Beyeler Foundation Damaged By Storm; Fire Ban Lifted; Legal Weed Experiment Starts

Last Wednesday's storm in Basel has caused significant damage at the world renowned Beyeler Foundation Museum.  Water apparently entered the building and flowed in from the ceilings and walls, damaging structures and art, leaving the museum closed since.  At the time of the storm, works by Piet Mondrian were on display as part of an exhibition featuring the artist's work.  Fortunately, museum staff were able to quickly secure the collection, without damage.  In a press release, the museum reports that only two works from its own collection, unrelated to the ones on display, were damaged.  Investigations are under way to determine the source of the damage, and evaluate the necessary remediation.  There is no word yet from the museum, on the cost or time table for repairs.

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In more storm related news, last week's torrents of rain were sufficient to cause the authorities in BaselLand to lift the fire ban on public picnicking locations.  Restrictions still apply: fires can only be made in open or cultivated lands, meaning your favorite BBQ spot in or near a forest remains prohibited.  Many communes within the canton also continue to enforce water shortage rules and generally, BaselLand still encourages its inhabitants to use water sparingly. 

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Since September 15, up to 370 Basel residents can participate in a legal marijuana purchase program.  Participants are required to complete periodic surveys, provide urine samples, and be of legal age.  The program is meant to last two years and study the impact of legal trade in the intoxicant, and its effect on users' behavior and lifestyle.  Interestingly, the weed has been priced at 8-12 CHF per gram, which is meant to be on par with black market prices, without the risks of black market trade.  Authorities hope this will eventually help discourage illegal trade.