Not technology related: Haiti

As many of you know, one of the worst earthquakes of the past few centuries has struck Haiti. Tens of thousands of people are feared dead, and reports are indicating that the country "looks like a war zone".

Please keep your thoughts for the people in Haiti. If you want to help Haiti by either volunteering your time or by donating money, please do so. Right now, the country needs financial help more than anything.

Unfortunately, a crisis brings out the worst of people. Charity scams pop up like weeds. If you plan on donating money for Haiti, here is a list of valid charities:

• The American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org


• UNICEF - http://www.unicef.org


• Food for the Poor - http://www.foodforthepoor.org


• WorldVision - http://www.worldvision.org


• CARE - http://www.care.org

If you are unsure of a charity soliciting money for Haiti, you can always check them through Give.org (http://www.bbb.org/us/charity), Guidestar.org (http://www2.guidestar.org), or CharityNavigator.org (http://www.charitynavigator.org).

Here is a link to a Forbes magazine article on spotting dubious charities: http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/13/haiti-earthquake-charities-personal-finance-spotting-scams.html