Women have been known to endure an enormous amount of pain- whether it’s thru the blessing of giving birth, a broken heart from a jerk, and/or…well, who are we kidding, it’s hard to be a woman in general. However, when a woman signs up for the pain, such as ROLLER DERBY, than you know you can’t help but watch.

I got to meet the adorable “Vodka Tonic” who was kind enough to invite me not only to an opening game, but also a scrimmage for some video.  “Vodka Tonic” has been in the game for several years- something she considers her “therapy” in life. With a full time, demanding job in a well known company, she still makes the time to participate in the sport and run the PR for the ‘LA Derby Dolls’.

The league itself is across country and is open to women of all backgrounds. They do a lot of charity work and give back to the community. The hours committed are strict and the uniqueness in names is a MUST!

The ‘LA Derby Dolls’ are kick a%$! On every tournament they get about 1,500 to 2,000 spectators. The scores keep you on your toes and the hits are intense! They are definitely not for the weak and ANYONE that has attended a roller derby event knows that these females are hardcore. 

Even if you don’t know much about the sport; the famed all-female, banked track league definitely gives you your money’s worth- bruise free. They offer alcohol inside (21 & over) and they have a few lunch trucks on the outside venue so you can grab a good bite to eat beforehand. This is a great way to spend a weekend date!

A ’47 FleetLine is the game and “Dana’s Desire” is the name.

Once found in a junk yard, owner and builder, Alex Gomez knew the hidden potential this classic had and made sure it was nothing less than perfection.

His talent was recognized and featured in the June ’98 ‘LowRider Magazine’ issue.

I got the honor to meet Alex at the SFV (San Fernando Valley) Council BBQ and he took the time to show me the pride he had towards his car- the pictures speak for themselves.  

Twice in one month?!

I can’t seem to get enough of ‘Gasser Lounge’…

First, it was my adventures at “Star Wars de Mayo” (<-- click) this past weekend and now for May 11, 2013 ‘Gasser Lounge' will be holding a kick ass roller derby event! 

See flyers (below) for details

What do you get when you attend a “Star Wars de Mayo” party?? It’s easy – a bunch of festive people with their own interpretation of costumes.

According to Wikipedia (yes, I trust it’s knowledge as far as the next sentence goes) – “May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate Star Wars culture, books and honor the films.^[2] It is called Star Wars Day because of the significance of the "May Fourth Movement" as an anti-imperialist, cultural, and political movement, a major theme of the original films and of the popularity of a common pun spoken on this day. Because the phrase "May the Force be with you" is a famous quote often spoken in the Star Wars films, fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you" on this day.” (photo -bleow- courtesy of Instagram)

It also helps that it’s the day before Cinco de Mayo which gives people, in the U.S at least, more of a reason to start early in the weekend to go out and get drunk with little to no judgment.

I, of course, started my weekend celebration on the 4^th and there was no other place I could’ve had a great time in than at ‘Gasser Lounge'…

The night was chilly, but of course that didn’t stop me from rockin’ a grayish blue dress with small white flowers with a hint of yellow all over. I matched yellow pumps in which I purchased at one of my favorite thrift / modern shops- 33 Rooms and my hair was styled with victory rolls adorned with a shimmery gold flower hair accessory.

My friend Lilly joined me for a night that would include Long Island Iced Teas, shots of Patron, Jäger mixed with Red Bull, and Sex on the Beach (the drink not the actual *clearing throat*). We arrived around 10p and walked up to a driveway filled with motorcycles, good lookin’ men and a taco truck.

After making my way thru the crowd I came across “Obi-Juan Kenobi” with the lovely “Padme Im-a-chola” by his side and entourage “Darth Vato” and “Yodale”. A good looking bunch I clearly didnt want to mess with.

Inside I got to see a “Storm Trooper” and “Boba Fett” (Derek and Ashley Hildebrandt) share a kiss.

I met the lovely Elizabeth who bought me the first two rounds of alcohol. Elizabeth- a HOT single mom who not only dedicates her time to her 2 y/o, but ALSO fixes motorcycles for a living or on her spare time (this Im not too sure because of the alcohol). 5 drinks later and it was getting warm inside so Lilly, Elizabeth and myself decide to step outside for some fresh air and Elizabeth decides to get on her friend's Honda bike to show the men how it's really done. 

As the evening was coming to an end and the goodbyes were being made, I met "Princess Ade-Leia" and "Edgar Villa" who represented both Star Wars and the Mexican soldiers, 'Adelita' and 'Pancho Villa'. Two more great reasons to LOVE "Star Wars de Mayo".

by Ryan Cash

Story: If my life mirrored a movie scene.

Day: Saturday, April 27th

Place: ‘Pin Up Girl Clothing’ and ‘VIVA Cantina’ 

I joined the vivacious Nicole from ‘NicCoCo Creations’ to Micheline Pitts DVD release party held at the ‘Pin Up Girl Clothing’ store. I must admit, I was not too sure of what to expect. Normally, “DVD release parties” end up being filled with unfriendly people hanging out with the friends they arrived with.

I met Nicole outside the store so we could walk into the unexpected and as we entered the ceiling to floor glass double doors, the scene was a snapshot out of a 40's movie. The women styled in “vintage” or “modern vintage” dresses and the men wore suits, ties, and shiny shoes. The smiles were endless and the friendly energy filled the room.

Chilled cider served in the back across the eclectic artwork from the talent of Leobarda “Lucky Hellcat” Grijalva made nice eye candy. 

Nicole was my intro lady. Talent knows talent and I was able to meet some pin up models that worked with Nicole in the past. I got to meet the elegant pin up models, Ashley Nichole and Angelique Noire, who radiate classy (blog coming soon). I also got to know the gorgeous pin up model Erika Reno who's also a make up artist, and while the stylish and hilarious Tamera Von Tart showed me the custom made classic jewelry pieces she makes, we all enjoyed seeing the set up of what was soon to come.

Doris Mayday was gathering the crowd so the rockin’ ‘Rhythm Shakers’ could start performing (yes, there was a band playing). Soon as the music started pumping, Doris Mayday started to show off her smooth moves. It was a great start for what lied ahead.

While the release party came to an end the party continued after at ‘VIVA Cantina’.  VIVA is the hidden gem of the SFV. A lot of great artists perform and the eclectic scene makes for an epic night. I met up with my ladies Nicole and Tamera Von Tart where I met, cool cat ‘Skratch’ (from Skratch’s Garage) who is, as his business card states, “ I ain’t the best, but Im better than you!”

It was great seeing everyone pumped up to see the Rhythm Shakers continue their performance and to hear DJ Chuy “spin the wildest wax on the planet.” When the music started so did the dance moves- feet stomping (courtesy of Jose Valdez), skirts twirling (courtesy of Miss Ruby Rockabilly and Erandi Moren) and cheers belting to what ended up being one of the best weekends of my life. 

by Ryan Cash