The new layout is all kinds of slick. The banners for the articles are muuuuuch more attractive, and I like the idea of consilidating all the different types of entries. Defiintely a good overall look.

The only complaint from this end is that there's a whole lot of space on the sides of the article/post window. Looks to be equal 1/3s for the left, middle, and right blocks. Dunno if it's just my browser, but it seems empty.

Other than that, like I said, the overall look is very very nice. And this little text box extender is Cool! Congrats.