\_ ok,
\_ I checked the logs to make sure there wasn't a problem and
\_ guess what: something even wierder shows up..
\_ 
\_ approximate,y 4 minutes before the system locks and forces a reboot
\_ (the hard way), all system logging appears to cease. no indications
\_ of shutdown, or other activities. they just have a time gap in them.
\_ 
\_ the restarts do show up though.

Are four minute quiet gaps in your logs normal?  I know on some of the
systems I've seen, a 4 minute gap would be a small one.

David