Reykjavík Grapevine - 22.05.2009, Blaðsíða 4

Sour grape of the month
A case of POLAR BEER for your thoughts.
We're not gonna lie to you: we really love us some beers. Some folks
would call it a problem, but beer never gave us any problems. In fact,
over the years, it's solved most of 'em. A frosty glass of cold, frothy,
bubblicious, golden-tinted beer has consistently failed to let us down.
In the immortal words of Homer J. Simpson: "Mmm... Beer..."
Now, since we're real pleasant and giving folks here at the Grapevine,
we thought we'd share some of that wonderful POLAR BEER with
you, our readers. From this issue and henceforth in every issue, until the
end of days (or our Polar Beer-sponsorship program, whichever comes
first), we will reward one MOST EXCELLENT LETTER with a case of
the Polar Beer. You read right. A full case of beer. At your disposal.
Give us your worst: letters@grapevine.is (light)
Say your piece, voice your opinion,
send your letters to
letters@grapevine.is
04
Letters
THE MOST EXCELLENT LETTER
Sour grapes
and stuff
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to Icelandic Reykjavík
Grapevine Newspaper. I discovered your
fine publication through a article in the
major broadsheet newspapers (enclosed
overleaf thank you encircled in article
by pen) My reason for writing is this: A)
I wonder if you could be so kind to for-
ward a back copy of Reykjavík Grapevine
please. If so I will send you the fee re-
quired for one issue. B) I find as a humble
chap British born but having Icelandic
culture to a point, experiencing Iceland-
ers in everyday life, like a lot of visitors
do not I got a considerable amount of
respect for Icelanders who became over
the years became friends as the original
decendants of the Norse Vikings, but
only as (nationalities mean little to me
now) as individuals Brits, Irish, Swedes,
etc. got on with me) I feel ‘vexed’ by the
suffering of a small proud land. Due the
world money ‘created’ crisis. For Icelan-
dic working folks. And authorities in dif-
ferent lands knew the risks putting cash
£ $ € Islenski banks as with any bank of
any country. C) But I know Icelanders
have the iron determination never to give
if (ha!) now and in future times. I also
know Icelanders have a sense of humour
enclosure (writer)
I write as a hobbyist to semi-pro at
best enclose I had some very minor as-
sociation with The Legend of the Death
The Sea Horse Film
I seek no money for it and if used fine
if not fine
D) It has been sometime since I had
communicated with Icelanders since a
couple of Icelandic people where pro-
moted to glory (died) seeking Icelandic
penpal age 21-65
Thank for taking time to read my let-
ter. Bless.
Mr Sherman Wilson F-O-R-G-O-T-C-H
13 Cedar Road, Dorchester, Dorset.
DT1 2PX, England
-
Dear Mr Sherman,
Thank you so much for your letter. It
uhm... yeah. Getting an actual letter like
that, in the mail and all, that was actu-
ally kind of cool. Even though I’m not
sure what you mean by all of it. We’ll at
least send you that back issue, no worries.
Your minor association with The Legend
of the Death The Sea Horse Film also
sounds intriguing. You should write us
more on the subject. Keep those letters
coming! Takk!
Hello Haukur,
You have a new friend request from [re-
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Attend the most exclusive parties and
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Best Regards,
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support@affluence.org
Dear Administration,
Haha. Hahahahaha. Hahahahahahaha-
ha. Hah! Haha! Hahaha!
Ps – Bwahahahahahaha!
Nice cover last issue! Articles were fun
too. David Lynch is so cool, and the story
of Gryyla was... interesting. I love the Ice-
landic monster bit and look for it every
issue. Can you give me a sneak preview
of what’s to expect?
Johann Eskil, Bergen
Hey Johann,
Funny you should ask... actually, Hu-
gleikur and us have decided to put the
‘Monsters and Mythical Beings’ series on
an indefinite break, at least for the sum-
mer. We’re trying to cook up something
awesome to embark upon this fall, until
then you can enjoy some exclusive comic
strips, courtesy of Hugleikur.
Dear Grapevine,
I have been an avid reader of your paper
ever since I visited Reykjavík in January
and follow you on-line every day. I have
been meaning to drop you a line to thank
you for doing such a good job keeping the
world updated on what’s going on over
there. The politics bits are interesting,
but I also really like reading about the
music and daily life aspects especially
since I’m planning to move to Reykjavík
as soon as I get the chance. I have a ques-
tion though, how much does it subscribe
to the print version from overseas and
who do I call to do that?
And thank you so much for your last
issue, I think it’s he best one yet. I espe-
cially liked the article on STDs and the
one on Dreamland. Do you know when
it’s showing in the US?
Thank you for your time and your
hard work,
Erica, Portland OR
Dear Erica,
Thank you so much for your kind letter. It
is nice to know you appreciate the paper,
and the town we take a name from. We’re
not sure when Dreamland will make it to
the US, but the directors assured us that
it would be promoted internationally, so
it ought to make its way your way soon.
As for subscription enquiries, you should
e-mail subscribe@grapevine.is.
My broken Icelandic dream - A review of two years of unfairness in Iceland
When I decided to move to Iceland I imagined a country with a fair society and with-
out discrimination. My first job experience was in [redacted]. I didn't want to ask what
my salary would be before moving, because I was scared to sound too greedy, [...] I
found out that the hostel was supposed to pay 90.000 ISK more than what they had
paid me. I don't know if it was a mistake, but most of the employees at the hostel are
foreigners that are working in Iceland for a couple of months. [...] My trouble with the
police was after a demonstration where I was arrested. [...] So they closed me in a cell
for 19 hours. During that time they gave me just an apple for dinner; the next meal I
got was the next day [...] the police kept my passport and told me that they would send
it to the Keflavík airport when I would leave the country. By then I didn't have a ken-
nitala so I was fucked [...].
All this taught me that my image of Iceland was crap. What I just learnt is that the
society is the same everywhere, it's not better in Iceland than in Italy. I still want to live
here, but I also want to speak up when I get treated unfairly.
Antonio Rilievo
Dear Antonio,
We’re sorry, but we couldn’t find a way to fit your entire letter anywhere in the paper.
It’s real long. Interested readers can find it on our web-site.
It really sucks that you’ve had to endure injustice over here. Hopefully, you can
cheer up with some excellent “Awesome letter” beer. Just e-mail us back to get it.
Welcome Card
Reykjavík
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