Muhammad Ali aka Cassius Clay and, in a later parody, as Izzy Yiskowitz

The Champ; The Greatest

Muhammad Ali, considered almost universally the greatest heavyweight boxer, died last Friday night at age 74.  The last time I saw him in person was several years ago at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University.  He was being escorted around in a golf cart.  His Parkinson’s had progressed to the point that when we shook hands, he had a difficult time releasing, causing me to walk along quite a few steps with the moving cart.  It was my honor.  Much more than a mere boxer, the life he lead, the examples of the way to live life and those quotes he left us:

• “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
• “A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
• “Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong.”

My Plan for Today’s Post was Going to be “Monday Motivation”

Or “I Love Mondays:” n. 1. A fresh start. 2. The chance to set a new tone for the rest of the week. 3. A great day to be alive.

What did Muhammad Ali say? “Live every day as if it were your last because someday you’re gonna be right.”  He was such a motivator and so talented.  But here are 10 Things That Require Zero Talent:

• Being on Time
• Work Ethic
• Effort
• Body Language
• Energy
• Attitude
• Passion
• Being Coachable
• Doing Extra
• Being Prepared

What did Muhammad Ali say? “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.”

My Favorite Parody by Billy Crystal and 2 Personal Favorite Quotes

“I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.”

“Service to Others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”

RIP Muhammad Ali.