Why, Blog, Why?

This one is a two-fer. The link below goes to a post that starts with a video from the Wall Street Journal in which Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch speaks during one of a "Last Lecture Series," a series of lectures from top academia who are asked to speak as if they were dying. The irony here is that Professor Pausch really is dying - he has pancreatic cancer and expects to live only weeks or months. The short video (4:40) features some of the more poignant clips from his speech, and they are both intense and inspiring.

Following the video is a set of answers that the post author provides as his own response to the hypothetical question. Though not nearly as moving, they are still words to ponder and appropriate to those facing the end of their life as well as those in the midst of it.

5 things to say at your last team meeting

Also, here is a link to Professor Pausch's personal page describing his battle with the cancer.

Finally, here is a link to the complete (I think) lecture, via Google Video. (Alternate Windows Media version hosted at Carnegie Mellon)