TEDx events are independently organised conferences branded under the wider TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talk umbrella. The initiative has proven extremely popular, with over 5,000 'x' events held since 2009, including several Dublin gatherings.
Drexel University in Philadelphia held its third annual TEDx event last weekend, and included presentations from professors at the university and a visiting astronaut.
Final speaker Sam Hyde was introduced as a "video documentary filmmaker and journalist from Brooklyn... recently returned from Mogadishu, the most dangerous city on Earth, where he shadowed the heroic al-Mahamud women on their quest to clean up their streets and restore humanity to their war-torn country". Attendees likely expected a serious presentation. That's not what they got.
It's unclear how exactly Hyde managed to win himself a spot a spot on the schedule, but on stage the 'Million Dollar Extreme' comedian presented a weird look at the year 2070 while making fun of the TED Talk idea itself. The awkward, surreal humour is an acquired taste, but it's impressive Hyde managed to surpass his allocated time without organisers pulling the plug. You can watch the 'presentation' below:
(Image: Million Dollar Extreme / YouTube)
