'New' Rembrandt portrait to be unveiled at Woburn Abbey
An oil painting of an old man that has been newly authenticated as a work by Rembrandt is to go on public display at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire this week.
The painting - known as The Old Rabbi - was last exhibited in 1950 and has hung ever since in a private room.
Last year Ernst van de Wetering, a leading expert on the 17th Century artist, was invited to study the work.
He said it was "an outstanding specimen of Rembrandt's art" that impressively depicted "dignity in old age".
"This is a discovery and a fine addition to the abbey's wonderful collection of Dutch art," said general manager Jonathan Irby.
"We are very excited about bringing this exquisite painting into the public eye, especially since visitors will be able to get within a few inches of it."
It is believed that the Woburn picture and a painting in the Gemaldegalerie in Berlin, thought to be a portrait of Rembrandt's wife Saskia, were intended as a pair.
Both were painted in 1643 on a mahogany panel taken from the same sugar case and share similarities of design and biblical style.
Pope Benedict Ends Cuba Visit
Pope Benedict concluded his first official visit to Cuba after meeting with former President Fidel Castro and holding a mass before a multitude gathered in Havana's Revolution Square. During his trip -- which included a stop in Mexico -- the pope called on Cuba's government to reconsider Marxism and urged the people to embrace the faith of their elders.
They walked the last kilometer, and more, to witness Pope Benedict's mass.
In his homily, the pontiff spoke of his joy at the recent increase in freedom given to the Roman Catholic Church in Cuba. But he also referred to the isolation of a country that has been under a U.S. embargo for the past 50 years.
“Cuba and the world need change, but this will occur only if each one is in a position to seek the truth and chooses the way of love, sowing reconciliation and fraternity,” he said.
Before arriving in Cuba, Benedict called on the government to recognize that Marxism, in his words, “no longer corresponds to reality.”
At a press conference on Tuesday, the official in charge of economic reforms, Vice President Marino Murillo, rejected the pope's critique.
"In Cuba there won't be political reform,” he said.
Marxist revolutionary heroes Ernesto “Che” Guevarra and Camilo Cienfuegos looked over their shoulders as they prayed to God.
It was hot, even for Cubans, and it was hard to see from so far away. But it was still meaningful for Clara Martinez.
“Having the pope in Cuba is very important for religious people. I think it's an unforgettable experience and may be the last time. It's not often that the pope visits," Martinez said.
Catholics remember Pope John Paul's visit in 1998. They are a small minority in Cuba, which has a variety of religious groups.
The Vatican is hoping to win over the many Cubans who mix Catholic and African traditions.
Katia Ogania may be prepared to convert.
“I'm an atheist. But I wouldn't mind, because if it's for the good of my people. I'm there,” Ogania said.
Many people came out of faith, many out of curiosity. But few expect that Benedict's visit will lead to any real political change.
US Judge Postpones Ruling on Strauss-Kahn Case
A U.S. judge has postponed a ruling on whether to dismiss a hotel maid's civil lawsuit against French politician Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
Bronx state Supreme Court Justice Douglas McKeon heard arguments Wednesday in Nafisatou Diallo's suit. He said he would not rule immediately in the case.
Diallo says Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her in his Manhattan hotel suite last May. Strauss-Kahn has denied doing anything violent during the encounter.
Prosecutors dropped related criminal charges last summer, citing doubts about Diallo's credibility.
Strauss-Kahn's lawyers argued Wednesday the civil suit also should be dismissed, saying that he has diplomatic immunity from the suit because of his position as head of the International Monetary Fund at the time the alleged crime took place. Lawyer Amit Mehta argued that an IMF chief enjoys the same diplomatic immunity as a French ambassador.
“It's precisely the same because there is a convention. It's precisely the same because it is becoming a matter of customary international law through consistent state practice, through the fact that no states have reserve on this particular executive immunity. It's become a matter of custom because agencies like the IMF, your honor have become increasingly important in world economics.”
Mehta argued that executives of the international egencies such as the IMF and the United Nations need immunity from prosecution so that these agnecies can function properly.
Diallo's lawyers said the immunity claim relies on a U.N. agreement the U.S. did not sign. Lawyer Kenneth Thompson told reporters after the hearing Wednesday that in any case, Strauss-Kahn's immunity could only be applied to his job.
“The bottom line is the law is the law. Dominique Strauss-Kahn was the head of an international organization. He was not a diplomat. He only had wat's called limited immunity, meaning whatever he did in connection with his position, he had immunity (for that). Even they (the prosecution) conceded that attaching Nafisatou Diallo was not part of his duties. So he does not have absolute immunity. And if he did, don't you think that his lawyers would have raised this in the criminal case?”
Wigdor noted that Strauss-Kahn was prosecuted for three months last year before his case was dropped.
The former IMF chief was charged Tuesday with pimping as part of organized crime in France. His French lawyers said Strauss-Kahn is being hounded for his libertine ways. The Socialist politician was once considered a top rival to President Nicolas Sarkozy in the upcoming French presidential election.
AU, UN Announce Reduction in Darfur Mission, Condemn Border Violence
The United Nations and the African Union are considering reducing the size of their joint peacekeeping mission in Darfur, citing improving conditions even as violence flares along the Sudan/South Sudan border.
Officials at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa said Wednesday that the size of the cutback has not been decided yet, but it is prompted by improved security conditions in the Darfur region and the return of refugees to their homes.
However the African Union has expressed “deep concern” about the security situation along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, where air strikes and ground attacks have taken place this week. It called on both sides to pull back 10 kilometers from the area where the border is disputed.
In a statement late Tuesday, A.U. chairman Jean Ping called for both sides to respect their recently signed agreements and said any disputes must be resolved through peaceful means. He noted the “unfortunate and worrying” development comes just before Sudan and South Sudan's presidents are scheduled to meet to discuss border and oil revenue disputes.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has said he is suspending the planned April 3 summit with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir because of the violence.
Tuesday, South Sudan accused Sudan of launching a second day of airstrikes on oil-rich territory along their disputed border. But Sudan denied the charge, and a spokesman for Sudan's ruling National Congress Party, Rabie Abdelati Obeid, said his country had merely responded to an incursion by South Sudan in its territory.
“They came close to the petroleum area, which [is] about four-kilometers inside the region, which is belonging to the north. And that is why our government chased them far away from the area.”
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Tuesday the United States is “greatly alarmed” by the renewed fighting, especially along the border area.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is “deeply concerned” about the clashes, and urged both sides to “peacefully address their differences.” He also urged Mr. Kiir and Mr. Bashir to continue with the proposed April talks.
The U.N. refugee agency expressed concern for the safety of 16,000 Sudanese refugees that recently fled the Nuba mountains to South Sudan's Yida settlement.
A spokeswoman says the area is not safe due to its proximity to the volatile border area.
Since South Sudan's independence in July, the two neighbors have not been able to agree on the demarcation of their 1,800 kilometer border or how much South Sudan should pay to export oil through Sudan.
The south took over most Sudanese oil production, but is refusing to pay what it considers excessive transit fees to use northern pipelines. The landlocked south needs the pipelines to send the oil to international markets.
The dispute prompted South Sudan to shut down all oil production, a move analysts say is likely to hurt both countries financially.
The sides are also in disagreement over the status of southerners living in the north, and regularly accuse each other of supporting the other's rebel groups.
LEAKED SIPT DOCUMENTS
Further to the alleged leaking of SIPT documents, Huw Shepheard, Attorney General, commented:
"The statements recently disclosed to the media are clearly part of the SIPT's ongoing criminal investigation, with a view to their being used as evidence in legal proceedings.
"As such, these papers are covered by legal professional privilege and, in addition, by the law of contempt of court. The disclosure of this material to persons not involved in the litigation for which they were prepared is a contempt of court punishable with imprisonment.
"If the disclosure or any publication was made with the intention of frightening or intimidating the witness whose statement is disclosed or published, the offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice may also have been committed. This is also punishable with imprisonment.
"I have asked the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police to investigate this leak, and, if sufficient admissible and credible evidence is obtained to identify the persons who have disseminated these documents, I will bring proceedings against them with a view to their being imprisoned."
24-Hour Crime Report
CASH, bank cards and other personal items were taken during a burglary at a property in Sting Ray Street, Cooper Jack, yesterday.
Anyone with information any is asked to call the police on 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www.crimestoppers.tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.
Crime prevention tips are also available by visiting www.rtcipolice.tc
TWO men were arrested in connection with a burglary that happened in Bird Rock Street, yesterday.
POLICE detained a man on suspicion of danger driving following a incident that was reported last month.
POLICE ISSUE WARNING AFTER ARMED ROBBERY FOILED AT BANK
DETECTIVES are hunting three men following an attempted armed robbery in Provo last night.
A customer withdrew cash from the ATM at the Royal Bank of Canada in Leeward Highway, just after 9.30pm.
When he came outside the bank foyer, he heard someone shout to him in Creole ‘hey man come here’.
He looked over and saw three dark skinned men standing in the bushes by the car park. The one who shouted was dressed in a red shirt, black jeans and was wearing a hat.
The other two were dressed in all black with masks over their faces. They all appeared to be holding weapons, possibly cutlasses.
The terrified customer ran to his car and drove away from the area at speed.
Police are now investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses.
Head of RTCI Police CID, Insp Grantley Williams, said: “This was obviously a very frightening ordeal for the victim and I’d urge anyone with information to contact us right away.
“It is unclear as to where the three men went afterwards but we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen these men acting suspiciously in the vacinity of the Royal Canada Bank last night.”
Meanwhile Insp Williams issued a warning to anyone using bank ATMs at night.
“Our advice to people is always be aware of your surroundings and, if at all possible, do not go to ATMs on your own”, he added. “This is particularly so at night time but the same advice applies at all times of the day.
“When you use a machine, make sure nobody is watching you and always be sure to conceal your PIN at all times. As soon as you have completed your transaction, ensure that you put your money and card in a safe place and return to your vehicle straight away.
“My other main tip would be to use less isolated ATM locations at night. Places like the supermarkets where there are lots of people and security patrols on duty.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www.crimestoppers.tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.
Crime prevention tips can be found at www.tcipoice.tc
CFO’s response to the Consultative Forum’s statement
Hugh McGarel-Groves, CFO, TCI Government said in reply to Lillian Missick: "I very much welcome the contribution of the consultative forum to this discussion of the role of the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum in signing off the next TCIG budget.
“TCIG is currently engaged in a process with the Permanent Secretaries and their teams to map out their budgetary requirements for next year, taking into account the effect of the ongoing reforms of the civil service, for example. This will shortly lead to a draft budget that requires the approval of UK Ministers, the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum.
“UK Ministers have requested an involvement in the earlier framework setting stage of the budget process, where total levels of revenue and expenditure will be set, leading to determination of net surplus available to fund the capital programme and the proposed fund for loan repayment.
“They will not be directly involved in the subsequent review and finalisation of detailed revenue and expenditure components, which is rightly the crucial role of the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum during the middle part of May. Given the challenges faced by TCI, and the importance of this budget, it is clearly wrong to describe this vital national contribution as ‘nothing more than a rubber stamp’.”
STATEMENT TO THE CONSULTATIVE FORUM – MARCH 27, 2012
I would like to begin today's session with a clarification on the timetable by which the Turks and Caicos Islands budget for financial year 2012/13 will be consulted upon and agreed.
The governor's office published this timetable on Thursday. However, it has incited considerable outrage because it calls for the draft budget to be signed off by UK ministers on 19 April before being submitted to the Consultative Forum on 7 May.
The general impression is that this proves that the UK intends to use the Forum as nothing more than a rubber stamp. This impression is understandable of course. But it is mistaken. Because a plain reading of this timetable clearly shows that even though the budget will be submitted on 7 May, the Forum will have until 21 May to approve it. That gives this body a full two weeks to engage in a line-item review and debate of this budget.
I have no doubt, especially given the controversy surrounding last year's timetable, that members will be very keen to voice any disagreement they have with any of its provisions. And I am equally certain that all disagreements will be duly reconciled - notwithstanding prior approval by UK ministers.
In any event, I made a point of securing written assurances from the CEO/Acting Governor that the Forum will have the more substantive role I've outlined here and will not be used as a mere rubber stamp as some inferred from the governor's timetable.
Of course, only time will tell. But I want to assure the public that this body will do all within its power to ensure that our budget promotes our sustainable economic development. Even if this means boycotting the budget approval process to prevent the British from making us indentured servants to debt payments in perpetuity.
Ms. Lillian Misick
Chair Consultative Forum
New York puts Tebow center stage in media firestorm
The most famous backup quarterback in NFL history stepped onto the artificial turf of the New York Jets practice facility at 12:06 p.m. on Monday afternoon. He smiled as he walked past the yard markers on the field, the click-click-click of cameras marking his every step. Tim Tebow then stepped up to the podium to address the congregation, and what he saw was a three-deep row of 36 cameras in front of him. "How's it going?" Tebow said. "Good to see all y'all. Lot of people here."
Lot of people, indeed. More than 200 media members headed to northern New Jersey for Tebow's introductory news conference, an alphabet soup of organizations from ESPN to Fox to the New York Times. The quarterback answered 30 questions over 33 minutes, smiling politely at each inquisitor upon answering. When asked why a backup quarterback was holding a press conference, Tebow did a very smart thing: He blamed management: "The reason we are doing this today is because I have bosses, too," Tebow said. "They wanted me to stand up and talk to all y'all. So I could blame it on them because they made me do it."
It was the beginning of what promises to be a memorable ride for Tebow and the New York sports media, given he is unlike any second-string athlete in the history of New York professional sports. He now ranks in the Top 10 in the endorsement category of all celebrities, according to The Marketing Arm's Davie-Brown Index (DBI), which measures nearly 3,000 celebrities, including current and retired sports figures. Each celebrity is evaluated by respondents and given a weighted average score across eight attributes -- appeal, aspiration, awareness, endorsement, influence, breakthrough, trendsetter and trust.
SI.com asked The Marketing Arm to provide updated statistics as of last week, and Tebow's numbers continue to soar.
The quarterback sits at No. 4 among all celebrities in DBI's Endorsement scale, trailing only Oprah Winfrey, Adele and Kate Middleton. (Will Smith, Bill Gates, Hank Aaron, Tom Hanks and Jack Nicklaus follow Tebow in the Top 10 of Endorsement). He has also soared into the Top 10 in the Influence category -- up from No. 40 in December -- which places him alongside Adele, Justin Bieber, Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt. Regarding the Trendsetter attribute, Tebow has risen to No. 6, which is on par with Katy Perry, Anne Hathaway, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Will Smith. His No. 13 ranking in Trust puts him in the same neighborhood as Warren Buffett, the late John Wooden, Bill Cosby, Jerry Rice and Dr. Oz.
The Marketing Arm says Tebow is now known by more than 75 percent of all U.S. consumers. According to Nielsen and E-Poll's N-Score ranking, which measures factors including name and image awareness and appeal, as well as attributes such as sincerity, approachability, experience and influence, Tebow has a score of 180. Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez has a score of just 12.
What will impact Tebow's scores on the DBI going forward is how much he plays this season. "The guy is not as exciting and influential if he's on the sideline with a clipboard or playing 10 plays a game," said Matt Delzell, a group account director from The Marketing Arm.
But that's not the case for the hypercompetitive New York media market, which has treated Tebow's arrival with lustful brio and plenty of column inches. Since he arrived from Denver last Wednesday, Tebow has appeared on the front of the New York Post three of the past five days, including a "GOD HIM" headline on the day he arrived. (The Post ran 24 stories on Tebow between Wednesday and Sunday.) The New York Daily News has also featured Tebow on the front three of the past five days, including a story centered around the quarterback attending the Broadway play Wicked on Sunday ("TIM GETS WICKED"). The News ran 28 stories on Tebow between Wednesday and Sunday.
In addition to tabloids and America's most well-known national paper, The New York Times, New York City is home to a pair of 24-hour sports talk stations, including long-time powerhouse WFAN-AM, multiple local television stations and all the broadcast networks. Worth noting is that the Bristol, Conn., home of ESPN, whose obsession with Tebow is similar to the one Jennifer Jason Leigh had for Bridget Fonda in Single White Female, sits just 107 miles north of Manhattan.
"He transcends the sports landscape and that's why you are seeing stories on the front of the paper," says Teri Thompson, the managing editor for sports at the New York Daily News. "And he creates immediately a quarterback controversy, which of course is a Godsend to the tabloids of New York. Once training camp begins, it will be like that Allstate commercial -- mayhem. And then once the season starts, Lord only knows what will happen, and no pun intended."
"He's going to sell papers because he's a guy that sparks great interest from the public," said New York Post night sports editor Pat Hannigan, who has worked at the paper since 1978 and is well-known within newspaper circles for providing some of the paper's most famous back page headlines. "As for writing headlines, with a guy like Tebow there are a lot of things to play off. You can almost go to the Bible. On Friday we had REX'S NEW COMMANDMENT: LOVE THY BACKUP because Rex [Ryan] was raving about the guy."
Source: sportsillustrated