Ubuntu :: Adding Widgets Or At Least The Date To The Top Bar In Unity?

In Ubuntu 10.10 one was able to add widgets, such as the full date (not just the time) to the top bar in Gnome. Can you do this in Unity? I like being able to quickly look at the bar and see the date (I'm forgetful) but all that is there is the time. I do miss not having the applications bar where you can look and see just what applications are running and quickly cycle between them. Right now I need to mouse over the dock (and sometimes do a little mouse dance) to open it and then scroll down it to access something that is open and happens to be at the bottom of the list. I felt that having the bar exposed was more efficient, although maybe not as elegant looking.