The last lecture.

[Puckoon]

Randy Pausch was a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the US, and shortly after being asked to give a lecture in a series run by the university called "The last lecture" he found out that he was expected to live for no more than 6 months, due to a massive cancer spread to his liver after he had surgery for pancreatic cancer. He had 10 tumors in his liver, and so he set about his final days.

With 3 children under 5 (5, 2, and 1) and a 41 year old wife of his dreams, he began to take care of the practical issues which would ease the burden on his family after his inevitable death. The idea of really, really giving what would be the epitomy of a last lecture, stuck with him, and although his wife did not want him to take this on, especially as she wanted as much of his time as possible before he died - they reached a compromise. He would do the lecture, and wanted it recorded so that down the line his children could learn a little about their father- and he could pass on some invaluable advice to them.

This is his last lecture - and its entitled "Achieving your childhood dreams". It is long - but it is worth listening to when we think that our own world is crumbling around us. It certainly inspired me.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo


The lecture itself is good, but the book gives more insight into the mans frame of mind. A must give gift for someone this christmas - look out for it.

[The Iceman]

Read it there about 6 months ago - great book and definitely worth buying for the woman in your life or for yourself

[The Real Laoislad]

A must give gift for someone this christmas - look out for it.

I'd rather a new HDTV