Links: Second Lower Merion student sues over webcam, Peco to display digital artists and more

DEFINITE READS

• The Philadelphia Daily News reports that a second Lower Merion student has sued the school district over the webcam controversy.
• KYW reports on a Northern Liberties cell phone-photography art collection.
• ABC News reports on a trend of more websites selling class notes to students, including former DreamIT Ventures participant Notehall.com.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• Washington Post tech columnist Cecilia Kang has a Q&A with University of Pennsylvania Professor Joseph Turow about online privacy.
• Society Hill’s own Science Cheerleader Darlene Cavalier guest blogs for Discover magazine on the origination of the BP oil leak cap.

GIVE A GLANCE

• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that University City nonprofit biomedical research center Wistar Institute is planning a major new expansion.
• The Business Journal also reports that Peco and the University City Science Center are partnering to showcase digital artists on Peco’s Center City headquarters the first Friday of every month.
• The Business Journal also reports that CoverSports USA, the Kingsessing-based manufacturer of protective covers, has expanded — but is staying in Philadelphia with its 67 employees.

Every Friday morning, we make sure you didn t miss anything with Friday Tech Links.

Links: Scientist entrepreneurs, a Delaware cell phone ban and more

• Keystone Edge reports on the growing trend of regional scientists foraying into business startups, amidst the region being ranked the second densest collection of bioscience companies in the country — behind Boston.
• The Inquirer reports on another startup trying to offer residents the solar-power-by-lease option.
• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that two Philadelphia University laboratories, one of ‘engineered human protection’ and another of biomedical textile structures, have received nearly $1.8 million in federal funds.

• The Wilmington News Journal reports that long-delayed legislation banning the use of cell phones while driving is expected to pass.
• Fox 29 reports on an entrepreneur that says video gaming helped develop his business savvy. Watch the video below.

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Nutter proposes “unprecedented” $120 million IT budget, moves toward paperless

Mayor Nutter has announced plans to significantly invest in city information technology and pursue paperless government efficiencies in an attempt to improve tech infrastructure, cut costs and streamline city services.

“We may not be completely paperless, but we will use less paper,” Nutter said in his budget address to City Council this morning before a packed crowed that filled the historic Council chamber’s floor and balcony seating.

If City Council approves the budget, Nutter says that an “unprecedented” investment in city technology will provide $120 million to improve IT over the next five years, including $25 million in FY11.

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Philadelphia Police Department to begin enforcing vehicular cell phone ban Tuesday

Tomorrow is dooms-day for motorists and bicyclists who chose to use cellular phone devices while driving.

The Philadelphia police department will begin enforcing legislation passed in April that requires drivers to utilize hands-free devices when making calls and sending text messages, according to a press release issued by Councilman Bill Green’s office this afternoon.

Violators will be subject to fines between $75 and $300 under the Philadelphia code, not Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Code.

The cell phone legislation, introduced by City Councilmembers Green and Greenlee and Rizzo, was unanimously passed by Council in April, as we reported. The law was signed by Mayor Nutter on April 29.

City Council cell phone ban attacked elsewhere in state, could cost city $90M

All of that ended quickly.

Last week, we reported City Council created quite a buzz by unanimously passing legislation that would have made illegal the use of mobile devices while driving — unless using hands-free technology. That has some fuming.

PennDOT has called the bill  a violation of the state Motor Vehicle Code, saying cell-phone use legality cannot vary county to county, according to the Daily News.

On Monday, the state House approved legislation which included a provision that would withhold state funds from municipalities that were not in compliance with that vehicle code, according to a press release from the office of Rep. Dick Geist of Altoona, who introduced the provision.

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BREAKING: City Council unanimously approves cell phone driving ban

1:07 p.m. 4/17/09, Update amended: Thanks Tom!

Oh man, are we glad to be transit riders today.

Philadelphia City Council has unanimously passed legislation that could make it illegal to use cell phones while driving motor vehicles, Technically Philly reports.

Citizens would be required to use hands-free headsets or other devices behind the wheel, according to a press release from councilmembers Bill Green, Bill Greenlee and Frank Rizzo.

“The passage of this legislation should send a very clear message: drivers need to put down their cell phones and pay attention to the road,” Councilman Bill Greenlee said in the statement. “Dialing a phone number or sending a text message while driving will no longer be tolerated in the City of Philadelphia.”

For the bill to be made into law, Mayor Michael Nutter will have to sign it, which he plans on doing, said administration spokesman Luke Butler. When he will hasn’t been established, but the city charter dictates the mayor has to sign or veto legislation within 10 days, Butler said.

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Shop Talk: Meir Cohen of TrapCall

Meir Cohen has remained focused on telecommunication technology.

In 2005, he helped found SpoofCard.com, which lets users change their recognized Caller ID numbers and disguise their voices. Soon after, he was part of the launch and development of two other phone-based innovations: LiarCard.com and LoveDetect.com.

“These technologies rely on very powerful and accurate voice analysis technology engines to extract different emotions out of a telephone call and determine if someone is lying to you or how much your spouse loves you,” he said. “I am a 27 year old college educated technology nut. I always loved any new technologies especially if it involved telecom.”

So it should follow that his latest venture hasn’t strayed too far from his love.

Last month, TelTech Systems, the Toms River, N.J.-based company of which he is president and co-founder, launched TrapCall, which, among other features, promises to unmask blocked phone numbers.

More than 200,000 people signed up in the first four weeks, the attention is buzzing and Cohen, who calls it an “honor” to be part of Philly’s growing tech scene, is ready to show what’s behind his most popular product.

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Cricket Communications enters busy mobile phone market

Updated: 3/11/09 at 10:18 p.m.

Your choices for cell phone carrier are about to get busier.

According to a company press release, Cricket Communications has entered the scrum to provide cheap mobile phone plans to Philadelphians, joining a growing battle between Boost Mobile, Metro PCS and others. [Full Disclosure: I have a Boost Mobile plan]

Update: Philadelphia is currently the largest market in the country with the three largest prepaid mobile companies, a Boost spokesman said.

“In our current economic landscape, it’s more important than ever for wireless carriers to show that they respect people’s wallets while ultimately providing value,” said Andy Cook, area general manager for Cricket in Philadelphia. “With the launch of Cricket wireless phone and Internet services in Philadelphia, consumers now have a wireless carrier that understands their financial needs and concerns without sacrificing great service and features.”

Cricket is hosting a week’s full of events to promote its market entry — see more here.

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