In Iceland, the Jólabókaflóð, or 'Christmas book flood,' is a cherished tradition where books are the most popular Christmas gift, with the majority of book sales occurring in the months leading up to the holiday. This custom, which began during World War II due to import restrictions, has solidified Iceland's reputation as a nation of book lovers. The annual catalogue of new titles, once a paper publication sent to every home and now online, is eagerly anticipated. The tradition is integral to the publishing industry, with a significant portion of annual turnover occurring in the last four months of the year. Icelanders, including teacher Hildur Loftsdóttir, publisher Heiðar Ingi Svansson, and readers like Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson and Edda Snorradóttir, share their personal experiences and the joy of receiving books on Christmas Eve. The market for books is dynamic, with crime fiction author Arnaldur Indriðason expected to be a top seller. The tradition is seen as enduring, with new generations continuing to discover the joy of reading.

Grindavík, a small fishing town in Iceland, was evacuated due to worsening earthquakes and the formation of a magma tunnel beneath it. The town's residents are in a state of uncertainty, with significant damage to infrastructure and homes. The Icelandic government, led by Katrín Jakobsdóttir, has been proactive, ensuring wage guarantees for affected residents and emphasizing the country's preparedness for natural disasters. The Þórbjörn search and rescue team has provided a hopeful outlook, despite the extensive damage.

Iceland's fisheries minister, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, announced he has become the new prime minister after securing President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson's formal backing. This follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson due to links to an offshore account. Johannsson aims to restore confidence in politics amidst ongoing political turmoil and opposition demands for an immediate election. Despite the scandal, Johannsson believes Iceland's reputation remains intact. Gunnlaugsson, denying any illegal activity, plans to stay in parliament and retain his party chairmanship.

Excavations in South Iceland have uncovered extensive Viking-era cave systems near Oddi, dating back to the 10th century. These caves, associated with powerful chieftains and large-scale farming, provide new insights into the early settlers' building techniques and lifestyle. Key historical figures like Sæmundur fróði and Snorri Sturluson are linked to the site, which is expected to become a major tourist attraction. The findings, led by Kristborg Þórsdóttir of the Archaeological Institute of Iceland, reveal the oldest man-made cave in Iceland and suggest that many more such structures remain undiscovered.

Iceland, known for its safety, is facing calls for stricter gun laws following a foiled terrorist plot and recent shootings. Despite high gun ownership, mostly for hunting, gun violence is rare. The country has strict gun laws, but the Justice Minister Jón Gunnarsson aims to propose further restrictions. The police, currently unarmed on patrol, may see changes in their arming policy. The consensus among authorities is that gun laws need amendment, and discussions are ongoing.

Iceland has become a sought-after filming destination for its dramatic landscapes and generous tax incentives. Productions like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Star Wars' have been filmed there. Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur, who opened RVK Studios, and Leifur B. Dagfinnsson, CEO of Truenorth, cite the skilled local crew and the ability to represent various countries' landscapes as reasons for Iceland's popularity. The Icelandic government offers up to 35% reimbursement on production costs, drawing in projects like 'True Detective' and 'Heart of Stone'.

Reynisfjara, Iceland's famous black sand beach, is known for its beauty but also for its dangerous sneaker waves, which have caused fatalities. Local authorities are implementing safety measures, including a color-coded warning system and a new light system to alert visitors of wave threats. Tour guides like Perla Magnúsdóttir emphasize the importance of respecting the ocean's power while enjoying the beach safely. The Ministry of Tourism is considering temporary closures during high-risk tides, in collaboration with landowners and the tourism industry.

The 1972 World Chess Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in Reykjavík, Iceland, marked a significant event in the Cold War era, drawing global attention to the small island nation. Fischer's victory ended Soviet dominance in chess, but his later years were marred by controversial anti-Semitic and anti-US statements. Despite his polarizing legacy, Fischer remains a revered figure in Iceland, where a museum and his grave attract tourists. The match's 50th anniversary highlights its lasting impact on Icelandic history and culture.

Retirees from various countries share their experiences and perspectives on retirement. They discuss their financial security, volunteer work, and personal activities. Despite different backgrounds and financial situations, they find contentment and purpose in their post-retirement lives. The narratives highlight the importance of planning for retirement and the diverse ways people adapt to this new phase of life.

Olafur Vignir Sigurvinsson, an Icelandic business executive with ties to WikiLeaks, has stated that a private plane is ready to transport Edward Snowden from Hong Kong to Iceland. Sigurvinsson has been in contact with a representative of Snowden but not directly with Snowden himself. The Icelandic government has not yet received an asylum request from Snowden, according to Johannes Tomasson, a spokesman for the Iceland Interior Ministry. The U.S. is interested in prosecuting Snowden for leaking NSA documents. Funding for Snowden's potential flight is coming from private donations, with the Progressive Change Campaign Committee raising funds for legal fees, not personal expenses. Sigurvinsson, who has a background with companies like DataCell and Baugur Group, expressed hope that Iceland would grant Snowden citizenship as they did with chess master Bobby Fischer.

The article highlights some of the best hotel pools across the United States, emphasizing their unique features and luxurious amenities. From the rooftop pool at Dumbo House in Brooklyn with its stunning views of Manhattan to the historic and newly revamped Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Florida, these pools offer a range of experiences from serene relaxation to vibrant social scenes. Other notable mentions include the Enchantment Resort in Arizona, Ace Hotel in New Orleans, and The Adolphus in Dallas, each providing distinctive settings and services for guests looking to cool down and enjoy their summer.

Iceland's fisheries minister, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, announced he has become the new prime minister following the resignation of his predecessor, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, due to links to an offshore account. Johannsson secured formal backing from President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and aims to restore confidence in politics. The center-right coalition faces challenges from opposition parties demanding an immediate election and proposing a no-confidence vote against the entire government.

The article discusses the rising popularity of Iceland's Pirate Party, which champions a leftist platform emphasizing freedom of information, privacy, data freedom, and government transparency. The party has been leading opinion polls with 37.8% support, surpassing the ruling Independence Party. The article suggests that the 2008 financial crisis and broken promises by the current government have fueled the Pirate Party's growth. Founded in 2012, the party currently holds three seats in parliament. The article features comments from co-founder Birgitta Jónsdóttir, who believes the party's commitment to transparency resonates with Icelanders disillusioned with traditional parties. The article also touches on the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative, aimed at protecting media freedom, and the challenges faced by the media in Iceland post-financial crisis.

Iceland, a nation that has been historically hesitant to accept large numbers of foreigners, is showing a growing willingness to welcome Syrian refugees. This change in attitude follows a grassroots movement, amplified by a Facebook campaign led by Icelandic author Bryndis Bjorgvinsdottir, which has influenced the government to reconsider its refugee policy. Initially, Iceland committed to accepting 50 Syrian refugees over two years, but public pressure and a surge in volunteerism may increase that number. The movement gained momentum even before the tragic image of a drowned Syrian toddler highlighted the plight of refugees. Despite Iceland's recent financial crisis, its citizens are demonstrating a readiness to assist, with over 900 signing up as Red Cross volunteers to help the incoming refugees. The government has reached out to the UN refugee agency to express its willingness to accept more refugees, and Minister of Social Affairs Eyglo Hardardottir has encouraged Icelanders to offer support in various forms.

In Iceland, environmentalists and elf advocates have united to halt a highway project that threatens elf habitats and cultural sites. The Supreme Court of Iceland is set to rule on the case brought by Friends of Lava, who emphasize both environmental and cultural impacts. The belief in elves remains strong in Iceland, with many locals and notable figures like singer Bjork affirming their existence. The issue highlights the unique cultural landscape of Iceland, where folklore and respect for nature are deeply intertwined.

Iceland's small Jewish community, numbering around 100, maintains its faith and cultural identity despite the lack of formal Jewish institutions. Rabbi Berel Pewzner of Chabad has been instrumental in supporting the community, organizing events like Passover Seders and Rosh Hashanah services. The Jewish presence in Iceland dates back to the early 20th century, with significant fluctuations during and after World War II. Today, the community is diverse, with many members in interfaith marriages and secular backgrounds. While Icelanders generally do not exhibit anti-Semitism, there is significant criticism of Israeli government policies, particularly regarding the Palestinian conflict. Notable figures include Rabbi Pewzner, Julian Burgos, and Dorrit Moussaieff, the Israeli-born wife of Iceland's president.

Iceland has been named the most welcoming country in the world, according to a survey by the World Economic Forum. Despite its economic collapse in 2008, Iceland has made a significant recovery, with its economy expected to grow by 2.7% and unemployment rates falling. The country's welcoming nature is rooted in its history and culture, with residents eager to share their heritage with tourists. Tourism in Iceland has been increasing, with the number of visitors doubling since 2000. Iceland's marketing strategies, such as allowing tourists from the US and EU to have a stopover at no extra cost, have contributed to its appeal. The article also compares Iceland's hospitality to that of the UK, suggesting that while Brits are friendly, they are not as effective at promoting tourism.