I fell asleep in the dentist's chair yesterday. The dental hygienist was so gentle and pleasant I slipped into an afternoon snooze. After relating this slightly embarrassing story to WRAL colleague Brian Shrader, he remarked: "Why do dentists always ask you questions after they've filled your mouth full of drills and drainage tubes?"

Good question, Brian! This conversation sparked a discussion of perplexing questions. We have come up with a partial list. Please add to this collection today. Have fun!  Make us laugh on this rainy day!  

What are life's most perplexing questions?  For starters, here we go:

Why do planes have flotation devices under passenger seats instead of parachutes?

Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds?

If a cow laughed real hard, would milk come out her nose?

If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan?

If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights?

Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?

Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo?

You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes, why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance?

Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?

If someone invented instant water, what would they mix it with?

Why is there an expiration date on SOUR cream?

Why does flammable and inflammable mean the same thing?

Why is the word "abbreviate" so long?

What is another word for "thesaurus"?

Why do 'tug' boats push their barges?

Why do we sing 'Take me out to the ball game', when we are already there?

Why are there three interstate highways in Hawaii?

How do you know it's an ENDLESS LOOP?