Post by joe on Dec 6, 2013 14:09:21 GMT -5
The sun merely teases at showing itself through the overcast. In the dulled daylight, the vibrant yellow of hardhats and striking orange of safety vests stick out even more. Though each worker can see their own breath, most only wear light coats or opt for flannel. The majority of the workforce is only just arriving; they gather up equipment and ready their tools. As tasks are being meted out by the foreman and blue prints reviewed, we join Joe in the thick of things. The bulky bruiser blends in perfectly as being just ‘one of the guys’ and he lends a hand as well. He helps move a large stack of two by fours with ease and then addresses the camera. He sports a vest of his own over a dark blue sweater and a hard hat with his black mane peeking out underneath.
“Howdy, there! Just stoppin’ by to check out the ever changing landscape of the big city we got here. Seems like things are already underway and I just arrived.”
The rhythmic tap of hammering and whine of power tools coming to life now fills the air. Each person on site now moves with a steady yet determined pace, focused on their individual part in the operation.
“Looks like we’re buildin’ a house here on the edge’a South Seattle. From what I hear this part of town wasn't exactly the most desirable place to live not too long ago. I guess throwin’ up Mcmansions for the well-to-do can really turn things around or so they say, eh?”
Joe makes his way over to the side of the house where the frame is starting to be raised.
“See, I thought this would be a golden opportunity to get a look around at how things are done at a ground level. Now I've done this kinda work before, but a refresher never hurts - Especially when I’m facing one Anthony Bailey, a guy who reminds me a lot of a house.”
Joe crouches down and points at the bottom slab of the domicile. A worker walks by and says “Knock’em dead, Joe.”
The burly brawler tips his hardhat raises his fist, “You got it buddy!” he replies.
He then turns his attention to the camera once more.
“See it’s important to have a solid foundation if yer gonna build a good house. Prevents shifting, sinking, distributes weight, and it’s where the floor sits… basically makes it so you can have the house itself. Now Mister Bailey’s a guy with a great foundation himself. He’s got history as being one half of an amazingly adept tag team, a good upbringing coupled with a fine education, and a nice monetary set up from what I understand. It’s the type’a background that lets him stand on his own two feet.”
Joe backs up a little as a group of workers raise another wall on the structure.
“Now a frame is just as important. It’s yer inner walls and skeleton of a house. You wanna make sure they’re solid and sturdy to protect from the elements, what with the insulation and siding and all that. Also that you gotta ensure it all fits together well and defines the layout you want. My upcoming opponent, at six foot two, two thirty is undoubtedly a guy possessing a good sized frame. He’s got the size and shape to compete just as good as any other athlete PURE has signed. He’s obviously a guy whose protected himself well from harm, given that he’s been in the wrestling business for a few years and is still standin’ tall to tell the tale. Seeing as how he’s been such a solid competitor it’s clear he’s got a career layout of his own. Commendable, I gotta say.”
Joe takes a step away from the house and moves towards the edge of the activity, still speaking as he takes a slow step.
“Now these folks need to get some work done so I’ll step out of their way for a bit. But ya know what comes next when puttin’ a house together? Oh sure there’s laying the brick of the actual wall and puttin’ in your doors and startin’ up some of the plumbin’n’all that, but I’m talking about roofing. It’s about what’s on top. Now Mister Bailey, you seem like a respectable guy. Someone with their head on straight – you sure talk like somebody with the lights on and folks home, so I won’t bother saying the attic’s empty or anything. Heck yer a guy more educated than I am. There are some things they just don’t teach in the classroom though...”
Joe approaches the gangly foreman as he stands near overseers and supervisors. The bulky bruiser shakes his hand. “Thanks for signing all those hard hats, glad you came down.” He says.
“No problem. Is it time?” inquires Joe.
“Almost, care to do the honors?” comes the reply.
Joe takes a megaphone from the foreman and nods thanks. He keeps it lowered and addresses the camera once more.
“Now Anthony, aside from these things there’s another reason I’m comparin’ ya to a house. The main reason, it all really comes down to one word. Safety. See folks view their house as refuge, shelter, a place they can be the king’a their castle. Folks can always depend on the fact they can go home and be… safe. Just like you. Anthony you’re the type to play it safe. The safe bet. The reliable diet, sugar free, all natural, one hundred percent certified, bonafide, easy listenin’ danger-free zone that folks trust. Even your nickname reinforces it, the Promise, what more’s a promise other than a secure assurance? It’s all good and well in theory, but there’s a fundamental problem with it. But I think this’ll explain it better than I can.”
Joe brings the megaphone to his mouth and turns to something just out of view.
“OK, HIT IT!” announces Joe, a thumb up to accentuate his point.
Suddenly the unmistakable groan and rumble of an engine sputtering awake is heard. The loud machinery drowns out most of the work previously heard and the camera pans to the direction Joe is facing just in time to see a massive bulldozer plow into a dilapidated house. Some of the boarded up windows and graffiti on the walls betray its disrepair.
“That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” says Joe as the destruction unfolds.
“See Anthony, the security is a nice feeling but it’s just a façade. You’re still vulnerable to break-ins, fires, or…”
Joe points at the devastation.
“…giant metal bulldozers plowin’ ya down. Now you seem to be a nice guy, heck under any other circumstance I’m sure we’d fine to just coexist. In PURE however, I come into the ring knowin’ I’m not gonna take a bow, bend a knee, or drop my guard. In the short time I've been here, I've seen that this place is full’a predators. While you've been brought up protected, only just now startinna step outta yer shell, I’m a guy who’s done nothin’ but march through hostile territory my whole life. I don’t plan on stoppin’ any time soon neither. There’ll be no bailouts for Bailey, no solace for The Promise. Being the docile domicile might have kept ya outta trouble but this time you've got a furious F-five, force of nature comin’ your way; a no-frillin’, blood spillin’, hurricane of hurt.”
Joe gives the megaphone back and steps away from the folks in charge. He continues talking into the camera as he moves.
“Anthony, your vulnerability has become evident as you've competed here, oh sure you took down Maverick, and together with yer buddy you even handled the two of the toughest ladies this planet’s ever seen. When it came time for the qualifier though, I watched and studied. I learned that you were essentially a non-factor in the large rumble type of environment. I saw the other folks in that match walk all over you to get to each other. When I showed up to a free-for-all scrap however, I made an impact. I stomped and smashed through the whole lot of’em. If I gotta butcher the whole herd, so be it. In this world you don’t win by standing back and hoping for a chance, this is the wrestling ring not the board room. No luck to count on around here, you build your legacy outta back-breakers and body slams. Oh I saw how you capitalized on Maverick’s reckless charge, but I ain't the type you stop once I’m in motion. I keep up the blitz until I've stormed through yer defenses, broken your body, and pillaged yer pride.”
By now, the walls seem to be nearly erected. Joe walks back over to the house where workers continue to labor away. It appears that the structure is actually quite large and intricate. As Joe walks to the opposite side of the house as the destruction that’s occurring we can see that there seems to be a more affluent influence moving into the area.
“Now I mentioned the McMansion earlier, the quick fashionable housing they’re throwing up. It all seems good as they displace the common working folks. You know a great man once said ‘It’s called the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it.’ I think that’s really what’s going on here with ya, Anthony. You took off from the monkey suit filled world so you could go pursue your dreams. It’s enviable in some ways but in others, it seems you need a wake up call. I may just have to grab hold of those delusions of grandeur you've got, start squeezing until they pop so you join the rest of us in reality. I can see those moments when you start to let the lights and glamour get to ya, standing over your opponents with a swollen head. Well this time it ain't gonna cut it, slim. This time your opponent’s not a guy with his head in the clouds. This time Jair ain't there to help you hold down the fort. This time it’s going to be you’n’me and mostly me comin’ at ya with the non-stop frenzy I’m known for.”
Joe points to one of the more extravagant homes as a high end luxury car creeps up the driveway and enters through a gate surrounded by iron bars and an immaculately kept privacy hedge.
“Another sheltered life hiding beyond reality, keeping the world just out of reach. They’d like to leave the rest of us ‘rabble’ to fend for ourselves. I say no more. As long as I’m around never again will the folks who come on down to the arena feel like no one’s pullin’ for’em. If I’m standing, it’s for them. If I’m falling it’s with’em. I’d like you to take note of the guy they’re cheerin’ for this next PURE. The guy who’s gonna pummel The Promise; the man that proved all detractors wrong last week when he not only went up against a former partner but an army of opposition as well. At the end I was standing on top of the heap. Folks who thought I couldn't put anyone away saw me make up for previous matches. Anyone who doubted that I was the capable half of the tag team from matches’ prior saw that I wasn't the kinda guy you ignore. You come off as a guy folks would trust to host a talk show, give’em the evening news, or recommend a product in an infomercial. Not devastate his foes in the ring like I have. Now it’s time for you to try and prove the non-believers wrong Anthony. It’s time for you to prove that you can stand on your own once again and normally I’d be waitin’ for ya to deliver, but this time there’s the problem of a pair'a gatekeepers who are dead set on not letting you pass.”
Joe raises his fists.
“These mitts’ve gotten me pretty far, and they don’t intend to quit. Me’n’the crowd are operating on the same wavelength. While you've been hidin’ away in some kinda fortress’a solitude barfing slo-mo promos, boring folks to tears, I've been makin’ sure I hit with the force of a wrecking ball. I've been droppin’ my opponents every chance I get, firing off punches so hard they’re starting to give people shellshock. So Mister Promise, I’m gonna make everybody a guarantee o'my own - you can put stock in this rock ‘cuz I ain't halting the offense. I've got the momentum behind me to keep knockin’ down the barriers, I've got the crowd cheerin’ me like wind at my back letting me sail right onto the farthest shore of carnage. As much as you've gotten used to your easygoing life at the top, just remember that things don’t get done without guys like me. We don’t run things but we keep things runnin’. Whether change comes for good or bad it’s always going to need that catalyst, that extra push that only hard work and guts’n’grit can accomplish. I’m comin’ for ya and you’re gonna find that the ‘average’ Joe is the biggest and meanest of all the threats you could ever hope to face.”
With that the camera fades.
-----------------------------------
“You can’t do better in this town for da price.” He said, doing the least possible effort in showing the unit. Joe accompanied the man up to the second level and he was let in to look around. It was a studio with a kitchen, bathroom and closet. The wrestler made his to in to assess the yellowed walls and archaic carpeting. The so called landlord just stood at the door, scratching at his balding head. He took a call on a cellphone as Joe peeked out the window that overlooked a corner store, head shop, and check cashing place. The burly brawler looked the oven over, noticing its cracks and stains; he twisted the nobs and was surprised when the thing actually turned on. He began to drown out the heated conversation the landlord was having as he checked the closet. Finally he overlooked the bathroom, poorly designed but functional and vying with the closet for smallest space. He thought back to his available funds and the new financial obligation. It wasn't glamorous but it was something he could afford.
“I guess I’ll take it.” Said Joe.
“Well I don’t care. I already paid my child support this month, if you want more go to the judge.” barked baldy into the phone. He covered up the conversation quickly when he realized Joe was addressing him, “Eh?” he asked.
“I’ll take it.” Reiterated Joe
“Good, good, you got the money?” he held a hand out expectantly.
“I’ll be back in a bit, gotta go fetch it.” replied the bulky bruiser.
With that he made his way down the stairs and off the property out onto the street where a light snow was now starting to fall. The tiny white tufts clung to Joe’s clothing as he walked to the bus stop. A half hour later he was gathering his things from the hotel room and handing in the key.
Joe threw his few belongings on the ground of the apartment, with the snow now falling in full force and the time of evening it now was, he’d probably have to wait a while before he could get any real furniture. For now a trip to the corner store for some dinner and a few supplies would have to cut it.
After giving his new super most of his remaining money, he barely held on to a pocketful of small bills. As he entered the corner store the clerk glared at him suspiciously. Joe decided a quick trip would be best; he grabbed a few toiletries, a six pack, and some instant noodles. After paying he made a beeline back home. As he left the store he heard a voice from somewhere “Hey brother, got any spare change?” It was a man lying in front of the store tucked under a blanket. Joe took stock of the last few remaining dollars he had, he took a few bucks out of his pocket and handed them to the man.
“God bless you. Happy holidays, man.” He said, quickly snatching up the bills.
“Yeah, take it easy.” said Joe as he walked back across the street and into his near barren unit.
After a modest dinner he decided that there really wasn't much else worth doing today. He stared out into the falling snow and cracked open a beer. Resting on his canvas bag full of clothing he soon drifted off…
“Howdy, there! Just stoppin’ by to check out the ever changing landscape of the big city we got here. Seems like things are already underway and I just arrived.”
The rhythmic tap of hammering and whine of power tools coming to life now fills the air. Each person on site now moves with a steady yet determined pace, focused on their individual part in the operation.
“Looks like we’re buildin’ a house here on the edge’a South Seattle. From what I hear this part of town wasn't exactly the most desirable place to live not too long ago. I guess throwin’ up Mcmansions for the well-to-do can really turn things around or so they say, eh?”
Joe makes his way over to the side of the house where the frame is starting to be raised.
“See, I thought this would be a golden opportunity to get a look around at how things are done at a ground level. Now I've done this kinda work before, but a refresher never hurts - Especially when I’m facing one Anthony Bailey, a guy who reminds me a lot of a house.”
Joe crouches down and points at the bottom slab of the domicile. A worker walks by and says “Knock’em dead, Joe.”
The burly brawler tips his hardhat raises his fist, “You got it buddy!” he replies.
He then turns his attention to the camera once more.
“See it’s important to have a solid foundation if yer gonna build a good house. Prevents shifting, sinking, distributes weight, and it’s where the floor sits… basically makes it so you can have the house itself. Now Mister Bailey’s a guy with a great foundation himself. He’s got history as being one half of an amazingly adept tag team, a good upbringing coupled with a fine education, and a nice monetary set up from what I understand. It’s the type’a background that lets him stand on his own two feet.”
Joe backs up a little as a group of workers raise another wall on the structure.
“Now a frame is just as important. It’s yer inner walls and skeleton of a house. You wanna make sure they’re solid and sturdy to protect from the elements, what with the insulation and siding and all that. Also that you gotta ensure it all fits together well and defines the layout you want. My upcoming opponent, at six foot two, two thirty is undoubtedly a guy possessing a good sized frame. He’s got the size and shape to compete just as good as any other athlete PURE has signed. He’s obviously a guy whose protected himself well from harm, given that he’s been in the wrestling business for a few years and is still standin’ tall to tell the tale. Seeing as how he’s been such a solid competitor it’s clear he’s got a career layout of his own. Commendable, I gotta say.”
Joe takes a step away from the house and moves towards the edge of the activity, still speaking as he takes a slow step.
“Now these folks need to get some work done so I’ll step out of their way for a bit. But ya know what comes next when puttin’ a house together? Oh sure there’s laying the brick of the actual wall and puttin’ in your doors and startin’ up some of the plumbin’n’all that, but I’m talking about roofing. It’s about what’s on top. Now Mister Bailey, you seem like a respectable guy. Someone with their head on straight – you sure talk like somebody with the lights on and folks home, so I won’t bother saying the attic’s empty or anything. Heck yer a guy more educated than I am. There are some things they just don’t teach in the classroom though...”
Joe approaches the gangly foreman as he stands near overseers and supervisors. The bulky bruiser shakes his hand. “Thanks for signing all those hard hats, glad you came down.” He says.
“No problem. Is it time?” inquires Joe.
“Almost, care to do the honors?” comes the reply.
Joe takes a megaphone from the foreman and nods thanks. He keeps it lowered and addresses the camera once more.
“Now Anthony, aside from these things there’s another reason I’m comparin’ ya to a house. The main reason, it all really comes down to one word. Safety. See folks view their house as refuge, shelter, a place they can be the king’a their castle. Folks can always depend on the fact they can go home and be… safe. Just like you. Anthony you’re the type to play it safe. The safe bet. The reliable diet, sugar free, all natural, one hundred percent certified, bonafide, easy listenin’ danger-free zone that folks trust. Even your nickname reinforces it, the Promise, what more’s a promise other than a secure assurance? It’s all good and well in theory, but there’s a fundamental problem with it. But I think this’ll explain it better than I can.”
Joe brings the megaphone to his mouth and turns to something just out of view.
“OK, HIT IT!” announces Joe, a thumb up to accentuate his point.
Suddenly the unmistakable groan and rumble of an engine sputtering awake is heard. The loud machinery drowns out most of the work previously heard and the camera pans to the direction Joe is facing just in time to see a massive bulldozer plow into a dilapidated house. Some of the boarded up windows and graffiti on the walls betray its disrepair.
“That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” says Joe as the destruction unfolds.
“See Anthony, the security is a nice feeling but it’s just a façade. You’re still vulnerable to break-ins, fires, or…”
Joe points at the devastation.
“…giant metal bulldozers plowin’ ya down. Now you seem to be a nice guy, heck under any other circumstance I’m sure we’d fine to just coexist. In PURE however, I come into the ring knowin’ I’m not gonna take a bow, bend a knee, or drop my guard. In the short time I've been here, I've seen that this place is full’a predators. While you've been brought up protected, only just now startinna step outta yer shell, I’m a guy who’s done nothin’ but march through hostile territory my whole life. I don’t plan on stoppin’ any time soon neither. There’ll be no bailouts for Bailey, no solace for The Promise. Being the docile domicile might have kept ya outta trouble but this time you've got a furious F-five, force of nature comin’ your way; a no-frillin’, blood spillin’, hurricane of hurt.”
Joe gives the megaphone back and steps away from the folks in charge. He continues talking into the camera as he moves.
“Anthony, your vulnerability has become evident as you've competed here, oh sure you took down Maverick, and together with yer buddy you even handled the two of the toughest ladies this planet’s ever seen. When it came time for the qualifier though, I watched and studied. I learned that you were essentially a non-factor in the large rumble type of environment. I saw the other folks in that match walk all over you to get to each other. When I showed up to a free-for-all scrap however, I made an impact. I stomped and smashed through the whole lot of’em. If I gotta butcher the whole herd, so be it. In this world you don’t win by standing back and hoping for a chance, this is the wrestling ring not the board room. No luck to count on around here, you build your legacy outta back-breakers and body slams. Oh I saw how you capitalized on Maverick’s reckless charge, but I ain't the type you stop once I’m in motion. I keep up the blitz until I've stormed through yer defenses, broken your body, and pillaged yer pride.”
By now, the walls seem to be nearly erected. Joe walks back over to the house where workers continue to labor away. It appears that the structure is actually quite large and intricate. As Joe walks to the opposite side of the house as the destruction that’s occurring we can see that there seems to be a more affluent influence moving into the area.
“Now I mentioned the McMansion earlier, the quick fashionable housing they’re throwing up. It all seems good as they displace the common working folks. You know a great man once said ‘It’s called the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it.’ I think that’s really what’s going on here with ya, Anthony. You took off from the monkey suit filled world so you could go pursue your dreams. It’s enviable in some ways but in others, it seems you need a wake up call. I may just have to grab hold of those delusions of grandeur you've got, start squeezing until they pop so you join the rest of us in reality. I can see those moments when you start to let the lights and glamour get to ya, standing over your opponents with a swollen head. Well this time it ain't gonna cut it, slim. This time your opponent’s not a guy with his head in the clouds. This time Jair ain't there to help you hold down the fort. This time it’s going to be you’n’me and mostly me comin’ at ya with the non-stop frenzy I’m known for.”
Joe points to one of the more extravagant homes as a high end luxury car creeps up the driveway and enters through a gate surrounded by iron bars and an immaculately kept privacy hedge.
“Another sheltered life hiding beyond reality, keeping the world just out of reach. They’d like to leave the rest of us ‘rabble’ to fend for ourselves. I say no more. As long as I’m around never again will the folks who come on down to the arena feel like no one’s pullin’ for’em. If I’m standing, it’s for them. If I’m falling it’s with’em. I’d like you to take note of the guy they’re cheerin’ for this next PURE. The guy who’s gonna pummel The Promise; the man that proved all detractors wrong last week when he not only went up against a former partner but an army of opposition as well. At the end I was standing on top of the heap. Folks who thought I couldn't put anyone away saw me make up for previous matches. Anyone who doubted that I was the capable half of the tag team from matches’ prior saw that I wasn't the kinda guy you ignore. You come off as a guy folks would trust to host a talk show, give’em the evening news, or recommend a product in an infomercial. Not devastate his foes in the ring like I have. Now it’s time for you to try and prove the non-believers wrong Anthony. It’s time for you to prove that you can stand on your own once again and normally I’d be waitin’ for ya to deliver, but this time there’s the problem of a pair'a gatekeepers who are dead set on not letting you pass.”
Joe raises his fists.
“These mitts’ve gotten me pretty far, and they don’t intend to quit. Me’n’the crowd are operating on the same wavelength. While you've been hidin’ away in some kinda fortress’a solitude barfing slo-mo promos, boring folks to tears, I've been makin’ sure I hit with the force of a wrecking ball. I've been droppin’ my opponents every chance I get, firing off punches so hard they’re starting to give people shellshock. So Mister Promise, I’m gonna make everybody a guarantee o'my own - you can put stock in this rock ‘cuz I ain't halting the offense. I've got the momentum behind me to keep knockin’ down the barriers, I've got the crowd cheerin’ me like wind at my back letting me sail right onto the farthest shore of carnage. As much as you've gotten used to your easygoing life at the top, just remember that things don’t get done without guys like me. We don’t run things but we keep things runnin’. Whether change comes for good or bad it’s always going to need that catalyst, that extra push that only hard work and guts’n’grit can accomplish. I’m comin’ for ya and you’re gonna find that the ‘average’ Joe is the biggest and meanest of all the threats you could ever hope to face.”
With that the camera fades.
-----------------------------------
“You can’t do better in this town for da price.” He said, doing the least possible effort in showing the unit. Joe accompanied the man up to the second level and he was let in to look around. It was a studio with a kitchen, bathroom and closet. The wrestler made his to in to assess the yellowed walls and archaic carpeting. The so called landlord just stood at the door, scratching at his balding head. He took a call on a cellphone as Joe peeked out the window that overlooked a corner store, head shop, and check cashing place. The burly brawler looked the oven over, noticing its cracks and stains; he twisted the nobs and was surprised when the thing actually turned on. He began to drown out the heated conversation the landlord was having as he checked the closet. Finally he overlooked the bathroom, poorly designed but functional and vying with the closet for smallest space. He thought back to his available funds and the new financial obligation. It wasn't glamorous but it was something he could afford.
“I guess I’ll take it.” Said Joe.
“Well I don’t care. I already paid my child support this month, if you want more go to the judge.” barked baldy into the phone. He covered up the conversation quickly when he realized Joe was addressing him, “Eh?” he asked.
“I’ll take it.” Reiterated Joe
“Good, good, you got the money?” he held a hand out expectantly.
“I’ll be back in a bit, gotta go fetch it.” replied the bulky bruiser.
With that he made his way down the stairs and off the property out onto the street where a light snow was now starting to fall. The tiny white tufts clung to Joe’s clothing as he walked to the bus stop. A half hour later he was gathering his things from the hotel room and handing in the key.
Joe threw his few belongings on the ground of the apartment, with the snow now falling in full force and the time of evening it now was, he’d probably have to wait a while before he could get any real furniture. For now a trip to the corner store for some dinner and a few supplies would have to cut it.
After giving his new super most of his remaining money, he barely held on to a pocketful of small bills. As he entered the corner store the clerk glared at him suspiciously. Joe decided a quick trip would be best; he grabbed a few toiletries, a six pack, and some instant noodles. After paying he made a beeline back home. As he left the store he heard a voice from somewhere “Hey brother, got any spare change?” It was a man lying in front of the store tucked under a blanket. Joe took stock of the last few remaining dollars he had, he took a few bucks out of his pocket and handed them to the man.
“God bless you. Happy holidays, man.” He said, quickly snatching up the bills.
“Yeah, take it easy.” said Joe as he walked back across the street and into his near barren unit.
After a modest dinner he decided that there really wasn't much else worth doing today. He stared out into the falling snow and cracked open a beer. Resting on his canvas bag full of clothing he soon drifted off…
