I hadn’t been to my Post office box since New Years, and when I was there today I was delighted to get two items, a copy of the new Lead Jammer Magazine from the UK and a copy of one of the best put together cookbooks I have seen: “Tasty Bites from Girls who Fight”, Recipes from the Far North Derby (Alaska).

First of all, this is the first time that I have really gone through a copy of Lead Jammer. Of course I was fascinated with the page “Hotline to the Commissioner”. I read it with great interest as one of the advantages of being older is everything is new again…I thought it was well done and quite perceptive. However, it definitely was not the highlight of this really wonderfully professional journal of Roller Derby offshore, but everything in it from fashion, to announcing, to the “Big Five” to post-concussive syndrome and so much more in great color and photos, that I immediately thought this is a universal publication for all those who love or participate in the game…..please look for this issue #4.

And the cookbook was dedicated to me with such love and signed by all the members of the league! And I can figure out how to make these recipes……off the top I have to try Alena’s Twice Baked Potatos, because it is by AK Blonde Bomber #22, and that name hooked me, of course; and Pickled Shrooms by Kodiak Bare Hugger (!) Ref #69; Paprika Chicken by Mother of Mayhem #No No….and on and on, including some great drinks (strong on the warm ones….remember it’s Alaska), and amazing desserts……contact them and order it, I won’t be jealous.

I am waiting to get my copy of Blood and Thunder so see what I wrote in that issue. I am sure it is amazing.

What this all shows me is the wonderful talent and use of media and more out there for all of you. There is no real difference between who reads Lead Jammer and Five on Five; nor between the readers of Blood and Thunder and Hit and Miss. I am not sure there is a more universal equalizer in sport than Roller Derby today. And look at “Whip It”, “Derby Baby”, DNN and WFTDA.tv, and Derby Deeds, and on and on with getting the word out. Yet, the game still seems a long ways from “being there”.

I am discouraged when I hear that skaters are being asked to either sign confidentiality or other agreements to not “mix” with other rule sets. Look around, you are all the same, fighting and skating and sacrificing for the same thing. Personally, I don’t like the idea of any organization, be it WFTDA, USARS, MADE, MRDA, etc to be in control of the players and the game. After all, you are not paid to skate; you pay and buy your own equipment and give hours of your valuable time…..is it even legal for you to be restricted? I don’t know.

How about at Rollercon we have a meeting of organizers and authorities of the different rule sets and see what it is everyone can do together to give Derby its rightful place in the sports world. After all, your restrictions and boycotts are not going to make the others go away, but just more intent on what they are doing and more separated from you.

I just want to sit there and watch.