Annette Funicello, 70, Dies; Beloved As A Mouseketeer And A Star Of Beach Movies

Publicity photo of Annette Funicello and Richard Tyler as guest stars on The Danny Thomas Show. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Annette Funicello, who won America’s heart as a 12-year-old in Mickey Mouse ears, captivated adolescent baby boomers in slightly spicy beach movies and later championed people with multiple sclerosis, a disease she had for more than 25 years, died on Monday in Bakersfield, Calif. She was 70.

Her death, from complications of the disease, was announced on the Disney Web site.

As an adult Ms. Funicello described herself as “the queen of teen,” and millions around her age agreed.  Young audiences appreciated her sweet, forthright appeal, and parents saw her as the perfect daughter.

She was the last of the 24 original Mouseketeers chosen for “The Mickey Mouse Club,” the immensely popular children’s television show that began in 1955, when fewer than two-thirds of households had television sets.  Walt Disney personally discovered her at a ballet performance.

Read more:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/movies/annette-funicello-mouseketeer-dies-at-70.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Christina Aguilera Apologizes To Tony Lucca, May Still Lose Job

Editor’s note:  GOOD, she should lose her job!

Christina Aguilera has apologized to The Voice contestant Tony Lucca for being a little more catty than judge-like.  That however may not be enough to save the diva, who is reportedly disliked by many crew members working at the show.

Christina Aguilera and Tony Lucca are both former “Mickey Mouse Club” stars, but long lost history didn’t seem to go far between the two, who kept up a steady back and forth battle during season two of The Voice.

After Lucca’s Monday night performance of “99 Problems” Aguilera charged that the singer’s song pick was “derogatory towards women” adding “if that’s what you have to do.”  Later when her own contestant Michael Kiwanuka performed, she remarked “Now that’s how a real man sings.”

Read more: http://global.christianpost.com/news/christina-aguilera-apologizes-to-lucca-may-still-lose-job-video-74669/

“The Voice” Contestant, Tony Lucca Has Ties To Montgomery County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reality television has spawned many singing competitions, with NBC’s The Voice being one of the most successful.  Back for a second season, judges Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green have selected another bumper crop of talent to compete on their live shows, where Americans get to vote for their favorite singer(s)!

One of this year’s contestants is Tony Lucca.  Tony was on the Mickey Mouse Club with big stars like Christina Aguilera, Brittney Spears and Justin Timberlake.  However, Tony hasn’t become a household name yet like the people I just mentioned.  That’s not to say Tony isn’t an amazing talent, but there are plenty of talented people who don’t “make it” for one reason or another.

Charles W. Yerger, who taught English in the Spring-Ford School District for 21 years, is our Montgomery County connection.  Mr. Yerger, in addition to teaching at Spring-Ford and working with actress Lisa Waltz during his tenure there, was one of the main tutors for the Mickey Mouse Club stars.  Charles would impart knowledge and wisdom to the young actors from a trailer on the back lot of the Disney MGM studio.  Mr. Yerger worked with these now household names when they were adolescents and played a role in shaping their lives, as teachers often do.  Many have stayed in touch with their former teacher.  Tony has not only stayed in contact with his former teacher over the years but even invited Mr. & Mrs. Yerger to his wedding.

By all accounts Tony is a genuinely nice guy, a family man and a role model!  If you would like to see a video of Tony’s Beautiful Day battle, click here: http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/tony-lucca/video/

I guess most people have heard the theory about six degrees of separation, if not click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation.  To make the circle even smaller, there is also a Pottstown connection to Tony Lucca (or should I say former Pottstown connection).  Charles Yerger’s daughter is well-known to many people in the Pottstown School District.  Stephanie Carmody was a member of the President’s Task Force and long time supporter of the Pottstown School District before her recent move to Harleysville.  So if you know Stephanie or Charles, you are also connected to Tony Lucca.  Way cool!

The Voice airs Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 9pm on NBC.  Tune in and check out Tony Lucca!  He could use your support!