Dan Gross: We're feeling like an errorist these days
In nearly eight years of writing this column we've made our share of mistakes, including a few this week.
In nearly eight years of writing this column we've made our share of mistakes, including a few this week.
But we can recall no error that has caused Your Humble Narrator the deluge of calls and emails as yesterday's mix-up of R&B artists Mya and Monica.
We goofed in saying that Mya sang "The Boy is Mine" with Brandy. It was Monica.
However, there is no confusion as to which singer was in town Friday accompanying Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson to the Philadelphia Sports Fans Choice Awards. It was definitely Mya, former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant.
A pleasant surprise was how polite the readers were who pointed out the error. Typically we are met with profanity and sarcasm in similar situations.
Our favorite note was from Center City's Jacob Hailey, who wrote, "I'm 62 and even I know Monica sang 'The Boy is Mine' with Brandy, not Mya."
The moral of the story is that if you find yourself on "Cash Cab" or "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and are stumped with a question about '90s R&B hits, you may not want to pick us as your phone-a-friend option.
Hair sale
Actress Vivica A. Fox ("Kill Bill," "Curb Your Enthusiasm") is in town this week working on her Vivica A. Fox Hair Collection, based in Conshohocken. Today and tomorrow, she's doing photo shoots for promotional materials, and on Saturday morning she'll appear from 10:30 to noon at the Cambridge Discount Plaza (1500 Mount Ephraim) in Camden and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. during a hair show at Hair Town at the Cedarbrook Mall in Wyncote.
Jonesy goes online
Tarsha Jones, recently fired from her Power 99 "Jonesy in the Morning" show after her most recent defamation lawsuit, will return to radio soon. Sort of. On Jan. 9, she launches an online show at MissJonesRadio.Net, also available on mobile devices.
The show, with co-host Michael Shawn, seeks a New York flagship radio station and is produced by Jones and syndicated by Major Trendz Entertainment.
Hepp stays put
Fox 29 has renewed Karen Hepp to a multiyear deal. The former NBC10 anchor, who worked in New York before returning to Philadelphia, contributes to "Good Day" and other morning newscasts, and covers breaking news on other broadcasts.
Locally connected
Local fashion stylist Jimmy Contreras, a lifestyle publicist with Matthew Vlahos Public Relations, will be seen on Monday's season finale of "Emeril's Table." (11 a.m., Hallmark Channel). Contreras and writer Michelle Boyles will help chef Emeril Lagasse make champagne punch.
Chef promoted
10 Arts by Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton has named Nathan Volz its new chef de cuisine. Volz already worked at 10 Arts, having spent two years as sous chef for Jennifer Carroll. Carroll, a fan favorite on two seasons of Bravo's "Top Chef," left in October.
Rockin' wedding
Last week, Fosterchild opened sold-out shows for Steel Panther, the fake '80s metal band, at the TLA and last month, its guitarist Brian Quinn was married in a rock-themed ceremony and reception to QVC spokeswoman Denise Kovalevich. The couple, who dated for 15 years (yes, 15!) walked down the aisle to Fosterchild lead singer Danny Beissel performing U2's "All I Want is You" and the bridal party processed to Led Zeppelin's "Thank You." Former 94WYSP DJ Spike Eskin was a guest. He's a friend of Fosterchild and Octane, with whom Quinn used to perform.
The bride saw that every element of the reception was vintage-rock inspired, from the guitar picks she had embossed with their wedding date to the rock-star table names such as Jimmy Page, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Nicks.