Tepes - Manager
Tepes is pronounced: zepPESH. It's Romanian, a nickname of Count Vlad Dracul from vampire history. The name means "The Impaler". I tend to keep most of my private life private. Questions concerning this group, or about Alexei Yagudin, I will do my best to answer. My birthday: Oct. 31, 1980. (No, I'm not kidding). I am Bipolar and an Agoraphobe, among other things. If I'm manic, I post more. If I'm in depression, it might take me longer to respond to posts or emails. That goes for updates on the group, too. I am a Goth. Some people wonder, therefore, how I ended up a fan of figure skating. I blame my mother. She got me into Scott Hamilton. Alexei caught my attention at an important moment and made a huge difference in my life. I keep this group up and running in his honor, and largely only for him. I enjoy pretentious long words, as you may have ascertained. I am born and bred in the briar patch of Houston, Texas, USA, and therefore enjoy calling members of the female gender Darlin', or refer to them collectively as ladies. (If that offends, I'll apologize here, but it's intended as "Southern Charm", not as a sexist remark, I promise). I am a fan of psychology and sociology, and figuring out what makes people tick in general. I write poetry, and now and then might share some here. I am a noted war-monger who supports our troops, but I don't really identify with any existing political platform. I enjoy discussing touchy subjects like politics, WWII, and social issues. I am reportedly talented at giving advice, and I am not easy to shock. I'm told I have a decent sense of humor. I hope that's true. So... That's me. See you on the boards!
AnonRommel - Asst. Manager
I've lived in Houston, TX, USA, since second grade, so I guess I can claim to be a Texan now. My main goal is to write (books, poetry). History is a major interest also. I would love to transform my reams of poetry into a book someday, too. I am a fan of language in general, and enjoy poking about with the ones I don't know at all, such as Russian and Latin. I am still trying passionately to learn German (verb conjugation and sentence order are kicking my butt) but the rest is coming along slowly. I vaguely recall some of my high school French (basically, I can ask my sister to pass the salt). If they invent that machine from The Matrix, I'll be happy to be able to instantly know at least 15 languages.Until then, I'll stick to struggling with German. I first heard of Alexei Yagudin at the Olympics in 2002. I was watching for others, but Alexei simply took my breath away. When I asked the question, "Who IS this guy?" I just kept being amazed by him the more I learned and saw. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I ritually ignore my birthday in September because I'm too busy planning for Halloween. In October and November, I habitually attend the Texas Renaissance Festival.
Gypsy-Janet - Asst. Manager
I am a real live gypsy. I am half Romanian (Fathers family), and the other half of my heritage, it is mostly French Cnadian. My many intersts include: Lake Superior, History of Lighthouses and Shipwrecks (and the haunting tales of both), Music ~ all kinds (I have been singing in front of people for most of my life), Figure Skating (Yagudin, Abt, Plushenko & Weir), Hockey, Reading Writing, Cooking, Sketching, Photography, Nature, Wolves (my spirit animal), Reptiles (all kinds), Romania (where my heart is) & Russia. As for figure skating & Alexei... He first really caught my attention at the 2002 Olympics, and I was hooked. He had such power, it was amazing. I have been lucky enough to see him live on several occations and there is nothing like it.
Valjean - Asst. Manager
Valjean is just a contraction of Valerie Jean - nothing really to do with "Les Miserables", though I DO like that show - lol. I hale from the very center of the U.S. (about 10 miles from the official geographic marker denoting same) near St. Louis, MO. I'm a sometime artist and former teacher. I've done some dabbling in costuming, set design, museum conservation and journalism. I love plants, especially herbs, and could be classified as a tree-hugger. I'm also interested in different religions and spiritual beliefs, as well as sacred geography (back to the tree-hugging!) I'm a long-time fan of figure skating, but had been unaware of recent happenings due to my committment to caring for a ailing/aging parent. But catching a glimpse of Alexei in a practice skate for the 2002 Olympics changed all that. I have great admiration for his athleticism, his artistry, his artist's soul (for lack of a better description!) and his generosity in sharing all that with his fans. He has really changed my life, and all for the better! I look forward to watching his continuing growth. Gooooo, Alexei!
Atlas - Asst. Manager
Bio? Not really in2 that. But W wants it, so here goes. I met W in high school, & he's kept me entertained this entire time. My username is derived from my love of a book by Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged. I am an anarchist by nature. B4 the question is asked, yes, I know how 2 spell. I'm just 2 lazy 2 bother & it slows down my typing. If my posts read like Russian primers, I'll apologize, but I won't change. Don't fret, U'R not alone - it drives W batty 2. If U want facts on this thing, I'm not in2 facts in public places. I know nothing much bout skaters Byond what W has shown me. That may make some of U wonder why I'm here. I'm just helping @ times when W can't, & I can give him his email when he can't get online, Bcause I'm his roomie. Other than that, I've assigned myself 2 the Sgt. of Arms job. As the resident knuckle-dragger, I'm pretty good @ it. So far, I C my extracurricular duties as a combo of Doorman & Bouncer. I'm a very gracious doorman, & a very effective bouncer. Feel free 2 hail me, I can B friendly, 2. Atlas, or Sven, either moniker works.
