HTML vs XHTML vs 178 days...and counting

I'm back after a one day hiatus, feeling rejuvenated and invigorated. Ready to start tackling the many aspects and angles of modern day marriage preparations. Ready? Well, not really. It seems this BLOG thing has taken on a life of its own. As many as you already know (not really), one of my personality profiles encompasses the idea of delving deep into interesting projects. Deep, real deep. So off I went into discovering (peeping behind the curtain) the inner workings of this blog site. Think Pandora.
I am not a webmaster, but have handle PC's since the late '80s. Remember TRS 80 (Trash 80-8k ram, up to 16k, up to 32). I've recruited all level of Engineers and Programmers, throughout my career, and spent lots of time asking questions. My progression goes back to the days ComputerWorld mag was mailed out for free. I know, the geeks get it, and the net surfers/readers are ready to switch to another blog. Hold on. It get' s better.

For those looking to start their own blog (and possibly make some page changes on their own):

I used one of the templates offered on this site. The code is written in (eXtensible Hyper Text Markup Language) XHTML1.0 Strict (ugh?). Like I tried to explain to my fiance last night, (while she sat their with love in her heart for me coupled with this blank stare on her face, I assume counting the minutes until I finished babbling about things not related to our impending marriage. PS She is great), web design has evolved into a simple process of proper thought and words mixed with proper SYNTAX. That's it. If you can read and follow directions, YOU, too, can be a Webmaster (or whattabe, like me). (Note: I mean no disrespect to those individuals who have labored in college or other programs to become certified Webmasters. Making high-end webpages with 'bells' and 'whistles' takes a lot more training than what you can get from a book or the net. But then, Bill Gates is a college drop-out!).

So here's what I have found out so far:

For good info (FAQ) on blogs (besides my parent-allegiance to blogger.com) try andreas. He gives some good straight forward info. Also, I went to Barnes and Noble looking for books (no patience, need immediate response, sorry Amazon) and discovered that they have XHTML (priced at $2.99! Cheaper that the HTML?) and HTML ($9.95) books by Mike Mcgrath that explain introductory concepts on modern day code for Web design at cheap prices. There are many other books starting at $40 and higher that get further involved in Web design. The BEST SITE for information is w3schools. Here you can self-educate to your hearts content. They include references and list that help supplement your books (for free!).
SO what did I learn and do so far? Well I know that XHTML is the future of the Internet. It's almost identical to HTML 4.01 combined with the Syntax of XML (a whole other story), and that it can also.....OH...forget about it. You'll figure it. And what have I done, so far, with this vast knowledge. I...I well I... I italic-ed my introduction. WOW! Super Webmaster.
Have fun with it and don't forget; I'm still getting married in 178 DAYS!