Gnome log out problems: is there an alternate method?

[Armando Singer <Asinger MAIL COLGATE EDU>]

I cannot log out of Gnome from the menu or from my log out panel button.
When I click them, it seems like nothing happens. Is there a logout command
that I can type in a terminal? If this doesn't work, is there another safe
way to log out? And if any of the log out options don't work, what is the
best way to get out of Gnome? Thanks.

Armando