Has anyone experienced (within last 7 days) a problem with logging in
ie the log-in facility on the big red line - isn't there ?

Yes!
There is only the login button. I can click that and get to a login page.
I was thinking it was browser related - seem to remember it
happening with netscape (or more accurately a netscape ripoff running
under linux), but not having problems with internet explorer in
windows. But I haven't paid close attention to when it does or doesn't
happen.

Thanks, glad I'm not alone - any ideas as to why we can't log in from
the first screen (ie the home page) it's a real pain having to then hit
either "home" or the login button and THEN be able to enter my id.