Just recently I have found that when a page is done loading it has these bits and pieces - almost in the background sometimes - but talking up space on the page - they are part of "Action Canceled" page thing - but just parts of it? Any ideas on what is causing it and how to fix it? thanks. m:-|

I think you might have spyware, try running spybot or adaware.
spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org/
adaware: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Have you tried any 'tricks' which involve editing the 'HOSTS' file, in order to block Banner Ads? That's one possible answer. If you've used 'SpywareBlaster' this is a possible result

You could also work through the issues and techniques in this Knowledge Base Article to try and resolve the matter.