Kudos TEDxAVL

The room was full to bursting and another 400 people had to be turned away at the door. Everyone except Tim Peck had a wonderful time and had their minds blown by a combination of science, art, music, poetry, and ideas worth spreading.

Videos of the event will make their way to the interwebs before too long, so y’all who missed it will be able to witness David McConville take us to the edge of perception, Drew Jones deliver a message of hope about the upcoming international climate conference, Dee Eggers relate the personhood of dolphins to the necessity of species preservation, Robert Zimmerman illuminate the ease with which everyone can make a difference, and Caroline Younge’s de-angsting of death. And those were just the speakers!

Several music acts, a special message from Bill McKibbon, poet Glenis Redmond, and more also appeared – giving this TED talk a uniquely Asheville vibe.

Here’s a video which was shown to wrap up the show last night. Thanks to everyone who made TEDxAVL possible. This town’s per capita talent and intellectual capital far exceeds any I’ve ever known.

Favorite quote of the night came from Prof. Dee Eggers in reference to species protection:  “Since we have to do it, the fact that it’s hard is irrelevant.”