Yerga:

Using the examples of 'transparent shaped widgets' from this current thread, can you tell me (offhand) what minimal amount would need to be *removed* (i.e. 'transparency') in order for buttons to work? Also, can you post an example (code) of such a widget?

My own applet is stalled out -- waiting for some sort of resolution. Otherwise, I would need to release it without any 'controls' at all (buttons, menus, etc).