I am having FUN FUN FUN here in LA! It’s a whole different experience to be at this conference and NOT working. Where-as last year I was taking notes and networking the entire time, this year I’m ditching workshops to go chat with friends old and new, and soundly brushing off anyone who wants to network to a degree more than “Hey, do you have any rolling papers?”

Yesterday featured great presentations about the corporatization of the forest service–did you know that Disneey is already well on its way to gaining access to build “camping resorts” on public Forest Service land? Fucked up! Almost as fucked up as the woman who couldn’t stop gasping and talking during the presentation “*GASP!* NO! Mickey Mouse in Smokey Bear’s home!? GASP NO!” “…I’m sorry, what was that?” the presenter had to keep stopping and saying. I’ll post a link for more info soon.

Then there was also a discussion (which I skipping to go talk and smoke with a friend who’d just arrived from Vancouver BC) from a couple cognitive liberties lawyers. Great great stuff. And the most wonderful people! And we’re all so friendly! Los Angeles has been invaded by 200 hippy-raver crossover hits, and we just want to HUG EVERYONE!! (heh, yes, I am making fun of myself).

Anyway, it’s a lot of fun. I’m having a blast, shirking off all responsibility to just have a good time with this awesome group of people who I only see a few times a year.