On the gnome panel, there is a worklist line, on the left side of the panel, that is just to the right of the icons. On the right side, there is another line, with the clock, RHN applet, etc to the right of it.
How do you get back that line on the right side? I can't even start rhn-applet without it.
Sounds like you're missing the status dock. Right-click on the panel -> Add to panel -> Utility -> Notification Area.
