Glad the layout and design is ok! I have subsequently ditched the flashing on the menus. I figured it might be enough if the text mouseover colour was different for each one. The content is not so extraneous that it needs to be so differentiated I suppose.
I agree about the colours on the side bar and the headings. Perhaps the Quick Reference Guide and Coming Events should both be black? I do think the sidebar items should be a colour but perhaps a lighter palette? I am wondering if the welcome area should be a dark colour - good contrast!?
Emma, the image repeat I was referring to is the blue flash that runs across the screen at the top and frames the heading.
Cheers!