Okay. Well I figured out Point 1 all by myself and of course the web which is a terrific advantage.

Since this uses the Smarty Template Engine, I learned that Smarty uses a Fetch command for ssi's and the like, so I was able to install cutenews on my site and then call the headlines using the fetch command.

Look at my test site and notice the left column. It inserting an include using the Smarty fetch command (http://yeole.com/test/bodyshoprap) in /templates/default/main.tpl. When ever I add a news story it will update the page and when inserted updates this column.

Here is the exact code I am using (if you or anyone needs to know):
{fetch file='http://yeole.com/test/bodyshoprap/news/show_news.php?template=top_news}

Point 2. I am still fighting. But thanks for the help. Bogie if you are the developer you have a nice product here. Thanks! If you are not and know whom it is tell them thanks!

Rob