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Geopolitics bound to determine Cyprus's energy future
Written by Independent Balkan News Agency on June 11, 2013 in Europe - No comments
The intense activity over the Cyprus natural gas reserves in the past few days has provided a silver lining in the intense gloom of the past three months or so.
While the confirmatory drilling at Block 12 has begun and is expected to produce results in three to four months from now, the focus turns to how this valuable natural wealth will be better exploited.
Officials in Cyprus have made up their mind. Even before the minister in charge provided unambiguous confirmation of the intention to build a Liquefied Natural Gas plant at the southern coast, hardly anyone thought that Cyprus wouldn't fancy its chances of becoming a real energy hub in the region. The facility would allow Nicosia to become a gas exporter, whichever route the product will take to be delivered abroad.
A major player in the new gas game in the area, the Israeli company Delek, has expressed its interest – if not sealed a deal with Nicosia – in participating in the LNG plant.
For the full story, please click here
(Photo: Nasa)
Bulgaria's Bulgartransgaz to take 20% stake in Alexandroupolis LNG terminal
Bulgaria to get cheaper Russian gas with point-of-entry change – minister
Bulgaria shortlists five companies in Belene nuclear station tender
Two dead in construction incident at Bulgaria nuclear waste site
June 11, 2013, by Independent Balkan News Agency


We are not on our own in the struggles and challenges of life. Christ in us, grants us the guidance to act according to His good and perfect will, if we are only willing to listen. He helps us desire to obey, and then empowers us to do just that. At times it is in the walking out what we know to be His purpose, that our desire grows, as does our trust in Him. The Lord takes our willingness, and turns it into opportunity to influence others for His glory. We must submit to Him to understand His will, so that we may walk it out with our lives. May we recognize God in us, as He is working to strengthen and empower us to act according to His good purpose.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose to submit to You, and allow You to be Lord of our life, You work in us and grant us the will to act according to Your good purpose for our lives. Thank You that it is not something that we can make happen on our own, but rather it is You in us, that grants us both the desire and the ability to do as You ask. Forgive us for attempting to muscle our way through things in our own strength, or for turning a deaf ear to what You are asking. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will seek Your will and Your strength, and then walk in obedience to all that You are asking. Lead us to love others well, through the strength and grace that You have given, rather than our own. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified Lord God, as we trust You to work in us and through us to carry out Your good plans and purposes for our lives and the lives of those around us. Amen.
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Politico reports that Geena Davis is coming to Washington on April 27 to help launch Healthy MEdia: Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls with former FCC Commissioner Debi Tate and the Girl Scouts.
Members of the commission, which will promote healthy media images of females, include author Katherine Schwarzenegger, model Emme and NBC chief medical editor Nancy Snyderman.
Last year, Mom Logic reported that Girl Scouts of the USA got behind a bill promoting positive images of girls and women in the media. Officially introduced to Congress by U.S. Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), the bill aimed to promote education and research into the effects of media images on girls and women, while asking marketers to adhere to voluntary guidelines.
Recently, "Watch What You Watch" - a PSA that aims to build awareness about the need to pay attention not to just what kids watch, but how they watch it - received the 2011 Gracie Winner for Public Service Announcement. The campaign is created in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA, The Creative Coalition, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and the National Association of Broadcasters.


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The 35 Places You Need to Visit in 2018 Gallery
Syjil Ashraf
The top destinations for 2018 span all 7 continents.
The 35 Places You Need to Visit in 2018
2017 was an interesting, if controversial, year in travel. We've covered the top 20 destinations of the past year, but what about the year to come? If you're as forward-thinking as we are, you'll want to know where you should travel in 2018. And in the coming year, there's a lot going on in a lot of different places.
After paying attention to what's been going on around the globe and checking our calendars for what's coming up this year, we've pulled together a list of the top destinations for 2018. That includes a couple cities celebrating their tercentennial (that's 300th birthday) and a few countries where they're observing the anniversary of their independence. Some cities are celebrating the opening of new attractions whereas others have simply become more accessible or comfortable in 2018, thanks to the addition of flight routes and new luxury hotels. Some places on this list are simply coming into their own after disasters or decades of decline, whereas others are already popular but will likely be doing particularly well in the coming year.
Spanning literally seven – yes, all seven—continents, these 35 places are the ones you absolutely need to visit in 2018.
For the first time ever, there's a branch of the Louvre outside of Paris, and this past November, it opened its doors in the safest city in the world, Abu Dhabi. With over 700 exhibits, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is gorgeous inside and out, but it's not the only architectural marvel the city holds. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, is meticulously kept, its bright white exterior and 82 domes positively sparkling. Take a ride on the world's fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World on Yas Island, just off the coast, where you can also visit the water park and gigantic shopping mall.
It may sound a bit preposterous to suggest a vacation to the continent that holds 90 percent of ice on Earth, but Antarctica has actually become much more accessible over the past decade or two, thanks to the first-ever commercial flights there, added in 2017, as well as multiple cruises headed for the continent from South America. One of the wildest spots on the planet, Antarctica offers the chance to experience truly unspoiled nature (although global warming seems to be doing the job of spoiling it fast). Despite its seeming barrenness, there's plenty to do here, such as camping, sea kayaking, swimming in hot springs, and visiting the penguins and other indigenous creatures. A visit here is sure to inspire you to kick into action in order to save the planet and this vast, awe-inspiring continent. Hurry before it gets too popular; currently, fewer than 200,000 people visit every year.
Brussels and Bruges aren't the only Belgian destinations you should have on your list. Antwerp Baroque 2018 celebrates the city's most famous son, Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens, and the Baroque tradition with street art, workshops, concerts, parades, and more. Fashionistas are sure to love Antwerp, known for its fashion industry and as the world's leading city for diamonds, as 70 percent of the entire world's are traded here.
With several flights added to its list of daily arrivals and multiple lavish hotels and resorts opened this past year or set to debut in 2018, the clear blue waters and pale pink shores of the Bahamas are more accessible than ever. It's also worth checking out thank to its rising food scene, particularly in Baha Mar and Nassau, where visitors can enjoy the best of junkanoo, sky juice, rum cake, and more. Next year will also see the debut of a direct flight from Chicago as well as a four-hour ferry ride to Freeport from Miami-Fort Lauderdale.
Experience a vacation that's both Caribbean and Central American in vibe and location alike, in the small yet charming country of Belize. We strongly suggest that if you wish to visit Belize, you do it now, because the country is quickly becoming popular and its untouched beauty is part of that charm. In addition to the gorgeous beaches, delicious Belizean cuisine, and fantastic resorts, this destination also offers a bit of culture and history in its renowned Ancient Mayan sites.
Buenos Aires was recently dubbed the first ever Art Basel City, and in celebration, this Argentinian capital will be hosting a week of public arts events in September in celebration. Lovers of arts and culture will relish this city any time of the year, however, as Buenos Aires is known for its dance, design, and galleries. Visit in May to enjoy the pride and joy of 300 artists from 50 countries at ArteBA or come in the summer of August's BA Fashion Week. Try some Argentinian cuisine while you're there, too, as the locals sure know how to eat right.
Charleston offers up some of the best of Southern cuisine and hospitality, the latter apparent in the growth of luxury hotels. Just this past year, The Dewberry opened its doors and in spring of 2018, Hotel Bennett is slated for an opening right across from it in Marion Square. Go off-the-beaten path for some of the city's culinary gems and try local delicacies such as crab rice, crispy quail, po' boys, or shrimp and grits.
The capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu is a city perfect for people who love spicy food and breathtaking scenery. The addition of non-stop flights from New York and Los Angeles over the past year make it easier than ever to get to there. Most of the world's wild giant pandas also reside in Chengdu, and a visit to the nature parks and reserves may give you a peep at them as well as at the area's beautiful mountains and outdoor landscapes.
America's Comeback City really is coming back with a vengeance as a world destination after decades of suffering from both its economy and population taking a hit. Detroit has seen a revival thanks to both new additions and attractions as well as renovations in its many histortic buildings and sites. Birthplace of Motown and home to a strong automobile culture, the city's abandoned buildings have been turned into art galleries, distilleries, and more thanks to growing scene of artists and young upstarts. Recent additions to the city include a hockey and basketball arena, and multiple parks and hotels are set to open over the next couple of years.
Although already a popular European destination, Dublin is ramping up its game with multiple new hotels set to open their doors in 2018 (and a further 3,500 hotel rooms becoming available in 2019) and a new expansion to its light rail system. In addition to the traditional pub life and historic squares of Dublin, the city also has seen a renovation of its National Gallery of Ireland as well as a newly constructed Irish Emigration Museum to offer tourists an even deeper look at Irish history. Dublin is also set to become even more of a bucket list spot for whiskey-lovers, as the Dublin Liberties and Roe & Co. are set to open up whiskey destinations to rival the newly-opened Pearse Lyons Distillery in what used to be St. James's Church.
Quito is not only beautiful but absolutely fascinating. Ecuador is so named because of its location directly over the equator, and when you stand on Mitad del Mundo — a yellow line painted on the ground to designated the equator itself — on either the fall or spring equinox, you can watch your shadow disappear for three minutes. Quito also offers attractive colonial and Latin American architecture that echoes its fascinating history, and from here you can explore the rest of the country's stunning natural environs, such as the Bellavista Cloud Forest, the snow-capped Cayambe volcano, and of course, the famous Galapagos Islands. Other cities of note include Cuenca, a beautiful and historic city with Incan ruins and cafés serving amazing Ecuadorian cuisine, and Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, famous for its great seafood, a beautiful riverfront, and great music.
After the 2011 revolution hit Egypt, tourism in the country was greatly affected. Of course, in a land that's home to world-famous sites such as the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, tourists weren't going to stay away for too long and this year should put Egypt back on the map. A partial opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum is ready to welcome visitors who can see over 100,000 artifacts from the time of the pharaohs, including the mummy and funeral mask of King Tutankhamen. Egypt's magic doesn't stop in Cairo, however. Visit the enchanting Siwa Oasis, historical Alexandria, cosmopolitan Port Said, and Luxor, said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
Go back to where you came from and visit the place said to be the origin of modern man: Ethiopia. Africa's oldest independent nation, and the only one on the continent to have never been colonized, Ethiopia has an impressive history, both politically and religiously, as the second oldest officially Christian nation in the world and the destination of the First Hejira, the first flight of Muhammad's followers from Mecca. Chinese assistance has helped the country become a better tourist destination, with the construction of new highways and a new terminal at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Start in the capital of Addis Ababa, a great shopping destination and home to a wonderful museum chronicling the nation's ancient history and housing the skeleton of the famous early hominid, Lucy. But make sure you visit other places, too, such as the monasteries of Lake Tana, rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, medieval castles of Gondar, and the ancient city of Aksum, home to the Ark of the Covenent. The ancient walled city of Harar is also worth a stop; it's home to 82 mosques and some of the world's best coffee (and beer).
The beautiful islands of Fiji are about to become even more beautiful with the addition of multiple luxury resorts ready to open their doors in 2018. Seaplanes and helicopters will take you on scenic flights to appreciate the waterfalls, beaches, and mountains of Fiji from high above, and the island is full of opportunities for relaxation as well as adventure, via hiking, biking, and watersports of all kinds. Fijian cuisine offers a mix of South Asian and East Asian flavors, and kava, a mildly intoxicating root-based drink, is popular on the islands as well.
While neighboring Iceland was one of the hottest (if also coldest) destinations of the past few years, Greenland has slowly but surely seen its star rise. This northernmost North American country (yes, it's considered part of that continent geographically) is known for the so-called Big Arctic Five: dog sledding, pioneering people, whales, the Northern Lights, and ice and snow. Enjoy all of it, as well as a unique cuisine, at an island destination that's both relatively undiscovered and ripe for adventure.
Grenada's underrated status as a Caribbean destination has served it well, making for relatively untouched rainforests and beaches that aren't laden with tourists. We suggest you make a trip sooner than later, however, as it won't stay that way for long; 33 cruise ships have added the island to their itinerary, and just last year, Jet Blue added a daily, direct route to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport. Resorts and hotels are popping up all over the island to accommodate the growing tourism, as visitors arrive to enjoy the Spice Isle's chocolate, rum, and of course, spices.
Both the tech industry and tourism are booming in Guadalajara and for good reason — this rising city has much to offer in the way of both modernization and history. Mexican art and culture is at its best in Guadalajara, which hosts the country's biggest film festival in March and the Mariachi Festival in September. Visit the largest indoor market in Latin America, Mercado San Juan de Dios, or walk through Colonia Lafayette, a fantastic neighborhood for art and food-lovers alike full of gorgeous modern and colonial-era architecture. Hospicio Cabañas, one of the oldest and largest hospital complexes in the Western hemisphere as well an UNESCO World Heritage site, is also worth a visit, decorated with amazing frescoes by José Clemente Orozco.
Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are all destinations that come straight to mind when planning a trip to Germany, but Hamburg should definitely be on the list starting this year. The newly constructed Elbphilharmonie concert hall took nearly ten years and cost €790 million ($940 million), and as one of the largest and most acoustically advanced music halls, it was worth the wait and worth a visit. Located in the relatively new waterfront HafenCity, you'd be remiss not to check out one of the many hotspots for gastronomy nearby or the city's many impressive churches and other architectural marvels.
While we do advise caution when traveling the Middle East, that doesn't mean travel is completely inadvisable in the region as a whole. Jordan, in particular, remains a stable nation with much to offer in the way of history and activity. The historical city of Petra, possibly established as early as the fourth century BC, is a site to marvel at with its gorgeous, rock-cut architecture and impressive water conduit system. Jordan is also home to both the Dead Sea and Red Sea, as well as Wadi Rum, an impressive, Martian-like red desert, and many Bedouin camps where you can experience true native Jordanian cuisine and culture. Hiking enthusiasts will love the new Jordan Trail, a route that runs 400 miles from north to south and takes you through most of these sites as well as some of Jordan's most breathtaking nature. Lovers of religious history will revel in it too – Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed all supposedly walked this trail too.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang used to be the capital city of landlocked Laos, and it still remains a leading cultural and historical destination in the country. While there are plenty of budget accommodations, new luxury resorts have also been popping up in this city and will continue to do so in 2018, giving you plenty of options to choose from when looking for a place to stay as you explore this emerging Southeast Asian destination. Eastern and western architecture here are awe-inspiring, from buildings dating back to the French colonial area to sparkling Buddhist temples. Visit a nearby elephant sanctuary or the many jaw-dropping waterfalls and caves just outside the city. Luang Prabang is also a place dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage, with museums and performance theaters.
Matera, Italy
This coming year is the best time to visit the picturesque southern Italian destination of Matera, in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, before tourism booms with the celebrations accompanying its naming as a 2019 European Capital Culture. Visit the caves of Sassi di Matera to travel 9,000 years back in time or explore the churches carved into the volcanic rock. The gorgeous town is full of caves actually, such as Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario where you can see how an eighteenth-century family lived, or the city's many cave B&Bs where you can stay yourself. (You can also dine in a cave, sampling traditional local fare at L'Abbondanza Lucana.)
This island destination 1,200 miles southeast off the African coast is oft-overlooked despite the unique mix of cultures that sets it apart from other beach-laden, biodiverse paradises. This may no longer be the case in the coming years as multiple airlines began servicing Mauritius towards the end of 2017. Just in time, too, as the country celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its independence in 2018 with festivals and all sorts of cultural and historical exhibitions. Mauritius's rich history is also reflected in its melting-pot cuisine, with strong Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French flavors, and the country's many festivals, including Diwali in October and the Festival International Kréol in November. Nature lovers will be enthralled by the many different species of animals and plants as well as the chance to take on the waters with watersports and explore the surrounding volcanic mountains.
Morocco is set to become a hot destination in 2018 — figuratively in addition to literally. Offering the best of Middle Eastern beauty in terms of architecture and natural scenery, this country has plenty of must-visit stops. The city of Marrakesh is full of palaces and street markets to explore, and it's home to the newly opened Yves Saint Laurent Museum where fashion lovers can visit the famous designer's Marrakesh studio and home. Less than a mile from there lie the Atlas Mountains, perfect for hiking and taking on Kasbah Toubkal, the country's highest peak. Visit Tétouan, known for its carpets and World Heritage Site medina and the site of a burgeoning modern Moroccan art movement, or Essaouira, a resort town with great beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as a colorful and busy medina.
The Big Easy turns 300 this year, and over a decade after Hurricane Katrina, it's ready to party hard in celebration. Enjoy the best of Southern and Creole culture and cuisine any time of the year, but visit mid-February for the fabled Mardi Gras or in late April and early May for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. And those are just two of the 160 festivals held each year in this party city, all of which are sure to have do something special in honor of the tercentennial. New hotels are also popping up and old hotels are ready for you too, such as the historic Pontchartrain Hotel, which just went under a $10 million renovation.
The king and queen of Norway are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this year, making 2018 a fun year to take a trip to Oslo, particularly since its airport just saw expansions this past year. Visit the royal couple's Royaal Palace or the Oslo Opera House, which is also seeing an anniversary this year as it turns 10 years old, with many shows and events scheduled. The city is full of museums and parks, as well as restaurants and cafes full of good food and great Norwegian coffee.
While Machu Picchu has been growing in popularity as a bucket list landmark, tourists are also starting to discover the rest of Peru alongside it. Visit Trujillo, where you can learn about the Moche and Chimu, ancient civilizations from even before the Inca, by visiting the pyramids of the former and the adobe complex of the latter, before heading to the northern part of the country, where you'll find a different kind of hiking experience on the jungle trails. Other must-sees include Leymebamba, home to around 200 Incan mummies, and Chan Chan, a city made entirely of adobe and the largest pre-Columbian settlement in South America. Make sure you don't leave without visiting the food scene of its capital, Lima, or enjoying some marinera dancing alongside Peruvian music.
Another American city celebrating its tercentennial in 2018, San Antonio is an absolute must for foodies; UNESCO declared it a Creative City of Gastronomy this year for its amazing cuisine, a mix of Mexican, Latin American, North American, and European flavors. There's also plenty of history for you to enjoy, and make sure you don't leave without remembering the Alamo or taking a stroll down River Walk. A visit in May will be surely eventful, as the city's museums offer free admission and the town is full of concerts, shows, fireworks, art installatations, and more at its five historic missions in honor of Tricentennial Commemorative Week.
Puerto Rico is officially open for business and tourists are needed more than ever to help the island get back on its feet. Witness the rebuilding and resilience of San Juan, where old and new coexist in the architecture as well as the city's culture. Nightlife, beaches, and a growing arts scene have all helped San Juan earn its reputation as a strong tourist destination, but it's the food here that's really worth coming for.
Southern Spain blooms in Seville, where the blend of Moorish and European architecture is so beautiful that the city's royal palace, the Alcazar of Seville, was used as a set on the hit HBO show Game of Thrones. Whereas Seville used to be laden with traffic congestion, the increasing use of bikes and trams has made this city a lot more tourist-friendly. With more bars per inhabitant than any other city in Europe, Seville is also a great place for nightlife, and a flamenco show here is a must, as is a tapas tour.
In addition to stunning Seoul, Pyeongchang County is at the top of the list for 2018 as it hosts the Winter Olympics in February. Many of the main events will be held at ski resorts Alpensia and Yongpyong, and two Olympic Villages have been built in Pyeongchang itself. In preparation for the games, Lotte World Tower has opened in Seoul, currently the fifth tallest building on the planet, and it'll be easy to get between the two cities with a new, high-speed train. While in Seoul, make sure to check out the city's famously quirky coffee shops, as well as the stunning palaces and temples throughout the city.
Estonia will be celebrating the hundreth anniversary of its independence from the Russian Empire this year, making its already culturally rich capital a top destination. One of the safest cities in the world, Tallinn is particularly popular in the summer, with a history that goes back to medieval times, as seen with the medieval houses and cobbled streets in its absolutely gorgeous Old City. Many luxurious or charming yet affordable hotels are available nearby, including the newly opened Centennial Hotel, named in honor of the aforementioned anniversary, for you to stay at while you enjoy the many different events in honor of the country's centennial, such as Tallinn Music Week, Tallinn Medieval Days, and the My Free Country exhibit at the Estonian History Museum.
Luxury hotels are popping up to welcome you to yet another rising destination: Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia (the country, not state). Next year will see the opening of the beautiful Stamba Hotel as well as Kokhta-Mitarbi, a five-star resort right in the Caucasus mountains for those who love to take to the slopes. Despite all this modern construction, some traditional Georgia hospitality is still apparent in the country's cuisine and famous 24-hour sulphur baths. Take a day trip just 30 miles south of the city to the site where archaeologists recently discovered the oldest known wine, dated at 8,000 years old. Gorgeous mountain and lake scenery isn't too long of a drive from this emerging city either.
Following the death of president Islam Karimov, the current Uzbek government is making major strides for progress in Uzbekistan, particularly for its tourism industry. Perhaps that's why it's one of the happiest countries in the world. The Afrosiyob high-speed train line saw its debut in 2016, making it easier to travel between major cities, and a new segment on the Trans-Asian Railway, a Chinese train network connecting Europe and Beijing, should also loop Uzbekistan in through Kyrgystan. Another train system connecting the country to the Persian Gulf may be on the horizon as well, thanks to diplomatic relations with Iran, so there'll be plenty of ways to explore the region. Visit the capital city of Tashkent, where you'll find the mausoleum of some of the greatest rulers and thinkers in Islamic history, gorgeous mosques, and Chorsu Bazaar, a typical Central Asian farmers market where you can experience the best of local culture. The historic city of Samarkand is a must-see for anyone visiting Central Asia, particularly the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center, Registan and the supposed tomb of the Hebrew prophet Daniel.
Valletta is getting ready to celebrate for the whole year after being named a 2018 European Capital of Culture. Both the opening ceremonies for this year's celebrations and the Valletta International Baroque Festival will be held in January, but the city's Roman, Arab, and British influences can be seen year-round in its architecture, cuisine, music, and even language. Malta, another one of the happiest countries in the world, offers the best of the Mediterranean, as well as some seriously gorgeous architecture. UNESCO dubbed Valletta "one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world" due to the fact that the 136-acre city has a whopping 320 historical sites. Sites like Saint John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters, which serves as the Maltese parliament building and the office of Malta's president, are must-sees, and when you're not in the mood for a tour, you can always hit the beach.
Another destination for some truly unspoiled nature, Zambia is the place to experience a safari in the birthplace of the walking safari, with a guided tour company or through a safari lodge such as the King Lewanika Lodge which just opened up as the first permanent camp in Liuwa Plain National Park. Visit in April for the Kuomboka Festival, which tourists can attend for the first time this year and partake in the festivities marking the end of the rainy season. If the idea of a safari resort interests you, check out the ones that made our list of the top 100 all-inclusive resorts in the world.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I saw the Passion tonight with a group of twelve people on Saturday night. After the movie Cathy asked the question, "Do you think the movie is an evangelistic movie?" Another version of this question is, "Do you think this will inspire people to be Christians?" or "Would you recommend this movie as a way for a newbie to start out in Christianity?" The consensus answer was, "No".
It was a tough movie to watch. I didn't react the way I expected. It numbed me. I think it forces all Christians to seriously evaluate their lives. Are we worth it? Through our painful re-evaluation of ourselves we might be able to help those who wandered into the movie and are now powerfully moved. If this movie is to be evangelistic to many people it is because God has humbled us and used our weakness to help others.


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InfoQ Homepage News New Tool Allows Java to Easily Adapt to Timezone Changes
New Tool Allows Java to Easily Adapt to Timezone Changes
Nov 27, 2006 less than one minute
Today John O'Conner blogged on Sun's new tzupdater tool which allows existing JRE installs of version 1.4 or later to be modified to reflect timezone changes. Recently JRE updates were released to account for Australian and United States timezone changes. From the readme:
The tzupdater tool is provided to allow the updating of installed JDK/JRE images with more recent timezone data in order to accomodate the U.S. 2007 daylight saving time changes (US2007DST) originating with the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005. While Sun recommends utilizing the latest Sun Java SE JDK/JRE update release as the preferred vehicle for delivering both timezone data updates and other product improvements such as security fixes; if the end-user or system-administrator is unable to use the latest Sun JDK/JRE update release, this tool provides a route of updating timezone data while leaving other system configuration and dependencies unchanged. The 1.0 version delivers Olson data tz2006n which has also been included in the following Sun Java SE JDK/JRE releases: 6, 5.0_11, 1.4.2_14, 1.3.1_20.
Artifacts & Tools
Mastering Remote Meetings
Dealing with Remote Team Challenges
Curiosity Killed the Cat! But That's What All Great Teams Need!
Lessons Learned from Reviewing 150 Infrastructures


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Maybe following setting was changed to "Tapur Virtual Camera".
You may choice your webcam.
Tapur5.x stopped to use "Tapur Virtual Camera".
If you have old Tapur, You have to install Tapur 5.x after the uninstall of old Tapur.


Skippy (a.k.a. Erik Sund) is a traveling writer collecting and sharing peoples' stories across America. He set out on a cross-country train journey for three months in the summer of 2012. He kept a blog at http://skippyofthewired.posterous.com/ so people could follow along and vicariously travel America with him.
Obtaining a Master's Degree in Philosophy from the University of Toledo, Ohio, Sund wrote a Master's Thesis discussing monsters (undead and otherwise): how we talk about them and how their stories are intertwined with the way in which we navigate the world around us. He is living in Lowell, Massachusetts, writing and is working on starting a used bookstore in Lowell.
Right now, I am working on finishing up the blog and editing it into a book that I will self-publish. I am also working with the City of Lowell's Cultural Organization of Lowell (COOL) to curate a book bus for a week. I am also working on starting my own business, a used bookstore and coffee shop.
Where did the idea for your cross-country trip come from?
The idea for my cross-country trip came from a few places.
First, I think that trains are a spectacular way to travel. The people you meet and the places you can see are amazing. I also think that the rail system is underutilized in America. I hoped to show that it is possible to travel around America effectively without a car or taking a plane.
The second idea for the trip came in the form of all of the citizen journalism I have been seeing spring up over the past few years. When people see something, they take to the web and share the information that they deem important. The way I see it, there are so many interesting things happening, and there are not enough people to capture and tell those stories. I took it upon myself to become a writer to help other people tell their stories and, in the process, tell a story of my own.
There are a few types of typical days on the road, depending on where I was in the scheme of the trip. Was I on a train for 48 hours? Did I just arrive in a city? If I just got off the train in a city, I make my way to my host's place of residence, hopping buses and walking. After that it was time to research the city: find events, restaurants, bus routes, parks and libraries. During my two- to four- day stay, I would interview my hosts and get a feel for the city and then pack up and start the whole process over again in a new place.
I brought my ideas to life by running a crowd funding campaign at Indiegogo. I also brought my ideas to life by updating a blog and sharing the events with the world at my blog.
A trend that excites me is the fight against DRM (Digital Rights Management) and the cross-platform sharing of information such as open source.
The worst job I have ever had was a fry cook for a fast food restaurant. While there, I learned that determination and hard work are not always rewarded.
If I were starting this project over again, I would be more clear at the outset with the goals and expectations of the project. I would explain that the project is about book research and that I need many people to help share their stories to make the book more awesome.
One thing that I do is to be open, honest and responsive to feedback. I think that it is a great way to engage anything. You share what you are doing, ask for feedback, tell people how you feel about what they are doing, offer suggestions and do not be afraid to let your mind be changed.
One problem that I encountered while I was promoting the trip was a denial of participation unless I paid a membership fee. There were some local organizations that offer networking opportunities and events, and I was hoping that I could get them to either sponsor me or allow me to barter goods (the books that I write) for a signal boost during one of their events. Ultimately, my suggestions went ignored, and I continued to focus on other advertising avenues.
A business idea that I can give away is philosophy-related music. I would love to see some one work out "Being and Rhyme: A Series of Ontological Raps and Ciphers" (based on Being and Time and Being and Nothingness).
If I could change one thing in the world, it would be a simple thing. It would be to give everyone one hour of dedicated reading time a day they can read whatever they want—but reading is the only thing you can do during that time.
Here is a secret: the world is only as scary as you perceive it to be.
1. Email – The power is so great. For such a simple tool to instantly communicate ideas and archive your thoughts is such a wonderful thing. Email is such an adaptive technology, and people use it in a variety of ways to empower their lives.
3. Steam by Valve – I love the way in which it builds a gamer community and makes backing up your game library easy.
3. LibraryThing – I like them because they allow their users to catalog their book libraries and participate in a number of book-related activities. There are member giveaways regularly where people just give you books. I especially like the Early Reviewer program that lets you pick books to review before they come out. If you are lucky, you can win an advance reader's copy.
I would recommend On the Road by Jack Kerouac. First, it was partly an inspiration for my trip. Second, it tackles the American dream head-on. The struggle to stay or go and what to do with your life and who you become is a fiction, but it is a fiction that we are all constantly creating.
1. @PennyRed – For her interesting reporting of political events.
2. @warrenellis – For his smart ramblings, his flu-induced hallucinations, his devotion to #drwhiskey and his dedication to the craft of writing and supporting his audience.
3. @jephjacques – Writer of one of my favorite web comics, Questionable Content, he tweets about the state of his health (mental and physical), live streams of him drawing the comic, releases of his new albums for Deathmøle and about his dogs. He is a funny person to watch, and it is nice to see him interact with his fans in such a positive way.
The last time I laughed out loud was last week when my apartment-mates and I were playing a a word game. I don't know if it has a title, but the rules are that you try to bring up a topic in a sentence that ends with a rhyme with the word "prayer." And if you could do that, then one of us would have to sing "Livin' on a Prayer." Sometimes the lead-up was groan-inducing; other times is was "roll on the floor" funny.
One of my heroes is Neil Gaiman.


The French Riviera meets Queensland's Sunshine Coast as the Sofitel Noosa introduces exclusive poolside cabanas.
It stands to reason that the brash and greedy '80s – that overbearing decade of hard excess and soft salmon pinks – is a tough period to extinguish. So when it came to updating the mid-town, mid-rise Noosa hotel that locals had dubbed "the pink palace", designers must have wondered if there was enough contemporary paint in the world to smother that flamingo-coloured edifice and move the establishment into the now. There was – and it has. A $10 million makeover in 2013 transformed what had become a gauche reminder of another time into a subtle Hastings Street showpiece. So much so French that brand Sofitel caught the keys from outgoing Sheraton and continued to improve the landmark property – most recently with the addition of five exclusive poolside cabanas for hire by hotel guests only.
The Cabanas Noosa, a ringside suite of private five-star spaces that feature butler service and a cavalcade of spoil-yourself options, are available by the day or half day for up to four people. They're billed as a celebration of Sofitel's French Riviera connections and are as sumptuous as they are glamorous. There's still some minor finessing to do at the Sofitel Noosa but all the signs suggest that a sense of style and good management will triumph over a time that taste forgot.
There's plenty of space in room 248 with an upstairs/downstairs configuration that breaks the area into intimate and comfy living and sleeping zones. It's billed as a Pool Villa and a large balcony off the bedroom overlooks the Sofitel's meandering lagoon, Water's Edge swim-up bar and the Sofitel-slippered toes of guests lounging in their cabanas. A sprawling king bed rules upstairs alongside a huge, well-appointed bathroom while below a conventionally configured living area holds a two-seater sofa and small dining table. A well-stocked minibar lurks nearby. There's pool access from the room but regrettably you can't lock the room behind you as you go so lock up and go the longer way. It's a quirk that will no doubt be sorted as management continues nipping and tucking.
Number of guestrooms: 176. A collection of Superior Rooms (55 square metres) configured with either double or king beds with views of Noosa village, the pool, Noosa River or the ocean. Luxury Rooms (50-60 square metres) have a living area and balcony with a private spa. Suites run from Junior (75 square metres) and grow in scale and appointments through Prestige, Opera and Signature (95 square metres), the latter with views across Laguna Bay.
Food and drink: Sofitel continued Sheraton's pre-existing arrangement with celebrity chef Peter Kuravita and it's not hard to see why. Kuravita's Sri Lankan heritage and fresh local produce are both on show at the crisp, bustling and fragrant Noosa Beach House Restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner. If snapper curry's not your thing, try the spanner crab but whatever you decide, you'll need to book ahead. The Noosa Beach House Bar is a casual outpost overlooking the toing-and-froing of Noosa's high-end Hastings Street. The Riviera Bar & Lounge is a more intimate cocktail space overlooking Noosa River.
Wellness: The Aqua Day Spa is open seven days, 10am to 6pm. There are eight treatment rooms and a steam room and the spa offers a wide range of massages and beauty treatments.
Business facilities: Seven meeting rooms. Sofitel Noosa bills its ballroom as one of them along with more discreet spaces like Laguna 1, 2 and 3, which can also expand into one large room. There's a specialist team to help configure layouts and technical requirements.
Wi-fi: Free for Le Club AccorHotels members. Non-members pay $20 for 24 hours, $35 for three days, $48 for five days and $60 for seven days.
TV and movies: 38 TV and seven music channels + Movielink (pay on-demand).
Pillow menu: Yes – feather, foam and memory foam.
Amenities: Hermès shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.
Room service test: A bucket of ice for chilling champagne is delivered in eight minutes.
Parking: Yes. $25 per day, $35 for valet.
Housekeeping test: A firm, memory foam pillow ordered at 1.05pm was delivered at 1.36.
Concierge test: As the Noosa River snakes past the back door, we sought some fishing tips. Turns out our concierge had been up at dawn chasing flathead and whiting before his day on the desk commenced. He not only dispensed tips but also offered the use of his own gear. Apparently local anglers favour Davo's Tackle World (Mary Street, Noosaville).
Price: Hotel rooms start from $349 per night. Cabanas cost an additional $175 for a full day or $125 for half a day.
Ask for: A top-floor Signature Suite with views across Laguna Bay.
Verdict: Cool as a cabana.