The "Talking Pyramids" blog reports on former Antiquities Minister Hawass' efforts to steer a lucrative contract for the Egyptian Museum book shop to a company for which he was a director. The report details his efforts to undercut a competitor, violation of contracting procedures and refusal to follow a court order. See
http://www.talkingpyramids.com/zahi-hawass-museum-gift-shop/ At a minimum, the report, which admittedly is based on the account of the competitor for the franchise, suggests a troubling conflict of interest.
In any event, all this again suggests to me that US Federal Prosecutors should look into what actually happened to the millions of US tax dollars and franchise fees that were supposed to go to support Egyptian archaeology. If corruption was indeed rampant at the Mubarak era SCA as has been alleged, one has to also conclude it likely that substantial monies intended for archaeology actually were used for private gain.
Beauty Bag: Laura, Gracefully Searching
List of Products:
Bag: The body shop
Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash
Blush Cream and Bronzer: Joe Fresh- Blush Cream Peach Joe Fresh
Foundation, Under Eye Cream, Powder: Mac
Silver Palette: Prescriptives Colorscope Palette
Blush: Cargo Blush Highlighter Pink
Lip Stain: Joe Grapefruit
Eye Shadow: Expert Wear Eyeshadow Mocha Motion
Highlighter: Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick Compact Pink
Can I possibly choose two things I couldn't live without, because I am having a hard time choosing between mascara and blush cream (that doubles as a lip cream)! These two beauty products are absolutely essential, and make me feel fresh and approachable!!
I love the process of getting ready, I like to change up my eye makeup, or lip color to reflect the way I am feeling!! If I am feeling like going au natural I like to wear a simple gloss like Smith’s Rosebud Salve, if I want to create something a little more current and funky I like to wear something like Pink Poodle by Mac, or it is always fun to experiment with something on trend (with a very low price point) from Joe Fresh!
Most importantly I think it is important to take your natural beauty and just emphasize it- don’t hide it!!
the beautiful Laura
Thanks so much Liz!!! Love, love, love this blog- this has been so lovely!!
Always Stay Graceful,
Laura xoxo
Thanks to the fabulous Laura of Gracefully Searching for sharing with us!
Hawass Resigns
The New York Times reports that Egyptian Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass has resigned his post, along with Egypt's Prime Minister, after listing for the first time dozens of sites that have been looted during the unrest related to Egypt's popular revolt. See
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/03/egyptian-antiquities-chief-resigns/?scp=2&sq=Hawass&st=cse
In resigning, Hawass attacked former colleagues who had criticised him.
Hawass' list of looted sites includes storerooms associated with the Met's digs in Dahshur, near Cairo. See http://www.drhawass.com/blog/status-egyptian-antiquities-today-3-march-2011
The Met's Director issued a statement calling on Egyptian authorities to do a better job in protecting archaeological sites in the country.
Hawass, the face of Egyptian archaeology, has been a controversial figure. On one hand, he helped popularize it and ensure that more Egyptian archaeologists worked on Egyptian sites. On the other hand, his heavy-handed repatriation efforts did not exactly promote cultural exchange, and even Egyptian archaeologists finally turned against him due to his dictatorial and credit stealing ways.
It is unclear whether Hawass' resignation will end any investigations of his alleged misconduct in office or instead encourage them further.
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/03/egyptian-antiquities-chief-resigns/?scp=2&sq=Hawass&st=cse
In resigning, Hawass attacked former colleagues who had criticised him.
Hawass' list of looted sites includes storerooms associated with the Met's digs in Dahshur, near Cairo. See http://www.drhawass.com/blog/status-egyptian-antiquities-today-3-march-2011
The Met's Director issued a statement calling on Egyptian authorities to do a better job in protecting archaeological sites in the country.
Hawass, the face of Egyptian archaeology, has been a controversial figure. On one hand, he helped popularize it and ensure that more Egyptian archaeologists worked on Egyptian sites. On the other hand, his heavy-handed repatriation efforts did not exactly promote cultural exchange, and even Egyptian archaeologists finally turned against him due to his dictatorial and credit stealing ways.
It is unclear whether Hawass' resignation will end any investigations of his alleged misconduct in office or instead encourage them further.
Spring has sprung...
Every time I go out shopping I see that Spring is in the air, I love all the pops of colour and the subtle hints of blush in fashion this time of year. I am really loving Canadian retailer BEDO, they have a beautiful Spring line out right now, have a look...
and I can't help but love this song right now, it reminds me of spring meadows...
Hawass Watch: Will He Stay or Will He Go?
In a marked shift from previous statements, Egyptian Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass has indicated that the government is not able to protect Egypt's ancient monuments and he is considering resigning from his post. See
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/egypt-antiquities-chief-says-he-may-quit/
Just recently, Hawass had stated on his blog,
Throughout this ordeal, there have been people who have been completely dishonest, and have tried, through their statements, to make the situation worse, in some cases by accusing me (in vague terms) of various inappropriate or even illegal behaviors. Of course, as even these people themselves know, none of these accusations has any basis in reality. When I was first appointed Minister of Antiquities Affairs, I thought my tenure might be very short, given the political situation. I did not care; I was only glad that the antiquities service had finally been given independence, and would no longer be under the Ministry of Culture. However, these attacks have convinced me that it is important for me to stay, so that I can continue to do everything in my power to protect Egypt's cultural heritage. I have written to Egypt's attorney general, asking him to look into some of the false accusations that have been made against me. I believe that addressing these issues will help stabilize the Ministry of Antiquities Affairs.
See http://www.drhawass.com/blog/uplifting-news
One of the comments to the New York Times report suggests Hawass' latest statements are really just a ploy to encourage his supporters in the archaeological community to beg him to stay. It will be interesting to see if Western archaeologists take the bait.
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/egypt-antiquities-chief-says-he-may-quit/
Just recently, Hawass had stated on his blog,
Throughout this ordeal, there have been people who have been completely dishonest, and have tried, through their statements, to make the situation worse, in some cases by accusing me (in vague terms) of various inappropriate or even illegal behaviors. Of course, as even these people themselves know, none of these accusations has any basis in reality. When I was first appointed Minister of Antiquities Affairs, I thought my tenure might be very short, given the political situation. I did not care; I was only glad that the antiquities service had finally been given independence, and would no longer be under the Ministry of Culture. However, these attacks have convinced me that it is important for me to stay, so that I can continue to do everything in my power to protect Egypt's cultural heritage. I have written to Egypt's attorney general, asking him to look into some of the false accusations that have been made against me. I believe that addressing these issues will help stabilize the Ministry of Antiquities Affairs.
See http://www.drhawass.com/blog/uplifting-news
One of the comments to the New York Times report suggests Hawass' latest statements are really just a ploy to encourage his supporters in the archaeological community to beg him to stay. It will be interesting to see if Western archaeologists take the bait.
Books and Design
Every once and a while I love to feature local artists, entrepreneurs and design savvy people. So today I wanted to feature the home of illustrator Majd Soudi. When I came across her small apartment I was so inspired by how well she utilized the space and made it look and feel not only comfy but beautifully decorated as well. Take a look at her stylish place...
and here are some of her fabulous and inventive illustrations...
You can find her wonderful work here as well as links to her blog, and where to buy her books
all images via Majd Soudi
Odyssey Marine Exploration Financial Results
Odyssey Marine has announced its financial results for 2010. See
http://www.tradershuddle.com/20110228175267/globenewswire/Odyssey-Marine-Exploration-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-2010-Financial-Results.html
Anyone who thinks deep sea treasure hunting makes for easy money should note that Odyssey's operating expenses exceeded its revenues by millions of dollars. I'm sure the costs of the Black Swan litigation has not helped Odyssey's bottom line, either.
The archaeological community has been very hostile to Odyssey's business model. On the other hand, should wrecks really be left to rot while we wait for cash-strapped governments to fund multi-million dollar deep sea archaeological explorations?
It seems to me that the private-public partnerships that Odyssey has entered into with the United Kingdom are better suited to achieving the proper balance between commercial exploitation and archaeological study. Say what you will, but there is real exploration going on now, rather than some day that will likely never come.
http://www.tradershuddle.com/20110228175267/globenewswire/Odyssey-Marine-Exploration-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-2010-Financial-Results.html
Anyone who thinks deep sea treasure hunting makes for easy money should note that Odyssey's operating expenses exceeded its revenues by millions of dollars. I'm sure the costs of the Black Swan litigation has not helped Odyssey's bottom line, either.
The archaeological community has been very hostile to Odyssey's business model. On the other hand, should wrecks really be left to rot while we wait for cash-strapped governments to fund multi-million dollar deep sea archaeological explorations?
It seems to me that the private-public partnerships that Odyssey has entered into with the United Kingdom are better suited to achieving the proper balance between commercial exploitation and archaeological study. Say what you will, but there is real exploration going on now, rather than some day that will likely never come.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)