I attended Edward Tufte's seminar last week. It was quite entertaining, although it would have been more useful if the presentation was geared for academics (researchers or the teaching-types). Unfortunately, as most of the audience seemed to be corporate types, most of the talk was directed at rather a low level. Still, I found it to be useful, plus I got three great books out of it. If the seminar will be in your city, I'd definitely recommend it.

I couldn't forget to mention the new book Tufte is working on, Beautiful Evidence. Apparently a significant chunk of it will be devoted to the evils of PowerPoint and its ilk. Tufte was so gracious as to bless us with a presentation of this gem. In terms of getting rid of generic, linear thought in modern academics, I thought his advice was right on point.