Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.06.2008, Qupperneq 4

04 | Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 07 2008 | Letters
Hæ Hæ
I’d really like to hear about your opinion on the whole Sig-
mund cartoon in Morgunbladid. Or someone’s opinion at the
Grapevine.
Thanks for reading,
Jasmine
Dear Jasmine,
Let me begin by explaining your request to other readers. Sig-
mund is a cartoonist who has drawn political caricatures for
the daily newspaper Morgunblaðið for more than 30 years.
Recently the paper ran one of his strips, which showed presi-
dential hopeful Barack Obama as a tribal cannibal wearing a
straw skirt, brining firewood to a large pot containing one Hil-
lary Clinton, saying that his people would like her well done.
Frankly, I thought the caricature was tasteless and ill-
conceived. I realize Sigmund is an old man by now (b. 1931)
and was probably raised with a different world view and so
forth, but I can’t see how historical relativism can be an ex-
cuse for a blatant racist stereotyping.
So yeah, that’s my opinion more or less.
Editor
Dear Grapevine,

I have just finished reading the final installment of the Lone-
some Traveller’s trans-Iceland hike. (Incidentally, this late
because the penultimate issue, number 3, was not available
to download until well after issue 4 for some reason, and I
didn’t want to skip ahead.)
I just had to write to express my appreciation of his ar-
ticles. I’ve long been an avid reader of the Grapevine and
enjoy each issue thoroughly. However, Fabrizio’s articles are
by far my favorite feature of the magazine when they are run.
Not only do I find his accounts of exploring obscure regions
of the country on foot and alone keenly interesting, but his
writing and skill with language is simply beyond compare!
My god. I am continually awed and humiliated by his ar-
ticulation, particularly considering the fact that English is my
first language and his second.
Sigh.
While all his articles are of the highest standard, I
found this last series to have raised the bar, much like how
this particular trip was a high water mark in his own personal
history of hiking accomplishments.
In summary, BRAVO Mr. Frascaroli. I eagerly await be-
ing regaled by your tales of this year’s treks out in that incom-
parably beautiful and unique Icelandic wilderness. It is, in
fact, the next best thing to being there myself. Sniff.

-John Evicci
Dracut, MA, USA
Dear John,
I can only echo your own feelings. Of course, I believe Fabriz-
io Frascaroli to be insane, going solo on a 40 hike across the
Icelandic highlands, but he deserves all credit for finishing this
massive undertaking, and obviously, for writing about it in the
Grapevine. However, I think a word of appreciation should
have been reserved for the editor here, but maybe that’s just
me.
Editor
Respected editor,
Given below is the scientific proof that god exists.
Albert Einstein stated “1 gram of any substance con-
sists of 931 mega electron volt of energy”. Another science
law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can
only be converted from one form to another. Any substance
you burn on this planet earth, it radiates energy. After death,
first thing to leave a person is his breath. After death, Chris-
tians and Muslims bury the dead body, Hindus burn it. So,
the dead body either decays or reduces to ashes slowly. In
the process, it radiates energy and mingles with the atmo-
sphere. From there, where it goes is a mystery. In my opinion,
it goes to god’s secret abode where each person’s soul has to
individually answer questions regarding actions (both good
and controversial) he has performed in his life. Sorry, you
can’t play the blame game there. So, friends beware of your
present and everyday actions every second and apply discre-
tion in whatever you do.
A WORD OF ADVICE
Close your eyes and think for a minute how your daily
life would be if your vision was not there for one week. Thank
god for giving you eyesight and avoid misusing it, that is don’t
watch vulgar stuff or read vulgar literature. Also, think of
those people who don’t have eyesight since birth.
Everybody (including you and me) is responsible to
god after death for his present actions. Everybody has to die
sooner or later. So, please be careful of your everyday and
present actions and apply discretion in whatever you do.
BIGGEST SHAME FOR WE PEOPLE
Its quite evident from holy bible that Jesus had great
spiritual powers. Yet, he died on the holy cross just to relieve
us of our sins and the harsh truth is we are still shamelessly
sinning in many ways.
name:ramesh kumar
place:mumbai,india.
Dear Ramesh,
Maybe you should take this up with a scientist. If your theory
holds up, you’d win the Nobel Prize for sure. In the meantime,
I’ll continue to embrace my long-standing atheism.
Editor.
HELLO CUSTOMER SERVICE,
HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY? I HOPE ALL ITS WELL WITH
YOU… WELL MY NAME IS REV. BILL HUFFMAN FROM THE
BILL AND SONS COMPANY AND I EMAILED TO FIND OUT IF
YOU SELL OVERHEARD GARAGE DOORS AND IF YES... DO
YOU HAVE THE SIZE 16 BY 7 NON-INSOLATED AND NON-IN-
STALLATION WITH A WHITE COLOUR WITHOUT AN OPEN-
ER? SO I WILL LIKE YOU TO GET BACK TO ME WITH THE
COST OF 3 PCS SO THAT I CAN AND PROVIDE YOU WITH
MY CREDIT CARD TO BILL FOR THE WHOLE AMOUNT. AND
AFTER PAYMENT WHEN EVER ITS READY FOR PICK UP IT
WILL BE PICKED UP AT YOUR LOCATION… WISH YOU ALL
THE BEST AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
BEST REGARDS. REV BILL HUFFMAN
Dear Rev. Huffman
This is an interesting request for sure, but I am afraid that this
is not the customer service, but the editorial department, and
we are not in the overheard (sic) garage doors business at all.
However, I’d be happy to accept you credit card. It seems there
is salvation to be had from the church after all.
Editor.
Sour Grapes
Say your piece, voice your opinion, send your letters to letters@grapevine.is.
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