Blog Post #10

Reading & Writing Task #1:

   In his article, "It was lightning and thunder", Will Grimsley revisits "the most controversial moments in boxing history". This fight was 50 years ago on May 25th and continues to spike argument to this day. Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston went at each other for the heavyweight title. Although, the fight did not go as many planned. Muhammad Ali knocked out Liston with one punch just one minute into the fight. Jersey Joe Walcott (referee) held him back and Francis McDonough (timekeeper) watched the clock. Time ticked and the decision was made, this was the fastest heavyweight knockout ever in history. Many believe there was something more than just a knockout for Ali to win the heavyweight title. Some think it was the ex-champion referee, others the timekeeper, it may actually have been Liston, or it could have just been all academic. Even with all of the viewers ideas, no one actually knows for sure if the fight was true or fair at all.

  Throughout the article, Grimsley uses many rhetorical
strategies to keep readers captivated and into the story.
Grimsley implants important quotes throughout the article
to back up his statements. Without the use of these quotes,
readers would not take the article as a reliable read. The author also uses diction in an educated way. He begins with basic questions to connect readers and get them thinking on the topic. He then uses imagery with the scene of the knockout, and ends with the controversial issue with how the fight ended. All of these devices and Grimsley's use of diction truly made the article worth the read.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Reading & Writing Task #2:

   Throughout the article, "The prodigal son returns to patriots", Mark Farinella speaks of the return of Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes. Spikes was a Patriot for four years until he signed as a free agent to the Buffalo Bills back in 2013. Spikes was a very skilled player, but lacked professionalism. Spikes went on to play for Buffalo and after a year he has just been seen wearing his old blue uniform at a Patriots training camp. The New England Patriots signed Spikes to a one year contract for the possibility that Mayo or Hightower become limited after their off season surgeries. Spikes exclaims that he is a refined version of his old self. He believes that he is better managed, more professional, and wants to show Patriots Nation how far he has come in the process of growing up.

   Farinella uses many quotes from Spikes to really connect readers to the newly returned player. These quotes are seen throughout the article to create the allusion that Spikes is speaking out to fans. The purpose of the article is to inform fans of the arrival of their former beloved linebacker. It also tells of how the star player truly wants to improve his skills and become more of a leader to others on and off the field. With all of the promises put out, only time will tell if Spikes is really in it for the long run.