TLC cancels the Duggars Philadelphia appearance

Television host/producer Marc Summers has plenty to be thankful for. Diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia in 2010, Summers did two years of chemo, is in remission and “feels like a million bucks.” That’s good because he’s crazy busy executive producing “Restaurant Impossible” for the Food Network, untitled shark specials filmed in Cuba and airing on Discovery in July during Shark Week (“first time American and Cuban scientists partnered in 50 years”) and a sketch comedy show, “Six Degrees of Everything,” for TRU starting Aug. 18.

Parx Casino knew he helped put Nickelodeon on the map hosting game shows “Double Dare” and “What Would You Do?”, so “they came with this idea of me hosting various games, live,” says Summers about “The Parx Challenge Game Show” on May 30. A one-off (for now) the “Challenge” features audience members, chosen by Summers, competing in still-secret games for cash and prizes. “I began my career with game shows,” he says. “They’re my life.”

Dean Kitagawa’s Philly-based PinkBox is North America’s first sex toy vending machine. Designed for use in daring nightspots, Kitagawa hopes to interest club owners during PinkBox’s launch party May 28 at Underground Arts.

One thing missing from TLC Network Party at Penn’s Landing on May 30 will be the Duggars of “19 Kids and Counting.” With Josh Duggar’s child molestation accusations, the party goes on without them, but still featuring Kate Gosselin and the Cake Boss.

Also on May 30, down the block at Festival Pier, The Roots Picnic might also have a component missing: the band’s friends-and-family area backstage where pals and event stars mingle. The Roots made up for that by announcing their musical guests for the July 4 concert during a press conference at the African American Museum: Miguel and Jennifer Nettles.

Philly’s Sonny Velozzi is an actor/director with films including “Creed” among his credits. Velozzi just added disco radio DJ to his resume,:Thursdays, 10 p.m. to midnight, on 92.1 FM.

Seen on the scene

• Former Pennsylvania State Sen. Vince Fumo was spotted along East Passyunk Avenue by the Singing Fountain.

• Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin and street artist SWOON were honored during last Thursday’s Mural Arts Wall Ball at Electric Factory.

• Last Thursday, Mayor Nutter hosted what’s known around City Hall as his favorite event: the Centenarians Celebration luncheon for Philly’s 100 year olds.