Standards
I agree that this site should have a standard menu in addition to the search bar menu but otherwise it seems to be fairly typical in layout.
I actually agree with the loaded up bottom zone and feel that is the appropriate location to offer both the corporate links (a standard?) and smorgasbord pseudo site map (a growing layout option)
I am not aware of any of this being a standard. These are user interface (layout) conventions, not standards.
I do agree it is unwise to ignore these conventions and frustrate users. In fact, I agree with much of what has been said in the comments, but do not feel it applies to TechRepublic nearly as much as other sites.
