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Hello and welcome to another day of Bazz's SNES tracker development blog posts. Today I want to talk about my experience returning to the project, the bad things I've discovered about my projects, and what needs to be fixed in order to have a better development process.
As you might know it's been a few months since I've coded for SNES tracker debugger. When I came back to the project a week ago, I realized how convoluted everything was. I found it really difficult to implement a new feature (see the very end of document for an expounding composite on this experience, and a conceptual solution). At the time I knew I had been agile-style developing, and I guess I rather lacked the sense that I have now.
As an example, libGME – and much, much more has to be said about my version of it – has been thus far directly compiled into the executable. Even worse, there were parts of libGME & SNES tracker debugger that only compiled when the two were used directly together. I've taken a new focus on fixing flaws like these. I am planning on making a tutorial blog post that demonstrates the improvements I've made, allowing libGME and the new features I've added to be compiled independently as a little dynamic library. But, For now I'd like to only talk about my vision for SNES Tracker debugger.
Individual Repos – Self-fulfilling
What with the abstraction of libGME's new features back into its own independent library, and with my own modified use of utilities such as unrar and 7zDec (7zip extraction program), I am planning on individualizing these aspects of snes tracker into their own repositories and maintaining a Github Account called SNES tracker, which encapsulates all these different repos. This is akin to RetroArch, the multi-emulator thingy. Like RetroArch, I plan on having a "Super" repository that pulls in all of the other repositories and provide scripts and/or make files for compiling the final project. This'll be really useful, since I imagine other projects that might call upon some of these individual repos which can now work independently, or at least that's what I hope for. I am sure I would consider licensing at some point.
I'm also working on adding abstractions in STD's main CodeBase. Currently it is a convolution of specific library implementation code and bad object oriented programming. I want the code for SNES tracker debugger to be a wrapper beyond any specific Library implementation. I'm seeking to code SNES tracker in this "Blueprint" style so that I don't have to think in terms of a specific library, I can simply think how I want this tracker debugger to work, and then write drivers underneath the abstractions for whatever library or libraries that end up being the ones. I admit I have to be careful when I design my wrappers, I do indeed have a mindful approach towards some of the libraries I intend on implementing so that I know the wrapper and driver will agree with each other.
It should not be underestimated how difficult it is to create abstraction layers for the individual components. I've just finished implementing an SDL driver for an abstract Timer class I designed this weekend. It was a lot of work but I also learned how I can minimize about 90% of that work – for me it's just a matter going to sleep on time and not thinking too hard. You'd be amazed at how hard I worked on it and ended up taking out much of the code I added. But us experienced programmers know it is not about the amount of code at all – that does not reflect the quality. Less is more always. I'm the very feature full person so it's tough for me to stay true to that. Whatever moving on..
A bit about how I work extra hard on things and I end up learning an incredible amount of information that I don't disseminate into documentation. This happened to me yesterday with the SDL timer implementation, I ended up deeply studying the SDL timer source code, and I learned a lot about it but it was just so much I don't know what to say I would like to try to disseminate that information somehow so I'll give it a shot today. It's rather interesting stuff I think. I don't know, there's a lot I would love to do today.
Anyways I will continue to be this way I hope you like it. I hope you like what I'm doing with the project as far as abstracting everything and really just trying to organize this project and have it be self-fulfilling.
Afterthoughts / Concerns
… I don't think I have anyone to rely on externally for this project but I'm trying my best to create environments so that teammates can join up. People who are interested can listen and be informed and hopefully become involved. So in order to create such an environment I have created the forums on http://snestracker.club that would love attention. For more serious players I have made a slack subdomain which is invite-only and I would love to invite you if you're interested. Please feel free to shoot me an email and demonstrate some self-motivation and interest for the project – because if you don't have that I won't come to you. my email is mbazzinotti SKIPPITY_DO gmail.com. I just assume that nobody's interested in this project except for me, as developer. I am also not much of a team player. I'm not even sure if I'll be open to other people's ideas. A part of me just doesn't want listen to anybody. And that's me folks, take care.
Expounding Composite
Subheadline — My experience with trying to implement a new feature after some time away from the project.
SubSubHeadline —> ,along with some very important notions on self-fulfilling classes, and the wrapper layer.
One of the first things I appreciated were the Youtube videos, more specifically the time invested into the videos I make on the SNES tracker Youtube channel. I knew that those videos might not benefit anyone else but I made them anyways and it's true; they benefit me a lot and they would benefit anyone who was coming into the project as a developer, although I do keep the videos unedited so they are rather long, I don't care.
Problem: Design by Library Implementation
Now the problem I experienced that might be inescapable in the sense, is that the program was designed around the Library implementation. The library that has been initially used for SNES tracker is SDL, and it has its quirks. Some of its features will require a certain design, a shaping of everything. Now I am not sure by my new ambition to abstract everything, if I could ever quite escape a necessary shape for the project's main loop to take. That means that whenever you add a new feature, well say for instance a feature that would require new widgets to be displayed and logic based on the widgets interaction with the user, you have to know the proper places to put all of the corresponding event processing code and whatnot. At least, that's how it is right now in SNES tracker debugger. I don't like that at all. If anything I wish I could just have an objects definition or class definition of a new feature that was just self-fulfilling – a class that knew it is for visual interaction (based on some declaration) and they automatically can put themselves or their functions in the proper location(s) to be processed and what not. That would be really cool. And I'm sure it can be done, that's really cool. (say an array of function pointers?? I don't know)
Universal Blueprint
So you see, that idea could even be implemented in STD now, with its hardcoded dependency on SDL. But I have another ambition, which is to code SNES tracker in an abstract way so that underlying libraries can be used independently of the core abstract code base. As long as drivers have been implemented, you're good. I like this idea because it allows SNES trackers core CodeBase to be universal even during library changes.
Concerns and Design Constraints
Now, I realize that there probably are going to be libraries that don't agree with the wrapper layer. There are probably, maybe going to be some libraries that have a certain implementation which almost disagrees with the notion of the wrapper. I love SDL and QT so I'll probably keep them in mind. <– I am debating even this.
I want to soon focus on self-fulfilling classes, after the simpler components are abstracted.
Inspired by bsnes-classic, RetroArch, and myself


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Bravo Tim!
Bravo Donna!
Bravo Bava!
This past week,
A hearty congrats to Tim and Donna! Tim and I first met via our mutual love for Mario Bava -- via a fan letter I addressed to him courtesy of Fangoria, enthusiastically responding to Tim's Bava article in that zine -- and I instantly turned over all my Bava files (such as they were) to him, grateful to know someone shared my obsession and was working on a book-length study of Bava.
Tim's a much better writer than I was or will ever be, so it was a treat. I've been a long-distance cheerleader for Tim's book ever since, though he's had much heavier-hitter cheerleaders and much more vital collections turned over to him.
It's taken Tim well over two decades to see through his dream project, and he and Donna have poured enormous amounts of blood, sweat, tears, energy and dollars into this venture.
Labels: Fangoria, Mario Bava, Tim and Donna Lucas

subset: commoncrawl


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Pauline's Fantasy Reviews
Reviews of fantasy books, plus some mystery, sci-fi and literary works, and my random thoughts on book-related matters.
Currently reading
Dragon Queen (The Memory of Flames, #5)
Stephen Deas
The Splintered Eye (The War of Memory Cycle #2)
H. Anthe Davis, Erica Dakin
Recently added
Enoch's Device
12:00 am 15 June 2013
Fantasy Review Barn
The blurb says that "Enoch's Device is a fast-paced medieval adventure steeped in history, mythology, and mysteries from a dark and magical past" and the only part I'd argue with is 'fast-paced'. I found it rather a slow book overall, and although it's not without plenty of action, there's also a heavy dollop of the above-mentioned history and mythology. Long and detailed explanations, it has to be said, don't exactly help the plot to skim along. The setting is Ireland, France and Moorish Spain in the year 997, with the threat of the coming apocalypse when the millennium ends, and a race to prevent disaster for Irish monks Ciarán and Dónall and French aristocrat Alais.
This is historical fantasy at its best - so deeply rooted in its period that to my inexpert eyes it seemed entirely authentic. The weaving together of historical data with biblical references, religious and pseudo-religious details (druids and the zodiac), mythological elements like the Fae and outright fantasy (demons and just a hint of dragons!) is masterfully done, with a wealth of detail, and I had very little idea which aspects were solid fact, which were inference or speculation, and which were invented wholesale. Whether it's an Irish monastery, the streets of Paris, the rich farmlands of rural France or the Moorish city of Córdoba, the author paints a nuanced and believable picture. Sometimes I felt there was a little too much detail for the needs of the story, as if the author had to squeeze in every colourful bit of his research, but that's a matter of personal preference.
Where the story really sagged, for me, was the vast amount of backstory that had to be revealed. Sometimes it seemed as if most of the interesting action had happened years before, and was told in flashback. My heart sank every time I came across a paragraph beginning: 'It seemed as if it were only yesterday when...' or similar. Despite the drama of these events, it's still the past and therefore less interesting than the actual story (the journey of Ciarán and Dónall), which seemed very slow by comparison. Worse still, much of the backstory was told in a very dry, text-book style which I struggled to get through. For example:
"She had been born a child of Aquitaine, the richest province in Gaul. Her grandfather was the third William, called Towhead for the pale flaxen color of his hair. He was both count of Poitiers and duke of Aquitaine, and her grandmother was the daughter of Rollo, then duke of Normandy. Her father, Odo, was cousin to the fourth William, called Iron Arm, who had ruled Aquitaine for nearly thirty years. William Iron Arm had strengthened his alliances by marrying his sister to Hugh Capet, the late king of France and father of the current king, Robert, and by arranging his own marriage to Emma, daughter of the count of Blois, who was lord of neighboring Touraine. Alais' mother, Adelais, too, had been bound in a political marriage— a gift from her father, the count of Toulouse, who was currying favor with the house of Poitiers."
I'm sure this sort of stuff is endlessly fascinating to some readers, but I was (mentally) tapping my feet and muttering, 'Yes, yes, but are these people important? Does the colour of his hair matter? And if not, can we get on with the story, please?'.
The characters are well-delineated and mostly believable, the only exception being Alais, the token female, whose role is merely to be rescued periodically, to act as plot device and to inspire and motivate Ciarán as the object of his desire. I wonder how many captivatingly beautiful women have to be captured/almost raped/burnt at the stake before this particular seam of fantasy clichés is finally worked out. Alais spends the book gasping in horror, clinging to Ciarán's hand, or standing frozen with terror as various sharp implements are hurled at her, so that the nearest man has to leap in front of her or drag her out of danger. And finally, the one useful role she seems destined to play is snatched away from her at the last minute. Bleargh. I hate these useless hand-wringing females. There's a slightly unpleasant tone to the writing sometimes: one character was described as being fond of his wife 'despite the fact that she had borne him no children'. I get that this is an era when women were subservient by law and custom (the nuns are required to be silent in church, for instance), but there's no need for that attitude to spill over into authorial voice. As for the bad guys, they are out and out evil, which is par for the course if not particularly interesting.
Fortunately, the plot is nicely convoluted, and once the bulk of the backstory is got out of the way things go along swimmingly. There are puzzles for our heroes to solve, clues to follow, crypic utterances to interpret and symbols to speculate about. There's also a prophecied apocalypse to avoid, and a mysterious device (the 'Enoch's device' of the title) to be discovered, understood and (perhaps) deployed. It's all hugely detailed and impressively academic-sounding. For example:
"There is a text, the Sefer Yetzirah— the Book of Creation— that tells how Abraham received a divine testimony of mystic lore. He lived long before Moses received the Torah, so he must have received something different. Abraham was the father of Jewish mysticism, much of which focuses on the origins of the many names of God, and the various combinations of sacred letters that make up those names, all in the quest to realize the one great name of God. That is the knowledge that many believe Abraham received. If this knowledge was embodied in a physical object, one theory is that it was a gemstone."
There's a lot of this sort of stuff, and it may all be complete tosh, but if so, it's impressive sounding tosh and I found it quite easy to let it all slide by, mostly way over my head. Sometimes, it has to be said, the interpretations of all these not very obvious puzzles seems a bit glib (if it were that easy, how come no one else has worked it out?) but it still made a nice story as piece after piece fell into place, and our heroes are driven from place to place in their quest. As with the backstory, the interludes when the characters sit around interpreting and speculating and saying 'Gosh, it must be...!' (paraphrasing ever so slightly here) slow the pace down to glacial levels, but as the action gets more frantic and intense towards the end, the pauses are a welcome respite from the drama.
There were moments when the theological debate got quite interesting. Our Irish friends were very confident of the truth of their interpretations, which the more conventional priests saw as simple heresy. There is a moment when one of the priests makes a pronouncement about the apocalypse, and Ciarán immediately says 'How do you know that?' It's a good question, but the priest deflects it with an outraged 'How dare you presume to question me!' The voice of absolute authority putting down the ordinary person who has the temerity to say 'Yes but...'. I'm not sure whether the author is making a general point about organised religion, or illustrating the religious dogma of the day, or simply painting the character as a bad guy, but it struck a chord with me. In this particular case, the Irish interpretation of events is presumed to be the correct one purely because they are the protagonists in this particular story, but more than once I was wondering how exactly they could know particular facts. Some chains of logic seemed rather tenuous to me.
This is a long, intricate book, literate and full of convincing historical detail, with demons, magic swords, a prophecy, mad monks and a whole host of great fantasy elements to spice up the well-realised setting. It's a pity there's so much sitting around analysing texts between the battles and so much dry exposition, and for my taste the battles got a bit over the top towards the end. But hey, this is the apocalypse, after all, so it's allowed to be epic in scale. For those who are riveted by the tiny details of medieval life or enjoy puzzling over the hidden meanings in religious texts and zodiacal symbols, I highly recommend this book. Anyone who is prepared to put up with the explanations to get to the juicy battles with demons, it's still a great read. For anyone who, like me, would willingly sacrifice historical accuracy for a more evenly paced story, it doesn't work quite so well. The action scenes are terrific, the long sections of exposition less so, and I would have liked a less insipid female lead character. Three stars.
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The oncology navigation team is available to all breast, colon, and lung cancer patients at no cost to the patient and represents the commitment of UnityPoint Health – Methodist, providing comprehensive care to its patients. In addition to providing services relating to treatment, the group also places an emphasis on planning for life after treatment, including self-care, nutrition, fitness and emotional matters.
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|Flight Path, Gouache on Arches Cotton Rag Paper, 5.5 x 9 inches
|Wayfarer, Gouache on Arches Cotton Rag Paper, 6 x 6 inches
'No, you don't understand, naturally,' said the second swallow. 'First, we feel it stirring within us, a sweet unrest; then back come the recollections one by one, like homing pigeons. They flutter through our dreams at night, they fly with us in our wheelings and circlings by day. We hunger to inquire of each other, to compare notes and assure ourselves that it was all really true, as one by one the scents and sounds and names of long-forgotten places come gradually back and beckon to us.'
(Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows)


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We work with business and brand leaders to help them develop and articulate their purpose while we develop activity that brings a brand or business's purpose to life and makes it real. Our experience allows us to develop measurable strategies to grow your bottom line. It is our business to see your business succeed.


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Monday, September 07, 2009
News From The Home Front
My brother is deteriorating, slowly but steadily.
Mum is finding it increasingly harder to cope with this in specific and life in general. She is pretty poorly herself at the moment.
A member of the extended family is embarking on a course of action related to my brother which is morally questionable as well as legally dodgy, so I am having to get my brother urgent and appropriate legal protection. Obviously I cannot divulge more than this here........
I seem to be either spending half my life listening to Mum crying, or crying myself. Listening to Mum is definitely worse :-(
DH is well, the children are well, praise God, and I am physically okay apart from stress.
DD3 started Comprehensive school last Thursday and loves it. She is managing the solo bus trips to school just fine, and seems so very grown up now ! DD4 started back this morning and was raring to go at the crack of dawn :-)
I've spent the morning on the phone, washing, making beds, tidying up, filling in paperwork for Mum and I still have a book review to post which must be done today.
I had better get on with writing it fom my notes :-)
8 comments:
- Meg said...
I can't believe how long this is dragging on with your poor brother. Prayers for him, and for you and your mother! This is surely one of the hardest crosses for a parent to bear...
- 1:04 pm
- Michelle M. said...
I am so saddened by what your family is going through. I will be praying for you, your mother and your brother.
- 1:45 pm
- margaret said...
You are all still in my prayers.
- 2:27 pm
- DebD said...
In my prayers as always - especially for your mum. In less than a year we've had two men in their 50's pass away quite quickly from cancer at our parish. It was so hard to see their mom's having to bury their son. At both funerals the choir sang "Do not weep for me, oh my Mother, seeing me on the cross..." from Great and Holy Friday. Not a dry eye in the church after that... but that hymn gives so much hope too.
prayers concerning the family difficulties.
- 2:41 pm
- elizabeth said...
I am so sorry to hear about the added difficulties to the pain of your brother's sisckness. This is hard.
My continued love and prayers for all, including your Mum.
- 2:54 pm
- s-p said...
It is hard when we children become the "parents". May you be blessed with wisdom and strength.
- 3:44 pm
- Philippa said...
Ah Elizabeth, the cross is heavy right now. Know the Saints are present to help you carry it and give comfort in time of need.
May God strengthen you!
- 5:50 pm
- Ian Climacus said...
My prayers ascending from Down Under: God grant you all strength and comfort.
And prayers for the kids as they return to school too.
- 2:50 am


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Job #74583
Lecturer/Assistant Teaching Professor in Arabic
The Department of Comparative Literature at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a two-year, full-time lectureship position (non-tenure-track) in Arabic, to begin in August 2018 with excellent possibility of renewal. Responsibilities include teaching introductory, intermediate, and advanced undergraduate courses in Arabic (three courses per semester) along with supporting duties on behalf of the Arabic program, which includes an undergraduate minor. Penn State offers a dynamic environment for language learning, including a Summer Intensive Language Institute, Title VI centers, and extensive other resources. Requirements include native or near-native fluency in English and Arabic, a master's degree or equivalent in a related field, and relevant teaching experience. Preferred qualifications include ABD status or a Ph.D., experience with communicative and standards-based methodologies, and program-building experience such as supervision or curriculum development; availability to teach in the summer if needed is a plus. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and includes benefits.
To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information of two references via the Penn State jobs website. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2017, and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our program, please consult http://complit.la.psu.edu Apply online at https://psu.jobs/job/74583
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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.


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Investment Company Owner Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Defrauding Investor of Approximately $1 Million
FAYETTEVILLE, AR—United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas Conner Eldridge announced today that Michael Columbia, 27, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $2,500 fine for using his company to defraud an investor of approximately $1 million. Columbia was ordered to pay $12,207,067.51 in restitution. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
U.S. Attorney Eldridge stated, "This defendant came to our state and swindled an investor in our area out of his hard-earned money. Columbia then diverted those funds to feed his own lavish lifestyle. That is shameful and simply will not be tolerated in the Western District of Arkansas. Our office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting schemes designed to steal money from others in order to protect our community and our citizens from fraud."
"Fraud schemes like the one perpetrated by Michael Columbia erode the public's confidence in the free enterprise system," stated FBI Special Agent in Charge David T. Resch. "The FBI takes these matters very seriously, and today's sentencing of Michael Columbia sends a message that fraud will be aggressively investigated."
On August 22, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Columbia with executing a scheme to obtain money through fraudulent misrepresentation. According to court documents, Columbia accepted a customer's bond valued at approximately $1 million as collateral in order for the customer to obtain a loan through the services of Columbia's company, StoneRock Capital Group, LLC. Columbia then sold the bond without the customer's authorization and pocketed a portion of the proceeds. Columbia pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on February 15, 2013.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elser and Steven Snyder prosecuted the case for the United States.


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It probably would be seen as a cheap shot to write something like, "Contrary to NBA Hall of Famer Karl (The Mailman) Malone, the United States Postal Service is failing to deliver …"
Those of us here at the Hideout never would want to (ahem) antagonize any situation by assigning blame for anything. So let's just say that, like a lot of husbands who wind up sleeping a few nights on their couches, the USPS is about to let an anniversary slip by without acknowledgement.
Less than two months from now, the NBA and hoops enthusiasts around the globe will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most astounding single performance in league history: On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain led the Philadelphia Warriors past the New York Knicks on a neutral court in Hershey, Pa., 169-147. Al Attles and the other Warriors combined to score 69 points. Chamberlain got the other 100.
It is a record that stands to this day – a grand, round number for one of the biggest performers ever in sports (never to have run in the Kentucky Derby, anyway). The Dipper's Herculean feats and outsized personality seemed ripe for him to be honored by casual fans and the culture at large, and what better way than to put his image on a first-class U.S. postal stamp?
That was the passion that moved Donald Hunt, longtime sportswriter at the Philadelphia Tribune in Chamberlain's hometown, to throw his support into a campaign to get the big fella so honored. An online petition sprang up to lobby the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee at the USPS's own hideout in Washington, D.C. Stories appeared here at NBA.com, as well as in USA Today, the mainstream Philadelphia media and elsewhere.
But one day into the New Year, Hunt sent an email with the disappointing news that Chamberlain will not get a stamp in 2012. This year's Black Heritage (to be announced later this month) honoree will be John H. Johnson, the founder of Ebony and Jet magazines and the first African-American to appear on the Forbes 400.
"Wilt remains under consideration," USPS spokesperson Roy Betts told NBA.com Wednesday. The process precluded him from revealing much more about Chamberlain's "candidacy," other than to say there is no expiration date on the application made on The Dipper's behalf.
Wrote Hunt: "We're hoping with the publicity from the 50th anniversary of his 100-point game … will help him for next year."
Betts did say that Chamberlain isn't limited to consideration for the Black Heritage series, which featured former Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan in its 2011 release. Sports figures have been depicted on stamps – in fact, a series of baseball Hall of Famers with Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Larry Doby and Willie Stargell will be released in Cooperstown over the All-Star break in July.
One snag with that for NBA greats is that so many of the league's legends still roam the Earth, while USPS traditions dictated that figures be deceased for at least five years. So far, only James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, has made it onto a stamp.
But Betts said that, sometime in 2012, the USPS will release its first stamp depicting a living person. Will that crowd the field, with Michael Jordan or LeBron James jumping the line that had been limited to the departed? "I think it will open up more opportunities," Betts said. "Our organization wants to keep stamps timely and relevant, and attract new generations of collectors."
It's possible, for instance, that a series on NBA greats now could feature Chamberlain, Jordan, George Mikan, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Julius Erving and others in any combination rather than sticking to, say, Wilt, Mikan, Pete Maravich and Red Auerbach.
In the meantime, though, there's no reason to stop hoping and lobbying for this.


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You can reach us by emailing or calling us Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Phone: 862-262-8006
We are a locally based company with 15 years combined experience in construction.
We take great pride in what we do. We will ensure any work we do are up to not only the standards of the industry but also your standards.


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The International Monetary Fund may soon take a thorough look at Egypt's economy for the first time since its revolution in 2011, potentially paving the way for greater cooperation on President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi's reform agenda and renewing talks about long-delayed IMF financing.
The IMF is already talking with Egyptian officials about its economic outlook and value-added tax policy, the fund's Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a recent interview with Asharq Al-Awsat.
Egypt's government prepared a draft law to overhaul its tax system early this year in order to bring in badly needed revenues, but it has yet to be put into place.
The IMF also hopes to resume more important comprehensive annual reviews of Egypt's economy "in the foreseeable future," Ms. Lagarde said.
The IMF suspended the reviews – a cornerstone of its policy consultations with member states – in 2011 when a revolution unseated president Hosni Mubarak. While continuous political upheaval has prevented a resumption since then, the election last year of Mr. Sisi, a former army chief, may lay the foundations for closer economic surveillance by the IMF.
Mr. Sisi has already put in place economic reforms the IMF and other advisors have long argued for by rolling back fuel subsidies, raising prices for petrol and natural gas by over 70%. This was a major political risk because it dramatically increased living costs for the poor, but the changes went into effect without causing serious unrest.
Lifting subsidies was "a good start toward restoring fiscal sustainability," Ms. Lagarde said, though the poor needed to be protected.
"Looking ahead, a plan for continued subsidy reform with measures to protect the poor, as well as policies to accelerate growth and job creation will also be needed," she said.
Egypt's economic ills are many. The country's currency is unstable, economic growth has suffered amid political change, and foreign investment has yet to return aside from large grants from Gulf Arab countries supportive of Mr. Sisi's government.
Government revenues have been hit by Egypt's lax tax regime, while subsidies have eaten up over a fifth of government spending, leading to persistent deficits that have prevented Egypt from investing in domestic infrastructure and hampered its ability to secure external financing.
In the absence of conventional financing avenues, Egypt recently turned to its own population to raise $8.5 billion to upgrade the Suez Canal. The government bond sale was a success, and Ms. Lagarde said the project was a good one as long as it helped raise government revenues.
Egypt hasn't yet asked the IMF for a loan, Ms. Lagarde said, but the government invited the fund to a donors' conference planned for February. Successive Egyptian governments have been in talks with the IMF to secure large financing packages to support economic reform, but none has so far materialized.
"The energy subsidy cuts are important for many reasons: they will free public resources for investment in priority sectors such as infrastructure, education, and health, which will support growth and jobs," Ms. Lagarde told Asharq Al-Awsat. "The lower deficit will free resources for private sector investment, also key to growth. By the same token, higher energy prices will encourage energy conservation and reduce blackouts and shortages."
The IMF projects Egypt's GDP will grow by 2.3% this year, followed by 4.1% next year. Consumer price inflation, however, is expected to be in the double digits.


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Advances in Consumer Research Volume 17, 1990 Pages 186-192
Guliz Ger, Bilkent University
Russell W. Belk, University of Utah
The materialism scales developed by Belk (1985) are modified to increase appropriateness to cultures other than the US. The scales are tested by the data gathered in the United States, Turkey and France. The problems of developing and testing cross-culturally applicable scales are discussed and preliminary results of these tests and cross-cultural comparisons are presented. The Turkish sample is found to be the most materialistic, yet also the most generous. The results are discussed in terms of relative affluence levels and cultural factors.
Materialism has been defined as "the importance a consumer attaches to worldly possessions. At the highest levels of materialism, such possessions assume a central place in a person's life and are believed to provide the greatest sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction" (Belk 1985). Materialism, or consumption-based orientation to happiness seeking, has generally been seen as a Western trait which achieved an elevated place in industrial and post-industrial life. However, consumption for the sake of pleasure existed in many different cultures and throughout the history (Belk 1988). "While high level consumer culture has existed in isolated pockets since ancient civilizations, it has become available and embraced by entire populations only over the past century" (Belk 1988, see Mason 1981).
A scale measuring materialism has been developed by Belk (1985) and three dimensions have been identified: possessiveness, envy and nongenerosity. Possessiveness is "the inclination and tendency to retain control or ownership of one's possessions" (Belk 1985). This may concern goods, experience or people. Envy is the "displeasure and ill will at the superiority of [another person] in happiness, success, reputation or the possession of anything desirable" (Schoeck 1966, in Belk 1985). This may also concern other's goods, experiences or people. Nongenerosity is "an unwillingness to give possessions to or share possessions with others" (Belk 1985).
Research by Wallendorf and Arnould (1988) and Rudmin (1988) suggests that the materialism scales developed by Belk (1985) are more appropriate to the United States than to other cultures, especially those of the Third World. The present research sought to remedy this problem by testing modified versions of these scales. Some of the original items were modified and some additional items, developed for the purposes of cross-cultural appropriateness, were included. Once the scale structure was established, levels of materialism in several countries were compared.
A convenience sample of 405 respondents was taken from among the university students in Utah, USA, Fontainebleau France and several cities in Turkey. In France, the questionnaire was administered at INSEAD, an international institution where the student body is mostly European, the majority being French, English and German. Use of students kept some individual difference variables such as age and educational differences constant.
An english version of the questionnaire was administered in USA and France (students at INSEAD are fluent in English and most courses are conducted in English), and in Turkish in Turkey. Backtranslation procedure was employed in preparing the Turkish version. The first part of the questionnaire consisted of 34 five-point Likert scale items. These are aimed at measuring materialism. They included Belk's original items, some of which were modified as well as some new items. The second part consisted of open ended questions which are not analyzed in this paper. The last part of the questionnaire listed 20 products/services (or experiences like university education, vacation, retirement) and asked the respondents to indicate whether they think the items are luxuries or necessities. The number judged to be necessities was used for validation purposes.
Dimensions of materialism, reliability and validity
Four dimensions emerged from factor analyses with varimax rotations. While solutions were not identical across all samples, the solution chosen was the most robust and is consistent with a factor analysis of the entire data set. The items which load on the four factors are Shown in Tables 1A, B, C and D. In addition to the three dimensions, namely, possessiveness, envy and nongenerosity, identified in USA previously (Belk 1985), a fourth, named tangibility also emerged. Tangibility can be defined to be the conversion of experience into material form. Taking pictures during a Vacation, keeping souvenirs, and taking slides of places visit and showing them to friends are examples. The increasing tendency towards this phenomenon has been suggested by Sherry (1987). Cronbach's alpha is used to assess reliability. In the total sample, as well as within each of the three Cultures satisfactory levels of alphas were found (Table 2). Validity is evaluated using the correlations between the number of items seen as necessities and the materialism scores as well as the subscale scores although the correlations are not very high, all are significant (Table 3).
It is clear that despite the attempt to construct a cross-culturally reliable materialism scale, the resulting scale is more reliable in the United States and Europe than in Turkey. Within Turkey, reliabilities were higher in the more cosmopolitan environment of Istanbul and lower elsewhere. These findings are consistent with the view that the present conception and measures of materialism derive more from highly developed countries in Europe and North America. But this finding does not necessarily negate the application of the scales elsewhere. A primary reason is the theory that materialistic consumer culture arose in this developed world but is being emulated in the Third World at an increasing rate (Belk 1988). The pattern of the West in first developing wealth and then a consumption ethic is being superseded, in this view, by a reversed pattern in the Third World. By virtue of mass media, tourism, and multinational marketing, consumer culture is beginning to create yearning for consumer goods even before households of the Third World have adequate nutrition. Further, limited calories are sometimes sacrificed in order to afford such consumer luxuries. If so, the spread of materialism is perhaps a quintessentially developed world concept that is best measured with scales derived primarily in the same developed context. This view is strengthened by the consistent patterns of materialism scores found, as discussed in the following section.
Cross-cultural comparisons
The Turkish sample is the most materialistic of all with respect to both the scores on the materialism scale (Table 4) and the mean number of items seen as necessities (Table 5), followed by USA and then Europe (INSEAD). Among the three INSEAD subsamples Germany is the least materialistic. The scores on the subscales indicate that the Turkish sample is the most possessive, envious and tangibilizing, but at the same time, the most generous. The USA maintains its second place on envy and, along with England and France, on tangibility. It is the most nongenerous and only is behind Europe (with the exception of France) on possessiveness. Among the Europeans, Germany is the lowest on materialism, tangibility, envy and nongenerosity (although on envy and nongenerosity the differences do not reach statistical significance).
In cross-cultural research it appears crucial that questions are decided upon by joint efforts of researchers from the cultures involved. Subtle cultural factors play in and a rigorous translation procedure is not enough to guarantee cross-cultural standardization. It is very questionable whether such a complete standardization is possible at all. The Cronbach's alphas are not very high here. The reason may be that different items are more powerful or relevant in different cultures. To have a standard instrument and overall reliability and validity, the researchers may have to sacrifice high local reliability and validity. One way to develop better instruments would be to undertake exploratory research in every culture involved and use the overlapping items. However, not only will this procedure be very difficult and possible only with huge projects, but also some of the local power may still be lost in the attempt to keep the instrument common. If local reliability and validity are emphasized, comparability across cultures may well be lost.
The results are inconsistent with a view generally held that materialism is a Western phenomenon observed in developed countries. The sample from the only nonwestern and the least developed country was the most materialistic and also highest on all subscales with the exception of nongenerosity on which they were the most generous. Furthermore, the Turkish sample was the most materialistic and the least nongenerous at the same time, although for other samples patterns of materialism were consistent for all four factors.
While it may be surprising, even shocking, to find that the Turks sampled are more materialistic than Europeans and Americans, this result is prefigured by findings measuring the Protestant Work Ethic cross-culturally (e.g., Furnham and Muhiudeen 1984, Tallman, Marotz-Baden, and Pindas 1983). These studies find that the Protestant Ethic is now strongest in Third World countries (regardless of dominant religion) and weakest in highly developed post-industrial nations. Various authors suggest that once wealth is achieved by devotion to the Protestant Ethic, the logical imperative to use excess wealth on consumption and leisure creates the seeds for destruction of the same ethic (e.g., Albee 1977, Campbell 1987, Davis 1944, Duncan 1962, Fox, Lears, and Jackson 1983, Horowitz 1980, King 1983). Scitovsky (1976) and Hirschman (1982) carry the argument a necessary step farther and suggest that high level materialism also contains the seeds of its own destruction because such consumption is ultimately unfulfilling. That materialism is highest in the developing world is a provocative finding deserving of further research.
Why would Turks be generous and willing to share and be materialistic at the same time? One reason may be that the more traditional societies may be more collectivistic or communal- give more importance to the society and societal purposes than the individual and his/her goals. Although generally developed societies are thought to be more individualistic (independent and autonomous members) and industrialization is seen to be linked to individualism, there are arguments that individualism versus collectivism (and interdependence) are not dependent on industrialization, but are cultural orientations. Japan provides an example of an industrialized and collectivist society (Kagitcibasi 1988). If Turks are more collectivistic, they would be expected to share. There is some evidence that Turkish university students have values that are less individualistic than the western university students (Basaran 1989).
However, it has been suggested that individualism/independence and materialism are associated such that a more individualistic person would be more materialistic: to achieve economic independence the person wants to be rich and values material goods (Furham 1984). However, the country which is probably less individualistic or independence oriented turned out to be the most materialistic. One plausible explanation may be that Turks think of the autonomous unit to be wider, the family for example, and material goods are desired for the family; what are important are the wealth status and the possessions of the family rather than those of the individual. It has been suggested that especially female Turks may think along these lines (personal communication with Ayse Oncu). So, maybe materialism does not have to be individual oriented. If materialism is linked to enhancing the material well-being of, and consumption for a unit, that unit may be a single individual in some cultures, several individuals (close friends and family members) in other cultures. Then, in cultures where the unit includes more than one person, high levels of materialism can co-occur with generosity, even if materialism is influenced by the desire for economic independence.
Why would the least affluent society in the sample be the most materialistic? Materialism has been associated with economic affluence and Western culture. The rising materialism observed in Japan has also been linked to increasing levels of affluence and Western influence (Belk 1985). Recently, it has been suggested that materialism is on the rise in underdeveloped and developing countries as well, and the present results support that suggestion. Although this may follow some sort of economic development, it may occur without accompanying or preceding widespread affluence, again as seen in the current study. The fact that materialism existed in ancient civilizations, although within isolated pockets, and that it exists in LDCs today suggests that being Western or affluent are not essential prerequisites.
Then, what factors account for materialism? A brief look at the cultural and historical factors in Turkey may provide some clues. The Ottoman empire, which survived for about 600 years, collapsed after a period of decline for about 200 years, and lost to the West during the first world war. The Turkish republic which was then formed has been trying to rebuild. A sociological account of the Turkish mentality and lifestyle of the Turkish person of the decline period (Ulgener 1981a and b), suggests that this person has been familiar to the pleasures or desire for an affluent lifestyle with high levels of consumption but is not in a hurry to get there nor will go to great efforts to get there, and maintains his ties to tradition in setting his goals and means. Lots of and showy consumption (huge and well decorated offices, chauffeurs) is ahead of more simple and less showy service and production capacity. This person relates to material things as a means of pleasure, prestige and showing off. So, the pleasure ethic has always been there. Also, he feels close to "things", in a feeling son of a way, rather than a good of investment or exchange value, the latter being the way an industrialized man relates to goods. Ulgener argues that religious and secular ethics reinforced consumption for pleasure, not only for the elite but also gave opportunities for similar behavior to the lower classes. Mobility existed. Lower classes as well as the elite were after the "riches", showing off and had a desire for gold and silver. Although there was public rhetoric of modesty in means, in intimate communication and advice, elders wished for a lot for their offspring.
Some of the religious influences arise from the Islamic rules that seem to have implications for materialism and generosity. For example, pilgrimage is only for the rich-- once one has enough to provide for the family and give to the poor; Muslims are required to give to the poor periodically; and when sheep are sacrificed during the holiday (to commemorate God sending sheep when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son), the meat is shared with the poor. Furthermore, there is a strong interpenetration of the religious and the commercial in Turkey, consistent with O'Guinn and Belk's (1989) findings. Artifacts which are both religious and secular include: 1. blue eye (also called "masallah" which is what is said to ward off the evil eye, although "masallah" is an Islam term whereas the evil eye is a pagan belief) hung on door or worn as jewelry, 2. prayer rug versus kilims which are linked to the nomadic tradition, 3. religious elements in many arts and crafts, such as religious writings on copper, silver and ceramic wares, and calligraphy, one of the art forms which evolved to substitute the forbidden representation of human figure in art/paintings.
Recent developments in Turkey point to possible nonreligious influences on materialism. Economic influences may include the 60-80% inflation rate of the past couple of years, and the major liberalization of the economy and encouragement of international business since 1980. The advertising industry also bloomed with foreign partnerships. For the past 20 or so years, Turkish workers in Germany have been coming back to Turkey every summer, bringing modem western goods like cars, TVs, appliances, and impressing people in their neighborhoods or villages. There has been an increase in tourism over the years with exposure to tourists and their belongings, an increase in American TV programs and films, and direct exposure, through business relations, to the lavish consumption in Saudi Arabia. There is a new class of "new rich" who like to publicize their belongings. The newspapers have pictures of the prime minister's wife in her designer clothes and of the parties of the wealthy who serve outrageously expensive delicacies. People are crazy about Rolex watches and other brand name goods. Traveling to Europe mostly for shopping purposes created an expression: "suitcase tourism". Although these behaviors are not necessarily adopted, afforded or approved of by everyone, they still offer a sign of success. A mental picture of what the rich and famous do, and thus, is desirable, gives prominence to consumption.
Desirability of consumption can, in some cases, lead to "wrong" choices, supporting Belk's argument (1988). In a rural home, plastic plates may be hung on the wall. It is modern, it is what the city people use, and thus good. In the olden days it used to be a copper or ceramic plate. Similarly, in urban areas wall-to-wall carpeting is very "in", and some sort of plastic material covers the rural floors which previously had hand made rugs and kilims. The "doorman" and the cleaning lady purchase the latest appliances including TV and VCR (yet cutting down on food and health related expenses), the poor and the rich buy a faddish item such as stone washed jeans, and follow the latest fashions.
A lot of what is described can be thought of as "Western influence". Why is a country that has been trying to imitate the West more materialistic than the West itself? What is seen first and adopted the easiest is the tangible. Things easiest to diffuse have been the artifactual. Secondly, the "have not" feels the lack of many things, and to compensate, adopts something that is the easiest to adopt. For example, many stores and restaurants in Turkey have foreign or foreign sounding names. "We consume like they do, we have what they have, so, we now are Westerners. Why, we even have McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and Benetton." Anything "Western" is equated with "good and desirable". This feeling is widespread now, and has been since the decline of the Ottoman Empire. This may be because of the defeat of the Ottomans by the west leading to a loss of esteem/dignity accompanied by the belief that the West must know what they are doing. An analogous reasoning may account for the greater materialism in the US than Europe. Being later to industrialize than Europe, plus lacking cultural heritage may have lead to lower esteem or dignity. Americans may still look up to the old land in many ways and are impressed very much by its history and culture, but not vice versa. And of course Turkey is very impressed by both USA and Europe.
With that historical and religious background, how can we interpret materialistic tendencies in Turkey now? Possessions are socially accepted and valued. People purchase things to belong. An acquaintance, who was new in a social circle, once told the first author "I realized that unless I show them that I also understand art and own it, they are going to exclude me". The value of a person increases as s/he dresses a particular way, owns certain things, and goes abroad for vacations. Young people want brand name products in order to get dates. Possessiveness and envy go along with valuing possessions. Tangibilizing may occur because concrete things are easier to show to others and communicate something about oneself. And all may be related to a sense of lack of dignity/ esteem, maybe due to the history-- being grandchildren of a fallen empire, feeling excluded from the world, and wanting to belong. How about generosity? People still give to the poor, but not necessarily to fulfill religious rules. A lick of second hand business may also enhance such giving. They give to the poor around them quite possibly to reduce envy: people they know, like the maid and the doorman, people whom they see and are seen by. The rich and the poor are more exposed to each other, and are not as physically separated as in the USA, which may enhance envy. The blue- eye is a tangible indicator of the importance of envy.
In summary, some bare minimum of economic means and communication as to available goods and how other people (in the same society or in different societies) live and consume, and a sense of affordability (I can also buy this) seem to be necessary conditions for materialism. But having the means and- knowing that other people have things do not necessarily have to lead to the desire for these things or materialism. Why does that desire come about? Due to an impersonal society? Due to a desire to belong? Implicit in the above preconditions lies the notion that comparison of one's own means and possessions with those of others above oneself will push one towards materialism. The notion of comparative or relative situation seems to be an important one. This comparison may involve other aspects of life (such as constraints, lack of control and satisfaction, see Daun 1983) versus material aspects, current and historical affluence (economic and/or cultural) of others (within a country and/or across countries) versus of oneself. Both of these comparisons may be related to a latent sense of relative deprivation, esteem/dignity (related to or in self, country, society, history), and the desire to self-actualize and assert power. The sudden relative changes in means by Turkish guest workers may be a strong precipitating factors due to the relative disparities it brings about and the exposure to Western lifestyles it creates. More generally, increasing inequality in income distribution may also lead to such disparities. Finally, the relationship between materialism and affluence may be curvilinear rather than linear. In a less affluent society, people may value things they don't have, however, once these things are acquired their value may decrease. Furthermore, affluence may need to be conceptualized as a relative concept and broader in terms of its elements and time frame. That is, 1. history/recency of affluence, 2. recent comparative trends in affluence, and 3. noneconomic affluence (for example, cultural heritage) in addition to current levels of affluence, may need to be considered as the independent variables to be investigated in the future.
To undertake cross-cultural studies of interest, we have to think about causality. In order to address that issue, the nature of the phenomenon and its dimensions must be identifled. So, here we have tried to develop a measure which can assess the phenomenon in several cultures. Now, studies aimed at finding the causal relationships can be undertaken. Historical analyses and descriptive findings may provide initial ideas about causes, which then would need to be tested. Some such ideas have been suggested above.
Albee, George W. (1977), 'The Protestant Ethic, Sex, and Psychotherapy," American Psychologist, 32, 150-161.
Basaran, Fatma (1989), "Universiteli Genclerin Degerleri," II. Ulusal Sosyal Bilimler Kongresi, Ankara.
Belk, Russell W. (1985, "Materialism: Trait Aspects of Living in the Material World," Journal of Consumer Research, 12 (Dec), 265279.
Belk, Russell W. (1988), "Third World Consumer Culture," Marketing and Development: Toward Broader Dimensions, Research in Marketing, Supplement 4, Greenwich, CT: JAI Press, 103-127.
Campbell, Colin (1987), The Consumer Ethic and the Spirit of Modern Hedonism, London: Basil Blackwell.
Daun, Ake (1983), 'The Materialistic Life-Style: Some Socio-Psychological Aspects," in Consumer Behavior and Environmental Quality, ed. Liisa Uusitalo, Helsinki: Gower, 6-16.
Davis, Arthur K. (1944), "Veblen on the Decline of the Protestant Ethic," Social Forces, 22 (March), 282-286.
Duncan, Hugh D. (1962);, Communication and The Social Order, London: Oxford University Press.
Fox, Richard W. and T. J. Jackson Lears (1983), "Introduction," The Culture of Consumption: Critical Essays in American History: I 8891980, Richard W. Fox and T. J. Jackson Lears, eds., New York: Pantheon Books, ix-xvii.
Furnham, Adrian (1984), "The Protestant Ethic: A Review of the Psychological Literature," European Journal of Social Psychology, 14 (1), 87-104.
Furnham, Adrian and Clare Muhiudeen (1984), 'The Protestant Work Ethic in Britain and Malaysia," Journal of Social Psychology, 122, 157-161.
Hirschmann, Albert 0,. (1982), Shifting Involvements: Private Interest and Public, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Horowitz, Daniel (1980), "Consumption and Its Discontents: Simon N. Patten, Thorstein Veblen, and George Gunton," Journal of American History, 67 (September), 301-317.
Kagitcibasi, Cigdem (1988), "Current Cross-Cultural Research in Psychology," Research Papers, Bogazici Universitesi, Istanbul.
King, James O., III (1983), The Iron of Melancholy: Structures of Spiritual Conversion in America from the Puritan Conscience to Victorian Neurosis, Middletown, CT: Weslyan University Press.
Mason, Robert S. (1981), Conspicuous Consumption: A Study of Exceptional Consumer Behavior, Westmead, England: Gower.
O'Guinn, Thomas C. (1989), "Heaven on Earth: Consumption at Heritage Village, USA," Journal of Consumer Research, 16 (Sept), 227-238.
Rudmin, Floyd W. (1988), Ownership as Interpersonal Dominance: A History and Three Studies of the Social Psychology of Property, Doctoral Thesis, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Scitovsky, Tibor (1976), The Joyless Economy: An Inquiry into Human Satisfaction and Consumer Dissatisfaction, New York: Oxford University Press.
Sherry, John F. (1987), "Cultural Propriety in a Global Marketplace," in Philosophical and Radical Thought in Marketing, A. Fuat Firat, Nikhilesh Dholakia and Richard P. Bagozzi (Eds), Lexington, MA: Lexington Books, 179-91.
Tallman, Irving, Ramona Marotz-Baden, and Pablo Pindas (1983), Adolescent Socialization in Cross-Cultural Perspective: Planning for Social Change, New York: Academic Press.
Ulgener, Sabri (1981a), ZiEniyet ve Din: Islarn, Tasavvuf ve Cozuirne Devri Iktisat Ahlaki, Istanbul: Der winlari.
Ulgener, Sabri (1981b), Iktisadi Cozulmenin Ahlalc ve Zihniyet Dunyasi, Istanbul: Der Yayinlari.
Wallendorf, Melanie and Eric J. Arnould (1988), "My Favorite Things: A Cross-Cultural Inquiry into Object Attachment, Possessiveness and Social Linkage," Journal of Consumer Research, 14(4). 531-547.


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a contribution for your creative startup
If you are a creative start-up that has recently faced the business world, there is an opportunity that you cannot miss. Regione Lazio has launched a new fund for supporting and developing companies in both the cultural and creative sectors in the region. 1.2 million euros will be allocated to support the creation and/or the development of activities in the creative sector. How? Coofinancing startup costs with an 80% contribution of the eligible investment with a grant of up to 30,000 EUR.
Who are the beneficiaries of the initiative?
Since the beneficiaries of the fund are young start-ups, it is fundamental to be a new company. Therefore, it is necessary to be a small or medium-sized business established no more than six months before the date of publication of the BUR; another requirement is to be legally established and operational in the region. The company must be new and innovative, and not represent the continuation of any previous business set earlier than six months ago.
Not only companies, but also private citizens
The initiative addressee not only small and medium-sized companies established more than 6 months: it is aimed at involving private citizens too. In fact citizens can submit their project before April, 26 and - if selected among the beneficiaries of the fund - will have to set their company within 60 days from the communication of their eligibility. In this way, those citizens whose project have been selected can rely on the contribution from Regione Lazio for the initial start-up phase. In detail, the promoters (natural persons) of new micro, small and medium-sized enterprises have to set up their business with high creative and innovative content and subscribe to the Register companies of one of the Chambers of Commerce of the region by 60 days starting from the contribution eligibility communication. Even in the case of individuals, the business enterprise must be new and not the continuation of already under way projects for more than six months in another form.
Creative entrepreneurs, this is the right opportunity for you
There are many forms of creativity and art. Beneficiaries of the fund are those start-ups that operate in different sectors: arts and cultural goods (as art, restoration, crafts, technologies applied to cultural heritage and photography), architecture, design, industrial design (prototyping and small-scale engineering and handicrafts production), fashion design, live shows and music, audio-visual and publishing. If you think you can fit with your project in these creative categories submit your application: deadline is April, 26, 2016 before 6:00pm.
Applications must be submitted via www.gecoweb.lazioinnova.it. A special assessment commission will examine the requests and will assess the amount of the contribution based on different criteria, such as the creative level of the project, its feasibility and technical experience of applicants.
Regione Lazio: www.regione.lazio.it
Official website: www.regione.lazio.it/documentazione


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Ivory And White Pearl Bands Beeswax Taper Candle
This pair of pure beeswax taper candles will have a long, clean and pure burn. This taper candle pair is designed with a modern simplistic ivory and white band pattern. Add this taper candle pair to any dining room table centerpiece for a pop of warmth and light.
Holders seen in this photo are not included in taper candle purchase.
Burn Time Approximate: 11 Hours
Material: Beeswax
Dimensions: 7/8 diameter X 12 inches tall


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Iceland is a country like no other, filled with dramatic, wild, and rugged scenery, fascinating attractions, and busy cities. Called the Land of Fire and Ice, because of its numerous active volcanoes and its typically cold climate, Iceland is a wonderful place for offering that something a bit different.
Iceland's Golden Circle is a popular place to explore, and visitors can take in many interesting sights easily and within a short period of time. It is great for a romantic long weekend, a mini break for friends, and solo travellers will also love the many wonders hidden away in this jewel of a country.
Some of the main things to do in Iceland's Golden Circle include the following:
Explore Iceland's Capital City of Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a fairly small city, and thus is incredibly easy to explore by foot and under your own steam. Vibrantly coloured houses are scattered along the streets, and Perlan is an interesting hill top building that provides spectacular views out over the city. As well as the cathedral you should make sure you stop by the unusual Hallgrimskirkja, a striking and unique church that featured in a Sophie Ellis Bexter music video! Museums can be found across the city, and the City Hall is a major city landmark. A small lake provides a peaceful spot for a rest. There is a variety of restaurants and bars, and whilst Reykjavik is not known for its lively night life there are some spots that provide fun after dark.
Visit Iceland's Blue Lagoon
Set in a lunar-like environment, the world class Blue Lagoon is an absolute must when travelling around Iceland's Golden Circle. Naturally heated water near to an underground lava flow is pumped into the Svartsengi geothermal power plant to provide electricity to the city. It is then used to create a communal system of hot water, serving homes and businesses. The then cooled, but still warm, water is fed into the Blue Lagoon.
At a temperature of between 37 and 39 degrees Celcius, it is a great place to bathe in the milky waters. The water is replaced frequently, and so is always clean. The mineral rich geothermal waters are good for the skin, and one can literally feel all tensions and stresses literally melting away. Even if the wind is blowing and there is an icy chill in the air, a dip in the Blue Lagoon quickly warms the body.
There are pots of silica mud around the edges for visitors to slap on for their own facial. Floating in the lagoon, one can see the moonscape-esque surroundings, lava fields, and the power plant pumping steam into the air. It is a truly unique experience. Spa treatments and massages are available, and there is a gift shop where one can purchase silica mud and other beauty products.
Take a ride on an Icelandic Horse
This smaller breed of horse is often erroneously believed to be a pony. Despite its small size, the Icelandic horse is incredibly hardy and robust, and riding on the back of one of these beautiful creatures through the incredible surroundings is a once in a lifetime experience.
Marvel at the Gullfoss Waterfall
A truly spectacular sight, the large and gushing Gullfoss Waterfall provides excellent views. The water rushes over the cliff's edge before plunging 30 metres over two levels to reach a canyon below. The spray creates almost eerie mists.
Gape at the Gap in Thingvellir National Park
In Thingvellir National Park you can see the enormous fissure created by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates gradually ripping away from each other. As well as this natural wonder, you can also enjoy some scenic walking trails and some lovely waterfalls.
Get Steamy watching a Geysir!
The area lends its name to all bubbling and shooting natural hot water, and it certainly does not disappoint. Erupting hot springs and hot pools of water create a magical sight. Visitors can watch the mighty Strokkur, the area's most active geyser, fire its powerful jets of water up to 25 metres in the air.
See Volcanoes
In a place packed with volcanoes, it is not difficult to see one of these natural beasts. You may like to hire a driver to take you across the bumpy lave fields to have a look at the awesome Mount Eyjafjallajökull, the notorious volcano that brought the world's air transport systems to a halt with its ash cloud back in 2010.
See a Vanishing Lake
Kleifarvatn Lake is gradually draining and disappearing due to an underground crack caused by a ferocious earthquake. The shrinking lake may well be non-existent in years to come.
Iceland's Golden Circle provides many chances to marvel at nature at her very best.


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Sunday, 28 October 2012
Finishes !!
20 comments:
Nice finishes, real nice. I was reading about the asterisks and thinking - oh I can do those on one of my "what was I thinking piles", and then instead of saying the asterisks were so fun to make you said they were so much work, ha ha. I am happy that you finished it as you did. It is a great guy quilt!!
- 28 October 2012 at 06:38
- O'Quilts said...
The asterisk quilt is wonderful, happy and cheery and cuddly. Great job
- 28 October 2012 at 06:47
- *karendianne. said...
Oh you are leaving us with the start of something fun!
You did a great job on the asterisk quilt. Love the border. Houses are bright and happy. Its so great to hear from you!!!!!
- 28 October 2012 at 07:01
- Pokey said...
Not only are you encouraging us with completions, you give us a snip of things to come! I do like the asterisk, your colors are fun. I only wanted to do a small house quilt, too; your finish makes me think on it...it is possible!
- 28 October 2012 at 07:39
- Diane-crewe said...
so glad you kept going... drspite google being its usual self!!
Lovely projects xx
- 28 October 2012 at 08:12
- Ali Honey said...
The aqua border goes wow! It's just the right choice.
Well done on finishes.
- 28 October 2012 at 15:09
- Gail said...
I love them both! Can there ever really be too much red? I'm glad you're back!
- 28 October 2012 at 15:57
- Guðrún said...
Beautiful finishes.
- 28 October 2012 at 16:30
- Roseanne said...
Both quilt are Beautiful but your son is going to love his.
- 28 October 2012 at 23:14
- Rhonda said...
The asterisk quilt is great and I love the border that also has asterisks. Great job on both quilt finishes.
The star block looks interesting...can't wait to see what's up with it!!
- 29 October 2012 at 07:01
- Chris H said...
Your son's new quilt is stunning, the blue borders are just perfect.
- 29 October 2012 at 13:38
- Carolyn said...
Love the asterisk quilt, it turned out great! I really love the houses! It's good to see you blogging!
- 30 October 2012 at 15:36
- Libby said...
Beautiful finishes! I love house quilts, and the quilt for your son is very dynamic. Awesome.
- 31 October 2012 at 04:08
- anne bebbington said...
Love your asterisk quilt - you hit just the right note with the borders - you have a very good eye - I love those buggy barn stars I've made several quilts from that design and they always look good - there's also a similar idea with just a triangle in the middle of the block called 'Confetti' which is as much fun and even less work - nice to see what you've been working on
- 2 November 2012 at 11:47
- stash busting nurse said...
Love the quilts. The little house is my favourite. I love scrappy quilts. Your son is a lucky boy getting a new quilt. My eldest wants me to make him a harlequins rugby logo quilt. Have it drawn out and fabrics, just need to be brave and get it done. Happy quilting to you. Jan x
- 4 November 2012 at 12:23
- Deb said...
Such pretty quilts! Love the little houses and that star quilt looks so fun. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
- 7 November 2012 at 09:54
- Meggie said...
Patrick's quilt is just perfect!
- 8 November 2012 at 16:33
- Edith said...
I really like the black star, looking forward to seeing what it becomes.
- 8 November 2012 at 21:43
- A Time for Stitching said...
I love the quilts, especially the little house one. The border fabric is pretty too.
I had problems loading my photos on my last post too. I'm glad it wasn't just me because I thought it was laptop trouble!
Teresa x
- 10 November 2012 at 11:08
- Floss said...
I love the little houses.
The asterisk quilt looks perfect for a teen boy.
- 14 November 2012 at 11:13


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IP SUN Kids Sky Blue
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IZIPIZI, It's everyday glasses that put a smile on your face. Colourful collections, no limit to your taste! Classics reinvented, designed to fit, for reading and for the screens, for the sun and just for fun. All made easy, for you, me, everybody, it's IZIPIZI!
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ATSSA Traffic Control Technician (TCT)
DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 5, 2019
All those involved in work zone projects should have a basic knowledge of temporary traffic control that allows them to assist in installing traffic control devices, monitoring their performance, recognizing deficiencies during the course of a project, and conducting themselves and others safely in a work zone.
The one-day TCT course provides an introduction to temporary traffic control in work zones for individuals who work in the field installing/removing traffic control devices and working within a work zone. It teaches concepts, techniques and practices in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices, and recognizing hazards. The students are provided an ATSSA Guide which is used as the basic text material for the course. This handy Guide booklet contains material condensed from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) but in a simplified, easy to understand and use format.
There will be an ATSSA proctored exam at the end of this course. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion from ATSSA after successfully completing the course and passing the exam.
Tim Luttrell, ATSSA Master Trainer, is a Senior Transportation Engineer with Leidos and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee and the District of Columbia. Prior to his 15-year career at Leidos, he worked for the State of Tennessee in developing TDOT's long range planning processes and STIP programs. He currently manages contracts with FHWA on Work Zone Safety, is an ATSSA Master Instructor under the Work Zone Safety Grant Program, and performs traffic studies and design for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. He has taught nearly 100 courses over the past decade for ATSSA, FHWA, and the National Highway Institute.
It is recommended for all individuals that perform duties in and around temporary traffic control work zones. Individuals that work on highway construction and maintenance projects, data collection (survey, traffic data, and pavement surface recorders), traffic control review team members, and all maintenance staff are the recommended audience.
The above resource and more can be accessed by visiting the TLN Learning Management System (LMS).


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Asparagus Pot with Steamer Basket
I love asparagus but have always struggled finding the right pot to cook it in. I generally used too big a pot and it took forever for the water to boil, or too small a pot that required cutting the asparagus into 2 inch pieces. In both cases, the asparagus cooked unevenly! Who likes mushy asparagus – yuk.
I finally purchased an All-Clad Asparagus Pot with a Steamer Basket and my asparagus is crisp-tender, every time! The pot cooks the asparagus evenly by holding it upright. The tender tips are farthest from the heat while the thicker stem is just above the boiling water. If you're an asparagus lover, this pot is for you!
You may be thinking, but it's only for asparagus… Not so, it also works great for steaming haricot verts, boiling eggs and it's my go to pot for cooking a couple of ears of corn. It has become one of my must-have pans.
click on the photo below for more product details or to purchase:
All the best as you enjoy your spring Asparagus!


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A new television advertising campaign launched over the weekend warns Oklahomans about a proposed bill in the legislature to create a constitutional "right to farm." The advertising campaign is the latest effort by The Humane Society of the United States to urge opposition to HJR 1012, the "Right to Farm" bill, which should be more aptly titled "Right to Harm." If passed, the amendment would solidify the bad practices of industrial agriculture that harm family farmers, animal welfare, food safety and the environment.
The advertisement can be seen in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City markets and online.
Harlan Hentges, an attorney and agriculture professional, is a member of the HSUS Oklahoma Agriculture Council. His family has farmed in Noble County, Oklahoma, since prior to statehood. Hentges said: "This legislation only guarantees corporations a right to harm Oklahoma's traditional family farm way of life, stopping us in the future from having virtually any reasonable safeguards to protect our drinking water, farm animals and rural neighbors."
- The "Right to Farm" bill shields industrial agriculture from the democratic process. It would largely prevent voters and legislators from making reforms that would benefit food safety, animal welfare and the quality of our air and water. No other industry is given, or deserves, blanket protection from commonsense regulations.
- Oklahoma farmers and ranchers already have the right to farm as they have for generations.
- Large agribusiness corporations—including ones owned by foreign conglomerates—would benefit the most from this measure, as their contract producers would be unencumbered from many commonsense regulations about what they can do to Oklahoma's land, air and water.
- Local groups that oppose the "Right to Farm" bill include: Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, Oklahoma Animal Welfare League, Oklahoma Coalition of Animal Rescuers, The Humane Society of Tulsa and Oklahoma Sierra Club.
Media Contacts
- Media Relations


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City Water, City Life
This book contends that a city consists of more than a massing of citizens, a layout of buildings and streets, and an arrangement of political, economic, and social institutions. Through an analysis of a broad range of verbal and visual sources, it explains how the the discussion, design, and use of the first successful waterworks systems in leading cities reveal the ways in which Americans framed their conceptions of urban democracy and how they understood the natural and the built environment, individual health and the well-being of society, and the qualities of time and history in the rapidly urbanizing nation.
The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City
Arguably the most influential document in the history of urban planning, Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, co-authored by Edward Bennett and produced in collaboration with the Commercial Club of Chicago, proposed many of the city's most distinctive features. This history of the Plan's origins, production, promotion, implementation, and heritage reveals its central role in shaping the ways people envision the cityscape and urban life itself.
Learn more about The Plan of Chicago
Urban Disorder and the Shape of Belief: The Great Chicago Fire, the Haymarket Bomb, and the Model Town of Pullman
This book explores the imaginative dimensions of three cataclysmic events that took place in what many considered the quintessential American city. It he traces the evolution of beliefs that increasingly linked city, disorder, and social reality in the minds of Americans. Encompassing a remarkable range of writings, illustrations, protests, public gatherings, trials, hearings, and urban reform efforts, it argues that these events collectively shaped how Americans saw, and continue to see, the city.
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Chicago and the American Literary Imagination 1880-1920
This interdisciplinary study examines a broad variety of imaginative attempts to come to terms with turn-of-the-century Chicago. Among the themes explored is the place of art in the new industrial city. The book argues that writers seized upon major elements in Chicago-the omnipresent railroad, the large buildings, and the legendary stockyards-to develop a new aesthetic vocabulary that expressed what they believed was the meaning of modern urban life.
Link to full text of Chicago and the American Literary Imagination, 1880-1920