered suggestion that "I Love Lucy" should be brought to Broadway. She points out that even though Lucille Ball was thought of as a great comedienne -- and she certainly was -- she was also a fine singer and dancer and that could be incorporated into the musical. Thanks to all. Have a great weekend. GBA.