Nothing like a volcanic eruption to demonstrate how insignificant we really are. Thankfully, Eyjafjallajökul chose to teach us this lesson two months before I’m scheduled to fly to the States for my brother’s wedding. So far, Barcelona’s airport remains open, but the ash cloud is drawing menacingly closer. I suppose it will clear up by June…

UPDATE [two minutes after original post]: Barcelona area airports are now closed after shifting winds bring ash cloud to Catalonia. Well played, Eyjafjallajökul.

Three positive effects of this event are (1) the temporary reduction in carbon emissions from heavy air travel (2) the increased interest in learning how to pronounce Icelandic words and (3) the convoluted tales of the journey home that travelers will be sharing with friends and family for years to come.

Only twelve days to go! Here is my thinkgeek.com wish list, which includes several affordable and frigging awesome gift ideas.

An alternative to the text message donation route is the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Colbert also lists some worthy organizations at colbernation.com. Please consider giving whatever you can.

Stephen with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius