Yoko’s peace pole fired up

This place is swarming with foreign journalists right now in anticipation of the lighting of Yoko Ono’s peace column this evening, set to illuminate the night sky from the island of Viðey, just off the north coast of Reykjavík.

Yoko herself is also in town, along with son Sean, Ringo Starr and Olivia Harrison. Apparently Paul McCartney couldn’t make it, though he was invited.

I’ll admit that I was pretty sceptical [understatement] when this idea was introduced a couple of years ago, but I’ve warmed to it. The cynics say it will cause light pollution yadayada, but hey, you want darkness get in your car and drive 20 minutes east. Personally I think a column of light will be a pretty sight for those of us who travel along Sæbraut after dark.

The column is being lit today because it would have been John Lennon’s 67th birthday, and will be shut off on December 8, which is the day he was assasinated. This will be an annual thing. If anyone wants to a live broadcast from the event they can click on the live ruv.is broadcast at 7.30 GMT, or alternately watch Kastljós online anytime over the next two weeks.

See? Not only are we a weather report, but also provide an invaluable service for the global community, all in the name of peace.

OH FORGOT ABOUT THE WEATHER
It’s damp and cold right now, not pleasant at all. Overcast with showers. Temps 7°C [45F], sunrise was at 7:59 am and sunset due for 6:30 pm.