Make my current design better? $25 phpld template design

I put together a basic design for a new directory I am launching and I am looking to see if someone can 'spice' it up a little. I know the prize is not BIG but I am looking more for tweaks on my current design, not a brand-new one (that said, if someone blows me away then we can discuss a bonus on top of the $25). There will be screenshots of featured links showing just above the footer like here

Payment to the winner via Paypal, I will close the contest when I find one I like. Preferably in the next 48 hours.

If you want my .psd file to work from that is fine but please post the request publicly in this thread (so no one copies it exactly).

 

Would you prefer I did a new design? It's a simple enough looking layout. Just tell me if that colour is important to you.

 

Those colors are not that important to me, I am flexible.

A quick note: If you use any images make sure they are free to use and make sure they are 'Canadian' related.

 

almost done, please note it DOES reflect the $25 price.

 

Here you go, a reduced size.

 

What do you want in terms of design?

Funky and Web 2.0 style? Colourful? ... or are you more interested in a casual-formal kinda look?

 

I am not sure funky and legal go together. I am open to web 2.0, casual or formal.