It's strange that with the current way information travels almost faster than the speed of light I could totally 'miss' the phenomenon that is Randy Pausch, Computer Science Professor at Carnegie Mellon University. In September of last year he delivered a what is now famous 'last lecture' entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams". The reason I found out about him (albeit belatedly) is he also delivered an inspiring lecture on time management which popped up in my rss feeds. In August he was told he had 3-6 months of good health left. Pancreatic cancer is waging war on his body - secondaries in his liver. I downloaded both lectures and started to get to 'know' him. He's a totally wonderful, charismatic being. I then panicked and was afraid to find the news that he had perhaps passed away. Thankfully not. I was relieved beyond belief that he was so far proving stronger than what was trying to destroy him. The update on his web page says that he has been approved for a treatment involving radioactive injections into the liver. I hope and pray that this treatment will give Randy more time - he really doesn't want to leave and from the response to the lectures on youtube plus the ABC special show - many many people do not want him to go either. If you get the chance watch his lectures. Both are incredible. His book has been released as well and can be purchased from Amazon. More resources are available here. Read, watch & listen to this man - he has a lot of important information about life that he has generously shared with us - intending it to be a legacy for his three beautiful children. I keep reminding myself ever since I watched the lectures on my ipod how unbelievably important it is that we get this time management thing sussed.... if only so we get more hours to have 'fun with the ones we love'. Essential tools for this? An electronic calendar, PDA or paper diary.... a to do list..... a filing system.... an empty email inbox..... a man after my own heart!!

I was in Dymocks Bookstore yesterday and I swear I truly love being in a book shop almost if not as much as being in an Apple Store. I found this gorgeous book - the SLOW guide to Sydney (live more, fret less) and seeing as I've not been the calmest lately I thought I'd grab a copy and check it out. "Whether it's urbanisation, consumerism, technology or globalisation, the truth is everything has become a race to the finish line - with a price" - how yuk and how true!!!The writers describe it as a city guide in praise of wonderful, rich, soul-tingling slowness. A guide that reveals the best places in the city to reconnect with your passion for food, hand-made fashion or gifts, architecturally stunning buildings or parks that are brimming with flora and fauna. Excellent.... I shall use this on my tech-fast days and report back.
On Monday I heard the promo for that night's ABC's Night Life Radio show which was featuring 


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