TEDxSeattle, the regional version of the international inspiring-speeches phenomenon, was a mixed bag at Seattle Center last weekend. Several of the "great ideas" were neither new nor interesting takes on the old ("Hi! I'm a guy who believes in green buildings because nature is sexy!").

It was a weird mix of not-rigorous and self-important. Speakers are required to attend three training sessions; afterwards, one who went through it said, "They make you feel like it's most important thing you're ever going to do."

A highlight was photographer Matika Wilbur, who introduced her Project 562, documenting all 562 federally recognized tribes, with stories of racism, genocide, and hope. When Wilbur finished, telegenic host Jenni Hogan, unbelievably, called Wilbur "adorable."