Okay, here I am at the Hawaii Library Association Conference, with five minutes left on my Internet access time. Our room at the Fairmont Orchid could easily accommodate a family of four. Nice change for this librarian. As for the Big Island itself, it's hard to believe I'm on the same planet, let alone in the same country. Flora, fauna, ocean, sky - all unbelievable. Everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Biggest news is that I was here to witness the official launch of Loriene Roy's candidacy for presidency of the American Library Association. Away from all sources of local news while I'm in Hawaii, Loriene is the one who told me about NCAA's rejection of the University of Illinois' appeal regarding Chief Illiniwek.