The first thing I notice is that sitepal thing. I've seen it around and I think its a good idea but turn the settings so that it doesn't play unless someone clicks on it. Sound bombardment is always a turn off for visitors and it may be a reason they only stay mere seconds. Give them the option to play the sound and people may be more receptive.
IS it a good idea to add a flash file in your website? Would that hinder the speed of loading the page?