These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

Revival Attempts

Throughout the 1970s until the 1990s, several attempts were made to revive the sport. The only one that saw minor success was the International Roller Skating League (IRSL), which ran for just over a decade from 1977 to 1987. The IRSL faced a constant battle for TV support as games like baseball and football grew in popularity. Eventually, contracts were dropped in favor of broadcasting the latter.

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The More You Know

  • The Guinness brewery supported all of it's employees who chose to fight in WW1. They were paid half of their wages while away, and their jobs were guaranteed upon their return. The brewery also sent them care packages containing chocolate and condensed milk.
  • Nearly 15 percent of Los Angeles is used as a parking lot.
  • It costs the U.S. Mint almost twice as much to mint each penny and nickel as the coins are actually worth. Taxpayers lost over $100 million in 2013 just through the coins being made.
  • Mattel once tried to sue Aqua over their song "Barbie Girl". The judge literally told them to "chill".
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