I just posted it on the Examiner for your reading pleasure. And honestly, this might be the best interview I've done up until now. They have all been good, but Skate REALLY went the extra mile in this one for me!!!

I'm going to try to do one interview on there each week. Especially now since most leagues are preparing to go into hybernation for the winter (lol).

And once again...don't forget to subscribe to the page once you get there. Just click on that link above the interview and you'll get email updates whenever I post something new on there

I just posted it on The Examiner page. Hopefully you will not only check out the preview, but attend the bout, too. Especially since I'm not 100% sure I'll be able to make it yet. Rotten working nights

And, of course, don't forget to subscribe to my page on The Examiner. I picked up 38 more yesterday! So do what all the cool kids are doing and don't be the last to subscribe to my page

I just posted it on The Examiner for your reading pleasure.

Also, I scratched the "all-star team" thing and went back to the "three stars". Although I do think I will keep the "all-star team" around for events like last week in Centralia.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it! And don't forget to subscribe to the page, either. You will get emails each and everytime I post something on there. Plus there is a lot of other interesting articles and subjects on The Examiner. For wherever you may live in the United States (or even the world, now).

I finally got it done over on the other page. I'm telling ya...I almost forgot how much work goes into those things (lol). No matter, it's all done now!

So head on over to my Examiner page and read-away about one of the coolest nights of derby I've been to in a long, long time!

And don't forget to subscribe to that Examiner page! It's the only way you can leave comments on there. And it's free. So you don't have to worry about anything!!!

Plus...you know...we want to show the rest of the world what the roller derby community is all about, don't we???

And if you do subscribe to it and you saw that one I accidently posted a few hours before this one, ignore it (lol). I was trying to add the recap to a category. While I was doing it (which was before I started writing), it said that the body was required. So to accomplish that, I wrote "does this work" on there. I never clicked on "publish", but apparently it did actually publish it (lol). It won't happen again. It's called Elwood stumbling around trying to figure out a new site

Another question I get a lot goes along the lines of "do you get paid to do what you do"? And my answer is always the same.

"I wish".

Well folks, wishes do come true!

As of Monday afternoon, I am now a writer for an online site called The Examiner. And yes, I am getting paid for it. I'm sure the bulk of the money I make on there will go towards my derby travels. Believe it or not, it does cost money for me to travel places (lol). But at the same time, I seriously doubt it will be enough to make a living off of. Although...you know...that would be kinda sweet, too!

The first article I wrote for them was a preview of Saturday's Dockyard Derby Dames championship bout. You can read it here. Since this is the first article, it has yet to be released to the general public. However, it can still be read by you if you so choose.

You can even comment on it if you like. As far as I know, all you have to do is click on "Subscribe" and you should be good to go. Granted, I haven't tried subscribing to it since it's my own site (lol). But a few others I have told about it yesterday already have and have left comments, too. Anyway, when you do subscribe to the page, you will also get emails sent to you whenever I post something new on there.

Now, don't worry one bit about this Myspace page here. It's not going anywhere. In fact, for now, I'm planning on using this blog as a portal to the new site for those who either don't read this blog or don't feel like signing up for the new one. Plus this site is still where I do the vast bulk of my derby networking. So it isn't going anywhere in the near or distant future.

One of my biggest goals with this Myspace page has been to help spread the word around about roller derby. And as I've said before, I think it has worked for the most part. Consistantly finishing in the number one slot on the Myspace sports blog rankings and even cracking the top 50 overall blogs a few times tells me this has been a success. I do know that even though the vast bulk of my 2500+ subscribers are people in the derby community, there are also a number of people who...as far as I know...aren't involved in the derby world at all. For me, this is also a success.

Now I know with the Examiner, there aren't nearly as many ready-made readers as there are here on Myspace. To a certain degree, this is also why I really hope that all my subscribers still click on here whenever I do post a link to the new site just to try to keep those numbers up. Maybe leave some "kudos" or something like that. Even though I do expect the numbers on here to drop, I also hope that we can still keep this derby boat afloat in the Myspace world. Afterall, we're still trying to spread that derby word, aren't we?

Although this is another area in which I hope to be successful on The Examiner. There are a lot of subjects on that site. And in the Seattle portion of it (there are numerous cities and areas to choose from on there), there are your usual Mariners, Seahawks, Storm, Sounders, Huskies, Cougars and high school sports pages. And as is my competitive nature, I really hope to overtake those other sites as the number one sports blog not only in the Seattle section, but the overall site of The Examiner. And I'm thinking that with your continued support, we should be able to accomplish that quite easily

Now I'm going to be posting quite a bit on there. Of course, there will be the usual bout recaps (which I'm slowly getting back into). I'll also continue to write about different things here and there as they pop into my mind. But with this new crowd I am going after on The Examiner, I'm also quite keen on getting the word out not only about the derby leagues here in the Puget Sound area, but also throughout the northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and British Columbia). So I will definitely not only be scouring the various league websites for information, but also hoping to establish a go-to person to get some extra info out of (such as bouts, fundraisers, special events, etc).

For now, that focus will be on the northwest. But as time goes along, I will probably extend it out across the derby world. Chances are I'll start out west here (California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming) once I do decide I can handle that load. But for now, if there are events in other parts of the country (or the world, for that matter) that you want me to promote on this Myspace page here, let me know about it and I will be more than happy to use this blog to help you out the best I can!

Another thing that has been swirling around me lately is the coaching thing. Yes, I am VERY interested in coaching my own team. As I've always said, the Dockyard is my first choice since they are here in my hometown. However, if there isn't an open head coaching job there, I am looking other places. So far, there have been a few different teams/leagues who have asked me to go coach them. One league outside the state of Washington is even in the process of trying to find a job for me so I can move there more easily. And I won't lie to ya...it's nice to be in demand like that (lol).

Still, the next question that pops up is "if you do start coaching, what about the blog"? Well, the blog will still continue. I will still do my recaps and all the other stuff (perhaps minus the stronger opinions since I wouldn't want my team/league to get into trouble with anyone). I just won't recap the bouts I actually do coach in. So things won't change much that way. Which means there isn't a whole lot for you to worry about on that front.

Anyway, I'm very, VERY excited about this opportunity that The Examiner has given me! Another cool thing is that along with getting paid to write on there, my email is wide open for anyone to see. So the more successful I am, hopefully maybe other, more profitable opportunities will come along other places. At least that's my hope. Hell, ya gotta start somewhere...don't ya?

And when things like this happen, I have my usual round of "thank you's".

First off, I want to thank Sonoma County skater/coach Killer Vee for turning my attention to The Examiner! She first told me about this a few months ago. At the time, I had some other things simmering. But as time rolled along, they kinda fizzled out. So I finally decided to bite the bullet and go for it. And low an behold, they accepted me! Killer Vee also writes for them. And on the new page, I will be more than happy to pimp her site out as a "thank you".

Of course there is former Rose City skater Vominatrix. Her telling me one time to "keep spreading the derby word" is what initially sparked the idea for "All Bout Derby". Although I may very well have started doing this anyway, it was Vom who first stuck the idea in my head. I have no clue if she still reads this page anymore (she tells me she does, though...lol). But I want to thank her again for putting that idea in my head!

When I ran the idea of this Myspace page past Pia Mess, she said I should definitely do it. So I did. Pia has been a solid friend for me throughout my derby life. She was my first derby friend, and still my best derby friend. Thanks Pia!

The first two people to friend this Myspace page were Baby Fighterfly from Providence and Dez Asstris of the Sacred City Derby Girls. I still can't remember which one signed up first (lol). But they were the first two to take a look at this idea and say "hey...that looks pretty cool". So thanks Baby and Dez!

The very first subscriber to this blog was Rat City's Holley KnockHers. I have no idea as to why she was the first one (lol). But she has been a loyal reader ever since the page started. Thanks Holley! And I hope you follow it over to the new one!!!

And whenever I end these "thank you's", I always finish with Lindsay in St. Louis. She has read everything I've ever written online as far as these types of things go. From that very first one in 2003 that featured me in a hotel in Kennewick, WA flicking rubber bands into a garbage can to this one, Lindsay has been there every single step of the way.

Earlier tonight while I was IMing Judy Asa Punk about all of this, Lindsay's name came up somehow. And as I thought about it...believe it or not...I actually shed a couple tears over it. For about a minute, all I could think about was telling Lindsay "I did it! I'm a pro writer now! Maybe not the best paid pro. Or anything major. But I'm finally getting paid"! Odds are most of you could probably care less about that part (lol). But I know Lindsay does.

So thank you Lindsay! Even if you do live on the other side of the country, I honestly don't know what I would be had you never come into my life. Thank you for reading everything. And thank you for being an awesome friend!!!

Okay folks! Head on over to my NEW PAGE and start reading, subscribing and commenting away! Let's spread that derby word a little more!!!

(and I'll be honest with ya...also to get some extra moolah in the bank for me (lol). It certainly eases the burden of me traveling to your bouts...no matter where you are!)

Well, it's been well over a year since I did one of these interviews. So sitting around here last night, I decided to give it another go. So I kind of flipped through my Facebook page and came across someone who I actually had a few questions for.

And that would be Frida Beater of the WFTDA Nationals bound Rocky Mountain Rollergirls.

The two of us have traded emails and IM's in the past. Last year, I was part of her fantasy football league. I lost in the league championship game, but I honestly can't remember if I beat Frida to get to that championship game or if she beat me in the championship game. Either which way, a couple weeks ago she helped her team accomplish something far more tangible (and impressive) than any fantasy sport can provide when Rocky Mountain took 2nd place in the Western Regionals.

So without further ado, here are 10 questions with RMRG veteran Frida Beater...

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Elwood Bruise: What's your normal job away from roller derby?

Frida Beater: Police officer. OMG, it’s so much fun! 

EB: How did you find out about roller derby and what possessed you to try out for Rocky Mountain?

FB: I was living in DC and saw that some girls posted on Craigslist wanting to start a league. I was on board until I moved to Denver and figured I’d contact RMRG. I speed skated as a teenager and played rugby in college, so I thought it was a perfect combo.
 
EB: Outside of racking up a bunch of points while jamming, what are some of your other responsibilities as a member of RMRG?

FB: I am co-captain of our travel team (5280 Fight Club), head of the training committee, and head of recruitment. 

EB: Before the recent western regionals, what are some of your most memorable games you've played in and why?

FB: One of our best games was against Boston at ECE two years ago. We trained hard for that and we played really well. I think it was one of my best personal performances as well. Playing Gotham was a real eye-opener. We got spanked, but we learned so much strategy and it lit a fire under our butts. You know, I remember every game I’ve played with Fight Club so vividly. I remember details of every venue, players faces, and details of several jams. It’s weird. 

EB: Name the 5 toughest opponents you've ever played against.

FB:
1. DeRanged and Psycho Babble (RMRG). Honestly, they are the top two. I can’t even tell you how lucky I am not to play against them now. I know they get lumped together all the time, but they are amazing individually. Strength, speed, agility. They have it all.

2. Denise Lightning (AZRD). As a blocker. Holy smokes, she gave me a lot of trouble!! Her agility is absolutely amazing.

3. Urkin’ Jerkin’ (Ft. Collins, CO). She is Colorado’s little secret. Former world team speed skater and fast as hell. She can do everything. Unfortunately, she skates for an inexperienced team with a lot of turn-over, but she is a one-woman wrecking ball. If you ever get a chance to see her skate, take it!!

4. Dolly Rocket (Charm City): Smart, agile, and tough. Charm City would be hurting without her. I had so much fun skating against her, but she made me earn every point.

5. Megan Formor: (Windy City). Smart cookie with great recycling and strong blocking. She adds a lot to the Windy City roster. 

EB: Honestly; what did you think the chances were of Rocky Mountain advancing onto Nationals this year before Derby on the Rocks?

FB: Oh, I knew we would. We have never trained so hard. We always had a lot of talent, but we never had everyone on the same page in terms of winning. The combination of our new transfers (Deranged, Ecko, and Psycho Babble), working so hard to host Regionals, and wanting to play DRD finally gave us the motivation to put in the blood sweat and tears to get there. 

EB: What was it like getting to play the Denver Roller Dolls in the semi-finals of westerns?

FB: It would truly be hard to summarize or even attempt to describe in words. Hmm, without pissing off our PR person too much, I’ll say that we had been chomping at the bit to play that game like a prisoner before an annual conjugal visit. We thought about it almost obsessively. We literally dreamed about it. Poor Rose City had no idea that they were like the prison guard standing in the way of our prize. (Mad love to Rose City!). I heard that a former DRD player when asked if we would ever play each other, once said “there aren’t enough paramedics in all of Colorado for that game.” Yikes! 

EB: As it was happening, what were you thinking when the fans stormed the track after the clock hit 0:00, yet the final jam of the game was still in progress?

FB: “ooooooh shiit!” 

EB: What do you think it will take for Rocky Mountain to win the National Championship this year?

FB: We are going to have to set our minds to it. If we are all on the right page mentally, we definitely have the talent to take it. At the National level, it’s all a mental game. 

EB: On a personal note, did my invite for your fantasy football league get lost in the email this year??? (lol)

FB: We had so few people last year that it was sort of lame. There have GOT to be more Fantasy Football fans out in the derby world. I think I can get She Who if we play next year. You work on getting some in the northwest.

EB: Thanks for taking the time to do this, Frida!!!

Rivalries are what makes the sporting world go around. This weekend, there is a huge college football game between long time enemies Texas and Oklahoma. Probably the biggest rivalry in college football is Michigan and Ohio State. In other sports, you have names that go together in a good (or not so good) way like Red Sox/Yankees, Packers/Bears, Canadiens/Maple Leafs and Celtics/Lakers.

Even though this modern version of roller derby hasn't been around for nearly as long as those other sports, there are still a few good rivalries out there. I always love it when Rat City plays the Texas Rollergirls. Gotham and Philly is getting pretty big (especially with that epic battle for the eastern championship last month). Of course the Rocky Mountain/Denver Roller Dolls rivalry got a huge shot of energy a couple weeks ago when the two squads that occupy the Mile High City hooked up in the semi-finals of western regionals. Games like that not only increase the interest from the fans of both teams involved, but they also garner a lot more attention from around the derby world in general.

There are a few intraleague rivalries I enjoy around the northwest. Right here in Tacoma, the Trampires and Femme Fianna never cease to put on an interesting show. Within Rat City, you never know what the outcome of a bout between the Sockit Wenches and Derby Liberation Front will be. And down in Portland, the Heartless Heathers and Break Neck Betties have what I think is the best intraleague rivalry of them all in the northwest.

These are the types of games I absolutely live for. You know even before the bout starts that both teams will be putting out that little extra effort in order to take home a victory over their dreaded rivals. The jammers seem to skate a little faster. The blockers seem to hit a little harder. On the scoreboard, more often than not, the lead tends to go back and forth just a little more often than usual. And really, you can't ask for much more than that when you go to an event.

So I've listed some of my favorite rivalries. So I'm gonna ask you; what is your favorite roller derby rivalry? Or maybe a few match-ups that you really look forward to seeing out there on the track? Feel free to leave your favorites in the comments section below.

Here's an awesome article from the Globe and Mail out of Toronto about men's derby in Canada. I thought it was pretty good! Thanks to Noah Backtalk for passing this along to me! I hope you enjoy it!!!