Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds

Profiles of approximately 150 breeds are arranged by AKC groups. Valuable information on traits, grooming, exercise and nutrition needs, hundreds of color photos and black-and-white line art make this a must reference book

Site: Choose the Right Dog For You

Author: SoYouWanna.com

URL: http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/rightdog/rightdog.html

Dr. Brain feels strongly that you should not choose a dog based on what breed your favorite movie star owns, or that dog you saw walking down the street last week that looked so adorable. All dogs are not created equal, and some breeds are going to be better suited to your lifestyle, circumstances, and personality. This little guide will either prepare you for dog ownership or convince you that you'd be happier with a nice goldfish.

Tip: Check out the right-hand column for links to related subjects.

ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs

This authoritative volume on selecting and caring for any kind of dog focuses - in the ASPCA tradition - on mixed breeds, a major difference from most other dog books, which describe only purebreds. 650+ photos.

The Dog's Mind: Understanding Your Dog's Behavior

How do dogs perceive the world about them? How do they see, hear, learn, relate to their owners? Veterinarian Dr. Bruce Fogle has written the most inclusive and relevant book on how the canine mind works.

Site: SITE

Author: AUTHOR

URL: http://www.trainyourdoginseconds.com/

Dog training through effective communication with your pet is the focus of this excellent online program of non-violent training. See TIP, below, for how to find the articles.

Tip: Click the clock icon in the center of the page linked above, then explore the three colums of links at the bottom of the destination page. The left two colums contain brief, informative articles on 10 aspects of dog trainging. The right-hand column, "Must-Have Commands," links to the for-sale portion of the program, an online manual which is very reasonably priced at US$5.

Good Owners, Great Dogs

Solves all those "bad dog" problems by showing owners how to read dogs' body language and communicate with patience, praise, and clarity

So Your Dog's Not Lassie: Tips for Training Difficult Dogs and Independent Breeds

Contrary to what you've always heard, not all dogs want to earn their owner's approval. Sometimes they seem as if they could not care less. "If you're frustrated and about ready to give up on [your dog], don't pack it in without first perusing this compelling guidebook." (The Seattle Times)

Site: Adam's Dog Training Library

Author: Adam Katz

URL: http://www.dogproblems.com/articles.htm

These are not tutorials so much as mini-articles on various aspects of dog training. They're included here because the advice is clear, succinct, and good. Whether it's doggie manners, the order in which to teach a dog commands, or handling aggression problems, there are a lot of good solutions here. The articles are part of a larger site that includes books and videos for sale, a dog training discussion group, and more.

Tip: You can also subscribe here to a Weekly Dog Training Tips Newsletter.

Dog Talk: Training Your Dog Through a Canine Point of View

The first and only dog-training book that truly takes readers inside the canine mind, enabling them to communicate effectively with their pets.

The 300,000 Mile Car

How to keep your car on the road and running right

Site: Autoshop 101

URL: http://www.autoshop-online.com/home.html

"A free tutorial on the inner workings of the major subsystems of the modern automobile." That about covers it. Illustrated, but not particularly interactive. Site also features car care tips and a paid "second opinion" service.

Free Trial!

Affordable High Speed Internet

Site: Free-ed.net: Automotive Systems I

URL: http://www.free-ed.net/fr02/lfc/0201/100/Default.asp

Five units and dozens of sub-units providing an overview of the internal combustion engine and how it works. Links to illustrations on many pages. Short companion course in Automotive Electricity here: http://www.free-ed.net/fr02/lfc/0201/110/lessonmain.asp

Tip:Annoyance Alert: Really bright, continuously blinking banners, whose absence might have gained this site another brain.

Auto Repair for Dummies

The ultimate guide to all things automotive, updated with the latest information on today's cars - clear, comprehensive, and non-technical discussions of how cars work - 300+ illustrations

The Art of Mehndi

All about Henna Tattooing and how to do it.

Site: The Art of Mehndi

URL: http://tattoo.about.com/library/weekly/aa050900a.htm

Four illustrated tutorials for the beginner in henna tattoing. Learn to mix your own henna paste, make your own cones, create patterns, and apply the tattoos.

Tip: At the bottom of the fourth tutorial is a link to some free mehndi designs. Just below that, you can subscribe to a henna tattooing newsletter.

Henna from Head to Toe

Body Decorating, Hair Coloring, Medicinal Uses

Mehndi: The Timeless Art of Henna Painting

This book provides readers with all the information they need to paint themselves or a friend - 50 color photos

Site: Henna Dancer

URL: http://www.hennadancer.com/

This is a commercial site, not a learning site, per se, but they offer a tutorial on mixing and using henna, and a good troubleshooting section. From the page linked above, click the "Henna & Mehndi" link in the left-hand frame. On that page, click either "How-To" or "Troubleshooting" at the top of the page. The accompanying "Gallery" pages, also linked from the top of this page, show photos of some mehndi tattoos.

Tip: A frames-only site.

The Mehndi Kit

Create your own dazzling mehndi designs with this kit which includes organic henna, 20 design transfers, and a 72-page illustrated book with complete instructions

Site: Becoming Webwise

Author: BBC

URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/learn/index.shtml

Eight subject areas, each with three subsections, take Web beginners through the very basics of connecting to the World Wide Web, email, building webpages, digital TV, legal matters, and more, all at the learner's own pace. Lessons, quizzes, interactive tasks. You can register to receive certification for the course.

Creating Cool HTML 4 Web Pages (2 ed)

Staying on top of the latest advancements of HTML, this guide shows how to add spice and "wake up" Web sites with sound, video, and animation - CD ROM included

Site: Basic HTML Primer

Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D.

URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/primer_1.html

If other HTML learning sites or books have intimidated you in the past, try this one. Every aspect of HTML for the nervous beginner is painstakingly explained, step-by-step. It's even set up so that you can do one lesson a day to master HTML basics in a week.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating an HTML 4 Web Page

Combines solid instruction with a light-hearted style of wit and humor - CD-ROM offers a "WebMaster's Tool Kit", everything needed to create, publish, customize, and manage web pages

Creative HTML Design.2 with CDROM

Digs beneath the surface of great Web design and shows the coding theory and technique that can make readers the best Web designer they can be - CD-ROM includes demo software

Site: HTML For Beginners

Author: Fred Dekker and Donald St. John

URL: http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/0-3881-8-5893399-1.html

This excellent site will walk you through every aspect of building a website, no matter how little you know about the subject, and teach you the basics of site design at the same time you're learning HTML markup. Clean, clear, navigable, and easy to understand.

CSS Pocket Reference

This pocket reference book puts all the essentials of this vital Web technology right in a Web developer's pocket

HTML 4 For Dummies (with CD ROM)

This friendly guide delivers the most recent updates to HTML tags and scripting so you can start publishing Web-savvy documents -- fast!

Site: Banner Primers

Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D. and Andree Growney

URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/bannerprimers.html

7 primers on designing ad banners from the ground up. Learn how to create them, animate them, and use them. Here's a web tutorial that's been needed for a long time.

Creating Web Pages with HTML Simplified

A four-color approach to teach beginners how to create Web pages with HTML - Illustrations on every page, helping users learn more with less reading - The most complete visual book available

The Hip-Pocket Guide to HTML 4

Loaded with HTML examples, screen shots, and concise explanations

Site: HTMLementary

Author: P.J. LaBrocca

URL: http://labrocca.com/htmlementary/

Great side-by-side HTML tutorial. Sample code is show on the left side, browser output on the right. Read the "Getting Started" section to learn how the tutorial works. Site also offers a free HTML editor and a free browser.

Tip: Follow link above to HTMLementary and click "Tutorial".

HTML 4.01 Weekend Crash Course with CD-ROM

These 30-minute lessons are written to meet the needs of readers new to HTML and to scripting and mark-up languages, but also useful for those who have some knowledge

HTML: A Beginner's Guide

A beginner's guide to HTML and Web Design, with illustrations

Site: Authoring: HTML Basics

Author: WebMonkey

URL: http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/authoring/html_basics/index.html

This site, with 16 subject areas and dozens of HTML tutorials and articles, is a great place for beginners to learn the basics of HTML authoring and web site design.

Tip: Don't overlook the offsite recommendations at the bottom of the page linked above.

HTML Goodies (2 ed)

Based on the popular tutorials at HTMLGoodies.com, covers all the basics and continues with advanced tutorials.

Essential Dynamic HTML Fast: Developing an Interactive Web Site

Site: Authoring: DHTML

Author: WebMonkey

URL: http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/authoring/dynamic_html/

8 basic DHTML Tutorial and article areas, plus an extra section on tips. For the advanced Web author.

Tip:

Dynamic HTML in Action

How to use Dynamic HTML as a multimedia authoring tool for Web, network, or CD-ROM-based productions

The Book of JavaScript: A Practical Guide to Interactive Web Pages with CDROM

Learn how to use JavaScript to add interactivity, animation and other tricks to your Web pages – on your own and without cut-and-paste solutions

JavaScript in Action

Site: JavaScript: a Tutorial for the Total Non-Programmer

Author: WebTeach Software

URL: http://www.webteacher.com/javascript/index.html

JavaScript from the ground up in seven chapters plus goodies. Divided into small chunks with lots of examples and illustrations where necessary, the program is intended for upper-grade students, which makes it a good bet for beginners of any age.

Tip: The red rectangle link at the bottom of each page will take you to the next portion of the lesson.

Designing With Javascript 2ND Edition

The JavaScript book for the rest of us, this book focuses on the most useful and applicable scripts for making truly interactive, engaging Web sites

DSLAge.com

Site: JAVAScript Primers

Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D. and Andree Growney

URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/jsp/

30 primers cover JAVAScript from Dates, Times, and Event Handlers to Loops and Arrays and beyond. Each learning unit is presented, deconstructed, and summarized, then there's an assignment you can do to put what you've learned to practical use. Dr. Brain was wowed by how well these primers were written and presented.

Tip:

Instant JavaScript

No time to learn JavaScript? This is the book you've been looking for!

CGI Programming 101

Programming Perl for the World Wide Web

Site: PERL Primers

Author: Joe Burns, Ph.D.

URL: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/perl/perltoc.html

This is the place to come if you want to learn PERL and CGI, and you've been needlessly intimidated by other web tutorials. From an introduction to the principles of PERL, through guestbook scripting to a personal search engine and password-protection scripts.

Tip:

Instant Perl Modules (with CD ROM)

10 Minute Guide to Microsoft Access 2002

Site: Microsoft Access 2000 Tutorials

Author: Florida Gulf Coast University

URL: http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/access/index.html

Clean, clear, concise, step-by-step instructions to familiarize the unfamiliar with Microsoft Access 2000 database application. Familiarity with this version of Access will provide most of what you need to conquer later versions.

Free NetFlix Trial

Easy Microsoft Excel 2000

A four-color visual approach to learning that is easy to follow and fun for the reader to use when learning about Microsoft Excel 2000

Site: Microsoft Excel 2000 Tutorials

Author: Florida Gulf Coast University

URL: http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/word/index.html

Clean, clear, concise, step-by-step instructions to familiarize the unfamiliar with Microsoft Word 2000 database application. Familiarity with this version of Excel will provide most of what you need to conquer later versions.

10 Minute Guide to Microsoft Excel 2002

Focuses on the most often used features, covering them in lessons designed to take 10 minutes or less to complete -a no-jargon approach to learning Excel

Easy Microsoft FrontPage 2000

Shows the beginning FrontPage user just what's needed to get a Web page up in the shortest time possible, using FrontPage's easy-to-use tools and features

Site: Microsoft FrontPage 2000 Tutorials

Author: ACT 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation

URL: http://www.actden.com/fp2000/java/index.htm

Step-by-step and easy to understand, because they were written for intermediate school students. This makes them perfect for the beginning learner of any age.

Tip: The link to the next part of the lesson is at the bottom of the video screen. The area at the left of the screen contains links to the lessons, to the right of the screen is commentary, explanation of terms, etc.

Microsoft FrontPage 2002 Bible

Learn the tips, tricks and lessons that Web design professionals know, without the years of experience or formal training

Mastering Microsoft FrontPage 2000 with CDROM (Premium)

Designed for people who don't program, yet robust enough for experienced Web site developers, FrontPage is the fast, easy way to create and manage professional Web sites and intranet pages

Site: Microsoft FrontPage 2000 Tutorials

Author: Florida Gulf Coast University

URL: http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/frontpage/index.html

Clean, clear, concise, step-by-step instructions to familiarize the unfamiliar with Microsoft FrontPage 2000 web site building application. Familiarity with this version of FrontPage will provide most of what you need to conquer later versions.

Microsoft FrontPage 2002 Unleashed with CDROM

Gets right to the essentials of using FrontPage for designing, creating, publishing, and administering sophisticated, professional-level Web sites

Adobe Illustrator 10 Classroom in a Book with CDROM

Official training from Adobe features a series of hands-on lessons with a companion CD containing all the necessary files

Site: Free-ed.net: Mastering Adobe Illutrator

URL: http://www.free-ed.net/fr03/lfc/030103/120/

23 interactive online lessons to learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator, and beyond the basics as well. Includes an online textbook, Teach yourself Illustrator in 24 Hours, by Mordy Golding.

The Art of Human-Computer Interface Design

A compilation of ideas, experiences, and opinions from key thinkers in the computer industry, providing fascinating reading for all those interested in the relationship between computers and people

Internet Explorer 6 for Dummies

This helpful guide shows users how to surf the Internet with confidence, use Outlook Express e-mail, personalize browser settings and options, and even build a Web page

Site: IE5 in the Classroom

Author: ACT 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation

URL: http://www.actden.com/IE5/index.htm

Written for intermediate-grade kids, so easy for anyone to follow, no matter how little computer experience you may have. Dr. Brain says, "Surf on in, the water's fine."

Tip: Quick explanations are in the screen on the right, links to detailed instructions are at the top.

DSLAge.com

Finally! Affordable DSL!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Office 2000

Easy-to-understand coverage of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook to get beginner-level users productive fast

Site: Microsoft Office Tutorials

Author: ACT 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation

URL: http://www.actden.com/o2k/

This tutorial was written for intermediate-grade kids, which is why it's simply perfect for the absolute beginner. Dr. Brain says, "Give it a whirl." Join Agent Max Millennium on a humorous adventure to learn why Microsoft Office 2000 is a must-have for all your classroom projects. Expertise in Office 2000 will give you most of what you need to tackle any later versions of the product.

Tip: If you have a 56.6 or better connection, a 3.0 or better browser, and the Flash plug-in, you might want to watch the Flash version. If you don't, an HTML version is available.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Office Xp

Get up to speed fast on Office Xp, even with no experience whatsoever

Try NetFlix for Free!

Site: Outlook Express in the Classroom

Author: ACT 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation

URL: http://www.actden.com/oe/index.htm

Everything you need to know about sending and receiving electronic mail with Microsoft Outlook Express. Clear and easy instructions, tips, and interactive quizes to reinforce what you've learned. Designed for sixth graders, so even an adult can do it.

Tip: Scroll down through the lesson bits to get to the tips, and links to the Quiz-Byte and the next lesson.

Free for Three Months!

Adobe Photoshop 6.0 Classroom in a Book with CDROM

Knowledge of Photoshop is a must for anyone working in the graphic design industry.

Site: Adobe PhotoShop

Author: Adobe Systems

URL: http://studio.adobe.com/expertcenter/photoshop/main.html

Go right to the source for dozens of tutorials on this useful but complex application. Text and QuickTime presentations on Color, Filters, Layers, Masks, Photo Retouching, Typography and Text Effects, Web Graphics, and more.

Tip: Links to Tech Support, certification training, Updates and Plug-ins are also available from these pages.

Tip: Recently posted tutorials can be found here

Adobe Photoshop 7 Studio Techniques with CDROM

Cuts through the fat to focus on Photoshop's essential features

10 Minute Guide to Microsoft PowerPoint 2002

Focuses on the most often used features, covering them in lessons designed to take 10 minutes or less to complete

Site: PowerPoint in the Classroom

Author: ACT 360 Media and Microsoft Corporation

URL: http://www.actden.com/pp/

Despite the site's title, this is PowerPoint for just about anyone, anywhere. Designed for intermediate-grade classrooms, it provides just the perfect learning approach for beginners of all ages. "Power Pointers" and quick quizzes augment and reinforce what you learn in the concise and easy step-by-step lessons.

Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 Step by Step with CDROM

PowerPoint 2002 from A to Z

A Quick Reference of More Than 300 Microsoft PowerPoint Tasks, Terms, and Tricks

Site: Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 Tutorials

Author: Florida Gulf Coast University

URL: http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/ppt/index.html

Clean, clear, concise, step-by-step instructions to familiarize the unfamiliar with Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 multi-media presentation appliation. Familiarity with this version of PowerPoint will provide most of what you need to conquer later versions.

Learn Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Now with CDROM

Site: Free-Ed.net: Mastering Visual Basic

URL: http://www.free-ed.net/fr03/lfc/030202/120/

An absolutely free online course in 24 lessons with numerous sub-units, complete with an online textbook (Teach Yourself Visual Basic 5 in 24 Hours, by Greg Perry), with linked illustrations, tips, and definitions. The course also features lesson summaries, and interactive exercises and quizzes. Dr. Brain is impressed.

Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Fundamentals with CDROM

A combination of text-based and interactive lessons, narrated demonstrations, and hands-on labs

How to Do Just about Anything in Microsoft Word

Hundreds of Ways to Get More Out of Microsoft Word - over 250 illustrations

Site: Microsoft Word 2000 Tutorials

Author: Florida Gulf Coast University

URL: http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/word/index.html

Clean, clear, concise, step-by-step instructions to familiarize the unfamiliar with Microsoft Word 2000 word processing appliation. Familiarity with this version of Word will provide most of what you need to conquer later versions.

Microsoft Word 2000 Simplified

Graphically shows readers how to get up and running with Word - publishing documents on the Internet, creating automated mailings, working with charts and tables, desktop publishing, and more

The Starving Students' Cookbook

Short on time and money? You can learn to cook simple, filling, nutritious, and delicious meals. Inexpensive, too! Here's the cookbook that shows you how!

Site: Epicurious: Technique Videos

Author: GourmetSpot

URL: http://www.epicurious.com/e_eating/e02_videos/main.html

Dozens of easy to absorb step-by-step videos on the basics of cooking, from sharpening your knives to perfect soft-cooked eggs; from flaky pastry to fancy napkin folding. This is a wonderful stopping-off place for anyone who wants to learn more about cooking. More lessons and tips can be found at http://eat.epicurious.com/learn/

Tip: The videos require a free RealPlayer plug-in.

Tip: Depending on where you're scrolled down to on the page, the menus for the videos may appear up beyond your viewing area. If you've clicked for a menu and it's nowhere in sight, scroll up.

Basic Cooking: All You Need to Cook Well Quickly

Loaded with over 200 color photos, this is a basic, unpretentious cookbook, with the potential of becoming a favorite cookbook in modern kitchens

How to Be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking

Here at last is a book that understands our anxieties, feeds our fantasies, and puts cakes, pies, pastries, breads, and biscuits back into our own kitchens

Site: Find Your Inner Chef

URL: http://www.corningware-eschool.com/

This online cooking course in presented by the CorningWare people. Lessons in Roasting, Braising, Baking, Microwaving, Grilling and Broiling, Steaming and Poaching, with at least one great recipe in each. Lots of step-by-step photos and clear instructions, printable recipe and instruction cards. Great for either beginning or experienced cooks. Dr. Brain would have given this one another brain for being more veggie-friendly, but there is a cheese soufflé.

Tip: The site requires you to register, but it's worth it.

Dr. Brain's Directory

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

You'll never feel the same again about the food you and your family have been eating!

The New Laurel's Kitchen

Perhaps the best basic vegetarian cookbook of the 20th century; a classic that deserves its status, revised and reissued

Site: Epicurious: Cooking Class

Author: GourmetSpot

URL: http://www.epicurious.com/b_ba/b02_class/class.html

Every month Epicurious offers a different step-by-step cooking lesson and recipe. Not interactive, but clearly written and well-illustrated; you're bound to learn something new here.

Tip: Just below the photo of this month's featured dish is a menu of dozens of previous lessons, from Grilled Veggies to Gnocchi, from Turkey Carving to Tiramasú.

Once-a-Month Cooking

Spend less time in the kitchen, and still have great meals; cook and freeze an entire month's menus in one day

Quick Vegetarian Pleasures: Fast, Delicious, and Healthy Meatless Recipes

More than 175 quick, wholesome, nutritious, and delicious recipes to be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike

Site: Fabulous Foods: Cooking School

Author: Enigma Communications

URL: http://www.fabulousfoods.com/school/school.html

There's far more on this site than can be covered in a short review: Basics, Ingredients, Cooking Techniques, Wines, Cake Decorating, and nicely illustrated cooking lessons from guest chefs. Not interactive, but crammed with enough information to keep a beginning or intermediate cook busy for a long time. Dr. Brain particularly likes The Master Recipe for bottom-of-the-cabinet cooking.

Recipes 1-2-3: Fabulous Food Using Only Three Ingredients

250 original and delicious recipes; fast and fabulous with only three ingredients

Creative Bead Jewelry: Weaving, Looming, Stringing, Wiring, Making Beads

Even a novice will be able to make incredible necklaces, bracelets, earrings, barrettes, and more - tools and materials, detailed instructions, more than 200 line drawings

Site: ArtWow - Make a Eucalyptus Wreath

URL: http://www.art-wow.com/Lessons/eucalyptus.html

Step-by-step instructions on constructing a beautiful Eucalyptus Wreath with tools and materials available at just about any crafts shop.

How to Make Clay Characters

Fun and easy - no sculpting experience or fancy equipment required! Lots of full-color pictures and detailed, step-by-step projects

The Book of Candlemaking: Creating Scent, Beauty & Light

Gorgeous color photographs come together with a complete how-to guide to help you produce any combination of size, shape, color, scent, and style

Site: Making a Basic Pillar Candle

Author: Dee Stapleton

URL: http://www.candlemaking.org.uk/melting.html

Clear step-by-step instructions for making your first basic candle. No illustrations, unfortunately.

Tip: Play close attention to the Safety Information.

Milk-Based Soaps: Making Natural, Skin-Nourishing Soap

Fool-proof instructions for creating twelve distinctive soaps

The Complete Candlemaker: Techniques, Projects, & Inspirations

Readers learn how to make 40 kinds of candles: hand-dipped tapers, rolled beeswax pillars, molded candles, votives, sand and water candles, and ice, chunk, floating, hurricane, and cut-and-curl candles

Site: Candle Making - Getting Started

Author: Bob Sherman

URL: http://candleandsoap.about.com/library/weekly/aa051899.htm

Basic instructions on getting started in candle making, with interlinked learning areas. Virtually un-illustrated and might be easier to follow if you print it using the "print all linked pages" option.

Tip: According to candle guru Sherman, candlemaking is a 'closed system,' so familiarize yourself with all subject areas before you start putting the information to use. Especially the Candlemakikng Safety information

The Ultimate Marbling Handbook: A Guide to Basic and Advanced Techniques for Marbling Paper and Fabric

Exceptional marbling and remarkably clear instruction make this creative resource ideal for professional and student marblers, crafters, and home decorators

Bodymapping: The Step-By-Step Guide to Fitting Real Bodies

Step-by-step illustrations and photos will teach you how to create a Bodymap to sew contemporary, perfectly-fitting garments

Site: The Renaissance Tailor

Author: Tammie L. Dupuis

URL: http://www.vertetsable.com/

If Renaissance costume is your thing, this site will definitely raise your heart rate. Articles, PDF printouts, demos, patterns, and so much more. It's not always easy to tell where you'll find what you want, but there's a lot of information, and it's frequently updated.

Tip: Mouse-over the menu items on the left of the page linked above to see a description of that area.

Tip: Frames-only site.

Patterns from Finished Clothes: Re-Creating the Clothes You Love

How to take an existing garment and make a pattern faithful to the original without equipment more elaborate than cork sheeting, tracing wheel, pins, and paper.

The Complete Step-By-Step Guide to Home Sewing

An eminently practical book, crammed full of attractive ideas for improving any room.

Site: About.com: Sewing Lessons

Author: Debbie Colgrove

URL: http://sewing.about.com/library/lessons/blpillowlesson1.htm

Clear and easy step-by-step lessons for the sewing beginner, thoroughly illustrated. 12 lessons take you from preparation through a finished item (an envelope-back pillow cover) with ease. Printer-friendly page versions make printing out the lessons a snap.

Tip: To get the most out of these lessons, be sure to follow the links on the lesson pages.

The New Sewing Essentials

No other book demonstrates sewing techniques quite like this one, with over 450 full-color photographs that eliminate guesswork and inspire creativity

Complete Guide to Needlework

Embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, appliqué, quilting and more; new methods, crystal-clear instructions, and 2,600 photographs and drawings.

Site: Crochet Lessons

Author: Crochet Guild of America

URL: http://www.crochet.org/lessons/lesson.html

10 illustrated lessons in basic crochet - one set each for left-handers and right-handers.

Tip: TIP

Crocheting in Plain English

A clear, accessible guide for all crocheters. Whether you've never held a crochet hook or have lots of experience, you'll find sound, common-sense advice. Photos and illustrations.

The Complete Book of Origami

Step-By-Step Instructions in Over 1000 Diagrams: 37 Original Models

Site: Download 14 Origami Folds (Adobe.pdf format)

URL: https://members.tripod.com/~PeterBudai/Origami/Folds_en.htm

Here are some basic folds for origami learners, downloadable in .pdf format. If you don't already have it, you'll need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free.

Tip: Below the main download link are links to additional downloads, "How to divide a square in thirds," and "How to fold a bird base."

Easy Origami

Charming collection of 32 projects (hat, cup, pelican, piano, swan, many more) specially designed for the novice origami hobbyist

Origami Boxes

Based on the concept of "unit origami", Origami Boxes provides step-by-step illustrated instructions for creating dozens of beautiful paper boxes - 52 line drawings

Site: Origami Folds

URL: http://www.origami.vancouver.bc.ca/

Origami folds, Simple, Low Intermediate, Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Complex. Some links are to printable .gif files, others to .pdf files. If you don't already have it, you'll need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free.

Tip: From this main page, choose "Joseph Wu's Origami Diagrams" on the top right of the page.

Paper Magic: Pop-Up Paper Craft: Origamic Architecture

All the works shown in this book can be made with simple materials and tools - your hands and head are the most important tools

Creating Wooden Villages: Designs for 18 Miniature Buildings

Included: Tudor house, log cabin, 19th-century railroad station, Civil War era general store, Victorian mansions, 1890 Pennsylvania German barn with hex signs, outhouses, more

Site: Beginner's Project: a Wooden Letter Box

Author: Triton Manufacturing and Design Pty Ltd, Australia

URL: http://www.triton.net.au/projects/beg/b07.html

Plans, tools and materials list, and clear, simple instructions for making a roofed letter box. You'll want to print it out.

Working Wood: A Complete Bench-Top Reference

What woodworker hasn't wished for a single book that would show which tools and techniques to use for all the processes you'd ever need. Now you've got it - lay-flat spiral binding

The Woodwright's Eclectic Workshop

Step-by-step instructions for many projects featured on the television series in recent years - all illustrated with photographs and measured drawings

Site: Intermediate Project: Rocking Horse

Author: Triton Manufacturing and Design Pty Ltd, Australia

URL: http://www.triton.net.au/projects/int/i07.html

Plans, tools and materials list, and clear, simple instructions for making a child's wooden rocking horse. You'll want to print it out.

Setting Up Your Own Woodworking Shop

Complete plans and details for building the perfect shop for all skill levels - locating outlets, optimal lighting, placing tools properly, dust collection, ventilation, safety, tool selection, bench design, more

Carousel Animal Carving: Patterns & Techniques

Colorfully illustrated instructions by the man who's the country's only professional director of a carousel carving school - lots of gorgeous color photos

Site: Advanced Project: Reclining Verandah Chair

Author: Triton Manufacturing and Design Pty Ltd, Australia

URL: http://www.triton.net.au/projects/adv/a07.html

Plans, tools and materials list, and clear, simple instructions for making a reclining verandah chair in the Australian "Squatter's Chair" style. You'll want to print it out.

Mission Furniture: How to Make It: Parts I, II, and III, Complete

Nearly 100 of the finest, most desirable pieces: chairs, desks, sideboards, buffets, etc. Two hundred thirteen illustrations, including measured drawings

Arts & Crafts Woodworking Projects: 11 New Designs in the Stickley Tradition

Step-by-step plans to 11 projects designed in the manner of Stickley and his Arts and Crafts contemporaries - 12 color photos, 118 drawings

Site: Amateur Woodworker: Japanese Style Lamp

URL: http://www.am-wood.com/nov99/lamp2.html

Build a beautiful 17 1/2" tall Japanese style wooden lamp in a weekend with these plans.

Tip: Deceptively simple, but probably not for rank beginners.

Medieval Furniture: Plans and Instructions for Historical Reproductions

Detailed plans based on study and measurement of reproductions or originals from European museums - step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and notes on woodworking, metalworking, carving, and finishes

Sunset Western Garden Book, 7th Edition

For all regions of the western half of North America; the most referenced gardening guide in the United States, for all gardeners, beginner to expert.

Site: How to be a Gardener

Author: BBC and the Royal Horticultural Society

URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/htbg/index.shtml

Master gardener Alan Titchmarsh takes learners through all aspects of gardening, from understanding your soil to keeping your garden going year-round. On the way, learn how even the smallest plot can yield delicious fruits and vegetables, and how to overcome common garden pests and pitfalls.

Tip: Register before taking the course if you'd like to receive certification from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Paradise Found: Gardening in Unlikely Spaces

Simple solutions to gardening in small, difficult, or awkward spaces; practical guidelines for placement, color, and form. Illustrated with hundreds of inspiring color photographs.

Beginning Bonsai

The Gentle Art of Japanese Miniture Tree Growing. Create your own bonsai treet

Site: The Bonsai Primer

Author: Allen C. Roffey

URL: http://www.bonsaiprimer.com/main.html

More than two dozen illustrated articles on the basics of bonsai for beginners, and a nice photo gallery of example bonsai.

Tip: Be sure to visit the "General Index" link for a list of all topics covered on this site. Truly a wealth of information here.

The Bonsai Kit

Perfect the Ancient Art of Miniature Gardening - Complete bonsai kit with book

For All Time: A Complete Guide to Writing Family History

Adds an exciting new dimension to writing modern family history placing our ancestors in a larger framework of family, neighborhood, and history. Forms, techniques, getting started, more.

Site: History Trail: Family History

Author: BBC

URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/lj/familylj/preview.shtml

If you've been wondering how to get started tracing your family's history, here's a quick course on constructing family trees, researching, official documents, censuses and other sources, with helpful tips from expert genealogists. Includes activities, quizzes, recommended reading, and links to outside sources.

The Bare-Bones Guide to Genealogy: Researching and Recording Your Family History

A basic genealogy handbook, to get you started with genealogical research and record-keeping.

Black Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing the African-American Family Tree

The fun, easy-to-use guide that African Americans have been waiting for since Alex Haley published Roots more than twenty-five years ago. Where to search, how to organize and analyze your results, and much more.

Site: Finding Your Ancestors

Author: Brigham Young University Independent Study

URL: http://ce.byu.edu/is/famhist/secure/start.htm

Learn how to use existing resources to find information on your ancestors, create pedigrees, use genealogy computer software, etc. Flash-navigated version available, but lessons are in text in either version.

Tip:

Discovering Your English Ancestors

Starts by teaching the basics of sound genealogical research, then provides time-saving strategies for researching English ancestors, and how to find records in Britain.

Heraldic Alphabet

A complete guide to all aspects of heraldry, illustrated with over 300 line drawings

Site: Heraldry Game

Author: Owl & Mouse Educational Software

URL: http://www.yourchildlearns.com/heraldrygame/index.html

This was designed for middle graders, but Dr. Brain thinks it's a simple, engaging and entertaining ways for anyone of any age to learn the principles of Heraldry. As Robert, Second son of Lord Landly, you must unravel the details of a political plot by remembering the lessons of Roger the Herald. Roger's lessons pop up in a separate window so that you can refer back to them.

Tip: Requires a PC running Windows. If you're running Windows XP, program must be ended via Windows Task Manager.

Heraldic Designs for Artists and Craftspeople

This book includes over 1,400 heraldic motifs in a rich variety of styles and sizes

Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design: Fearless, Fabulous Decorating

The most popular and colorful personality on the Discovery Channel brings his proven Seven Layers of Design system to readers in a lively blend of design theory and hands-on advice for do-it-yourself projects.

Site: Decorate Your Apartment

Author: SoYouWanna.com

URL: http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/decorateapt/decorateapt.html

The very basics of decorating for the beginner: making the most of space, choosing a style, color schemes, and hunting for bargains. Clearly written and informative. Lots of information to get you started with basic budget décor.

Tip: Check out the right-hand column for links to related subjects.

Use What You Have Decorating: Transform Your Home in One Hour with Ten Simple Design Principles

Transform your home without traumatizing your bank account...using the space you have, the things you like, and the budget you choose.

Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui

This fascinating and easy-to-follow guide to using Space Clearing and other principles of Feng Shui to enhance the flow of energy in your home or workplace and so create happiness and abundance in every area of your life.

Site: Use Feng Shui

Author: SoYouWanna.com

URL: http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/fengshui/fengshui.html

Basic history and principles of Feng Shui presented simply and cleary. Learn how to evaluate your living space for optimum geomantic vibes. History, Principles, Environment Analysis, and more. A down-to-earth and easy-to-grasp approach.

Tip: Check out the right-hand column for links to related subjects.

Lillian Too's Smart Feng Shui for the Home

Benefit from Feng Shui by applying its principles to what you already have in your home. Whether you live in an apartment, house, penthouse, or studio, you'll find 188 smart ways to transform your home's negative energies into luck-laden positive chi.

Delmar's Comprehensive Medical Terminology

A Competency-Based Approach with CDROM

Site: Free-ed.net: Medical Terminology

URL: http://www.free-ed.net/fr02/lfc/020600/20/400/

29 very thorough interactive study units in Medical Terminology, with four self-assessment tests built in. Self-assessment #4 is a final exam. Based on Basic Medical Terminology, MD0010 - Edition 100.

Tip: The site requires a quick and painless registration in order to begin the class.

Medical Terminology Made Easy

This self-paced book is designed primarily for short medical terminology courses in a variety of educational settings

Popular Photography Magazine

Site: Take Better Photos

Author: Philip Grosser

URL: http://betterphotos.cjb.net/

Tip: Dozens of illustrated lessons for the beginning photographer on the artistic aspects of photography, from choosing a subject and viewpoint, through lighting, to computer enhancement and digital photography and beyond. The site's author even invites phtographers to send him up to four photos for critique.

Photography for Dummies

The essential information needed to master photography, presented in simple, nontechnical language - 32 page color insert plus hundreds of b&w illos

The Photographer's Market Guide to Photo Submission & Portfolio Formats

Setting up a business plan, communicating with clients, promotion, copyright, and many other critically important considerations in establishing a successful commercial enterprise

Site: Photo Zone: Basic Techniques

URL: http://www.photozone.de/

Clearly-presented and well-illustrated site presenting the basics of photography in an easy-to-understand fashion.

Tip: Frames-only site.

Shutterbug Magazine

The Complete Guide to Digital Photography

Equipment and Techniques for Creative Digital Imaging

Site: Photocourse: Digital Photography

Author: Dennis P. Curtin

URL: http://www.photocourse.com/

A beautifully-illustrated set of 13 lessons on photography in the digital age. Units on digital cameras, sharpness, exposure, lighting, printing and more.

Tip: At the bottom of each lesson page, the link "Next Topic" takes you to the next page in that lesson.

Creative Digital Photography

Use your digital camera and today's image processing techniques to create truly unique photographs

Barrons How To Prepare for the Ged - (12ed)

Diagnostic tests, practice exams, all questions in all subject areas answered and explained. Comes with CD.

Site: Free-ed.net: GED Prep

URL: http://www.free-ed.net/fr10/lfc/synchplan.asp

A free synchronized preparation course for the GED. Students sign up for each course by a given date and continue through with the same classmates. Moderated learning, with lots of interaction with other students via email and chat. A great way to study at home for the GED.

Tip: There is also an asynchronous study plan for those who want to go it alone at their own pace, but it's being revised as of this review, so not all of the study materials are presently available online.

Tip: The site requires a quick and painless registration in order to begin the class.

Passing the GED

A Complete Preparation Program for the High School Equivalency Examination

GMAT for Dummies (4 ed)

What to expect, how to avoid test pitfalls, how the test is scored, and much more

Site: Test Tutor: GMAT

Authors: Steven Bolton and Joel Chippendale

URL: http://www.testtutor.com/gmat/

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), from how one registers, through tips on acing the various test sections, practice quesions, and links to more information.

Tip:This side would be worth another brain but for the broken links, but there's still plenty here to get you started on your business career.

Cracking the Gmat (with CD ROM)

Complete preparation for the business school administration test, including extra practive for the tougher sections of the exam

Cracking the GRE, 2003 Edition

Oone of the most thorough and up-to-date GRE guides available - answers and explanations, proven techniques for getting high scores

Site: Test Tutor: GRE

Authors: Steven Bolton and Joel Chippendale

URL: http://www.testtutor.com/gre/

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), from waht is tested and how the test is scored, through tips on acing the various test sections, practice quesions, and links to more information. A good place to start on your path to an advanced degree.

Tip: There are a few broken links.

GRE Exam (5 ed) Through 2003

A highly effective way for you to score higher on the GRE® exam and make yourself competitive for graduate school admissions

Touch Typing Made Simple

Touch typing is a skill everyone who works with computers must have - this guide will help you master it in easy steps, even if you can't type a stroke

Site: TypingMaster Games

URL: http://www.typingm aster.com/index.asp?go=games

These games are fun if you already have basic typing skills, but they won't teach you to type from Square One. The good news is that you can download a free demo of their product TypingMaster 2002, which will get you started nicely. TypingMaster also offers a free downloadable Typing Test.

Tip:

Dr. Brain's Directory

Mastering Computer Typing: A Painless Course for Beginners and Professionals

Tips for first-time and experienced computer users; User-friendly exercises and practice lessons - the perfect tutor, aid, or guide for everyone who needs to touch-type on a computer keyboard

The One Page Business Plan: Start with a Vision, Build a Company!

Everything you need to create a business plan and a business.

Site: Write a Business Plan

Author: SoYouWanna.com

URL: http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/bizplan/bizplan.html

REVIEW

Tip: Check out the right-hand column for links to related subjects.

Adams Streetwise Complete Business Plan

Writing a Business Plan Has Never Been Easier.

Beginnings, Middles, and Ends

Award-winning author Nancy Kress teaches you how to construct a story that works from the ground up.

Site: Writing World: Fiction

Author: Moira Allen

URL: http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/index.html

More than two dozen articles on fiction writing by various authors, covering character, dialog, viewpoint, common writers' mistakes, and a whole lot more.

Tip: If you're a new writer, don't neglect the link to Getting Started, dozens of helpful articles on getting your writing career off the ground.

Tip: In the top left corner of the page linked above is a link to subscribe to Writing World's bi-weekly newsletter.

Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life

Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones, offers a method of writing that can take you beyond craft to the true source of creative power.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King offers a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. Highly recommended

Site: The Online Writing Workshop for Horror

Author: Online Writing Workshops, LLC

URL: http://horror.onlinewritingworkshop.com/

Like the companion Online Writing Workshop for Science Ficiton, this site is the gateway to a true writing community of professionals and serious para-professional writers. One member writes: "This workshop has been more helpful with my writing than any class I've previously taken." If you're writing horror, you won't want to miss this site.

Tip: Check out the latest newsletter

Writers Dreaming

26 famous writers interviewed on their writing, their dreams, and the connections between the two. Not to be missed.

How to Write a Mystery

Nuts-and-bolts advice on plotting, scene construction, sex and violence, character development, procedure, action, and dialogue, and more

Site: Writing World: Mystery

Author: Moira Allen

URL: http://www.writing-world.com/mystery/index.html

Articles, interviews, colums, market listings, and more, all for writers of mystery and crime fiction.

Tip: If you're a new writer, don't neglect the link to Getting Started, dozens of helpful articles on getting your writing career off the ground.

Tip: In the top left corner of the page linked above is a link to subscribe to Writing World's bi-weekly newsletter.

Writing Mysteries

Writing a Romance

This easy-to-read guide will help writers of all levels produce a manuscript that is more likely to be read by editors, and possibly even published

Site: Writing World: Romance

Author: Moira Allen

URL: http://www.writing-world.com/romance/index.html

Articles, interviews, colums, market listings, and more, all for writers of romantic fiction.

Tip: If you're a new writer, don't neglect the link to Getting Started, dozens of helpful articles on getting your writing career off the ground.

Tip: In the top left corner of the page linked above is a link to subscribe to Writing World's bi-weekly newsletter.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published

Step-by-step from writing to publishing a romance novel

Cause of Death

A Writer's Guide to Death, Murder, and Forensic Medicine

Site: Science Fiction Writers Workshop I

Author: Barry B. Longyear

URL: http://www.sff.net/people/bblongyear/sfww1.html

The Author of Sea of Glass and "Enemy Mine" presents the most extensive, wide-ranging, useful, and FREE science fiction writer's course available today. If you're serious about writing science fiction, there is absolutely no better place to start than right here.

Tip: The Navigation on the site is a bit clunky, but the content more than makes up for any confusion.

The Well-Tempered Sentence

A Punctuation Handbook for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed. This book is a must-have for every writer's reference library

Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You

More than just a how-to manual for the would-be writer: it is a celebration of the act of writing itself, by a master of the craft, that will delight, impassion, and inspire the writer in you

Site: The Online Writing Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy

Author: Online Writing Workshops, LLC

URL: http://sff.onlinewritingworkshop.com/

The Online Writing Workshop is a marvel. Writers retain all rights to works posted on the site, which can be read and reviewed by other writers as well as several editors-in-residence. A true writing community with a very professional approach. One member writes: "I'm in a MFA creative writing program, and I find this workshop is superior to anything I am doing in my Master's-level workshops." Dr. Brain recommends this writer's resource very highly.

Tip: There's also a Horror Writers' Workshop run by the same crew.

This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award

Telling Lies for Fun and Profit: A Manual for Fiction Writers

An invaluable sourcebook of information by the author of Spider, Spin Me a Web, a must read for anyone serious about writing or understanding how the process works

Borderlands of Science

Scientist and award-winning science fiction author Charles Sheffield surveys with an expert eye the current state of physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, computers, and other fields. A valuable reference for the science fiction writer.

Site:

Author: SFWA

URL: http://www.sfwa.org/writing/

Want to write science fiction? Go right to the source. The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, a professional organization for speculative fiction writers, have put together a page of links to articles of interest to writers at every stage of their careers. Whether you want to know how to choose a writers' workshop, avoid common writing errors, overcome writer's block, sharpen your business skills, jump-start a stalled writing career, or any of dozens of useful topics, there's something here for you.

Tip: You don't have to be a SFWA member to subscribe to their excellent publication The SFWA Bulletin. Dr. Brain recommends it highly.

How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy

Award-winning science fiction author Orson Scott Card has written one of the best all-around books for aspiring sf authors

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Award-winning science fiction author Cory Doctorow presents science fiction writing for the rest of us.

Site: Writing World: Science Fiction and Fantasy

Author: Moira Allen

URL: http://www.writing-world.com/sf/index.html

Articles, interviews, colums, market listings, and more, all for writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

Tip: If you're a new writer, don't neglect the link to Getting Started, dozens of helpful articles on getting your writing career off the ground.

Tip: In the top left corner of the page linked above is a link to subscribe to Writing World's bi-weekly newsletter.

The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature: From Dragon's Lair to Hero's Quest

If you've ever wanted to try your own hand at writing spellbinding tales of wonder, here is a wealth of advice from some of the all-time masters of the field

The Art of Adaptation: Turning Fact and Fiction Into Film

A comprehensive handbook for screenwriters, producers, and directors who want to successfully transform factual or fictional material into film

Site: Lifewrite: Steven Barnes' Free Writing Course

Author: Steven Barnes

URL: http://www.lifewrite.com/free_writing_class.htm

This nine-week screenwriting class was offered (for very good money) at UCLA for a number of years. Now it's yours for free from Steven Barnes.

Tip: Mr. Barnes also offers Lifewriting an instructional and motivational audio tapes-with-manual package that comes with a money-back guarantee, includes a free short story critique and ongoing support through an electronic newsletter.

Tip: At the bottom of the Lifewriting page is a link to an in-depth explanation of the paid course and the reasons behind it.

Grant Writing for Dummies

A reference book on grant writing for the rest of us!

Site: The Grant-Seeking Process

Author: The Foundation Center

URL: http://fdncenter.org/learn/orient/intro1.html

Three approaches to funding research, what grantseekers usually look for, and lots more. Grantwriting from the ground up.

Tip:

Demystifying Grant Seeking

How to overcome the common fears fundraisers often experience - sound, practical advice to successful grant writing

Winning Grants

Support Centers of America's Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing, and Writing Successful Proposals

Site: Proposal Writing: A Short Course

Author: The Foundation Center

URL: http://fdncenter.org/learn/shortcourse/prop1.html

A detailed tutorial on writing proposals for the non-profit organization. It's not interactive, but it's neat and complete. When you're through absorbing this tutorial, you'll be ready to go off and write your grant proposal.

Tip:

Winning Proposals

How to Write Them and Get Results

The Elements of Technical Writing

The essentials, including matters of style, some rules of punctuation and grammar, principles of technical communication, word choice, and various tasks of the technical writer

Site: Free-ed.net: Elements of Technical Writing

URL: http://www.free-ed.net/fr02/lfc/course0213_01/

29 detailed and comprehensive lessons subjects from Business Correspondence and Oral Presentations through Document Design and Audience Analysis, to Information Structure and Team Writing. Links to lots and lots of illustrative examples.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Technical Writing

A "cheat sheet" for tech writing - tells readers what they can expect on the job and guides them through the thinking, planning, and doing phases of a project