This is a tremendous lecture from Randy Pausch, given as part of the "Last Lecture" series, where professors are asked to speak to their audience as if they were giving their last lecture, on the topics that are most important to them.   Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer-science professor, had coincidentally just  been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and is expected to live just a few months, making his presentation particularly poignant.  This is one brilliant guy, and he provides his audience with an entertaining view of life's lessons, delivered in an upbeat presentation that will give you a fresh outlook on life, work, and personal fulfillment.  The talk is titled "How to Live Your Childhood Dreams".  Not your typical fare for the TechKnowledgy Blog, but the fact that Pausch is a virtual reality pioneer (visit Alice) was enough of an excuse to share this with you all.  It is a gem.

Here is a link where you can watch the complete lecture

Here is a link to the transcript

Time Management Slides from Randy Pausch

SlashDot on the lecture

You know the Video Professor - he's the guy on those infomercials that urges you to buy his computer education programs by trying them for free.  The company even encourages consumers to search for reviews online before buying.  Problem is, lots of consumers are complaining online that they were mislead as to the "free" part, or are otherwise unhappy with the product.  Perhaps in an effort to draw more attention to the negative reviews, the Video Professor has taken to suing the bastards who are saying these bad things. 

Do you suppose the Prof. is aware of the Streisand Effect?  Or the likelihood of succeeding in stifling anonymous criticism in light of the First Amendment rights involved and other available defenses?  In any event, right or wrong, the online world does not like bullies, and the backlash has begun (see below).

On a practical note, these links provide a good tutorial and resources (including forms) for those involved, or considering getting involved, in litigation to identify anonymous internet posters.

Video Professor sues anonymous griping posters, demands their identities

Video Professor Sues Anonymous Critics

Politicians, infomercial kings try to stifle anonymous Internet speech

Letter from Public Citizen Litigation Group

The Video Professor Sues His Unnamed Critics

-Photo courtesy of Llyod Doppler under Creative Commons