nevermind on both problems.
problem 1 - when I removed the gallery description everything works ok. Not sure why it doesnt work with it, but I didnt want a gallery desc anyway. :p
problem 2 - I found it. It was under the "Publish Content" button under utility functions on the overview tab. Hey dang it it's late and I couldnt think haha. After several minutes of clicking all over the place I finally stumbled upon it. The button named Publish content for the publishing settings...who would have ever thought it? ha.
No replies needed unless you want to make fun of my late night shenanigans...then by all means go ahead!