This is kinda fun if I didnt have someone nagging all the time that they they werent getting any attention...arghh..woman..you think that I would have learned after 2 divorces....arghhhh
It's easy create 1 layer on top of a backround layer.
Use the elliptical marque tool. Fill it.
Create a new layer. Make a new marque (smaller one) and make it the same color as the backround color. Move it to make the twirl appear how you like it...
That banner has really come a long way! Looks good.
Here's something to try and see if you like it better:
Make THEALTONPOST.net larger, maybe bolder, and make it extend further to the right.
If you only have Forums and Chat listed on the banner, you might be able to extend THEALTONPOST.net close to the newspaper graphic and put Forums over and Chat under.
Try THEALTONPOST.net as 3 words with spacing to see if it makes it more legible. You have the url there, so the title doesn't need to be it too.
Just some thoughts for experimenting....and if you do that and like it better, you can just owe me.