Author: Rex Beckett
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The Westfjords: Boats, Birds And Baked Goods
by Rex Beckett
Nothing starts the day like an early flight to Ísafjörður. When my friend and I embarked upon an action-packed day…
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The Belle Of The Bar
by Rex Beckett
The bar Ölstofan located on Vegamótastígur is a cosy, laid-back pub known for a fine array of local and imported…
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One Arrested, One Injured At Protest Against Central Bank
by Rex Beckett
A protest in front of the Central Bank head offices in Reykjavík this morning ended abruptly with one person arrested…
Bobby Fischer’s Body Exhumed
by Rex Beckett
The remains of chess champion Bobby Fischer were exhumed last night from the Laugardælir Cemetery near Selfoss, according to Morgunblaðið….
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Australian Equal Rights Activists Ask Iceland For Help
by Rex Beckett
Australian activist group Australian Marriage Equality has written a letter to Icelandic Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðadóttir asking her to write…
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Ben Frost Selected For Rolex Mentor & Protégé Arts Initiative
by Rex Beckett
Reykjavík-based musician Ben Frost has been selected by Brian Eno for mentoring in the Rolex Mentor & Protégé Arts Initiative…
Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðadóttir Marries Her Partner
by Rex Beckett
Iceland‘s Prime Minister was married yesterday to her partner Jónina Léosdóttir as the new marriage law came into effect. Although…
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Damien Rice, Hafdís Huld, Pondus Added To Iceland Inspires Bill – Update! Free Bus Rides!
by Rex Beckett
Three new acts have been added to the Iceland Inspires concert line up, taking place July 1 in Hamragarðar near…
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Draugasetrið: Ghosts And Goblins And Trolls, Oh My!
by Rex Beckett
When I was a kid, my favourite ride at my hometown amusement park was the haunted house. It was built…
Volcanic Ash May Be Helping Vegetation Growth
by Rex Beckett
Farmers in South Iceland that were affected by the Eyjafjallajökull eruption are experiencing extremely good growth of grass and grain,…
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Petition Delivered In Support Of The Reykjavík Nine
by Rex Beckett
A petition with over 700 signatures in support of the Reykjavík Nine was delivered to President of Parliament Ásta Ragnheiður…
British Government Ready To Discuss Icesave
by Rex Beckett
British authorities are ready to negotiate the Icesave contract, a spokesperson for the British government stated on RÚV. They have…
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Hammertime!
by Rex Beckett
Clearly we at the Grapevine know how to get our drink on. We are after all young, abrasive, foul-mouthed party…
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New Marriage Form For National Church
by Rex Beckett
A new marriage form for the National Church is being finalised in accordance with the new marriage law defining marriage…
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Former Morgunblaðið Editor Styrmir Gunnarsson On Why Iceland Should Not Join The EU
by Rex Beckett
Styrmir Gunnarson has been at the forefront of the Icelandic political landscape for nearly half a century, including 36 years…
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Tourist Fatalities Prompt Security Review
by Rex Beckett
The signage and safety of popular tourist destinations is being questioned following recent accidents leading to the deaths of two…
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The National Church: Not So Popular
by Rex Beckett
Heads up clergymen: it seems that Icelanders aren’t too keen on being Christian these days. Registration in the National Church…
Iceland In Co-Operation Talks With Russia
by Rex Beckett
Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphéðinsson met with Russia‘s deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov yesterday in Iceland. The two…
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Into The Light
by Rex Beckett
He is tow-headed and unassuming, sitting on a patio, fidgeting as he lights a cigarette. He is driving to the…
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International Whaling Regulations Under Review
by Rex Beckett
Iceland’s annual whaling quotas could soon change after the International Whaling Commission’s meeting this week, being held in Agadir, Morocco….
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The Essence Of Iceland
by Rex Beckett
There is certainly no lack for photographic coffee table books in the spectrum of Icelandic publications. Generally aimed at tourists…
I Am Never Drinking Again!
by Rex Beckett
You’ve said it. I’ve said it. We’ve all fucking said it. But let’s face it; we are both drinking a…
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Best Backyard Ever
by Rex Beckett
“He is Árni Plúseinn and I am Árni Sveins. We made a film together.” The former, Árni Rúnar Hlöðversson, is…
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A Good Long Nap
by Rex Beckett
The Icelandic Opera is a strange little room. It’s a stripped-down, baroque-style hall with creaky seats and clattering doors. Every…
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Road Trip To The East: East Winds Blow Good
by Rex Beckett
There is a very small window of time between the winter and summer seasons when hitting the road in a…