Start!

Try Start! 2 - a new version has been published:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/start-2/kmpdihgkoocjnalpalbomgfmheaooclo

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This is an alternative start page for Chrome.

On the main pane you will have your bookmarks taken from the Bookmarks Bar. To put new sites there, just bookmark the sites as normally - into the bookmarks bar.

Below it are the Chrome Web Apps. There is also a possibility to add your favorite news feed to the page.

This uses Flickr for the background photos. You can also specify your own background with an url.

C|Net review:
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57393672-285/customize-and-enhance-chromes-start-tab/
Lifehacker review:
http://lifehacker.com/5881052/lifehacker-faceoff-the-best-start-pages-for-your-browser

FAQ:
Q: Where's the "recently closed tabs"?
A: It will there when it becomes available in Chrome extension API. In the meanwhile you can use Ctrl + Shift + T to re-open a recently closed tab. This is a faster method anyway.

Troubleshooting:
- Press Ctrl-R to refresh the page if something strange happens.

Some people have had trouble uninstalling this. There are many ways to uninstall a Chrome extension - at least two ways through menus, and one way on this very page.

Buzzwords: new tab, startpage, speed dial, rss, feed

Feedback: https://chromestart.uservoice.com/