Wednesday, December 29, 2010

I Do

A little over three years ago, I spent my birthday skating at a local roller rink.  That night, a ref and NYSE player, approached me and suggested I tryout for roller derby.  I was flattered, but really had no idea what roller derby was.  I didn't ever intend on trying out.  A couple of days later I went into work and told my co-workers about it.  They encouraged me to tryout and I kind of laughed it off.  After checking out the Rebels' website, I thought about it a bit more and decided to give it a shot. 

A few days passed and I showed up, a nervous wreck, for tryouts.  I had done some research, but still didn't know all that much about what I was getting myself into.  I decided I would stick with it until I felt uncomfortable.  That time never came.  Soon after tryouts and an interview, I was accepted into the league. 

During each practice, I would see this guy who worked at the rink.  We had never met, but I knew him by face.  I had also seen him skate and extremely well I might add, at open skate sessions.  Months passed before I was formally introduced to him.  Even more time passed, well over a year, before we had a conversation.  Eventually, we formed a wonderful friendship which turned into dating.  This Christmas he became my fiance'.

Roller derby has been a life altering experience for me.  It has changed me mentally, physically and spiritually in ways that are immeasurable.  It has helped me overcome so many obstacles both on the track and off.  I could go on and on about all that I've gained from this sport and in particular from the Long Island Roller Rebels, but above all, the things I cherish the most are the relationships, friendships and family I've formed as a result of joining.


To all of my girls, I love you and to my Roller Papi, my love, I wouldn't want to know life without you in it.  Thank you for the best Christmas I could ever have asked for!!

- Etta

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

2010 Pink and Black Holiday Ball

This past weekend, we had our annual holiday party. I'm going to keep this short because I think the photos pretty much say it all....






















Monday, December 6, 2010

Go Cats Go!

CONGRATULATIONS......


to the Rolling Thundercats for their campionship win on Saturday night!!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Press Here for Sight and Sound

The press just can't seem to get enough of the Rebels.  Today we are featured both in print and online, in the LI Herald.  Click here to read the full story.

In addition, you can tune in to WUSB (90.1FM) tomorrow morning between 8-9AM to hear C-Roll and Young Stunna on "Whatever Floats Yer Boat" with DJ Habanero.

Many thanks to Menoclaws for being the most awesome liaison between the league and the press! 

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Championship

This Saturday, December 4th, don't miss our last bout of the season!!  This bout marks history as it's the first championship the Ladies of Laceration have ever skated in.  Special highlights also include, The NY Shock Exchange and music by our favorite rockabilly band, The Buzzards.  Best of all, portions of the proceeds benefit John Theissen Children's Foundation.

See you all there!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

2010 Holiday Derby Gift Guide

It's finally here!  You're guide to the coolest skate related gifts around.  I've searched, shopped and hand picked these goods for you and with one or two clicks you can have them sent right to your door!  Get ready to set your favorite derby girl up with some one of a kind pieces for the holidays.

So without further ado, I present to you the 2010 Holiday Derby Gift Guide................

Want to add a bit of nostalgia to your holiday?  This card case from Sweet Heart Sinner is just the way to do it.
Show off your curves with this sporty hip bag from Flat Track Revolution.


Knickerocker Roller not only has a kick ass name, but cute little panties to cover your ass as well!  I had a very hard time narrowing it down to just one pair, but finally decided upon these printed pelvis sport shorts.
For comic book lovers, this full color anthology combines comic art with roller derby.  JAM!  Tales From the World of Roller Derby is a truly different item that is a great gift for both the young and old derby girl in your life.
This moleskine notepad with a print of vintage roller skates on the cover is perfect for a derby coach to write drills in or for a Fresh Blood to take notes in our WFTDA rules classes and at $8.00, Treatzone priced it right.
A derby girl's coffee table deserves to have these felt coasters from Girls Can Tell on it and while sipping your drink you can study the anatomy of a skate.
And for the hostess mixing those drinks in the kitchen, don't forget a towel to dry your hands off with.

Have your morning coffee skate style with this handmade ceramic skate cup from Circa Ceramics. Other colors available.
For the tiniest of skaters, check out these adorable little booties from Hats and Spats.  It doesn't get much cuter than these!

She'll be charmed, I'm sure when she receives this silver jammer helmet charm from Lauren Grace.

Remember back when I introduced you all to Baby Bitch and her custom made toe guards?

Well she's also got these custom made leather bracelets.  Check out her shop and choose your color and your own saying.
Caustic Threads makes it easy to stay cozy in style with these skate arm warmers and scarf.  Also available in other colors.
And finally, what Long Island Derby lover's closet would be complete without a Long Island Roller Rebels Tee


And there you have it.  This year's guide to the derby goods.  Many thanks to everyone who emailed me suggestions.

Have fun shopping!

Monday, November 29, 2010

In The Press

We're happy to be featured in today's online edition of Newsday!

Click on over to Newsday and read more about our upcoming championship bout and tomorrow's exciting movie

Rather hold the paper while you read?  Pick up a copy of the Long Island edition of Newsday tomorrow and find (a shorter version of) the article in the Explore Long Island section. 

Many thanks to Lauren Harrison for writing up such a great feature!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Lovely Miss Martin

I recently wrote about the fabulous artwork for sale by Stacey Martin (former derby player) and she graciously thanked me by sending me two free prints from her collection

Let me just say that as great as the prints look in her online shop, they look 10 times better in person!  They are huge and so full of detail and life.

Thank you so much Miss Martin for your gratitude and for breathing new life into my apt walls!

xo
Etta

Friday, November 19, 2010

Brutal Beauty

I realize that not everyone subscribes to Nextflix, so I thought I'd let you in on a great event coming soon.

Tuesday, November 30th at 7:30PM, Brutal Beauty will be playing at the Huntington Cinema Arts Centre.  Best of all, the Roller Rebels will be there with a table stocked full of merchandise and to answer any questions you might have.  Click here for more information.

Hope to see you all there!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Add It To Your Queue

Brutal Beauty:  Tales of the Rose City Rollers is now available through Netflix!

A film crew spent over a year with Portland's own Rose City Rollers documenting their lives,thoughts and blocks on the track. 

So click on over to Netflix and show your support for roller derby by adding Brutal Beauty to your queue! 

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Products in a League of Their Own

It all happens so fast!  Just as I winked, a year has gone by and it's time again for my Holiday Derby Gift Guide.  Since shopping is one of my favorite hobbies, this feature is almost effortless for me. 

I decided upon creating this guide for a couple of reasons; First, I like the fact that I can give all of you anti-shoppers a little break by bringing the goods to you here.  I figure it saves you the time of having to search and search for the right gift to buy that special derby player in your life.  Second, I think it's a great way to promote products for the people selling them.  Which brings me to the next item on my agenda.  If you would like to have one of your products featured or know of a great and unique derby or skate related item for me to show off, please email me at ettajams@yahoo.com

The Holiday Derby Gift Guide is one of my most read posts (and not just at holiday time - people seem to go back to it often), so shop owners and crafters, take this opportunity for some free advertising!  I plan on posting the guide around the last week in November so be sure to contact me before then.

I look forward to hearing from you and showcasing some great new items to The Rebel Yell.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Welcome Fresh Bloods!!

WHOA and THANK YOU to all of you ladies (and one gentleman - future ref) for coming to tryouts Tuesday night.  Our turnout was just as we had hoped and the presentation of skills was even better!  Doc Block was nice enough to email me some photos.  You can't tell from these, but there were over 40 women trying out!






It was a long, full and thrilling night where both beginner and experienced skaters joined together.  Our potential 2011 season Rebels showed enthusiasm, focus, effort, skill and determination.  I was happy to see that not only were there newcomers on the rink, but some returning Vets as well.  The Rebels who set up and volunteered to help out were all so helpful and organized which was what made everything run smoothly.

After tryouts, the Coaching and Recruitment committees met to discuss our new potential skaters and make the difficult decision of figuring out who we call back to join us.  By now most, if not all of you have been informed on whether or not you made tryouts.  On behalf of the Rebels, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who showed up and gave derby a shot.  I know how disappointed some of you may feel if you didn't make it and I'd like to remind you that we welcome you back for next season's recruitment night.  Keep skating and practicing and keep in mind that we are always looking for new volunteers, refs and non-skating officials who are just as passionate about the sport as the skaters are.

To all of the new Long Island Roller Rebel Fresh Bloods,
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I look forward to seeing each of you at practice next week.

Oh and one last thing, to whoever went out and brought back all of those pizzas, a million thank yous!  I was craving pizza all night and having it suddenly appear was just what I needed! 

xo
Etta