Redesign Updates

More updates. Force refresh browser cache if you cannot see updated mockup.
Been working on your feedback. gave the top band more space, restored orange to the site strip at the top but added a color picker so you can set the color.
Still having challenges with the main post as that image is resized automatically - meaning that the height maybe bigger or smaller. If its bigger I can use CSS to crop the image but not too sure what to do if its smaller.

Thinking of having the middle column show articles for new users.

EDIT: How important is it to you to see the category of the post/article?

I must have redesigned the top page at least 101 times by now ^^;
If you have not seen previous designs, check the History of dannychoo.com article.

This is an incomplete mockup of the top page that I've been working on.
The text is dummy text which you can ignore. The main area at the top houses the latest articles. The main image area can be configured to show the first image from previous posts in a slideshow view but does not have to be that way. Will be using jquery and not flash > http://www.malsup.com/jquery/cycle/int2.html

Folks who use the top page the most are regular visitors which is why I've gotten rid of the thumbnails at the top. I also want the top page to load quicker for first time visitors who are most likely to scroll down the page rather than immediately click on a thumbnail - although many go straight for the idol thumbnail ^^;

As with previous designs, I need your input before I can continue. If you have any design ideas, mocks or links then please share.