>>Sure. See attached
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>Ok, all appears normal at this point except for the fact that the Google ads are not there. I wonder how you succeeded to avoid seeing that. There should be a section for that on the upper right right under the MereMortals banner.
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>As for the background of the main content area, I am trying to find a background color that would do. The problem is that the background color is being shown more widely now. So, having the same background color all over for such a wide area is not that good either. I tried light and dark versions and it is not any better. I also tried white and it was worst. I will however have some enhancements in the way the top 10 news are being shown (the ones under the login). So, that would help.

I actually don't mind the new colors and layout (too much) :o) One thing though, I think displaying the last few messages and threads right below the login area (as it used to be) is a better idea because that tells folks who go to that login page immediately that it is (primarily) a forum site with much more as well.