Ms./Mr. HOL Interviews
Rorey Padfoot (Hufflepuff)
Throughout the competition we have seen many very talented contestants. I was lucky enough to get a hold of almost every one of the Ravenclaw competitors for a brief interview on how they have felt during the competition so far. I was able to talk with Niniel Sanders, Prof. Cassandra Sparkleissa Lobiesk, Finn Cullen, and the ever lovely Kyrie Adderholt. Unfortunately Adelline Adridge, was called away, rumor has it something to do with an exploding toilet?
What made you decide to run for Ms./Mr. Ravenclaw or let alone Mr. HOL?
Finn – I actually cannot remember when I made the decision or what motivated me. The chances are it was simply the instinct to show off. Finn is the biggest show off in the world and this looked like a competition that would allow that to happen in a variety of ways.
Niniel - I love participating in various competitions and activities around HOL. Mostly because the tasks that are asked in them are a lot of fun and creates a whole lot of activity. I thought what I had seen of the contents of the competition looked like they were great fun and it seemed very well planned. So I thought it would be a lot of fun to participate. Of course as the rounds progressed it became more and more fun to see if I might be able to actually win in the end. The main attraction though was to be able to have fun with the different rounds.
Prof. Cassie – The topic of the contest actually came around during the Miss Universe pageant over the summer. I remember Ryan Granger saying something about a Miss Ravenclaw or some such, and then BAM, the idea hit like wildfire. Except, of course, it became HOL-wide, which seems like a better venue.
Kyrie – I actually wasn’t going to enter because of how busy I was with school and other HOL things, but one morning (I was heavily drugged on flu medication) Pavel Lagrange talked me into it somehow. It’s entirely his fault.
Have you enjoyed the competition so far?
Finn – Very much so, I like to have fun at HOL (what is the point otherwise) so I’ve enjoyed the chance to play things with a light touch – a little tongue in cheek.
Niniel – Oh yes very much. I think most of the tasks have been very interesting and fun to do. Particularly the practical ones – The ones where something had to be created rather than answers given to questions. I enjoyed those most of all.
Prof. Cassie – Oh, definitely! All four tasks were enjoyable, and I don’t regret having to change anything I did, regardless of scores or votes. I do thank people for the kind words, though sometimes I did wish I had more criticism. I enjoyed heckling those who hated my comical Comic Sans font usage.
Kyrie - Yes, it’s been a lot of fun seeing what everyone came up with for the different rounds.
What has been your favorite Round?
Finn – Strangely it was round three. You’ll find out why I say “strangely” when you get to the next question. I enjoyed creating my website which I did over the course of one morning when I really should have been busy doing something serious. I wasn’t in a serious mood though, and I think that shows. I had a lot of fun with it.
Niniel – Probably the last one where we had to pick a dress. I loved finding patterns and creating the dress I would have wanted for a Barbie doll. It took a lot of time (I was rushing to finish it in the end) but I loved doing it. I have even gotten interested in making more clothes now that I have some left over fabrics.
Prof. Cassie – Easily the website creation one. Once I saw the task for Round 3, I pretty much did most of my graphics design on the same night. I was just THAT excited!
Kyrie – Probably the round where we got to design a website about ourselves. I had a great time working on mine. I also really enjoyed the “live” round on irc. It was interesting to see how different people stood out when they only had 30 seconds to think of an answer instead of a week.
What Round have you struggled with? if any?
Finn – Round three… Despite the fun I had making the website I was a little bit daunted at talking about my ‘community service’ at HOL. I managed to pad it out quite entertainingly but to be honest all I really do at HOL is roleplay, contribute to the Library prompts and snark at people who are being more than usually… Well you know. More than usually. However I made it through the round so either my explanations made sense or I managed to get away with it due to a combination of blarney and good fortune.
Niniel – Probably the second one, showing HOL unity. The idea didn’t come to me immediately and I think it was still not the best it could have been. I lacked the inspiration to make something truly awesome for that part.
Prof. Cassie – Struggle? Moi? Never! Although, which one I almost didn’t have time for? Definitely the last round, as I was so heavily sucked into doing other things that it pushed the Miss HOL contest out of my list of priorities.
Kyrie – I really wasn’t sure what to do for the Unity round. I didn’t think of anything until the day it was due!
Did you think when starting this you would be in the top 14?
Finn – Yep. I wouldn’t have entered if I didn’t think I could go the distance. See the answer to question one: “biggest show off in the world”.
Niniel – Hm. I certainly did hope it, but I wasn’t sure at all. There are many talented people in the bunch after all. I really did hope though and I put a lot of effort into making it from one round to another. After all when you’re voted out you don’t get to have fun creating stuff for the next round.
Prof. Cassie – When I get asked similar questions like this one, I tend to think about Tyra Banks and her famous America’s Next Top Model phrase: “Wanna be on top?” Then I start humming and, if I’m walking, I strut. Anyway, I digress.
With the level of talent we had on HOL, it was going to swing either way for me, considering these types of contests are subjective, and I’m pretty sure not everyone gets the same kind of humor, etc. So while I’m amused that I made the top 14, I can’t say whether or not I expected it. I’m merely here for as long as they’d let me compete!
Kyrie – Haha, no, I didn’t think I would be in the top 14. Especially after the first couple of rounds where the judges definitely didn’t like my entries. I was shocked to make it to the top 14.
Who do you consider to be your biggest competition? (of any house)
Finn – I honestly don’t know. I was rather staggered at the quality of some of the contributions by certain competitors that made me feel rather humbled and that is a rare thing. It will be a tough competition, which of course makes it all worthwhile.
Niniel – It would very much depend on what for. If it is for Miss House I would say Adelline Aldridge because she is the closest to me in points. If we are talking about Miss HOL I would definitely say Ronja Liek. Her submissions are awesome and she is able to add a humour that I would find difficult to put in my submissions. She has many points and in this last round our submissions are not that different in quality.
Prof. Cassie – That dratted Cosmo Brown! *shakes fist at Cosmo* Though, honestly, the way all of the contestants do things, it’s hard to compare myself to anyone. We each have our own unique takes on the contest.
Kyrie – That’s really hard to say because there were a lot of talented people (some of which didn’t even make it to the finals!). However, I will say that the Lobiesk was as fierce as ever.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Finn – I have fans? I think you’re thinking of the other Cullen (and please see my website for my response in detail to any ideas about assuming any connection with Sparkly Eddie the Emo Leech). I’m not sure I would know what to do with fans. Devoted followers, yes. I could handle those. And to those I say, patience brothers and sisters, the time is nearly at hand when we shall rise, RISE I tell you, and sweep away all opposition.
Niniel - Heh, I’m still not convinced I have those, but if there are any out there I would like to tell them I am honoured. There are many good choices in this competition and that you picked me as your favourite really is an honour to me. You make me smile.
Prof. Cassie – Do not worry about the penguiny wrath when you didn’t vote for me. I grant you my forgiveness. And I suppose I still love you sometimes. On a good day. A very VERY good day. Oh, and peace, y’all.
Kyrie – I would like to say thanks to everyone who voted for me! It really meant a lot to me. Also, you will all be receiving waffles after the competition is over and Alexia Riaper is preparing all of her interpretive dances for you. If you haven’t given her a song yet, please do, so she doesn’t use New Divide by Linkin’ Park constantly.
Would you like to give your predictions for the Ms. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin?
Finn – Nope. I am not so foolish as to put my nose into that particular wasp’s nest. I have my own suspicions who will do well, but if I go on record and then get them wrong… Well my devoted followers would lose all faith in me.
Niniel - Like.. well, it’s a difficult prediction to make and there is a rather big possibility of being wrong, so ehm.. Like to? Not really
Will I? Yes!
Miss Gryffindor: Ronja Liek
Miss Hufflepuff: Cosmo Brown
Miss Ravenclaw: Niniel Sanders
Miss Slytherin: Megaera Selwyn
I have to believe in myself, don’t I?
It is a very close run in Ravenclaw though and it could just as easily tip to Adelline Aldridge, or Finn Cullen. I would not be surprised if any of these three win in Ravenclaw.
Prof. Cassie – Hmm…as predictions go (though not necessarily who I voted for), I suppose Ronja for Gryffindor, Addy for Ravenclaw, Cosmo for Hufflepuff, and Meg for Slytherin.
Kyrie – Well, I think Ms. Hufflepuff will be Cosmo Brown. She’s done excellent in every round so far. I think Ms. Ravenclaw will be Addy Aldridge who has also done well every round. I think Gryffindor is too close to call. As for Slytherin, while I love the other 2 finalists, I hope Mr. Slytherin is Kent Avery. He has been my favorite for several rounds in a row now. Plus, for a newbie to make it this far is very impressive. He has had some amazing entries despite what the scores may show.
I found it fun that even though I interviewed them separately that a lot of their answers were very similar. I wanted to thank all of the interviewees for taking the time of answering my questions!
Note: This interview was held before the winner(s) was announced.
