URGENT: my gnome desktop is dead

["Dot Deb" <dotdeb@gmail.com>]

	This morning I switched my laptop on, as usual, but after logging
	in (using gdm), gnome only shows me the tomboy window. No
	panels, no background, no icons ...

	Yesterday I regularly switched off the laptop. I did not upgrade
	the system recently (I'm running sid).

	I have no idea on where to start debugging the problem.

	I need your help because today I really need to work and I do
	not want to loose my job for that F... gnome.

	By the way what is a stable functional alternative to gnome,
	excluding kde?

	Thanx
	a.