Hmm maybe I can roll with the blogs. I'm sure the members on my site would enjoy that.. I came up with a quick mock-up from the current layout being worked on.. I might just give in and read up on customizing for wordpress and finish it all myself =/

Here's basically what I'm looking to map out.. the whole middle area was thrown together just so I don't forget how I want it laid out.

I blurred out the site name, just in case it's against any rules here.. I dunno =/