Eureka! Finally got the Windows login problem solved. Several of the tips folks passed along referred to changing the value of a registry key called "autologon," and the solution turned out to be related, as it was actually deleting that entry that solved the problem. It was an email from Jason that got me onto the fix, though Bagpuss points out that this troubleshooting page he sent along also has that tip. Thanks to all who offered assistance, I hope this helps some of the many of you that wrote in saying you had the same glitch, which, of course, is the payoff for going through all this in this space.

Link of the Day: cr0bar's parody of the matrix, brought to you by efnet #nerds. Keep meaning to post that one. Thanks chiQ for the reminder that finally took hold.
Bonus Link: This Penny Arcade Cartoon. Hey, it gets like that sometimes (especially around the holidays). Thanks LoneGunman.
Story(s) of the Day(s): New Data Show No Sign U.S. Economy Slowed (Reuters-January 5) and Economy Shows Signs of Slowing (Reuters-January 6). What a difference a day makes. Thanks Mark Krynsky.
Image of the Day: The Pimp from Reebok. Thanks CausticPuppy.