belMarduk asks:
Is anybody else's access to AWAD slow as molasses these days.

Yes, for a couple of weeks it has been that slow and while you were away, we were actually deprived of AWAD completely. There was a whole thread where people described how they coped with the withdrawal symptoms.

What is with the big harsh black line at the top of the screen? Seems a little severe, somewhat akin to correctional institutions. Did we not like the old cheerful AWAD headings?

Also, while you were away someone said something like "hey, isn't it about time for a change around here?" and there was a flurry of design suggestions, color combinations, placement of headings, etc, etc. There is a whole thread on that also. (Sorry I forgot what it was called)
I must confess I did look forward to seeing some exciting innovations, what with all the hoopla about it.
I know that mournful black strip was not one of the suggested change.
Anyway, I know how severe the withdrawal symptoms are when deprived of AWAD, so I ain't complaining.