I'm relatively new myself, but let me share what I've learned.
You set up most of this stuff under your User Control Panel. In the menu bar above, click on "User CP".
The picture on the left is called an Avatar. "Avatars are small graphics that are displayed under your username whenever you post.". To set up one of these, go to the User CP, then click on Edit Avatar.
To set up countdowns, history of your past trips, etc, click on Edit Signature. I got my countdown by going to the website TickerFactory.com. I selected which one I wanted there, then cut and pasted the commands to create it into my Signature panel.
The sayings on the left are "tags". I believe these are left by the Tag Fairies. These are mysterious people associated with these boards who pass out tags at their discretion. It is a joyous occasion when you receive a tag!
For more details, go to the Technical Support forum. There is also a place on this forum to test your signature.
(well, this post brings me one step closer to earning my ears.....)