sync with 2.3.99

[Garst R. Reese]

Is there any workaround to this problem?
util-linux-2.10h's mount won't build.
sync does not seem to be happening on shutdown.
As a consequence of spilling a cup o' java in my laptop keyboard, I had
to some hard resets. Several /etc files went missing.
I think this falls in the categories of "show stopper" and "brown paper
bag":)
Garst