From the how to blog design guide the components of a modern/standard blog are broken down. In trying to simplify the design of SSR in its current incarnation I removed the header and secondary links sections. Most blog headers are too busy or too big. For instance Design Observer's header draws the eye away from the content. I am probably going to redesign SSR again soon, once I decide on a layout. I want to integrate camriley.com and the AFC site into it. Probably through some form of tabbing or javascript switching - I am not sure yet.
I still like the current SSR design, I think it has aged well. I bought The Best of Brochure Design 07 recently. The designers that create layouts for brochures and print media have a wonderful understanding of white space and how the eye flows across a page. I will probably trawl it for ideas. Another good place to search for layout designs are in magazine adverts. They are usually exceptionally well layed out as well.
Update A fellow I work with who specialises in user experience pointed out that sites with different designs and audiences can use an icon rather than tabs to point that out. For instance the flyted link on the united airways site.
