People all over the world have been inspired by Dr. Randy Pausch.

A computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer a year ago and told he had 6 months left. He outlived his doctor's prognosis by 6 months.

Happily married and the father of 3 young children, it was a devastating blow. He could have spent his remaining days grieving over the injustice of it all. Instead he chose to live every day as fully as he could.

He has inspired millions with his positive attitude and encourages everyone to follow their dreams. Sadly he died on July 25 at the age of 47.

Many say they have changed their lives positively because of Randy Pausch and his inspirational message. I encourage you to listen but be forewarned...it is powerful and may cause you to ask yourself what are you waiting for to follow your dreams

The following are his words and the video of his last lecture.

"I am flattered and embarassed by all the recent attention to my "Last Lecture." I am told that, including abridged versions, over six million people have viewed the lecture online. The lecture really was for my kids, but if others are finding value in it, that is wonderful. But rest assured; I'm hardly unique. Send your kids to Carnegie Mellon and the other professors here will teach them valuable life lessons long after I'm gone.

-- Randy"

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but it is so well done, it has taken on a life of it's own and is receiving the recognition it deserves. It doesn't take long to watch so when you have 3 or 4 minutes, I highly recommend it.

The simple truths of service - inspired by Johnny the Bagger

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Click to listen to Israel Kamakawiwo 'ole from Hawaii, also known as "The Gentle Giant," sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. He was a Hawaiian singer and sadly died in June of 1997 at the age of 39.Visit mele.com for more of his songs.

Jason Castro's rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which he recently sang on American Idol was a hit. Castro graciously acknowledged that Kamakawiwo 'ole was his inspiration.

Tears come every time I listen to Israel sing it so it may sound silly to call it a happy song.
But I think Kamakawiwio 'ole's music captures the dreams we all carry in our hearts.

I hope you'll share your thoughts.

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Click to listen to Israel Kamakawiwo 'ole from Hawaii, also known as "The Gentle Giant," sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. He was a Hawaiian singer and sadly died in June of 1997 at the age of 39.

Visit mele.com for more of his songs.

Jason Castro's rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which he recently sang on American Idol was a hit. Castro graciously acknowledged that Israel was his inspiration.

In my opinion, Kamakawiwo 'ole's talent is far superior to Castro's but I do enjoy Jason's rendition.

Tears come every time I listen to Israel sing it so it may sound silly to call it a happy song.
But I think Israel's music captures the dreams we all carry in our hearts.

After you listen, I hope you'll share your thoughts.

> Discuss this entry