IFS!!! I cannot believe this! :))

I have fabulous news. I was at home and my friend was over to visit. We were just talking, when my mom hands me the brand new issue of International Figure Skating magazine with Stéphane Lambiel on the cover. My reaction is, "Oh my god!!!!! It's Stéph! " My friend absolutely lovvvves Stéphane, so we were all excited to read his article.

I open the magazine and in the index there is this photo of Albena and Maxim. "Ahhhh!!! Jenn!!! Loooook!!! :mdr2:" I'm beyond excited, as IFS hardly ever writes a thing about them. My mom answers, "Oh yeah. There's something about a website in there. Amour & Magie... I think it was called. " I think my mouth just about fell open. "That's Lera's website!!!!!!!!!!!!! " Jenn looks as shocked as me, "What? No! You aren't serious!" My mom nods, "I think they even quote the administrator of the site. " hehe. "They quoted Lera???? Ahhh!!! We have to find this! "

The index says that the article is on page 44, so I flip through it really quickly. I find this 2-page long article, called "Heros in their Homeland". I say to Jenn, "I can read this later... We have to find the part about Lerka's website! " So, we go through the entire article and find nothing ... Well, not exactly nothing. Jenn found something she liked. "Max likes to ride jet skis? I like jet skis!! And he likes paintball? I like paint ball!!! " Umm... yeah... great, Jenn.

"Wheeeere is it? I say, completely disappointed . I hand the magazine to Jenn, "Can you find it? " Of course, Jenn finds the other article in a few seconds. (what would I do without her? ) Yes, there is another article. It's a half page article alllllll about the Amour and Magie website. It actually was making me and Jenn laugh, because the author had some "interesting" comments about all the stars on the website. Anyhow, they did quote you, sestrichka!!! And it was so cute! hehe.

But... to read the interview from IFS and the article about our website... You'll have to wait, until tonight for me to type them up!

Kisses
Lana

A half page about the website, That's amazing

rosee wrote:

A half page about the website, That's amazing

Yeah, it's really great!

Wow !!! That's great !!! Our Lerka is the best !!!!

Thank you very much Lana to write this page to us !!!

Lana wrote:

Yes, there is another article. It's a half page article alllllll about the Amour and Magie website. It actually was making me and Jenn laugh, because the author had some "interesting" comments about all the stars on the website. Anyhow, they did quote you, sestrichka!!! And it was so cute! hehe.

Woww.....really? I can't belive this....it's unreal, amazing!!
Lerochkaaaa!!!! I'm very proud of you!! That's amazing. Just brilliant news!!
It's a great surprise I wasn't expecting this. But it's wonderful.

Do they mention this stars -> What's so "interesting" about them? Ehh...Sorry...I want to know, i want to read the article, see the photos
But I'll wait patiently . Promise

And Lana, you are so sweet and kind to do this. It must be quite some work to type up the whole article. Thank you my dear I appreciate this a lot. And I'm sure everyone here too.
thanks...

A huuuuge, huge hug for you . and also flowers

Lana wrote!

Quote :

I have fabulous news. I was at home and my friend was over to visit. We were just talking, when my mom hands me the brand new issue of International Figure Skating magazine with Stéphane Lambiel on the cover. My reaction is, "Oh my god!!!!! It's Stéph! " My friend absolutely lovvvves Stéphane, so we were all excited to read his article.

I open the magazine and in the index there is this photo of Albena and Maxim. "Ahhhh!!! Jenn!!! Loooook!!! :mdr2:" I'm beyond excited, as IFS hardly ever writes a thing about them. My mom answers, "Oh yeah. There's something about a website in there. Amour & Magie... I think it was called. " I think my mouth just about fell open. :shock

DEAR!!!! THESE ARE SUPER WONDERFUL NEWS!!!

STEPH and ALBENA AND MAX!! In that wonderful magazine!!!

I am sooooo happy!!!

AND THEY TALK ABOUT THIS SITE!!!

I AM EVEN HAPPIER NOW!!!

Here is the first half of the article about them. The second half is more interesting I find, since we are past the intro. You will be able to read it very soon, I promise. So, enjoy!!! There will be more very soon.

Heroes in their Homeland
World Champions Denkova and Staviski will stay Eligible

By Kathleen Bangs

After claiming their first World ice dance title in Calgary earlier this year, Bulgaria’s Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski said they were seriously considering retiring, especially after finally succeeded in their decade-long effort to get to the top.
The nine-time Bulgarian champions have struggled through years of hardship including a serious injury that sidelined Denkova after an on-ice collision with another skater; a change of citizenship for Staviski; and a controversial goodbye to their longtime Russian coach Alexei Gorshkov, made public after the team announced they felt he no longer had their best interests at heart.
Leading up to the Torino Olympics, Denkova, 31, and Staviski, 28, had a solid season in 2003, when they took bronze at Worlds and silver at the European Championships, and again in 2004 when they won silver at both events. Those were their glory days when the duo, who have been an off-ice couple, since 2000, was beating Russian rivals Tatiana Navka and Roman Kostomarov with regularity. Many predicted Denkova and Staviski would be the favourites at the 2006 Winter Games.
Instead, they placed fifth at the 2005 World Figure Skating Championships, and fans worried that the team had perhaps already peaked. In Torino, they again finished fifth, but felt that placement did not reflect the team’s amazing passion on the ice and breathtaking speed.
“Torino was of course a disappointment for us because we knew we were good enough to medal, but it didn’t word out,” said Denkova. “Navka and Kostomarov were always our major competitors, and they won. However, we were proud of our performances because we always try to be innovative and daring. Ice dance is now a much more powerful sports, and the skaters are faster and stronger than ever before. We work hard to get our speed because we know that the power and energy captures the eyes of the audience and the judges.”
They became World champions in Calgary, but Staviski said the size of the rink actually hampered their skating. “We couldn’t show our best in Canada as the rink was smaller. It was narrower by 4 meters and that made it hard. To prepare we practiced on smaller ice for the two weeks leading up to the event, but it was still difficult to show all we’re capable of.”
Staviski recalled that at first he and Denkova were a bit surprised when they won the gold. “I should clarify that it was a surprise only because we had become so accustomed in the past to second place,” he said. “We fought hard to win over the judges, and it was quite difficult because there were a lot of strong couples. We definitely did not like our placements at the Olympics, so it was great to be able to achieve this victory only weeks later.”

Lana wrote:

Here is the first half of the article about them. The second half is more interesting I find, since we are past the intro. You will be able to read it very soon, I promise. So, enjoy!!! There will be more very soon.

Uhh.....
It's so nice to read this.

<- for Lana

alexandra wrote:

Uhh.....
It's so nice to read this.

<- for Lana

I'm so glad that you are enjoying reading it, Alex! And I'm almost done typing up the 2nd half!

Thanks Lana! :xxxxx: Are there any photo with the article?

And... here's Part 2. hehe. Happy reading! :study: Later on tonight, I can type up the article about the site.

Kisses
Lana

The nine-time national champions became nothing less than heroes in their home country of Bulgaria. “The past few years we have had good popularity at home with the journalists and with the public,” Denkova said. “On the street we are very recognized. But now after winning the World title, it has exploded. People stop to speak with us everywhere, and we have many offers to attend events and meet with dignitaries. We’ve also received awards and special citations from our president and the ministers of Parliament, and even from the mayor of our capital and home, Sofia.”
The team was truly honored when called upon to meet with high-level American dignitary Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. “When she stepped off her plane, it was overwhelming to Maxim and me,” Denkova said. “We just could not believe that we were representing the country of Bulgaria to such an important person. She said some very nice words about how much she liked our skating, that she enjoys our performances, and even asked if we would be competing next season.”
Asked if she were aware at the time that Rice was once a competitive figure skater, Denkova said, “At first we didn’t feel comfortable to meet with her, that as sportsmen it wasn’t really our place. Once our ambassador explained the secretary of state’s skating background and interest in the sport, we were very surprised and felt much more comfortable.”
At press time, Denkova and Staviski planned to return the United States by the end of the summer and resume training at the University of Delaware located in Newark. Denkova said she will be happy to be back. “I loved living in America last year. People ask if we ever get lonely, but the answer is no, partially because we are used to living in smaller and more rural areas,” she said. “For us, it is better because there are fewer distractions, not much to bother with, and that provides better results in the practices. Also, after living in Russia where the winters are so bad- as cold as minus 30- we appreciate the Delaware climate, especially the lack of snow.
“The laws are so much stricter in America, even the drivers have to be careful. Finally, Max had to slow down! Of course, he’s driving crazy again back here in Bulgaria and Russia, as if he’s trying to compensate for all that slow driving he had to endure last season,” added Denkova with a laugh.
Staviski said he enjoyed spending their time off during the summer doing any activity that is fast and on the water. “I love to take a catamaran out sailing or ride jet skis. Anything that moves and is a little extreme suits me the best,” he said. “I also like to go fishing, play paintball, you name it.”
For all fans, both old and new, Denkova offered, “What Maxim and I would both like to extend to the public is that when we skate, we’re out there for all people to appreciate. It’s not just about the medal, because the great reward is the love and attention of the audience. When we walk the streets of Sofia, we see faces light up, full of positive energy and smiles. That is truly the greatest reward for us.”
Staviski said that what makes his partner Denkova special on the ice is that she is a very good sportsman and a very good fighter. “She has a very rich soul inside and that’s what people see- her emotions,” he said. “All of this makes for a very good presentation to the audience.”
Asked what makes his skating so appreciated by fans and judges, Staviski laughed and said, “Ask Albena, because I am my own biggest critic. I did receive an award once from an Internet fan group. They voted me as their sexiest skater that year.”
Told that his Internet nickname involved the word “pocket” as in “small” (Staviski stands at only 5 feet 8 inches tall), he said, “Tell everybody- from me- size doesn’t matter, and finally, this year, not in ice dance.
“Really,” he said laughing, “not in anything.”

rosee wrote:

Thanks Lana! :xxxxx: Are there any photo with the article?

You're welcome, rosee. And yes, there were some photos with the article. There was one of them after receiving their World Gold medals, one of Adagio and one of their Latin OD. So nothing new, really... But under the photo of Adagio, it says, "The passionate ice dancers, who are also a couple off ice, are engaged." My friend's comment was, "What? Is there something you don't know, Lauren? "

Lana wrote:

Yes, there is another article. It's a half page article alllllll about the Amour and Magie website. It actually was making me and Jenn laugh, because the author had some "interesting" comments about all the stars on the website. Anyhow, they did quote you, sestrichka!!! And it was so cute! hehe.

OMG.. Lerka must go and do updates! Updates.. now!!! Lanochka.. darling, but why did they write about our website? They have a special topic about websites in IFS? As for all the stars I know some people don't like them I know! I have some friends who usually tell me: "Lerka! I love your site, but plllleeeeeeaaassseeeee delete all the stars!" Ohhh, anyway.. thank you sooo much, Lanochka, for the news!!!! I was a bit shocked and happy and ashamed when I read it! :xxxxx: :xxxxx: Thank you sooo much for typing it up for us!!! :xxxxx: :xxxxx: :xxxxx: :xxxxx: :xxxxx:

Quote :

"What? Is there something you don't know, Lauren? "

Aaaannnnddd?? Is there something, Laur?

Thank you, sestrichka, for wonderful news!!! Lerka runs away and starts thinking about some updates..

Lera wrote!
Lanochka.. darling, but why did they write about our website? They have a special topic about websites in IFS? Lera, this is just wonderful!!!

We are all proud of you!! BESOS!!!

*MAGic diable* wrote:

OMG.. Lerka must go and do updates! Updates.. now!!! Lanochka.. darling, but why did they write about our website? They have a special topic about websites in IFS?

They actually do.

Lerka wrote:

OMG.. Lerka must go and do updates! Updates.. now!!! Lanochka.. darling, but why did they write about our website? They have a special topic about websites in IFS? As for all the stars I know some people don't like them I know! I have some friends who usually tell me: "Lerka! I love your site, but plllleeeeeeaaassseeeee delete all the stars!" Ohhh, anyway.. thank you sooo much, Lanochka, for the news!!!! I was a bit shocked and happy and ashamed when I read it! :xxxxx: :xxxxx: Thank you sooo much for typing it up for us!!! :xxxxx: :xxxxx: :xxxxx: :xxxxx: :xxxxx:

Lerkaaaaa, you must calm down.
Yes, there is a special page for websites in IFS. It's called "On the Web", I think. They "evaluate" about 2-3 websites every issue. And in this one, it was your website and a fan site for Timothy Goebel. Umm... yeah. The IFS writer doesn't like your stars, sestrichka. I was telling Jenn, "They can't say that! Those stars are so... Lerka-ish! " But you can't take everything in an article like this seriously. It's just someone's opinion.

Quote :

Quote :

"What? Is there something you don't know, Lauren? "

Aaaannnnddd?? Is there something, Laur?

Probably. Isn't there always?

Quote :

Thank you, sestrichka, for wonderful news!!! Lerka runs away and starts thinking about some updates..

Anytime, sestrichka!!!! :xxxxx: Lerochka runs away to delete the stars? hehe. I'll type up the article about the website riiiiight now.

Kisses
Lana

Before I type this up... I have one very important thing to say.
I love Lerochka's stars.
There. hehe.

Bulgarian Rhapsody
by Audrey Snowden

The 2006 World ice dance champions have an official website, Albena Denkova & Maxim Staviski: Amour & Magie (albena-maxim.narod.ru/eng.html), which is simultaneously charming and annoying. At the bottom of the front page, the webmaster apologizes for the site's halting English, "But I just write on it, because there are so many fans of this duet who don't understand Russian! So ... it's for you!"
The true main site is in Russian, but making the content available to the English-reading fans is a wonderful service, by reaching out to the team's many fans the world over. This goodwill is pervasive throughout the site, which makes it easier to stomach the interminable load time and the tons of blinking stars adorning each page. Users may need to wait for a page to load, then hit the refresh button as some of the last items don't display properly the first time around.
A news section is only updated to the results of the 2006 World Championships, but it's a more useful section than the guestbook (for most IFS readers, anyway), which is in Russian. "About Us" gives the team's origins in the skaters' own words. "Videos" contains an assortment of clips covering training, interviews, competitive programs and exhibitions. The links look active, but I did not have great success in getting many of them to work.
"Moscow-2005" gives an indignant recap of the end of the 2005 competitive season for Denkova and Staviski. This is definitely worth a read, and for users who aren't all that familiar with Bulgaria: the "Our Country" section offers photos, maps and easily digested information that is highly recommended.
"Our Links" offers a selection of links, some relating to Denkova and Staviski, some relating to skating in general. These vary in terms of their quality and currency; one Denkova and Staviski website looked quite promising, but was updated last in 2003. For users with patience and high-speed Internet connections, Amour & Magie will provide a great deal of entertainment. For those with dial-up: forget it.

...

See, some negative and some positive, Lerochka? Besides, publicity is always good publicity.

Kisses :xxxxx:

Maria wrote:

THANKS , DEAR LANA FOR TELLING AND SHARING THIS WITH US! AND THANKS FOR TRANSLATING THIS WONDERFUL ARTICLE!

I didn't actually have to translate the article. IFS is an American skating magazine. Still, I'm glad you are enjoying it, Maria!

If anyone wants, I can try to get the photos of AM and the ones of Stéph Lambiel scanned for you. There's about 6 brand new photos of Stéph, which are absolutely adorable. I just knoooow that Bea wants to see them. hehe.

:xxxxx:

Thank you, thank you, thank you......
It's a good article. I think that the magazine speaks quite nicely about our dear couple and it seems that we found out something.
Huh...engaged?! This is...wow....Congratulations!! I really think they are both very interesting and beautiful persons (inside and outside), so having found eachother is the best thing that could have happend to them (finding eachother was the best thing for them -> uhh..to many verbs and tenses..me confused). I'm sure they feel very powerful together, both on ice and off-ice.
Ah, reading this article made me remember so many sweet things and feelings. It's always wonderful to read about them, especially when reading encouraging and positive articles.

Thank you my dear Lana Ah..I will miss all this when away. Especially cause I'll be away all the season but I'll try to be here as often as possible. I'll miss you

Lerochka, I agree with Lana. Any kind of publicity is good publicty. And in the same time every presentation has to have its good and bad parts. I think that the article is in your favour Do you realise that like this, so many others will know Albena and Maxim better? Do you realise that like this they will learn more about them, Bulgaria, the sport..and in the same time they will know you? All this is amazing!! I'm really proud of you. I'm proud that you did this. You worked hard...Sweet hug and kiss!!

For everything ->

Lana wrote:

If anyone wants, I can try to get the photos of AM and the ones of Stéph Lambiel scanned for you.

Oh please. I would apreciate this a lot.
Photos, photos, photos!!

Thank you Lana !!!

About the article, yes, some negative things, and some positive... But it's a publicity, it's good that they write about Lerka's website ! (and the stars are very beautiful ! )

What do you think about that Val ?

Lana wrote:

Before I type this up... I have one very important thing to say.
I love Lerochka's stars.
There. hehe.

Ohhh, sestrichka.. Thank you!!! You are.. you are so Lerka-ish! :xxxxx: my darling twin! But.. today I've made a decision.. I've started to make a new design. I'll consult Albena and Max and.. I'll inform you! I don't know why, but I love the stars.. they shine so brightly.. just like Albena and Maxim I hope that our site will be ok soon! I don't only hope, I'll do my best!

Quote :

Bulgarian Rhapsody
by Audrey Snowden

The 2006 World ice dance champions have an official website, Albena Denkova & Maxim Staviski: Amour & Magie (albena-maxim.narod.ru/eng.html), which is simultaneously charming and annoying.

Ohhh look! We are charming! Actually, I do like the beginning.. And I agree with you all - publicity is always good publicity! Albena worried about the fact that some people didn't know about the site - if they had an official or they didn't have any. She always told: "Erm.. maybe.. more publicity?" And I always answered: "Erm.. maybe.. not?" I always wanted to improve the site first, to make it better, to make all the video clips work for eveyone.. and so on.. but I had never had enough time even during summer vacations.. And now.. publicity left me behind. I have had a huuuge jolt. It's good! Thank you, Audrey Snowden! And, of course, thank you so much, Lanchiik!!!!!!!!!

Quote :

A news section is only updated to the results of the 2006 World Championships, but it's a more useful section than the guestbook (for most IFS readers, anyway), which is in Russian.

Not true. About the GB. It's not in Russian! it was in english and now it's mostly in bulgarian!

Quote :

For users with patience and high-speed Internet connections, Amour & Magie will provide a great deal of entertainment. For those with dial-up: forget it.

ok, ok! Thank you!!!

.

sestrichka wrote:

...

See, some negative and some positive, Lerochka? Besides, publicity is always good publicity.

Yes, Laur! I really enjoyed the article! Thank you so much for typing it up Criticism is always good and publicity + criticism is just perfect!
Sorry.. now I'm going to bed. I have to go. Classes.. training.. tomorrow..
see you! Kisses

Marina wrote:

Thank you Lana !!!

About the article, yes, some negative things, and some positive... But it's a publicity, it's good that they write about Lerka's website ! (and the stars are very beautiful ! )

What do you think about that Val ?

Yes, of course, it's good! And if they decided to write about Amour & Magie, so.. it was not super terrible.. I hope And one more time - it was a wonderful jolt for me to work more and.. now! I was too lazy recently! And I should not!
biz

*MAGic diable* wrote:

Albena worried about the fact that some people didn't know about the site - if they had an official or they didn't have any. She always told: "Erm.. maybe.. more publicity?" And I always answered: "Erm.. maybe.. not?"

I think if I had made a website, I'd be shy about publicity, too, but if it's going to be their official website, people really do need to see it.

I think it's good that you might change it a little. Of course it's very good now, but change can be good for anything.