How about the day of the week where the time stamp is and omitting the word "date":?
ie:
Tues, 3/7/2001 1:38:38 AM (ET)
or
Tues, 3/7/01 1:38 AM(ET)
P.S> I don't mind the seconds showing up, makes it kinda interesting for grubbing purposes, should that ever happen here, but it does seem to make that area a little busy. Could even reduce the year "2001" to just '01 also.
Just thinking out loud if anyone is listening.
EDIT, naaa, I like toe 2001 in there. nix that one.