Björk Gives Website A Biophilia Makeover
Björk has launched a groovy redesign of her website, bjork.com, in the style of her upcoming multimedia project, Biophilia. She plans to preview the project “encompassing mu
Minister Criticised Over Refugee Policy, Says New Agenda On The Matter
Minister of the Interior Ögmundur Jónasson has been harshly criticised for Iceland’s treatment of asylum seekers. Speaking on television last night, the minister has respon
President And PM In Power Row
The offices of the prime minister and the president are locking horns over a proposal to more clearly define what the role of the president is, and to create ethics […]
Wants To Ban Feeding The Ducks
A city exterminator recommends forbidding feeding the birds bread at the capital’s Tjörnin pond as a way of dealing with the seagull problem there. Many city residents and v
Revised Constitution Being Drafted
Iceland’s new constitution is currently being drafted, and a number of changes are already being proposed. As the Grapevine reported, elections for the 25-member constitution
THE CULTURE OF INCREDIBILITY
After finishing reading Hildur Lilliendahl’s editorial piece ‘CAR CLAIMS TO HAVE CAUGHT FIRE’ one can hardly be blamed for losing their appetite or losing their lunch. I am s
Sin Fang: Summer Echoes
Sin Fang’s new album, ‘Summer Echoes,’ is that place where the ocean meets an erupting volcano. In some tracks, you can hear Sindri Már Sigfússon’s voice
Iceland’s Treatment Of Asylum Seekers Breaks International Treaty
The Icelandic government is ill-prepared to process claims from asylum seekers, despite the fact that Iceland is a signatory to an international agreement requiring a swift treatme
Polar Bear Project Site Now With English Page
The Reykjavík Polar Bear Project has, as promised, set up a page in English for their campaign to protect polar bears arriving in Iceland. As the Grapevine reported, the recent [&
Multicultural Day This Saturday
The third annual Reykjavík Intercultural Day will be held this Saturday. As the immigrant population of Iceland in general and Reykjavík in particular grows, dialogue in Iceland
Asylum Seeker Reaches Limit, Minister Asked To Take Action
An asylum seeker reached his emotional limit today in his wait for approval to stay in Iceland, pouring gasoline on himself and threatening suicide. A refugee rights activist has c
UNTITLED MUSIC COLUMN
When I turned thirteen, and consequently started smelling like shit, my mom decided to break it to me in an interesting way. Rather than confront me with the mind-bending horrors [
“Breast feed with your right arm, slug down a cold one with the left”
In 2009 and 2010 a record number of babies, nearly ten thousand (5.026 in 2009, 4.907 in 2010), were born in Iceland. This country has not seen a baby boom […]
The Koddu Controversy
Sicily 212 BCE. General Marcellus sends a soldier to find the mathematician Archimedes and bring him to his court, out of sheer curiosity. Archimedes was renowned for his science,
Horseback Riding In The West: The Norse Horse
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil stroll through the beautiful Icelandic countryside, or an exhilarating jaunt, this trip has got you covered. Íshestar provides a variety of
IS HARPA JUST A FAÇADE?
The house Ólafur Elíasson built Like it or not, HARPA, Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre, is now open for business, permanently altering downtown Reykjavík’s citys
GRAPEVINE’S FANCY NEW MEDIA LAW!!!
Hi! Happy Harpa! I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for in that house, and that you take some time read our massive and exclusive interview with Ólafur […]
Sour grapes and stuff
MOST AWESOME LETTER: Dear Grapevine Music Staff Thank you for covering the Reykjavik Music Mess. I have followed your paper’s musical coverage with interest for a while now a
Finance Minister: Iceland “Better Off” Without European Union
Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, said he believes Iceland is better off without the EU. “Iceland is probably bett
Festival Organiser Unapologetic Over Rape Crisis Centre Remarks
Páll Scheving, who is in charge of organising this year’s bank holiday festival in the Westman Islands, stands by his criticism of rape crisis centre Stígamót, pointing to
Pig Farmers: Can’t Afford To Improve Conditions
Pig farmers in Iceland say they don’t have the money to improve the living conditions of their livestock to meet European Union standards. As Grapevine reported, factory farm