I just got back from the national convention of Atheist Alliance of America. Despite the name, they still have strong international connections. There were people there from Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. These people always put on a posh event in an elegant venue, and they really try to make it a good time for everyone. I’ve been to each of their conferences since they split from Atheist Alliance International. This one was in Boston. Last year was Denver. Before that was also Hitchen’s last public appearance in Houston. I intend to promote the next one. I think it’s going to be in Seattle, probably in early August. I only know they’re trying to schedule events so that they don’t conflict with each other again. Great plans are in the works on that.
I spoke on Friday night. The professional video crew hadn’t arrived yet, and I had no control over the lighting. Fortunately there was one other camera there, and I want to thank that guy. His footage is closer and better than mine. I also wasn’t prepared for the side-ways breeze from the air conditioning. That’s why I kept having to brush my hair back out of my face.
Aronra: I just thought I’d like to mention that your posts on christianforums were among the most important in my deconversion process. I think I’ve said this on here before but I just want to let you know how effective this type of dialogue is and how much I appreciate your brand of explicating.
Well done. Very well done.
Thanks for sharing that. Much appreciated.
It was great to meet you and Lilandra and your talk was awesome. For memory’s sake (and in case it matters – I know you must meet a lot of people for very brief periods of time), I’m the guy that recommended the antiquities exhibits at the MFA. If you’re ever in Boston again I’ll try and get in touch with you if you want any other touristy suggestions.
(The blog handle is an artifact of the fact that the first blog I started commenting on was my wife Lynne’s and I wanted a way to disclose any biases without having to do it over and over again in every conversation on that blog with new people. Now it’s an excuse for her critics to claim she’s some kind of overbearing shrew.)
Aron,
Another wonderful presentation. Thank you so much for making these available. I particularly love the “Falsifying Phylogeny” series. Absolutely fascinating.
I’m very jealous that you had the opportunity to meet Steven Pinker, I read his “Better Angels of our Nature” not long ago, amazing book.
Look forward to seeing your next videos. Hopefully we’ll see you in Melbourne again at some point.