I love Los Angeles. For me, its being able to try and experience new things and a different walks of life wherever you go. While I hate how much that sounds like a cheap travel brochure, I fully believe it. For example, last week, I had no idea that there was a community of people with a deep passion for writing implements and their history. I also had no idea that their 20th annual meeting would be right in my backyard, at the Manhattan Beach Marriott.

On Sunday, the four of us took a trip down to the beach and experienced the pen show first hand. I have got to say, I love pen folk. I’ve been to other conventions with other focuses before, but I think that, more than any other, they all share a deep passion for their craft and are ready, willing and able to welcome newcomers to the fold. Even when we Pilar had novice questions about fountain pens, they were kind in their response and made no jokes about our inexperience with ink distribution systems.

It didn’t have all the flashing lights or booth babes of the E3 of old (though there was one older lady who was clearly the looker in her day), there were no costumes or performances that a ComicCon goer might expect and no new product presentations or revolutionary LCD screens that make CES a must for people of my ilk. But without all these things, I can honestly say that I enjoyed LAIPS 2008. I’m heading down to Office Depot tonight, to get ready for LAIPS 2009.

Look for more pics and their take on the show from the rest of the group.

Filed under: Other — Roy @ 12:38 pm