...and way ahead of their time.  For the internet age, this name is a uniquely searchable combo.  That’s a remarkable standard to meet even for today, when such a standard can now be articulated. I’ve known new parents today who are deliberately trying to achieve that. But to achieve that all those years ago, when the internet was nothing but a mere twinkle in Vint Cerf’s eye? Pretty good inadvertent forecasting, Mom and Dad.

...Not that my name doesn’t give me problems. It does, with the big one being: NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO SAY IT. That’s bad, especially for a user-centered scholar-person like me. And until a certain vice-presidential nominee came along, people had trouble with the last name too (different vowels, same pronunciation). You’d be surprised to find how much trouble those 5 little characters, with two very friendly vowels and all, cause. I vividly remember those early, strange hours of the candidate’s nomination when newscasters were phonetically clarifying, much like I am doing here, her last name (though I have been doing this for ages; see my business cards circa late 90s).

So here’s the first thing to know: If you talk with me in person, don't be afraid to inquire (multiple times if necessary) about how to say my name.  I'm not offended in the least, and it is much better than being called "Hey YOU!" It is my obligation to help you with my name. Do not worry. And you can always fall back to “Professor Palen,” as really, it should no longer be a problem saying that name anymore. :-)

The second thing to know is that it a lot easier than it apparently looks. This is how it should sound, more or less, using English phonetics. It might help to remember that the first syllables for both names approximately rhyme when you flatten it a bit:

LAY-sha PAY-len

Now say it faster so it doesn't sound so clumsy.  :-) THERE you go....