Ask Alexis: 20 Questions with our Executive Editor

In her final issue, we ask Alexis Kleinman ’12, Executive Editor for Street, to answer every question we’ve ever wanted to ask her.

What’s the most cunning thing you’ve done in your career at the ‘Prince’ to win the position that you’re in today?

Legally, I’m not allowed to divulge that information. I wouldn’t say “win,” though, so much as “steal.”

What is your best memory from working as the Executive Editor for Street?

I will always have great memories of running around the newsroom getting everyone there to help us write the week’s “Top 10.” It’s so fun to bother the other sections, and we are all inevitably in hysterics by the end of the list.

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever done? Were you ever some place you weren’t supposed to be being ridiculous?

Like George Clooney, I’m a notorious prankster. Last week, my friend and I ate a few clementines in Firestone and threw the peels at our friends who were studying on the floor below. Food in the library? Throwing things? You never know what to expect from me, but you can be guaranteed that it’ll be rowdy.

You can eat just one food for the rest of your life. What is it?

Cheese. Definitely cheese. There’s just so much variety.

You’re having dinner with Kanye West. Conversation topics?

Persian rugs, gold-plated dolphins and the future of Libya.

You are jumping off a diving board into a pool. What is your pool filled with?

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

Pudding.

As Executive Editor for Street, what are the stress levels like? How do you manage editing Street with all your other work, especially since you’re a senior?

My stress levels are moderate. Being an editor is difficult, particularly when I’m also working on my thesis. We spend at least eight hours in the newsroom every Wednesday on top of everything else we do outside of the newsroom. I’m super lucky that I have such amazing associate editors who help me get everything done.

What are your thoughts on people complaining about bad reviews of their shows in Street?

As someone who has been involved with the theater community, I totally understand that it hurts when you get a bad review. Even though I obviously take the reviews we print seriously, you have to remember that each review only represents one person’s opinion of the show.

What inspired you to get involved with Street? How did you end up in the executive editor position?

During my freshman year, my friend from high school, Naomi Nix ’10, was an editor for Street. I had a crazy experience during CA where I ended up in the hospital. She heard about it and asked me to write an article for the frosh week issue. After that, I just kept writing! As time went on, I wrote more and more regularly and spent more time in the newsroom helping out. Before I knew it, I was executive editor. It’s all gone by so fast.

What is your favorite place to party?

It’s really exclusive. You probably haven’t heard of it.

How did you become so boss?

I listen to a lot of Tom Jones and get eight hours of sleep a night.

If you had your own special kingdom, what would it be called? What would your kingdom be like, and how would you treat your subjects?

I already do. It’s called the Street Section. I like to believe that I treat my subjects (staffers) with silliness and respect. My favorite tactics for getting them to do what I want are bribery and over-the-top threats. If I tell the staffers that I’ll rip their shinbones out and beat them with them if they don’t get their articles in on time, they get that I’m serious without getting too serious.

What’s your desert island album?

Paul Anka, “Rock Swings.” You haven’t lived until you’ve heard his cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

With whom would you be most ecstatic to ChatRoulette?

Oprah. But not for the reasons you expect.

If you could punch any U.S. president in the face, who would you punch, and why?

Millard Fillmore. He knows what he did.

Had you been one of the little piggies, what would you have built your house out of, and why?

I’d build it out of other little piggies so the wolf would get his fill of them before he ever got to me.

What three words least describe you? What three words do you wish described you?

Quiet, boring, serious. Mysterious, majestic, able-to-fly.

Thoughts on Zooey Deschanel?

Weird speaking voice, luscious hair, good comedic timing. All in all, I’m a fan.

What inspires you to be funny?

I’m funny to combat the crippling pain that I feel inside. Also, to make people laugh. I love to laugh.

What do you find funny?

Irreverence, really good and really bad impressions, people who are bad at rapping but try to rap battle, animals dressed like humans and certain types of puns.

Street love,

Alexis

Alexis Kleinman is a senior who knows it all. She can be reached at akleinma@princeton.edu.