How do I make the Close Date default to Today when creating an Oppty?

Thank you

I need to create a reminder for when a stage has not changed and another for when  the opportunity close date has lapsed.

Any help would be great.

Jonathon 

Hi there,

Is it possible to make the standard Close Date field to be NOT required?  I cannot even remove it from the page layout, it does not move.

Basically, the Sales users cannot predict when the Oppty would be closed so they are reluctant to enter the Close Date field.

Thanks