I appreciate the feedback. The body of each item is black, so I figure you're referring to the header text for each item ("by:", "submitted:", etc.) and the links. I've darkened them up a bit.
Think it's a few factors - it's still too light (imho) - also it's above the text, so the eye is automatically drawn to it. I keep trying to read it, whereas (I guess) you're actually trying to de-emphasise it. Perhaps try at the bottom of each entry?