Indispensible?

What is the next "can't imagine how I ever lived without that" technology that is currently on the market (like the microwave, cell phone or pc)? Maybe GPS? Mobile internet? Maybe the new family locator applications for cell phones? The clapper?

Immature?

Is greater immaturity displayed in childish silliness or in looking down on those who engage in childish silliness and resisting hilarity for the sake of appearance? Which immaturity are you more likely to display?

New?

How long can a product or company claim to be new (a radio station where I live has been new for four years now)? Why is newness seen as something worth advertising anyways?

Energy?

Why is it that at the end of a road trip adults are exhausted and kids have enough excess energy to power a small city?

Pretending?

Do you ever pretend you understand someone because your confusion and their repeating themselves is beginning to get awkward? How much awkwardness can you tolerate before you cave in and act like you understand?

Limits?

What are the limits of questions in teaching? What are the boundaries for what questions can communicate and where they can lead?

Merely Functional?

How do you explain the functionality and beauty of our universe? In other words, why isn't the world around us simply functional and not beautiful? What is the purpose behind the beauty we see in nature?

Transition?

Is there a specific point in life where a person moves from being young foolish and naive to being wise, seasoned and mature? What kinds of experiences move a person through this transition? How is it that some people never seem to make this transition?

Bitter?

When my wife is out and watching my kids becomes an attempt to control chaos, should I bitterly wait for her to return home or reflect with thankfulness on the fact that she deals with this all day every day?

Life Preserver?

When you swim with your kids, do you ever feel like a human life preserver? Does anyone else enjoy providing safety but no so much the clawing hands and choking arms?

Paid to Play?

Is it morally questionable or less "pure" to get paid to do something you love? Have you ever had this feeling about your job?

Difficult?

Did you have as much trouble making it to the toilet in time as my kids do when you were their age (4 and 5 1/2)? What makes waking up, making your way to the bathroom, going in the toilet and other simple steps so difficult to master?

Statements?

Why make a statement when you can ask a question?

This question was asked by a friend of mine (the legendary Larry Brown) in the context of a discussion of effective teaching methods. That discussion was a significant factor in bringing me to start this blog. Thanks Larry.