Frasier,
I agree on the Google Ad. It takes up much too much real estate on the page. A side bar would be better or even down at the bottom, but I would think Google doesn't like that much.
Also... With the links bar on the right and the images also on the right....it has become rightsided "heavy". If the links bar would be shifted to the left then visual balance is achevied. The "Recent forum Threads" could be on the top instead the bottom. As it's a smaller box, it is lost under the weight of the much longer links side bar. Would this be linked as well, as it is currently? If not, then I would keep the "Whats Happening on the Universe Today Forum" setup just the way it currently is on the bottom of the newsletter page.
I like that you are changing things around and asking for input. It means you are indeed a true servant of your readers and passioned about your endeavour.
Too cool.
Thanks for your work, as I come to depend on it.