CornerShot: 'Pop' quiz

To submit a CornerShot

The Roanoke Times welcomes CornerShot submissions from its readers. Here are the guidelines:

Length: about 200 words
Topic: CornerShots can run the gamut, but we generally prefer unique and clever observations on the human experience.
No poetry, please.
Email your submission to extra@roanoke.com with your full name and hometown and “CornerShot” in the subject line. You can also mail submissions to Kathy Lu, CornerShot, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, VA 24010.
Submissions are subject to editing.

1. Britney Spears spotted at Lynchburg restaurant

2. One person injured in Friday night shooting in Roanoke

3. Roanoke resource officer's quick action saved young girl

4. East Carolina poses new challenge for Virginia Tech football

5. Lowe's tapes may hold clues to Roanoke woman's death

6. William Byrd stuns Salem in football win

7. Roanoke County electrical short quiets 5 Wheeler radio stations

8. Captive in Roanoke County describes harrowing time with angry friend

9. Concert review: Timeless Willie Nelson plays to appreciative crowd

10. History says this one will matter for Virginia Tech

Sunday, August 25, 2013

I turned the tables on my children this past Father's Day.

A week before the big day, I texted them that this year they were not to buy me any gifts, and, in fact, I had something to give to them.

When Father's Day arrived, so did they, but with big question marks nearly visible over their heads.

Once they were seated, I announced that it was time to find out just how much they really knew about Dear Ol' Dad.

I gave them a "pop" quiz.

The teacher in me had prepared a 10-question typewritten test paper, mounted on silver clipboards complete with newly sharpened No. 2 pencils.

I read each question aloud, giving them time to contemplate their answers.

There was the standard sighing and groaning, but I ignored all of their stall tactics.

When at last they gave up all hope of acing my exam, I had them switch papers for grading purposes. I handed out new red pens.

Some of the questions were simple, like, "What is my shoe size?" (11), which they both got correct. Others were more challenging, like, "What was the name of the band I was playing in when I met your mother?" (Fantasy), which they both missed.

In the end, my son outscored my daughter by a decent margin. She was a bit heart-broken, and vowed to be better prepared next time.

I knew from the start that I would be taking a risk of hurting my kids' feelings by making them take a test on such an important day.

But at least I graded on the curve.

- J. Ed Harris,
a reader in Roanoke

Saturday, September 14, 2013