Color Scheme and Background

[BottomUpSites]

I am looking for a good color scheme (font color and background color) for the sites I have for sale.

Example: Work Sucks Forum

I am also looking for a background for my Web Development site:
Bottom Up Sites

I wanted some kind of transparent globe, or really anything I can use that is Internet or Development related.

 

[Torquex]

I think keeping it plain and simple would be nice. The red text box you have there is way too bright.

 

[BottomUpSites]

I toned down the red a bit, what do you think now? You should have saw it before, it had a gray background with brown text.

 

[Zaiaku]

Its very bright for me as well.

 

[BottomUpSites]

I don't want it too dark because I don't like dark red. I currently have #ee2222, any suggestions on a red that is not too dark, but not too bright?