Offending software more than likely. I just installed BitTorrent today to see what all the hype was (I know, last week's news, how long have I been under a rock... yadda yadda). I am assuming BT screwed up something because the uninstaller wasn't present though was listed in add/remove progs. Haven't done a damn thing except restart an emule download and have been fine since I originally posted.
As I said... it just be pissin me off. That's all.