One of the fiercest boxers who ever lived–a man whose powerful body time has softened, but in its place left perspective–recently said: “Each man kills the thing he loves.” It’s simple quote, very memorable, and one anchored in fact.

Looking over many notable figures from history, the knockout blow that bumped them from their perch came not from a rival, but from somewhere less obvious.

For at a certain point in these journeys, something very profound happened. The fire burning inside them, the one that once compelled they fight on flickered. Maybe the flames dipped just for an instant. Not so much that anyone on the outside might notice. But a second of shadows where there had always been light was enough time for something else to work into its place.

Possibly for the first time ever, these champions questioned whether or not what they had always wanted, was worth it. And that second guess was the first step towards the end of whatever empire they had constructed.

And so they killed what they loved, not with acts, or neglect, but with their beliefs.

Afterward, maybe the flames roared back smartly, burning as bright as before. Many empire builders rise and fall several times. But the voices of self-doubt now waited at the perimeter for them going forward, like a fire extinguisher ready to snuff the flames forever.

That quote was from Mike Tyson, and it described a lot more than his own boxing career. Ultimately his most cunning adversary proved to be himself.

Entering home stretch before the school year begins in earnest. Students from all over the world will return for another year on campus. As usual there is much to be done on campus.

Updates might be sporadic for the next two weeks.

Towards the middle of September, I’ll have some news about some store signings and contest results, too.

In Cat Army News, whose shelf is it, anyway?

Lessons learned in the past week:

1) Even the most recalcitrant feline will ingest their medications willingly–if the pill is wrapped in salmon flavored wet cat food. So much easier than aiming a dispenser down a throat while the cat hacks and claws.

2) Jennifer’s Body was neither scary nor titillating. From the marketing and packaging, one of those seemed to be the objective. However, I really liked the camera work and shot composition. Particularly how the director handled filming in woods and fields at night.

3) I’m ready for Fall. Doubly true since the forecast for the first week of September includes 5 days in a row of near ninety degree temperatures.

4) Friday at 5pm is not the time best time for splicing cables, especially when standing on a six foot ladder. Got a bit aggressive with the scissors. The side of my first finger paid the price.

5) I like this newly remodeled Dunkin Donuts.