What should be Plum Island's next gig?
The U.S. government is trying to decide whether to sell Plum Island, a research site for hoof-and-mouth and other animal diseases for 56 years. It's even been used to study bioterrorism. After a history like that, what should go in its place? A resort? A prison? A world-class research facility?
Or is there other potential for the 840-acre island? Possibilities that would free Plum Island to embrace its celebrity? Already, the super-secure government facility's made its way into popular culture with a movie, "Silence of the Lambs," and a book, "Plum Island," by Nelson DeMille.
What else might lie ahead?
Here are 9 suggestions:
1 Make it a cultural destination.
The Plum Island Dinner Theatre presents: "When Hoof Meets Mouth, My Time in the New York State Legislature." Just about everybody in Albany could take a turn at the lead role. It's not as though they're busy doing much else.
2 Make it a challenge.
"Survivor: Plum Island." The cast ought to be able to find some really interesting things to eat.
Montauk Monster stew, anyone?
3 Make it a sports arena.
Let's strand Steve Levy and Rick Lazio behind the fence of a mixed martial arts octagon and see who makes it out first.
The winner takes on Andrew Cuomo.
4 Make it a wedding chapel.
Couples would arrive on The Love Ferry (these days, who's got time or money for a cruise). And they'd be married by Elvis, who, finally, could come out of hiding.
5 Make it a reality show.
On this version of "Big Brother," the cast lands in a black helicopter.
6 Make it a catchphrase.
Fantasy Island II: "The plague! The plague!"
7 Make it a mystery.
"What Killed Roger Rabbit?"
Wait a minute, do we really want to know?
8 Make it a movie set.
And see what kind of wonderful weirdness Tim Burton will create.
9 Make it a (your suggestion goes here).
Because I'm almost plum out of ideas.
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