How Investigative Journalists are Created

Herewith, some highlights of the conversation that began with Son saying: Mom. I have to interview someone in the family for a school project, and I choose you.

• Can you spell that? Actually, can you write it out?


• Okay, (stroking imaginary beard), are there any other examples you'd like to give?


• Wow. that IS an interesting detail. Are you done, or do you have more?


• About you, Mom. Not the country. It's an interview about a person, not a place.


• I'm practicing my note-taking skills.


• Oh, man! I put "cats" under "talents" instead of "likes"!


• Why is "mothering" a talent?


• I can put "plump"? really? you don't mind that?