To get Drupal set up the way I wanted for DrupNewb I did need to change a few settings.

admin->site configuration->clean URLS
I enabled clean urls

admin->site configuration->site information
I set the Name to "DrupNewb"
I set the Slogan, Mission Statement, and Footer messages.
I set anonymous user to "Visitor"

admin->site building->themes
I set the default theme to bluemarine
In bluemarine->configure I set it to display logo, site name, and site slogan.
I also set up a new site logo, which I talk about in my last blog.

admin->site building->modules
I set most of the modules to enabled. I'm not really sure what I will use here, but I should try to check out as much as I can given that the purpose of this site is to learn all about Drupal's capabilities.