Viking Magazine - January 2019 - 9

A Year Without FM
Radio receivers across Norway went
silent last year as the country became
the fi rst to phase out FM radio in favor
of digital audio broadcasting (DAB).
The Norwegian government began the
move to bring higher sound quality
and more variety to listeners. But a
year after the shutdown, progress is
slow. Local stations are allowed to
broadcast on FM waves until 2022,
so many Norwegians have simply
switched to local radio. The main issue
is the DAB receivers are expensive and
do not come standard in cars. This,
combined with the rising popularity
of streaming services and internet
radio, has made the transition diffi cult.
Many Norwegians feel that the switch
was rushed and didn't give them
enough time to upgrade. Norwegian
Broadcasting Corporation (NRK)
personnel remain hopeful, though, as
month by month listeners are slowly
upgrading old radios and discovering
shows on the new digital channels.
Green Capital 2019
Electric cars, sustainable
artifi cial reefs and eco-friendly
city planning have all helped
Oslo earn the title of European
Green Capital for 2019. After
three years of making the
European Commission's
shortlist, Oslo beat out 13
other cities for the title,
ranking highest in eight out
of 12 categories including air quality, biodiversity and green innovation. Known
for its progressive environmental policies and deep connection to sustainability,
Oslo naturally had an outstanding application! In light of the award, Oslo is
committing to working even harder for a sustainable future.
Nature's Compass
With our modern-day reliance on GPS and
other navigational technology, it's a wonder
the Vikings managed to cross the treacherous
ocean between Norway and Greenland without
so much as a compass. This remarkable feat
has remained a longstanding mystery for
researchers and history enthusiasts alike. In
1967, Danish archaeologist Thorkild Ramskou
shed light on the matter with the theory that
the Vikings used crystals to detect patterns
and sources of light not visible to the naked eye. These sunstones became
essential in unfavorable weather and when the sun descended below the horizon.
It is likely that the crystals allowed the Vikings to read the position of the sun
periodically throughout the day and, most importantly, at dawn and dusk. When
used in tandem with the North Star and sundials, the navigators had enough
guidance to sail the northern seas. Today's researchers have used computerized
simulations to corroborate Ramskou's theory. Their goal to eventually travel from
Norway to Greenland and back using these methods will be the ultimate test.
Jan. 9-12, Breckenridge, Colo.
Ullr Fest
For its 55th year, Ullr Fest
will feature giant bonfi res, an
ice plunge and the world's
longest shot ski in celebration
of the Norse God of Snow.
The stepson of Thor, Ullr was
an excellent skier and archer
who covered the world with
snow every year to protect it.
gobreck.com
Jan. 10-12, Oslo
allEars 2019
Experience something new at
allEars, a nonprofi t improvised
music festival. The annual
event was started in 2002 and
aims to showcase improvised
music in all its diverse forms,
incorporating other media such
as video and dance. all-ears.no
Jan. 14-20, Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø International
Film Festival
People from around the globe
gather in Tromsø for this annual
festival of fi lm screenings,
seminars and debates. If you
can stand the cold, take part in
one of the event's most popular
traditions and catch a movie at
the outdoor cinema. tiff.no
Jan. 26, Dallas, Texas
Viking Dash Trail Run
Dress in your fi ercest Viking
garb for this test of mental
and physical strength.
With races from 5K to half
marathon, run (or hike, there
are no time limits) along the
trail to the fi nish line to earn
a Thor's hammer medal!
vikingdashtrailrun.com
sonsofnorway.com VIKING JANUARY 2019 9
PHOTO BY ARNIEIN
http://www.all-ears.no http://www.tiff.no http://www.vikingdashtrailrun.com http://www.gobreck.com http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - January 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - January 2019
