One of my favorite things to see in the U.S. is the cherry trees in full bloom along the Tidal Basin. The beauty of nature as diplomatic iconography can be stunning, and the cherry blossoms remind me of goodwill between America and Japan. In light of today's horrible disaster, I find myself grasping for a way to echo that connection, and to say I truly care.

Advice for folks wanting to donate and a list of charities providing relief: http://bit.ly/hbKGpf ...and some other ways to help via One Green Planet: http://bit.ly/ihbBeD