This is in no way a punbb problem, it turns out to be a mysql issue. The server guys must have allowed things to get all wonky.
Most likely something went south, and they restored a backup, or they are upgrading the mysql server and not telling me.
Yes, it seems to point to a corrupt table etc...I will continue to work it out, I appreciate you guys responding...You never understand a problem till you try to explain it to others after all.
/jason