I wrote this around the time it was debunked (since then, a thorough debunking, somewhat rough for Garrett, popped up: http://motls.blogspot.com/2007/11/exceptionally-simple-theory-of.html) –

“Did lisi have a wipeout”?.  I still think, even if E8 isn’t the answer, it’s more elegant and pokes holes in the complexity and precarious slippery slope of “trying to prove” superstring, versus following the data.  At this point, there’s enough career long self interest and groupthink to ignore alternative explanations. That E8 Petrie Diagram is fantastic…. an elegant, simple, symmetrical answer.  Except it’s probably not……

bummed me out dude.  super surfer self taught zen physics warrior is a nice title, but only if it works.  He’s like that TED talk guy that lied about immortality.. De Gray. A dreamer using scientific notions to sound cool, but he never has done anything, or really shown any results ever.  That’s when I started being skeptical of TED talks as nothing more than fun.  A lot of people are suggesting Lisi is speaking in the same manner…. the surfer riding his fame wave until he’s outright debunked (or just moving past admitting he was debunked)…..
“Let’s save great ideas from the idea industry”
There’s been a lot of talk that TED conferences are oversold and nothing but entertainment……..
This is a bit easier:
TED glorifies “smart” style people, but drag down intellectuals.  You can’t solve the worlds problems with gimmicks.
I had said this a few weeks ago, but honestly, I am starting to think it’s just entertainment totally….
I think this is a horse before the cart.  TED is simply an entertaining way to highlight people’s work, research, etc and provide one or two anecdotes to stimulate the crowd’s brains.  I agree with your post, but as TED hasn’t “solved” one thing…. it’s just that TED gives a platform to people doing interesting, important work.  The TED talk itself is just anecdotal, and not the actual idea or work. It’s just a narrative of it.

About Uncle Fishbits

I'm.. just this guy, you know?

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