When The Greatest came to Purdue

[Born Boiler]

A toddler was bouncing all over his seat and ready to climb the walls of the Elliott Hall of Music while his parents and a few thousand others waited for the arrival of a special speaker. Then out he came, met by a long and lasting Purdue roar, and, as soon as he spoke, everyone was fully transfixed. Even the tyke stayed glued to his seat, held by a force far greater than any parent can muster.

That was the power of Muhammad Ali back when he visited Purdue during one of his many college tours of the 1970s. Thanks to Purdue’s Black Cultural Center, Ali came to campus to treat Boilermakers to his sly humor, true wisdom and inspiring messages, and everyone was rewarded with lifelong memories.

Muhammad Ali was as charismatic and captivating as anyone in the history of the world, and Purdue was blessed to receive “The Greatest” at his zenith.

 

[tjreese]

A toddler was bouncing all over his seat and ready to climb the walls of the Elliott Hall of Music while his parents and a few thousand others waited for the arrival of a special speaker. Then out he came, met by a long and lasting Purdue roar, and, as soon as he spoke, everyone was fully transfixed. Even the tyke stayed glued to his seat, held by a force far greater than any parent can muster.

That was the power of Muhammad Ali back when he visited Purdue during one of his many college tours of the 1970s. Thanks to Purdue’s Black Cultural Center, Ali came to campus to treat Boilermakers to his sly humor, true wisdom and inspiring messages, and everyone was rewarded with lifelong memories.

Muhammad Ali was as charismatic and captivating as anyone in the history of the world, and Purdue was blessed to receive “The Greatest” at his zenith.

no question he was a great boxer

 

[rasrar]

no question he was a great boxer

This statement sells him incredibly short.

 

[tjreese]

This statement sells him incredibly short.

outstanding boxer...boxing innovator...great humanitarian? What are you looking for that stating he was great at his trade is selling him short?

 

[SIBoiler2]

outstanding boxer...boxing innovator...great humanitarian? What are you looking for that stating he was great at his trade is selling him short?

Much like myself, you don't live in today's world where we blow everything beyond the limits of reality and point fingers at those that don't do so. We both came from a time when saying someone was great at what they did was complement enough. Now it's all about being PC. Ali was the greatest at much of what he touched but he'd have not been that if he had not been an outstanding boxer first.

 

[njm8845]

So he would give a speech? Did he commonly do this? Seems a little odd to me.

I can't imagine wanting to listen to Tyson, mayweather, or rousey talk for an hour. But maybe that's what made him the greatest.

 

[tjreese]

Much like myself, you don't live in today's world where we blow everything beyond the limits of reality and point fingers at those that don't do so. We both came from a time when saying someone was great at what they did was complement enough. Now it's all about being PC. Ali was the greatest at much of what he touched but he'd have not been that if he had not been an outstanding boxer first.

Years ago I used to participate in a national forum on k-12 education. I also had a website created by another that maintains another Purdue site, but mine was on education. One of the people I shared thoughts with went by the name of Bob Renes (not his real name...was a native Indian) and was a writer for a national publication. A couple of decades ago...maybe no quite three he went on record stating that Cultural Marxism would be what destroyed this country. I had not really heard those words when he explained it as Political Correctness. It is like a get out of jail card for monopoly, but rather to stop meaningful dialog when unable to refute reality.

Today I could take many, many people that miss PC being thrown all around them to condition them that they have no idea. It is running rampant through well meaning, well intended useful idiots (not addressed to anyone here) that vote. As a primer, here is a book written by Diane (past asst. Sec of Ed) under dad Bush and served on the transition team for Clinton. Clinton appointed this historian of educational practices (Left Back is a great book as well) to study biasing in education. Diane stumbled upon a problem much greater than she imagined and wrote about it here. Amazon product ASIN 1400030641 It will open your eyes. Now I also have my concerns about DIF (Differential Item Functioning) and can personally relate with an interesting twist to my time at Purdue while taking a grad level statistical class in Psychology to substitute for my engineering 230 class...so long ago in order to graduate in time. DIF creates the potential to never have assimilation into the general culture in this country.

BTW, I personally recall Clay standing over Liston and the fight. It was Clay at that time for those missing a historical understanding...

 

[SIBoiler2]

So he would give a speech? Did he commonly do this? Seems a little odd to me.

I can't imagine wanting to listen to Tyson, mayweather, or rousey talk for an hour. But maybe that's what made him the greatest.

For an inner city kid he was a pretty good speaker and worth a few minutes of your time when he spoke.

 

[vantalge]

But only for an inner city kid, right? He didn't live up to your standards otherwise?

 

[70boiler]

...BTW, I personally recall Clay standing over Liston and the fight. It was Clay at that time for those missing a historical understanding...

Actually when he stood over Liston in the second fight knockout the name was no longer Clay. He had announced his conversion the day following the first fight. His preferred name was either Cassius X or Muhammad Ali for the second fight. I don't remember for sure if he had switched from X to Ali by then or if it was later, although I don't think it was still X.

 

[70boiler]

1975 speech at Harvard (posted by Mike Tyson!?!)

 

[Frankie611]

For the love of God, people, just stop. Please stop politicizing every issue. A great man died today. To many, he was a civil rights leader. To others, he was a rabble rouser and a boxer. Present your memories of him in the forum and respect if others disagree. We could all list 100 celebrities and politicians who dodged the draft one way or another. Ali did it for his reasons and others did it for theirs. Thousands of young men died in a war they fought against their will. To me, that is the real tragedy that is rarely talked about.
Political correctness is whatever you make it out to be. If I buy a "Happy Holidays" card for a coworker, some people roll their eyes and call me a brainwashed PC idiot. They ignore that I bought Christmas cards for everyone else who celebrates Christmas. I view it as a way to show the coworker that I am aware that they are a Muslim/Jew/Atheist and that I value their friendship enough to acknowledge their beliefs. I'm not trying to make a statement to anyone but the recipient.
I'm also sick of the videos that are titled "Racist/bigot/[insert generalization here] gets shut down by whoever." What an example of liberal smugness to "shut down" someone for their opinion. Why not try treating each other with respect? Everyone has a world view developed from their personal experiences. Yes, some people are assholes and should be called out. But generalizing them into a negative category makes the accuser no better.
This is the biggest problem we have in society. Everyone is holed up in their camps and just screams nonsensical talking points right past each other on every possible issue. Meanwhile, politicians use us as ATM machines while we get in fist fights over who can take a piss in the men's room. The answers to most of our problems lie somewhere in the middle. I just wonder how long it will take before people are willing to listen to each other and find common ground.

*If you enjoyed this tirade and you live in the Fort Wayne area, I am available for beers most weekend nights*

 

[tjreese]

Actually when he stood over Liston in the second fight knockout the name was no longer Clay. He had announced his conversion the day following the first fight. His preferred name was either Cassius X or Muhammad Ali for the second fight. I don't remember for sure if he had switched from X to Ali by then or if it was later, although I don't think it was still X.

you could be right....so many years ago. I think that picture was on the cover of SI. I remember reading about him many, many years ago having his bicycle stolen when he was 12 in Louisville and wanting to learn how to fight. Then of course the drafting and as great of a boxer as he was...perhaps his potentially best years we would never see? If I get an email with things of interest on Ali, I'll share. A FB friend and long time friend of a deceased brother-in-law, Brian Garry has this listed..."Traveling to Beijing, China, with Muhammed Ali, in 1993, and 1994, then working the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, along with his USA Boxing officials, were memories he will cherish. Additionally he has acted as a Judge for 8 World Title Bouts during his long and exciting boxing history." http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Brian_Garry

 

[tjreese]

For the love of God, people, just stop. Please stop politicizing every issue. A great man died today. To many, he was a civil rights leader. To others, he was a rabble rouser and a boxer. Present your memories of him in the forum and respect if others disagree. We could all list 100 celebrities and politicians who dodged the draft one way or another. Ali did it for his reasons and others did it for theirs. Thousands of young men died in a war they fought against their will. To me, that is the real tragedy that is rarely talked about.
Political correctness is whatever you make it out to be. If I buy a "Happy Holidays" card for a coworker, some people roll their eyes and call me a brainwashed PC idiot. They ignore that I bought Christmas cards for everyone else who celebrates Christmas. I view it as a way to show the coworker that I am aware that they are a Muslim/Jew/Atheist and that I value their friendship enough to acknowledge their beliefs. I'm not trying to make a statement to anyone but the recipient.
I'm also sick of the videos that are titled "Racist/bigot/[insert generalization here] gets shut down by whoever." What an example of liberal smugness to "shut down" someone for their opinion. Why not try treating each other with respect? Everyone has a world view developed from their personal experiences. Yes, some people are assholes and should be called out. But generalizing them into a negative category makes the accuser no better.
This is the biggest problem we have in society. Everyone is holed up in their camps and just screams nonsensical talking points right past each other on every possible issue. Meanwhile, politicians use us as ATM machines while we get in fist fights over who can take a piss in the men's room. The answers to most of our problems lie somewhere in the middle. I just wonder how long it will take before people are willing to listen to each other and find common ground.

*If you enjoyed this tirade and you live in the Fort Wayne area, I am available for beers most weekend nights*

buy the book I listed...it is good reading for perspective. It may reaffirm whatever thoughts you hold and it may open your eyes to things you are unaware...but it will alert you to things you have no idea are going on in education...and if I made it to the Fort...I would enjoy that beer

 

[tjreese]

" Everyone has a world view developed from their personal experiences."

I fear that you are correct for many people with the above quote. I wish more people would add analytical understanding supported by statistical comprehension knowing the assumptions for that understanding to help form the paradigms we hold or at least attempt to do so. A lot of our problems are people only relying on anecdotal reasons as you list and although we tend to sample towards that mean, different populations and no external set of reasoning outside of instincts can often lead to a different understanding. Lastly, I may need to read again, but I saw no politics in this thread to which you allude?

 

[DG10]

A toddler was bouncing all over his seat and ready to climb the walls of the Elliott Hall of Music while his parents and a few thousand others waited for the arrival of a special speaker. Then out he came, met by a long and lasting Purdue roar, and, as soon as he spoke, everyone was fully transfixed. Even the tyke stayed glued to his seat, held by a force far greater than any parent can muster.

That was the power of Muhammad Ali back when he visited Purdue during one of his many college tours of the 1970s. Thanks to Purdue’s Black Cultural Center, Ali came to campus to treat Boilermakers to his sly humor, true wisdom and inspiring messages, and everyone was rewarded with lifelong memories.

Muhammad Ali was as charismatic and captivating as anyone in the history of the world, and Purdue was blessed to receive “The Greatest” at his zenith.

I was fortunate to have had two encounters with Muhammad Ali...and I remember both vividly. I have had some pretty amazing and fortunate experiences, but meeting Muhammad Ali ranks right near the top.

 

[VulvHa]

" Everyone has a world view developed from their personal experiences."

I fear that you are correct for many people with the above quote. I wish more people would add analytical understanding supported by statistical comprehension knowing the assumptions for that understanding to help form the paradigms we hold or at least attempt to do so. A lot of our problems are people only relying on anecdotal reasons as you list and although we tend to sample towards that mean, different populations and no external set of reasoning outside of instincts can often lead to a different understanding. Lastly, I may need to read again, but I saw no politics in this thread to which you allude?

You have serious issues. Just say that people should have some analytical evidence behind their beliefs instead of writing a long pretentious diatribe.

 

[tjreese]

You have serious issues. Just say that people should have some analytical evidence behind their beliefs instead of writing a long pretentious diatribe.

yes I have serious issues. One thinking that proper qualification of what I say is important assuming the understanding of all the qualifiers. That said there are many other serious issues I have.

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

Evidently some people like to make a big deal out of, read non existent things into and over analyze everything that others say.

 

[Cleanface]

This thread needs to be blown of the face of the earth and restarted.

Holy hell, we internets people these days can ruin anything in one or two posts.


To the OP; Thanks for your original share. It was a nice memory.

The rest of you people should be e-shamed of yourselves.

 

[tjreese]

Evidently some people like to make a big deal out of, read non existent things into and over analyze everything that others say.

you couldn't be anymore correct than what you typed above. People have no idea what the context is and somehow or another get offended. 2015 was the year to get offended...2016 should be different. I do like some of the irony. Still, I enjoy all that post and just write this up to youngsters that haven't had to go through much yet. The non existent things that lead to an imagination of interpretation based upon hunches or instincts resulting from various forms of conditioning as well as personal interpretation that form our beliefs on the Internet quite often is different than that in person. Still, I enjoy the forums and all the information that may be gathered knowing that isolated comments without any context is not much different than quoting a certain scripture that may or may not aligned with the rest of the book...

 

[Wheels Of Steel]

A toddler was bouncing all over his seat and ready to climb the walls of the Elliott Hall of Music while his parents and a few thousand others waited for the arrival of a special speaker. Then out he came, met by a long and lasting Purdue roar, and, as soon as he spoke, everyone was fully transfixed. Even the tyke stayed glued to his seat, held by a force far greater than any parent can muster.

That was the power of Muhammad Ali back when he visited Purdue during one of his many college tours of the 1970s. Thanks to Purdue’s Black Cultural Center, Ali came to campus to treat Boilermakers to his sly humor, true wisdom and inspiring messages, and everyone was rewarded with lifelong memories.

Muhammad Ali was as charismatic and captivating as anyone in the history of the world, and Purdue was blessed to receive “The Greatest” at his zenith.

I was in Elliot Hall that night - Ali proved to be a very entertaining and compelling speaker. After his speech, there was a question-and-answer session with the audience. I remember that Frank Kendrick was among the audience members who asked a question. Afterward, as the crowd spilled out into the night, I looked around to find myself in the middle of Ali's small (3-4 men) entourage. The autograph I got that night is on my desk today.

 

[dwhitebash11]

Greatest boxer ever to live, without a doubt. Mayweather has nothing on Ali.


That said, as a proud American, and born in a military family... He's one of those famous figures that you appreciate and feed off his motivation that he brought, but strongly dislike him for certain actions he's taken that would make any of us a coward, but made him famous.


Still, RIP, we lost a great motivator and inspirational leader, and for that, he's due respect.

 

[tjreese]

Twitter trivIA
When Ali was banned from boxing and denied his living, it was the Great Champion "SMOKIN" JOE FRAZIER of Beaufort, SC and North Philadelphia, who took money out of his own pocket to help Ali feed his family.
Love, honor and respect to the late JOE FRAZIER...shared twitter by Brian Garry from Jamil Muhammad Islam promoter from Cincinnati...