At the general session, among the welcomes including TLA president Steve Brown, we heard a little bit about the coming of Encyclopedia Britannica Online to all the school libraries as an addition of TexShare things we get as a result of the the recent legislation change. That is quite exciting!

The speaker for the general session was Rene Saldana, children’s author and education professor at Texas Tech University (his blog). His new book is A Sky Full of Stars, a book about friendship. In his remarks, he shared with us some of his favorite books as a child. He spoke fondly of things like The Hardy Boys and admitted he liked Nancy Drew stories even more because of “one chick being able to do more than 2 guys” and he also loved the Little House books as well.

The most enduring moment for me was when he told us how he takes his 4-yr. old son to the public library only one a month because the child checks out 50+ books at a time (yea for that librarian/library) and that on the first day of “real” school, he intends to take his son FIRST to the library to meet the librarian before going to the classroom or filling out the “mountains of forms” required of parents!

If you would like to participate in a live chat with him about this book, go to http://alan-ya.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid=2at 8:00 pm CENTRAL time on Wednesday Oct. 17th.

Among the many sessions offered, I attended one on copy cataloging pointers and helpful sites. During the Q&A portion, I did find out the records from WorldCat are not downloadable as I suspected…it was not my inability to make it work after all! But the info for many items including AV can be found. “Copy & paste” is still faster than original cataloging.

A colleague reported that in the session on transitioning from high school research to college research that bib cards are still required by many professors at her college (although she doesn’t necessarily agree with that practice) and when asked how to help more traditional teachers understand there is NO difference between an article in print that is identical online, the speaker said “good luck and just keep plugging way one teacher at a time to make them understand and accept the online version!”

Then it came time for my presentation on blogging. The room was overflowing and VERY warm, but the audience was so gracious and enthusiastic and attentive…even when we discovered that virtually ALL of the blogs (including my own!!) were blocked. Yup…the firewall and the technology department got us right where it hurt…nothing got thru except for Library Stuff and some Teacher Tube videos. This was the pitiful situation despite the careful planning by the people in charge to obtain the list of websites, blogs, etc. that I needed unblocked well in advance of the date.

Thank goodness for PowerPoint…I had planned for this situation because it had happened before…not this badly, but before nevertheless, and screen shots are not as good as the “real” thing, but with the enthusiasm of the audience and the slide show, we had a great discussion on the power of blogging and the many things that you can do with it. And needless to say, we a had a very frank discussion on what we all have to do in order to make administrations and tech people understand that this type of situation can NOT continue. It is unfair to our students…the very reason we were all in that hot room on a beautiful Saturday morning!

HANDOUT for those that did not get one!

It amazes me that in this day of fighting the battle of access to the Internet and its resources riches, that we as librarians still need to be sure our patrons have that same access to the printed word! When reviewing the list of the most banned books over the years I always find some of my very favorite books (To Kill a Mockingbird, Fallen Angels, The Face on the Milk Carton, On My Honor, Huck Finn)…some long-time authors…and as always some new titles — HP!

I have always had to deal with this issue within the framework of the school setting…a little different perspective than a public or academic librarian. I always tell school librarians—
1. KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY and select materials that go along with the curriculum where you can. Have choice available so that all concerned can find something that fits their parameters, whatever they may be.
2. KNOW YOUR BOOKS and be able to explain the good (and bad) points of the books and the authors who wrote them. Keep up with the recommendations, both from professional reviewers and colleagues in our business…a huge benefit of the blogging world!
3. ENCOURAGE CHOICE and make sure the teachers you work with understand that concept. No child should have to read one particular book…or be singled out as the only kid not reading the “class novel.” Multiple choice just makes sense…groups reading various books just makes sense…and the benefit…kids are exposed to even more books thru group discussions, projects, etc. (And advise a teacher to be sure and READ the book(s) he/she wants to “teach”–YES, I have had to advise more than one teacher of this!)
4. BE PREPARED and have a procedure in place for those time when parents and others may question one of the books in your collection. Careful reconsideration policies usually can defuse a situation and bring about a solution that pleases all.

Some other places to check information about the freedom to read…
Kidspeak!
Judy Blume Talks about Censorship
As If – YA Authors Support Intellectual Freedom (includes YouTube video)
ALA’s Banned Book Week in Cyberspace – some of these sites will be blocked, but hopefully the general info won’t be…guess we will see
Celebrate the Freedom to Read post from Google blog
Banned books and the Presidents
Chicken Spaghetti’s short observation
Fahrenheit 451: Banned Books blog

There is nothing wrong with using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system in your average every day school library (and the above average ones, too!) Although I have an opinion about the effectiveness of this system in small public libraries and of the LC system in other libraries, I won’t speak to them in this essay because I am only formally trained and many-years experienced in school librarianship.

All of the news stories and articles that have come out about libraries that have abandoned (or are planning to abandon) this tried-and-true method of locating materials in the library are missing the point….IN MY OPINION.

As far as I am concerned the DDC system is merely a system of markers, or addresses if you will, to WHERE the items are in the library with some organizational pattern behind it. The Dewey numbers are no more significant in one way than such markers as 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, 90210, or 36°30′.

Do the Dewey numbers mean more to a librarian than to a patron? Probably. Most library patrons do not know the significance of 398.2, 597.8, 636.7, 796.33, and 976.4 (and librarians outside of the great state of Texas might not recognize the last one!) But if the patrons use these numbers as addresses or markers, once they get to the spot, they certain will know that they have found what they wanted and/or asked for.

And I will agree with the nay-sayers, there in lies the rub…the REAL problem at hand. Can the patrons take this well-established set of DDC numbers and find what they desire. They can. ..if and ONLY IF…the librarian has provided signage.

I don’t really care if the librarian chooses to make lots of signs with the actual Dewey numbers and lots of appropriately placed arrows. Or if librarians choose to use key words or subjects related to the Dewey numbers on their many signs with appropriately placed arrows. And I will even admit that most elementary librarians probably should use pictures or symbols to represent the addresses of their books, etc.…with appropriately placed arrows. Symbols and pictures go for big kids and grown-ups as well. After all, even our own profession has a visual representation!

Another issue involved with the many discussions about the DDC system is that it is dated. Huh? The newest technologies have a classification. Yes, we fumbled around in the latter portion of the 20th century trying to decide whether computers should be in the 600s until the powers that be took unused numbers in the 000s and assigned them there. In the school library where I worked during this time, it was far MORE traumatic when dinosaurs changed DDC numbers than where to find computer-related materials! The DDC system has handled all the inventions, the space race, and catastrophes and disasters. I remember during the terrible time of September 2001 that the folks responsible had a “marker” for us to carefully place all of our information ready and waiting almost instantly. The DDC system grows with the times as far as I can see.

And the last point I want to cover is that of wanting to “be more like a bookstore.” Have you ever tried to find something specific in a bookstore if it didn’t start with the words “Harry Potter…” or make the NY Times best seller list. Even the people that work there can’t always follow their arrangement…even after repeated trips to the computer to see where it should be. And signs…???

[Folks reading this don’t despair—I am not talking about the small, intimate privately owned and operated neighborhood book “shops” like we are lucky enough to have in our area…my problems lie in the big box bookstores that try to be all things to all people…if you have time to browse.]

Yes, bookstores have displays placing the covers out, but we have been promoting displays in our libraries for a number of years…and we have an advantage…if a patron picks up a library book on display and wants more, he or she need only look at the spine label to know where other related books are. Not possible in the bookstore! You are left to your browsing prowess once again.

As for browsing in the school library being stunted due to Dewey…I really don’t get that argument at all. Kids are experts at browsing…just ask any harried teacher on a tight time schedule. And any school librarian who is “smart” makes it easy…all the good stuff is out and about!

Am I against change? No, I have learned to adapt. Am I afraid of change? Only of change for change’s sake. Do I think the school librarians of today need to add to their never-ending list of things to do, the undoing of a perfectly good system of finding materials. NO!

Yes, I know there are people who dream of new things and new ways of doing old things and I am glad. If not, we would be cooking on open fires, using handcarts to carry our belongings as we walk beside them, doing business with an abacus, and listening to people tell their stories (o,wait we do that now…but that is another post entirely!) I just choose not to embrace this idea for change at this time.

Ok, I have had my say on something that has bugged me for awhile. And I feel better. Do I hear the unmistakable sound of a saw against the nice thick limb I have ventured out onto? Hummmmmmmmmmmmm…guess we will have to wait and see!

I do issue a challenge to the librarians in my sphere of influence…have you taken a HARD look at your library signage? Can your patrons maneuver around your library using the DDC information given for each book or item? Can they take that address and go to the “place” for the information they want? If not, then that IS a change that is needed…and I will help you!

————————————————————–
They are looking at samples of blogs and getting a sense of what blogs contain and what bloggers write about.

At the beginning of class, because they are a new group pf students, we popcorned out what comes to mind when you say the word “LIBRARY.” Their answers included…resource, book, books, information, technology, FUN, interactive, access, reading…. What are your thoughts?

One of the students brought up a very important question? What do you do if parents of your students do not want their picture on the web? (we had been viewing the video from the elementary school’s student blogs). I suggested doing audio podcasts only in the beginning or making blogging an after school elective! What suggestions can you give this person for her concern?

The students are looking at different types of blogs and noting the similarities and differences found in blogs. I will post some of their findings at a later date.

I had fun…I hope they did too (and I hope they learned a little something about blogs as well!)

[Please go here to my "mirror blog" to use their comments about the experience]

An annual workshop that ALWAYS draws a crowd is our Cataloging Camp! We hold it 8 times during the month…4 days (cuz Fridays we are off), 2 classes a day. That way, Librarians can choose to stay all day if they want to (or their schedule allows it) because once you drag all your items for cataloging out and gather up all the tools and information you need to complete the task, time is essential!

This gathering became essential 8 years ago or so when our district decided the processing center was a luxury that could no longer be supported. 40+ Librarians who had NEVER had to do anything to a book, video, or kit except stamp a school name and maybe slap on an extra sticker were left with piles of items to catalog. We banded together, found books to help us, read up on rules and dug into it. At the end of the year, we decided that a group effort would help…we could support and help each other learn the missing pieces. In other words, collective wisdom would be a huge benefit.

And before you ask…Yes, we now order almost all of our materials processed by the vendors, but there are ALWAYS those items (gifts, freebies, departmental, and great “deals”) that require cataloging attention.

What we didn’t count on…and what continues to this day…these group gatherings to do something that most School Librarians (and probably a lot of others as well) put at the bottom of their to-do lists…is that THEY ARE F-U-N!
Way back, the term cataloging “camp” was coined at one of the first sessions…many of us were mothers of children who were going off to day camp, sleep-over camp, or earning badges at scout camp…so the word was in the air and I suspect that is one reason for the honorary “title.” That, the brown bag lunches we brought, and the fact that we came with enough baggage to warrant a “stay-over.”

We found out that it is MUCH EASIER to share the “pain” of learning cataloging rules, learning the system, learning the software we had selected, and learning not to repeat someone else’s work. Quite often the same items show up in several people’s piles. We help each other interpret things in Spanish, decide if the call # should be this or that, and figure out just what is the exact terminology for all the “funky” subject headings that seem to pop up every year.

So the “work” gets done, the records get loaded, and life moves on.

But…in the meantime, we have bonded…laughed more than you can imagine (and some of it even about cataloging!)…shared our lives, our recipes, our goals, and even some of our fears (snakes, cockroaches, spiders). Collaboration and team-building at its best…all with a dash of chocolate! O, yes…summer staff development can NOT be held without the mandatory chocolate. It helps get thru the rough times…when the Internet is sluggish, the AC suddenly goes off, or there just does not seem to be a category for that cantankerous kit.
We don’t claim to be experts…most of us would rather have our eye-teeth pulled without the benefits of gas…than to catalog library items. But we all recognize that access and accountability is necessary and so we take the lemons we have been given, come together, and make the best batch of lemonade possible…swweeeeet!

There is a pdf time line available as well. And their A CentenniAL Blog covers interesting things about library hisitory.

Although I have spent all of my professional library career in the school setting, I was a child of the public library and many of the things portrayed here are nice reminders (and funny reminders as well) of many happy hours on both sides of the check out desk in the public and school libraries of my life!

Enjoy!

Outside of Tall Texans,* which is unique in that it is a one-time, invited experience, I find TASLA the most important professional development I can do for myself annually …and consider myself very fortunate that my job description and my forward-thinking boss allow me the privilege of attending this group meeting.

This was my 4th year to attend. My first year, I think I was shell-shocked by the event. The 2nd year, I was clued into the procedure, and last year, I finally knew enough people, I felt like a qualified observer. This year, it was especially rewarding to renew the professional friendships I have with several people who regularly attend, and to make new relationships with new attendees. And I think I even shared enough information in the many conversations, that some even went hummmm at my points!

I, however, continue to be totally awed at the level of knowledge and professionalism of the group as a whole. The speakers are all so good and leave many points to ponder, but it is the informal networking over danish and coffee, a good sandwich at lunch, or a fun dinner downtown where the “real learning” for me takes place. This year, because I got to share the hospitality suite with this year’s chair, I also attended two great late evening “bull sessions” where people’s passions for kids and librarianship were clearly evident.
It is quite an intimate group made up of about 80 people from across the state who affect the library experiences of about 90% of the students in the state! It ranges from large districts, small districts, directors of large programs with lots of support, campus librarians who handle the high school along with district duties, multi-campus librarians who also must divide their time with technical duties, retired leaders who continue to make contributions, to brand new library leaders with new ideas.

For every scenario you can imagine, there are multiple approaches supplied by these outstanding folks…all in the name of student success. For every problem you think is almost to the breaking point, someone else can explain a situation that makes you grateful for what you have to deal with. Every one wants what is best for their kids…whether it is a database, plenty of books, enough hands on deck, or simple respect for what we can do…and do well!

Although there is value in staying the same place for almost 3 decades, it is always good to talk, and better, to listen to folks who come from a variety of places and a variety of situations. In many ways, it makes you appreciate what you have, but it also causes you to want more when you hear the experiences of others who do the same job as you in a completely different way and under completely different sets of circumstances.

I know lots of educators, both in and outside of the library world, who would not look upon 2 and a half days of intense conversation as a way to progress in their profession. I do hope that they have some type of outlet that does bring them an opportunity for renewal of their passion. That’s the important thing…being reminded why we do what we do. I just know this method, and this event in particular, does it for me.

Now where is my 2008 calendar?…I gotta get this conference marked for next year! Can’t wait!

*Note: From my 2003 Tall Texan class, including me, there were 6 school librarians and 1 mentor there last week. Pretty impressive number for the class!

[this post was originally created Sunday, June 17th as a follow-up to a  "blogging live during a conference" experience and  posting has been delayed due to the service's upgrade issues the past 10 days or so!]

“Never stand in the way of a school librarian on a mission.”

Gloria Meraz from TLA has come to chat about things.

Databases–great first step on getting what we want, the way we want. She applauded the effect of the letters and other communications on the outcome. “The absolute credit goes to you.” “You all are awesome.”
She feels the whole library community has now come to embrace school libraries and their issues and the support from the other groups is there.
She feels the political tide has changed somewhat…long standing concerns –staffing and presence in TEA should be looked at and improved. There is a long “corporate” memory with the legislative staffers who are often there longer than the actual legislators. She feels this memory will be to our benefit.
Audience comment about the confusion of the original amount of money spent on databases seems to be cleared up. Several people are getting the correct facts together. A little over 2 million was spent on databases thru TLC in 2003 and the rest of the 4 million was the catalog–an item that is NOT a part of this new deal. So the money seems to be equal or a little better.

There is great understanding of the pressure we are under with school starting. She feels the state library, etc. will do the best they can to meet the deadlines to the best of their ability and lessen the impact on us.
Library programs are built on collaboration and it isn’t always a polite process. It takes lots of discussion and push and pull to get to the point that is the best for the most. [Have seen a lot of that the past few days!!]

We should consider ourselves lucky that we have two “homes”–both appropriate for us. There are things TEA can do best for us and there are things the State Library can do best for us. A sort of summer/ winter home arrangement! [thanks BB!]

Staffing and certification is a major issue. She is not sure they will come up in the next session, but the work can certainly start now.
The political reality is that any of our requests must be based on things we know can get attention and funding. We could ask for anything, the reality is that some issues will make more progress than others. It does not lessen the importance of the other issues. We don’t like unfunded mandates, but sometimes that is a place to start in a fiscally conservative state.

Audience comment–we need to show the effect of our impact…use the measure of our success in making kids successful. A related comment–the TSLAC sunset review study …who is going to hear the result of the study? What will happen to the info, where will it go? How will it be used? “Our TSLAC commissioner” read the wording of who will get the report, the deadline etc. to the group to aid in answering these concerns. Gloria said yes, that is a beginning and we will do even more with the info. From another commenter: Another way to use the info will be to take the results thru the administrative route…share with principals, superintendents, etc. groups showing the positive effects of how libraries impact student success. Gloria reemphasized the need to work together with all these groups and use all these avenues in the good way that we can.

It is critical that we thank the legislators. A quick laundry list: Kolkhorst, Branch, Zaffirini, Duncan, Chisum, Ogden [she will send the list for our communications link so watch for it]

We need to send them info about the info is being used successfully with the kids. Be sure and promote these resources. Get the principal, teachers to write to say thanks. An audience participant said use visual reminders–kids using the resources and the results.

A cautionary comment from several–be sure the training is there. The last time some schools didn’t use them because they don’t know how. We don’t want that to happen this time. Five years later, the base of knowledge in using these types of resources is better. But there is work to be done. Let’s work together. Use the technology to share the info.
She expressed thanks from TEA for the support this group gives to get the message out. Every little bit helps!
SB 1788– distance ed for K-12, primarily high school, in partnership with higher ed. There is a clause for instructional materials and online resources. This can tie-in with the online resources issue and the study coming up. Audience participant–some states have virtual school programs (taking at least one course online) mandated as part of graduation…he knows it is coming for Texas as well. Another mentioned that we really need to be sure “libraries” are truly a part of this partnership…not just represented by online resources.

HB2930– did not pass. Had to do with exemptions on science room & library size.
Sen. Patrick’s bill– trying to get 65% rule put into law…it went no where.
Dutton’s bill– putting libraries and services into the accountability system…went no where, not even to committee discussion.
It’s break time!! One last opportunity for that all-important verbal networking.
Post break includes some letter writing information–who we need to thank for many things. The information is on our wiki.

We are now reviewing our thoughts of yesterday’s regional discussions on what we want regarding the databases and what we want from our two new homes (see above!) Lots of talk on standards and getting “teeth” to them…mandating wishes… All this information will be on the TASLA blog so comments can be made. Please comment.

Based on a comment, apparantly the 65% rule has been tweaked…and not necesarily for our good. Gloria gave an explanation [most of which I lost in translation (to my brain) so I'm going to have to do some research to be sure I'm up-to-date.]
A bit of housekeeping and …tick, tock…That’s it folks! It’s been real and it’s be fun…real fun!

Hasta la vista!

[this post was originally created Friday, June 15th as a part of a "blogging live during a conference" experience and  posting has been delayed due to the service's upgrade issues the past 10 days or so!] 

She also gave a out a list of 13 booktalking hooks…they are not unique ideas, but it was nice to have them all in one place to review and reflect upon again.

She reminded us about 3-strike rule…if a kid is not connected with a book by three times in the library, he/she won’t ask again for help!

From the book Swimming Upstream, a poetry book, she read and commented on the poem about the School Librarian. She replaces “school librarian” with her name!

Books that she is booktalking:
The Red Thread by Townley– reincarnation, terrible dreams, past lives, a murder 400 yrs. old.

Runner by Deuker – Chance, a runner who wants to go to college & gets a chance at some easy money. [ a review from Muller in the Middle blog, good place to read about books!]

Desert Crossing by Broach– 3 friends on a road trip hit something with their car…a body of a girl is on the road. There is a bracelet involved also.

Hand of the Devil by Carter– Ganges Red, the largest mosquito in the world is featured on the cover. Involves a hole full of body parts [ok JB, I think this is your book.]

Silent Room by Sorrels– isolation room, a hood over your head, a breathing apparatus is hooked up to you and you are left there until you sign “the papers.”…or die!

Dragon’s Keep by Carey– wears gold gloves to cover up deformed hand (one dragon’s claw)…if you see it, you have to die. [author interview from Cynsations blog, another good place to read about books]

Peeps by Westerfield– disgusting and gross! [author podcast]

Masquerade by de la Cruz–vampires!!! and the blue veins in their arms [BL, here's one for you!]

Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Craft

Right Behind You by Giles– psychological thriller. Would you kill for a baseball glove? “I set Bobby on fire…”

Buried by MacCready–post it notes

Harmless by Reinhardt– telling lies

Another program of hers is Classic and Contemporary Connections: Paired Readings
It is geared towards librarians and language arts teachers–collaboration is a MUST with this program. Teachers wanted to solve the “tired” research project problem and the related plagiarism issues. Uses colored post-it notes to mark relationship between chosen book and classic..what is the SAME? She booktalks the contemporaries, but not the classics.
The reviews in Barnes & Noble are acceptable for part of the research about the pairings.

Samples:
Shattering Glass by Giles matches up with The Lord of Flies, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, A Separate Peace

After by Prose matches up with Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, To Kill a Mockingbird. Island of Dr. Moreau

The Raging Quiet by Jordan matches up with Romeo and Juliet, The Crucible, Scarlet Letter, Color Purple

Truesight by Stahler (being blind in a sightless society) matches up with Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World

Responding to an audience question, Tunes for Bears to Dance To was taken off… the students could not get the significance and get a good classic match.

It’s break time….humm, wonder that our treat is?

After a nice popcorn and Dr. P break, we had a business meeting…suffice it to say, it was business and it is done.

[this post was originally created Thursday, June 14th as a part of a "blogging live during a conference" experience and  posting has been delayed due to the service's upgrade issues the past 10 days or so!]

After another good networking break, Dr. Adrian Johnson, Associate Commisioner of Education, is bringing greetings from TEA and Commissioner Neeley. He stated the obvious–Libraries and Librarians are the heart and soul of the schools. In explaining his role, he shared a little personal history about being a Frost Polar Bear, having a community where people “watched” the radio, and having his mother as his first teacher in life…and school! A nice quote– “You (as Librarians and educators) bring Old Yeller back to life.”

We all need to work together. He does recognize that Librarians often feel “left out” in the educational family. He reminded us about the 03 issues when we lost a voice at the agency. He doesn’t like the present situation…the challenge– live with the things as they CAN be, not with the way things were. He is committed to doing what he can.

Planting…where the first seed began
Cultivation…an essential ingredient…create a climate of knowledge and learning
Example: college readiness in not possible without knowledge of how to do research

Recommendations for LEAs
Latest technology and online resources are necessary parts of libraries
Use library standards to ensure school libraries/librarians assist classroom teachers in information literacy and tech apps learning.

He discussed how TEA and the State Library will work together to support school libraries under the new legislation that just passed. There is no edict in TEA that says libraries are not important and he wants to know if that mis-information is out there!

Harvesting
Take what we have and make it go farther..reevaluate where and how it goes in a spirit of cooperation.
“Their (children) success is our success.”

He did review the Rider 88 for Library Resources…2.5 million each for 2008 and 2009 and SB923 School Library Study.

When in the TEA website…use ELA-Reading as the search term for finding library “stuff.”

Question from audience:
TEA and State Library meeting is good but who will “represent” “us”–maybe we need a representative group to be there? Dr. Johnson said the idea is a good one, but they need to have a broad view. He will present the idea in the initial meeting.

Another audience comment:
Ways to keep school library informed thru the TEA website…a place to go and read what is happening, changes, etc.

Question:
Can we have something flowing so when school starts IN August, we can start working…not wait until September?
Related question:
Look at the fiscal year…maybe the cycle needs to change.

Another audience member hopes that ALL the research about libraries and student success will be apart of all this need conversation.
Another audience member reminded him AGAIN in a very nice way that we WANT a voice, It is i-m-p-o-r-t-a-n-t.
And…who from TEA is going to make sure the schools are built according the standards correctly.
One more…can we connect the standards to some form of measure to give them weight in the scheme of things..where the community will know how our libraries stack up?

His new word–sustainability. We have a “benchmark” now and we will make corrections and we will continue next year and next…

Personally…
Dr. Johnson was hugely entertaining and made some tough stuff easy to get through. I really enjoyed his presentation and words.
He says he is “real” and really wants all of this good stuff to happen.
Oh, I really, really, really hope he IS. It will make looking towards the future so much better.

[Sideline--we have been joined by a church group and choir in the room next door--has added an extra dimension to our discussions.]

on to lunch…

[this post was originally created Thursday, June 14th as a part of a "blogging live during a conference" experience and  posting has been delayed due to the service's upgrade issues the past l-o-n-g week!]