Weblog help

Hi,

I am just creating up a little weblog for myself. My site is http://www.matts-site.co.uk
I want to know what plugin would enable me to have a slideshow on the front page above the text but below the menu. And it will scroll through photos and have a small title init and when the image is clicked it will take you to that page/blog.

Also I’d like social “ears/tags” on the side of the page. When I edit the page there is an edit ear and date that appear on the left side of the main background and I’d like to have a little Facebook and Twitter ear there for people to like or follow.

Also how can I get people to subscribe to my blog?

Many thanks in advance.
Matt