This article goes in the “opinion” section, but it’s not a rant. Rather, it’s a suggestion to watch a lecture given by Randy Pausch PhD. who co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University. Technically, it’s a lecture, but he’s entertaining as are most great teachers. The lecture is entitled, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”, and can be viewed by kids of all ages on Google Video. (Yup, I'm a big kid with many decades of experience.)

The video is getting a lot of play and was featured on ABC News and Good Morning America. I wouldn’t know as I gave up my TV years six years ago. Instead, I caught a post from Brad Feld on “How to Lead Your Life while in Seattle. I would encourage you to watch this video and share it with others. It’s 90 minutes that might influence what you do tomorrow.

The talk is one of a series called the “Last Public Lecture”. I don’t know if this is a series or a concept. The idea is to have top professors discuss what they feel are life’s important lessons. What makes this lecture note-worthy is Randy has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Having a life-threatening illness changes perspective.

A Word of Warning on Google Sponsored Links

One disappointing aspect is some companies, with less than stellar names, want to take advantage of this situation. If you search for Randy’s name on Google, you’ll see some sponsored links offering to “See Professor Pausch’s Last Lecture From Your Desktop w/ Video Toolbar”. My anti-spyware program stopped me from getting to that site. Another review using SiteAdvisor.com showed numerous issues with the site. I’m hoping the entry I made to Google’s Competitive Ad Filter will kick in shortly so you don’t see the same ad on this site.

Note: If I’ve erred in my categorization of any company referenced above, drop me an email.

But wait…there’s more!

My preference is to have you use the link below, which is to Randy’s site at Carnegie Mellon University. As good as I found his lecture; I was also impressed with his site. The pictures add a human element. I found myself wanting to add captions to some of them. (“Did you know if I squeeze Chloe here, this sound comes out?”) He has other great presentations such as one on time management. And then there are the alligators, squid, and colored macaroni.

I never applied to CMU. My guess is if I did, I wouldn’t have been accepted. I am glad they have stand out professors such as Randy Pausch that can teach anyone a valuable life lesson if they’re willing to learn.

• Randy Pausch Home Page at CMU