FCDG Thames Fatales @ RVRG Slaughter Daughters and other derby weekend - and WHIP IT news
Hey Derby-luvvers. For anyone watching, I'm on the mend from that FUBAR-level chain of unfortunate events that led to my injuries this week. I'm walking again, albeit slowly, with a limp and with some pain management. But good news, I am good enough to get around so I'm packing up myself and crutches and joining the bus of Thames' that are headed to Ottawa to play Rideau Valley Rollergirls' Slaughter Daughters in "Slaughter in the City".
Details are on the RVRG website! The Game is Saturday July 11, Doors at 7, wheels at 8, with advance tickets available at multiple locations. Come on out and see us in Ottawa!
What else is going on in Canadian roller derby this weekend, if you just can not get to Ottawa?
In Toronto, you can check out Capital Punishment. The GTA Rollergirls (GTAR) Derby Debutantes take on the Ottawa Roller Derby's Capital Carnage in Toronto.
If you are out in Alberta the CWRDA is putting on a bout of two games at the Sherwood Park Hockey Arena, of mixed scrimmage teams made up of Eville, OCDG, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, CRDA SRDL and Lacombe. 6:30 PM is all-girl and 8 PM is Co-Ed. Sounds like a great evening of roller derby!
If you're out west in Vancouver this weekend, check out Roller Derby at Sunset Beach. A free roller derby event from the Terminal City Rollergirls.
And if you are totally out of luck on all fronts, and can't get to a derby game, then drool on this:
ComingSoon.net has provided the first photo of the upcoming Whip It from Drew Barrymore. I can't wait!
Yes, it's awesome to see Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page all geared up, and I'll refrain from any nit-picking, judging of what I see here for now - it's too exciting! Can't wait to see it!
May 23 - ROLLERGEDDON London, ON - and more across Canada
I've got only 10 tickets left in advance for this event on May 23rd in London, ON - ROLLERGEDDON is a FCDG home game against the Derby Debutantes of the GTARollergirls, Toronto, ON. Don't think just because FCDG isn't a member of WFTDA yet, or that GTA Rollergirls are still considered a newer team that this won't be a tough game. These teams have trained with the larger leagues out there, have been at Beast of the East with the likes of Montreal Roller Derby and HammerCity (Hamilton, ON), so they can kick it up just as good!
After practice last night, my legs were screaming, so I know FCDG will ROCK! Besides, it's a great location and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a great party and beer garden in the same location! What more can you ask for in one night? Get your advance tickets from me, your favorite FCDG Rollergirl, or order online at westernfair.com . They are going fast! ($12 at the door, kids under 10 FREE, Licensed event).
Let's say you just can't get to London, ON on May 23. Okay, I'll hand it to you, it may be too far for some folks east and west of us here in SW Ontario. So what else is going on next weekend? This weekend even?
Start out East/EST:
Montreal's and Beast of the East Champs La Racaille are challenged in Montreal by CN Power, Toronto Roller Derby's powerhouse travel team in Provincial Skatred. Tickets are for sale at brownpapertickets.ca or at MTLRD sponsor locations in Montreal, if you don' t know any of the rollergirls.
Just a note, tonight is CN Power's fundraiser, Quick and Dirty, to help them get to Montreal.
HammerCity is holding a derby Bootcamp on May 20 and starting an 8 week derby 101 course for recruitment. Looks like TORD is also recruiting. Montreal's recruiting is closed, as usual, as the season is under way. FCDG is also recruiting and looking for London women that want to skate hard and hit harder.
Over 130 rollergirls from Toronto, ON to British Columbia's coast are this weekend in Red Deer Alberta for the CWRDA Boot Camp 2009.
I so wanted to go, and I hope more leagues in Canada join the CWRDA and we can begin to gain some Canadian steam in Roller derby as members of WFTDA and CWRDA, opening the door for all women and all types of roller derby to come together.
Well, that's the big derby news this weekend. Head to Red Deer this weekend, or go support TORD's CN Power, grab a bootcamp in Hamilton mid-week on your way to the May 23 ROLLERGEDDON bout in London, ON, and if travelling doesn't work for you, and you're out east, head to Montreal for the Provincial Skatred bout next weekend.
Either way, today is the day you should buy tickets! Head to westerfair.com for FCDG tickets, and to Brownpapertickets.ca for MTL tickets. Support your local rollerderby!
OMG! January is over! I can't believe how time is flying. It's been over 4 months since I became a non-smoking rollergirl-to-be-again, and a month since I re-committed myself to training for 2009.
I've lost 2-3 inches from my waistline, and 3 from my hips, and can jog again without shin pain.... so I'm ready to go back to skating if I can find some wood or concrete to put my wheels on under all this ice and snow! I'll know within a week if I get my new apartment in London, ON, and I'm waiting for some news from FCDG on particulars like, What minimum skill levels do I have to pass to play in April? What days are practices? How much are dues? You know, all that kinda need to know, but organizational info about a new league...
Hey I may already know roller derby, but I'll be a rookie in FCDG, so I'm getting to have a new derby experience this year! My previous rookie year was with MTLRD when we were all rookies together. I am so proud that I was part of the first season of MTLRD and that they are the first Canadian Roller Derby league to officially become a WFTDA league. If other Canadian teams want to join, what's holding them up? I'll see if I can find out!
Well, let's not dwell on me all damn day - you need to get to doing derby stuff, so here's the current Facebook Event listing for you - Yes, I know you are all on Facebook.... But PING.FM is the best for status updates everywhere at once!
Today, January 31 at 6:45pmOttawa's first ROLLER DERBY GAME!!!!!!! Game at 7:30pm EST - The ByTown Blackhearts (Ottawa, ON) vs the Montreal Sexpos (MTLRD's B-Team - Montreal, QC) I would so be going if I had a car! 6 hours drive, who cares?! I like those Ottawa girls, but I have to be all pro-MTLRD for this one, Let's GO Sexpos!
Tomorrow, February 1 at 12:00pmRoller Derby at the Coliseum! Mad Rollin' Dolls in Madison, WI host the Quad Squad vs. Reservoir Dolls and The Chicago Outfit vs. Unholy Rollers The Mad Rollin' Dolls always put on good derby events!
Tomorrow, February 1 at 2:00pmPublic Skate Ottawa Roller Derby is hosting a public skate on inlines or renting out quads to try tomorrow in Ottawa. Sounds like a fun day of skatin' to music.
Out in Western Canada, you can get tickets now to see Oil City versus the LA Derby Dolls in Feb! Visit Oil City for more info. I wish I could see this one!
Have a happy derby weekend, everybody, and please ....check out your local derby events tonight! Later! - Nia
I'm off to London, Ontario today to look around and look at a possible new home. Never fear, there is always a derby motive behind everywhere I go too. I'll swing by the FCDG practice space, and the event center in the daytime to find it and clock the KM from the possible new home... I mean, I need to know if I have to bus, drive, bike or can skate from my house to derby practice, right!
I know there are other events, but I gotta go get my day going and get rolling to London. If you're on facebook today and know of any London, ON sites I should go check out, send the address to my facebook!
If you can't get to these events, find your own local roller derby and see what's goin on! Derby Luv to ya!
New British Columbia Roller Derby League, and the start of the 2009 Season
Well, here we are, already at the mid-point of January. It's 2009 people! In Nia Capps news, I'm on my way next week to look at a new place to live in lovely, London, Ontario, in a nice suburbia neighborhood near a mall for easy shopping, and 1 bus to work until I get a car.
Now to figure out roller derby. I have to get my RSC insurance updated, as it expired Dec 31. SufferJet, of Forest City Derby Girls, in London has graciously offered to let me pre-renew as a FCDG, since I do plan to join when I get there in April. Once that's done, I have to plan to get to London as soon as possible so I can get to practicing with the team so I can hopefully get ready for the Beast of the East 2009 in Montreal. (IF FCDG is going, if I can play, etc). I'm nervous about joining a new league.....
In training news, I've gotten back to a healthy diet, and lots of exercise including Yoga, cardio (running and biking), and a challenge that involves tough circuit training of hundreds of crunches, pushups, getups, and all those killer old-fashioned, effective moves. I'm ready to skate as soon as the ice melts!
Now, across North America, January marks the beginning of the new year, and the new derby season, usually. There are already games going on, and schedules are already planned, and TBD insertions are going to be frantically worked by the Interleague Relations people on leagues everywhere to confirm those last minute game contracts, and figure out the final schedules. Those leagues that are 100% done already... kudos!
In British Columbia, a new league is debuting Saturday afternoon in Prince George, BC. The Rated PG Roller Girls will play their first exhibition game at the local Civic Center, and if you want to check it out, hurry. It looks like it may be a sold out crowd. Good Luck Rated PG Roller Girls!
In Ontario, a new league in Thunder Bay, Ontario is just getting rolling. I'm paying attention to what's happening and I'll get back to you when I see them moving along.
In other January news: In the US: 1) National Anthem Tryouts for the Arch Rival Rollergirls in St Louis, MO are Jan 18 and 26. If you want to sing the National Anthem to a derby crowd, go dust off your pipes and sing your heart out!
2) The CT Rollergirls have The Iron Angels vs the Widowmakers tomorrow on the 17th in Woodbridge, CT. The CT Rollergirls are throwing their entire league into mixed teams for all of their home games this year.
Note: This is not the first time I've heard this for 2009. Alot of teams that want to be more competitive are going all out to get their star players to a new level, and are doing more relaxed play at home, and saving the hardcore play for WFTDA games with their travel and all-star teams. Competitively smart, sure! With limited player resources, and many times, a packed game schedule for roller derby girls that still work full-time jobs and pay for their own travel and membership in the league... it makes sense. Plus, the home games that are only your league, give your skaters a chance to play that are newer, or that aren't able to play with the travel and all star teams for whatever reason. I'm torn on the idea right now, I'll get back to you on this topic.
Ok, well in Derby Luv news: the comic is fun to write! And hey, we're ready for additional bloggers to join this year from Western Canada, the UK, and the US. So if you want to become a Derby Luv blogger and tell us about your derby life, or interview other derby folks, just give us a shout! In 2009, I hope to bring you more derby, and more fun, so stay tuned!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season, no matter what holidays you celebrate with family, friends, a bottle of scotch, or your pets. I hope everyone received at least one gift this year that made them happy, (material or not).
My one roller derby gift this year was from my derby widow, ordered from Rollergirl.ca, and opened on Christmas Morning, which was also my 90th day of not smoking (GOAL REACHED! WOOT!), a new skate tool and stopper wrench. If you actually read my posts you'll know that when I got those sweet Kryptonic Route 65 outdoor wheels, I didn't get to try them before the snow flew because I had no skate tool to change my wheels....
Well, bless my derby widow for caring that I want to skate and supporting me in my derby dreams that may never come true. Why would I say that, you ask? Just feeling my age today, I guess.
In other holiday cheeriness, here are my top 5 derbyluv memories from 2008.
5) Building a GIANT paper mache roller skate for MTLRD's entry into the St Patrick's Day Parade in March 2008 with the creative committee, and with Tommy Toxic and Rue Bella in a workshop while missing a 'Ditas sugar shack team breakfast. I will always love Rue and Tommy for hanging in there with me to git'er done. It turned out AWESOME!
4) TIE: The GMDD Skills clinic. My first derby travel. Noise from hotel rooms will forever sound like whores playing. Waffle Bar!
and riding my first ferry on a road trip with Big Tickets of Hammer City Rollergirls on the way back from the GMDD Skills Clinic on a US road trip to Hot Topic stores.
3) Quitting Smoking with the words of Rollergirl Lisa in my head. "...Smoking [sic] ....makes you skate slow..."
2) Dancing on stage at the Bell Center with Rue Bella, Trash N Smash and Celine as Big Girl dancers for Mika, Jan 28, 2008, in front of like thousands... and adeptly covering a fall so that I was just rocking out - except that Mika is such a gentleman that he ruined my cover-up by trying to assist me... awwww so sweet and freakin embarassing..... I can't believe I danced in front of so many people in a corset and froo-froo panties. But I'd do it again in a minute. It was a blast!
1) My number one memory of 2008:
Beast of the East, Montreal, after party, drunk.
Getting the DJ to play "Big Girls, You are Beautiful" by MIKA (though I don't like pop music) for Rue Bella (as it was her birthday) and dancing like an idiot on stage with Rue Bella, Trash and Smash and I think Celine and lots of others - losing my Street Drum Corps Hoodie - breaking my pinkie in a taxi door - and waking up with the worst hangover I've ever had, hand throbbing, and saying; in a dry, crackly, voice: " Wow, what a great fuckin' party." just before I groaned and said, "Ow, my hand... Ow, my head".
Runner-up events include, a photo shoot with my teammates Liz On Ya, Elke Starck, me and Crazy Cardy ... we practiced, waited for a few hours, were starving and cold... but we got to get eyeliner and then dog pile each other for fun. Whatever, it was fun anyway.
And my lunch-time photo shoot with very talented photographer, MJ Caro in Montreal (look her up on facebook!) that produced the best photos of me ever!
Well, that's a 2008 wrap people.
Party hard, or soft, as you feel like tonight. Stay safe either way!
My resolution is to have no real resolutions this year. No disappointments, no worries. I quit smoking this year. I got a new job and moved out of Quebec. In 2009 I'm moving again so I can get back into roller derby. I have a list of things I want to do, but my only resolution is that I'll do what I can, when I can, as well as I can, and I'll be happy with what I have. What about you?
Yep, that's right. WFTDA 2008 Nationals are over, but don't be a stats nerd! There's still roller derby to be had!
This weekend, on Dec 13, you can catch: Merry Rock N' Derby Saturday, December 13th, 10:00pm at Mulligans on the Blue with the Maui Rollergirls in warm, lovely, Hawaii. It's a fundraiser, bring a toy for the kids and try to win a date with a rollergirl. On another note, I just found out (too late, sorry Maui Rollergirls) that Maui was recruiting this past weekend. I have got to tell you that I type this Maui note with jealousy in my heart as I look out my window at the rain-drenched slush of a winter storm that wanted-to-be, and I say, to the goddess of roller derby, I wish derby was a paying sport and Maui needed a big blocker... LOL Anyway, they have tryouts on Jan 17. Good luck to the Maui Rollergirls fresh meat!
Also on Dec 13, for those stuck stateside, you can check out MRD's annual HO HO Bout. From the description on facebook:
On Saturday Dec. 13, members of the Quad Squad, Reservoir Dolls, Unholy Rollers, and Vaudeville Vixens will set aside their grudges and form two holiday-themed teams to compete in MRD's third annual Holiday Bout (or Ho Bout, as the locals call it).
Anyway, oh right, FREEZE RAY. (if you did not see Dr. Horrible's sing-a-long blog, you probably think I've lost my mind right now, right?)
Well, I'll continue. Mad Rollin' Dolls' annual bout is on in Madison on Saturday. What else, what else...
The Killamazoo Derby Darlins are having a holiday party on Dec 20. Facebook event says it's Dec 20 at the Back Alley Saloon in Kalamazoo, MI. I have to tell you. When Hammer City went down to play Kalamazoo, I wanted to go, just to say I've been to Kalamazoo! This is your chance, go check it out! And it's for a good cause...A portion of the proceeds will go to Warm Kids Project, Inc. to help provide Kalamazoo youth with hats, gloves, boots, and jackets in the winter months.
There's more derby out there! Just search your city and other nearby cities with the words roller derby after them, and if it's there, you'll find the local league for sure. See if there's a roller derby event to check out while you take a break from all the sugar highs, hot cocoa, decorating, holiday cheer and holiday stress stuff.
Me? You care? Well, I'm studying for a professional certification exam for my day job on Dec 19, to wrap up just in time to pick up the mother-in-law at the train station just in time to kick off Christmas week by celebrating my derby widow's birthday with chicken wings and a quiet, at home party, stressed out all to sh*t and trying to get off my fat a** for some heavy workouts to battle those Christmas sugar cookies that are asking to replace cigarettes in my available "best-friend"/crutch opening, and being smoke free (75 days tomorrow). I want to skate, but it's snowing. waaaaa.
I'll be online a little less because of that stuff over the next two weeks, but never fear. If I find out anything at all good, I'll pass it on. Twitter me, or facebook me, and I'll be around!
Oh, and I'll leave you with this. Fellow blogger Raven is diggin' this article on one of her favorite jammers: Sadistic Sadie http://www.fracturemag.com/derby/features/sadistic-sadie. And a little birdie told me that Montreal will be hosting Beast of the East II in April. So all you Eastern Canadian and a few of you east coasters, get ready... Who will take on 2008 Beast Champs, the Hamilton Harlots? Who will take home the crazy monster head on a platter? And will Nia get to go back to Montreal for the event and make it through the after party without losing anything or bleeding at any time? You heard it here first... hahaha maybe.... April 2009, the biggest thing north of the 49th. B there or B Square.
I'll try to get you a last minute roller derby Christmas shopping list. I am running behind this year!
Now that I am recovered from the derby weekend, with rest and hydration, I can more adequately tell you about it.
The Highlights: A large turnout fit into the space GMDD had setup for the event nicely. GMDD hosted the event very well with easy registration and insurance USARS event coverage available at entrance, and lunches included with the registration fee. Good job and judos to GMDD for putting on the clinic and allowing us Canadians to come join in the fun.
Bonnie D Stroir and Bully Julie are experienced skaters, and experienced trainers, with a great breakdown of moves like a Slay Ride, ( you know the one! ), The Waitress (backwards whip resulting in block/whip combo) to get a jammer out from behind a wall, and backwards blocking to drop back in a pack. There were jamming drills too, and Bonnie demonstrated how a jammer can use patience, transitions, backwards skating, jumps and hops to not only mixup the blockers in the pack, but make her way through a wall, and please the crowd at the same time. A note here, as a jammer agility drill commenced where a pace line of jammers forms behind a pack of blockers and has each skater take a turn jamming through the pack of passive blocking while never letting her feet glide/stop - run, jump, hop, transition, run run run - Montreal jammers reeived the most cheers from onlookers. Seems Montreal has been working on that drill already and knew how to do it.
And one other thing, work with the rules. Ok, so sometimes a new rule release comes out and we look a new rule and go, HUH? That's lame! Why can't I do that? Instead of reacting like it's something you can't do, devise strategies to make that rule work FOR you. Examples: You can block anything on a person except their back. You can use your back, your torso, your hips to do that. So block your ass into their crotch, their thighs, your back into their "shelf" (yeah, their golden tickets) to off-balance them. Stop blocking where people are strongest, and go for the weaker points. Bashing into each other, shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip, is just butting heads and not getting anything done.
Jammer Example: The Jammer can't get lead jammer if she goes out of bounds or gets a penalty on first pass, so if you're a jammer, be a blocker for 5 seconds and block the jammer you are racing out of bounds within 20 feet of the pack, and you just did double-duty and help yourself get lead jammer.
3 other notes: You can hold your jammers hand and not do a whip if the placement is not right (wait for the corner), but be aware of the blockers. If you hold hands with your player for more than 3 seconds, making a wall a blocker or another jammer from opposing team cannot get through, it's multi-player blocking penalty. So be aware of where you are, and be sneaky to avoid a peanalty.
It's great to try to fit in the crowd-pleasing slay rides, waitress whips, and show-off stunts, but if you have to do it lame and boring with a booty block, or a regular whalop that isn't that low to the ground, and it's not pretty, or you fall? Who cares?!?! You get the job done, you do what you have to, and once in a while, on a good jam, you'll get to do something WOW. But it's going to be rare.
Don't give up. If you have to work harder than other players in your league to get a new move, a hockey stop, to become more agile, then make yourself take time to work on it. At home, on the street, at the gym, at the rink, in your house, in the garage, or ask your trainers/coaches/captains for a little time in a practice to work on the thing you can't do on your own if you need to. But get the basics down 100% before adding the WOW moves. You'll never get to fancy moves that are in control, and effective, until you can stay up, stay stable, and time it right.
Take heart. Once you master the basic, you can get more creative and become the girl that makes the crowd go.. "Hey! Did you see that girl? That was awesome!"
WIth that, I'll be posting the pictures up on my facebook over the next day or so, if you want to take a look. Thanks to Bonnie and Bully Julie, GMDD, Burlington/Essex Junction VT and to the Adirondack Ferry operators that didn't laugh at me for being excited about my first ever ferry ride crossing from VT to NY on the trip home. And special thanks to Big Tickets of HCRG for sharing her truck, TomTom, and the room with me even when I got tired, hungry, cranky and bitchy.
Derby in Dairyland, the WFTDA Easter Regionals Tournament is on this weekend, Oct 10-12. There are several things to take note of for this event. 1) The Charitable events by the Mad Rollin' Dolls and the party schedule 2) The Bout schedule, of course, and the top seeds - DNN is travelling but watch out as we get closer to the day. 3) Texas won over Bay Area 135-59 final at the Battle Royale Western Regionals last weekend. If you weren't watching the stream and games on DNN last week, where were you?! Oh and Rice Rocket of TXRD... I'd like to see her and Iron Wrench of Montreal jamming it out. My god what a bout that would be! New Skidz, please, saddle up and get it on with TXRD in 09!
LA Derby Dolls introduced their new team, the Varsity Brawlers on the 4th. But, sadly, I don't see an update on the LA Dolls website yet to link to. I'll keep my eyes open. I'm on a blackberry now, so if you send events to me on Facebook, I'll be able to see them and post them on the run.
Rein Valley Vixens Need Skaters: The Rein Valley Vixens, of the Lower Mainland Roller Derby out in B.C. are doing some fundraising and are in recruitment to add skaters to their league for the next season. Check that out! New leagues, I adore!
Derby Team Splits in Two! Albany, NY is the scene of a split in a league where the dispute stemmed over the "MORE FIGHTS" "LESS SHOW", "MORE WORK""MORE PLAY" doctrines of roller derby. I've seen this before. Some people love the aspects of roller derby that includes the characterization, attitude, showiness, dressup, and battles/fights/show-off moves, while others are athletic and want the uniforms to reflect sports uniforms more, and want the organization of a true athletic commitment with more discipline, work, and competitiveness.
The good thing about roller derby is that you can have both, but I see this becoming more and more common as those that got into roller derby for the attitude and fun, are slowly separated from the more competitive and serious skaters that want to rank in WFTDA and be #1 at all costs. And don't forget the teams that are also split because they prefer OSDA rules, or have co-ed teams. Roller Derby is awesome in all it's flavors, so just remember, there's different kinds of roller derby, and all of it is a good time!
Of course, if there's news on "Whip It", I'm watching!: An Ari Graynor Quote on Whip it! is in a recent interview she did for her upcoming movie projects. (You may need to scroll down a bit, it's near the end). I'd like to send a Derby Luv T-Shirt to Drew Barrymore, so I need to find out how to do that.....
And well, Derby Luv, let's see - well, paper dolls, roller derby events, training and skating aside, Derby Luv is trucking along. If there's anything you want to see or want more of at Derby Luv, just drop me a line at info (at) derbyluv.com. - Derby luv to ya, Nia Capps #74
The Big news over at the Derby News Network and in WFTDA realm, of course, is the Fall Brawl tomorrow down in Ft Wayne. Hammer City is on the Non-WFTDA line-up. I hope to get word on how they do after.
In other derby news, The Sault rollergirls in Northern Ontario are looking for new practice space - icing down all the arenas for hockey is a Canadian rite of passage as the cold bite of fall hits the wind, but for derby leagues all over Canada and the northern US, it means a hunt for an indoor place to practice in the winter. How can you come out swinging in the spring for your season, if you can't skate for 7 months of the year? Good luck to them, and if you're in that area and know of a place, Please contact Elora Nelson at (705) 253-2044 or email purple__mascara@hotmail.com check the website: http://www.saultrollergirls.com/
Next week, MTLRD New Skidz on the Block will be taking on the Brooklyn Bombshells down in Gotham City. If you're on Facebook, Here is the event page. If not, brownpapertickets has tickets, or check out the Gotham Girls site. I haven't heard from Georgia W Tush since she went out on tour with the band, but I hope she's playing and let's us know how that one goes.
Way out in October, watch for a Skate of the Dead, hosted by the Forest City Roller Girls in London, ON. The facebook event says it's October 18. The Forest City Roller Girls website is under construction, so I'm looking out for this league, as they have been playing hard for their first season in 2008. Next year should rock in Ontario and Canada with all the leagues coming up.
In Nia Capps news, I'm in the gym 5 days, count that again, 5 days per week for a 45 minute workout every lunch hour, and I'm skating on the weekends (or if rainy, hiking). I am on an 8 month journey to hit the GTA Rollergirls in April when I get ready to slide a little back east into Mississauga and Toronto area, ready to kick ass. Hopefully, I'll still get to a couple of practices with HCRG in the interim, or with GTA. Slapallonia may hook me up.
Everything is going great. Ok ok, so I had a bad reaction to some Novocaine after a dentist visit yesterday and today I am resting because my face is numb and tingly and I'm nauseated. But shut up, I am doing AWESOME!
In Derby Luv news, I have a new short sleeved Derby Luv T-shirt, along with a long-sleeved Derby Luv T-Shirt on their way to keep me Derby Luv style for my around towns, and a big shout out and thanks to everyone that has decided to wear their Derby Luv this year!
On my project list I have a product review for some derby-inspired toys, and I'm waiting to see if I can get an interview with the derby girl that won $35k on a game show. Do you know what I am talking about? Hmmm, a derby trivia quiz for your weekend!
Oh yeah, and a fellow Southern Belle, an Atlanta Rollergirl was chosen as a skater for "Whip It!" - a body double stunt woman skater I should say, as a body double for Eve. That is awesome! I wonder who I could body double for... hmmmm Wynona Judd? Screw that, by April it'll be for Xena. ;)
In the last couple of weeks, a lot has happened. After RollerCon - check out the podcasts here, Heartland Havoc took place. Justice Feelgood Marshall - America's Referee - Head Ref, Charm City Roller Girls, Co-captain, Harm City Homicide and WFTDA Rules Committee sent me a nice wrap-up of Heartland Havoc, and it was so much info that I didn't want to cut it, so I've invited him to be a blogger for us. I don't know yet, I'll try to sweet talk him into it. If you know him, ask him to join Derby Luv! He is already blogging over at Lead Jammer, though!
The final news was: Windy City Blows Past Atlanta, 106 - 77 Detroit Edges Boston in Overtime Thriller, 104 - 99 Powerhouse Gotham Boots Grand Raggidy, 206 - 47 Providence Expels Host Ohio, 126 - 99
MTLRD had their first annual banquet. Notable winners were Georgia W Tush from Les Contrabanditas for Crowd Favorite and other awards. She shares Best Jammer for the Ditas with Cat Attack. Iron Wench of La Racaille racked up awards from Best Jammer for La Racaille, to Best Fresh Meat, with repeated acceptances. And for the Les Filles du Roi champion team, L'il Momma and Beater Pan-tease racked up their own awards.
MTLRD is Recruiting! I am proud to be the English representative for MTLRD Recruitment this year, my partner being Trash N Smash.
Oil City Derby Girls in Edmonton is searching for teams to play in 2008! Western Canada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North and South Dakotas. These States are attainable for reasonable travel to Edmonton, Alberta. Oil City is awesome, you can go up against our friend Sour Cherry if you dare!
And as always, if you want to be a rollergirl, a blogger, do an interview or have a roller derby product, I'm your girl. Let me know!
Roller Skating Round-Up: Fuel Power, Girl Power, The 80's
Some fuel-powered roller skates, which have the ability to reach speeds of over 20 miles per hour, have been impounded by athorities in the U.K. Who needs fuel? The way some jammers skate, you'd think they already had jets strapped to their feet.
Nia Capps (that's me) in her last game in Montreal for 2007 Season. It's the MTLRD Championship Bout.
Femme Fatality: Smoke City Betties vs. D-VAS 7:00pm - George Bell Arena 215 Ryding Ave. @ Runnymede/St. Clair Toronto, ON
Arizona Roller Derby - The Surly Gurlies vs Bruisers - Casey at the Bat - 3747 E. Union Hills - Phoenix AZ, Doors at 6:30 PM and Game at 7 PM - $10
Gotham Girls Roller Derby - Mayhem vs Bombshells - City College of NY - Nay Holman Gymnasium - 138th St and Convent Ave. Doors 6:30 PM Gam eat 8:30 PM
Memphis Roller Derby - Double Header - Angels of Death vs. PrissKilla Prezleys and the Legion of Zoom vs. Women of Mass Destruction Collierville FunQuest 440 HWY 72 Doors at 6:00 P.M.Price: $12 / 4 & under free
The Inland Empire Derby Divas - PROM GONE WRONG 6:00 PM The Arena 1721 West 11th Street Upland, CA 91786 THE TORQUE WENCHES v.s THE BLOODY MARYS
The Rocky Mountain Rollergirls in Denver - vs The Angel City Derby Girls - Bladium Sports Club - 2400 Cetral Park Blvd, 6:30 PM.
Sunday June 17th:
Assassination City Roller Derby - Double Feature - the Lone Star Assassins vs Deadly Kennedys and Bombshell Brigade vs La Revolucion, Benefiting the SPCS of Texas. Texas Skatium, 2020 Rowlett Rd, Garland, TX and after party at the Double Wide.
Double Header: Houston Roller Derby, Alamo City Rollergirls and the Texas Rollergirls (Honky Tonk Heartbreakers) from Austin @ Houston in their first WFTDA Interleague home challenge! Big Top Brawl - Sunday June 17, 2007 - Verizon Wireless Theatre - Doors @ 5pm ; Bouts @ 6pm HaRD Knocks (HRD's official travel team) vs Alamo's Las Tejanas & HaRDer Knocks vs Austin's Honky Tonk Heartbreakers
Lots of Roller Derby Everywhere! Check your local roller derby teams for a game near you! Wish me luck, this is the day win or lose for my Contrabanditas this season as we once again face Les Filles du Roi. Black Market Derby is gonna take on new and tough ways to win, so if you're in Montreal, come on out and hang with me! the $12 at the door gets you free entry into the after party at Katacombes in Montreal, as well as the bout having 2 for $5 beer! See you there!
The Hudson Valley Horrors will battle Western Mass Destruction in the area's first women's flat track roller derby competition June 17 at 6 p.m. at Hyde Park Roller Magic on Route 9."
Mistresses of mayhem - the Toronto Sun gives some much deserved press to the Toronto Roller Derby League, also called TORD that kicked off this month. A couple of my leaguemates were at their game. Looks like anyone that would have travelled to see us in Montreal will not be headed out as their next two games are June 16 and June 30, like ours, so check them out at the George Bell Arena if you are in the TO area!
That's the wrap up from the news on google today, I'll be on a long drive or two this weekend thinking up better ways to entertain and educate you... so come back! Oh, and did you hear about the Aleve commercial with the Rat City Rollergirls? If anyone has a way to record and post that, please come on over because I am in Canada and haven't seen it yet - little time for TV lately too...
Hey did you hear about Opus Oils releasing a Roller Derby perfume? They say it includes Licorice, Black Cherry, Vanilla & Vetivert. And they say that "ROLLER GIRL comes in a 1oz/30ml Eau de Parfum & is about the size of a roll of quarters (perfect for socking someone in the jaw). It's truely the Perfume that Packs a Punch!" Although I am not big on licorice myself, I'm curious and may contact them for a sample. Check it out!
The San Diego Derby Dolls are putting on an event to benefit Autism. June 9th at the O B Masonic temple 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. $7 only with fun booths, vendors, music and derby girls. Derby for a good cause!
Rubber City Demolition Dolls bring roller derby to Akron and Canton in OH and got some press! Looks like they are recruiting to build a kickass roller derby league. Get out and get involved.. you will love Roller Derby!
Yes, it's awesome to see Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page all geared up, and I'll refrain from any nit-picking, judging of what I see here for now - it's too exciting! Can't wait to see it! 
