I like the layout but obviously there is much content to be added. First thing that i didnt like was there is no logo or banner. Get one of those up and it will make the whole page look much better. Along with that the colors just dont pop at all. I saw the red was used for the contact bar and think the red shold be put throughout the site possibly the header.
The RSS icon is huge and overpowers that side of the page. Consider a smaller one and possibly a red or an orange one. Making it a bright color or generally a different color than the rest of the page will make a bigger statement even though its small. This will draw attention to it without over taking the page. Same with your feedburner chicklet thing, make it orange or red.
I would move the banner ad at the top below the header. No one likes to visit a page and see an ad banner where the header should be unless you have a logo next to it and the banner does not take over the whole header.
Other than what i have said everything looks sleek and simple. Good starting point and much you can do with it.
Good Luck!