Not sure if you read the post above or were just posting same time, layout problem is fixed by decreasing size of images in story blocks as you suggest.

However the problem with the side blocks and the spacing between left and center block is still there........ Sorry for the 'PIA' just since I adjusted the blocks everything is good except for the bottom bar. The spacing issue between the left and center blocks has been in their from stock install of the theme. So I am guessing that is probably unrelated to pic size........

Happy to work out a small payment for your time if required....... just pm me.