Marie Mon Dieu » Big Big Question

Shiny Low User Number

209

Marie Mon Dieu's profile

Registered since: 2007-12-01 04:07:04

Website: http://marieinmaine.com/whoopiepiesandlobster/

What's the story?

I'm a 44 year old woman living in beautiful Portland, Maine. Currently working at home as a researcher/writer. I'm into reading, writing, painting, music and cooking. Married to a great guy who is a hypnotherapist and part-time ballet teacher. We share the same birthday, 11/11, and we are exactly 11 years apart. So he can't forget my birthday.

Posts by Marie Mon Dieu:

Who is the Bad Guy/Girl?, 29 Mar 2008 in bigbig& entertainment
Would you change your birth place?, 23 Mar 2008 in bigbig& culture& sociology
What if you could leave your body at will?, 01 Feb 2008 in bigbig& ethics& metaphysics
Would you pull the plug?, 11 Jan 2008 in bigbig& death& ethics& medicine

Comments by Marie Mon Dieu:

Cell phone carriers

2008-05-07 13:11:27: I use AT&T, formerly Cingular. I switched from US Crapular. We got some amazingly high bills from US Cellular and I went to the store. The manager was a dick, and I don't use that word lightly. He'd gotten my husband to sign a new agreement when he got me ...

What is a metauniverse?

2008-04-28 15:52:19: I see it as more like Horton Hears a Who, and they are infinite universes within each other.

What's it like to feel attractive?

2008-04-20 14:44:31: Grumblebee, if you read any number of interviews with pretty people who are famous, a lot of them had self doubts about their looks and continue to do so - in fact, look at all the Oscar winners and they are not all gorgeous people, they are talented people. And ...
2008-04-19 07:57:48: I've had different times in my life where I've felt attractive. It feels good to know you look the best you can. When you're dressed up in that perfect outfit, hair done just right, and you know you look great, it feels wonderful. Times I've felt unattractive have been when I've ...

Is Alex Millard just a totally awesome guy?

2008-04-11 07:43:12: I heard that Alex Millard invented the internet. And that he can change himself into a Samoyed at will. This was how we won the Cold War, due to Alex spying on the Russians as a Samoyed. After that was won, that was when he got bored and invented the ...

Mankind and Womankind

2008-04-10 11:04:44: And I'm sorry I tried to imitate Erma Bombeck very badly. I will shut up now.
2008-04-10 09:33:46: Sorry if it came off that way, Mike. I get along great with most guys and my husband in particular. I don't care if he likes Rambo, I was just asking why it seems most men like that stuff (my misperception). I also think a lot of so-called gender differences ...
2008-04-10 03:17:04: Men: many of us women were raised to take care of others. That does not mean we like doing it all the time. Also, just shutting off the nurture conditioning doesn’t work for a lot of us. So when you say, “just say no,” or “ why do you let ...

Paper or plastic?

2008-04-08 14:52:22: Plastic. I use them again for many things, including kitty waste. I used them to pack my snacks for my bus trip to the MeFi meet-up this past weekend, for instance (what fun! Cortex we did a shoutout to you!). I have a brightly-colored cloth sack in the kitchen to ...

The art of ugliness?

2008-04-04 08:19:18: I'd say those black and white photos (can't think of anyone photographer off the top of my head), which are close-ups on what we'd consider very ugly people, but the photographer has managed to turn them into something beautiful. Also, what's repulsive to one person may not be to another. I ...

What is your least favorite kind of sick?

2008-04-01 14:08:10: Stomach flu. I had it so bad once I was unable to move for a couple of days except for the bathroom. After 2 days, I finally staggered to the kitchen and made lemonade and it was the best thing I'd ever tasted in my life (and kept down).

Who is the Bad Guy/Girl?

2008-03-29 13:04:56: She only has visions about Big World Events. She thinks they are from God, or something else (working title is "God's Messenger," sort of like a modern day Kassandra). And thanks for your input: I forgot to say that whomever comes up with the winning villain will be written in ...
2008-03-31 03:28:03: Really great ideas so far! I've decided to upload the story to GoogleDocs if anyone wants to read it for clarity. It's a draft, however, please keep that in mind. I'll wait and see if there are more answers/input for about a week before I continue. Thanks to anyone who's answered ...

The one thing you'd save from a fire?

2008-03-22 09:21:08: My purse. I'd need my debit card to get a hotel room. It also contains my paper address book, which I'd hate to lose. I'd miss my stuff animals, tho'. I have a monkey, a dinosaur and a walking chattering baby pterodactyl. The laptop would be nice but I have all my ...

Will spam get worse before it gets better?

2008-03-20 18:22:37: I love my Gmail spamfilter. I've been using the internets since er, Tymnet in 1987 and well, before spam, there was (paper) junk mail and TV commercials. Before that there was snakeoil. A fool and his money are soon parted, as they say, so if one wants to buy spam ...

What were you going to be when you grew up?

2008-03-19 02:08:26: When I was young, I used to creep downstairs and watch Johnny Carson over my Dad's shoulders. One night, he interviewed a famous author (I can't remember who), and I decided I was going to write a bestselling book and become a guest on the Johnny Carson show. When Johnny Carson ...

What's the worst thing you've read lately?

2008-03-14 07:42:26: Had to be Keeper of the Heart, by Johanna Lindsey. I like to read fluffy romance novels to take my mind off things, but I like really good fluffy romance novels. This one was a sequel to one I'd read (and groaned about) previously. I don't really pay much attention when ...

How does it make sense to say that I pay taxes?

2008-03-12 07:20:02: Instead of from a modern point of view, perhaps you could look at it from an historical point of view, Grumblebee. Years ago, people were heavily taxed on say, tea, for instance. They had no choice whether the tax money went to fund a king's house or his latest war endeavor. Now, ...
2008-03-12 08:04:25: Yep, I think you're right, Grumblebee. It is not "mine," because I never saw it. The thought that more of it could have been mine to have a better lifestyle is probably what gets my dander (and many other people's) up. Of course, I could avoid all this if I went ...

What were you meant to be?

2008-03-10 12:59:28: I'd have been a magpie. I love rocks, jewelry, colorful socks, and sometimes I buy things just because they're shiny and sparkly. I was on the phone with my daughter yesterday and she expressed a wish for some fairy wings for her toddler. "Fairy wings? I have some in my closet, ...

To Infinity...

2008-03-06 09:37:45: No, but I know a few people I'd like to send.

9/11 Music

2008-03-07 18:39:03: I don't remember any music. I just remember driving the next day. I was in the far Chicago 'burbs, driving west, and there were no planes in the sky. It was creepy. Even creepier, riding along with my girlfriends a day later, because they wanted to see the military plane ...

Advice that's worse than worthless?

2008-03-03 11:36:05: "Bangs will look great on you!" from a hairdresser. They did not look great. I looked like a poodle. Then I got my hair caught in a curling iron trying to straighten them.

Metapost: how y'all doing?

2008-03-02 05:38:44: I've been busy setting up a new blog. Also just got thrown another project, which, if you checked your email, I asked you about because you know so much about project-type stuff. But that's okay, *sob*, I'll figure it out on my own.

We hate Mondays: value in shared suffering?

2008-03-03 12:25:46: I was waiting to see what others said about this, because I set my own hours. That means I could be up at 10:30 on a Sunday night working on a project, but reading BBQ on a Monday afternoon. Sometimes I start my work day at 5:00 a.m. and go ...

How has art changed the world?

2008-02-23 06:05:27: The first thing that came to mind was the German Expressionist movement. It changed the world in both art and film. The vampire theme can be seen in real life, such as people romanticizing vampires through dress and creating a sub-culture based on vampires. Also, movies like Pay It Forward have created ...

A Naked World?

2008-02-21 16:54:00: I got a Desmond Morris flash there, thinking that I, as a constant shopper/looker, am adorning myself for whatever societal female purpose there might be. In reality, I have more than enough clothes to keep me warm here in the lower tundra (I am trying not to whine, since it ...

Why is pop stardom such a clusterfuck?

2008-02-19 07:54:46: I was just watching a show called Rock Star Wives the other day. The husbands, all famous rock stars, said it was unbelievable how when they were on the road, people were offering them drugs all the time, women would hide out in their bus, women would hit on them ...

Whence your personal language peeves?

2008-02-15 15:26:59: Argh, neck instead of "next" on a grammar question! Neck tie I will do a grammar check and attempt to spell names properly.
2008-02-15 12:23:47: It throws me off to see "loose" used in place of "lose." FellinBlank, it might be fun to buy a pentacle necklace and paint your nails black neck time you have a check-up scheduled. Or write, "Satan Rules" on your knuckles with black pen.

Why does cannibalism get such a bad rap?

2008-02-14 12:10:44: Specifically, eating a human brain can be a bad idea. Don't mess with prions, man. More on cannibal history here. This one gives definitions of the various forms of cannibalism and is an easier read, with a bibliography at the end. I suspect the revulsion could be from people not wishing to believe ...

How would people communicate in Postapocalyta?

2008-02-12 11:59:11: Oh yeah, HAMs are eccentric all right. I used to be one before I let my license expire (Technician Class, but they’ve changed the rules since then). I think everyone should at least know SOS in Morse Code. I say that now but all I can remember is dit, dit-dah, dah...dah-dah, ...

What if smoking was banned?

2008-02-12 07:43:31: FelliniBlank is absolutely right. I would not want to be a cop trying to enforce a smoking ban on private property, especially in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the north woods of Wisconsin. Not that there are that many cops per square mile around there. I think it would ...

What's holding you back?

2008-02-16 05:04:55: Right now I have a bad case of cabin fever. It's seriously wigging me out to the point that I was looking up the price of airfare to Florida last night. Overall, nothing is holding me back except my bad attitude. Someday would like a bigger place, which we're working on. ...

O Fowl Intersection!

2008-02-11 04:47:12: (Note: you did say elaborate, so here goes) He was a free range chicken, I do know that much. I was bent over in the ditch, scrabbling for roots and grubs. When I felt his hot breath on my neck, I shot out my arm and grabbed him. I shook him down, ...

Should (and would) libraries filter public holodeck content?

2008-02-05 18:21:03: My library allows one hour access to the computers. I assume a Holodeck would be distracting to other patrons. So Bill Gates, et al, would be SOL, because don't most libraries require people to be fairly quiet? Or is it something like this? If so, I'd still think the screen ...
2008-02-05 19:21:46: Alrighty then. 18 and older, whatever they want. Minors, no. Too bad, so sad. I wouldn't object to this in an educational environment, such as seeing how the Pilgrims lived or your regular museum/National Geographic stuff (like story time led by a librarian). But to play Grand Theft Auto, no. Not ...

Is writing by hand doomed?

2008-02-05 18:53:36: Looking at the legal pad with my hours and notes, and the little notepads with my hours and other notes before I transferred them to the legal pad, and the notes I take by hand, I'd say "no." I like to write some things out by hand (lists, etc.) and I ...

What would you do if you didn't have to work?

2008-02-02 11:10:30: First of all, I’d buy my husband an iPhone and that super-thin Mac that fits in an envelope, because he really, really wants them and it would make him happy. Second, we’d buy a house near or on Mt. Desert Island. A few extra rooms for office space, bigger kitchen, guest ...
2008-02-03 09:19:26: I was thinking $50-$75K per year. I could get a house in the Bar Harbor area for anywhere from $150K to $300K (forget the million dollar properties). I'd go for something in between and get a 30 year fixed rate mortgage. Then I'd escrow the taxes and insurance and have ...

How do you make difficult decisions?

2008-01-30 05:13:46: Part fact-checking, part intuition, and part talking it out with friends and family. Helps if they’ve been through it or know someone who has, so I can gauge the possible outcome. If it’s something medical, getting a second or even third opinion. If it’s a major purchase, saying “no” automatically ...

Meta thread: weekend Big Big Questions?

2008-01-28 18:05:21: Dying: Why must we? If we were dead, we couldn't talk about being dead, could we? Why should we make things more or less uncomfortable? Let the questions stand for themselves.

Is there freedom in not having money?

2008-01-28 17:35:21: I think not having money pushes you to be more creative and resourceful, actually. Going to a party? Put together a smashing outfit on less than $20. I can do it. Have to save money on groceries and eat veg? Learn a new cooking style and discover how to make curry. I quit ...

Respecting speech while respecting death?

2008-01-23 18:54:27: In various contexts? It’s rude to speak ill of the dead, period. The only “context” here is anonymity. Perhaps context should be replaced with “consequence.” There is very little consequence for any disrespectful statement regarding a dead person on Metafilter. There is a bigger consequence for speaking ill of the ...

What wastes your time?

2008-01-23 20:22:50: 1. Domestic chores. The older I get, the more I resent the constant cycle of cleaning. I think it’s magnified because I work out of the house, so it’s hard to ignore dustbunnies that appear out of nowhere when I just swept yesterday. Fortunately my husband is willing to pitch ...

Worst way to go: decapitated by a giant lion's head in the fireplace.

2008-01-21 05:53:44: [I keep seeing “4 Answers!” at the top of the comments, but only 3 answers below. Is the fourth one the ghost’s answer?] In any case, I can’t go anywhere without my purse. I could be convinced to leave it behind if I could share the dime bag. After all, it’s ...

What's the biggest animal you can kill with a slingshot?

2008-01-18 14:40:06: I was thinking of Ayla in Clan of the Cave Bears. She had a spear slingshot , didn’t she? So for survival purposes, I’d be looting a slingshot store and making one of these. That sucker looks like it could bring down a very large mammal.

Are we turning into our parents?

2008-01-18 07:48:43: I have some things in common with my parents: love of music, children, animals and nature. I’m a little more adventurous, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending on the outcome. Think there are some generational differences, especially in regards to double standards between men and women. I’m ...

University or Metafilter? MetaUniversity? MetaUniverse?

2008-01-17 06:49:37: I think it’s definitely possible to acquire solid knowledge through internet discussions. Perhaps someone who specializes in a field will recommend a list of reference books, or might know the latest breakthroughs in the real world vs. academia. Also nothing beats real world experience (i.e., someone who has run a ...

What is the most ridiculous thing you've ever snuck into a movie theater?

2008-01-12 15:22:18: The most I ever snuck in was Twizzlers and homemade popcorn. I did used to think about saving the drink cups for those places that have free refills and sneaking those in the next time.

Would you pull the plug?

2008-01-10 06:00:13: The doctors say there is very little chance of your family member lasting beyond 3 months. They offer you the option of turning off life support. Would you do it?
2008-01-12 07:20:35: Yes, please, someone ask a happy question. This reminds me of the time I auditioned for an operetta with a song from Chorus Line. Except then I was allowed to slink off the stage into darkness. But I have lived up to my resolution to think less quite nicely.
2008-01-23 21:00:30: I feel I should clarify one point: it is indeed realistic to expect this situation in real life, FelliniBlank, because I did it 20 years ago when my 31-year-old brother was in a coma and in real life, the doctors said he didn't have a chance but we could decide ...

Who should be allowed to immigrate to your country?

2008-01-09 13:45:36: I agree with Canada, very fair. They have a better sense of humor, too. Very witty and dry. No clue how to address American immigration issues, it seems people are always pointing fingers at lower class migrants (which was being done to their ancestors in the not too distant past). I ...

When and how will humanity end?

2008-01-04 16:48:43: I vote super bacteria or virus.

Is the philosophy of eugenics morally reprehensible?

2008-01-07 13:43:25: The history of eugenics is based on “science” from the 1800’s. But you’re right, people are struggling with these issues today, especially now that we have the ability to do genetic testing. Take a look at the DNA Interactive site. Under “Chronicle,” there is section called “Eugenics Today,” where you can ...

I'd hit that

2008-01-05 19:56:57: Put LSD into the coffee filters of one or more of the major TRACON centers (O'Hare, Potomac, NY). Most places have coffee supplies delivered so it would be easy to make friends with the delivery guy and switch out his filters for mine. I'd also make sure some of these filters ...

Where's the personal responsibility line?

2008-01-03 18:21:33: We just had a massive debate on the email list that I moderate about this subject, particularly healthcare. I think the term “personal responsibility,” as it is used today, is the conservative buzzword for cutting out entitlement programs (i.e., the TANF act). Personally, I believe privatized programs work a lot ...
2008-01-03 18:44:23: I meant town meeting, der.

Happy 2008! So about those resolutions...

2008-01-01 06:07:33: Spend less time thinking and more time doing. [Mental note: see if Nike will pay me to walk around with a temporary tatoo of their logo on my forehead] Incidentally, Meatbomb, I have a friend who just got back from India and now he’s thinking about retiring there because it’s so ...

What is belief?

2007-12-30 09:04:11: I think that’s why people go to church or pray on a regular basis, to reinforce that feeling. And yes, I know many people who believe that they will see their loved ones in Heaven. I also know people who believe they’ve lived past lives. I think these beliefs help ...
2007-12-30 15:53:00: I'm confused. Are we talking about the definition of belief or existentialism? Is it religious belief or belief in all things? Obviously you can look up the definition of belief and everyone has beliefs inherent from the way they were raised. So I'm really confused as to what the question is ...
2007-12-30 18:03:24: I thought you were asking how does belief feel. So maybe I used a wrong analogy with love. I certainly do think there's a difference between physical observation and imaginative supposition. I can prove to you that New Zealand exists. I'm not sure about black holes, it's been a long time ...

Could you lead a double life?

2007-12-30 08:08:24: I could totally see being a corporate spy. I’ve worked for enough major corporations to see how easy it would be to walk out with documents, disks, mail something via the Post Office, etc. I’d also scope out the employees’ local watering hole and strike up conversations about how crappy ...

Can religions fight over a soul?

2007-12-29 06:33:21: It would be nice if all religions started their teachings with a rule of “respect others’ beliefs,” wouldn’t it? Personally, I don’t believe any one religion has more “stickiness” than any other. As far as the children being baptized in secret, the only way to address that is through direct communication ...

What didn't you get?

2007-12-25 09:44:07: We decided to get each other one nice gift apiece and get family and friends gifts with the rest of our budget. I had a choice between an iPod Nano and a digital camera. I picked the camera, because it would allow me to express my creativity more (I think ...

From Tribalism to Pet Rocks

2007-12-25 04:47:39: Credit cards, genetically modified crops, 80's fashion.

If you could travel in time, what year would you go to?

2007-12-23 16:57:41: I'd like to go back to the early 1900's and party with the folks from the whole Dada movement. In Paris. I didn't know this until I started reading more about it, but I might have a chance to meet my husband's grandfather. That would be cool, because he died a ...

Would you rather be respected or loved?

2007-12-21 10:30:10: I wouldn’t want loveless personal relationships, but neither would I want relationships where people don’t respect me, as in dbl’s example. If we’re talking about the general population or people I’m working with, obviously respect. I don’t need to be adored by everyone and I certainly don’t want people walking all ...

What would convince you to leave them?

2007-12-21 07:33:35: If it were something that was personally fulfilling and would leave us set for life, my husband would be the first to push me out the door. Say, for instance, I went back to school for art or botany, and turned out to be a wunderkind. Then I was offered a ...

Do you (want to) believe?

2007-12-20 06:35:36: I think aliens are the product of our imaginations. They’re a modern day version of demons and angels. We would have to go out and find them, and even then, it would be a crapshoot. But this question did remind of this rather creepy science fiction book.

How would you want to live forever?

2007-12-18 14:23:53: I'd like to be a Goddess with my immortality bestowed upon me by another God or Goddess. Then I could capriciously interfere in other people's lives, thwarting mean people and helping the innocent. Then I remembered Baba Yaga. It would be almost way cooler to live in a house that moved ...

Sexism assumed?

2007-12-16 11:00:54: My answer is “no.” No, I do not assume someone is sexist unless they repeatedly and blatantly make offensive sexist remarks. You might want to reframe your question or provide more clarification.

What are you always recommending?

2007-12-14 10:50:35: American Science & Surplus is a good place to find cool and off-the-wall items. Lustau East India Solera sherry is awesome. Resale shops: St. Vincent de Paul is the best I've found. I've gotten designer suits for $2, men's shirts for 50 cents, and a like-new London Fog trenchcoat, complete with lining, ...

What are the implications of Shaq's bigger brother in the NFL?

2007-12-13 18:30:08: Well, I'm sorry it took me so long to come up with an answer, because I'm still looking at trying to come up with answers on previous questions and frankly, I'd rather read Metafilter on Sundays when my husband is watching the Patriots beat the crap out of whoever. But ...

What's the weirdest thing you've ever heard of?

2007-12-12 15:32:23: How about the Oregon Vortex? That is pretty weird.

Where's Your Jesus Now?

2007-12-10 20:51:22: I'd be willing to believe in Divine Intervention if something big and unusual happened, like bullets turning into flowers. It would be pretty difficult to photoshop that.

Metapost: Let's Talk About New Features.

2007-12-09 12:38:39: I was just thinking The Backyard, myself. Very cool so far, thanks! Are there going to be any guidelines for posting questions or open-ended right now?
2007-12-13 19:44:25: From a user standpoint, I definitely see more value in separating the front page Big Big questions from the user-posted questions. Right now they are all in the same archival directory. Something that annoys me is seeing recent comments without reference. If I were new user coming here, I'd want to ...

Can I lie on my tombstone? About what?

2007-12-08 09:27:50: I think it depends on whether you can get the engraver to do it and whether the cemetery will allow it. This Boston Globe article from 2005 talks mostly about engraving offensive or garish pictures on headstones, but toward the end it talks about people requesting pictures of their loved ...

Who's the big threat in a suddenly hyper-intelligent animal kingdom?

2007-12-07 07:05:02: I think raccoons would be excellent at guerilla warfare. They are extremely adaptable, eat anything, thrive in most climates, and have some sort of manual dexterity. Plus they are nocturnal so they could steal a cache of grenades and lob them at us while we're sleeping. After all the terror, ...

Who is the Kevin Bacon of music?

2007-12-05 15:27:36: My first guesstimate was Willie Nelson. He's done enough collaborations that would connect him to others.
2007-12-05 20:07:46: I couldn't find any such database cross-referencing everyone an artist has worked with. I did find a partial listing of the people Willie Nelson has worked with at CD Universe. They list this at the bottom of each artist search and you can click through, scroll down, and find more ...

How would you be saved from the icy grip of space-death?

2007-12-02 20:22:47: First of all, I'd be caught by the Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man. Lightly and gently. Second of all, I'd be on the Dark Side. So I'd immediately corner the market on Vitamin D. A year later, I'd be on the light side. But I've had already cornered the market on sunscreen and light-filtering ...

How could a Ron Paul win the 2008 US Presidential election?

2007-12-17 06:20:52: Something would have to happen to the opposition. They would have to drop out, be attacked by a severe scandal, or become seriously ill. So say, Mitt has a sex scandal, Rudy has a heart attack, McCain slips on a banana, and uh, Huckabee decides to give it all up ...
2007-12-17 18:17:41: What if the underdog was Dennis Kucinich?

How much damage can the internet sustain and stay functional?

2008-01-03 03:53:11: I am not a whiz either, but I found this article pertaining to something called “denial of service” attacks. I guess these have been around a while but I’ve never heard of them before. My first initial thought was a virus or a worm. I remember when the Melissa virus struck ...

How (where, when, why) would you start your own country?

2007-12-15 17:08:48: I wanted Cheesecakeland, but that also has already been done. More info on how to play the create-your-own-nation game here. My Cheesecakeland would contain a variety of wide people.

What happens when the planet explodes?

2007-12-22 10:21:19: Say there was a guy who discovered some ancient radioactive goo while spelunking in a cave as a Boy Scout. Then he put it into golf balls and they became scientifically enhanced, hitting far and true no matter who used them. He made millions and went on to become Vice ...