Simpler is better?

I am a big fan of simplicity in an interface. Of course I like cool widgets on a site, but only if they serve a purpose, not to just take up space. I like to be able to find what I'm looking for, and not have to load a ton of applets. One good example of simplicity is the widely read drudgereport.com It is a news site with mostly just text links, and a small amount of pictures. The links are in 3 neat rows, which is easy to read. To read an article, you just click on a link and it takes you to the article. CNN.com on the other hand, has all kinds of tables, sections, and video applets all over the main page. If you click on a link, you might go to a text article, you might end up watching a video. There isn't really an option between them for users with slow internet. The different news sections are listed at the top, middle and bottom. Some people might like every option imaginable, but to me, CNN.com is cluttered. And even though it might have some good graphics and animations, I would prefer the basic layout of drudgereport.com