Last week’s volcanic ash cloud over most of Europe harshly reminded air travelers, and everybody else, how nature can easily play havoc on their well-planned, albeit routine, lives. Forcing airlines to cancel almost all flights from and to European destinations, the ash cloud showed who’s the real boss.

Thousands of passengers remained stuck in terminals, or hotels for non-Filipino travelers (yes, there was at least one report of German immigration officers disallowing Pinoy passengers from entering their national territory), or had to find other means of reaching their destinations.

One silver lining, the ash cloud and the resulting chaos and standstill demonstrated the real worth of Internet videoconferencing. Online meetings became the only option for business executives who suddenly found themselves weaned from their jet-setting ways. Instead of taking those costly, though miles-earning, airline travels to meet business partners or prospective clients, the suit-types suddenly had to make do with virtual meetings.

It’s a good thing that most end users today, both the consumer and corporate customers, have broadband-enabled Internet connections. So, what’s bad for some businesses, airlines in particular, might have proved beneficial for the online videoconferencing technology vendors.

YouTube, Smarter at 5

YouTube, that online video-sharing site, turned five years old last week. Since the first video was uploaded and shared with the world on April 23, 2005, the Web site has become an international star and platform for those seeking to become stars. Our world-class performers, Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco, owe part of their international successes to the global video site.

Personally, my favorite YouTube videos are those cooking and livelihood videos. These include video tips on how to make empanada, tocino, fried chicken, and Spanish-type sardines. College students who find it hard to understand what their algebra and philosophy professors are saying in class, can find videos discussing related lessons in ways more friendly to their levels of comprehension.

And of course, whenever I feel down, I would always watch a video of Susan Boyle’s “Britain’s Got Talent” audition.

But the Web site has its ugly side, though through no fault of its own. Some users have uploaded videos showing the less beautiful side of human nature.

There are videos aplenty of bullies beating up their hapless victims, would-be-terrorists showing how to make home-made weapons, and even of people defecating.

Overall, however, the Web site has served its goal of providing Internet users with a platform to share and view videos, promoting leisure, entertainment, and learning. Users though have to learn how to take the good, and ignore the rest.

That’s all for the meantime, folks. Join me again next time as we keep on watching IT.