Well, my favorite color is purple, but I'll try to keep that out of it.
I agree that the java pop-up distracts too much. A link somewhere might be better, or at the least a pop-up not so large and on the center of the screen.
I would get rid of the bevel and try different techniques using borders and lines. In this regard, the simpler the better.
Personally, I don't like the logo. The text doesn't fancy me considering this is a design site.
The roll-overs are nice, though.