Look at that wonderful spring sky with snow on the mountains! It looks fantastic over there right now. I guess this is the last few weeks before the tourists come back en-masse, enjoy the peace and quiet!
I remember watching the Fischer/ Spassky tournament on TV. It was about a year after my 2 year stay in Iceland courtesy of the U.S. Navy :) Another interesting news report, thank you!
Valur, You are wearing my favorite sweater! You have worn this before. I love the designs with just two colors. One of these days, I will actually make one. :)
I realise it's very cold where you are Valur but it looks lovely with the snowy path among green trees and glimpses of blue sky. Polly's enjoying herself in the outdoors. Tree-planting still ongoing too. Positive things to set against concerns re dishonest banking activities. Best wishes to you all at the Grapevine.
Bravo Iceland!!!👏👏👏 At a time where we are losing such massive tracts of wild countryside to drilling, fracking, construction, malls and ever more roads and motorways, our poor planet needs more trees and forests...the very air we breathe depends on it to combat the pollution we create!!! Apart from that, we need the forests and wild woodland to protect the wildlife we love so much, plus the calm and peace that a walk though the beauty of a wild woodland brings! Keep planting beautiful Iceland!!!🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲😍💖🤩xxx
Congratulations on reforesting Iceland! I hope you find having lots of trees as enjoyable as I do. I'm allergic to all conifer trees and most deciduous trees, but I still like to look at them as I take antihistamines to stop sneezing. 🤗💕
I was stationed at U.S. Naval Air Station Keflavik International Airport, Iceland on the Reykjanes peninsula in 1970 - 71 have noticed there's many more tree's in Iceland now in present day than when I was stationed there in very early 1970's.
The planned “reforestation" of Iceland, mentioned by Valur, is very significant. It should bring many practical benefits to Iceland, but it should also be an inspiration to the world that forests do not have to just be cut down for short-term economic benefit. Forests can be grown and expanded, in ways that are beneficial to all. When Iceland was settled in the 9th century, it is estimated that up to 40% of the island was covered by forests, mostly birch. The original settlers cut these down, for fuel and agriculture, and did not replenish them. (A few very small areas of birch “forests” that were never cut down still exist.) After about 300 years of this, the result was the iconic treeless Icelandic landscapes that we see today, along with incredible amounts of soil erosion. In 1882, a major sandstorm occurred in the Reykjavik area, causing widespread devastation, and leading to an awareness that if Icelandic forests were rebuilt, disasters like that sandstorm could be eliminated. (Sandstorms in Iceland still commonly occur. They cause significant damage, especially to automobiles.) Today, the goal of reforesting Iceland has other positive benefits, including the effort to combat climate change. Around 1950, Iceland embarked on a large-scale, multi-generational effort to “reforest” much of the island. When this effort began, the amount of Iceland that was considered to be “forested” was estimated to be less than 1%. As Valur said, this value is now (more than 70 years later) 2%. To achieve this, small saplings are grown in greenhouses, of trees that have been genetically chosen to be able to grow in the current Icelandic climate - and in the expected Icelandic climate as the Earth warms. Currently, about 3 million of these saplings are planted each summer, many by volunteers. This effort has led to the expansion of Icelandic terrain that is now considered to be “forested.” (If you Google “Icelandic Forestry,” you will find links to articles that describe this project in much more detail than I can here. One excellent 5-minute UA-cam video is entitled “Iceland is Growing New Forests for the First Time in 1,000 Years.” An excellent short article is “Vikings Razed the Forests. Can Regrow Them?") The Icelandic Forest Service has articulated the goal of having 12% of Iceland reforested by the year 2100. The point is that the reforestation of Iceland is a deliberate, purposeful endeavor that will take generations to achieve. I find this to be incredibly inspirational. The reforestation effort in Iceland cannot make up for the destruction of the Amazon that we read about almost daily. Nonetheless, Iceland is setting an example that forests can be regrown and nurtured, essentially from zero. The world needs this kind of inspiration. Valur, I watch your newscasts religiously, and I hope that in some future newscast, you or one of your colleagues will discuss the Icelandic reforestation project in more detail. I believe that many viewers would find this to be fascinating, and (as I’ve said several times now) inspirational.
Thank you for the additional back story. I, too, have been intrigued by their reforestation efforts. It's amazing to see these small areas which give us a glimpse into what Iceland looked like in the early days. The enthusiasm they have for nature and this project is contagious. I hope to be able to do some tree planting or similar activities this summer. This world would be doing better if we had more people who cherished the environment.
@@erinmcdonald7781 Thank you, Erin. I have only been to Iceland for one short 3-day stay, and I've never seen any of the original very small birch forests. Valur, if you read this, now that you have shown us a "new" forested area near Reykjavik, can you please show us one of the "original" birch forests? One where - if you are lost, you simply have to stand up? (I am joking - the birch must be taller than that!)
Thanks for the nerd report. I had no idea of what happened to Bobby Fischer. My wasband was a chess genius and we avidly followed the competitions. After we divorced, I stopped, because that's a game I couldn't grasp at all. How very sad and absurd that Fischer got caught up in the US government's bullshit. We currently have the previous administration engaging in serious criminal activity with Russia and the twice impeached president protecting them by refusing record subpoenas and pardoning those who've already been convicted. Sorry to hear about the latest bank scandal. Seems like 'investors' all over the world have free reign to ignore the law, escpae consequences, and continually grow richer
Greetings ,Oh how it has saddened me to hear of the New Bank Scandal. Truly after 2008 , one would think , Appearances Matter. I trust the government Will Not , bail the bank out, Should it fail , in the future. Private Profit----Private Loss Peace Always gb
Polly's positive vibe is infectious as always and that Icelandic forest is truly charming. Thanks for the vid!
Look at that wonderful spring sky with snow on the mountains! It looks fantastic over there right now.
I guess this is the last few weeks before the tourists come back en-masse, enjoy the peace and quiet!
Glad to see that trees grow in Iceland.
Hello Valur! Hi Polly! So nice to have you both back with news from your beautiful island !
Thank you for your patience Polly...always full of energy and smiling
Valur walking on snow for 10 minutes:
- Ah, there's still snow here.
Polly says, “pay attention to me”!😂
Love your newscasts! Keep up the great work.
I remember watching the Fischer/ Spassky tournament on TV. It was about a year after my 2 year stay in Iceland courtesy of the U.S. Navy :) Another interesting news report, thank you!
ROCK THE RETURN OF TREES!!!!! Good job Iceland
Valur, You are wearing my favorite sweater! You have worn this before. I love the designs with just two colors. One of these days, I will actually make one. :)
I realise it's very cold where you are Valur but it looks lovely with the snowy path among green trees and glimpses of blue sky. Polly's enjoying herself in the outdoors. Tree-planting still ongoing too. Positive things to set against concerns re dishonest banking activities. Best wishes to you all at the Grapevine.
Clean shaven, again. You look so much younger today. Keep it up.
Thanks for the news and the forest joke 🤣
At 05:33 - is that 'trader' or 'traitor' ? It's hard to tell when you're dealing with bankers.
banksters
LOLOL
Bravo Iceland!!!👏👏👏
At a time where we are losing such massive tracts of wild countryside to drilling, fracking, construction, malls and ever more roads and motorways, our poor planet needs more trees and forests...the very air we breathe depends on it to combat the pollution we create!!!
Apart from that, we need the forests and wild woodland to protect the wildlife we love so much, plus the calm and peace that a walk though the beauty of a wild woodland brings!
Keep planting beautiful Iceland!!!🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲😍💖🤩xxx
Beautiful day!
I'll keep donating for tree planting in Iceland to try to help you all get more!
I come for the news and stay for the Polly.
Congratulations on reforesting Iceland! I hope you find having lots of trees as enjoyable as I do. I'm allergic to all conifer trees and most deciduous trees, but I still like to look at them as I take antihistamines to stop sneezing. 🤗💕
How can I get a copy of the knitting pattern for your Lopapeysa? I wish to knit one.
what was the airline name and from where does it fly
Play.
Play Airlines flys to Europe and North America from Iceland
I was stationed at U.S. Naval Air Station Keflavik International Airport, Iceland on the Reykjanes peninsula in 1970 - 71 have noticed there's many more tree's in Iceland now in
present day than when I was stationed there in very early 1970's.
Any crocusses growing there? A wonderful garden indeed.
Banksters = Bankers who are gangsters. I like it!
wow 2% trees 50% ice?
The glaciers are 11%
Poor poli, so hopeful, so patient with her frisbee.
The planned “reforestation" of Iceland, mentioned by Valur, is very significant. It should bring many practical benefits to Iceland, but it should also be an inspiration to the world that forests do not have to just be cut down for short-term economic benefit. Forests can be grown and expanded, in ways that are beneficial to all.
When Iceland was settled in the 9th century, it is estimated that up to 40% of the island was covered by forests, mostly birch. The original settlers cut these down, for fuel and agriculture, and did not replenish them. (A few very small areas of birch “forests” that were never cut down still exist.) After about 300 years of this, the result was the iconic treeless Icelandic landscapes that we see today, along with incredible amounts of soil erosion.
In 1882, a major sandstorm occurred in the Reykjavik area, causing widespread devastation, and leading to an awareness that if Icelandic forests were rebuilt, disasters like that sandstorm could be eliminated. (Sandstorms in Iceland still commonly occur. They cause significant damage, especially to automobiles.) Today, the goal of reforesting Iceland has other positive benefits, including the effort to combat climate change.
Around 1950, Iceland embarked on a large-scale, multi-generational effort to “reforest” much of the island. When this effort began, the amount of Iceland that was considered to be “forested” was estimated to be less than 1%. As Valur said, this value is now (more than 70 years later) 2%. To achieve this, small saplings are grown in greenhouses, of trees that have been genetically chosen to be able to grow in the current Icelandic climate - and in the expected Icelandic climate as the Earth warms. Currently, about 3 million of these saplings are planted each summer, many by volunteers. This effort has led to the expansion of Icelandic terrain that is now considered to be “forested.” (If you Google “Icelandic Forestry,” you will find links to articles that describe this project in much more detail than I can here. One excellent 5-minute UA-cam video is entitled “Iceland is Growing New Forests for the First Time in 1,000 Years.” An excellent short article is “Vikings Razed the Forests. Can Regrow Them?") The Icelandic Forest Service has articulated the goal of having 12% of Iceland reforested by the year 2100.
The point is that the reforestation of Iceland is a deliberate, purposeful endeavor that will take generations to achieve. I find this to be incredibly inspirational. The reforestation effort in Iceland cannot make up for the destruction of the Amazon that we read about almost daily. Nonetheless, Iceland is setting an example that forests can be regrown and nurtured, essentially from zero. The world needs this kind of inspiration.
Valur, I watch your newscasts religiously, and I hope that in some future newscast, you or one of your colleagues will discuss the Icelandic reforestation project in more detail. I believe that many viewers would find this to be fascinating, and (as I’ve said several times now) inspirational.
Thank you for the additional back story. I, too, have been intrigued by their reforestation efforts. It's amazing to see these small areas which give us a glimpse into what Iceland looked like in the early days. The enthusiasm they have for nature and this project is contagious. I hope to be able to do some tree planting or similar activities this summer. This world would be doing better if we had more people who cherished the environment.
@@erinmcdonald7781 Thank you, Erin. I have only been to Iceland for one short 3-day stay, and I've never seen any of the original very small birch forests. Valur, if you read this, now that you have shown us a "new" forested area near Reykjavik, can you please show us one of the "original" birch forests? One where - if you are lost, you simply have to stand up? (I am joking - the birch must be taller than that!)
@@edwardlarsen8658 Valur, I second that! I do hope to make to the land of Fire & Ice sooner than later!
💜🌍🌋🏔️🌅
Beautiful sweater!
Sorry cannot AMA with you tomorrow as I have a doctors general checkup appointment
Valur , where do you get your firewood that I saw in your woodstove?
We in Ireland are big fans of Iceland. It cud be said we are cousins. My sons have been , tho I sadly havent had the pleasure.
Valur, you should try learning Nålbinding. That may suit you more than knitting.
the rich control what they can as described
Stand up in the forest and problem solved 🤣😂 Nice place, nice weather. But still cold
Thanks for the nerd report. I had no idea of what happened to Bobby Fischer. My wasband was a chess genius and we avidly followed the competitions. After we divorced, I stopped, because that's a game I couldn't grasp at all. How very sad and absurd that Fischer got caught up in the US government's bullshit. We currently have the previous administration engaging in serious criminal activity with Russia and the twice impeached president protecting them by refusing record subpoenas and pardoning those who've already been convicted. Sorry to hear about the latest bank scandal. Seems like 'investors' all over the world have free reign to ignore the law, escpae consequences, and continually grow richer
🌸🤗
Greetings ,Oh how it has saddened me to hear of the New Bank Scandal.
Truly after 2008 , one would think , Appearances Matter.
I trust the government Will Not , bail the bank out,
Should it fail , in the future.
Private Profit----Private Loss
Peace Always
gb
Everyone’s happier? Have you seen faces😂😂lately.
Not round here (UK)
What do you do when you get lost in an Icelandic forest?
stand up
where is the grapevine office will be in icland in 2023 [for the third time ]
Nice sweater! Did you lighten your hair? Polly ever have puppies? Or is she "fixed"? Good old friend from Florida asking!
Cute little Polly always want to please
the chess tournament will be in selfoss?
Good question, I think it's unlikely, but a fitting place. They haven't announced it.
@@TheReykjavikGrapevine at the bobby fisher museum?
i wish people would play the 3D chess game found in star wars, publicly like they do normal chess...
In Star Trek TNG, Data played it. In the original series, Spock was the 3D chess guru! They were too busy avoiding Darth Vader in Star Wars, lol.
@@Momcat_maggiefelinefan Yes!!! 🖖😎
Sounds like mafia
Which one of these could NOT be the correct translation for the Icelandic world "Slá"
a) Bar/Rod
b) Mow
c) Slap
d) Silly
d
D
Ha ha, this is a trick question. I am going to go with selection a as the incorrect translation. I have my reasons, and we’ll see if I’m right.
Sla can not be translated as "silly" (d).
A
It's a)!
Your subject matter is better than an Ambien. Zzzzz