These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

Disorderly Conduct

Due to its disorderly nature, speed roller skating was not considered a legitimate sport. This caused the International Skating Union of America to form in 1907 as a response, which lasted for two decades. The organization worked to establish rules, condemn rough play, and organize championship races.

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The More You Know

  • There's a word for tapping someone on the opposite shoulder from behind to fool them.
  • Nearly 15 percent of Los Angeles is used as a parking lot.
  • The Nobel Committee declined to award the Nobel Peace Prize in 1948 because "there was no suitable living candidate." This was meant as tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated earlier that year without receiving the Prize.
  • In the late 1600s, London was plagued by an attacker who would spank his victims with a rod and shout "Spanko!" before running away.
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