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That paper towel guy was right on the money though and I use way less paper towels and use them more effectively now.

No science required, just an old dude who had an idea he wanted to share. That's what TED should be, not anything authoritative or declarative. That is indeed their slogan "ideas worth spreading", they should really stick to that.

so funny. and I remember people commenting about how stupid and simple his talk was. and yet I think about it every time I use a public restroom.

A rule of thumb is if the speaker talks in the signature TED(tm) tone of voice, it's probably just entertainment.

I have always assumed that they are done for financial gain. Some are entertaining, but you have 18 minutes. How deep can you go? Isn't it more lucrative to use it to push a few talking points?