Monday, February 11, 2008

Huge Art Heist in Europe

What may be the largest art theft in Europe happened Monday, in Zurich.

Three thieves, clad in all black and ski masks strolled into the Emile Bührle Foundation, a private collection just outside of Zurich's city center.

Armed with a gun, one robber ordered staff and visitors to get on the groud. The other two removed four paitings from the walls; Monet’s “Poppy Field at Vetheuil,”


"Ludovic Lepic and his Daughter" by Edgar Degas,

Van Gogh’s “Blooming Chestnut Branches,”


and Cézanne’s “Boy in the Red Waistcoat.”



Their total worth is estimated at $163 million.

The men were seen fleeing in a white car with the trunk open, the paintings there to be seen.

Authorities don't think the theives set out to take these specific paintings. The four that were stolen were all on the same wall. They were also not the most expensive paintings in the gallery.


Last week, two Picasso oils valued at $4.5 million were stolen from a Swiss museum in Pfaeffikon, Agence France-Presse reported.


Authorities do not think these incidents are related.

Bars are Banning Strollers

Most people don't think of a bar as a place to find children. Obviously they haven't been to many of the trendy pubs in NYC suburbs.

Now so many parents are flocking to the local watering holes, the estabolishments have to post signs: No Strollers.






New York does not have a law keeping minors out of bars. It does say if the person is under 16, they must be accompanied by an adult.

With the recent smoking ban in bars, more parents are lugging their children to the local tavern.

The ususal visitors are flustered by the influx of strollers and babies and the owners are taking notice.

More pubs have posted the sign and the outcry from the parents is getting worse. The nurturers don't see anything wrong with their invasion.

Some inns have been forced to take down the No Strollers sign. Neither side is happy.

For more information on this story and others like it: No Babies in the Bars

Bar Bans Strollers

Lift on the Stroller Ban

Children-Free Pub