I am sad to learn that Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose “last lecture” about facing terminal cancer became an international sensation and a best-selling book, died today early Friday at his home in Virginia.

On my site, I only talk about people and scientists whom I know. But Randy Pausch first caught my attention while I was reading Wall Street Journal.

I like his thinking and admire his courage.

He was an articulate Lecturer and focused. One line I particularly like is when he talked about framing his illness as an engineering problem — engineering is not about optimal solution but it’s doing the best with what you have.

The lecture was videotaped and footage began spreading across thousands of Web sites. (The full talk can now be seen at thelastlecture.com.) His last lecture is shown below:

Bill Gates recently posted an interesting question: How to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology?
I believe that we can start by having the cartoons that little kids watch on TV portray engineers and scientists as heroes rather than villains and nerds as it’s done.  There’s a disconnect between media and reality regarding people in my profession.

At a recent reception organized by Mike Bloomberg, I took the time to admire some of the beautiful arts at Gracie Mansion.  I like the portraits of the lady and gentleman on the wall. Wonder who they are?  This is also the first time I met with the Mayor, and he appeared charming in person. To my surprise, he’s not much taller than I.