Network of Women in Computer Technology hosts 31st annual conference

With the number of women in America earning doctoral degrees in computer science and engineering steadily increasing during the first decade of the 21st century, according to the National Science Foundation, a natural question arises. Why aren’t more females making their mark in the world of technology?
One organization addressing this question by working to help women make their mark in technology is the Network of Women in Computer Technology.
This organization, which held its 31st annual conference this weekend, aims to enhance the workplace presence of females interested in technology.

This appeared on the Technically Philly website on June 15, 2012.

Read the entire article here: http://technicallyphilly.com/2012/06/15/network-of-women-in-computer-technology-hosts-31st-annual-conference

Startup Weekend Health winner Quick See MD directs users to ER alternatives

The first weekend in June marked a milestone in health care for Philadelphians with the first Startup Weekend dedicated solely to improving health care systems. Billed as a $2.7 trillion industry, healthcare caught the attention of an entrepreneurial community centered in a life sciences hub.
The weekend winner was Quick See MD, a web tool aiming to direct people to nearby clinics and other medical facilities other than often over-burdened emergency rooms.
Startup Weekend, the launch-a-business-in-a-weekend event first conceived in 2007 by Andrew Hyde in Boulder, Colo. and most recently held locally during Philly Tech Week, focuses mostly on mobile applications, websites and other simple life online businesses. But like the popular TED conference and lightning talk event Ignite, Startup Weekend just may be taking a more narrow focus, highlighted by this weekend’s Startup Weekend Health.

During the summer I was a staff reporter for Philadelphia Neighborhoods, a hyper-local publication based in Philadelphia. Through this publication, I was partnered as an intern with my partner at PN with Technically Philly, a niche media publication focused on anything technology happening in Philadelphia.

This appeared on the Technically Philly website on June 5, 2012.

Read the entire article here: http://technicallyphilly.com/2012/06/05/startup-healthcare-weekend-winner-quick-see-md-directs-users-to-er-alternatives

Detroit Cobras

They’ve come a long way, baby. Still, after enduring a long series of lineup changes since their 1995 founding, Detroit Cobras give new meaning to the term “cover band.” Digging up classic R&B tunes, along with rock ’n’ roll b-sides we’d never hear on the radio, DC breathes new life into songs with a swaggering soul-based flair. Sure, the group may be well over a decade old, but it’s got the garage rock ethos covered, complete with drawling vocals and primitive-sounding guitars. Thankfully spare of cheesy gimmicks and seeping with ’nuff talent to go around, Detroit Cobras will leave you wondering how a cover band could ever sound this good.

 http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-July-18-24-2012-162773156.html?page=2&comments=1&showAll=

This appeared in the July 18, 2012 edition of Philadelphia Weekly.

Jesse Malin

Most think that there are two schools of thought musician Jesse Malin could fall into. Surviving the ’70s and ’80s means he could belong in the traditional “I remember when ...” school of rock ’n’ roll reserved for those who hit their prime back in the day. Then there’s the newer and more trendy school that follows the “I kept up with the changing times of rock music,” ethos reserved for those both talented and timeless. It’s no question that the 44-year-old falls into a school of his own that is both reminiscent of the beginnings of rock ’n’ roll and edgy at the same time.
 http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-June-27-July-3-2012-160523485.html

Appeared in the June 27, 2012 issue of Philadelphia Weekly. They posted a typo with the artists name, there is no "e" at the end of "Malin."

Exitmusic

The crooning tunes of Exitmusic leave goose bumps on the skin and send chills down the spine. Whether that’s from the achingly beautiful voice of Aleksa Palladino or the sometimes guttural tones of the accompanying band, we’re not quite sure. The experience of Exitmusic’s live performance brings out the best and the worse in us, where sweeping melodies and drawn out vocals spur memories we swore were long forgotten. Not unfamiliar to the area but different from everyone else, this one-quarter Canadian four-piece brings the frost of Northern weather to the American East Coast like nothing we’ve ever seen before.

 http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-June-20-26-2012-159624725.html?page=2&comments=1&showAll=

Also appeared in the June 20, 2012 edition of Philly Weekly.

Turning violet Violet

Turning Violet Violet has mastered the art of masking heavy lyrics with upbeat pop tunes. The band performs with a ferocious honesty not often seen in the indie scene. The song “Take Away” exemplifies touching, heartfelt lyrics covered by lighter tunes, where lead singer Sarah Gulish croons about the passing of her grandmother. This six-piece lighten things up with melodic guitars and swelling vocals and we wouldn’t be surprised to find a sound bite from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory thrown in, a nod to the origin of the band’s namesake.

 http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-June-20-26-2012-159624725.html

Appeared in the June 20, 2012 edition of Philly Weekly.

Vintage Kicks

Vintage Kicks sing about everything from the 1 percent and Wall Street to surfing gnarly waves with a catchy, pop-punk infused chorus-verse-chorus formula overflowing with “hey, hey’s!” and “oh, uh-oh’s.” Slightly reminiscent of that ’90’s “What’s My Age Again?” trio, this Philly five-piece formed less than two years ago, but you’d never know it giving a listen to their seasoned-sounding 10-song EP, King Geek. Despite their youth, Vintage Kicks know when to pay respects to a fallen source of inspiration. As evidence, see their recently released YouTube video of the keyboard-heavy cover of late Beastie Boy Adam Yauch’s “I Don’t Know,” and dance to the revamped classic.

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/Calendar-May-16-22-2012-151575915.html

Appeared in the May 16 edition of Philadelphia Weekly. The band actually tweeted this article, and posted it on their Facebook, crediting me in the byline. I was pretty stoked.