Windows 7 Alpha has been released and promises an change for Microsoft. A big surprise is many of the applications that have been stuffed into windows for years will be taken out. Outlook Express, Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery. The plan is to make the O/S a bit thinner. The applications along with other will be available for download via Windows Live.

It would seem Microsoft is positioning Windows Live to become a search and services portal and by somewhat forcing Windows users through the site there hoping some will stay and steer away from Google.

A key aspect of Windows 7 is it being coded in a more modular way. The same basic pipes are still there but the plan is by modular coding and testing they can have a more secure infrastructure and fewer bugs. This is really a result from the Vista burn that Microsoft is still shaking off today. A big feature set Microsoft is working with vendors on is faster booting and load times and improved accessory management (play DVDs without Booting the entire O/S).

I have to admit I am excited about the upcoming release. It seems Microsoft really gets it right about every other release so if things hold true it should be a winner. I read Steve Balmer is pressing the schedule of the release up nearly two years, if this is true and he pushes to hard not allowing time for testing it could be a disaster. Time will certainly tell.

GAG is a graphical boot manager for loading mutiple operating systems on a single machine. GAG allows for installing multiple windows installations on the same hard disk and operating systems off remote disks. It supports hard drives up to 4tb. The GAG configuration interface may be pasword protected as well as each O/S install may password protected as well. It is an excellent app and best of all it’s free. Get it Here.

If you are a person who uses many applications and leaves them open and hot-keys between apps and struggles with room and clutter on you’re windows desktop then Deskspace is for you.

Deskspace is a desktop manager that provides 6 desktops for your windows system. Hitting a hot key displays your desktops in a 3D cube which can be rotated easily by mouse or using arrow keys. You can drag applications to new windows and see all applications on all windows from the app utility in the tool bar.

The XP Power pack provides multiple desktops, but Deskspace provides a really refreshing graphical means to interact with the desktops and applications.

The application is fast, easy and highly customizable. http://www.otakusoftware.com/deskspace/

I’m creating a website where residents of Lebanon Maine may visit to share insight, exchange ideas, discuss topics, and post opinion all in an effort of improving our Town management, educating residents and hopefully reduce spending and taxes while improving services. I will be posting any of Lebanon information there as well.

I invite you to visit, register, and become involved. http://ourvoice.stadig.org

I attended the selectmen meeting anticipating much discussion on the ideas and concerns of the residents from the special town meeting held last night. This post is not intended to be “meeting minutes” but simply my observations. Attendees: Selectmen Churchard and Frizzell, Town Clerk Laura Bragg, Secretary to Selectmen Sue Collins and five residents.

I arrived at 6:35pm to the town hall after finding the meeting had moved from the published location of the Elementary School. When I walked in there were three other residents standing in the lobby. They were told to wait, huh?  The Secretary to the selectmen came out a few minutes later and we all headed to the meeting room where the door was being opened and a woman was leaving.

We signed-in The first resident was recognized and explained he was having difficulty registering his automobiles due to the hours maintained by the town. Laura Bragg explained the town was testing the state Fast File system and likely in a couple weeks re-registration couple be done online.

One resident was recognized and explained that after the meeting last night she felt compelled to learn more about the towns operations and felt she could help in some way. Selectmen Churchard explained that we don’t have enough involvement and participation by citizens and her participation was welcome.

I explained i understood the school for the last two years to have added about a dollar each year to the mill rate. What are the large drivers of the increase on the municipal side.? I was told it was an article on Plowing that was passed and increases in other areas. I asked several other questions on this same line and could not get a clear answer only to hear we don’t have enough surplus.

I explained i thought that school superintendent did an excellent job explaining the schools portion of the increase and asked if a similar comparison was available or could be made for expense categories by year for the town? I was pointed to look at the town book. I explained that the information comparison must have been compiled for budget and review and it would have been helpful had they demonstrated the expense history to the residents.

At 7pm bids for the Winter Sand were opened there were three and a motion was made and accepted to take the cheapest bid.

Selectmen Churchard  asked each of the selectmen if they had anything else and made a quick motion to adjourn. One of the woman asked a question regarding the cutting of timber that came up last night and if it was indeed occurring. Selectmen Frizzell had visited the area this morning and timber operations were underway and payment checks are expected very soon. I asked if the town indeed does not have a charter as was pointed out last night. Selectmen Churchard stated we did not and several unsuccessful attempts have been made to create a charter, town plan, growth plan …etc and all of them have been voted down by the residents. Selectmen Churchard also said a committee has been formed to create a new town plan for proposal next year.

A couple more residents arrived about 7:15pm (after having gone to elementary school) they had questions on the timber and it was briefly re-explained. Selectmen Churchard motioned to adjourn and they all stood up ending the meeting at about 7:25pm.

After leaving i spoke outside  with the other residents attending. We exchanged our dissatisfaction of handling of the meeting and the tax problem. I encouraged them to maintain participation and be involved.

A Sample of Next Weeks Questions:

Why is the meeting location not posted as being the Elementary School and not the Town Hall?

Could an easel or sign be set-up in the lobby or door of the Town Hall, welcoming residents or guests to the meeting room out back?

Why were the residents not included when meeting was started and told to wait?

Is there a time in the regular meeting or another meeting possibly where residents questions might be answered and dialog could be exchanged? As a resident it is hard to gauge if we should chime in on issues or wait until the meeting is opened. We were not asked if we were all set prior to adjourning or thanked for attending making us feel very unwelcome.

Why are dogs allowed in the Town Hall?  The Secretary to Selectmen had a dog in the meeting room and on her lap for most of the meeting.

What meetings are being held and when in regards to Town Business?.   ie. Growth Plan Committee, Budget Committee, School Board, Board of Adjustment etc .

Of course there will be more on expenses….