Wednesday Words
To Go Where Your VisionPoints, a few inspiration points for you and your business.
The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—
behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road,
long before I dance under those lights.
—Muhammad Ali
Grow and be well,
Kelly Erickson












14 May 2008, 7:45 am
He was pretty smart, for a guy who’s job it was to pummel other people in the head until they passed out.
14 May 2008, 10:16 am
I always admired Ali. If you have a chance, check out this movie:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118147/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_We_Were_Kings
It is much more than just a movie about a boxing match.
-Brett
14 May 2008, 1:46 pm
Friar,
Yes, he really was—wily, more intelligent than he got credit for, and very quotable, too.
Ali was The Greatest because he was a master planner: he knew where the other guy was going before the other guy knew; maybe even before he stepped in the ring. Mental prepwork is essential in every field. That’s what I love about this quotation.
Brett,
I always admired him, too. When I was a kid I used to sit with Dad and watch the fights. He seemed so much more skillful than just a plain-old powerhouse, and delightfully, deservedly, eloquently arrogant. I appreciated that. Humble just would not have sat well on his shoulders.
When We Were Kings is GREAT!!! I’ve seen it a few times. It’s a really moving film.
Regards,
Kelly
14 May 2008, 3:42 pm
He was also an avid supporter of oral hygiene.
Check it out:
http://franklarosa.com/vinyl/Exhibit.jsp?AlbumID=82
14 May 2008, 6:26 pm
Friar,
That is hysterical! Thanks for the link!
The Internet is a wondrous place, full of mystery and 70s drivel. Thank goodness.
Later,
Kelly
14 May 2008, 9:08 pm
Kelly
Sorry, I don’t mean to take away from Ali’s brilliant quote.
But (heh heh), being the perpetual sh*t disturber that I am, I can’t help but remember some other wonderful Ali trivia.
If you liked the last link, you’ll love this one..where Ali beats up Superman.
http://www.supermantv.net/articles/ali.htm
(Dont’ laugh! As a kid, I actually read this one!)
Love him, or hate him. You gotta admit, than man got around!
14 May 2008, 9:20 pm
Friar,
Three little letters that negate everything that’s said before: b-u-t.
Since you are taking away from the brilliant quote with such cool links, all is forgiven. I truly can not believe this (or the last one). I had no idea he was such a self-marketer outside of running his mouth off!
Actually, it ties right back in. Those little endorsements (if that’s the right word for such funky tie-ins) probably helped enhance his image and earn him bigger paydays when it came time to fight. Or at least, I’m sure that was the plan behind the tie-ins.
Not all the prep was in the gym or on the road. Some was clearly done behind desks.
Love it—thanks!
Until later,
Kelly
15 May 2008, 7:43 am
Kelly,
I like that movie so much, I think I’ll have to rent it this weekend.
Glad that you like it too
-Brett
15 May 2008, 3:27 pm
@Kelly
Actually, I liked that comic book story when I read it.
@Brett
I wouldn’t mind seeing that movie.
We could put that one on the list for one of our beer/movie nights.
See? Kelly, you’ve opened the Friar’s mind! (Well, mabye just a little)
15 May 2008, 3:40 pm
Friar,
I’m sure it’s a delightful comic. I just realized it was no naïve move on his part, either. A wily fellow.
And have no fear, I will NEVER, ever ask you to watch Shirley Valentine. I’m low on patience for most chick-flicks. Not that there’s anything wrong with them, Brett…
You surprise me, sir. I was expecting you to have found the reference to my age by now (next post). He he. My stats are lighting up, but nobody’s found the Easter egg yet…
Regards,
Kelly
16 May 2008, 1:07 am
Kelly
Gee whiz….from your photos..I’d say you were 29!
16 May 2008, 6:19 am
Friar,
Ho ho ho! That is what I like to wake up to. A nuclear engineer with a sense of humor.
Later,
Kelly