Dakota – Dakota Karthan's Blog

October 30, 2017

Neutrogena Takes A Sustainable Step

The number one doctor recommended brand Neutrogena has just announced that it will be manufacturing all of its products in a greener, more sustainable way starting December 1, 2017. The company owned by the household name Johnson & Johnson is excited to begin this green incentive so soon to help reduce our footprint on the Earth.

Photo Credit: http://www.totalbeauty.com

In light of changes in the environment, and growing concern about maintaining and protecting our Earth, Neutrogena has received an increasing amount of feedback about our company’s impact on the environment. Johnson & Johnson is a strong supporter of creating, manufacturing, and distributing our industry-leading products in an eco-friendly manner. After the concern raised by our customers, Johnson & Johnson will be manufacturing Neutrogena products in a cleaner and more efficient way.

These green changes mean more earth-friendly products for our customers which directly aligns with Johnson & Johnson’s credo. Our credo states, “We must maintain in good order the property we are privileged to use, protecting the environment and natural resources.” With Neutrogena manufacturing in over 70 countries, Johnson & Johnson can assure that these new changes will bring a large and positive impact.

Photo Credit: http://www.bcm-manufacturing.com

In order to bring our customers their favorite Neutrogena products with new greener manufacturing, the price of all Neutrogena skin care, sun care, makeup, and hair care will be raised 10 cents. Our customers are always our number one priority, and after listening to customer feedback we took action to bring our consumers the greener products they want and deserve.

We know our customers will be affected by this slight change in price and we want to ensure them that they are receiving the best quality Neutrogena products possible. We value and appreciate our customers and want to thank them for their feedback and support as we work together for a better earth.

October 15, 2017

Eight Dollar Hibatchi is a College Student’s Dream

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse in Ames is changing the game when it comes to the Hibachi experience. The popular restaurant is now serving a full-service lunch for only eight dollars. After trying the experience, myself, I had to rave about the exquisite food and service Fuji has brought to the table.

When you first walk in, the restaurant immediately draws you in with its authentic culture and welcoming staff who lead you to your grill. After taking a seat, you can pick from a variety of options at lunch including steak and chicken to be cooked up before your eyes. Your meal even comes with salad or soup.

The chefs at Fuji are nothing short of astonishing. Not only do they do a great job of preparing your food, they also keep you laughing and entertained throughout the process.

The food itself is of high quality and tastes amazing. There’s something to be said about an all-encompassing dining experience that only costs eight dollars.

Next time you need a study break or an interesting place to grab a healthy portioned meal, think of Fuji.

October 8, 2017

Food 4ward is the Answer to Food Waste

A new company taking the marketplace by storm might be the answer to our American food waste problems.

Meet Food 4ward;(link to Food 4ward website here) a small composting box you attach to the side of your trash can. In the box, you place all of your leftover food scraps and pieces rather than just tossing them into the trash can. Then when your trash service comes each week, they empty the contents from your Food 4ward and take it to be repurposed into something new.

These leftover food products are normally remade to be feed for animals or fertilizer for farmers. This new product is rocking the world of agriculture, not to mention the good it’s doing for America and our Earth. The box will be available come January of 2018 but the hype around this product has people already talking. Food 4ward is forward thinking in America.

September 30, 2017

Senator George to Hold Press Conference

The newest Iowa Senator George St. George announced that he is holding a press conference to discuss his new bill coming out in January. The bill will make sharing your Netflix account password a criminal offense with the harshest consequence of serving jail time.

The bill has made recent headlines due to criticism that jail time for sharing a password is too harsh. Senator George often relates paying for the subscription service back to other types of subscriptions and bills people pay for such as mail service or water. Iowa will be the second state to pass a bill regarding the sharing of Netflix passwords following in Tennessee’s footsteps.

Michael Conner from the Federal Communications Commission will also be joining the Senator at the press conference. Conner has been supportive of the bill since its beginning and will be speaking about how this bill directly connects to the FCC’s mission.

The press conference will be taking place at the Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines, Iowa. The conference starts at noon and there will be time for comments and questions directly after the conference.

September 24, 2017

New Iowa Law Brings out the Best in Iowans

There’s a lot of talk about the new Republican Senator George St. George and the new law getting ready to pass in Iowa. The new law will now view sharing your Netflix subscription password with another person to be a criminal offense. While some see this as harsh, it’s an intelligent step for Iowa.

Iowans, and all people for that matter, should be held responsible for paying their rightful debts and fees. While some might view a Netflix password as innocent, it’s not. You wouldn’t share your water with a fellow friend or not pay for your mail, would you? In my eyes a subscription service to one of the most popular apps of our generation is no different.

The RIAA is actively fighting for the rights of artists and groups who deserve the pay they aren’t receiving. The problem of not paying for media has been around since online sharing began but the battle is still being fought. Artists and creators are still lacking the funds the so truly deserve and states can do something about this.

The other good news is that this will hopefully not come as a big change for Iowans. The people of Iowa tend to have great character and moral guidelines which makes this law an easy thing to put into place.

Other states should look to this forward-thinking model and take notes over what a little bit of good can do for a state, community, and individual. As for Iowa, accept this bill with open arms and stay “Iowa Nice.”

September 23, 2017

Greenlee’s Prepare for the Fair is a Hit!

The Greenlee College of Journalism and Communication hosted a brand-new event this past week, helping students prepare for the Jump-Start Internship and Networking Fair which took place yesterday September 26, 2017.

While the internship fair was a success for many students, Greenlee’s Prepare for the Fair was the talk of the week. This seven-day event not only helped students add finishing touches to their resume and elevator speech, but it also rewarded students for their hard work by giving them exclusive deals around campus.

In order to get a size upgrade on a Caribou Coffee beverage or a sweet deal at the Bookstore, students had to complete a specific career fair task like sharing three companies they were excited to talk to or showing the cashier their go-to career fair outfit. This not only provided students with an incentive to get ready for the fair but also the chance to get rewarded for some hard work.

While Greenlee was expecting a good turnout of communication students, the school wasn’t expecting such a large number of students from other colleges to participate as well. Engineering and business students also stopped by some of Iowa State’s hottest locations to get some help for the 2017 Engineering Career Fair and the Business, Industry and Technology Career Fair.

With such a positive turnout, Greenlee is already planning on organizing the event for next year with talk of expanding their efforts to include students from all colleges.

September 16, 2017

Kathy Kaye Brings the Fun Back to Popcorn Balls

The classic brand Kathy Kaye has just added a fun twist to their Halloween popcorn balls! The company just announced a new packaging featuring crayons along with a spooky contest (link going to landing page on website) making Halloween just a little sweeter.

The company is featuring an orange transparent back to their packaging so kids and parents can see the popcorn ball directly through the wrapper. The company is also making the back in the shape of a pumpkin inspiring kids to draw a Jack O’Lantern face “on” their popcorn ball with the crayons provided.

If keeping kids occupied and fed isn’t exciting enough, the company is also featuring a contest with a grand prize of $1,000 and a chance to be featured on the next Halloween popcorn ball packaging. All you have to do is submit your child’s masterpiece on one of Kathy Kaye’s social media pages or their website. A winner will be chosen on October 20, 2017.

This contest is a win overall for the company. Not only does it bring simple

creativity back to a technology-driven world, but it also brings the fun back into a classic Halloween snack that is often left out of trick or treat baskets.

To submit your child’s masterpiece and for a chance to win $1,000 head to Kathy Kaye’s website. All the treats of Halloween without any tricks.

September 16, 2017

What’s the Verdict on Climate Change?

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have left a devastating mark on the U.S and 2017 has been a harsh year in terms of natural disasters increasing the talk of climate change. Is 2017 proof that climate change exists and if so is there a way we can reverse it?

After the recent hurricanes people are quick to say that climate change is real. Wayne Drash at CNN wrote and interesting piece on how climate change didn’t create the hurricanes themselves but instead contributed to their impact. With warmer oceans and changing sea levels it’s no surprise that these factors could have contributed to Harvey and Irma.

Considering Drash’s opinion climate change looks black in white. But can we reverse it? Another question left unanswered by the witnesses. Yes, we can ride our bikes more and burn cleaner fuels in our cars, which will help, but why can no one can say if our actions can truly be reversed?

Scientists are still looking through the evidence and have been for years. With such a clear divide on the issue I feel that only time and more research can truly tell if we are hurting our beloved Earth beyond repair. Unfortunately, if we are doing irreversible harm the future would be a poor place to find out; the future would be too late. As for myself, the jury is still out but the future verdict could be any day now.

September 11, 2017

Three More Ways College Students Can Help Hurricane Relief Efforts

Hurricane Harvey has come and gone and the aftermath is devastating. Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed leaving the residents of Texas in need of help. While Harvey overstayed its welcome, leaving a mess in Huston’s home, another storm is making its way to Tampa, Florida’s front door.

Hurricane Irma started its wrath Sunday causing more damage and pain to U.S. residents after a direct hit on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. College students you know what do to. Another week without the luxury of pizza seems like a small sacrifice to help someone so desperately in need. Below are three more ways college students can contribute to the Hurricane relief efforts.

1 Unicef: This organization is dedicated to helping children during times of crisis. With 90% of every dollar donated going right to children, you can know your money is going to a good cause.

2 GoFundMe: Chances are if you’re a college student you already know about this donation website. GoFundMe has set up a Direct Impact Fund so people can easily donate to reliable Hurricane relief pages.

3 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: All college students have a soft spot for animals. ASPCA is asking for donations to help animals and pets affected by the storms. All of the money donated goes to help a furry friend in need.

Figure 2 Hurricane Irma heads for the U.S. Photo credit NASA

In a time where it feels like we sacrifice so much as college students trying to get by, we often forget how fortunate we are. As the world’s future, us college students must help those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma. Please consider skipping your night out this week and give your money to those who need it most.

September 11, 2017

Three Easy Ways College Students Can Help Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

It’s been difficult watching Hurricane Harvey come sweeping through Texas leaving devastation and heartbreak. Pictures showing pets swimming through the streets and the elderly floating in a nursing home beckoned me to help, but as a college student sitting in the middle of Iowa with no boat and no money how could I contribute anything besides prayers and hopeful wishes?

With another Hurricane barreling towards the US even more help will be needed and college students like myself can do more than just send wishful thinking to Texas. Here are three reliable places to donate that cost less than your weekly Starbucks needs.

1 All Hands: This non-profit is dedicated to helping people recover from natural disasters all over the world. Their “Respond, Recover, Renew” mission helps ensure that help will be given during and after Harvey. All Hands accepts any donation amount on their website.

2 Global Giving: This is the largest global crowdfunding organization helping connect people with ways to give. Global Giving is currently trying to reach a

Hurricane Harvey Victims Photo Credit David J. Philip

goal of $5 million dollars to donate to relief efforts. Donors can pick a set amount or select their own amount to donate.

3 Operation Supply Drop: This is a veteran’s organization with a chain of donation areas set up in Texas. Viewers can see live on their website who has donated and how much was given. Donors can select an amount or choose their own to give.

These three organizations are easy to donate to and are a guaranteed way your money doesn’t go to waste. During this time, it’s important to come together and help those in need; your late-night takeout needs will taste better next week anyway.