As the most densely populated city in central Indonesia, Makassar offers a diverse array of captivating destinations for travelers. The strategic coastal position of Makassar makes it an important transit port for long-distance ships, serving routes from Surabaya to Papua. This strategic role is not new—since colonial times, Makassar has been a vital naval center, as evidenced by the magnificent presence of Fort Rotterdam.<br /><br />The Rich History of Fort Rotterdam<br />Fort Rotterdam was first constructed in 1545 by the 9th King of Gowa, Daeng Matanre Karaeng Tumapa'risi' Kallonna. Originally named Fort Ujung Pandang, this fortress was later surrendered to the Dutch VOC under the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667.<br />The fort's architecture is truly impressive, featuring six sturdy bastions surrounded by seven-meter-high walls and a two-meter-deep moat as a defense system. During its golden era, this fortress served as the central collection point for spices from across the Indonesian archipelago before being traded to European markets, making it one of the most important economic hubs in Southeast Asia.<br /><br />Transformation into an Educational Museum<br />Today, Fort Rotterdam has transformed into an educational museum that can be visited free of charge by all Indonesian citizens. The fortress atmosphere successfully maintains its classic ambiance, transporting visitors back to the colonial era.<br /><br />Within the fort complex, invaluable historical artifacts are housed and can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, from children to adults. This place serves as the perfect educational venue for understanding Indonesia's historical journey, particularly in the South Sulawesi region.<br /><br />The museum showcases various collections that tell the story of Makassar's maritime heritage, colonial influences, and the rich cultural tapestry of the Bugis-Makassar people. Interactive displays and well-preserved artifacts provide visitors with an immersive learning experience about Indonesia's colonial past and its impact on modern society.<br /><br />A Photography Paradise with Classic Vibes<br />For photography enthusiasts, Fort Rotterdam offers an extraordinary location with stunning classic and aesthetic appeal. Various corners of the fort provide Instagram-worthy backdrops, creating the sensation of traveling back in time.<br /><br />You can pose freely and capture as many moments as desired at the numerous attractive spots available. The well-preserved colonial architecture provides the perfect backdrop for character-rich photo collections. The interplay of ancient stone walls, vintage cannons, and tropical vegetation creates a unique visual narrative that tells stories of centuries past.<br /><br />Whether you're interested in architectural photography, portrait sessions, or simply capturing memories with friends and family, Fort Rotterdam's diverse settings offer endless creative possibilities. Don't forget to share your best shots on your favorite social media platforms!<br /><br />Practical Information for Visitors<br />Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM<br />Admission: Free for Indonesian citizens<br />Location: Jl. Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Makassar<br />Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures<br />The fort is easily accessible by public transportation, private vehicles, or ride-sharing services. Parking facilities are available on-site, and the location is within walking distance of other Makassar attractions, making it convenient to include in your city tour itinerary.<br /><br />A Living Testament to History<br />Fort Rotterdam is more than just an ordinary tourist destination—it stands as a silent witness to historical journeys that connect the past with the present. The combination of educational value, architectural beauty, and captivating photography experiences makes this place a must-visit when in Makassar.<br />The fortress represents the complex layers of Indonesian history, from the powerful Gowa Kingdom to Dutch colonial rule, and finally to Indonesia's independence. Walking through its corridors and chambers, visitors can almost hear the echoes of historical events that shaped not only Makassar but the entire Indonesian archipelago.<br />For history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike, Fort Rotterdam offers a unique window into Indonesia's rich maritime heritage and colonial past, making it an essential stop on any Makassar adventure.<br /><br /><br />Have you had any interesting experiences while visiting Fort Rotterdam? Or do you have questions about this historical destination? Please share in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!<br />

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(NewsUSA) - Summer. The word itself sounds so relaxing and soothing to the senses. And nothing is more soothing in the summer than swimming.<br /> <br /> At the very least, there's certainly nothing more cooling or refreshing than a quick trip to the pool. Indeed, with the temperatures rising and vacations in high gear, it's prime time to take a trip to the beach or head to your favorite resort pool and enjoy one of America's favorite summer pastimes: swimming.<br /> <br /> To ensure your next trip to the pool is as relaxing and successful as ever, however, there are some essential items everybody should consider bringing. So, whether it's just a casual day of cooling off, a special summer pool party or family fun day, here's a to-do list that covers all pool partygoers.<br /> <br /> * First and foremost, lather up with suntan lotions. And then bring more in your tote bag so you can reapply after a round or two of swimming. There's nothing more frustrating when you settle in and realize you forgot your supplies and need to buy more.<br /> <br /> * Pack swimming gear. Regardless of whether you're going to the beach or pool, make sure you have goggles, noodles and other flotation devices. Your time in the water will never be more enjoyable.<br /> <br /> * Bring some snacks and drinks. After some rigorous swimming or leisurely baking in the sun, you're bound to build up an appetite or have a need to quench your thirst.<br /> <br /> * Don't forget your spittoon. Being at the pool in a bikini or trunks can leave one very exposed to say the least. If you're a smokeless tobacco user, there's even less opportunity to take a discreet "dip" while you're taking a dip in the pool.<br /> <br /> That is, unless you own a portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR. These new 4-ounce pocket-sized spittoons are brilliantly designed to allow users to easily open and close with just one hand, making them ideal items to bring to the pool or any other public setting so you can still enjoy your smokeless tobacco. Another advantage to the FLASR flask is its advanced closing mechanism that ensures it stays securely closed when not in use, eliminating the risk of any messy spills or leaks in the pool that come with those gaudy bottles or drink cups of old.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Saint Lucia - in Countries</span>

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(NewsUSA) - No matter who you are or what business you are in, you're vulnerable to a cyber attack. That's the unfortunate reality of the times we live in.<br /> <br /> Think you're immune? There are millions of cyberattacks in the United States every year, with big companies like Home Depot, Adobe Systems, Sony, Citigroup, Target, Facebook, Evernote and The New York Times taking the biggest hits and falling victim.<br /> <br /> And like Fortune 500 companies that seemingly have the resources to battle data breaches, small businesses are just as exposed, if not more so. According to a Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report more than 70 percent of the businesses in the study that were breached had fewer than 100 employees. Those breaches result in huge losses. Trend Micro found that "cybercriminals steal as much as $1 billion a year from SMBs in the United States and Europe, alone."<br /> <br /> Which begs the question: If both large and small companies and the U.S. government can be compromised (even with security protocols in place), then what does that mean for individuals?<br /> <br /> It's a question that Dr. Robert Short, chief technology officer and chief technical scientist of VirnetX, struggled with and finally answered in the form of Gabriel, a set of secure encrypted communication apps derived from a CIA-sponsored Department of Defense project.<br /> <br /> "The genesis of Gabriel really was trying to solve the problem of how you make security transparent to the user. The means to automatically create a secure connection whenever a secure connection is needed to wherever it is needed, and create it on demand," says Short. "That has always been the vision behind Gabriel."<br /> <br /> The difference between Gabriel and other products, says Short, is that users do not have to transmit data to or store data with any third party, including VirnetX. In this way, data is stored only on their own devices. Essentially, users maintain control of their own data.<br /> <br /> Gabriel users also have secure, encrypted (spamless) email, text messages, free voice and video calls and picture or file share with other trusted Gabriel users in their network -- all directly from their personal device.<br /> <br /> Gabriel runs on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows and Mac OSX. For more information or to download Gabriel go to gabrielsecure.com, the App Store or the Google Play store.<br /> <br /> Ref: Datacenters - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Many of today's travelers seek a sense of community and connection at their destinations. Travelers seeking a Caribbean getaway with a welcoming feel and local flavor need look no further than the Bay Gardens Resorts on the beautiful island of St. Lucia.<br /> <br /> The Bay Gardens Resorts properties are ideally situated to take advantage of the best restaurants, activities, and events that the community of St. Lucia has to offer. For example, the month of October featured the Saint Lucia Arts & Heritage Festival, and included music, theater, lectures, art exhibitions, and street parties, all conveniently located in nearby Rodney Bay Village for easy access by Bay Gardens guests who booked its Creole Heritage Special.<br /> <br /> The feeling of community at Bay Gardens Resorts is mirrored in the resort's local ownership, which conveys a different vibe than a large, international chain resort.<br /> <br /> Throughout its 25-year existence, the award-winning resort chain has been dedicated to sustainably developing its St. Lucian society. Participating in the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association's Virtual Agricultural Clearing House (VACH) and its farm-to- table approach when designing menus have fostered better linkages with local farmers.<br /> <br /> As a Green Globe Gold Member, environmental responsibility plays a vital role in business affairs conducted by the brand. Additionally, the company invests in the growth of its local economies as most of the staff and management are local, highly expert and experienced in fielding questions, planning events, and providing customer service for everyone from business travelers to wedding parties to families with small children.<br /> <br /> The Bay Gardens Resorts family of properties has something for every taste.<br /> <br /> Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, for instance, offers an all-inclusive experience that caters to those seeking plenty of sand and surf, as well as spa indulgence. Guests staying seven nights or more who opt for this option not only get the best value with access to the Rodney Bay Dine Around Program and an opportunity to dine at affiliated restaurants, but also significantly assist in contributing to the community.<br /> <br /> The resort also includes a business center, wedding gazebo, and on-site water park.<br /> <br /> By contrast, the Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn provide luxury and pampering in intimate, boutique-style settings.<br /> <br /> "Cherishing a long tradition of unmatched Caribbean hospitality, our hotel in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, has built a reputation on friendly service, stylish accommodations, and unforgettable scenery," according to the website for the Bay Gardens Hotel, and this combination of service, style, and scenery applies to the other properties.<br /> <br /> A new addition to the Bay Gardens family is Bay Gardens Marina Haven, a 35-room space located within a botanical garden adjacent to the Rodney Bay Marina.<br /> <br /> Want to be right on the water? Consider the Waters Edge Villas, a pair of private villas with luxury amenities and marina views.<br /> <br /> Both the Waters Edge and Marina Haven provide complimentary shuttle service to the other Bay Resorts properties, so guests can take full advantage of the larger community of Rodney Bay, with its nightlife, shops, and restaurants.<br /> <br /> Visit baygardensresorts.com for more information.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Saint Lucia - in Countries</span>

(NewsUSA) - Summertime. It's the time of year to put your feet up, relax and have a little fun. So, why not make it a little safer for the whole family?<br /> <br /> The following tips can help keep everyone healthy and injury-free -- and, with any luck, away from the doctor's office:<br /> <br /> * Handle vacation baggage with caution. Be careful handling your luggage. There were more than 75,500 luggage-related injuries in 2013 alone. To avoid luggage-related injury and pain, keep your body straight when lifting and carrying luggage -- do not twist. Instead, point your toes in the direction you are headed, and then turn your entire body in that direction. Also, only use luggage that is sturdy and light weight with wheels and a handle.<br /> <br /> * Dive into summer safety. Diving and swimming is a popular summer activity for many families and their children, but it does carry some risk.<br /> <br /> "Swimming and diving injuries are most common among children, 17 or younger," says A. Jay Khanna, MD, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spokesperson and orthopedic surgeon. "For that reason, it's important to equip kids with the proper safety precautions at an early age."<br /> <br /> The AAOS suggests that individuals never dive into above-ground pools or into water that isn't clear -- where sand bars or objects below the surface may not be seen. As for swimming, never swim alone, always swim in supervised areas, and avoid rip currents.<br /> <br /> * Follow the rules of the road while biking. More than 80 million Americans enjoy cycling because it's an environmentally efficient way to get around, a great form of exercise and a fun activity for the whole family. However, according to 2013 statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, bike-related injuries were the reason for more than 1.3 million visits to hospitals, emergency rooms and doctors' offices.<br /> <br /> To avoid being a statistic, always wear a helmet and ride in the direction of traffic. Also, don't listen to music with headphones, talk on your phone, text or do anything else that would distract you while riding.<br /> <br /> * Beware of bouncing. Jumping on a trampoline is a favorite pastime among kids because of the thrill that comes with it. Unfortunately, it also carries risks. The most common injuries are sprains and fractures that result from falls on the mat, falls on the frame or springs, collisions with another jumper and falls off the trampoline, according to the AAOS. To protect kids, trampolines should not be used for unsupervised recreational activity.<br /> <br /> For more information and safety tips this summer, visit OrthoInfo.org.<br /> <br /> Ref: Bicycles - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - It's no surprise that parents today seek books that will delight, engage, and educate their children. However, some parents are seeing gaps in the available options of topics they want to share with their children. To combat this, there is a growing trend of parents who have taken matters into their own hands and turned to self-publishing to fill these holes themselves.<br /> <br /> Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) from Amazon is one self-publishing option that offers editorial freedom and ease of use for busy parents looking to create something that meets their kids' needs.<br /> <br /> KDP success stories include Handeep Dhoot (who writes as "Dr. Dhoot"), a mom with a Ph.D. in chemistry who wanted to introduce her young daughter to STEM topics.<br /> <br /> Dr. Dhoot has self-published the growing Tinker Toddler series of STEM books aimed at young children, including Machine Learning for Babies & Toddlers.<br /> <br /> "Becoming a parent helped me realize the urgency for introducing scientific topics, like STEM, to kids while their brains are still developing. KDP allowed me to self-publish books that portray these ideas in an accurate and digestible way for kids, including my own daughter."<br /> <br /> Gabi Garcia, a long-time school counselor and mom, turned to self-publishing when she saw a lack of books for Spanish-speaking and bilingual children about how to understand their emotions and feelings.<br /> <br /> "It's so important to engage with children early to discuss mindfulness. Self-publishing on KDP empowered me to take all that I'd learned and seen as a school counselor and make it accessible to more children, in both English and Spanish."<br /> <br /> She has published several books on these topics through KDP, including Listening to My Body, published in both English and Spanish. She now writes full-time on mindfulness and social awareness topics for children, parents, and educators.<br /> <br /> Brendan Kelso struggled with dyslexia as a child, but found learning and performing dramatic monologues helpful. He enjoyed Shakespeare, but, like many young readers, found the text hard to understand.<br /> <br /> After a career in engineering, he became a stay-at-home dad and came up with an idea to write versions of Shakespeare's plays that were more accessible to kids. His loveof theater and writing led him to self-publish several works through KDP, starting with Shakespeare's Hamlet for Kids.<br /> <br /> "I have the freedom to spend more time with my family, while pursuing my passion on my own terms with KDP."<br /> <br /> These parents have been able to create the books they couldn't find for kids and found financial success - and sometimes a whole new career - in the process.<br /> <br /> For those parents who are toying with self-publishing, but still have questions, consider this:<br /> <br /> * KDP lets authors set their own prices and retain all rights to their work.<br /> <br /> * As an author, you can publish your book in minutes, and these books are available to a worldwide audience through Kindle online stores in 24-48 hours.<br /> <br /> * You can publish Kindle eBooks and paperbacks in multiple languages.<br /> <br /> Visit kdp.amazon.com for more information about Kindle Direct Publishing.<br /> <br /> Ref: Encouraging - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - How much will I need for my kid's college education? And how the heck will I pay for it?<br /> <br /> With the cost of a four-year degree rising nearly eight times faster than wages since the 1980s, those two questions are enough to give today's parents a serious case of night sweats. You can argue about the reasons for the disconnect -Administrative costs? Fancy amenities? - but you know there's a problem when a writer at Education Week is incensed.<br /> <br /> "Madness," she decried.<br /> <br /> Which is all the more reason to mark May 29 down on your calendar.<br /> <br /> Otherwise known as National 529 College Savings Plan Day -Get it? 5/29? - it's the perfect time to consider setting up one those tax-advantaged 529 plans, as they're called, to help sock money away to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two - and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.<br /> <br /> "It's a way of keeping your son or daughter from being saddled with too much debt when it's time to jump start their careers," explained Melissa Ridolfi, vice president of retirement and college products at Fidelity Investments. "Plus, any investment earnings compound on a tax-deferred basis, and qualified withdrawals are entirely free from federal and state income taxes."<br /> <br /> And now to the big question: How much?<br /> <br /> Two factors are mainly at play:<br /> <br /> * Public vs. private schools. The cost difference can be about as mind-boggling as "Avengers: Endgame's" record $357.1 million opening weekend domestic haul: an average of $21,370 a year at the former, according to the College Board's latest figures, as opposed to $48,510 at the latter.<br /> <br /> * The percentage of the bill you plan to foot. If you were counting on scholarships and other grants to pick up all or most of the tab, you should probably rethink that unless your kid is either a bona fide child prodigy or football star. Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College" 2018 report found that both categories combined paid for just 28 percent of college costs.<br /> <br /> One guess where 47 percent of the costs came from. That's right, "family income and savings," with another 24 percent covered by borrowing.<br /> <br /> In other words, as Ridolfi said, "any way you look at it, the family is on the hook to pay the lion's share of college expenses." Which probably helps explain why a recent Fidelity study found that parents are increasingly starting to save before their child even reaches the age of two.<br /> <br /> To see where you stand, try using what Fidelity calls "the college savings 2K rule of thumb." Simply multiply your child's current age by $2,000 to figure whether your savings to date are generally on track to handle approximately 50 percent of the College Board's $21,370-a-year average cost of attending a four-year public college.<br /> <br /> Or, especially if you want a more customized estimate - one that lets you play around with percentages and switch back and forth between public and private schools - the firm's free online college savings calculator takes the angst out of doing the math yourself.<br /> <br /> Fidelity provides 12 savings ideas to help reach your own goal, and offers a choice of two different investment strategies in the 529 savings plans it manages - including an age-based portfolio of funds that automatically becomes more conservative as the beneficiary nears college age.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, armed with all that info, you'll be sleeping better at night.<br /> <br /> Ref: Family - in Blogs