Sorry if this is a dumb question - but I cant figure this out for whatever reason (lol)

 

How the hell do I configure the sidebar / announcements, etc. ??

 

 

In order for Announcements to show up, you need Announcements  . You can add Announcements via the ModCP or the "Create +" menu item in the header of the default theme.

there is a tiny little thing also at your left hand border of your browsing window,  

(about 5 mm small ) 

 and if you click on it  as an admin  you can edit whats in the sidebar /ad some blocks

So easy to miss this.