Lehigh Valley leaves HARD flaccid in season opener

The Lehigh Valley rollergirls are a different team. I don’t mean this regarding personnel, in fact if anything the 2012 Lehigh Valley Rollergirls have finally settled into a consistent stable of players. After several major roster defections and retirements in mid to late 2011, the remaining members have coalesced. Veteran skaters are forming a tight bond and working well as a unit. Incoming fresh meat have shown enthusiasm and determination, with many of them earning roster spots on both the A and B teams, while others wait in the wings; training and preparing for their debut.

Rose Beef, who enjoyed a brief retirement last season, quickly realized life on the sidelines wasn’t for her. She emerged from retirement to compete in the final home bout of the 2011 season against Rocktown. During the off season she took on the role of Head Coach and this has become one of the most advantageous moves the team could make. Rose Beef is serious, tough and determined. Her coaching style is to push each member of the team beyond their perceived limits, crafting them into well oiled cogs who fit together to power the team.

For all her outward toughness she is incredibly likeable by both fans and team mates alike. Many coaches will say it doesn’t matter if their team likes them, they are not there to make friends, but I disagree. A good coach can be tough when it is time to get down to brass tacks, but they should also be a friendly ally off the track. An effective coach is a mentor not a brutal task master. Team members respond best to kindness and are more willing to test personal boundaries. As player-coach Rose Beef is the right match to light the flame.

Lehigh Valley’s opening day began with an air of excitement. Like last season, fans were queued around the building waiting to take their seats on what was a dreary late March day. Unlike last season, Lehigh Valley anticipated the large crowds and had the rink well prepared for their impending entrance. Quite a lot more chairs were provided, eliminating the need for fans to bring their own. Rows and walkways were neatly arranged and areas were designated for media personnel and disabled fans.

Inside the arena there were representatives from several media outlets covering the opening day activities. We spied our friend and derby photographer, Jim Rhoades with his family in tow shooting the action. For some truly amazing derby photos I suggest you check out his site. Jim can usually be found at most LVRG bouts as well as covering Dutchland and other area teams.

Also on hand was a video crew from the Lehigh Valley Mirror, interviewing team members, fans and even yours truly. You can catch their show on RCN cable TV channel 4 and also online via their website. We’ll provide a link to the roller derby episode once it is available.

Now on to the bout action; I want to say although I stated in the headline that LVRG left hard flaccid after the bout, let’s make no mistake there’s nothing soft about this team. When last these two opponents squared off Lehigh Valley was the one needing Viagra after suffering a thrashing at the hands of Harrisburg and falling by a score of 161 to Harrisburg’s 211.

These ladies from our capital city mean business! One look at them and you’ll know it, they arrived at the IFFC with their games faces on. Sporting their trademark nuclear lime green uniforms with HARD written in a bold font along the side, they looked fresh and ready to take Lehigh Valley down the path to destruction once again.

If you were a betting person, the odds on favorite going into the bout would be Harrisburg. But if you were present during the three open scrimmages that Lehigh Valley held prior to the start of the season you would have seen how vastly improved this Lehigh Valley team is from last year. This match would not be a guaranteed win for HARD.

Promptly at 6pm the first whistle blew and the action began at a furious pace. Both teams came out of the gate with claws out. Fasten your seatbelts it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

Lehigh Valley put some digits on the scoreboard in the second jam of the bout courtesy of #47 Happy Feet. The numbers continued to climb in quick succession as Lauranimal, Vanilla CreamHer, and Roxxy Foxx all contributed points in their respective jams. Lehigh Valley’s team of blockers worked well to prevent Harrisburg’s jammers from gaining any ground. The bout was a shutout until the 10^th jam when #700 Skelly Bean was able to finally grab a point for Harrisburg.

Lehigh Valley continued to pile on the points with Harrisburg unable to do more than slowly chip away at the mounting deficit. Harrisburg fought hard to break through the pack; solid hits were thrown on both sides with rollergirls sliding into the fans seated in the suicide section on more than one occasion. Fortunately, and quite surprising, there were no major injuries especially considering the aggressive jousting between the teams.

Making an impressive debut as a first time Jammer for HARD was #3000 Mystery Violence Theatre, who was able to add substantially to Harrisburg’s point count. Unfortunately for Harrisburg the curtain came down on the first half with Lehigh Valley ahead by a score of 81-38. Other notable performers for Harrisburg were team Captain Rainbow’s Revenge, Co-Captain Neve Cannibal, Jammers Trixie 12 Guage and Merry Khaos.

During the halftime the skaters took a much needed break, coaches gave pep-talks and fans enjoyed the musical entertainment from the Bridge Street Bluegrass Band. The choice in live entertainment was certainly a departure from the harder rock acts that dominated last year’s LVRG halftime schedule. Fans could be seen knee slapping and “doe si doeing” across the neon speckled rink rug. Hats off to the bout production staff for their creative music booking.

Both teams had merchandise available for sale, and Lehigh Valley conducted their usual 50/50 raffle. Lehigh Valley introduced T-Shirts with bold new designs for 2012. Consider supporting the teams (home and visiting) by picking up a shirt or two. Generally T-Shirts are $15 from most teams.

The halftime melted away like an ice cream cone on hot asphalt and it was time to begin the second half.

Whatever pep-talk Harrisburg may have received, seemed to work as they adjusted their strategy and began to pile up points at a faster pace than during the first half. Both teams were playing rough and tumble. Rose Beef got a few solid shots in as did Chikki 6am early in the 2^nd half.

LVRG’s Lin Diesel, Loogie Vuitton (who also had a go around as lead jammer in the 2^nd half before winding up in the penalty box), Helen DaRink, Levelin Levi, Daisy Destructo, Phish Tahko and Hussy were all an effective barrier throughout the bout to maintain their lead over Harrisburg. This match also saw the welcome return to active skating by Minerva Steel.

While Harrisburg was ultimately unable to overcome Lehigh Valley this go around, they managed to slow down Lehigh Valley’s rate of points accumulation while narrowing the divide in the final score to within 19. Final Score: LVRG 155-136 HARD.

MVP’s were Lehigh Valley’s team Captain, Vanilla CreamHer and Harrisburg’s Co-Captain, Neve Cannibal. They were each awarded custom handcrafted trophies courtesy of the mega-talented Jamie Dean.

Joining Lehigh Valley’s resident announcing duo Shasty and Philly Cheezteak was guest announcer Max the Axe from Harrisburg. His commentary was a perfect complement to the home team’s announcing duo. Remember, your announcers know what’s going on so you don’t have to.

Harrisburg may have left the Valley on the losing end of this season opener; but rest assured they will regroup and place Lehigh Valley firmly in their crosshairs for their next face off.

Craving more Lehigh Valley roller derby action? Well, you’re in luck. This coming Saturday (April 14^th) the girls take on New Jersey’s own Garden State Iron Maidens at IFFC. Doors open at 5pm, First whistle at 6pm.

Follow us on Twitter! @thecornerseat

For more photos from LVRG vs. HARD check out our Flickr account. All photographs by Deb Boylan

Beef Stew: Post bout wrap up LVRG vs. HARD

Welcome to another edition of Beef Stew. Head Coach Rose Beef returns to weigh in on last Saturday’s bout against HARD (Harrisburg Area Roller Deby).

As anticipated with a packed house of screaming fans, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls (LVRG) brought an exciting season opening game to the track against Harrisburg Area Roller Derby’s (H.A.R.D.) Nuclear Knockouts this past Saturday.

The Lehigh Valley Hissy Fits took commanding control early in the first half, establishing a clear dominance that set the pace for the rest of the game. Veteran jammer, Vanilla CreamHer, along with second season jammers Lauranimal and Happy Feet, displayed exceptional focus and skill in racking up points to get LVRG an early lead in the first half of the game.

In the second half of the game, H.A.R.D. adjusted their approach and brought a more physically demanding game to the table.  However, their strategy change did not come without an answer from LVRG.  Heavy hitters Lin Diesel, Roxxy Fox and Levilin Levi responded to this intensified pressure from H.A.R.D. by strategically using their partnering skills to protect LVRG’s lead.  Overall, this season opener introduced and reflected LVRG’s new attitude towards strength, commitment, and teamwork.  The Lehigh Valley Rollergirls took home their first WFTDA sanctioned win against H.A.R.D. 155-136.

Looking ahead to the next game of the season, LVRG will be playing the Garden State Iron Bound Maidens on April 14th. Garden State has an unpredictability factor that LVRG will certainly need to respect.  LVRG has not played Garden State in a few years; however, the teams have bouted some of the same opponents during the 2011 season.

In the past, both teams have won against the opponents, yet the point spreads have been significantly different.  Pound for pound, both teams are equally matched in ability, experience, and strength.  The deciding factor for this game on April 14th will rely heavily on the quickness of the jammers and each team’s strategical play.

Get your tickets early; we are expecting another packed house for this exciting game against Garden State.

Rose Beef, A1

Head coach of the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls

Next up be sure to look for The Corner Seat’s thoughts on the bout against HARD. We will be posting action photos and providing our take on the 2012 Lehigh Valley Rollergirls team. You can expect to read this sometime on Friday or Saturday as we will be busy cheering on the Iron Pigs along with our good friends Noise Nation  at their season opener April 5^th. 

Don’t forget there’s still plenty of time to participate in the Starter’s Dine to Donate program. Dine to Donate runs from now through April 30^th at all three Starter’s locations, you must present the voucher upon receipt of your check and vouchers can be printed here.

Follow us on Twitter! @thecornerseat

Thank you for voting the Corner Seat best “Misfits: Defying Categorization” and third place overall in the Morning Call’s Best of the Blogs 2012 contest!

SAVE THE KALES!: New Half Hour Vegan Cooking/Lifestyle/Travel Show airs in May

Reblogged from Save the Kales!:

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Hey. You like watching things, right? Watch this:

Maybe The Law of Attraction is real after all.

Starting in May, Save the Kales! will be airing as a half hour television show of the same name. We’ll be cooking in a beautiful “studio” kitchen. We’ll be traveling to different locations (most in or around the Lehigh Valley) to meet the people and tour the places bringing plant-based food, and  sustainable and healthy living ideas to the masses.

Read more… 598 more words

Wonderful news about our dear friend, Jaime Karpovich. I highly recommend you check out her blog Save the Kales (vegan or carnivore, you'll certainly take something positive away by following her).

The Corner Seat wins award at Morning Call’s Best of the Blogs contest

It’s late so I’m going to keep this brief. I am honored and so very pleased to announce that The Corner Seat won an award last night at the My Choice Voice – Best Blogs of the Lehigh Valley awards ceremony held at Allentown’s symphony hall last night. We won in the Misfits: Defying Categorization section. Somehow I feel this is appropriate as I try to cover a broad range of topics in addition to my core subject of roller derby in the Lehigh Valley, specifically anything related to the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls.

It’s going to be a busy weekend with the Skindustry Expo and G-Child’s show at the Secret Art Space tonight. Saturday will find me in my own corner seat at the opening bout of the 2012 LVRG season. Then Sunday will find me parked in front of my computer trying to edit photos and sort out the weekend’s events for your viewing and reading enjoyment.

I’d like to congratulate all those who were nominated. I dislike saying there were winners because that also implies there were losers and that would not be the case in this instance. Each blog nominated is a winner in my eyes. There are so many great writers and creative types here in our little Valley and I am honored to know many of them personally. You, my fellow bloggers inspire me and broaden my horizons with each and every post. I try to read all of your work on a regular basis, you motivate me to become the best person I can be every day.

Thank you to my readers, friends, fellow bloggers and the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls for your support and enabling me to receive this award. It truly is a high point for me. I could never have done this without your help. You all hold a special place in my heart.

With that it’s time now to turn off the lights and bid you sweet dreams.

Morning Call to honor Valley bloggers at second annual My Choice Voice awards

The region’s bloggers will be getting out of their comfy clothes and into their Spring finery for the second annual Morning Call Best of the Blogs awards (also known as My Choice Voice). If you are a facebook friend or twitter follower of mine, you’ve probably had enough of my campaigning for your vote for The Corner Seat these past two weeks. Voting closed this past Sunday and the ballots have been tabulated; all that remains is the official proclamation of winners.

This year the crop of bloggers has grown tremendously and the stakes are high. Many quality blogs are vying for the coveted Morning Call designation as best of the Valley in their respective categories. Some excellent bloggers will walk away tomorrow evening with a framed certificate and bragging rights for the year. There will also be a link to each award winning blog on the Morning Call’s website. The exposure that a blogger can gain by being linked to the area’s largest newspaper is priceless.

Unfortunately due to sheer numbers not everyone will win an award, but that does not make those blogs any less worthy of your reading. We are lucky in the Valley to have a great deal of talented bloggers writing about a diverse range of topics. From political watchdogs, foodies and personal reflection, there is something for just about everyone’s taste.

The Corner Seat is excited and honored to have been nominated in three categories by our peers. We count many of the bloggers nominated amongst our friends and wish the best to all. I feel all of the nominees equally deserve recognition for their efforts. Well established blogs will be competing against promising newcomers and it is anyone’s guess which ones will bring home the cheese.

Win or lose, I am looking forward to seeing old friends and new at the awards ceremony which will be held tomorrow evening at Allentown’s Symphony Hall. The last time most of us assembled in one room was this past January when the Express Times Newspaper held a blogger networking/meet and greet session at Bethlehem’s Steelstacks. This session was an informative mix of social interaction and tips for reaching a larger audience.

The Lehigh Valley bloggers are a great group of people who share a collaborative rather than competitive mindset. If you are looking for interesting reading I suggest you browse through the blogroll on our homepage. New blogs are continuously being added as I discover them.

The 2^nd Annual My Choice Voice-Best of the Blogs Awards will be held at Allentown’s Symphony Hall Thursday, March 29^th at 7pm. For directions and parking information click here

Follow us on Twitter! @thecornerseat

It’s a secret: G-Child to perform show at Bethlehem’s Secret Art Space Friday, March 30

Packing 6 feet of swagger and attitude in her compact 4′ 11″ frame, Allentown’s own G-Child is slated to perform at the Secret Art Space located in Bethlehem’s Southside Friday, March 30, 2012. This will be G-Child’s first performance since last October. G-Child is scheduled to close out a bill that will include; Slightly Askew, Sunsets North, and We Are In Envelopes.

You may recall G-Child from VH-1′s White Rapper reality show, but she’s much more than your typical hip hop artist. If your only exposure to G-Child has been “as seen on TV” or in local clubs from years past, get ready to be knocked out like a rollergirl on the receiving end of a brutal hit. G-Child’s music and performance style have evolved since the 2007 airing of the show and she currently prefers to share the stage with punk/hardcore acts rather than be known strictly as a hip hop performer.

In between appearing at shows both locally and nationwide (she recently appeared at last year’s Gathering of the Juggalos), she is busy putting the final touches on her highly anticipated new album. Fans can anticipate seeing and hearing a lot more from G-Child in the near future.

Secret Art Space is located on Rink St between New and Vine. It’s so secret they don’t even have an address. Rumor has it you need to look for a green door.

Doors open at 7pm, the first band comes on at 7:30. G-Child will be hitting the stage at approximately 8:45pm.

It’s an alcohol free all ages show. There is a suggested donation at the door of $6-$8.

Follow us on Twitter! @thecornerseat

Skindustry Expo 2012: Tattoos, hot rods, rollergirls and live music

The 2012 Skindustry Expo is headed to Allentown’s Holiday Inn Conference Center for its 5^th annual installment. Those who have been to past expos know this is an event that is not to be missed. Over 100 acclaimed tattoo artists from around the world will be on hand showcasing their talent and inking loads of skin. All three event rooms have been booked by the Expo covering 10,000 square feet.

The Skindustry Expo, founded by Steve Lemak, owner of The Quillian Tattoo has enjoyed increasing attendance each year. All the artists from the Quillian will be in attendance as well as other notables such as Josh Woods from the recently aired Inkmaster tattoo reality competition and the Lehigh Valley’s own Alexis Uhl Kovacs who will also be featured on the upcoming tattoo competition show Best Ink which will be aired on the Oxygen network.

Alexis formerly of Allentown’s Art and Soul Studio, now has her own shop in Bethlehem called Electric Cheetah. In addition to tattoos Alexis specializes in permanent cosmetics. Check out her shop if you are in the area and be sure to schedule an appointment soon. I predict once her show hits the airwaves and the general public gets a look at her work, she’ll be booked up for a very long time.

Even if you aren’t interested in picking up some fresh ink, the Skindustry Expo is still a worthwhile destination for tattoo enthusiasts and the curious as well. You are guaranteed to meet interesting people and hear great live music. Featured musical performances will be by rockabilly sensations, The Ultra Kings and young reggae stylists, Trouble City All-Stars. I happened to catch the Trouble City All-Stars at MusikFest last year and they are a must see act, as are the Ultra Kings who regularly play Grumpy’s BBQ Roadhouse.

Fully healed tattoos will also be eligible to be entered in daily contests such as best color work, best black and grey and best traditional, to name just a sampling. Tattoo of the day will be judged from fresh tattoos inked at Skindustry. This is a correction from what I posted originally as I mentioned all tattoos inked during the convention were eligible for the contests.

I suggest if you are looking to get tattoos at the Expo that you bring cash, credit cards may or may not be accepted it will depend upon whether the artist is equipped with their own credit card processing terminal.

Best of all, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls will be making an appearance again this year. The girls have been a staple of the tattoo convention in years past and if you would like to meet them and have a photo opportunity with them I suggest you get there on Friday between 2-10pm. This will be their only appearance at this year’s convention. They will be busy March 31^th at their first bout of the 2012 season. Tickets for the season opener are still available and can be purchased here or better yet you can purchase the entire season here and never miss any of the hard hitting, body slamming action that is women’s flat track roller derby in the Lehigh Valley!

The Skindustry Expo runs from March 30^th to April 1^st and admission is $15 per day. If you are interested in booking time with a preferred artist; check out the list of participating artists on the Skindustry website and contact them in advance.

The Holiday Inn Conference Center is located at: 7736 Adrienne Dr, Breinigsville, PA 18031. For directions click here.

Follow us on Twitter! @thecornerseat

Vote for the Corner Seat in the Morning Call’s Best of the Blogs 2012