Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello readers!  

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!  I'll be back next week with some new posts for you.  

Eat a lot and stay warm.

xo

Etta Jams

Giving Back and Sending Thanks

I wanted to take a minute to thank all of the shop owners who responded to my holiday gift guide post. The post brought about some great things.  Here's a quick summary of the results so far:

- Dandelion Factory made a sale after one their customers read my post.  

- Black Eyed Susan Skate Shop invited me to join their Yahoo group where I will be learning about upcoming events, of which I will keep you all informed of.  

- Stephanie at Scarlet Bloom is sending me that ADORABLE card as a thank you for the feature.  

I'm hoping that the rest of the featured shops will sell something as a result and am happy to have made contact with some talented artists who all have something unique to offer.

Are you a shop owner? An artist?  Photographer?  Have something derby related that you would like to share?  Let me know!  Email me at ettajams@yahoo.com 

The Very Thankful Etta Jams

In regards to my last post...

Let's take a look at the results so far.   

Keep up the fight!!  Woo Hoo!!

Keep passing it on.....

A fellow derby girl (thanks GiGi) shared with me another fantastic poll/article regarding The Nationals and whether or not roller derby is considered a real sport.  The event was held in Portland, but was not covered by The Oregonian Newspaper and many people were upset about this.  Please visit this link, make a comment and let your voice be heard!!

Keep on fighting my roller girls!!

xo

Etta

Pass it on!

Yesterday afternoon, a co-worker handed me an article he had cut out from the morning's Daily News.  As I read it, I was amazed at how such a small amount of words could bring across such an important message.  In the article, Megan Hartman talked about Gotham Girls winning their first national championship for WFTDA.  GO GOTHAM!! Obviously a moment to be celebrated by fans and players alike.  As wonderful as that new is, what I liked most about Hartman's article was her strong fight to get derby girls recognized as the true athletes that they are.  I am hoping this article sheds some light on those less informed about the sport and that as a result roller derby will be more widely accepted for what it truly is; A real sport.  Another important fact that Hartman touched upon was how women who devote a lot of time to practicing and playing derby, also hold down full time jobs. Please read this article and pass it on.  Pass it on to your fellow roller girls.  Pass it on to your local newspapers.  Pass it on to those who still believe that roller derby is a staged performance.  Pass it on.........

In the meantime...

Well kids, I've got some interesting posts coming up, but not enough time to get them to you today. So in the meantime, I thought you might enjoy this:
Read the full story here and let me know what you think!

xo

Etta

A Very Derby Christmas...or Chaunnuka

With the holidays approaching, I thought it would be cool to post a derby gift guide for all of you. While most derby girls enjoy getting cool new gear as a gift, it's always nice to surprise them with something different. I've shopped around a bit and would like to share with you some of my favorites.

We were lucky to have Black Eyed Susan Skate Shop come down and set up shop at one of our recent bouts. And luckily for all of you, you don't have to leave your computer to score some great items from their shop. Here are a pair of booty shorts that are sure to make you look and feel like a super heroine on skates.
Wonder Woman Booty Shorts from Black Eyed Susan Skate Shop
I love this adorable assortment of designs from Sweetheart Sinner. Use these cases to hold various items, including ID and Nanos.
Protect your skates in style with these star design toe guards from Dandelion Factory.

This wallet from Tiny Meat is definitely one of my favorite items. *hint hint* I'm all about sending letters through the mail, old school style. Check out these adorable cards from Scarlet Bloom

Something I truly love about roller derby is that it appreciates women of all shapes and sizes, as does this painting by Horrible Shapes. Interesting name choice, but wonderful art nonetheless.

Nostalgia buffs can satisfy their derby craving with this 1938 roller derby pass. Not too much time left on this auction so hop...errr skate to it!
I've brought you some of the things I thought you might not have known were out there, but I know there is probably a huge selection of things that I didn't get to. Are you selling something derby related that I don't know about? or Do you know of something that would be a great gift feature to add to my list? Let me know! Leave a comment or as always, feel free to email me ettajams@yahoo.com

Happy shopping!

Newsday Webcast

The Long Island Roller Rebels were featured on Newsday Webcast.  Check out the video!!

Practice Makes Perfect Fun

I'm sitting in front of my computer screen with a wide eyed grin as I write this.  I like to call this grin my endorphin induced derby smile. Like most of our time spent on the rink, last night's practice was so much fun!  Was it our very own Captain Morgan, who coached with such enthusiasm and good spirit that made this night such a thrill? Maybe it was getting to wear Snarls In Charge's pink furry kitten earmuffs over my helmet that did it.  Perhaps it was watching in amazement as our Fresh Bloods performed (some for the first time) knee falls with such ease. Or maybe it was getting to work with Chest Blockwell to help oversee the Fresh Bloods as they tried out new skills.  It could be have been any of those things, or it could have been the game of freeze tag at the end of the night that made me feel like a kid again.  Whatever the case, I want to do it all over again, and again and again!  I can't wait for Thursday girls!!

xo

Etta

Pics from the weekend.....

Two causes worth blogging a 'bout'

Did everyone have as much fun as I did this weekend?  Seriously, this last bout was probably the most exciting one I've been to, EVER.  The night was filled with some serious entertainment. Live music from Psycho Rainbow, face painting, food and beer, a belly dancing half time show (thanks to Katie, D-Ball's sister), raffles, comedy from our animated announcers Jake and Pete and of course, non-stop derby action from your favorite roller girls!!.  As coach of the Pink team, I can tell you that my girls rocked it!! They all pushed it really hard out there on the track and I was proud to see some of the best jamming and blocking of the season.  It's no argument though, that the Black team was on point. Even with Pink in the lead by half time, The Black team won victoriously with a 30 point lead!! Final score 121-91.  Go Black!!  In the end though, the children were the winners.  Thanks to all of you who came and showed your support, Schneider Children's Hospital will be receiving a donation of over $2000!  Something we can all feel really great about.  

I want to thank all of the fans and volunteers again for coming and showing their support. I would especially like to thank all of the skaters who came to help out with this very important bout.  The Hudson Valley Horrors and Boardwalk Brawlers, it was a great pleasure having you guys! Hopefully we can set up a scrimmage with you all in the near future!  And as always, a big thanks to Skate Safe!  Today in celebration of all the fun, I am wearing a pink sweater with black stars on it ;-)

The day after the bout, a bunch of us rallied up to help support one of our favorite motorcycle clubs, The Long Island Road Runners.  We first met this fantastic group in July at our car and bike wash and they have been non-stop supporters of our league ever since.  Yesterday, the Road Runners held a fundraiser, "The Rally For Chuck",  to help support their close friend Chuck O'Connor who was struck by a car while riding on July 18th.  For more information, please visit their website. These guys really know how to throw a fundraiser!  Three live bands, over 60 prizes and giveaways, food and drinks and a fantastic crowd.  Thanks for allowing the Roller Rebels to be a part of this event.  Hey Scorpion, want to help us organize our next event?  hee hee  We wish Chuck and his family all the very best!

Thanks again to everyone who supported us this weekend!!

xo

Proud Pink Team Coach - Etta Jams

Pink vs. Black

Ok everyone, it's countdown time!  Tomorrow night is going to be a blast!  It's our last bout (see my previous post here) of the season and we're all super excited to play, have fun and give something back to the kids.  We've got a great line-up for you so, be sure to get your derby fill in before the end of the year.  

Skate Safe America

182 Bethpage Sweet Hollow Rd

Old Bethpage, NY 11804

516-249-1717

Doors open at 7, Whistle blows at 8

See you all there!!

Etta Jams

Pink Ladies Coach ;-)

Read All About It!!

We are thrilled to be featured in The Times of Smithtown.  Click here and scroll over to page 14 to read the article!  Special thanks to Jennifer Choi for coming down and interviewing us!  See you at the bout on November 8th Jennifer!!

Happy to Open our House!

I wanted to send out a thank you.  First, to Madonna and all those who were involved in organizing our open house last week.  Second, to all of the girls who came down.  It is great to have a new group of Fresh Bloods with us!  We all look forward to seeing you guys bout in the future!!  

If you couldn't make it out to the Open House, please join us on any Tuesday night from 8-10PM at United Skates of America in Seaford, NY.  Feel free to come and watch a practice, throw on some skates with us or just ask questions about joining the league.  

Thanks again everyone!

Etta Jams