def get_graphic_variations_by_date(self):
        dates_per_variation = self.unpack_pipe_separated_config_item_as_list('sprite_variation_dates')
        if len(dates_per_variation) == 0:
            dates_per_variation = [[0, 9999]] # default  one variation with min / max dates if none provided by config

        sprite_variation_trigger_dates = {}
        for start, end in dates_per_variation:
            sprite_variation_trigger_dates[start] = []
            sprite_variation_trigger_dates[end] = []

        for date in sprite_variation_trigger_dates:
            counter = 0
            for start, end in dates_per_variation:
                counter = counter + 1
                if date >= start and date < end:
                    sprite_variation_trigger_dates[date].append(counter)

        print sprite_variation_trigger_dates