Reykjavík Grapevine - 07.03.2008, Page 2

02 | Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 03 2008 | Year 6 | March 07 – April 03
The Reykjavík Grapevine
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The Reykjavík Grapevine Staff
Publisher:
Hilmar Steinn Grétarsson
publisher@grapevine.is
Editor:
Sveinn Birkir Björnsson / birkir@grapevine.is
Assistant Editor:
Steinunn Jakobsdóttir / steinunn@grapevine.is
Staff Writer:
Valgerður Þóroddsdóttir / vala@grapevine.is
Contributing Writer:
Haukur Magnússon / haukur@grapevine.is
Ian Watson / www.ianwatson.org
Art Director:
Gunnar Þorvaldsson / gunni@grapevine.is
Photographer:
Gunnlaugur Arnar Sigurðsson
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The Reykjavík Grapevine is published 18 times
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through April, and fortnightly from May til
October. Nothing in this magazine may be
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Reykjavík Grapevine can be found in Reykjavík,
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are pay-for articles. The opinions expressed are
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Printed by Landsprent ehf. in 30.000 copies.
102 REYKJAVÍK
THE MISSING PUZZLE
Thanks to
GUÞ and Mr. Clean
We have just survived February, the coldest, dark-
est month of the year. Every time we escape this
gruelling period alive, and relatively unscathed, it
is cause for celebration. So, take a seat by the bar
and chuck down a few, and take solace in the fact
that you still have 11 months to lead a happy life
before February returns again. You find me pes-
simistic? Well, consider the fact that I am born in
February. How do you like them apples?
Let’s move on to something lighter. Like, the
economy for instance. Everyone seems to agree
that economy is going to shit, although opinions
vary on whether this development should be
blamed on the Icelandic krona, the sub-prime loan
crises, Icelandic banking methods, post-heavy
industry development hang-over, international
financial crises, or general shitty luck. Wherever
you choose to assign blame, the fact remains that
recession and lay-offs are just around the corner.
Not much lighter, is it? Well, perhaps I just have not
been able to get used to the idea that it’s March
already. Hell, the way things are going, I might as
well predict this to be the year of permanent Feb-
ruary. Cancel that drink, honey! I’ll take the wait-
and-see approach on any untimely celebrations
for now.
As usual, this issue of the Grapevine is full
of entertaining and uplifting (!) stories about life
on the Devil’s Island. Intellect finally seems to be
prevailing in the endless saga of the Reykjavík do-
mestic airport. We look at what lies (or could lie)
ahead. The Icelandic Music Awards are soon to be
handed out. We talk to the most promising pros-
pects. We also explain the havoc that lays ahead
in the continuous soap opera that is (or more ac-
curately, was) the life (and death) of Bobby Fis-
cher. Stay tuned as the story develops.
In addition, we bring give you a detailed ac-
count of what to expect in form of art and culture
in the coming month. Looks like the only thing
that could keep February at bay is a copy of the
Grapevine.
From the Editor’s Chair
Opinion
Sparing the Rod 08
An opinion by Gabriele R. Gudbjartsson
Creatures of Comfort 08
An opinion by Marie-Alexandra Hertell
Articles
Anti-racists Unite 06
An interview with Dane Magnússon
Remembering Bobby Fisher 16
Part 2
Drink Again! 17
Icelanders take on pub quiz
Grapevine Easter Beer Guide 18
Lindy Hop 19
Features
102 Reykjavík: A Vision for the Future 10
The results of the Vatnsmýri planning competition
Top of the Pop 12
Interviews with Högni from Hjaltalín and Bergur from Sprengjuhöllin
Outside Reykjavík
Across the Country in 40 Days 20
Adventures of the Lonesome Traveller, leg 7
info.
Listings B2
Food Reviews B10
Iceland Press Photos B12
Art ‘n’ Roll B14
An interview with artist Egill Sæbjörnsson
When the Garage Doors Open B16
The Icelandic Battle of the Bands