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The Comet & the Tornado: Reflections on the Legacy of Randy Pausch
An intimate look at Randy Pausch (author of the blockbuster The Last Lecture) from his friend and colleague
It is impossible to pinpoint the moment Randy Pausch became a household name, but when he died, millions of people who either read or watched his last lecture on YouTube felt as if they had lost a friend.
One man who actually did lose a close friend that day was Donald Marinelli. Affectionately referred to as “the Tornado” in the last lecture, Donald was the whirlwind of energy and creativity who co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at Carnegie Mellon University with Randy. Donald recounts his remarkable journey from Carnegie Mellon’s drama department, through the years building the ETC with Randy, to today, as he helms the center on his own and leads its worldwide expansion. Central to his story are the six years he and Randy shared an office, their differences and commonalities (they both fought cancer), and their priorities, as well as the philosophy of the ETC. Most poignantly, Don reveals what he learned from Randy, whom he describes as “a comet who burst upon the scene like an astral body . . . illuminating his secrets for living life to the fullest for millions of folks who needed such guidance.”
It is impossible to pinpoint the moment Randy Pausch became a household name, but when he died, millions of people who either read or watched his last lecture on YouTube felt as if they had lost a friend.
One man who actually did lose a close friend that day was Donald Marinelli. Affectionately referred to as “the Tornado” in the last lecture, Donald was the whirlwind of energy and creativity who co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at Carnegie Mellon University with Randy. Donald recounts his remarkable journey from Carnegie Mellon’s drama department, through the years building the ETC with Randy, to today, as he helms the center on his own and leads its worldwide expansion. Central to his story are the six years he and Randy shared an office, their differences and commonalities (they both fought cancer), and their priorities, as well as the philosophy of the ETC. Most poignantly, Don reveals what he learned from Randy, whom he describes as “a comet who burst upon the scene like an astral body . . . illuminating his secrets for living life to the fullest for millions of folks who needed such guidance.”
- GenresNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 24, 2011
A decent read that really gives more of an insight to how the author was influenced by Pausch as well as the founding of the ETC. It is a good companion book for rounding out The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. While mainly an upbeat book, one take away is the author's regret at letting his job (& perhaps his fear of reality f the situation) keep him from being able to introduce Pausch at the actual Last Lecture...a good reminder for all us to remember what is actually most important in life and to prioritize according in the short time we may have with each other.
April 28, 2014
I liked hearing another view of The Last Lecture. I just love Pittsburgh and have ties to CMU, so it interested me quite a bit from that perspective as well. It was an easy and enjoyable read. This time I didn't cry at the end! Humor and humanity along with some history filling in the details of Randy Pausch's working life. IF you loved The LAst Lecture, you'll enjoy this.
September 12, 2011
A rather disappointing, somewhat shallow, occasionally boring, and slightly less Randy Pausch-centered work than I (a HUGE Pausch fan) expected.
December 28, 2013
I hope Randy's family gets royalties from this book, the left-brain tie-in to his friend's book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews