Questions That Can Save Your Life!

I happened to catch a brief glimpse of an old Reader's Digest over the weekend. One of the articles highlighted on the cover was "10 Questions That Can Save Your Life!" I was intrigued. While flipping through the magazine to find the article, I was trying to guess what these questions could be; unfortunately, when I actually saw the article, I realized that I was quite off-base. Their questions were more about wheezing coughs and aneurisms and less about sharks and faulty brakes.

So while RD's questions may your life, if you remember to ask them while visiting your doctor, I bet my questions are not only more important, but more effective as well.

10. What do you think is making that hissing sound? Always an important question, because it could either be a snake or a natural gas leak–and if you're in your basement, it could be both!

9. Was he pointing at me? Whether you're on the street or in a bar, if you see some mean looking guys talking, and then point in your direction, it would behoove you to figure out who they were pointing at.

8. How long does it take a piano to fall five stories? This question is always better asked rhetorically, rather than, say, while looking up.

7. Is that one of those retractable toy knives? Always good to be sure before running.

6. Master-Blaster, why do you two work so well together? If you are asking this question, you have undoubtedly found yourself inside of the Thunderdome... which should prompt further life-saving questions.

5. How do you know if a shark is really hungry? This question could save your life, but you might be missing some body parts.

4. Is something behind me? Usually when you have to ask, there always is. I like to think that when I ask, someone is behind me holding a present or a milkshake.

3. Are the vice president and his daughter attending this Penguins game? If so, this can only lead to trouble... unless there is Belgian firefighter also in attendance.

2. If a train leaves Boston traveling at an average speed of 45mph, and a second train leaves Chicago traveling at an average speed of 58mph, how long until they collide? The answer will completely change, of course, if Steven Seagal is aboard one of those trains.

1. What did you say? It never hurts to ask, because it may have been important.