Martin Gardner wasn’t the only famed skeptic honored at TAM 13. James (“The Amazing”) Randi, who founded the TAM conference series and for whom it is named, was also the subject of 1) a hilarious opening skit created and performed by musician and TAM host George Hrab titled “Randi: The Musical”; 2) a panel discussion with Randi hosted by fellow magician and TAM program member Jamy Ian Swiss; 3) a special Saturday evening reception and series of invited tributes from Randi’s friends and colleagues, ending with remarks by Randi himself; and 4) Randi’s closing remarks on Sunday afternoon.
Randi turned eighty-seven in August, just after the conference, but seemed his usual irrepressible self throughout.