What Plugins would you use?

Hi there, I’m new to wordpress and am considering coding up a clients website using it for CMS with blog.

I’ve figured how how I will run most of the website but for two elements of the design I am totally stumped.

I’m wondering if anyone knows of good plugins that will help me?

1. A plugin for a header image rotator.

and

2. Trunctuated blog posts, I guess this is something you can figure out from the codex? or would you use a plugin for ease?

This is the html/css mock-up so you see what I’m planning to do.

http://classcreative.co.uk/clienttesting/mhatest/

Thank You Very Much!