Because of some problems with the database server at my host, you may experience some delays and "cannot connects".
They have assured me work is under progress, but I have to note I cannot do anything about that myself.
Problems arose on the main db server, after which now the database is running on a less powerful machine until problems are solved.
Apart from that, there will be a new database system version in the next few weeks which is likely to increase database performance, and thus response speeds while you surf this site.
Sorry for the inconvenience