What do you do when your website has same name as a major hurricane that has devastated areas in several states? That was the question facing Katrina Blankenship. She owns the domain katrina.com, which she uses as a personal and business website.
Because her domain holds the same name as the hurricane, people turned to her website for disaster relief information. Instead of being annoyed, Blankenship converted her website to aid people. The website has been revamped to provide information on missing persons, relief efforts, and important telephone numbers for public services. A message board has been set up so that those seeking information or aid may communicate with others. The Missing Persons link takes you to the Homeland Security website, which includes a link to report missing people. Several links are provided to government agencies working with hurricane survivors. There is even a guest book so visitors can share their thoughts and prayers.
Thanks should be given to Katrina Blankenship! She’s taken the minor frustration of misdirected traffic and turned it into a hub of information for families and survivors.
[Photograph of Hurricane Katrina courtesy of: NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz at NASA GSFC]
Teens buy alot of cosmetics. Mascara, blush, lipstick…you name it, they’ve got it packed away somewhere. The wide use of cosmetics has caused concern in some circles. Not because products are used by younger and younger kids, but because of the toxins hidden inside. That’s why a group of teens started the group “Sisters in Action for Reproductive Empowerment” (SAFIRE).
The group is comprised 20 Asian American teens. They’re examining the cosmetics they use every day. They want to know what’s inside each product and if these ingredients are possible toxins. It’s one of many teen groups working with legislators on the safety of cosmetics.
No federal agency oversees the cosmetic industry. Only about 10% of the ingredients used in cosmetics have been tested. Therefore, finding information on the dangers of chemical used in everyday products is very difficult. The Cosmetic Industry claims their products are safe because even the known carcinogens are present in very small amounts. Yet, it is unknown how a person may be affected after constant daily use. This becomes a major concern among women who may become pregnant.
Some of the young women who make up SAFIRE have connections to nail and hair salons. Relatives own similar businesses and they may follow in their footsteps. They want to learn as much as possible, then, use that information to raise awareness of the products used in these businesses. They hope to help provide alternatives and eventually see labeling on cosmetics that helps consumers and business owners buy the safest products.
[Photograph courtesy of Johann Snyman, www.sxc.hu]
What do you do when your website has same name as a major hurricane that has devastated areas in several states? That was the question facing Katrina Blankenship. She owns the domain katrina.com, which she uses as a personal and business website.
