Is that really Muhammad Ali talking in that Linux commercial?

[Dookus]

I've seen it for weeks now... a group of people talking to a cute young blond kid. Penny Marshall is one. Muhammad Ali is another, who says "Speak your mind. Don't back down."

I was really under the impression that Ali couldn't really speak clearly anymore. I remember reading interviews with him in which his wife "interpreted" for him.

Is that really his current voice speaking? It'd be great if it were... I'd love to hear more from him. I think he's a hero.

[Bossy Monkey]

1. I think so. I hope so!

I was so pleased to hear him speak again. Many of the articles about the spot mention him, but none weigh in one way or the other as to whether it's really him.

Later: Awwwwww, probably not. This indicates that he could no longer speak as of 5 years ago: http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/AutonomicF/3.28.985.27PMParkinsonsandMuha
Maybe they used tape from when he could still talk.

Edit: And this says that he could, 3 years ago: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/century/alifs03.htm
Ok, I'm going back to my original story.

[alphafemale]

2. I've noticed that he seems to be the only person that kid reacts to.

There is awe on that little face when he is face to face with "The Greatest" a blank look for the others.

The kid probably knew who Ali was. Doubtful on the others.

[mikehiggins]

3. Cute kid...for a computer program

Come on. Are we supposed to think of Linux as some little kid that's going to grow up and benefit all of the world?

Is that why its an IBM ad?

Ten years from now everyone is going to think that kid is named after a Peanuts character.

I thought the Ali bit was tweaked, like that ad with Chris Reeve walking.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. Linux may not be a kid...

...but it IS a computer program that's going to grow up (been doing that for some time already) and benefit all of the world. Any way a useful good becomes cheaper and more abundant, it benefits all of the world.

60% of all Internet servers run on free software. Do you think the Internet would be as rich if all of those machines had to pay software license fees?