Check out this repost from Brandon Stroud of WithSpandex, reporting on some absolute pearls of wisdom from one of wrestling's most technical wrestlers and, arguably, one of the best to ever step into the squared circle. This link HERE will take you to the WithSpandex report. Check it out today!
Here's a great piece from Vice that follows crime scene photographers and their daily ritual of finding the bloodiest accidents, murders, and deaths in Mexico City.
EAST COAST WRESTLING TALENT MIXES IT UP WITH THE BEST IN AUSTIN by Bowie V. Ibarra
NWA - Inspire Pro continues to be one of the best pro-wrestling outfits running in Texas today. They are one of many in south and central Texas leading the way in the Texas indy wrestling revival. Texas is a hotbed for indy wrestling, and the Inspire Pro show put on display once again that folks following the indy scene need to keep their eye on Texas.
Here's some snaps from some of the matchups from NWA-Inspire Pro's 'BattleWars 2015'.
STEVE O'RENO vs. TADASUKE vs. DASHER HATFIELD
This was the match that started the show, and boy did it set a high bar for the rest of the show.
Noted Internet Wrestling Pundit and Announcer for Inspire Pro Brandon Stroud, have a little fun before the matchup.
This show marked the return of Tadasuke, who had an amazing showing the last time he was in the Inspire Pro arena.
These guys started the show. After the match, I knew everyone backstage had to up their game for the night.
I"m a big fan of O'Reno's 'Campana' hold. But he needs to ring that bell. Rock them in the lock, Steve. Rock them in the lock. They wouldn't call it The Bell if you didn't ring it.
At the end of the match, O'Reno gave Dasher Hatfield and Tadasuke a University of Texas baseball cap. Pretty sweet touch.
NWA Wrestling Revolution All Stars (Erik Shadows, Matt Riot, Kat Green & Tony Strong)
def.
The New Movement (Cherry Ramones, Delilah Doom, Keith Lee & "Jiggle-O" James Johnson) w/ Chris Trew.biz
The NWA Wrestling Revolution All Stars put up a good fight against The New Movement stable. But there was more to the story in the end.
Tony Strong takes to the skies against Cherry Ramone.
The courageous Kat Green is left to take on the monster Keith Lee.
'Mike Dell's Sperm' Matt Riot flies to splash down on Keith Lee.
Ramone wraps up Riot.
Leadership in The New Movement, led by homeless dildo Chris Trew.biz/fuckface.dirtbag.html runs down the skills of Jiggle-O James Johnson, causing Johnson to turn on his team and manager. One of the reasons why Trew is a dumbass. Why would you pay a guy money you don't believe in.
Johnson, read your contact and get out of it with that asshole.
And this is my favorite pic of the night. God, I hate this nasty-ass dickhead. Did I mention he fucked a burrito? People think I'm kidding about that, but HERE IT IS
At intermission, things got real between Cherry Ramones and a fan, initiating a Twerk-Off by Cherry Ramones. Here's some footage from that heated throwdown: RAMONES' TWERK-OFF.
New footage has emerged with jiggling 'Jiggle-O' going old school b-boy on Cherry Ramones after Cherry's Twerk-Off. You can see it HERE.
GREAT DEPRESSION w/Red Scare
VS.
'KILLER' BRENT McKENZIE w/Mad Dog Johnson
I didn't go into this match expecting to see a lot of science, but I still wasn't disappointed. These two big dudes threw down with clubbing blows and general cruelty towards each other.
McKenzie even hit a scary moonsault from the top rope. Eat your heart out, Bam Bam Bigelow.
As McKenzie was gaining the upper hand, the Austin, Texas chapter of THE ORPHANS showed up. While a little more formidable than the Bronx, New York Chapter of the Orphans, their ranks were made much stronger as they recruited The Great Depression to join their gang. They tossed him a maroon shirt that he gladly put on, joining the team.
That brings us to the next matchup...
THE ORPHANS vs. PALMER/D'ANGELO/STARKS
On paper, this was a mismatch. On the mat, it was still a mismatch. The Palmer/D'Angelo/Starks trio had at least one hundred pounds on the Orphans. And even though Great Depression had joined the gang, he did not play as a factor.
An Orphan uses a Camel Clutch on Starks.
For a total mismatch, however, The Orphans held their own and kept up with the big dudes. But experience, size, and skill were able to overcome the heart of The Orphans. If anyone should be upset, its the Palmer/D'Angelo/Starks trio for not taking them out as fast as they could have. That's a testament to the heart of The Orphans. And with the addition of a power man in The Great Depression and, if they're smart, leadership from The Red Scare, The Austin Chapter of The Orphans might be an unlikely force in Inspire Pro in the months to come.
All I know is I don't necessarily want to be a prospect for The Orphans, but I'll gladly be a Hang Around. I don't mind being associated with underdogs who fight with heart.
BIG DADDY YUM YUM INVITATIONAL HOSS FIGHT
BYRON WILCOTT vs. JAMES CLAXTON vs.
MOONSHINE MANTELL vs. JAKE DIRDEN
The debuting Byron Wilcott in Inspire Pro brought in some of the biggest dudes on the Texas Indy wrestling scene. The big guys took it to each other. In the words of Wilcott himself, he wants to bring prestige and pride back to the heavyweight wrestling division. And even though these four dudes beat each other up, Wilcott honored them and went to the bar to buy them drinks after the fight.
Here's hoping Wilcott's wish comes true.
In a sweet farewell, Miss Dis Lexia said goodbye to her Texas fans as she'll be traveling to the east coast. ZBFbooks.com wishes her well.
Brandon Stroud could not leave well enough alone, and finally got his wish to talk to Lance Hoyt face to face to attempt to mend fences. It didn't go well.
Hoyt told Stroud to chop him across the chest. But before he could do it, stopped him mid-swing and was about to whip up on him when Chikara Pro Grand Champion Icarus' music hit. Icarus came in to stick up for Brandon, who powdered like a champ. Icarus was leveled by Hoyt, and that's when 'Dirty' Andy Dalton showed up.
CHAMPION EXHIBITION MATCH
ICARUS vs ANDY DALTON w/LaMOTTA
These two dudes showed what's great about pro-wrestling with a great matchup. Even though Icarus was essentially fighting a two-on-one matchup, he still took it to Dalton. The two put on a great match, which was expected from these two.
INSPIRE PRO PURE PRESTIGE TITLE MATCH
TEDDY HART vs. THOMAS SHIRE
vs. SCOTTY SANTIAGO
This matchup was originally booked to be 'Showtime' Scot Summers vs. Teddy Hart for the new title, meant to represent the same WCCW replica belt Scot Summers had been toting around. But unfortunately, due to transportation problems, Scot could not get a chance to get the belt.
So with the chance to be the first IP Pure Prestige Title holder, creating a new Texas title bloodline that represents the tradition of Texas Indy Glory from the Dallas Sportatorium, these three dudes threw down in an electric and hard-hitting matchup.
Teddy Hart flies.
And flies again.
Hart goes science for science against Texas mat technician and legacy to the Funk family, 'Wildfire' Thomas Shires.
Indy wrestling doll Machiko was not only Teddy Hart's valet to the ring, but charged with watching out for Mr. Money, Teddy Hart's feline mascot.
Hart Flip-Piledrives Santiago.
Car wreck on the outside, courtesy of Teddy Hart.
Shires goes for a UFO. Maybe he should call it The Marfa Lights?
In the end, Shires takes advantage of Hart crushing Santiago and dumps Hart to the outside to take the win.
Your new Inspire Pro Pure Prestige champ, and first in a new bloodline that honors the tradition of Texas' past pro-wrestling heroes, Thomas Shires.
Shires and Hart.
Machiko brings Mr. Money back to Hart after the match.
INSPIRE PRO vs. CHIKARA PRO
ACH/JoJo Bravo
vs.
THE COLONY (FIRE ANT/SILVER ANT)
Two of the best in Texas, ACH and JoJo Bravo, took on two of the very best from Chikara Pro, Fire and Silver Ant. These two dudes were ready to pull out every stop in what turned out to be an extremely fun and exciting match, the perfect ending to a solid card.
ACH took my Texas flag and waved it in front of Silver Ant, who held up the UT Horns symbol out of respect.
After a respectful handshake by both teams, they took to the mat.
Armbar grounds ACH.
A pretty hilarious moment, when everyone hooks on waistlocks, including (eventually) Chikara Pro ref Bryce Remsburg.
In the end, JoJo locked on a new finishing hold, The Inspire Special, for the win.
ACH repping Texas.
Icarus.
The Chikara crew borrowing my flag yet again for a final photo shoot.
And, being Austin, there were folks in the crowd keeping ATX weird. Here's a guy wearing liederhosen with a big ass beer mug.
Here's a dude with a big hammer.
And here's a snap of one of Inspire Pro's masterminds, Max Meehan, holding a cat named Mr. Money.
In the end, it was a solid night from top to bottom. All matches hit their marks and were fantastic.
NWA-Inspire Pro is a leader in the Texas Indy Wrestling Renaissance. If you are anywhere near Austin, Texas when they have a show, I highly recommend getting tickets fast and making every effort to attend. You will have a great time, guaranteed.
And if you love pro-wrestling, you need to check out these titles from ZBFbooks.com. Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire and Pit Fighters: Double Cross are two amazing titles that feature a lucha libre star putting his skills to the test in wrestling rings and MMA pits. Check them out today HERE in paperback or Kindle.
Book Trailer for Pit Fightes: Baptism by Fire
Book Trailer for Pit Fighters: Double Cross
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He's earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie and check out his books at his official website, ZBFbooks.com.
Eternal Vigilance: From Deep Within the Earth by Gabrielle Faust
In a new apocalyptic society bitterly divided by magic and technology, one vampire has found himself a pawn between the rebel uprising known as the Phuree and the remaining members of his own Immortal race. Tynan Llywelyn must make the harrowing decision to save the world he so bitterly detests or stand and watch as humanity is destroyed by a primordial evil beyond all imagining.
“Gabrielle Faust’s book is full of poetic imagery. She finds beauty in the shadows and the horror of a devastated civilization. Faust sheds new light on vampire culture, making them angels, instead of demons…For those that crave vampire fiction with a dark soul, Gabrielle Faust delivers on all levels.” — Scars Magazine
The human race is about to take part in the ultimate reality show. The following show will feature the bloody and graphic genocide of the human race. You are about to watch ‘The Gore Lounge’. This will surely be a hit with all viewers; we have jeopardy, sex, serial killers, mutants, aliens, and lots of zombies. So why not sit back and relax and watch the bloody demise of humanity? Welcome to the future.
NEW TITLE BRINGS NOTED ADVENTURE AUTHOR LIFE ON THE PRINTED PAGE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
The Fight Card brand continues to bring the best pulp-style fight adventures fueled by adrenaline and testosterone. The latest title is no exception. Check out the synopsis below and read a passage from the title before picking up a copy for yourself today.
FIGHT CARD: BAREKNUCKLE BARBARIAN
Can a poor Texan pulp writer survive the bare knuckle brutality of New York? Robert E. ‘Bob’ Howard is forced to find out when he stumbles upon an impromptu match in an alley on his first day in the Big Apple. From there, it is a trip to the circus and a confrontation with a gambling overlord climaxing in a bloody fight to the finish in a squared circle of death…all before landing on the shores of old Ireland, where he will face a strange and ancient danger in a very different circle of bare knuckle justice.
Two fisted tales straight from the days of the pulp excitement, served with a side order of ‘what might have been’ fantasy, as Robert E. Howard – the writer who gave us Conan and Solomon Kane – lives his adventures himself.
Pulp Award winning author Teel James Glenn writing as Jack Tunney takes the readers back to a time that never was for adventures that should have been!
This is a work of fiction.
Characters, corporations, institutions and organizations mentioned in this
novel are either the product of the author's imagination or, if real, used
fictitiously without any intent to describe actual conduct.
All rights reserved. No part of
this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission from the
publisher.
I
have used the historical figure of Robert E. Howard in this novel in a purely
fictional, dramatic, and somewhat whimsical fashion. No approval, disrespect or disparagement of
this individual – though I very much admire R.E.H. – is meant or implied. The
facts of R.E.H.’s life as it tragically ended in this world, and the point
where it enters the world of this fictional book should be clear to all.
Robert
Irvin Howard (January 22, 1906 – June 11, 1936) was the consummate pulp author
who wrote in a diverse range of genres. He is best known for his character
Conan the Barbarian and is regarded as the father of the sword and sorcery
subgenre but he wrote western, historical crusader, and horror fiction with
equal aplomb.
Howard
was born and raised in the state of Texas. He spent most of his life in the
town of Cross Plains. He taught himself to box and sword fight and often
engaged in ‘ice house’ fights – bareknuckle competitions with the rough necks
in his area.
From
the age of nine, he dreamed of becoming a writer of adventure fiction. However,
he did not have real success until he was twenty-three. He was published in a
wide selection of magazines, journals and newspapers, but his main outlet was
the pulp magazine, Weird Tales.
He
was introduced (via correspondence) to H.P. Lovecraft by an editor at Weird Tales, and the two veteran writers were soon engaged in a
vigorous correspondence, which would last for the rest of Howard's life.
Howard
was successful in several genres and was on the verge of publishing his first
novel when he committed suicide at the age of thirty. His mother was terminally
ill with tuberculosis before she had even met his father, and so was slowly
dying throughout Howard's entire life.
A
theme is most of his writings was the atavist in us all, the barbarian, would always triumph over
civilization. If he could see today’s reality
television, he might find himself proven right.
His
divergence from our reality is the moment, seated in his car on a Texas road,
that he does not shoot himself in grief, but returns to the hospital to have
his last moments with his dying mother.
Teel
James Glenn
(Writing
as Jack Tunney)
Union
City, NJ, 2014
BAREKNUCKLE
BARBARIAN
"Civilized men are more
discourteous than
savages because they know
they can be impolite
without having
their skulls split,
as a general thing."
~Robert Ervin Howard~
ROUND 1
ON THE PAVEMENT
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1936
Bob
Howard walked down Canal Street on the lower east side of Manhattan on a cold,
December day with no particular place to go. He was only in New York a few
hours and already astounded by the sheer excess of it all.
Howard
was from a small town in Texas and had come east to make his fortune and see
the world. Exactly how he was going to do it – beyond the fact he had booked
passage on a ship sailing for England in January – he had no idea. He had no
immediate plans except to look up some publishers in New York before embarking,
and hopefully getting some new writing assignments.
Howard
was a writer. It was in his blood, his bones, his heart. He had been raised on
tales of his family’s past and had been making a scant living as a wordsmith
for a decade. He’d successfully sold his
tales to such magazines as Weird Tales,
Magic Carpet, Argosy and Top Notch, but
it was always a scramble to make ends meet.
His
mother was six months dead. All of her affairs were finally settled, and it was
her bequest financing his bid to see the world.
In
her last hours, the thought of losing the only one who understood his love of
stories had driven Howard to desperation. He had contemplated taking his own
life in despair. No one in the dusty, boomtown understood Howard’s need to
write – to look to horizons distant and past – but she had.
He
remembered how she had smiled when he told her of his latest story, or of the
next one he planned to write, and he made a promise to himself and to her
spirit that he would live life to the fullest.
To
that end, he had taken the small inheritance she had secretly hidden away for
him and bought a train ticket for New York.
Robert
Ervin – Bob – Howard was a burly man just over six feet tall with wide
shoulders, a friendly open face, and clear blue eyes, which some might call
poet’s eyes.
Those
eyes were wide and startled and his smile almost constant as he walked most of
Manhattan from the rail yards to the Empire State Building then down Fifth
Avenue, to spend part of his day in Washington Square Park and Greenwich
Village. It was all so amazing to the stranger from the plains of Texas that he
was constantly exclaiming, “I’ll be darned!” with each new marvel he beheld.
In
actuality, he was as much a subject of awe in his way as the buildings around
him. He wore worn blue jeans, a dress shirt and tie, old cowboy boots, a tweed
suit jacket and had a battered cowboy hat jammed on his head against the gust
of winter wind.
If
that had not been enough to establish him as a visitor to the city, he also
carried a suitcase in one hand and a battered typewriter case in the other –
surely badges of the tourist.
Now,
the Texan wandered down Canal Street in search of a low rent hotel he had read
about in a magazine. He hoped he could get a room for the month he planned to ramble
the Big Apple before the steamship he’d booked passage on would set sail for
England.
As he
walked along the street, marveling at the clothing shops and interesting curio
stores he became aware of the sound of a raucous crowd around the corner of an
alley that was even louder than the general hub-bub of the great city.
“Get
him, Joey,” a voice called out above the din. “He ain’t got no defense.”
“He
can’t take a punch,” another voice said shrilly, followed by a number of quick
responses of, “He’s done alright so far!”
Howard
rounded a corner to see an alley between two buildings jammed with bodies – all
working class men, but of every stripe from those in business suits to those in
worn work clothes.
From
the way the men were focused inward to the center of the group and their yells,
the Texan could make a shrewd guess as to what was holding their attention. He
sidled up to one of the last of the crowd and asked simply to be sure.
“What’s
going on, hombre?”
The
man, an overweight fellow in ill-fitting work clothes, was sweating despite the
cold. He barely glanced at Howard as he spoke. “Big Carney is takin’ on Joey
O’Flynn! They been talkin’ about this fight since Joey and Carney fought to a draw
last year.”
Howard
could only push his way partially through the distracted crowd, but his height
was sufficient to allow him to view the proceedings clearly. It was, as he had
guessed, a bare knuckles boxing match between two gladiators
Two
men at the center of the furor could not have been more different. One was a
tall shaven headed Negro who was a muscular and lean. He had stripped to his
narrow waist and showed a physique that might have been sculpted from ebony.
His opponent was a few inches shorter, but with a build like a beer keg. He was
a red haired fellow with almost no neck and fists that seemed outsized for his
form. He wore a work shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
“Get
em’, Joey,” called many in the crowd.
“Shut
the loud mouth up, Big Carney,” many others called.
Howard
noted the calls for and against each man were, in many cases, across the racial
lines – something he would not have heard back in his Texas town.
The
two gladiators were both powerful boxers. Big Carney had a good guard and moved
cautiously. Joey relied on his massive forearms and shoulders to absorb
punishment and had a more aggressive style. He advanced on the African with a
steady, steamroller-like attack.
Big
Carney used footwork to move backward, launching lightning swift strikes at
Joey, rolling with any of the powerful but slower blows from the redhead.
Howard
watched the action with personal interest, having participated in a number of
bare-knuckle matches in his hometown icehouse on Friday nights. The Texan
realized the redhead was fighting with anger in his movements while the black
had a cooler, technical approach.
“Grudge
match?” Howard inquired of one of the watchers.
“Joey
took a lickin’ from Big Carney last year when the circus was in town,” a fellow
in a green fedora pulled down almost to his ears said. “Been takin’ a ribbing
about it since then.”
A
grey suited slick approached holding two singles in his hand and, as Howard
watched, handed them to Green Fedora who nodded then slipped the money in his
pocket.
“On
Big Carney?” Green fedora said. The grey suited gent nodded.
Now
the Texan noticed other money was changing hands all around the circle of
cheering men.
Across
the crowd, he saw a thin fellow with a long nose, sharp features and narrow,
dark eyes, giving him a vaguely rodent-like aspect, who was taking bets for
members the crowd on that side of the pit.
Just like the icehouse fights back
home,
Howard thought. People really are alike
all over.
The
fight in the center of the maelstrom became more intense as the rage in the
red-haired fighter grew. He pressed harder at the African, the sheer force of
his aggression continuing to drive Big Carney around the circle.
The
black man, however, was quick on his feet and able to avoid most of the force
of the pile driver blows from the Irishman.
Howard
could tell Big Carney was a boxer and Joey a fighter, but with enough brute force to cover the flaws in his
technique. The true definition of slugger.
“Gonna
put down a bet, buddy?” Green fedora asked the Texan.
“No thanks,
hombre,” Howard said. “I don’t know enough about the whole situation to risk my
little poke.”
The
situation was becoming clearer by the moment as Joey pressed Big Carney a
little too far. The African had waited for the Irishman to expend most of his
power and now replied with a swift series of powerful jabs, stopping Joey’s
advance and beginning to stagger him. It looked like the big black was going to
win the match, his strategy of causing the redhead to expend his power having
worked.
The
redhead covered up and absorbed four strong shots. Howard watched him with
intense concentration, seeing something that made him gasp. Suddenly,
surprisingly, and with devastating effect, the redhead fired a fast combination
of body blows that brought Big Carney to his knees.
The
crowd went wild with screams before and against as the red-headed gladiator
launched a steel hard right cross that sent the African to the ground.
The supporters of Joey quickly swarmed in
around the victorious boxer and he accepted their praise with the humility of a
presidential candidate that had been elected by a landslide.
Big
Carney was all but unconscious on all fours. The crowd surging around him all
but ignored the fallen fighter. The few who had lost money on his defeat cursed
him as they moved past.
Bob
Howard watched it all transpire and felt his blood boil. He walked to the
reeling Carney’s side and knelt. “You alright, Hoss?”
The
African looked up with slightly unfocused eyes, his lip bleeding and his cheek
starting to swell. “I ain’t never felt no human person hit that hard,” he
mumbled.
“I’m
not surprised,” the Texan said with distaste in his voice. “You weren’t hit by
no human…at least not by his lonesome.” He stood and in a loud voice aimed at
the redhead and his supporters he said, “Joey done cheated y’all out of you
honest bets sure as I’m standing here.”
ROUND 2
OFF TO THE BIG TOP
The
crowd in the alley froze in eerie silence and all eyes turned to glare at the
Texan. The sudden silence allowed the sound of the busy metropolis to close in
on the impromptu arena.
“What
did you say?” Green Fedora asked.
“I
said that varmint is a cheatin’ coward who would get himself shot if he tried
that underhanded stunt back in Texas.”
Now
the redhead had pushed free of his admirers and walked toward the Texan.
“Who
the hell do you think you are?” The Irishman asked.
“I’m
Bob Howard, mister, and I seen how you slipped a metal bar from your pocket
then passed it to that slimy fella over there when the crowd moved in.” The
Texan pointed at one of the redhead’s supporters, a skinny fellow with a
pockmarked face. The man looked at his accuser and his narrow eyes widened. He
appeared ready to run from the alley.
“You’re
talking bushwa!” Joey snarled. “I don’t like no country hick callin’ me no
cheat. I beat that shade fair and
square. I’m the better man!”
Bob
made a laughing sound and, faster than one would expect for man of his build,
raced across the alley. The Texan grabbed the skinny man by the scruff of his
neck before he could bolt.
“Hey,
let me go!” the man yelled, but Howard took no notice. He thrust a hand into
the man’s coat pocket and pulled a short steel bar the size of a penny roll
from the man’s jacket and tossed it down at the redhead’s feet. It landed with
a loud chunk sound.
Howard
spoke to the crowd. “Joey slipped that from his own pocket when Big Carney was
drivin’ him back, which is why he suddenly had iron in his fists. Then this here yahoo took it from him when the
crowd rushed in.” He turned to direct his steely gaze directly at the Irish
fighter. “You better not try that kind of thing at a card game where I come
from, fella, lest you want to get shot.”
The
spectator’s eyes now turned toward the Irish fighter whose pale skin flushed
red with anger and embarrassment.
There
was dead silence for a long moment followed by a cacophony of curses as the
bettors turned to collect their money back.
Joey
was forced to hide among his supporters and had to withdraw from the alley post
haste as angry losers tried to recoup their losses.
Howard
moved to Big Carney and helped the black man to his feet. There were welts showing on the African and
his lip was badly split, but he was smiling. “You put up a good fight, Big
Hoss,” the Texan said. “But that sidewinder was shootin’ from ambush.”
The
big black, taller than the Texan by several inches, winced with the effort of
his smile. “I’m glad you saw his switch, Boss. I was sure I was losin’ my
edge.” The battered fighter showed no anger at his defeat, on the contrary, he
seemed to be singularly happy.
“You
may have made yourself an enemy with that Joey fella, Boss,” Big Carney said.
“His memory is pretty long. He done waited a whole year to sneak his revenge on
me for beatin’ him faire last time we played this town.”
“You
ain’t gonna chase that polecat yourself?” Howard asked.
“No
sir,” the black said. He gingerly donned a shirt and suit jacket and picked up
a fedora to slip on his shaved head. “Ain’t no percentage in a Negro chasin’ no
white fella, even in so open-minded a city as New York.”
Howard
nodded. “Can’t say you’re wrong there about it being open minded, Big Hoss. Even
though I’m fresh in town today, I could see it sure ain’t Texas.”
“You’re
pretty open-minded yourself for a Texan, sir,” the African said. “No offense
meant.”
“None
taken,” Howard replied with an easy drawl. “It’s one of the reasons I left – to
broaden and open my mind, if you will.”
“That
why you come to New York?” The black asked. The two were walking from the alley
now, up Canal Street and the Texan marveled at how such a pair attracted little
or no notice here, but would have been a scandal back home.
“That
and to make my fortune,” the Texan said. “And by fortune, I mean enough money
to keep me fed. I pretty much only have enough for a week’s rent on a cheap
room while I look for work. I’m planning to sail for Europe in January, but
figured I could find some piecemeal somethin’ to keep me in victuals till
then.”
The
black smiled and winced again. “Well, Boss, I think you just found yourself a
job. You ever been to a circus?”
***
“I
appreciate you treating me to a meal, Big Hoss,” Howard said. “After paying for
a room, I really won’t have not much left for victuals.”
The
two men had walked to one of MacFadden’s Penny Restaurants on the way up town
after Howard decided not to check his baggage into a ten dollar a week hotel.
Big Carney said the job at the circus came with room-and-board, which was
inducement enough for the Texan.
The
restaurant was a godsend to the lower working classes, according to Big Carney.
“I has eaten at these places all over the country, Boss Bob. It ain’t exactly
food, but it can fill a man between real meals.”
Nine
cents bought a hamburger made from what tasted like meat flavored sawdust (four
cents), a good hard roll (one penny), a cup of coffee that owed more to chicory
than anything else (two cents), and a desert piece of pie (two cents).
The
unusual pair blended with the other down-and-out diners who all stood at high
counters since there were no chairs – standing was apparently good for the
digestion.
“So,
what is your real name, or do you want I should just call you Big Carney?”
Howard asked.
“My
mama named me Biggles Charles Johnson,” the black said. “But you can imagine
the ribbin’ I got as a tadpole, so I was Biggie from real young. Then when I
joined up the circus I just sort of became Big Carney.”
“What
made you join the circus?”
“Oh,
I guess the chance to travel, Mister Howard.”
“Bob,
please.”
“Okay,
Boss Bob,” the black man said with a smile, telling the Texan he was not
prepared to take too muchliberty yet.
“Anyway, it was a way to see the country, go places a fella like me might not
always be welcome, and still have a family of a sort around me.” Big Carney
looked around at the others in the restaurant. “But I like New York. A man can
just be here and not be judged. And you get to meet new and interesting
people.”
“Well,
a pleasure to know you.” Howard laughed.
“And to be deemed interesting.
Back home I was just odd. And I
appreciate this fine feast you have laid before me.”
“We eat
better at the circus,” Big Carney said. “But I was a bit puckish after my
little dance with Joey. Mister Maxim – he’s the fella owns the circus – he sees
we all put a good feed on. Says he can work us harder if we have full
stomachs.” The black patted his flat stomach as if it were Buddha-like. “I
agree.”
“So,
what’s it like working there?”
The
tall African shrugged. “It is a good job. A hard one, don’t get me wrong, but a
good one. A man is taken for who he is there, and what he does. Not what some
rube’s idea of how people should be treated cause of what they look like, you
know?” A shadow seemed to pass across his battered features. “‘Cept, of course,
like in any group there is some hold to certain views.”
“Oh?”
“I’m
hiring boss now for the roustabouts,” the African said. “But there’s a few folk
what don’t think no colored should be in charge of nothin’.”
Howard
nodded. “People are the same all over.”
“Yeah,
so I’ve found,” Big Carney continued. “But there are just as many and more who
don’t hold to those views. A husky fella like you will fit in just fine. Nobody
will put up a fuss.”
“I
don’t want to cause no trouble for you,” Howard objected. “I’m sure I can find
me something to tide me over. I plan to hit some of the magazine publishers
here in the city, try to get some assignments.”
“I’m
the boss for hiring,” Big Carney insisted. “We always take on some locals when
we open. Besides, I figure I owe you a few arguments since you saved both my
reputation and my paycheck.”
“How
so?”
“I
done bet all I had on myself,” Big Carney said. “This here is a victory meal
you helped pay for. Have another piece of pie!”
==============
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BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the acclaimed 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. His latest titles explore superhero themes, including 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', and 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull'.
Network with Bowie at his official website, ZBFbooks.com, the leader in Tex-Mexploitation literature.
Check out this repost from Brandon Stroud of WithSpandex, reporting on some absolute pearls of wisdom from one of wrestling's most technical wrestlers and, arguably, one of the best to ever step into the squared circle.
