Issue 04 2014
Latest
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Industrial Setting, Ambitious Kitchen
Restaurants and bars have long had a healthy relationship with upscale hotels, pretty much all around the world. This seems to be the case even in remote old Iceland. But what about a restaurant and bar at a hostel? Quite a different…
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One Man’s Cave
Everyone should have a place to exist outside of his or her own mind, which is probably why some people have kids, some write books, some make music and 28-year-old Frosti Gnarr created Grotta (“Cave”) Zine. He publishes the 30-something-page zine under…
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Screaming Jumpers
There are not many things that scream “cultural heritage” as loudly as the humble Icelandic woollen sweater or “lopapeysa” as us natives refer to it. Having one on is like wearing knitted Iceland. It resembles the country’s rugged nature and reminds us of…
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Louder, Brighter, Bigger
In the wake of several live venues closing down in the past few years, news of Gamli Gaukurinn not only staying open, but working on improving its stage, lights and sound system was music to our ears (pardon the pun). To finance…
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Höfuðsynd
It should be noted that when you first play ‘Höfuðsynd,’ the debut album from new band Atónal Blús, you quickly realise that despite the cool name, that they’re not really Arnold Schoenberg does John Lee Hooker. But that’s not to dispute that…
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Election Poll Roundup
With municipal elections around the corner, it’s high time for the Grapevine to start its coverage. For those not in the know, Reykjavík citizens get a chance to pick their city council members by voting for one of the registered parties on…
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The Nature Pass In Their Own Words
Although scant details about the Nature Pass have been confirmed, the idea behind it and the recent admission charge levied on visitors to Geysir and last year at Kerið have sparked debate inside and outside of parliament. What follows is a selection…
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In Another World
Iceland’s highlands make up most of the country’s landmass—a vast expanse of largely uninhabited, mountainous terrain dominated by a volcanic desert and several towering glaciers. It’s the largest single area of untouched wilderness left in Europe, and home to a range of…
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Track of Issue: My bubba’s “Island”
All isn’t quite right in paradise. On My bubba’s new single, ‘Island,’ the soothing maritime baseline evokes the sound of gently pounding surf, while a strumming guitar conjures images of coral reefs and colourful fish. The forlorn narrator, however, is too busy…
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Pay Per View
In June last year, something unprecedented happened here in Iceland: a group of private landowners erected a barrier fence and started charging people to gain access to Kerið, a volcanic crater lake located on their property in Grímsnes, South Iceland. Their claim…
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Calvin Klein Thinks Icelandic Designers Should Go Abroad
Clothes designer Calvin Klein, guest of honour at the annual Design March festival, believes young Icelandic designers should go abroad to gain experience working in the fashion industry, reports Vísir. “My advice would be, get the experience where the market really is and…
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Icelanders Suffer From Food Guilt
In a recent study analysing Icelandic food habits it was revealed that 41% of women feel guilty after eating candy, only half as many men suffered the same, reports RÚV. The study, conducted by the Directorate of Health, found many other worrying differences…
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Tables Begin To Turn For City Elections
Polling indicates that levels of party support in upcoming municipal elections are shifting. According to a new poll, MBL reports, most respondents want to see Social Democrat city councilperson Dagur B. Eggertsson as the next mayor of Reykjavík. The Social Democrats also enjoy the…
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“Ice Shoes” Made From Plastic Bottles
An idea contest originating from the Iceland Academy of the Arts (LHÍ) has brought forth a novel use of the humble plastic bottle. The contest encouraged people to submit a video no more than three minutes long showing an inventive use of one or…
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Reykjavík To Take Part In “Earth Hour”
The city of Reykjavík will not turn on any street lights until 21:30 on Saturday, in honour of Earth Hour. According to an announcement on the city’s website, they also encourage those who are able to shut off their own lights between 20:30 and…