LibriVox: Talking Books for Everyone

LibriVox provides free audiobooks from the public domain. If you would you like to record chapters of books in the public domain, Librivox offers the opportunity to volunteer. All you need is a computer, some free recording software, and your own voice.

“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch

I woke up early to watch an inspiring video suggested as a breakfast session by a good colleague this morning, and was not disappointed. “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch, a pioneer in the area of virtual reality, follows a tradition at some American universities to offer leading professors the opportunity to give an hour speech as if it was going to be their last lecture. An incredible Tigger-like individual, the twist with Randy’s speech is that it will be his last lecture.

Also, if you would like to learn programming in a fun, intuitive way, take a look at the Alice environment Randy talks about at www.alice.org.

Composition: Hyperscore (MIT)

I first encountered Hyperscore on one of the many fascinating TED.com video podcasts. It is a product of the MIT Media Lab and enables anyone irrespective of age, physical conditions or training to compose music in an intuitive and fun way. The software costs US$79 to download, but whether you actually buy it or not, it’s well worth simply checking the Website: http://www.hyperscore.com/. Alternately, you can take a quick look at the TED.com video: Releasing the music in your head (Tod Machover & Dan Ellsey)

Origami Repository

If you like paper, and love origami, this excellent searchable FREE database will be of interest. With designs ranging from beginner to enlightened-great-sage-of-layered-cellulose, the Website offers over 300 nicely described diagrams, as well as information on top folders. Link http://www.origami.com.

TED: Brilliant People Share Ideas

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. Founded in 1984, TED now sports an impressive collection of podcasts and texts for general interest, free of charge and from some of the worlds brightest and most inquisitive, leading-edge personalities.

Check it out under http://www.ted.com.

The Road to Skye