I always add some off-the-wall questions to my exams for bonus points. Today's exam was no exception, and here they are:

If your mother’s brother’s son is your cousin, what relation is your mother’s brother’s only sister’s father to you?

What World War II general was later elected to the American Presidency?

What Civil War General was later elected to the American Presidency?

What Revolutionary War general was elected to the American Presidency?


Most of the people got the first one, but did you know that Roosevelt was a WWII general? And Andrew Jackson a Civil War general?

These kids are mostly freshmen, and it's my understanding that a course in American History is mandatory in high school.

I was telling my across-the-hall colleague, and he told me that last year a history major (where two semesters of American history are a requirement) showed a similar lack of knowledge on the comprehensive exam.

At any rate I have a bunch of exams to grade over the weekend, not to mention paperlets. Hooray. And the weather is so nice and cool that (for once) I'd rather be outside doing yard work.

This afternoon I "made groceries," so that's taken care of. I did not get into any discussions of raccoon tastes in pet food today. I did, however, find a nice sweater to add to my collection. The shirt I wore today got a comment from the department secretary that she had one just like it. We have learned that we shop at the same exclusive boutique. The name starts with a W.

And I hope to finish The Devil's Right Hand this evening.