Whether you’d like to help a youngster get started with woodworking or learn the basics yourself, Kid Crafts: Woodworking, by John Kelsey, is a good investment. The book is divided into four chapters: “All About Wood,” “Woodworking Supplies,” “Tools” and “Projects.” Clear plans, numerous photos and step-by-step instructions make the book easy to understand. The projects can be built with simple hand tools and range from fun (toys and a birdhouse) to practical (a toolbox, bookshelf and picture frame). This is a great introduction to woodworking, even for adults.

If you’re moving out of an apartment or rented house, you’ll probably want to do some minor repairs and touchups before you check out. You do want that security deposit back, don’t you? Here are a few tips.

For a few small nail holes, you can often get by just filling them with white toothpaste (if you have white walls). But a better way to disguise nail holes in walls is to fill them with spackle using a small putty knife. The spackle will change the color of the wall slightly, even if you scrape it off thoroughly. If you don’t know that the walls will be painted, wipe the excess spackle film from the wall with a damp cloth to make your work less obvious.

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is named appropriately. You’ll be amazed at how easily it removes marks from walls and other surfaces. You might want to test the eraser in a spot that’s not obvious.

You can use dish soap and water to remove many carpet stains. Dampen the area with a mild soapy solution, using an old toothbrush to work out the stain. Wipe up the soap with a damp cloth, and wait for the spot to dry before vacuuming.

If you have additional advice for renters, please share it in the comments section.

So, you finally purchased the big-screen, HDTV you’ve been dreaming about. But before you sit down to enjoy it, you have to hook it up to the satellite or cable feed and the DVD player. Need some tips? Try the wirewize site.

You simply choose the components you’re working with (TV, A/V Receiver, DVD, cable/satellite/box, games console), and the site tells you which cables you’ll need, plus step-by-step instructions for connecting everything in your particular system. Too bad it doesn’t tell you how to program the clock on that old VCR.