2007/03/28
A Man that Just doesn't Get It
Mr. Mike Seate recently wrote an article where he summarily bashed roller derby and insulted every fan of it. As a player and a fan, I give you the comments and let you do with them what you may. He says: Women beating the snot out of other women isn't sexy or hip, or of all things,
entertaining. Roller derby was just plain dumb entertainment for people too dumb
to even know they were being insulted.
Continuing to go on: Even during its brief heyday in the early-1970s, roller derby was aimed at a certain audience -- an audience no one with three active brain cells wants to be identified with. And who were these fans? Well, remember your poor, dumb third cousin who lived in the shack out in the countryside? You know, the one who dropped out of school in the sixth grade because, at 19, she figured it was high time to settle down and start a family? The one who found it too intellectually taxing to follow the intricate plot developments and multi-level characterizations of "Hee-Haw?" Well, roller derby was created for them.
As a woman who grew up in a small rural area, it insults and angers me that he also believes people that live in shacks, that do not get proper university educations, or that have families young are all inclusively stupid. This doesn't even go into how I feel about the harsh opinion expressed about roller derby. As I said, I give you the comments, and let you do what you will.
Labels: news, roller derby insulted
Don't look if you're squeamish. - The Ow in Roller Derby
 The many many teams out there all post up images of their worst injuries. Going to bed after a scrimmage practice and finding I couldn't sleep on my left side because my shoulder hurt like I had a "crick in my neck" bu in my shoulder, and I couldn't sleep on my right because my hip was sore from a fall, and then couldn't get comfortable on my tummy because my quads are building and also sore... well it brought up images in my head I've seen of dislocated shoulders and ankles, broken legs, fingers, wrists and arms, stories of concussions, black eyes, cuts and split lips... it' s enough to make the faint-hearted run away from our beloved sport.  But in honor of all the ladies out there that play roller derby and proudly wear their scrapes, scars, burns, and casts, I give you an image of day 3 and 5 of my worst looking, but least painful injury yet, since the ones I have now have no outward signs to show. It was end of July 2006, after my first practice. The dangers of not wearing safety gear displayed. I was blue from my knee to my toes at the end, and I still wear a scar on my shin. I'm with ya my injured sisters! Labels: wound diary
2007/03/24
How to Play Roller Derby
 I know how to play but this is a nice animation for newbies, and I just thought I'd share this one! Labels: instructional, video
GCRG vs Big Easy Rollergirls March 24
Tulsa World: "The Green Country Roller Girls are rolling out to New Orleans this weekend for one of its first official league bouts, said Lora Gambino, aka Malicious Mabel, spokeswoman for the roller derby organization. "After two interleague losses, the Green Country Roller Girls are more determined than ever to capture their first victory," Gambino said. " Tulsa World did a write up on the GCRG's upcoming bout with the Big Easy Rollergirls, and I found out about Hurt Reynolds of Have Derby Will Travel . Seems Hurt has changed his life to follow American Roller derby, travels, and blogs it. A new hero for me. I think I'll try to contact him to interview him. Wish me luck!
Labels: Derby Luv, rollergirls, Travel
Shannon Simpson Debut with ACRD
Star Community Newspapers: Sunday at Texas Skatium in Garland as one of 12 members of Viva La Revolucion, Shandra Simpson is debuting as a member of the Assassination City Roller Derby gets a write up in the news. I love this description: "Comfortably ensconced in fishnet stockings and several coats of makeup, Shandra Simpson swivels her head to make fully certain she isn't about to get cracked from behind. She continues on at a leisurely pace, cruising around the rink eyeing her next victim like a lion set to pounce on an antelope. Steadying herself for the obligatory confrontation, Simpson launches through the air with projectile precision, flooring her opponent in a cantankerous collision. The jolt rocks the very core of Simpson, who is dazed enough to be dreaming. But in her world this is reality. She is a roller girl." Andrew May wrote that and I like it. Good Look, Shannon! Labels: news, rollergirls
2007/03/23
Roller Derby Teams updates 3/23
The TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls myspaced out a bulletin today, updates to their schedule for their season including Superfan contests at bouts, dates and schedules, and an April Fool's Day bout: Bout Sneak Peek: Rhinestone Cowgirls vs. Putas del Fuego WHEN: Sunday, April 1, doors @ 6pm, bout @ 7pm WHERE: Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez, Austin TX Check out their news if you're not a myspacer at their site. There's a derby game tomorrow in Detroit fpr the Detroit Roller Derby: DEVIL'S NIGHT DAMES VS THE D-FUNK ALLSTARS Saturday March 24th, 2007 Doors at 7:00PM Masonic Temple Drill Hall500 Temple, Detroit MI - I Love the image for this one! The Blazin' Banditas in San Antonio TX have posted pics from their recent bout in Pearland, TX against the South Side Roller Derby on their myspace site. And last but not least, the San Diego Derby Dolls have a bout March 31 - I love myspace for getting news! Stay tuned, I'm hunting up some fun stuff! Labels: bouts, rollergirls
2007/03/22
Serious business - Bad news for Seattle WA
I got this bulletined to me on myspace. You gotta join in on this one.. another derby home in danger... I am giving credit to what I know, this was bulletined by the Halifax Rollergirls seems to have originated in Vancouver, and if you are friends with the Rat City Rollergirls, let them know I'm behind them too! Save the spaces! "REPOSTED: Hey roller derby lovers: Our amazing American cousins in Seattle are in danger of losing their home. Please show your support for one of the top derby leagues on the planet and fire off a strongly-worded email to the Seattle City Council. We here in Vancouver totally sympathize with the hardships of finding space to hold events. If Seattle loses their space, we'll have fewer opportunities to watch our derby mentors play, and women's amateur sports will take a huge hit. The City of Seattle Parks Department is marching forward to privatize Hangar 27 but it's possible that even if the City Council can stop them and approve a Community Collaboration Proposal, the city will down H27 in 2008 for design, approval and repairs to the facility. Your signatures helped get the Seattle City Council’s attention, but now we need your letters of support expressing: 1. Why Hangar 27 is special to you and should be kept public. 2. Why it is important for them to give the Community Collaboration Proposal a chance 3. Why during 2008, the facility should remain open and why any construction and repairs should be phased to allow special events to continue In 2006 Hangar 27 was booked 25 weekends, served 70,000 citizens and was utilized by the following groups: Rat City Rollergirls
Cascade Bicycle
Lakeside Sale
Best of the Northwest Art Shows
Danskin Triathlon
VW Club "Bug In"
Arboretum Foundation Plant Sale
Salmon Homecoming Native American Pow Wow
IWASIH Boys & Girls Club
Muckleshoot Nation Canoes Family Journey
Blacksmiths
Roofing Contractors Exposition
Resolution Run
Motorcycle Safety
Barn Owl Society
If privatization does occur, many, if not all, of these groups will be shut out, including the
Rat City Rollergirls. Please show your support of these groups and voice that you are against the privatization of Hangar 27 .
Write or call the Seattle City Council and tell them how you feel:
City Council
PO Box 34025 S
eattle , WA 98124-4025
(206) 684-8888 Or e-mail individual members of the Council: nick.licata
sally.clark
david.della
jan.drago
jean.godden
richard.conlin
tom.rasmussen
richard.mciver
peter.steinbrueck - all at @seattle.gov [edited for security]
PUBLIC SPACES SHOULD BE KEPT PUBLIC!" Labels: news, rollergirls
Long Island Roller Rebels Pink vs. Black-Charity Bout
From myspace: "On Saturday April 14th the Long Island Roller Rebels-Long Island's ONLY all female roller derby league, will be holding an exhibition bout featuring players from all three home teams. The beer tent will be open for tailgating from 6pm throughout the night, and doors will open at 7pm and at this time you can catch the Midnight Creeps, a female fronted punk band from Rhode Island playing rifs that will rock your socks off! The whistle blows at 8pm and you will be introduced to new skaters and also remember some of your old favorites! Be sure not to miss this event! The roller rebels have been working hard to bring up their game and half the proceeds of this bout will be given to the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. We will also have NEW merchandise for sale as well as a special prize for the winner of our raffle! " A tailgate party before a roller derby bout... man that is awesome and I'd so be settin that up for my team! Roller Derby... ahhhhh it's as good as a Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs playoff hockey game at the Bell Centre... (I wouldn't insult The Forum to say it's as good as that) but it's so my favorite thing. And I can't afford the hockey ticket prices anyway, but I can go to a lot of derby games if I'm not playing in them! :) Labels: bouts, rollergirls
The Penn Jersey She Devils
Florida Rollergirls know how to do derby
So I came across a news story on a local Florida station where the girls made me laugh taking over the mic from the news guy, and then I heard Lit'L Arson Annie talk about having two concussions and still going... way to go Annie! These girls are fast and I would love it if my league gets successful enough to afford for us to travel to go play in other places... Florida would be awesome... like in February when it's -30C here in Montreal... hahaha I want to hear from you other roller derby leagues out there... we're having a heck of a time finding space to play our season... how did you convince the building and arena owners that don't know what roller derby is and are scared you or the crowds will be too violent to let you get in there and play? Do they price gouge you for the privilege? You can respond to me by email or you can just comment here! You can check out the Florida Rollergirls and see the news story on their site. Labels: roller rinks, rollergirls
Check out the coolest wallpaper ever!
So Bill Charbonneau, webcomic artist of Small Market Sports, has generously donated some artwork in the top corner of the screen here, and he's turned that into some kickass Derby Luv - Show me some Luv wallpaper that I adore. It now adorns my desktop on both my computers (work and home). I'm sharin'! Anytime I make some more, or someone donates some, I'll post it there so you can share! hahaha I'm tired and I'm rhymin.. bells somewhere must be a chimin'.... Hey, what do you think, should there be a comic strip about roller derby called Derby Luv? A host of rollergirls, some comedy (of course) some drama, some derby? Let me know, if you want it, I bet I can get it out there! (yeah, I'm a nerd - I can't wait to get my hands on the sold out (and I am going to pre-order) Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 Number 1) Ok, off to get to some blogging on some real news.... Labels: Derby Luv
Tallahassee Rollergirls open season Saturday
Tallahassee Democrat - www.tallahassee.com - Tallahassee, FL.: Tallahassee Rollergirls open season Saturday The Tallahassee Rollergirls will play their season-opening game against Panama City Roller Derby at 7 p.m. Saturday at the North Florida Fairgrounds. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the all-girl flat-track roller derby action. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance and are available at CD Warehouse or at http://www.tallahasseerollergirls.com/. Kids under 12 get in free. The event is sponsored by Aaron's Rents. Bleacher and floor seating are available at the bout, and folding chairs are welcome. Parking for the event is free and can be accessed through the gate opening located on Monroe Street. Refreshments and alcohol will be available for purchase from Clyde's and Costello's. The event is rated PG-13 for possible strong language and adult humor. The Tallahassee Rollergirls season goes until October with bouts both home and away. Thanks for the Google Toolbar, Google Search, Send this to Blogger feature for making my blogging available to me during my breaktimes! Labels: news, rollergirls
2007/03/19
Too busy to blog on my own
I got alot of derby team news and info but I'm short on time right now. I'm still willing, if you're seeing this and want to help out from your team and surrounding teams, to have some co-bloggers with me... just email me! I corrected a post from the beginning, about Vexy clothing. Miss Georgia W Tush, so glammed up that I mistook her for one of the pro models, is included in that photo shoot - can you pick her out without checking her photos online or on myspace? Well I apologized and it was funny to us that I missed her! Labels: Derby Luv
2007/03/17
Derby League opens up Roller Derby Skate Shop in Seattle
The Rat City Rollergirls opened Fast Girl Skates in Seattle WA on Friday evening. My brain just went... wow! Sorry I don't live in Seattle, that's the coolest think I've ever heard! It was a bulletin on their myspace:
That’s right! You’ve asked, you’ve waited (almost patiently) for the big, fat opening of the first brick and mortar roller derby retail store in Seattle, and here it is!! FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007 From 6:00 PM until the food and drinks are gone! Come try on skates! Come look at the great selection of helmets and pads! Laces and socks and wheels, oh my! Merch from Rat City and other local leagues, happily sharing one space! The CUTEST practice clothes you’ve ever seen! Come give us your ideas and feedback as we build our inventory!! Fast Girl Skates 252 NE 45th St. Seattle, WA 98105 206.274-8250 www.fastgirlskates.com As I just had a great experience buying new bearings at Underworld, a skate shop here in Montreal, I am a bit jealous because we can't get the brands of wheels we need here, and practice clothes... well it's American Apparel, whatever we can make, our gym clothes... extra team t-shirts, and there' s nothing wrong with that, but man a roller derby retail store? Neat! I wish Fast Girl Skates a lot of luck, and hope that the success becomes known everywhere and that skate shops will start stocking for roller derby. Labels: merchandise, news
2007/03/16
It's Saint Patrick's Day, don'tcha know?
Hey, did you know roller skating was invented by a Belgian music instrument manufacturer? Yeah, I know.. but I hear this rumour that although credited to Josef Merlin from Huy, it's possible that roller skating was actually invented in the 1800s by an Irishman... but I can find no internet or otherwise based proof to back that up other than where I saw it in another blog. If anyone has anything send it over to info at derbyluv.com or add it to the comments. I am just not sure! My roller derby leaguemates and I, will be bundled up against a March cold snap here in Montreal and proudly skating (or walking - it's supposed to snow 25 cm over the next 24 hours (say a foot of snow) in the 2007 Montreal St. Patrick's Day Parade. You can watch snapshots of the parade and try to catch us by watching the webcam from the corner of Peel and St-Catherine in Montreal. Here's an idea, chug a green beer everytime you spot a rollergirl! In other news, the TRD (Tucson Roller Derby) kicks off their 4th season on St Patrick's Day. $50 season passes (all 8 home games) are on sale now! Labels: history, rollergirls
2007/03/14
Skill tests, bearings and Seasons opening!
While I sit here thinking of how bad it's going to hurt to get up next time I go get coffee in about 2 minutes, I'm reading about several derby leagues opening their seasons right now. - Before I get into that, why do I hurt you ask? Oh, a huge roller rink length of walking lunges coupled with squats, jogging, and other exercises before the 2 hour skill testing session last night at practice. I should really incorporate lunges into my work outs between practices. Maybe they would hurt less faster, though I must say a few months ago I wouldn't have been moving at all after all that! I passed my speed and endurance test, even though my cheap sealed, unserviceable, outdoor bearings are on their last spins, so that's a plus. I got stops and what not, just a little form correction and I should be good to go. Our league has gotten so big, we couldn't do everyone on every skill the same night, so next week is jumping, balance, and a few other things. I'll be ready... I hope! OK, enough about me. Let's talk about roller derby - my favorite subject! The Houston Roller Derby season tickets are on sale now - $80 for 8 games, VIP seating (early entry) and a Tshirt and Calendar are thrown in while supplies last. Good deal! But looks like sales resume Monday March 18, so put that on your calendars Houstoners. March 25, the Assassination City Roller Derby kick off their second season with a special guest appearance by Melicious, of the Texas Rollergirls of Austin - you know her derby fans; she's Melissa Joulwan author of "Rollergirl: Totally True Tales from the Track" - who'll be signing copies of her book. And last one for now, April 7, the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls Red Ridin Hoods vs. Pikes Peak Derby Dames Candy Snipers bout it out in the second bout of the season in Denver. I am excited that another derby season is kicking off, cause even if I can't travel to go to every game, it means more youtube to watch, more blogging to do, and more chances that if I travel I can catch a game. Everyone, check your areas now, you may have a roller derby league in your area you haven't found yet. Go check it out! Labels: news, training
2007/03/12
Derby Luv goes trollin on MySpace!
Hey, if you're on myspace, add Derby Luv to your Friends so I'll know you're out there, and if you're a rollergirl or derby supporter and you want to help out with Derby Luv or be a Rollergirl of the week, let me know! Visit Derby Luv on myspace Labels: Derby Luv
Cheeseball Instructional Video Part 2
 Oh, 1980, still just like the 70's, skating knee and elbow pads and wrist guards are highly encouraged, and not one helmet to be seen anywhere... just Fara hair and lets go bounce... But hey, my team mates will now know my age, cause look at those spread eagle salom moves... love it! Oh and ome more thing about this one that caught my eye... not just a fall, but learning to roll... I gotta get into that! And thank goodness for youtube and thanks to everyone out there that posts roller derby and skating videos there! Labels: instructional, roller derby movie
Van Panzitta - Old School Derby star
 An article about Val Panzitta showed up for me today. Roller Derby of old star and co-creator of the reverse whip (360 degree spin and release of your partner) and half of "The Murder Twins " and "The Dynamite Twins" in 1950 or so is still travelling with roller skates after knee surgery and is still in love with roller derby. He says he was disappointed with the derby of the 70's - and I have to say I agree with him - I think the resurgence of us rollergirls concentrating more on the skating and athleticism than on the show-off, wrestling entertainment fake moves of the 70s is much better - and if the reaction of the crowds I've seen is anything, it's still the most fun you can have sitting on bleachers... LOL Read about Val in the article. Labels: media
2007/03/11
Cheeseball instructional Film Number 1
 I love these old timey instructional films. But this one is about roller skating, so it's awesome. I often skate around the rink in a slalom or spread eagle position like the stunt skaters in this video are portrayed in the empty pool, but I've never skated at a skate park in a bowl or anything.. I wonder if I could... I lead with my right leg going counte-clockwise directions with straightaways on a flat track just fine, but suck at leading with my left in a clockwise direction... Anyway, you can check out this one on youtube and see for yourself. And check out those clothes... skates starting at $20... I miss the good old days hahahahaha Labels: instructional, video
2007/03/10
"Hell On Wheels" Premiers in Austin TX
So it's finally here, "Hell On Wheels" the documentary on roller derby circa now is premiering this month in Austin Texas. Maybe you are a friend on myspace and got a post, maybe you've been waiting... or you're waiting for the DVD. But if you're in Austin Texas, you should pack into the Alama Downtown and check it out this week and then write me and let me know how it was! If you tell me you saw a Montreal Roller Derby logo anywhere flashed across the screen, and it's true, I'll interview you on Derbyluv.com whether you are a rollergirl or not. Well, I am still an MTLRD Rollergirl so I have to be partial. ;) Hell on Wheels: Bob Ray's febrile look at Texas rollerderby culture. (1:30 p.m. Sunday, Paramount; 4:30 p.m. March 15 and 4:15 p.m. March 17, Alamo Downtown) Never heard of 'Hell on Wheels'? I'd love to post the link for you but it doesn't seem to be loading today, so maybe try it later: http://www.hellonwheelsthemovie.com/Labels: media, roller derby movie
In comparison to NYC someone loves roller skating in GA
Well, here's a man I like, and thankfully, it's in my home geographical area in lovely, hot Georgia. Lafayette, GA to be exact. A new rink is opening up. Rex Ellison is opening Skate N Play to give everyone in Lafayette something to do, it says in this article, and he is including two indoor play areas for toddlers and for children, planning birthday party packages and all-night skates (oh, I used to love those!) and is gearing this as a family-oriented place, not a night club. That's just awesome, Mr. Ellison! Read about it here. Labels: news, roller rinks
Rollerskating in NYC - Can it be saved?
On 3/6/07 it was let known to us on the Canadian Roller Derby yahoo group (thanks, Hellion!)that an announcement was made that the Empire Roller Rink in Brooklyn New York was closing effective April 23, 2007, and that the ROXY rink there in NYC was also closing March 10, and that would mean the death of roller skating in the city area - called New York City proper. This was sad news for roller derby, jam skating, kids and disco skaters from the old school alike. There are so few roller rinks available in cities and towns now, that we need to make sure no more are turned into bingo halls, sold off as warehouse space, turned into dance halls or retail chain stores. Read the article by Curtis Stephen. Labels: news, roller rinks
Rollergirl video
Derby Luv launching full Throttle Soon - Needs bloggers
Hi there, This is Nia Capps of the MTL Roller Derby and I fell in love with Roller Derby when I started it this past summer. Our first season is kicking off soon, but I am not making derby luv just for my league and my Les Contrabanditas team, but for the entire roller derby world. So if you're an old school derby fanatic or member, like a Bay City Bomber, or the captain, webmaster, or representative of your Canadian, American or International own hometown roller derby team or league, new or old, flat or banked, indoor or outdoor, struggling or making money... I'm offering you the chance to join me as a blogger on derbyluv.com. You'll get a blogger account and be able to post here like I'm doing, with interesting, informational, or fun derby stuff you find out on the web, or events and listings you hear about on derby groups, for your own and neighboring teams, and sponsors, and just help make a site that will be a place for every rollergirl and roller derby fan to come hang out and get all the good stuff. If you don't have time for that, with real life and derby life hardcore time responsibilities, you can fell free to contact me with your own derby news for your own team and I promise to blog it here, and I'll be pushing this site hardcore starting next week. Also, I want to interview a new derbygirl a la the Nia Capps one here on the site each week, and unless I can find you, I won't know how to reach you, so send me your okay to interview you and I'll schedule you and send you the questions via email :) One question will always be changed or added from the last girl interviewed. Later - Nia Labels: Derby Luv
2007/03/08
Rollercon 2007 or bust
So registration opened up for Rollercon 2007 ( http://www.rollercon.com) in Las Vegas, NV this week, filling my head with dreams of getting to spend 4 days going roller derby crazy with my league and every other league in North America in one of my favorite travel destinations.... and just in time for my birthday on August 28 - well early but still... I celebrate a long time for my inevitable aging LOL Hey, to get to do that I'll wash cars, dogs, and even people in bathing suits in kiddie pools, if that's what it takes to fund my trip into derby learndom to do all those workshops and learn my craft.. scrimmaging and honing my skills to be the best damn Rollergirl I can be ... hand me the squeegee baby, I'm all over this. The $145 registration full MVP package is very reasonable for all you get, and with a big group discount and piling up in rooms, the trip won' t be too expensive, either, as long as I can stay away from the sparkle-suit lounge acts with $6 beers and stick to my favorite penny slots and free coffee, or the free beer at the quarter poker machines, and not spend all my cash at the club-hopping pricey dance spots. And hey, if you'd like to donate to the cause of getting me down there so I can blog from my hotel room on my laptop and send you pictures and videos as derby-licious madness ensues, I'm open to donations! Or just keep coming back and tell all your friends and maybe they'll give me a press pass ;) Labels: fundraising, Rollercon 2007, Travel
Vexy Clothing launches Roller Derby Themed Campaign
Vexy Clothing released their 2007 clothing line marketing campaign this week, and they're showing the Derby Luv by making it roller derby-centric. Georgia W Tush, skater and captain and L'il Homewrecker, a skater, both of the MTL Roller Derby League, and my teammates, appear in their photo shoot along with their models, and there is an MTL Roller Derby video clip show right on their site. It's made me like their clothing line even more now that I know they're backing the rollergirls! Check out the video at: http://vexy.com/english/index.html - click on the last girl in the image for the Goodies section to get there! Labels: marketing, media, rollergirls
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