* normally derive from {@code Map<Object, Object>}, but they typically contain strings, which is
   * awkward. This method lets you get a plain-old-{@code Map} out of a {@code Properties}.
   *
   * @param properties a {@code Properties} object to be converted
   * @return an immutable map containing all the entries in {@code properties}

   * normally derive from {@code Map<Object, Object>}, but they typically contain strings, which is
   * awkward. This method lets you get a plain-old-{@code Map} out of a {@code Properties}.
   *
   * @param properties a {@code Properties} object to be converted
   * @return an immutable map containing all the entries in {@code properties}