Ah dear I think attending the hs conference is not on my agenda. I do use SWB book The Well Trained Mind and use many of her suggested texts with nothing but positive things to say about them. Sadly there is not room in my menopausal being to tolerate shenanigans from the gaybashing, flagwaving, bible thumping folk who no doubt are sincere in their beliefs. I have in my own way agreed to live and let live. Too old and too ill tempered...However, I am not an atheist just an old agnostic, doubter and seeker . I am delighted to see another freethinker around here and especially an Iowan! There are some groups in the community section for those of a more liberal bent, secular curricula etc. there are many , many lovely people here of every political and theological stripe. It is amazing how peaceful it is most of the time. I hope that if you go to DM for the conference that it is a positive experience and the food is good! That makes up for darn near anything.elizabeth