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Commercial, Military, Personal/Corporate, Products, Public Service, Regulatory
By Staff Writer | January 1, 2008
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One of the best parts of running Rotor & Wing is the chance to step back every now and then and take in the "Big Picture" of the helicopter industry. This latest edition of our Annual Reports special section offers such a chance.
Read through this collection of views from the industry's top executives of prospects and challenges for the coming months and you'll find confirmation that we're going gangbusters and likely to keep doing that for some time. That won't surprise, but it provides some comfort that a) the consensus of continued, perhaps moderating, growth is holding and b) there's hardly a concern that this may soon change.
Here though, you'll also find some nuggets that we think point to the coming year as a possible turning point for this industry. A number of executives speak of supply-chain challenges and how those challenges may make or break the year in light of increasing rotorcraft production...especially as new aircraft delivered in the last 3-4 years begin to come off warranty and take their maintenance needs to the competitive aftermarket. Just as important is the growing appetite for useful data on individual aircraft operations. Such data, born from operators seeking greater efficiency from their machines and raised by vendors recognizing a new market, will require monitoring systems whose output will form a new foundation for measuring day-to-day and long-term safety. This data will also help mitigate the risk of rotary-wing flight and raise standards of performance and behavior in the air. And that in turn, will drive demand for improved simulation and training. All of this indicates 2008 will be another very interesting year.
Randy Jones
"One of the best parts of running Rotor & Wing is the chance to step back every now and then and take in the 'Big Picture.'"
"One of the best parts of running Rotor & Wing is the chance to step back every now and then and take in the 'Big Picture.'"
"Increasingly, Training Keys On Specific Rotorcraft Missions"
"Increasingly, Training Keys On Specific Rotorcraft Missions"
We expect another year of strong growth in the helicopter industry. As our safety record continues to improve, the private sector looks more and more to rotorcraft to provide the optimal solutions to an expanding list of challenges.
One important factor in that improving record is the development of mission-specific training, which acknowledges the widely varying situations that helicopter pilots and crews face on a daily basis. An EMS pilot, for example, must react to far different circumstances than the crew of an offshore transport. With mission-specific training, the scenarios reflect those differences, preparing pilots and crew to respond appropriately when problems arise.
FlightSafety offers mission-specific training for EMS, offshore, law enforcement and newsgathering. We expect this lifesaving training to grow in number and in scope as more segments of the industry recognize its critical importance.
George Ferito
Director, Rotorcraft Business Development
FlightSafety International, Fort Worth Bell Learning Center
"Lead Times, Pricing, and FAA Approvals Pose Challenges for Completions Centers"
"Lead Times, Pricing, and FAA Approvals Pose Challenges for Completions Centers"
The worldwide demand for new helicopters continues to outpace manufacturers' production. As a facility that specializes in helicopter customizing/completions, we are asked to quote on work that is not only scheduled to deliver in 2008, but we are commonly requested to quote on work that is 24 – 36 months out. As a result, it is very challenging to provide accurate pricing for customers.
Another factor that is associated with that challenge is the supply chain of spare parts, avionics, and kits. It is very difficult for customers to understand that the lead times for some common items is often greater than 120 days from the placement of the order.
Finally, the dynamic nature of the FAA's policy on approving installations of new avionics equipment presents a difficult trend that helicopter completion/customizing centers will be facing in 2008.
Ed Pears
Paradigm Aerospace
"Simulation is Also Seeing Incredible Growth"
"Simulation is Also Seeing Incredible Growth"
The outlook for the helicopter industry in general and for any helicopter-associated OEM simply looks terrific. Helicopter operations over the last five years have seen exponential growth. With technology advances in helicopters, the aviation industry has fully embraced the versatility of the helicopter and has further recognized that people and organizations are willing to spend real money to acquire the capabilities that only helicopters offer.
The helicopter simulation industry, like the helicopter industry, is also seeing incredible growth. Advances in technology have occurred at the same time that the cost of these devices has decreased. In fact, today's low-cost devices are equivalent to yesterday's full-flight simulators. Further advances in technology with the ability to do full crew resource management (CRM) training for law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), and heavy lift will bring forth a new breed of simulators with even more capability. The future looks bright indeed.
Mike Coligny
AeroSimulators U.S
"Growing Demand for Aids to Safety Improvements"
"Growing Demand for Aids to Safety Improvements"
Sagem Avionics is seeing demand trend in the direction of less hardware being required to achieve the same desired goals, as well as greater capabilities.
Sagem Avionics supports and foresees needs for aviation safety, operating cost reductions, and support for agencies who oversee safety. We remain committed to providing in-flight data acquisition units (IFDAU), flight operations quality assurance (FOQA), and maintenance operations quality assurance (MOQA) recording and trend-monitoring equipment for all operations. This is a particular focus of operators in areas of high public trust operations (emergency medical services, etc.), who are already or will soon (to their credit) voluntarily participate in installations to make data of this nature available. Accurate information can be obtained almost immediately.
Finally, integrated autopilot systems are desired. Although previously seen as a luxury, the autopilot could soon become as standard as cruise control in automobiles.
Jean Baudin
President and CEO
Sagem Avionics
"Greater Demand for Sophisticated Maintenance Services"
"Greater Demand for Sophisticated Maintenance Services"
The past several years have been exceptional not only for OEMs, but also for completion houses. Most had a record year in 2007 in terms of the number of completions performed. The next two years are forecast to continue at the current or slightly higher volume in the completion business.
However, the big news for Keystone and other MRO providers is that all the new equipment delivered in the past three years are now exiting their warranty period and entering the extended maintenance stage. Keystone has invested heavily in building additional capacity and in honing our processes in anticipation of this.
As the sophistication of helicopters has increased, the demands on MRO facilities, in terms of investment in training, facilities and tooling have grown dramatically. Only companies that offer world-class services, at quantifiable value, will excel in this new marketplace.
David Ford
Keystone Helicopter
"Demand for Helicopter Services Increases Globally"
"Demand for Helicopter Services Increases Globally"
In 2007 we completed a major expansion, doubling the capacity of Aviall's headquarters in Dallas. We also increased sales support for Latin and South America. Combined with recent expansions of service operations in Amsterdam and New Jersey, and our innovative cooperative store concept in place at Keystone Helicopter's headquarters in Pennsylvania, we have continued to improve our regional support and provide solutions to meet our rotary customers' needs.
Customers operating helicopters benefit from Aviall's efficient supply capabilities and broad product offering. Earlier this year we were proud to announce the extension of our worldwide aftermarket support program with Rolls-Royce for genuine Rolls-Royce Model 250 engine parts. Our full-service aftermarket services program, known as LIFT, allows helicopter operators to focus their working capital and time on staffing, training, fuel costs, quality and safety.
As the demand for helicopter services increases globally, Aviall pledges to continually enhance its support to help fleets operate efficiently and at maximum capacity.
Dan Komnenovich
President and COO
Aviall Services, Inc.
"Adding Capacity and Moving Resources Closer to Customers"
"Adding Capacity and Moving Resources Closer to Customers"
Wherever our customers fly, they have noticed one thing: helicopter transportation is in greater demand than it has ever been.
To better meet the growing market demands, we launched a new site on American soil: Turbomeca Manufacturing Inc. in North Carolina. This very first production site outside of France will be dedicated to turbine-parts manufacturing and will be operational in 2008. With Turbomeca USA and Turbomeca Canada, Turbomeca Manufacturing is our third site on the North American continent.
The company's repair and overhaul network capacity has also dramatically increased. Its regional units now operate more autonomously, enabling work to be directed where it can be most quickly accomplished.
At Turbomeca, we consider it a priority to put our resources closer to our customers. As our customers' partner in providing safe, reliable and cost efficient transportation, we are continually improving our processes to provide them with the highest standard of customer support. Our ultimate objective is to develop products and services that contribute to helping our customers focus on their core business: flying.
Emeric d'Arcimoles
Chairman and CEO
"Ever More Demand for Components and Instruments"
"Ever More Demand for Components and Instruments"
Helicopters remain a strong and vital industry, one that has enjoyed solid growth over the past few years. I expect this trend to continue in 2008. Rotorcraft are needed more than ever for homeland security, military missions, air medical services, charters, and corporate transport. This means ever more demand for components and instruments to keep these craft flying.
Since Aviation Instrument Services was founded 31 years ago, our determination to develop a reputation for service excellence has not flagged. This is why Aviation Instrument Services has grown into a company that sells and exchanges instruments for helicopters and general aviation aircraft, and why we help out by managing consignment sales for our global customers, including the handling of component repairs and overhauls. 2008 looks good for us, and the industry that we serve.
Jim Sensale
President and Founder
Aviation Instrument Services
"Managing Growth is the Major Challenge"
"Managing Growth is the Major Challenge"
We anticipate increasing interest in parts manufacturer approval (PMA) spare parts. Our PMA sales are up $1 million over last year and continuing strongly. Of course, new products we bring to market, such as the new supplemental type certificate (STC) we received for the MD Helicopters MD-500 vertical stabilizer, only help. Aerometals has increased its factory floor space to 75,000 sq ft, earned AS9100 certification, and added more engineers to help us meet these increased demands.
Aerometals' contracts for U.S. Air Force aircraft components are also way up, so managing the growth of it all is our major challenge. The problem of sustaining the war effort is causing increases in lead times for some of our vendors. For example, we're seeing 52-week lead times for some bearings. I anticipate this will cause spot shortages of some spare parts for civilian operators in the coming year.
Rex Kamphefner
"Growth at a More Measured Pace"
"Growth at a More Measured Pace"
Air Comm's sales and our product range continued the same rapid growth in 2007 that we experienced in 2006. Late in 2007, we completed an excellent addition to our product line with the certification of our AS350 air conditioner. This system provides the same outstanding performance as our other air conditioners, which have become the standard of the industry. Of course, it is backed by Air Comm's uncompromising support.
While the overall economic outlook is uncertain, I expect growth in the industry to remain strong, but perhaps continue at a more measured pace. Our customers use their aircraft as tools, for offshore support, EMS, corporate VIP. All of these customers now demand a higher level of sophistication in their aircraft, including state-of-the-art climate control. Air Comm will continue to support these requirements to the highest degree.
Keith Steiner
Air Comm Corp.
"Hot Markets: Firefighting, Powerline Maintenance"
"Hot Markets: Firefighting, Powerline Maintenance"
Simplex continues to see the worldwide helicopter firefighting market expanding into new areas with more advanced technologies. New programs are being initiated or expanded in countries that have never had formal programs in the past or that were not adequately funded. This trend is also carrying into newer helicopter platforms. Historically, it was older-generation helicopters, some of which were 30 or more years old. In 2008, we anticipate more new-generation helicopter platforms added to the worldwide firefighting fleet.
A second market that we see expanding in 2008 is the electrical power-generation and -transmission maintenance market. We believe 2008 will be the start of a major upswing in powerline maintenance and repair as older electrical grids struggle to keep up with power demand. This trend appears to be a focus for markets outside of North America as well with strong interests in Asia, the Mediterranean, and Eastern Europe.
Steven P. Daniels
Simplex Manufacturing Co.
"Developing Technology That Aids Growth"
"Developing Technology That Aids Growth"
As helicopter operators worldwide accept ever-increasing challenges in the missions they undertake, they continue to demand more and more from their equipment. Experienced satellite communications (SATCOM) suppliers such as Sky Connect are on notice to bring to market the technology that fosters meaningful results.
By developing new technology that keeps operators in immediate touch with their far-flung operations, we are leading the industry in Iridium-based communications. Sky Connect technology ensures that fast and easy voice, text, and tracking communications — critical requirements for offshore oil, EMS and mineral-development operations — are available worldwide.
In addition to the new technology, we are refining and improving existing communications tools, such as our MMU-II dialer and TRACKER map to assure aircraft crew and dispatcher that operational status is clearly communicated.
Wiley Loughran
Senior Vice President
Sales and Marketing
Sky Connect
"Renewing Fleets and Meeting New Needs Around the World"
"Renewing Fleets and Meeting New Needs Around the World"
The helicopter market is experiencing high growth in all different segments. This increased activity is the result of two different phenomena: The renewal of aging fleets coupled with a global increase in needs.
Let's take a look at the oil and gas segment, for example. Old machines are being replaced, while at the same time the sector is undergoing change. The price of oil remains high, and oil companies will be searching for new resources farther and farther from the coasts and exploring the subsoil of countries that have never seen an oil derrick. What's more, the "homeland security" concept that has been developed in the United States has had an influence elsewhere.
Lutz Bertling
"Access to a Reliable Lender More Important Than Ever"
"Access to a Reliable Lender More Important Than Ever"
When it comes to the helicopter market, sales of new and used rotorcraft have been stable to strong, meaning values are holding and/or growing. Why? Operators' businesses are growing, while there is a limited supply of good used ships. Meanwhile, manufacturers order backlogs are long and they're producing as fast as they can.
Given these market facts, having access to a reliable lender is more important than ever.
Of course, capital can be hard to raise from traditional lenders, who just don't "get" the helicopter market. But Center Capital does. That's why we were busier than ever in 2007, and expect to be even busier in the year ahead.
Greg Renna
Senior Vice President, General Manager
General Aviation Div.
Center Capital Corp.
"More Interest in Safety Gains, Risk Mitigation"
"More Interest in Safety Gains, Risk Mitigation"
Through the work of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), whose goal is to reduce by 80 percent the helicopter accident rate worldwide by 2016, CMC Electronics expects helicopter operators to place increasing emphasis on training, safety-enhancing tools and risk-mitigation measures. We have seen this trend, started in 2006, pick up momentum in 2007, and we expect it to gain substantial momentum in 2008 and 2009.
One particular area of interest is the growing acceptance of the enhanced-vision system as a supplemental means to enhance helicopter pilots' situational awareness in adverse visual conditions (night flights to unfamiliar locations, flight into light to medium fog and whiteout).
We have seen operators decide to make substantial commitments to this safety-enhancing tool over the past two years, and with their growing market presence, expect the trend to accelerate in 2008 and 2009."
Jean-Pierre Mortreux
CMC Electronics
"Offshore Support, EMS, and Military Segments Spur Growth"
"Offshore Support, EMS, and Military Segments Spur Growth"
Following another strong year of growth in 2007, we believe that the turbine-powered helicopter market will continue to grow in 2008. We see the specific growth segments for our companies, as well as the industry, in the offshore support, EMS, and military segments. Continued growth in worldwide natura-resource exploration, globalization of the world economy, and an expanding world military market will continue to increase aircraft utilization rates. This will continue to drive demand for the products and services we provide.
Our proven business model of Inventory Supported Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (ISMRO) focuses on our customer's needs. In response to those needs, in 2008 we will expand our facilities in the United States and Canada by over 50 percent, grow our technical ranks by 20 percent, make significant investments in inventory, and expand our service capabilities.
David B. Mast
"Helicopter's Importance on the Rise in Defense, Civil Markets"
"Helicopter's Importance on the Rise in Defense, Civil Markets"
The continued support of helicopters in the U.S. defense budget underscores their importance in missions. A robust industry focused on developing new and derivative platforms with advanced technology will assure sustainment of current and future operations. For example, the U.S. Marine Corps' new CH-53K will support future lift requirements with state-of-the-art technology and reduced life-cycle costs provided throughout the supply chain.
On the commercial side, the same forces that uplift the business jet market are working today in the helicopter market. More businesses and individuals are looking to helicopters for the added convenience and access to fast air travel, and we expect this trend to persist. Helicopters also continue to prove their value in firefighting, rescue, and police work, in part due to expanded capability from industry.
With ever-tightening government and private budgets, industry must constantly evolve to provide the best value that will help our customers succeed.
Jerry Witowski
Segment President, Electronic Systems
Goodrich Corp.
"Low-Cost, Lightweight Autopilot/SAS Most Influential"
"Low-Cost, Lightweight Autopilot/SAS Most Influential"
From an avionics standpoint, FAA certification of our HeliSAS helicopter autopilot and stability augmentation system stands to be one of the most influential events that will affect the helicopter market in 2008. The very low cost and light weight of the system will bring autopilot and SAS capability down into the single and light-twin market — aircraft that previously have not been able to justify the cost or weight penalty to take advantage of the workload reduction an SAS/autopilot provides.
We can also expect the FAA and NTSB to continue working diligently toward a safety improvement initiative for air medical operators in the form of enhanced equipment requirements like helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems, synthetic vision, and night-vision goggles, combined with increased operating limitations and additional crew training requirements.
Finally, as Robinson's R66 takes flight, the market will redefine its price/performance expectations.
Cobham Avionics & Surveillance is pleased to be a major supplier to the helicopter market during these exciting times.
Charlie Stuff
Chelton Flight Systems
"More Hospital Heliports Around the World"
"More Hospital Heliports Around the World"
At FEC Heliports, we believe that with congestion becoming a major problem in towns and cities, the unique and growing role helicopters are able to fulfill will drive public and private health services and governments to increase the rate of development of hospital heliports through 2008 and beyond. The reduction in patient-transfer time available via hospital rooftop heliports means that such facilities will soon be an essential requirement for all modern hospitals treating severe trauma.
In its "Year of Helicopters 2008," the Indian subcontinent represents an exciting challenge in the development of infrastructure capable of keeping pace with the growth in helicopter usage. FEC Heliports Worldwide Ltd is committed to India's "Year of Helicopters 2008" and will be attending Heli-Power 2008 in February with our local agent, United Aeronautical Services, to get 2008 in India off to a flying start.
Colin A. Little
FEC Heliports Worldwide Ltd.
"Helping Customers Leverage Rotorcraft Investments"
"Helping Customers Leverage Rotorcraft Investments"
As a technology-driven company, BLR's success is achieved by helping our customers leverage their rotorcraft investment. By developing technology that improves the performance of your helicopters, BLR plays a major role in the success of operators around the world. That's our mission!
Our FastFin technology will enable dramatic increases in the payload of Bell Helicopter 212s and 412s. This is significant news for operators who strive daily for the utmost in performance and maximum return for their business.
This new technology directly follows the performance-enhancing developments we have brought to the market and to your rotorcraft for years in the past. Continue to look to BLR for innovations that will boost your bottom line.
Dave Marone
Director of Sales and Marketing
BLR Aerospace
"Growth, Both Organic and Through Acquisition"
"Growth, Both Organic and Through Acquisition"
Heli-Mart's outlook for our industry in 2008 is positive. Growth, both organic and through acquisition, is occurring on a regular basis in our industry, and Heli-Mart is no exception.
A resurgent MD Helicopters, Inc., is boosting demand for Heli-Mart's large inventory of MD parts, and our parts sales have increased significantly. All signs point to a strong and successful future for the MD product line and we are pleased to be part of revitalizing this iconic brand that has played such an important role in our industry.
We're equally enthusiastic about our recent acquisition of Phoenix Heliparts. It enables us to now offer a total solution that will fully meet the support needs of MD Helicopters operators worldwide.
Today's busy operator can't afford to spend time on the ground or to move from supplier to supplier for various support. Heli-Mart's total solution — where operators benefit from a full range of parts and services provided by one source — will be our business model of choice as our industry continues to consolidate and thrive.
Don Nichols
"Protecting the Engine Becomes Forethought, vs. Afterthought"
"Protecting the Engine Becomes Forethought, vs. Afterthought"
2007 was an exciting year for AFS, starting with Donaldson ownership and ending with substantial increases in commercial sales. The outlook for 2008 is more exciting, with expanded commercial products and forecasted sales.
While military products have dominated revenue in the past, commercial products are overtaking their olive-green brethren. The new saying, "If its spins, its working," is being felt by everybody producing and rebuilding helicopters and components. Legacy helicopters are working hard; in 2007, one of AFS's best sellers was its Huey/Bell 205 system.
The word is out that you can fly with the best inlet protection and not compromise performance. AFS/Donaldson leads the industry with innovation and is producing engine-protection systems for Bell's 429 and ARH-70 and Sikorsky Aircraft's new CH-53K. Certification efforts will be completed in 2008 for the Eurocopter EC130, Bell 430, and AgustaWestland AW139.
Helicopter operators are embracing new technology and realizing reduced operating costs. Our products are the best engineered and with our new Donaldson ownership we will survive the test of time, AFS is here long term.
Michael Scimone
Aerospace Filtration Systems
"Key Challenges: Financing, Insurance, Infrastructure"
"Key Challenges: Financing, Insurance, Infrastructure"
The most encouraging trend is the extended manufacturer backlog, currently surpassing the 12-24 month mark. This has been a very positive market indicator in the fixed-wing sector and should prove favorable for helicopters as well, providing for sustainable growth, as well as buoying helicopter values.
Another positive sign is new technology at the high end of production, providing upgrade options to larger operators looking to replace older models.
Challenges fall into two categories: financing and infrastructure. Current well-publicized credit-markets challenges mean financing options will be uncertain, particularly for smaller operators. The high cost of insurance, especially for special-mission units, is another financing concern.
The major infrastructure concerns are the continued lack of heliports in metropolitan markets and the shortage of qualified helicopter pilots. The Helicopter Assn. International is a key player in addressing both issues, but may benefit from partnering with the National Business Aviation Assn. to generate the political horsepower needed to make progress on the heliport front.
Michael T. Amalfitano, Sr.
Sr. Vice President, Division Executive
Banc of America Leasing – Corporate Aircraft
"Innovation, Engineering, and Integration Expertise"
"Innovation, Engineering, and Integration Expertise"
Kaman's future is clearly linked to the innovation, engineering, and integration expertise we have developed throughout our more than 60-year history. As the rotorcraft industry struggles to meet the ever-increasing demands for new innovations in vertical flight, Kaman's background as a manufacturer, designer, and integrator of helicopters for civil and military use becomes even more critical.
It is a service we are fully prepared to provide.
Kaman's HeliworX™ full-service support center is a key element of our future importance to the industry. Prime contractors are seeking us to support and supplement their major programs because they know we deliver.
In other areas, we are teaming with Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense contractor, to develop and deliver advanced manned and unmanned helicopter systems based on our solid-performing K-MAX aerial truck. Its unprecedented ability as a vertical-replenishment vehicle is a prime element of this program.
Sal Bordonaro
Kaman Helicopters
As we embark on a new year filled with promise and uncertainty, we asked top industry executives:
"What important trends do you see on the horizon that might significantly impact the helicopter market in 2008?"


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More than just a protein powder, NeoCell contains:
In addition Collagen Sport™does NOT contain:
Kovas and I received some Collagen Sport to try out as a recovery drink, in both French Vanilla and Belgian Chocolate (check out what he thought over at Midwest Multisport Life). I love that it contains no sugar (and does not taste sweet) or artificial sweeteners, flavors, fillers, etc. and has a whopping 30 g of protein. Also with my history of two torn menisci, I am willing to do almost anything to help prevent further injury, and extra collagen sounds like a great addition to my prevention repertoire. Although the directions say mix with water or milk, I preferred it with soymilk - and (surprisingly) enjoyed both flavors equally - usually I choose chocolate:). For added thickness, blending with ice, yogurt and/or fruit is recommended.
- be a follower of this blog (mandatory)
for additional entries:
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Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
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More information can be found on the company website, liking Collagen-Sport on Facebook, and by following them on Twitter.
Sources: http://www.neocellsport.com/ http://www.neocell.com/

subset: commoncrawl


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For State Senate District 13
Alan Clark
Alan Clark
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P.O. Box 211, Lonsdale, AR. 72087 501-262-3360
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What is important to you?
I want you to be able to relax a little and know that someone who both cares and is capable is working on the economy for you in this state. There are things we CAN do that will make a real difference.
We need more commonsense business people at the state capitol; people who have made a payroll, who know the difference between what we need, what we want and what we can afford. With over 30 years' experience in business and being on the frontlines of this economy, I know that the three most important issues before us are
It seems like politicians and elected officials are easily sidetracked and aren't in touch with how businesses and their employees are truly hurting in this economy. There are things we can do.
I will evaluate each bill in the legislative session by asking the following:
1. Will it grow jobs in Arkansas?
2. Will it enhance jobs in Arkansas?
3. Will it bring jobs to Arkansas?
4. Will it hinder job growth in Arkansas?
The corporate tax rate in Arkansas is 10% higher than the six states that geographically touch our borders. We are often 'dead in the water' from that fact alone when competing for major new jobs (e.g. car manufacturers).
The State of Arkansas only allows businesses to carry losses forward three years. This is just another example of creating a less than ideal business climate. A bad business climate is a bad jobs climate.
My management philosophy is MBWA: Management By Wandering Around. I know if you want to know how to drive a truck better, ask the truck driver. If you want to know how to improve healthcare, ask healthcare professionals that work in it every day. One of our greatest resources in this district is its people. As I have traveled thousands of miles and visited with many of our neighbors I am hearing some encouraging ideas. I will take the best ones, find support and fight for them.
We need to study states like North Dakota and replicate what they have done. (North Dakota has gone from 82% to 110% of national median income in 10 years, 3½% unemployment, 6th fastest growing state in the U.S.) Our resources may be different, but the principles they have used will work in any state. Their governor (now Senator John Hoeven) put a team together that studied the North Dakota economy and which sectors they could directly influence. Then they put that plan in action. That is what a businessman does.
Now, I'd really like to hear what you are thinking. Please
click here
to send me your thoughts.
The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are three of the greatest documents ever written. They have helped make the United States the greatest, strongest, wealthiest, freest nation in the history of the planet. When someone does not believe in the 2nd Amendment I question their commitment to the rest.
If you do not have the right to protect your life, you do not have the right to life. If you do not have the right to protect your property you do not have the right to property. The 2nd Amendment is the key to all other rights.
"The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good"
George Washington
Now I'd really like to know what you are thinking. Please
click here
to send me your thoughts.
I am proud to be endorsed by Arkansas Right to Life. Sanctity of Life is one of the issues that drew me into being politically active. The issue crystallized for me when my wife had me feel the kick of our firstborn while still in her womb. All human life deserves protection. None more so than innocent life. Who is more innocent than the unborn?
Almost 4000 unborn children's lives are taken everyday in this country in the name of choice. That choice must be made before conception. How many Albert Einsteins, Dr Martin Luther King Jrs., Amelia Earharts, or Jonas Salks have we destroyed in the womb?
Now I'd really like to know what you are thinking. Please
click here
to send me your thoughts.
I am dedicated to finding REAL answers to make medical care more affordable for working Arkansans. Obamacare is not the answer. Enrolling almost 40% of our population in an entitlement program is an irreversible decision that will lead to far reaching consequences we will never recover from.
The expansion of Medicaid is one of the biggest problems Arkansans face.
1. Do you oppose PPACA (Obamacare)?
Much of the opposition to the affordable care act was because of Medicaid expansion. States now have an opportunity to reject the Medicaid expansion provision of the affordable care act. Supporting Medicaid expansion is embracing the affordable care act.
2. From where is the money to expand Medicaid going to come?
Does the federal government have the over $1 billion per year that will be required to fund Medicaid expansion in Arkansas alone? Where will the $1 billion plus come from? The ultimate answer is increased taxes that will be required to pay off huge debts. Check your pay stub… SSI, Medicare, and Federal Tax are real money that come from Arkansas taxpayers. There is no free money.
3. What is the future cost to Arkansas?
10% of $1 to $2 billion per year is a lot of money. Someday, Arkansas will have to deal with the future commitment if Medicaid is expanded today. Medicaid already has built-in unfunded liabilities because of the increasing cost of healthcare that is not addressed in baseline budgeting. Expanding Medicaid at this time with so called "free money" really will be kicking the can down the road, creating even more problems in the future not only for Arkansas but for the whole United States
4. How will we effectively spend an influx of $1 to $2 billion for health care?
If $1 to $2 billion of additional funds are put into the Arkansas health care system, who will provide the legitimate services to spend those funds? Are there enough health care providers and facilities to provide a 20% plus increase in Medicaid services? Will there be future funding requested to expand hospitals, clinics, etc. ?
5. Is expanding Medicaid philosophically the direction we want to go?
Is it philosophically in the best interest of Arkansas to increase dependence on government services and programs? Wouldn't a better approach to providing health care services be to unleash the Arkansas economy so working age adults could get good jobs and afford their own health care services while contributing to the tax system rather than taking from the system? Would this not allow better medical care for all involved, including the truly needy who rely on Medicaid?
6. Is Medicaid expansion the type of " economic development" we want for Arkansas?
DHS claims a $372 million benefit to Arkansas with Medicaid expansion. The logic behind this calculation is basically: Take $1.2 billion of federal tax money and spend it in Arkansas. The projected 4% state tax collections on the $1.2 billion federal tax dollars spent in Arkansas along with some projected savings in uncompensated care and transition populations less the projected administrative program costs to implement the expansion is equal to $372 million over 7-years. Is this the kind of economic development plan we want in Arkansas?
7. If a system is broken should we reform it or expand it?
Medicaid in Arkansas is a broken system that has been running deficits for several years now. These deficits, to the tune of over $1.0 billion ($200 million/year), have been covered up with one-time stimulus money and the Medicaid trust fund that is currently being depleted. The rate of burn through the Medicaid trust fund is currently at a level of approximately $300 million per year and this is after an increase in Medicaid's budget of $116 million in general revenues that are being matched with federal funds at a rate of 2.37 to 1. Do we want to expand a broken system? Arkansas Medicaid needs to be fixed, not expanded, so it can be sustainable in the future for those who are truly in need.
8. The governor has approval from HHS to "get out" of the expansion program if it doesn't work as intended. Do we believe that a government program would be expanded to include 250k additional folks and then scrapped? Show me an example where that has ever happened. Are there doubts about the success of the expansion if we need a back door for the program?
One of the most important things we must do is put Arkansans back to work in the private sector. This is where real wealth is produced. If instead we add huge costs and taxes for the service sector (medical care) the private sector (especially farming, mining, energy production and manufacturing) already in trouble will never have a chance. If we do not recover the private sector, we will be in a permanent recession economy that will continue to spiral downwards making universal health coverage more and more impossible.
In other words, the rest of the economy is built on our ability to feed ourselves and produce things. All real wealth comes from these areas. We must address them and what they need and what we need to put Arkansans back to work before we spend billions we don't have. This will only put us in a permanent deficit situation and eventually the medical system will bankrupt us all and permanently stunt the economy.
Do we want to expand Medicaid in Arkansas? Can we afford to expand Medicaid in Arkansas? Before Obamacare even kicks in we face a shortfall of $400 million dollars for Medicaid in the next legislative session. That money has got to come from new taxes or be taken from something in the budget like roads or education. The answers are not going to be easy.
Obamacare proposes to spend up to $2 billion more on Medicaid in Arkansas. With Arkansas's part only being 10% of that for the first 3 years, that is still up to another $200 million Arkansas taxpayers have to shoulder.
Now I'd really like to know what you are thinking. Please
click here
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I oppose the death tax. I especially oppose the death tax on estates under $20 million. The first reason for opposing the death tax is fundamental fairness. People who have paid their fair share of taxes their whole lives should not be taxed again.
The second reason for opposing the death tax is that it is fundamentally changing our society. The family farm and the family business are on the endangered species list and in danger of extinction. They are being replaced by the large corporate farm and large corporate businesses in which the principals never die and therefore never pay a death tax. The family farm and family business are generally being forcibly sold or incurring huge debt after the second or third generation to pay tax obligations. That not only affects those families, but the communities where they exist and of course their employees.
If we want our only job and shopping opportunities to be only with large corporations then this is a road we might want to continue to travel. If we believe the family farm and the local family business is an essential part of the fabric of local communities and of America we must stop the death tax from destroying these institutions now. The power to tax is the power to destroy.
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"When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic."
— Benjamin Franklin
"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."
— Thomas Jefferson
Many of us have warned for years that that running a consistent government deficit was going to lead to huge problems. We never imagined that we would jump to such a huge deficit in such a short time. We certainly did not conceive that we would have leaders that even in this crisis seem to have not an inkling of the perilous situation we are in. I am told that no nation has ever recovered from this percentage of debt. Indeed there is a limit to the wealth in the world that can be borrowed and we are dangerously close to that figure.
We MUST balance the budget. It is immoral to spend like drunken sailors and hand the debt to the next generation. The State of Arkansas is not immune. We may have a balanced budget, but a huge part of our balance sheet comes from the federal government. We must stop the increase of government spending. We must then begin to pay our debt down. We cannot continue to exacerbate the problem.
Arkansans not only must keep our own budget balanced… we must insist on stopping the proliferation of federal spending….even if it is "FREE" money coming to Arkansas. If not we and our families WILL participate in one of the greatest financial disasters in the history of the world.
Now I'd really like to know what you are thinking. Please
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Reprintas at 6 November 2008
Counties Amendment Act Commencement Order 1977: revoked, on 6 November 2008, by clause 3 of the Regulations Revocation Order 2008 (SR 2008/367).
Changes authorised by section 17C of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989 have been made in this eprint.
A general outline of these changes is set out in the notes at the end of this eprint, together with other explanatory material about this eprint.
This order is administered in the Department of Internal Affairs.
PURSUANT to section 1(2) of the Counties Amendment Act 1975, His Excellency the Governor-General, acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, hereby makes the following order.
1 Title
2 Commencement of section 6 of Counties Amendment Act 1975
This order may be cited as the Counties Amendment Act Commencement Order 1977.
Section 6 of the Counties Amendment Act 1975 shall come into force on the 29th day of November 1977.
Clerk of the Executive Council.
Issued under the authority of the Regulations Act 1936.
Date of notification in Gazette: 1 December 1977.
2About this eprint
3List of amendments incorporated in this eprint (most recent first)
This is an eprint of the Counties Amendment Act Commencement Order 1977. It incorporates all the amendments to the order as at 6 November 2008. The list of amendments at the end of these notes specifies all the amendments incorporated into this eprint since 3 September 2007. Relevant provisions of any amending enactments that contain transitional, savings, or application provisions are also included, after the Principal enactment, in chronological order.
This eprint has not been officialised. For more information about officialisation, please see "Making online legislation official" under "Status of legislation on this site" in the About section of this website.
"Making online legislation official"
"Status of legislation on this site"
Regulations Revocation Order 2008 (SR 2008/367): clause 3


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The seemingly imperishable Twinkie finally may have an expiration date.
Hostess Brands Inc., the 85-year-old maker of iconic treats such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs and pantry staples like Wonder Bread, on Friday said it would go out of business after failing to reach agreement on wage and pension cuts with its bakers' union.
The Irving, Texas-based company, which filed for Chapter 11 for a second time in January, closed all factories and asked a judge for permission to start proceedings that will mean job losses for about 18,500 employees and could result in more than 30 brands being sold or disappearing. Liquidation firm Great American Group Inc. GAMR 0.31% and C. Dean Metropoulos & Co., owner of beer brands including Pabst Blue Ribbon, have signaled interest in Hostess's brands.
The move endangers American treats and snacks that have graced supermarket shelves for decades, but have had trouble keeping up with trends toward healthier snacking. The Twinkie—a sugary mix of rich cream filling encased in a tubular yellow cake—appeared often in lunchboxes and popular films.
Corporate Intelligence
In a letter posted on a new site set up to communicate with employees and suppliers through the liquidation process, Hostess's CEO pinned the blame on its striking union. Read more..
It also showed organized labor's willingness to test the boundaries of wage and benefit givebacks. During and after the 2008 financial crisis, auto workers and others readily agreed to concessions deemed crucial for survival. But this year, workers at Caterpillar Inc. CAT 1.44% and Hostess walked off the job instead. Caterpillar's union later relented.
On Friday, as news of the shutdown spread, shoppers flocked to stores to stock up on Hostess treats. That led to a run on products Friday at a Hostess outlet store in Waukegan, Ill., a city about 40 miles north of Chicago.
Signs saying "last day sale" advertised loaves of Wonder Bread for 59 cents each. One man left with two shopping carts full of the bread.
"All my life I've known Hostess," said Bertha West, 68, who said her mother put Twinkies in her lunch. "It seems unreal."
The treats were cropping up on Internet sales and auction sites at Sotheby's-like prices. A box of Twinkies, with the description "Twinkies: American Snack; one of the last boxes for the Zombie Apocalypse!" is listed on eBay EBAY 0.44% with an opening bid of $10,000, though no offer has been made. A package claiming to be "the last box of Hostess Twinkies EVER!" is going for $3.13, with seven bids at last count.
Hostess's latest woes took hold when thousands of employees in its bakers union went on strike Nov. 9 in protest of a court-imposed labor contract that cut wages, commissions, and health care benefits and changed the structure of pension plans in a way that could reduce payouts to retirees.
The strike affected roughly two thirds of Hostess's 36 plants, and made it impossible for the company to continue producing its baked goods, Hostess said Friday.
The company's burdensome debt traces back to Hostess's first trip through bankruptcy in 2004. Missteps by a private-equity firm, hedge funds and managers since burdened the company, despite its more than $2 billion in annual sales.
"I think there's blame to go around everywhere," said Chief Executive Gregory Rayburn, a turnaround expert hired this year.
Increased costs for ingredients and fuel, a failure to adjust to demands for healthier foods, and the U.S. recession combined to weaken Hostess.
A liquidation has loomed large since Hostess's latest bankruptcy case kicked off in January. From the start, the company has warned that labor cuts were its only chance to survive.
Months of back-and-forth threats and court proceedings ultimately led to delivery-truck drivers and some plant workers represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to agree to deep concessions, but the bakers' union, known as the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, resisted.
In the end, a bankruptcy judge gave Hostess permission to force the bakers union to accept a new five-year labor contract that featured an 8% wage cut in the first year, new pension plan restrictions and a 17% increase in health care costs for employees.
The bakers' union went on strike. "Our members decided they were not going to take any more abuse from a company they have given so much to for so many years," said Frank Hurt, the bakers' union president, in a statement Friday evening.
However, the Teamsters on Friday stood by its decision to accept the proposed cuts. As the bakers' union went on strike, the Teamsters largely didn't cross picket lines, said Ken Hall, the Teamsters' treasurer and general secretary. They picked up Hostess products for delivery when there weren't picket lines present, he said.
Hostess traces its beginnings to the 1927 founding of Schulze Baking Co., according to court papers. The company gobbled competitors over the years and ended up with 372 separate bargaining contracts for workers, 5,500 delivery routes and a vast production system.
Hostess emerged from its second stay in bankruptcy in February 2009 owned by private-equity firm Ripplewood Holdings LLC and saddled with more than $700 million in debt that crimped investment.
Ripplewood and lenders, including hedge-funds Silver Point Capital LP and Monarch Alternative Capital LP, hired new management that failed to keep pace with shifting consumer tastes to healthier foods and pursued marketing promotions that backfired.
Hostess management said work rules from existing labor agreements made it hard to improve productivity and spend money efficiently. For example, some rules required different workers to deliver bread and cakes, the company said.
Unions had made concessions during Hostess's first bankruptcy, accepting lower wages and changing delivery systems that saved the company $80 million a year. The second go round, the unions initially balked at further steep cuts.
Hostess's investors plowed another $60 million into Hostess last year but wouldn't provide more without new labor givebacks. Investors lost money as a result of Hostess's fall, according to people close to the investment firms.
Now, the fate of Hostess's 30 brands likely will be decided by bankers and liquidators. Some private-equity firms, including Hilco Trading LLC and Gordon Brothers Group, specialize in buying brands of defunct companies on the cheap and repurposing them, such as with Polaroid or Sharper Image. Representatives for Hilco and Gordon Brothers declined to comment.
Another one of these firms, Great American Group Inc., has been looking at Hostess's brands and real-estate and is interested in buying assets, said Mark Weitz, the president of the group's industrial business.
Consumers hustled to take advantage of the news. In Waukegan, store employees scrambled to replenish empty shelves. One employee hastily marked "X" in red ink on boxes of cupcakes to indicate discounts. Several shoppers asked, "Where are the Twinkies?" There weren't any left.
—David Benoit
contributed to this article.
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Joined: 22 Apr 2006
Posts: 89
Location: Suisse
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 11:19
Post subject:
How to edit the xdg menu?
I would modify the new xdg menu of Puppy 2.14 to mask or create some commands. Previously, that was done simply by editing the /root/.jwmrc file directly, but now this method is not valid any more. I would mask commands of the menu Puppy, such as the commands tkfont, gcombust, agenda, etc… without delete the programs or add in the menu some commands which are not create automatically such as the commands to start programs with wine, etc…. I don't know if it is possible and how to proceed with the new xdg menu. I noticed in the .jwmrc file the following message : <!-- Important, only edit /etc/xdg/templates/_root_.jwmrc --> but I don't know how to do it
Many thanks
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Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 2946
Location: Southampton, UK
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 15:15
Post subject:
you might find some help here.
To remove program entries you need to find the relevant *.desktop file and rename it to something like *.desktop.old.
<edit date="28/03">The correct way to remove a menu entry is given by Rarsa in his post further down
Rarsa wrote:
1. The "right" way of preventing an entry from showing in the menu is to add a line with "hidden=true" to the corresponding .desktop file
Run the command fixmenus from the prompt and then do menu - shutdown - restart JWM.
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Last edited by HairyWill on Wed 28 Mar 2007, 04:28; edited 1 time in total
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Joined: 26 Sep 2006
Posts: 269
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 16:04
Post subject:
do you guys know if there is a way to modify the menus for one window manager, but not others?
I also must say that it is rather difficult to modify the xdg menus currently, i wonder if there is a way to make it easier, maybe a simple menu editor program or something.
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Joined: 19 Oct 2005
Posts: 2504
Location: Hell more grotesque than any medieval woodcut
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 16:59
Post subject:
Editing the xdg menu will be a real pain -- you need to change the templates in /etc/xdg/templates and Barry has made a whole mess of it, so it's not easy to understand...
Concerning modifying only one menu, in /etc/xdg/menus there are different files that create the different menus, so you just change the relevant one (though if you want to change the templates, you'll have to create copies of them and use those for that WM).
What's the ugliest part of your body?
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Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 4843
Location: Manila
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 19:27
Post subject: use the old .jwmrc
I myself have not tried to change the xdg menus yet - if I remember right, the change to xdg is meant to make changes in menus work across WManagers.
But for the many who are simply content with JWM, could they have an option to use the tried-and-easy /root/.jwmrc ?
Thanks in advance.
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Joined: 08 Jul 2006
Posts: 2291
Location: Winsted, CT - USA
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 20:03
Post subject:
I too am less than delighted with the XDG menu system, though I certainly can appreciate its benefits.
However, XDG is the only thing that is keeping me from spending more time with v1.09CE and a contributing factor in complete avoidance of the new XDG 2.xx versions.
So I'm pleasantly using either Puppy v0.9.7 or v1.08r1 or v2.11, thank you very much! Should I want to change the menu structure, it's a comparatively easy task and I don't have to worry about changes affecting or not carrying over to another window manager.
And Raffy: take a look at /root/.jwmrc in v2.14 and you'll see what we mean.
I'll grant you, JWM isn't the prettiest, but it's lean, fast, and easily configurable, providing it isn't under the XDG umbrella.
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Joined: 05 May 2005
Posts: 624
Location: California, High Desert
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 20:25
Post subject:
Here is where I have gotten most of my information on xdg.
Good Luck, Kal
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Puppy Master
Joined: 04 May 2005
Posts: 4078
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 21:05
Post subject:
you could work around XDG menus by putting a line like this in /etc/profile, just before
exec xwin
cp /root/.my-jwmrc /root/.jwmrc
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Puppy Master
Joined: 09 May 2005
Posts: 9042
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 21:49
Post subject:
The opinions being expressed in this thread are, to me, very peculiar. The XDG system as implemented in 2.14 is straightforward.
For JWM, if you want to modify the configuration file, you edit /etc/xdg/templates/_root_.jwmrc. If you want to change the taskbar, edit /root/.jwmrc-tray. If you want to modify or remove any particular menu entry, then edit or delete the appropriate .desktop file in /usr/share/applications.
To completely change the menu structure is a bit more involved... for example, _root_.jwmrc has this entry to generate the "Fun" menu:
PUPPYMENU jwm-xdgmenu /etc/xdg/menus/puppy-fun.menu
You can edit /etc/xdg/menus/puppy-fun.menu and matching /usr/share/desktop-directories/Puppy-Fun.directory to change things. Edit Puppy-Fun.direcory to change the label ("Games" instead of "Fun") or icon. Edit puppy-fun.menu to change the categories (and hence what .desktop files get chosen).
So, to redesign the menu structure is more involved, but if you just want to do something simple like add or remove an entry, it's a piece of cake.
Referring to the original post, if you want to make a "hardcoded" custom entry in the JWM menu, not any other w.m. menu, that is easy -- edit _root_.jwmrc and just do it. You can see /root/.jwmrc to see the format of a menu entry. You can also see in _root_.jwmrc how the "Shutdown" menu is hardcoded, and you can easily do something similar, whatever you need. In other words, it's just as easy as the old system of editing /root/.jwmrc directly.
Whatever small difficulties there are, are completely overwhelmed by the end result, which is simple automatic updating of the menu whenever a package is added and removed, for any window manager. It is the old system that was cumbersome and restricted, and it didn't even have a size advantage.
EDIT: Don't forget to run the 'fixmenus' script after editing _root_.jwmrc, to regnerate /root/.jwmrc.
Last edited by BarryK on Tue 27 Mar 2007, 11:23; edited 1 time in total
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Joined: 04 May 2005
Posts: 6266
Location: Knoxville, TN, USA
Posted: Mon 26 Mar 2007, 22:43
Post subject:
XDG is also less risky. All a package can do is mess up its own .desktop file, and about the worst that can do to the menu as a whole is make it's section have giant icons. Before, they had to directly edit the menu file. Any small slip and poof! All gone.
Personally, I don't trust my string parsing skills enough to like that at all, especially if you can't count on someone's menu being formatted a certain way.
Between depriving a man of one hour from his life and depriving him of his life there exists only a difference of degree. --Muad'Dib
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Puppy Master
Joined: 09 May 2005
Posts: 9042
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posted: Tue 27 Mar 2007, 11:01
Post subject:
That "giant icons" problem will be fixed in 2.16, at least for JWM -- a large icon will be automatically scaled down to fit.
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Joined: 30 Aug 2006
Posts: 194
Location: Germany, Frankfurt
Posted: Tue 27 Mar 2007, 12:23
Post subject:
I tried to change the menu in different ways. Here is my result: I run Puppy 2.14 from CD (pfix=ram) and use JWM. I added some menu entries into /root/.jwmrc and restarted JWM. My menus appeared. Then I installed a PetGet. The menu was still the same, that means my additional menu entries were available. I deleted /usr/share/applications/bubbles.desktop and restarted JWM. The menu was still the same - with my menu entries and with the bubble-entry! I edited /etc/xdg/templates/_root_.jwmrc and restarted JWM. But the menu didn't changed. It seems to me that everything is the same as in Puppy 2.10.
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Joined: 26 Sep 2006
Posts: 269
Posted: Tue 27 Mar 2007, 16:10
Post subject:
oli, you need to run 'fixmenus' and then restart jwm to update the xdg menus.
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Joined: 29 May 2005
Posts: 3053
Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Posted: Tue 27 Mar 2007, 16:39
Post subject:
Several comments:
1. The "right" way of preventing an entry from showing in the menu is to add
a line with "hidden=true" to the corresponding .desktop file
2. Hardcoding the location of a menu entry is done by adding the entry into the corresponding .menu file
3. Having different menu structures per Window manager is done by using different .menu files
4. The current categorization of applications in the oficial .pet files needs an overhaul. I ofered to do this by merging it with my original categorization but I've been
short of time.
5. Once you have well categorized applications you rarelly require to create "ad-hoc" entries but it can still be done as described in point 2.
6. XDG implementation was as a response to a problem that was deemed more complex that the dificulty of creating hardcoded menu structures. That problem is: How do I make sure that an application shows in the menu if I don't know what WM the user is using?
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Posts: 2504
Location: Hell more grotesque than any medieval woodcut
Posted: Tue 27 Mar 2007, 17:21
Post subject:
BarryK wrote:
The opinions being expressed in this thread are, to me, very peculiar. The XDG system as implemented in 2.14 is straightforward.
It isn't that straightforward, actually…
When I started using 2.14 I encountered a bug in it (an app I compiled appeared twice in the same menu) and asked Rarsa about it and he said you misunderstood how the XDG menus work.
I started trying to modify the JWM menu and discovered a few ways in which this is manifeted:
1) You messed up the categories in the .desktop files: your files use one "level", rather than "one;two;three" etc. which (I think) makes them incompatible with the freedesktop standard.
This causes a few problems:
- Window managers that have built-in XDG mechanisms don't recognize these files properly (also, the archaic location of icons in Puppy probably causes problems with finding icons).
- The opposite also happens: non-native .desktop files will not be recognized properly in Puppy, since they don't have the right categories… and if a user wants to make radical changes in their menu-structure (or are using an older Puppy, with Rarsa's XDG menus), then official Puppy packages will not be recognized properly.
- The menus are less flexible, since you can't structure them properly -- your .menu files have that problem, where you just "include" a whole bunch of categories and they're sorted alphabetically, rather than being in smaller groups that are each sorted (example: web-browsers mixed with the rest of the "internet" apps, rather than being at the beginning of the list).
- The fact that the .desktop files have the description in their name is also strange -- the only reason I can think of having it is for indexgen.sh, but there you can get the description from the "Comment" section of the .desktop file (this way it also finds descriptions for non-native .desktop files). I've actually modified indexgen.sh to work like that and got it working much faster (down from 36 seconds to 7 seconds).
2) As mentioned above, the .menu files are badly structured and you also don't leave much room for using the sub-menu option ("inline limit" of 99??).
3) The worst part is the whole "fixmenus" idea. The "D" in XDG stands for Dynamic, but what you do is just create a static menu using Rarsa's utilities…
The dynamic menu is created every time the WM is restarted,
the menu itself.
I'm attaching here as an example my current jwmrc, which does this using your templates.
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Barack Obama received the most votes for president of the United States, but he was the runner-up in a recent survey of RV owners by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) who were asked, "What living, famous person would you like to take with you on an RV trip?"
Obama finished second in the poll to Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, who starred in the hilarious film "RV."
"I saw the movie and thought Robin would be the ultimate travel partner," says James Hennington, an RV owner from Wesson, Miss. "He was extremely funny."
Other vote-getters included George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffet and Rachael Ray.
With all the pressure confronting Obama in these tough economic times, it would be no surprise if he wished he could escape in an RV — like he did after the 2004 Democratic National Convention — and join the millions of RVers planning to hit the road for fun this spring/summer.
In other questions asked in the latest biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners, conducted by the RVIA, 55% of survey respondents intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year, and 45% are considering another purchase.
Only 4% say they'll use their RVs less this year. Three-fourths said they planned to take more mini-vacations so they could escape stress, spend more quality time with family, and enjoy nature and other outdoor activities.
A primary reason why so many RVers will be traveling — and even buying in this economy — this spring/summer is that they appreciate the value they get compared to flying, driving and staying in hotels. Eighty-six percent say RVing is an affordable way to travel. Three-fourths save at least 25% when they travel in an RV — more than a quarter save 35% to 50%. These results echo the findings of a study by international travel and tourism experts PKF Consulting, which found family RV trips are 27% to 61% less expensive than other types of vacations.
"RV travel continues to appeal to people looking to save money and cut costs," says Richard Coon, RVIA president. "By having their homes-on-wheels with them, RV owners receive a bigger bang for their buck than other types of vacations offer."
In what has to be a positive sign for the economy, 68% of RV owners said they believe this is good time to buy an RV, with 94% of those respondents saying great deals are available. Buyers who meet income requirements also will be able to take advantage of the new federal stimulus plan that provides for a deduction of sales and excise taxes on the first $49,500 of a new motorhome purchase.
According to the survey, 45% of RVers are considering another RV purchase. Twenty-four percent are looking to buy in the next year; another 48% within two years.
RVers plan to be on the move during major holidays, with 58% planning to travel over Memorial Day weekend and 60% over July 4.


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A well-designed mild custom commands your attention with its tasteful modifications and endless allure. Larry's Styleline is one such car with its pristine body lines thanks to Jerry Conklin and mile-deep forest green gloss laid down by Richard Glymph. The spotless engine bay was filled with a magneto-sparked 327ci Chevy V-8 fed by dual quads while the interior was as tidy as the rest of the car with a tan rolled bench for comfort.
Larry Roche 1952 Chevrolet Styleline – 2010 Street Rodder Ocean City Top 100
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March 4, 2014
TPWD Adds Second Public Hearing in Corpus Christi on Proposing Seatrout Bag Limit Change
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has slated two public hearings for Corpus Christi to gather comment on proposed fishing and hunting regulation changes. TPWD staff presented proposed amendments to the 2014-15 Statewide Recreational and Commercial Fishing Proclamation to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The recommended changes to saltwater fishing include:
- Oyster harvest: Temporary 2-year closure of a 54-acre oyster restoration site on Half-Moon reef in Matagorda Bay, and a 2-year temporary closure of seven restoration sites located in East Galveston Bay.
- Flounder: Extension of the November 2-fish bag limit through the first 2 weeks of December, and during those two weeks harvest would be allowed by any legal means.
- Spotted Seatrout: Extension of the 5-fish bag and possession limit up the coast through East Matagorda Bay with a five-year sunset date.
Public hearings in Corpus Christi are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19 at Texas A&M University CC Natural Resources Center, Room 1003 at 6300 Ocean Drive and on Thursday, March 20 at Del Mar College Center for Economic Development, Room 106 at 3209 Staples Street.
Additional proposals related to freshwater fishing and hunting will also be discussed at these public hearings and others scheduled around the state. A complete summary of all proposed changes to hunting and fishing regulations can be found in the Feb. 21 edition of the Texas Register and on the TPWD website.
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SLOW FLOW connects accessible yoga postures with breath and movement. With this slower paced class, there is time to explore individual postures for new students so they can build confidence and familiarity, while experienced students can refine and explore deeper sensations. All can explore a deeper connection to their body through a well rounded practice. Let's slow down!
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Break out the birthday cake and line up the candles: next year marks 35 years since the invention of business class air travel.
Or perhaps it's 34 years, depending on how granular you want to get.
Many airlines are reducing their first class offering, mainly because business class is beyond what first class used to be.
While Qantas is considered to have coined the "business class" name in 1979, British Airways debuted the concept of a premium cabin between economy and first in 1978 with Club Class.
In the decades that followed, business class has become the golden goose for full-service airlines, even replacing first class throughout much of the fleet.
Qantas now offers its latest first class only on the Red Roo's flagship Airbus A380s, having replaced the primo pointy end on most Boeing 747s with the second-gen Skybed II business class seats.
Is business the new first class?
Boeing is also seeing most airlines ordering its new 787 Dreamliner with business class rather than first class nestled into the nose.
"We're seeing many airlines starting to reduce their full-blown first class offering, mainly because business class is beyond what first class used to be," Tom Galantowicz, Boeing's Director of 787 Interiors, told High Flyer last year.
"The front end of the 787 cabin has first class features, and business class is where the better airlines spend money because passengers are willing to pay for it."
So while the evolution, or some might say devolution of economy has been driven by reducing the cost of travel, business class continued to improve as a way of justifying its higher ticket price.
It's also become a hotly-contested area of competition between airlines looking to woo the business traveller – alongside in-flight service and airport lounges, of course.
Lie-flat beds that recline into a fully horizontal position are the new norm, partnered with a degree of privacy plus high-tech touches such as USB ports and ever-larger video screens.
And despite how much money they invest in business class seats, airlines know they can't afford to stand still.
Beyond the lie-flat bed ...
Cathay Pacific has what's considered to be one of the world's best business class seats, which is a dramatic turnaround from its previous generation of long, narrow and high-walled cubicles that some travellers dubbed "coffin class".
But the airline is already looking at an upgrade in 2016, when the first of its Airbus A350s arrive.
"There is a risk over the next few years that competitors that (today) have slightly sloped seats are going to catch up, and flatbeds and a 15" screen becomes the minimum expectation," says Toby Smith, Cathay's general manager for product.
Cathay shares a challenge faced by many of its competitors. "What do you do next?" Smith questions. "I mean, you can't get flatter than flat!
"You might make (the seat) a little bit wider or a little bit longer but if you've got a bed that takes someone who's 6' 2", 6' 3", that's probably going to be good enough."
Improved layouts on the way
How these seats are laid out in the cabin is also undergoing a change of direction – quite literally so.
Qantas currently retains the most traditional business class layout. Its Marc Newson-designed Skybed pods are arrayed in a straight line across the cabin, which means window passengers need to step gingerly over their slumbering seatmate to visit the loo, lounge or snack bar.
Downstairs in the 747s, there's also the dreaded middle seat in a 2-3-2 configuration.
The latest trends favour layouts which provides direct aisle access for every passenger.
These include herringbone-style seats which are angled towards or away from the windows, and staggered layouts where alternating seats dovetail into the one in front.
Business travellers can expect to see more of these as new types of aircraft are rolled out, including the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, along with new members of the A380 club such as Thai Airways.
As we gather around the business class birthday cake, what's your current favourite business class seat? And what changes would you like to see in the next generation of business class?
David Flynn is a business travel expert and editor of Australian Business Traveller.
Twitter: @AusBT


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Over the cliff we go. Wheeeeeee!!!!!
Here's a companion piece to the post that Trail Dust just published, "Sending Us Over the Cliff."
Daniel Halper reports for the Weekly Standard, Dec 28, 2012, that the POS issued yet another executive order to end the pay freeze on federal employees, in effect giving some federal workers a raise.
One federal worker now to receive a pay increase is VPOS Joe Biden. According to disclosure forms, Biden made a cool $225,521 last year. After the pay increase, he'll now make $231,900 per year.
Members of Congress, including House Speaker John Boehner, also will receive a $900 bump in their annual salary, from $174,000 to 174,900.
Here's the list of new wages, as attached to Obama's executive order: "A new executive order has been issued providing for a new pay schedule beginning 'on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning after March 27, 2013,'" reports FedSmith.com. "The pay raise will generally be about 1/2 of 1%."
That is why the "negotiations" over the "fiscal cliff" between the POS in the White House and the little POS in the House, John Boehner, are just elaborate kabuki theater or a charade.
To his credit, a Democratic member of Congress, John Barrow of Georgia, is moving to block the POS's congressional pay increase.


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The Clippers needed an answer, and quick.
They gave one, and wow.
Their response Monday night to a playoff-opening debacle against the Golden State Warriors was powerful enough to temporarily subdue thoughts of the historic Clippers jinx while empowering dreams of a landmark Clippers spring.
The answer was visible across the Staples Center sky in a flying Blake Griffin, and across the Staples Center floor in a skidding Chris Paul.
The answer was audible on the Staples Center sideline with a screaming and confrontational Doc Rivers, and in the stands with thousands of red shirts whose owners' roars lasted deep into the sweaty night.
More than anything, the answer could be felt in the slumped shoulders and blank stares of a Warriors team that was warned these might not be same old postseason Clippers, and this is not going to be your usual first-round dance.
"They are who I thought they are," said Rivers afterward of his team, his voice filled with relief.
The final score was 138-98, the Clippers winning a game by what felt like a lot more than 40 points.
The final image was of Golden State's Stephen Curry throwing his mouthpiece across the court at the feet of official Rodney Mott late in the third quarter while loudly cursing. And he had just made a layup. Yeah, the Warriors were that frustrated.
It was a game in which Golden State was assessed 11 more fouls, but it was about more than officials who seemed intent on making up for the many bad calls issued by a different crew in the opener.
It was a game in which the Warriors were beaten not by the officials, but by the vengeful power of Griffin's 35 points, the open fearlessness of a bench that seemingly scored at will, and the calm determination that Rivers has seemingly instilled in all of them.
That is, when Rivers wasn't shouting down the Warriors' 35-year-old Jermaine O'Neal during a second-quarter confrontation that resulted in double technical fouls. Yeah, their new coach will fight for them, even if it is against the oldest guy on the court.
"We're just a couple of stubborn old fools," said Rivers.
The stubborn series is now tied at one game apiece, and the next steps aren't any easier. The series moves to Oakland's Oracle Arena on Thursday and Sunday, where the Clippers have lost five in a row, 15 of 17.
"It's going to be hard, they're going to be ready, they're going to give it all to us," said Rivers.
Another response like this will be needed. But if nothing else, it's clear these Clippers have it in them.
"That momentum, that energy, that camaraderie we played with … we were together all night," said Griffin. "It didn't splinter once."
It started Monday night with Griffin, who sat on the bench for much of the first game with foul trouble, and who was better known for throwing water on a Golden State fan after fouling out than for throwing the ball into the basket.
In Game 1, Griffin had just 16 points. Yet with five minutes left in the second quarter Monday, he already had 16 points, and continued roaring through the Warriors with a flying dunk that seemingly began in East L.A., spinning drives around every golden bridge in sight, and had just four missed shots in 17 attempts.
But his best number of the night? Zero fouls.
Though Chris Paul had 10 assists, he struggled offensively, and Griffin's biggest assist came from a place that was one of the Clippers' biggest Game 1 problems.
The Clippers bench made just eight of 30 shots in the opener? Midway through the second quarter, the bench had already made eight baskets, on 11 shots.
Led by Danny Granger and Hedo Turkoglu, they scored 58 points, making 21 of 38 shots, including eight three-pointers, which was double the number hit by Golden State's entire team.
It was a night with contributions from everyone. Billy Crystal engaged in a courtside makeout session on the Kiss Cam. Ralph Lawler, the Clippers' venerable broadcaster, smiled for the cheering crowd when he was recognized for his 76th birthday.
Even the fans had a direct impact when, after cheering for forlorn benchwarmer Jared Dudley, they were finally rewarded with his late appearance. And, yes, he even scored.
The party concluded during a timeout with about two minutes left in the game, when loudspeakers blared a song that had many dancing in joy and relief.
"Happy" may be a cliche tune at sports events this days, but on Monday it fit, the Clippers finally charging into these playoffs like everyone expected, playing like a room without a roof.
twitter: @billplaschke


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