So anyway, here is a subset of comments about my TAM London 2010 impressions.
Some photos can be found here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=233486&id=530824732&l=39a3e7af2b
First of all, it was, in fact,
very amazingly awesome! Anything that I "complain" about, below, are really relatively minor issues, that barely need to be picked on. If it sounds like I am ranting in any part of this, it is only by accident.
London is a very nice city. Unfortunately, my time there was much shorter than I wanted it to be. So, I will probably be returning in a couple of months, even though a lot of the cheeses have weird names. I had originally booked a tour of the city, followed by some parts of Europe after TAM. But, obligations in the States forced me to postpone those plans.
Richard Wiseman was a most excellent host! Witty, and always great with a comeback when technical difficulties prevent things from working smoothly.
James Randi was looking hale and hearty, for his age. But, believe it or not, as amazing as he is, I really didn't trek all that distance just to meet him.
It was especially great see Susan Blackmore, one of my favorite authors of books about the brain. Although slightly repetitive, her history with woo sheds good insight into how she approaches the mind, today.
One of my most favorite presentations was from Richard Dawkins, building an argument that the theory of evolution could, itself, be considered "The New Classics". There weren't any particularly novel arguments in his case. But, they served as a good collection of "Best Of" reasons to study the science. I wish he did something like that for TAM8. All Vegas got was a couple of interviews and (if you were in the VIP luncheon) a relatively fancy meal conversation (though, he didn't even say a lot, there).
Amateur Transplants: Meh.
The first panel, about activism, was not terribly well organized. The mini-presentations went on too long from its members. And that Q&A was all mixed up and rushed through. At least it had some educational value, even if it was not exactly what I would call a "panel".
Tim Minchin did not do very many songs. But, the few he did were masterfully offensive! (And, I mean that as a compliment.) His short film is definitely on the right track, even if it was only a "beta version".
Some of the performers who came on before him were a mixed bag.
More about the Amateur Transplants: I guess I am not a fan of one-liner, heavily-pun-influenced songs. But, I have heard worse. Lots worse. So, that is why I rate them as "mediocre": Not bad. Not by any means. Just not all that great.
I thought I liked one of their songs very much: "The Anaesthetist's Hymn", so I bought one of their albums that has it on it. Listening to it, again, I do not remember exactly what the appeal was, anymore. But, it was worth buying if only because one of them autographed it with the message "Mitch Lampert is Meh". (Apparently, they had already discovered my Twitter feed.)
Marcus Chown really shined when he rattled off his "Top 10 Bonkers Facts About the Universe". But, he really wasted time with those pointless musical montages.
D.J. Grothe really spoke from his heart. His message was very good, I am sure. But, it was very redundant to the one he gave at NECSS, so I ended up not paying much attention to it. Sorry.
The second panel, moderated by Rebecca Watson (who knew she could do anything in moderation?!), about technology, was more like a
real panel! Since I am already steeped in this technology stuff, I probably did not gain much from it, myself. Though, I imagine other people did.
I would have liked to have seen Stephen Fry in person, but I suppose the video interview will have to suffice until I can afford to hire him for my next party.
PZ Meyers is NOT a fuzzy teddy bear. He's ANGRY!!!!!!!!!
Don't mess with the P-Zed!
The elusive and imposing beast that is Alan Moore was probably the weirdest presenter ever to appear at any TAM. That is not necessarily a bad thing: It was an honor to tremble in his foreboding presence, after all. But, I wonder what all this had to do with skepticism.
There were several other speakers I have not commented on, yet. They were all very interesting. Perhaps when I have more time, I will elaborate on some of their things.
I came too late for food at the After Show Party. But, at least it offered a great source of interesting conversations, and loud music.
The WORST THING that happened all weekend: It seems I accidentally lost my program guide, somehow.
It had Tim Minchin's autograph in it, too. I have everything else that was in my goody bag, I think. I never lost anything else, before, at any conference. So, this minor issue remains a black mark on my otherwise spotless record. I will try to ask for a replacement (even if it was not scribbled on by Minchin). But, if anyone else happens to know anything about its fate let me know! Anyhoo... that is how you know it was a great event! Mourning the loss of a program guide is the only suffering it gave me.
At this point in time, I am on the fence as to whether I will return to TAM London 2011. It is very tempting. But, there are sooo many similar events in The States, it might lose out simply because of the diminishing returns imposed by those.
