We're accustomed to hearing about all the horrible things the internet is capable of: online predators, scam sites, viral downloads, cyberstalking, anonymous meanness. But what we don't hear very often is the incredible good that can happen when the people behind all those keyboards are inspired to act.

Stephanie Nielson is the fun kind of mother who does things like marking the start of a new school by preparing a company-worthy dinner complete with good china, fancy glassware, roses, and handmade tiara for her daughters. She's also the well-liked blogger behind Nie Nie Dialogues, where she records life with four young children and the husband she's clearly still smitten with.

On August 16th, Stephanie, along with her beloved husband Christian, and pilot instructor, Doug Kinneard, were in a plane crash. Kinneard died from his injuries, Christian has burns over 30% of his body, and Stephanie, better known as Nie Nie on the internet, remains in a chemically induced coma while being treated for the burns that cover 80% of her body.

While relatives take turns caring for the Nielson children, bloggers and internet sellers of all types have sprung into action to raise money to attempt to off-set what are sure to be staggering medical expenses. Generous and amazing crafters have donated wonderful items to benefit the Nielsons, while others have used their computer skills to organize and list everything in a wonderfully organized manner.

It's not too early to think about that Christmas list, or upcoming baby arrivals or birthdays. Knowing that the money spent will help a family in need makes any gift purchased from a Nie Nie auction twice as wonderful and that's just not a feeling one gets from an Amazon.com purchase.

It's really wonderful to see the goodness pouring out of the internet in response to such a tragic event.

Haute mamas to be watch out: Christian Siriano is launching a line of maternity wear! The Project Runway winner is set to unveil the line for mamas to be in Spring 2009. Pity I won't be pregnant anymore (I hope) although it may be reason enough to get knocked up if you've been considering it. Chances are, if you are pregnant and you buy Siriano's stuff, you'll look glam.

Siriano and two of his fashion buddies, Marta Abrams and Elise Rosemarin, collaborated on the line. Abrams and Rosemarin head up Moody Mama maternity wear. The collection, much like Mr. Siriano, is being called Fierce (for Moody Mama).

Funny enough, a rep for Moody Mama says Siriano joined up because he thought it would be good if a gay man and two women who'd never had children designed maternity wear together. What do you think--is it important for the designer of preggo-wear to have been preggo herself, or does it matter? I doubt Bill Blass spent a lot of time in evening gowns, but what they hey do I know. I'm sure the line from Siriano will be stunning to say the least--in looks, anyway (no word on the price).