Help with logo

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9444/kdlogo0001yp1.png

What is the most effective way to:

1) change the background color to whatever gradient I want.
2) Select the Ducks-- the Kirsten logo and the little line under the name and change it to whatever color I want.

I tried to utilize various selection methods-- but every time I select using the magic wand it destroys some of the clarity of the picture-- and everytime I lasso select, I grab too much of the surroundings. Perhaps there is just a way to change all the colors effectively and easily?

Thank you,

File not found

I edited the link-- thank you for informing me.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/0cf3ca/
That's the indirect link if it matters

As you can see the ducks and the lettering are granier than the original (as seen in the original post) is there a way to make it smoother? I really don't know how. And I think I erased the smoothness by using color range selector and deleting some of the key intermediary colors within the logo.

these are the colors that are desired--- I just need the logo smooth like the original. Crisp. Nice to look at.

perhaps you guys could edit it and send it back?

I really appreciate your help

select... color range... expand... dessaturate
http://wwi.picturesloaded.com/users/endat/Untitled-1.png

Endat1 said:

select... color range... expand... dessaturate
http://wwi.picturesloaded.com/users/endat/Untitled-1.png

Great tip Endat1!

I like where you're going with this logo. What I might play with is that wave/line the ducks are on. Since you have a fade in the background you could even fade or blur that wave. It might look nice...for what that's worth