Historically roller derby has been seen as an entertainment sport, in it's hay-day was pretty fake and really campy, a lot like wrestling is today. Over the past 15 yrs or so there has been an AMAZING revival of Roller Derby - and now, ladies and gentlemen, the game is ON.

Most major cities throughout Canada and the US have a roller derby league - most of these are all-female, grass-roots leagues founded and run by the players themselves. Women of all walks of life and of all shapes and sizes are finding their alter ego and giving her a name, slapping some skates on her and taking her out to knock some bitches down!

In all seriousness though, the training is intense, the hits are hard and it's a REAL sport played by REAL women. The competition is fierce and the love for the game and camaraderie is even fiercer. I was introduced to Roller Derby about 10 -12 yrs ago, in Wisconsin, and LOVED it. The timing wasn't right then, but it sure as hell is now - I will be trying out for the Terminal City Rollergirls league this Fall. :) In the meantime I will be doing as much skating as possible and going to see derby bouts as the season is about to start - 1st bout is a double-header on April 10th (local peeps - tickets and info here)!

Here's a few links:

ESPN Video on Youtube - Roller Derby Revival
And a (non-video) description of - How Roller Derby Works

I am indeed still alive.. at least alive enough to tap these keys and perhaps form a somewhat coherent post.  It's been a weird year - both overwhelmingly and underwhelmingly so at times.

So yes, hi, hello - I am here, quiet, but here. It's been a while since I've used this voice, so please expect some hoarseness and maybe a little thoat clearing and water sipping as I stall to gather my thoughts.