Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with island

Is it realistic to ask to move to Rhode Island?

Arch1 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:36:32 -0800

May need to ask spouse to move to RI. He's a teacher; anyone able to help provide some insight? Husband teaches six grade at "Nerdvana" in MN. My very good job (both in terms of financial remuneration and satisfaction) is heading to Providence, specifically Woonsocket, RI. I believe his teaching certification would transfer-- he has a Master's-- but realities may be different. Any mefites have info on teaching in RI or nearby areas/states in driving distance? If it would help to have the detail: he's taught classical education model (including logic, Singaporean math, Beowulf) with tremendous success for five years, as well has having years with regular classrooms.

Answers will help me determine if I should even be considering this. Thanks!

Use a freestanding grill in an outdoor kitchen island?

monkeybutt — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:10:08 -0800

Use a freestanding grill in an outdoor kitchen island? We are in the process of designing an outdoor kitchen area on a budget. Readymade drop-in stainless grills are a fortune....thousands of dollars. Now I fully realize that these things are *designed* to be used within an enclosure and have the appropriate insulation around their bases to prevent problems (read: fires).....

However, if one were so inclined (and careful) would it be possible to repurpose a freestanding grill as a built-in? My thinking would involve creating a shelf out of firebrick, which would sit on a foundation of cinderblocks. The surround of the gril would be likewise framed in firebrick and given an appropriate amount of space from the sides/back to prevent any buildup of heat (this would be tested beforehand with the operating grill). The remainder of the island will be covered in 1" ceramic tile.

Does anybody have any experience or technical insights on such an endeavour? For sure there are other considerations: the underside of the freestanding grill might include some features that require open air returns to feed the burners, etc etc.... But I'm thinking i could save a couple thousand dollars on this if i could engineer an island that was both safe and pretty.

Thoughts?

Long Island rocketship?

Morrigan — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:10:55 -0800

Inspired by this question, I'd like to determine what playground I loved to be taken to in the late 1960s, early 1970s on Long Island, probably in Nassau County. The most salient feature was a climb-on rocket ship. Was it at Jones Beach?

Treasure Island -- Which One?

rahnefan — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:41:42 -0800

Which edition of Treasure Island was this? This was the 70s but I don't know when it was published. It was almost certainly abridged for children, and gorgeously illustrated.

Strangely, some of the illustrations were fairly bloody as I recall. IIRC, all were full color. Maybe the most telling one had an awkward perspective or something so that it accidentally looked like one of those nautical pulleys (or whatever it is?) appeared at the end of a character's arm or leg? I think I remember a character being pinned to a mast with a knife? And having a bloody bandage on his head later on, during a gunfight? There was one of the black spot (in Billy Bones' hand?). I've seen Wyeth illustrations online, and it wasn't that one.

Where to host 90th birthday party for 30 people near Providence, RI?

boulder20something — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:18:38 -0800

Where to host 90th birthday party for 30 people near Providence, RI? Hosting a 90th birthday party for my grandmother during Columbus Day weekend. The family all leaves in SE Mass and Northern RI, so we'd like to have something in that area. I am looking for a venue that would hold 30 people comfortably, either brunch or dinner. Relatively inexpensive, thinking $25/pp not including booze. I am from Colorado so I am having a hard time finding a place without any knowledge of the area... Any thoughts/ideas?? Thanks so much!

Any clue what old science film this is?

arathorn — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:56:16 -0800

I'm trying to track down an old science film that chronicled the creation of a new volcanic island in the North Sea that formed over the period of several months. The film depicted the rapid creation of sandy beaches and then showed how quickly animal life migrated from nearby islands. Sorry, not much to go by, but any ideas on what the name of this film might be?

I am looking to make a clean break and move to a New England island

Anonymous — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:17:45 -0800

I am looking to make a clean break and move to a New England island, somewhere suitably remote but suitably -- by my standards -- liveable. I have reached a point at which I need to make a clean break. I am not fleeing prosecution, debts, or anything of the sort; I just need to get lost, at least for a while, to work on my novels, with no forwarding address, no friends, no history. People in my life know my MeFi username but not my plans, so I'm posting anonymously.

I am looking for somewhere accessible only by ferry -- no bridge. A car ferry would be excellent, and one that could accommodate a trailer would be exceptional. I am of modest means and cannot entertain the notion of a ritzy privately-owned paradise -- somewhere reasonable, where normal people can live, is what I am seeking.

I would like:

1) Seclusion
2) Mail service
3) Internet access

I would hope for:

4) A somewhat welcome reception, or, even more ideally, an island where people just keep to themselves.

I would request responders to refrain from excessively discouraging me from doing this at all. I am looking for logistical, not moral, assistance.

I have created an account at fleeing.to.an.island@gmail.com -- if you have a question, something about which I have been unclear or something I haven't thought of, feel free to write to that address and I'll respond, and maybe you will be gracious enough to post my follow-up.

Again, you are not helping someone flee justice -- you are just helping an introvert become a hermit for a while.

Thank you.

How can I find a job and place to live on a beautiful island?

austinlee — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:49:37 -0800

Me and my girlfriend were thinking about moving to an island. Does anyone have any tips? Perhaps a website that lists available jobs and places to live? Thanks! We are both U.S. citizens. Additional information on the process of living and working out of country would be helpful!

where to go

BrnP84 — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:38:16 -0800

My family wants to do a family vacation somewhere in the Carribean, they said the Bahamas but we're open to suggestions, it doesn't even really have to be in the Carribean but that's what we were thinking. Any good suggestions for a family of 4, two kids in their twenties and we'll probably want to drink. We were thinking of a cruise but I really don't want to do a cruise, I don't like the idea of being stuck on a boat. Any good ideas for a nice warm beachy island place to go to? None of us have ever been to the Carribean and this is probably one of our only opportunites to vacation as a family for a few years so we want this to be a good one.

Don't Tread On Me

Tube — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:56:56 -0800

What is this metal structure called? I know of the existence of at least two of these things here in Seattle, the other one on Capitol Hill seems to be functional. Inside the housing is a light fixture, which I believe to be a conventional Edison thread socket. At night the light comes on, and indicates to oncoming drivers the apex of the traffic island.

It seems like an entirely rational concept, but I think I've only seen two of them that I remember. I assume there are others around the country or the world, so there must be a term for them.

What is this thing called?

I'm going to New Zealand- tell me everything!!

drjimmy11 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:01:59 -0800

I'm going to New Zealand- tell me everything!! Please tell me everything and anything that will help me have a cool, exciting, adventure in New Zealand. I'm flying into Auckland 12/26/08, leaving 1/12/09, and have only a vague plan so far.

About me: From Los Angeles, early 30s, have traveled to UK and Europe but that's about it. I'm a writer and plan to incorporate experiences from this trip into a semi-memoir/travel narrative/fiction hybrid kind of thing I want to write. I enjoy outdoorsy stuff, music, film and cultural stuff, and just chilling someplace quiet. I am not a tremendous fan of traveling by myself, but that is what I'm stuck with in this case- anything that would help me meet locals and have someone to talk to besides myself would be greatly appreciated. I am a "pescatarian" so no lamb, but do love good seadfood.

My original goal was to take this boat trip to NZ's sub-antarctic islands. I was put on a waitlist and haven't heard back, so that seems out. My plan now is to rent a car in Auckland and drive south, exploring along the way. I'll then take a boat to Stewart Island and hopefully hike the 3-day Rakiura Track, then drive back north.

So, I have many many questions:
1) What are the cool things I absolutely need to do in the big cities, Auckland and Christchurch?
2) Accommodations: I'm told it may be crowded during the high season- will I be ok just reserving a hotel in Auckland and booking as I go- or will I regret not booking everything in advance? I am not totally adverse to hostels, but would prefer a cheap-to-moderate, clean hotel at this point in my life.
3) New Year's Eve: Anything especially cool I should do?
4) "Farm stays" This concept intrigues me. Are there any in particular that are highly recommended? Are there any that are more vegetarian friendly, ie they wont ask me to hack the head off of anything or watch as they do? (I'm also considering stopping at Stonehaven homestay in Blenheim, since by all reports it seems to be the best thing ever, and I wouldn't mind exploring the wine country a bit.
5) the south island and the Southern Alps. The south island seems to be overflowing with natural beauty- is there any one thing I just can't miss? (love LOTR books but would prefer to forget the movies, so dont really need to see where they were filmed)
6) Stewart island- anything in particular I need to know about hiking and getting in/out? Do I need to reserve accommodations for the night I get there? I have read up on the hut system along the tracks, but will it be so crowded in summer that I should bring a tent in anticipation of them not having room? How badly will I regret it if I don't bring a stove and choose to just eat cold food for 3 days? I do have the (amusingly named to an American) "Tramping in New Zealand," and it does have a list of necesssary equipment. But what one thing will I regret not bringing? And what stuff i should I try to bring over from the US, and what should I buy/rent there?
7) If I go around quoting "Flight of the Conchords," will people find it amusing, or is everyone sick of it by now?

Whew. That is a lot. Sorry.

Help me learn about man-made land

Xalf — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:58:54 -0800

I'm looking for books on how engineers turn water into land. For instance, big parts of Boston and Chicago are built on landfill and Dubai is creating some seriously crazy islands. I'm looking for a book that takes a general approach to discussing how this is done.

Anyone know the title of this book?

pjlalala — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:01:34 -0800

Back when I was in Elementary school around 1969 our teacher read a book aloud to the class that I remember as being kind of fantasy and kind of spooky. The plot was something about a sister and brother who were latch-key kids. I think the sister wore the house key around her neck on a green ribbon. Anyway, somehow they were "kidnapped" by an old person and and ended up on an island where the people never got older. I believe a closet was involved too THe way the people stayed young had something to do with the kids not being abled to leave. If someone knows the name of this book it would be great. Thanks.

Name of movie where woman kisses cannibal

the latin mouse — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:02:20 -0800

WhatWasThatMovieFilter: Crash survivors wind up on a desert island. They fight. One of them fences off part of the island, then turns cannibal. Eventually it's revealed that behind his fence, this guy has been chowing down on the other survivors. Movie ends with a woman kissing him, then looking over his shoulder and seeing human remains.

I saw this on TV about fifteen years ago. What the hell is the movie called?

Is it difficult to find parking in Coney Island on a Saturday night?

likeapen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:54:59 -0800

Is it difficult to find parking in Coney Island, close to the boardwalk, on a Saturday night?

How do I price tag on my booty?

lou — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:45:08 -0800

Who sets how much old and collectible video games are worth? How do they know? (examples with Monkey Island inside) I wonder if the answer is somewhere along the lines of "they charge whatever people are willing to pay for it" but sellers don't act in a vacuum. There's got to be some feedback for whether a game is worth $50, or $100, or they wouldn't know what to put on the price tag.

I'm wondering, because I noticed that my Monkey Island games are worth a whole lot more than what I paid for them-- on Amazon, anyway. f you look at the listings for Monkey Island Madness even the *CD itself* is "worth" just over $50. But is this just a case of sellers trying to gouge unsuspecting buyers, or a case of three clueless sellers following the lead of one unscrupulous one, or are people actually paying that much?? If I look on eBay, there's only one completed listing for this game and it didn't sell (granted they tried to sell it for $60)-- but the lack of postings don't look like there's really a huge market for them.

Similarly: why is the original Curse of Monkey Island just under $30 while the re-release is nearly $100? I thought originals were worth more than re-release copies? (I have the original one.) Again, are people actually paying $100 for this?

...and Monkey Island 2 for $85? I also have this! And the price, like all the rest, looks too good to be true!

Which all brings me to the generic question, for future reference: Is there a kind of "blue book" or price guide somewhere for old computer games/video games? Realistically, what is the best way to put a price tag on what my old games are really worth?

Guess the island.

The Toad — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:55:30 -0800

One of those "Suicide Girls" has decorated her wall with the antique map of an island. Ignore the tattoos for a moment: which island is shown here? NSFW Link. (This is for a blog quiz)

Help me find 1980s Japanese airbrush art...aka who did the boxart for Hudson's Adventure Island

apetpsychic — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:29:19 -0800

When I was a kid (mid-1980s, early-90s) I was obsessed with these compendiums of Japanese illustration they had where I took art lessons. Most of the art was airbrushed; a lot of hyper-realistic work in the vein of Hajime Sorayama, which I don't mind, but some of it was this cartoony airbrush style I love. In particular there was this cartoon dog who wore a suit which I'd like to find again. I'm not sure what the advertisement was for, but it features a cartoon dog wearing a suit in various situations with a weird cast of characters. On a rollercoaster, etc. i know that is vague, but does anyone know what this is? The style is pretty similar to the boxart for Hudson's Adventure Island. Does anyone know who did the art for that game? Any artists I should check out based on that style?

Name this old poem

ferd — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 05:31:33 -0800

Hello folks, I am looking for the name of an old poem recited to me by my father in my childhood. It is similar in style to the 'Dangerous Dan McGrew' I think, but is about two men stranded on a desert island after their ship sinks. Initially they are strangers, but after realising they have a mutual friend, become good friends themselves. Things continue well until, I believe, they spot the mutual friend on a ship passing by. They notice however that the ship is a Pirate ship, and upon realising this, absolve their friendship in the knowledge that their mutual friend is of ill repute! This is all going on old memory, so I could be wrong in certain aspects.

How quickly do the parking lots servicing the Staten Island ferry fill up on any given Saturday? Sunday?

IndigoJones — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:46:19 -0800

How quickly do the parking lots near the Staten Island ferry fill up on any given Saturday? Sunday?

Does anyone have experience in starting a co-op?

humannaire — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:19:41 -0800

How do I start a grocery co-op? Do any mefites have experience with this? Here on the island of Key West, a crisis has developed. Our island's best grocery, Waterfront Market, supplier of fresh seafood and all sorts of goodies for Islanders, our boating communities and the dock workforce, is being by forced to close by a combination of bureaucratic greed and ineptitude. But there is hope!

A very solid group of neighbors and citizens has banded together with the idea of taking over the reigns of the market and transforming the successful business - 20 years with 45 employees - into a co-op. And I am spearheading the movement! Any insight or recommendations?

(My applicable background is in market research, organic farming, and ecology. I have done the google work, and come up with some very good/well-established groundwork. What I am looking for is recommendations and insight based on personal experience in starting a co-op.)

What to do in Providence this weekend?

blueskiesinside — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:46:35 -0800

I'm going to be in Providence, RI this weekend, what should I do/see/eat? I'm already planning to see WaterFire, RISD and Brown. I'll be getting in on Saturday and leaving on Monday. Small galleries and malls are not my thing, but interesting landmarks, architecture and museums are. Any suggestions for things I definitely should not miss? Also, I don't drive, so things within walking distance of downtown are preferred.

Getting across Staten Island

quite unimportant — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:42:33 -0800

How do I get across Staten Island? I'm going to be stopping in NYC for a few days for work stuff and I have to visit a facility in Staten Island. I can get around Manhattan pretty easily and can get to and from the airports, but I've never been to Staten Island. What's the best way to get from Times Square to The Teleport in Staten Island? Train/Ferry/Bus? Taxi? Autogyro?

Forgive me, I'm from LA and have no proper conception of mass transit.

The Perfect Travel Spot: Lagoons, Mountains, and On-The-Water Bungalows

GenTso — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:26:51 -0800

Planning a honeymoon. Can you help me find a place outside the continental U.S. that has bungalows on the water? Or if not, what about lots of shallow clear lagoons/secluded spots? (Mountains a plus!) I'm in Michigan and don't want to fly all the way to Bora Bora, which seems to have that - anything closer that is comparable? (What I've seen so far in the Caribbean and Mexico seem to be hotels on the actual shore and little privacy or great clear swaths of shallow waters.)

Has there ever been a group of slaves shipwrecked (a la Castaway)

nameless.k — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:31:01 -0800

I remember coming across a historical account of a Dutch slave ship being shipwrecked on a tiny island, and the survivors living for many years. Sound familiar? I've exhausted my energies on Google and I'm not sure if this was an actual occurrence or if it was fictional. The jist of it was that about a dozen individuals (Dutch slave traders and their slaves) were stuck on a very small island with scant resources and some of them survived for many years (maybe as many as ten?). I believe another boat may have come by and rescued some of them (leaving slaves behind). Any idea what I might be talking about or where I might be able to find information on it? Thanks!