-about using joda time's DateTime to parse a UTC date.
-about using Apache Commons XMLConfiguration to drive strategy
-about one pattern for using strategies in a Java Spring Application:
in beans file add:
<bean id="byWhichMeansStrategyFactory" class="com.awgtek.byWhichMeansStrategyFactory" factory-method="createStrategy">
<constructor-arg index="0" ref="myXmlConfig" />
<constructor-arg index="1" type="java.lang.String">
<value>this_means</value>
</constructor-arg>
</bean>
<bean id="MyImpl" class="com.awgtek.DoesSomethingImpl">
<constructor-arg index="0" ref="byWhichMeansStrategyFactory" />
</bean>
The createStrategy method would instantiate the correct strategy class basd on the "this_means" value. The injected strategy would then be used to e.g. pick a consultant either through "cheapness" defined by some parameters in the strategy or skill, etc. see http://blog.lowendahl.net/design-patterns/strategy-pattern/
