Wednesday, April 1 update

Here's what's happening on the NCPH conference blog on the eve of the conference:

• Holger Hoock invites his colleagues from across the water to engage in some Anglo-American dialogue.
  
• Two friendly natives (Leah Nahmias and Steve Lubar) give us some tips on Providence's night-life, the arts/culture scene, and (h'ray!) some good local bookstores.
  
• Mary Rizzo, a first-time NCPH conference-goer last year who is back for more, reflects on last year's conference in Louisville.
  
• And the current weather in Providence: a summery 72 degrees, with a light ocean breeze and clear skies. Sorry, that was a cruel April Fool's joke - this is New England in early April, which means that it's 40 degrees and drizzling. Some Californians at the conference have already been heard to express their displeasure. Inside the historic Biltmore Hotel, however, the conditions are quite pleasant.