Kalistani Major History

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10 Questions with... William Ananto-Flores
Future Emperor a "natural" in front of comedy audience
Sulari, Suldanor
October 8, 5240


William Ananto-Flores charms audience and answers sometimes very personal questions

Comedy talk show "The Real News" with host Philomena Dogaughnuk hosted the Crown Prince, Grand Duke William Ananto-Flores last night and the show was both highly rated and highly praised across the Empire. The future monarch, who is rather animated and feels comfortable in front of television cameras, has charmed the nation over the last year, and his personal popularity is already high.

"You're a natural, Sire," said Dogaughnuk, who fought with royal custom and courtesy while the Prince simply waved it off. "Please, dear. don't be so formal. "Your royal highness, Crown Prince Bill will do." a remark obviously played for laughs, was his response. "No seriously, Bill is fine. I am not a museum piece, yet."

While on set, Ananto-Flores, now 20, played a game that is a regular segment on the show, called "10 Questions with..." In the segment, the host will ask rather bizarre questions, mixed in with some general interest questions. Ananto-Flores was asked about his favorite subjects in school, (International relations theory), whether he had a girlfriend ("I see lots of women actually," said Ananto-Flores. "Mostly in the cafeteria, when I am serving them food, but there are a lot of women in my classes too. Oh you mean socially? Why are you interested?") and who his favorite band is ("Its this really great hiphop act who came up from Baltusia a few years back called Tap Roots. They are primarily in Yoshimi and Sulari right now, but they I think just signed a deal with probably ARC I think and are putting out a record in the spring. Cool guys..."). But he was also asked the typically bizarre questions that the segment is known for.

P(hilomena) D(oganghnuk): How many times have you rage quit while playing the game Dungeons and Dragons?
A(nanto-Flores): I'm sorry... what game is that?
PD: Dungeons and Dragons... Have you ever played it?
A: No, I don't think I ever... uh...
PD: Well, take my word for it, it is a cool game. So. If you could be any class in Dungeons and Dragons, why would you be a vampiric Bard?
A: A what?

PD: Alright, here's an easy one.
A: Good. I am ready for an easy one.
PD: What is the terminal velocity of an object 24 inches across, 12 inches wide, and weighing 295 pounds?
A: Hmmm... You do know I study political science right?
PD: I suppose you had better answer, Your... uh... royal... um studiousness. You are a college student
A: Well... What is my drag coefficient?
PD: uhhh... Standard?
A: OK... Well, carry the 2...
PD: of course...
A: I'd say roughly 1592 feet per second.
PD: Did you just come up with a number or something?
A: I could show you my work, but I would have to kill you then... so...
PD: Naturally...

PD: Have you ever dressed in women's clothing?
A: What kind of a question is this?
PD: One you agreed to answer...
A: You mean not for a movie?

and

PD: Are you aware that when you clean out a vacuum cleaner you become a vacuum cleaner?
A: Did you know that there are cookies and bacon, and you cook bacon and bake cookies?
PD: I was aware of that yes...

The Crown Prince also was asked semi-normal questions about his life. He mentioned that he was doing well in school, maintaining a solid B average, "Which," he added, "was not too bad, but I feel sorry for teachers who were told to give me better grades..." as he dragged an outstretched finger across his neck. He also recently joined the Drama Club, where he will be acting in a small role in the fall play to be put on this December. "It's about a man who has three daughters, each of which are plotting to kill him for his inheritance, but each of which plan to cut the others completely out of the will... I play the mailman..." to which the crowd laughed. "I know. I was in 5 movies before I was 18 and a television show that ran for 4 years, and they gave me 5 lines..." but then later admitted that he asked for a small role because he wanted to be part of the production, but didn't have a lot of time to dedicate to a larger part.

Most importantly, Ananto-Flores stated that he had recently begun attending Brethrenist meetings in Kaliburg. "I grew up in a Meeting, but got away from it when I started acting," said Ananto-Flores. "I was like, 'Oh, this is the family's thing... these people never talk so I sort of feel like I'm not getting much at the meetings..." so I stopped going for a long time. But my Friend Jana invited me to come back to the meeting and I find it is a great experience where I can just quiet my mind... And the Brethren don't do titles or any of that. At the meetings I am 'Friend' or 'Bill'. It's good to get away from all the extra stuff."

Overall, the episode was a hit, primarily among the 16-22 demographic. The weekly program originally aired on KRTVN 3, the nation's tv channel which specializes in comic television and movies, last Tuesday night, and has re-run twice since then. The Prince's constant public presence and easygoing manner is winning most Kalistanis to him, and ensuring that William will be the most popular monarch coming into office since the restoration of the Crown half a century ago. His participation in public activities is highly encouraged by the current Emperor, David I Ananto, and is seen as valuable training on the level of meeting dignitaries of foreign nations. "The new incoming Prime Minister is passing my grandfather's advice along to me, but much of it is kind of weird..." said Ananto-Flores. "... Stuff like always make sure that the second duke of whatever is not seated closer to you than this other duke... Like it doesn't make any sense out of context, but I'll be sure next time I am getting a cheeseburger at 'La Vaca Loca' I'll make sure that some old duke gets to sit closer to me, or whatever. But other than that, The Emperor, I think wishes he had spent more time visiting with the People, but he just never did, so I am trying to be a different kind of person than him, not trashing him or anything, just saying, he has good qualities that I will learn, and others... which I will avoid..."

The Crown Prince finished the interview, which stretched into two segments of the show, and bid the cheering and standing audience a fond goodbye. The host wished him farewell and said "Don't be a stranger, you are welcome here any time." to which he smiled and said he would love to come back.