My First Roller Derby Experience
February 28th, 2010 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments. 43 views
The Pivots and Blockers eagerly take their positions while crowd roars in anticipation for the official’s signal. The Jammers hold steady, thirty feet behind their fellow teammates and competitors. The first whistle is sounded and the pack skates forward hugging the inside lane. Quickly, two more whistles are blown and the Jammers sprint off, engaging the violent horde. Weaving, twisting, and shifting the Jammers glide by following their fellow Blockers while evading the Pivot from the opposing team. It’s a race around the track with no finish line and the Jammers need to pick up the pace.
If you have no idea what I’m describing then you obviously have never heard of roller derby. A contact sport that has evolved over several generations, roller derby involves roller skaters circling around a large flat track to maintain lead positions and scoring points. I was introduced to the game last week when a friend of the family happened to buy tickets for the Windy City Rollers in Chicago. He asked me if I have ever seen a roller derby match. I simply stated that not only have I never seen one but also I didn’t know anything about it. So naturally, I wanted to spark my curiosity and not pass up on the opportunity.
When I arrived at the UIC Pavilion, we were welcomed by very tall women (because they were all wearing roller skates) with tattoos and grungy clothing. With smiles on their faces, they were passing out pamphlets that read “Roller Derby 101 – Talk Derby to Me.” I warmly accepted the offer and noticed these pamphlets were a quick run through of the rules. As we proceeded into the arena, I was shocked to see where our seats were located. My friend and his father (who I was with at the time) just laughed and couldn’t believe we had floor seats for the cheap price.
We took our seats about fifteen to twenty feet away from the track and I instantly observed my surroundings. With two levels of seating, the upper decks were primarily empty while the lower sections were nearly full of loyal fans. Alternative and punk rock music boomed over the stadium’s speakers while the skaters were making warm up laps. The two announcers, with flashy bright suites and enthusiastic charismas, were pumping up the crowed by passing out t-shirts and discussing key matchups for each team. One of the most unique attributes of roller derby that quickly screamed out to me was the use of stage names for nearly every player. Aliases are used with creative allusions of violent, sexual, or pop culture references that are written in the back of each of the players’ uniforms. Some that stood out for me were Beth Amphetamine, Sassy Squash, Diana Hoss, Zombea Arthur, and Juanna Rumbel. Even the officials join in on the fun with names like Oedipus Ref and Stegoscorus.
After soaking in the environment, I looked over the rules pamphlet to get a general idea how the game is played. To be honest, I was still a little confused but had a feeling it would make much more sense once the games commenced. When the hour approached and the announcers finished leading the audience in cheers, the skaters took the stage. There were four teams and the night would consist of two games. The first matchup was between Manic Attackers vs. Double Crossers. Each team had their own type of pregame introduction where each player got announced individually then proceeded with fired up motions and crowd pleasing gestures. Finally, the starters took their places and the first match began.
The three positions in roller derby are the Pivots, Blockers, and Jammers. The main objective of the game is for the Jammers to attain lead jam status then score points after each Blocker lapped. The game continues for two minutes or until the lead Jammer feels it’s most strategic to end the round early by placing both hands on her hips. The Pivots and Blockers jobs are to assist their own team’s Jammer or by obstructing the opposing team’s Jammer. Whipping teammates around an edge, forming walls to hold players back, and tons of hip checking are the most common forms of physical contact skaters endure. As quoted from the pamphlet I received, “No fake fights, no fluff. All the action you’ll witness tonight is 100-percent athleticism.” No argument here.
Roller derby is a fast paced game in short intervals, which is very good for someone who is just learning. After every round I started to pick up on the rules a little bit more and more. At the same time it was also distracting when you’re just about to understand some strategy then a skater goes flying out of the ring. There were many lead changes with a wide variety of skaters, each with different styles and techniques. I honestly didn’t know who to root for but it didn’t matter.
My only concern is that you can only truly enjoy the sport in person. I cannot see myself glued to the TV every Saturday night for an entire season. The atmosphere is what really drew me in and that essence is lost if I’m not there in person. However, there are several mainstream sports that have the same effect and still maintain steady ratings. Since 1935, roller derby has suffered several misconceptions of being a form of sports entertainment versus a sport. Regardless what has happened in the past, the new revived “grassroots” league has really put more emphasis on athleticism and it will continue to prosper if it sticks to this formula.
After some great match ups and a good understanding of the game, I felt satisfied. I was entertained for hours and witnessed many athletes give it their all. From my understanding the players do not get paid for competing. In fact, they’re the ones to who have to pay to be on a league. Even the participants and officials volunteer on their own free will because they love and respect the game so much. The image and attitude roller derby portrays while still establishing itself as an organized sport creates a fun experience for a wide range of audiences. So make a sign, put on some eye black, and cheer for these ladies from Hades.
For more detailed rules of roller derby or interested in attending a bout, go to the Windy City Rollers main website: http://www.windycityrollers.com/
I figure I have more medals than you
February 21st, 2010 by The Polski Samurai, under Fay & Snob. No Comments. 22 views
SNOB:
This is stupid.
FAY:
What’s that?
SNOB:
Figure skating.
FAY:
What are you talking about? Wait, you’re watching figure skating?
SNOB:
Yeah. I want to watch the Olympics but this is the only thing they’re showing.
FAY:
What’s wrong with figure skating?
SNOB:
It’s so pretentious. Men and women wearing overly flamboyant clothing, sticking their noses up in the air, and being all fanatical about who can dance around in circles the best is not my idea of entertainment. Stupid.
FAY:
I’d like to see you memorize a four and half minute routine then trying to land on your feet after three full rotations.
SNOB:
Sorry but my talents are needed elsewhere.
FAY:
What’s wrong with you? Figure skating takes years to master with only a select few who can even participate in the Olympic Games. Those skaters are no less talented, or possibly more talented, than the athletes in bobsledding, ski jumping, and… curling. Dammit.
SNOB:
Don’t knock on the curling.
FAY:
Anyway, figure skating is full of great stories, competition, and upsets. Hell, there was an upset this year with the American over the Russian.
SNOB:
I just don’t like the fact that there isn’t any hard proof who determines the winner. It isn’t who can skate the fastest or jump the highest. It’s a bunch of judges who, in their opinion, rate skaters on how well they “perform.”
FAY:
But there are a lot of obvious mark-offs when a skater falls down or wobbles when doing a spin.
SNOB:
True, but if you have two skaters who don’t do either of those things then it’s all up to artist interpretation.
FAY:
Like this year.
SNOB:
Exactly. Lysacek defeats Plushenko by a single point. Neither of them fell down. Now how do you choose a winner?
FAY:
You seem to know a lot about the sport for one who hates it so much.
SNOB:
Sometimes it feels like it’s the only thing they air. The announcers praise the USA for winning the gold in figure skating out of all the medals America has tallied up. And that’s another thing. Medal counts. Why do they do that? I thought the Olympics were about representing your country and doing the best you can in the event you’re passionate about. Not a global competition to determine which country is the best by who has the most medals.
FAY:
I don’t know. Maybe it’s for all the people who don’t know a thing about the majority of the events. As long as their country is winning, they don’t care.
SNOB:
Sweet, curling is coming on next.
FAY:
Oh geeze. How can you sit there and knock on an event where athletes are in the best shape of their lives then move onto the slowest paced sport in all of the Games.
SNOB:
Because curling rocks.
FAY:
You probably just want to turn it into a drinking game of some sort.
SNOB:
It’s already a drinking game. They just can’t do it in the Olympics.
FAY:
Even if they did, America would still lose.
SNOB:
Chalk another medal up for the Germans. So I guess that makes them overall number seven in the medal counts. Why do they do that?
FAY:
Ugh. Listen. The last event for figure skating is coming on later and I would like to watch it without any idiotic commentary.
SNOB:
Impossible. I don’t even have to say anything. The announcers do that to themselves.
FAY:
I’m gonna triple salchow your face.
What the hell have I been doing?
February 20th, 2010 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments. 24 views
Life is distracting. Hours turn to days, days into weeks, weeks into months. We have all heard this before. I look back at this blog and wonder what the hell has happened over the course of 6 months. Well, I worked on the Are We Dead Yet? web comic for several issues. However, this project took a couple months hiatus do to the holidays, my 9-5 job, and trying to sync up schedules with my co-creator. It looks like the comic is starting to come back… slowly but surely. In addition, there have been several freelance requests regarding custom built websites, photography, and graphic design that took up several weekends. And of course we cannot forget the powerful influence of alcohol whether it’s at home alone or at a bar with friends. After saying this, it just seems like I’m making up excuses. Yes, some vindications are legit but comes off as weak to me. I’m currently in search for motivators which will reorient my brain, crack my knuckles, and put fire in the belly.
I found some old work of mind the other night. After viewing all the images I couldn’t help to remember my state of mind I was in while creating. I don’t know where I’m going with this so I’ll just post them:
Brian and Brian: Two old friends who I don’t see or talk to anymore.
I guess after going in circles throughout this post the bottom line is I need to make more time for myself. We cannot ignore all the obstacles that are all around us. Sometimes we need to take an hour break or a night off and do what makes you happy. My problem is I don’t know what that is yet but at least I will make the time to expand the brain rather than deteriorate it. Maybe I’m just a natural procrastinator or pretending that something is there which it isn’t. I probably won’t ever read this post again because it will eventually lead me to go on another long absence once again. Let’s end this with something positive. I have a great beard now growing for 6 weeks straight.
A Weekly Update
August 18th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments. 78 views
Hello All
An update of Blake’s designing, web comic, and pathetic life while you sit around your lonely apartment while your computer screen is your main source of light in a room while Family Guy is loudly playing in the room downstairs, across the hall, or the room next door.
Last week really flew by. Wizard World Chicago (or Chicago Comic Con) was a good time. I got meet Michael Hogan (Colonel Saul Tight from Battlestar Galactica – see below) and got a few comics I’ve been wanting for a while – Batman: Year One and The Killing Joke. Chapter two is on the way for Are We Dead Yet? (AWDY) and I just finished Chapter 5. I’m going to make sure I give special thanks to all the contributors (whether they know it or not) in this weeks issue (and an overall thanks for issues yet to come).
I’ll be going to Ohio this weekend for a weeding so I’ll be a little behind with AWDY and other freelance and random design projects. But I’ll be sure to be back in the game Sunday/Monday.
Not like any of you really care, but I felt like typing tonight (even though it wouldn’t pass a 5th grade English report).
Are We Dead Yet?
August 5th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Are We Dead Yet. No Comments. 91 views
Well after several months of procrastination, distractions, and my job we finally posted the first chapter (or pilot) for Are We Dead Yet? You can find the link here. Also you can visit my deviant art page here.
As I mentioned before, I’m not going for any super artistic or mind blowing here. I just want to entertain people by making them laugh with dark and tongue & cheek humor. I never have the time so I felt this would be the best way to make this. I’ve been making this with one of my best friends for a month or two now and have several chapters made already. Depending how the comments and reviews are, I’ll start posting these hopefully 3 a month.
Also, I want to get you involved (the people’s whos’ talent are decades ahead of me)! Ever wanted to be a zombie? Send me a link or e-mail to some stock or images of yourself and friends and I’ll make you zombies in chapters yet to come. In addition, if you have a piece of work or want to design a cover, send me a link. Once there are more chapters out, I’m sure you’ll understand the feel of the story. I’ll ALWAYS give credit to your work and contributions!
Hope you all enjoy!
My Yearly Posting on Wizard World Chicago
August 3rd, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments. 236 views
Well, it’s that time again. It’s time for me to be among the people who share all my interests, hobbies, and passions for an entire weekend. No, I am not talking about my imaginary friends or my stuffed animal collection; I am talking about the Midwest’s largest pop culture event, Wizard World Chicago. Starting August 6 to August 9 the doors or the Rosemont Convention center will be open for those who enjoy comic books, movies, television, wrestling, video games, role playing games, and anime. Sorry I will not be wearing a bright red cape or mask to conceal my face but I will give a good pat-on-the-back to those who do. I guess there’s a part of me who respects those who wear superhero costumes in public and walk around for 7 hours half naked (I’m talking about you Princess Leia). For one to have the confidence to embrace what they love and parade off into the aisles of geek, I tip my hat to you.
Always being a shadow under the mega popular San Diego Comic Con convention, Wizard World has hopped to different timeslots over the past couple years. Comic Con always falls in July so there have been years where WWC has jumped backward from August to June in attempts to receive more attendees. But for the most part, WWC has been in August which I believe people are more accustomed to. This is the ninth consecutive year I will be attending WWC and I honestly cannot remember any crazy change in attendance depending on what month WWC occurred. But I do know that attendance increases each year and often comes around 60,000 people over the weekend.
So what will I be doing here? A little bit of everything really. I enjoy going to panels and hearing celebrities speak, I browsing and buying comic books in addition to getting them signed by popular writers and artists, and of course having friendly dork arguments with random individuals. If you have never been to Wizard World Chicago Comic Con (yeah I said it) I would encourage you to do so. I know a couple non-comic book fans who attended this before and all said they had a great time. If you have any curiosity, here is the website to check on specials guests, schedules, and ticket information:
http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html
On a side note, one thing I do not understand is what the convention is officially titled, Comic Con Chicago or Wizard World Chicago? From what I understand it was originally Comic Con Chicago and quickly converted to Wizard World Chicago shortly after the first year. I actually heard the title Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. I have no idea but here are both logos:
Updates this week, August 3-9
August 3rd, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments. 79 views
For any of you who actually check my blog, I apolgoize. I go throught these phases of writing, to reading, to designing, to gaming, to photography and cannot keep a good balance of any of them. I have been on deviant art a lot lately in addition working on my web comic. We will have a dedicated page for the comic coming really soon.
Also, I will be attending Wizard World Chicago this weekend so there’s more time taken away from me! I’m posting my yearly “article” shortly after this.
A Distract-a-thon
May 17th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments. 112 views
I’ve been working on two web comics this week and my eyes are heavy, my back is sore, and I think I’m actually getting tired of the taste of beer and coffee… no not really. I’m gonna try to post these on slothjockey and other various websites sometime this week. Stay tuned!
All in a good day’s work
May 14th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Uncategorized. No Comments. 93 views
I was playing around the other day on Photoshop and made this picture of myself. I thought it was funny. Others just told me I was “weird.” Meh, whatever. ENJOY!
We all have weird days...
Whatever happened to the Video Arcade?
May 5th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments. 102 views
You make it up to the third level after avoiding the oil can’s fire ball and hopping over 2 simultaneous wooden barrels. The hammer power-up is just in your reach but then that damn giant gorilla hurls a side winding barrel that ends your princess saving expedition. Even though I wasn’t even born yet when the original Donkey Kong arrived in 1981, it was still being played way beyond my forthcoming into video games. The excitement, the pressure, and the motivation to defeat a second player or obtain a high score were the days of the video arcade. Children and teenagers would go after a long day of compound fractions and sentence diagrams to just be young and take a break from educational structure. But over time the arcade diminished and currently over 100 million Americans own a video game console. Arcades are not as abundant as the mid 80s and 90s but still have an underground following and a nostalgic place in history.
I remember when I was about 5 years old, I was starting to get interested in many completely different hobbies and activities. Legos were huge, most children start playing t-ball, and comic books stirred up my imagination (even though they were difficult for me to read at that age). Then one day my dad had a surprise for me. He took me to my first arcade where hours of entertainment could last on several quarters. Like an 8-bit carnival, constant flashing lights and clashing musical themes completely engulf the dim lit room. I remember chopping on power pellets to eat those stupid 4 ghosts, slicing and dicing my way through the Footclan, and shooting my way through mushrooms to kill that idiotic centipede. When going to the arcade had so much impact because of travel, time and money, gamers better appreciated their efforts.
The standard bulky coin operated machine dates back to the early 1970’s on the campus of Stanford University. Here two students compiled multiple CPUs, graphic and sound chips/boards and created Galaxy Game. Of course this game required much time and money to put forth so Galaxy Game (Spacewar) was extremely limited across campuses around the country. But eventually engineers and computer science gurus, Nolan Bushnell and Alan Alcorn, found a simple game to play in popular hangout spots. In 1972, Pong was released which is considered by many as the beginning of the video game. This was the start of the arcade boom which included Space Invaders, Defender, and nearly a decade later Pac-Man.
The late 80s and early 90s were so groundbreaking with new ideas that gamers couldn’t get everything in with one visit. Even with classic arcades still avidly being played (Dragon’s Lair, Marble Madness, and 1942) shocking visuals and intuitive gameplay solutions were storming. Controversies and lawsuits arose for many of the violent and sexually themed games (Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, NARC) but this only caused more attention. When the fourth generation of video game home consoles brought many of these new fighting games to gamers’ home TVs, it still didn’t distract traditionalists and preferred joystick users who returned to the original hardware.
The late 90s and 2000s gave bought home consoles to the next level. Bringing 3D worlds and immaculate characters textures, arcades really started to struggle. However, as home consoles improved so did the arcade game. Showing more unique uses of the light gun, dual monitors, and even dance pad, the arcade was still showing life. Flight simulators and racing games brought gamers into more a realistic world with moving/vibrating seats and surround sound. But unfortunately the amount of business was only a fraction of the sales compared to the Playstation 2 and Wii. Arcades were closing around the country and the only locations where they could still be found where bowling alleys, laundry mats, and bars. Only a few major chains exist around America that combine a bar and restaurant environment with the arcade, Dave & Buster’s and GameWorks.
Video arcades are extremely rare around the country, but understandably so. The video game industry has boomed to where video game majors are offered in college, websites analyze and review new game arrivals, and the video game industry itself now holds more than 50,000 job positions in America. Even though home consoles are the wave of the future, video arcades still draw in audiences who realize that some genres can never be played at home. An example of this would be the special edition of House of the Dead 4 where the players are buckled in a revolving chair which spins 180 degrees towards two facing projectors. Sound interesting? Check out this random link I found on YouTube of the game in action: House of the Dead 4 Special
Even though I’m an everyday home console gamer, I hope video arcades will always exist in some form or another. The thrill of going somewhere new, playing ridiculously hard classics, and having the feeling of getting your money’s worth, is a familiarity similar to your first time at an amusement park. You tend to appreciate the efforts of the mechanical and programming thought processes while trying to get the end boss. Then you take a break from the screen and play some skee ball. It’s a dying community where adolescents and adults alike can all having something in common… fun. Yes online gameplay and the Wii have bought people together in the video game world, but going to an arcade brings more energy, competitiveness, and excitement for anyone who wants to play.
For those who are interested, I’ve listed some monumental arcade games which caused mass movements and/or controversy:
• Pong
• Death Race
• Galaga
• Defender
• Centipede
• Space Invaders
• Dig Dug
• Asteroids
• Pac-Man
• Donkey Kong
• Frogger
• Marble Madness
• Q*Bert
• 1942
• Dragon’s Lair
• Star Wars
• Spy Hunter
• After Burner
• NARC
• Rampage
• Shinobi
• Street Fighter II
• Golden Axe
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Pit Fighter
• Mortal Kombat
• Virtua Fighter
• Killer Instinct
• X-Men
• NBA Jam
• Rush (series)
• Time Crisis
• NFL Blitz
• Dance Dance Revolution
• House of the Dead 4 Special