Katrina News Online

British-born actress Katrina Kaif, whose face will now adorn Barbie dolls, says opposing to what people consider her Barbie is not an Indian counterpart of the international brand. She also feels that in many ways it’s a support of how kids connect with her. ‘I’d call it a fun honour. To have your face on dolls that you’ve played with from childhood is quite flattering. We’ve been in negotiation for nearly six months. It finally came mutually for the 50-year celebration of Barbie,’ Katrina told IANS.

‘Contrary to what people consider my Barbie is not an Indian counterpart of the international brand. It’s an honour because I’m the earliest Indian to be the face of Barbie. I’ll be wearing clothes the way the Barbie is all over the world.

‘And I think in many ways it’s a backing of how kids connect with me. You can’t be the face of an international doll except kids like you. I like that. The consideration that kids like me sufficient to make me a part of their doll collection is very gratifying,’ the 24-year-old said.

The actress walked the ramp as the showstopper at a particular show dedicated to Barbie at the Lakme Fashion Week here. She sported a small pink dress that the ‘Katrina Barbie’ will be exhausting from September.

With the Barbie image coming to the surface, Katrina is a little concerned about the bubbly-girl image that she’d like to change.

‘So much for my efforts to move to more mature level as an actor,’ laughed the actress. ‘I guess Prakash Jha’s ‘Rajneeti’ will take mind of that. But I’m very happy being the fresh healthy Barbie-girl next door.’

‘It is quite something, if you suppose about it. But I’d rather not. I don’t want my head to get swollen. For me, it’s enough that I was select because I reflect a certain bubbly wholesome personality, quite contrary to the ’sexy’ tag that I obtain in net polls.

The following information was developed for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) which aims to assist citizens with mitigating their structures damaged as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While this information is geared toward those receiving HMGP grant funding, this guidance can also be useful for all property owners who are faced with rebuilding or restoring a structure that has historical value.

Generally a structure or site gains the potential to become a historic/archaeological resource upon its fiftieth birthday; however, this is only the initial requirement. Other questions must be taken into consideration-is my property associated with historic events or persons (national or local); does my property have distinctive design or physical characteristics; could my property potentially provide important information about prehistory or history? If the answer to these questions is yes (or even maybe) you might want to consider taking measures to preserve your structure.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is committed to preserving and enhancing Louisiana’s rich cultural resources and, in turn, the quality of life for citizens. While rebuilding safer and stronger is an important process for preventing future damages from natural disasters, cultural and historic resources aren’t always safeguarded or preserved in the process. However, it is possible to have a mitigation plan that still maintains the historic integrity of your property. The information in the following documents provide historic property owners with the appropriate resources needed to preserve, renovate, restore, and rebuild without losing integral and significant characteristics that make these properties valuable resources.

How long is the extension?
FEMA’s temporary housing program for eligible Katrina/Rita individuals and families is being extended an additional 60 days until May 1, 2009, at the request of a state.

Why is DHS extending FEMA’s direct housing assistance?
While the majority of Katrina and Rita individuals and families have successfully transitioned to permanent housing, there are still some who continue to need assistance. These participants are receiving an additional two months to complete the successful transition to long-term housing.

Who is eligible for the extension?
If the state has made the request, FEMA will grant the extension for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita eligible individuals and families still living in FEMA-provided housing.

Which states have requested an extension?
Alabama and Louisiana have requested an extension, and Mississippi accepted the offer to extend for the 60-day period.

What is FEMA doing to keep eligible participants on the path to self-sufficiency?
FEMA will continue to work with eligible participants to identify long-term housing solutions to assist residents with the transition into more suitable, long-term housing.

FEMA has contacted every applicant currently residing in a temporary housing unit and hotel/motel in the Gulf Coast to make them aware of available housing resources and will continue to visit and work with each household residing in a hotel/motel or temporary housing unit to transition them into more suitable, long-term housing options.

How will individuals and families be notified about the extension?
FEMA will provide notices to households located in a hotel/motel or temporary housing unit of the extension of assistance to May 1, 2009. All extension notices will be mailed to applicants living in temporary housing units and hotels/motels. FEMA will then hand deliver termination notices to all households still residing in temporary housing units or hotels/motels by March 31, 2009.

Will participants have the opportunity to purchase their temporary housing units?
FEMA is currently giving residents in mobile homes and park models the opportunity to purchase the unit in which they currently are living under the Temporary Housing Units Sales-to-Occupants program.

The sales program is open only to applicants currently residing in a mobile home or park model provided by FEMA. Conditions of the sale include:

• All units are sold “as is” with no implied warranties of any kind.
• Applicants must purchase the unit in which they currently live. No substitutions or exchanges of units are permitted.
• By purchasing the unit, the applicant accepts all responsibility and liability for the unit.
• The purchasing applicant is solely responsible for any applicable sales taxes, permits, or inspection costs associated with the sale.
• The applicant must provide proof of hazard insurance for the unit.
• The purchasing applicant must agree to comply with the local floodplain management codes, including purchasing flood insurance if the unit is or will be located in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
• The unit must test within the state-set formaldehyde threshold.