More rants on Roller Derby
I have to admit for the first time in a while I didn't know how to start one of these journal things. Nothing inciteful, nothing witty, nothing that did not sound like me trying to con people or sell something came to mind. Wishing never to be lumped into the same emotional partition as people who disrupt dinner at my front door with offers of saving my soul from corruption or my rugs from not being deep down clean, I wrote this opener repeatedly both on screen and mentally trying to find the way to begin. In the end, I decided.. just do it.

For those who have not seen me write about it, I've grown quite fond of merging a new found hobby (photography) with a growing addiction (roller derby). (My flickr account has several sets dedicated to the Portland team). Now I know some people disagree with this sport on principle and I won't try to defend it or convince them otherwise. Live and Let live.

For the rest, or those who might oppose it but be open to influence, I direct you to a really good article in the Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/O/index.ssf/2009/06/roller_derbys_rough_patch.html

Now this article was timely for me. Yesterday (Sat) I drove for 2 hours to photograph a scrimmage between our team & seattle + centralia. It was small - I think there were maybe 6 non-players from Portland present including myself. Unlike past events where a few hundred show up and things are moving like a machine, I had the chance to really *talk* to more than a few of the Portland rollergirls. They came up to me to get to know me since I am a familiar face with a camera. More than once I heard, "Oh you're Sharkey! I love your pictures we always look for them after the bouts." - That kind of affirmation is pretty darn amazing to me and makes a 2 hour drive worth it.

Then last night my better half pointed me at the above article, and the financial challenges that the Rose City Rollers are facing. It would suck if they lose their standing in the WFTDA because they cannot afford to send the travel team. So while I explore options to help them (I am wondering about if people can donate airline miles to them since they are a 501c3) here's my pitch.

If you live in Portland and have never gone, you should go. This Saturday. June 27th. Me and my better half are going - come with us; we can grab some dinner beforehand, etc.

If you have gone in the past and had fun, go again. In fact find someone(s) who you think might like it who has never gone and convince THEM to go too. Help spread the addiction. :)

Hopefully you are not reading this closing line thinking... wow I really do need this product to make my whites their whitest and bonus, it's a dessert topping too!