Amateur Books

What can I say. I'm not a great handy man. However, this volume has helped me on a number of occasions. So, for those of you who are not great at fixing things up, this volume can be a useful resource.

Some examples.

1. A faucet wasn't working right. I took a look at the section on faucets and was able to take care of the problem.

2. On another occasion, I had some problems with a kitchen sink (quite a few years ago). There was a leak and I couldn't figure out what to do. I checked out the section on kitchen sinks and was able to diagnose and fix the problem.

3. And then there are those toilet problems. This book helped me install a new float assembly after helping me understand the problems with the previous hardware. Unbelievably, an inept "do-it-your-selfer" like me was able to fix things so that the toile worked again.

4. Sometimes, my vacuum cleaner has not worked so well. One time, the vacuum cleaner didn't seem to pick up junk on the floor. By going over the "troubleshooting guide," I figured out what any knucklehead should have known anyhow. But the bottom line: it worked!

5. Finally, there are a lot of basic informational items that can be useful. For instance, at page 418 and following, there is a discussion of "tools and techniques" which is pretty basic. But lots of us need "basic."

For those who want to know some basics but who are not interested in becoming experts in do-it-yourself work in the home, this is a useful volume.

All my friends and neighbors want to borrow this book. You can fix literally anything within your home by yourself. There are certain situations where you are asked to call a professional, such as an electrician, plumber, HVAC person, etc - but those are only in dire circumstances.

This book walks you through all the scenarios, is easy to read, and every home should have one.

Now I point all my friends and neighbors to Amazon.com if they want to borrow my book. Ha ha ha!

This is an EXCELLENT book. Very concise and easy to understand. I really wish Time-Life would update it.

This is the best book a own. I use it for around the house fix ups and it is great it has saved me a lot of money in repair bills.

I was about to junk a 10-year old dryer that wouldn't heat, because the repairman warned me that his visit was going to cost a minimum of $169 for diagnosis, repair time, and parts. Using this book I got out my $15 Sears multi-tester and unscrewed the back panel of my dryer. (The book even shows you how to use testing tools). Within a minute I found the bad part. I looked up the part number, found one on Ebay for $8.99 plus shipping... It came two days later and I had it installed in 3 minutes. My husband thinks I should start a new career as an appliance repairwoman. If I did, I'd use this book.

Working in the IT field, I found this book to be very helpful-- especially from a historical perspective--explaining the various highspeed options available. I read this, although I have been trouble-shooting highspeed issues on a helpdesk, for a long time. When studying for Network +, I read references about T1 lines, and other methods of highspeed access that I have never used, personally, or only used in a corporate office invironment, as a User.

This book explains all the (mostly out-dated, in heavily populated areas) technologies, and helps to grasp the basics when studying for the Network+ certification.

I have read some of Mark Soper's works in the past (Upgrading and Repairing PCs Technician's Portable Reference, his articles in SmartComputing, etc.) and have always found them informative and relevent to my purposes. This book is no different. Soper presents broadband technology in a way that is both extremly detailed and easy to understand. It is humorous and very readable, qualities not often found in computer books. Yet it covers the topics (ISDN, DirectPC/Duo, DSL, Cable, etc) throughly and doesn't skimp on any vital detail. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is considering broadband service, anyone who has it already, or just anyone who enjoys learning about emerging technologies.

With all of the recent information floating around about "High-Speed" internet connections, one can literally go insane trying to decipher fact from fiction, not to mention attempting to figure out which service is right for YOU. When I came across this book, which I did here on amazon, I was very excited, but still unsure of what I would be getting my hands on. I thought that perhaps it would assist me a little here or there, and help out with the most basic information possible.

To my surprise, and delight, this book was truly AWESOME. So much so that I just received it a couple of weeks ago, and I'm now on my second reading. The book is packed with information. It not only delves into the aspects of Cable Modems and DSL(which is does so very intensely), but also tells you how you can optimize your standard dial-up modem connection to the internet. You can't lose with this book--if you already have an internet connection, the knowledge on getting the most out of THAT hook-up is worth the price of the book. In addition, the author definitely has a sense of humor, and that REALLY helps when you sit down to read a book, and along with educating you, you're also given a dose of humor that's JUST ENOUGH to make the education FUN.

The book also gives the reader information on what to do in order to have your computer completely in order BEFORE the installation of a broadband hook-up takes place, whether you do it yourself, or somebody's going to be installing it for you. This book even delves into how computers work, and the processes of computers connecting to one another to put the wheels of the internet into motion. The reader won't be BOGGED down with this, however, as the book is written in a very clear, concise manner. You'll also learn little tricks here and there throughout the book on how to maintain your computer for overall optimal performace. What a great book--I couldn't recommend it more highly!

DSL? Cable Modem? Satellite? Wireless? These are among the choices you will have to make if you decide to "upgrade" to high speed Internet access. It's difficult to know which one will work best for you. This book helps to explain the differences between each of them. The introductory part explains ways to get higher speeds from your current analog modem before diving into the different kinds of high speed Internet options you have.

The second part of the book is divided into chapters explaining ISDN, DSL, satellite, and wireless Internet and how each one works. It also gives you an idea of which specific type might work best for your individual needs. The next part of the book is divided into chapters explaining how to install whichever service you've decided on, complete with "installation checklists" at the end of these chapters.

There are also a couple chapters devoted to keeping your PC secure from "hacker attacks," which is always a problem, but even more so if you have this kind of Internet connection. Finally, there's a section devoted to troubleshooting problems, even a glossary at the book's end so you can familiarize yourself with related terms, and if nothing else amaze your friends with your knowledge of this technology!

This book provides an excellent overview of the high speed Internt technology available today.

I have read some of Mark Soper's work before (Upgrading and Repairing PCs, SmartComputing, etc.) and have always found it to informative and relevant to what I needed. This book is no exception. Incredibly readable and humorous for a computer book, it provides an excellent balance between technical detail and practical knowledge. Easy to understand and yet packed with information, this is a must have book for anyone even slightly interested in high-speed Internet access. I recommend this book to anyone who is considering broadband, anyone who already has it, or just anyone who enjoys emerging technologies.

Very informative book which will be referred to constantly. I found muliple tasks which needs to be repaired and/or added to my older home. Anyone can repair or replace electrical problems within their home or garage with the help of this book. Not only did it inform me of electrical projects, it explained cable DIY projects. Stanley did such a great job with this book, I am going to order more DIY books for other repairs for my home. Thanks, Stanley and Amazon for offering this book at a resonable price.

All I planned to do was to add a new outlet in my bathroom. NOW, however, I plan to add a few, add a new circuit to the panel box, add a few outdoor lights and install 3 recessed lights above my bed in the master bedroom along with a switch so I can turn them off before I go to sleep. Heck, I should make it a two-way switch so I can turn them on when I come in the room.

This book started me from the beginning - planning and how to ensure I wasn't putting too much on one circuit. Explains basic concepts if you care to read them, and how to fix, add or change just about anything electrical in exactly the detail needed to be confident you can do it.

I'm a mother of two trying to re-do my bathrooms and not have to fork out 150k (the estimate I got for a bathroom remodel). I am buying the other Stanley books now - tiling is next!

This is a really well designed text. Very userfriendly. They talk you through sections that might give you pause, and give you plenty of well-taken photos to document what they mean/for you to look for.

The honest truth is, 99% of home wiring can be done by you, with the basic tools you probably already own. This text will help you get those done. From the planning, to the purchasing, to the work itself, just take a deep breath, and a few bookmarks handy.

Because the information in these types of books is often the same (DIY is DIY after all); the presentation becomes very important. The Stanley series of home improvement books has step-by-step instructions with a large volume of clear photos and diagrams. I learned how to install a ceiling fan using this book and feel confident about doing basic electrical wiring in my house.

If you are a beginner, read all the safety instructions... very sensible advice.

I'm a "shade tree" electrician, doing very basic jobs here and there in our house. Recently I had a ceiling fan with three-way switches that I couldn't figure out. Complicating matters is that there was an extra line going into the box. With the help of the clear diagrams in this book (pages 164 and 166, specifically) I was able to confidently rewire the box and make the fan, light and switches work properly for the first time in 3 1/2 years. This is typical of what is possible using this book. The clear diagrams show different ways to be able to work on things with confidence, which is half the battle.

Highly recommended.

Great reference guide for video production especially for beginners. Simple easy to read and apply!

I wish I had bought this book initially.
I was pretty new to digital video. I had lots of questions about transferring, capturing analog, audio, and so far this book has answered them. It would have saved time to buy it first.
I'm using the digital video for a vidcast.

If you're new to video editing, it is the one for you. It'S a good start

"3rd Edition" I would recommend this book to anyone interested in becoming a Video Editing Guru. Now there isn't much fame or glory in such a title, and I'm not implying that after reading the book you will be able to instantly break into the "Pro" video editing business either. But it does give you some useful information on how to digitize those video clips and turn them into a respectable home movie or corporate presentation.

The book is very much based on Apple's "iMovie" and Pinnacle's "Studio 8". You'll skip around a bit because of the 2 different programs it explains, but you're really just getting 2 books in one if you ever decide to dabble in the 'other' program. If you're using a video editing program other than these, you may want to pick a different book.

Well organized and "dumb-ed down" enough for the beginner. The projects and included clips on CD Rom keep it interesting. I learned about many tips that I plan to use all the time in my projects now. Good work Underdahl!

Based on what I've seen in this book, I would definitely check out the Adobe Premiere Dummies book by the same author if I decide to move up to that program. I'm confident that I would not be disappointed.

The "Dummies" folks seem to be able to get it right pretty consistently, and they also seem to be willing to update titles with some frequency -- publish a new edition, that means.

When I bought this book, I bought another on the same topic from another publisher and neglected to check the date of publication. Well, it was antique, relatively speaking, so when I picked this one up, suddenly things started to make a lot of sense.

Also, the author seems to be able to cover three editing products without a lot of repetition. This is a good, workmanlike job.

Anyone with an interest in RF design needs this book. The authors are well known and respected in the ham radio community for their prolific writings covering the full range of RF-related topics. The keys to the success of this book are its emphasis on practical solutions and a conversational writing style, not unlike the famous ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications (a.k.a., The Handbook). It focuses on the building blocks of transmitters and receivers, gradually moving from fundaments (e.g., oscillator topologies) to practical building blocks (a stable VFO), and finally to complete systems such as a receiver. Some very useful and straightforward test equipment is also designed. Much of the book is devoted to analog RF/audio design, but the chapters on DSP are quite welcome and again, quite accessible.

Each example is clearly illustrated with clean, consistent, annotated schematics and parts lists and a nice narrative thats walks the reader through the circuit. Above all, they explain exactly WHY that particular funny component was placed in that particular place, and how its value was selected, and what happens if you change its attributes. Theory is not overlooked, either, though they do try to steer away from calculus so far as possible, leaving that to the countless textbooks. References for each chapter are extensive and many are also supplied on the included CD-ROM.

If you have any interest at all in RF design, and especially if you plan on building any equipment, I recommend that you buy this book. You will not be disappointed!

-Gary, WB9JPS

This book is the equivalent of a 2 year college course, at far less cost. Well worth the money.

Any amateur interested in the technical side of the hobby or who still builds some of his own equipment will find that this book is one of the most rewarding to be found! It deserves to be book number two in any ham library, right after the Handbook!

I am really pleased with this purchase. The authors bring their considerable expertise and expose their methods in designing practical radio equipment. I designed my first feedback amplifier with known input-output impedances and stage gain. It came out right on the money.

The popularity of this book in the Amateur Radio community is all the review that is needed!

Ham radio types generally have bunches of books, many of them reference texts that are dusted off and referred to just occasionally. EMRFD, isn't one of those reference books. This text will take you through the construction of a first rate amateur radio station. It covers the "homebrew" construction of virtually ever piece of equipment that you need to have a ham station capable of making contacts around the world!

The bottom line, if you are a Amateur Radio operator this is a must have text.

73, Bart W0IIT

Okay, I don't do remodeling so...keep that in mind when you look at my Stars score. However, my Daddy did and I like to think that a little bit rubbed off. Marvelous! The content is well laid out, easy to understand, and complete... with work sheets. Plenty of worksheets and checklists. The author seems to have thought of everything. There are seven steps here to take the homeowner, you or I, from first thought to actually doing it. Actually working on the house. Fun but frightening though this book is laid out in such a way as to gift you with confidence and yes, take away your fear. Thus, the title. Fearless Remodeling, a fascinating read. Implement it. Trade PB Spiral Bound, 232 pages, -- Leann Arndt, Reviewer

Thanks to this book, I stopped a contractor from extracting yet another $5,000 from my wallet. An essential tool ...

I recently moved into an older home in a new city. Before I even considered any remodeling, I looked around for books that could help get me started. This one was great! The worksheets really helped. I really appreciated how much content there was and how many great suggestions the author had for staying within my budget. Thanks Fearless Remodeling!

I felt so helpless when the contractor set such a high price -- I had know way to know whether it was fair or not. The whole process was just getting out of control, and my friends were no help at all. Then I read Susan's book, and I learned how to get back on top of things. Her advice helped me remodel my kitchen, and soon we're going to start on the bathrooms. My wife and I feel this book is an essential part of our success.

Having spent the past several months in search of sound remodeling advice, I was delighted to find all the advice I needed in a single book. Susan Luxenberg lets you in on all the trade secrets contractors don't want you to know ... like how to avoid getting ripped off. I probably saved $15,000 by reading this book -- and now I have a new car to put in my new garage!

Darcie Denkert has given us a gem. Her lavish book with its incredible photographs tells Broadway and Hollywood tales with purpose. She discusses the influence of Broadway on filmmaking and the all-important connection between the two art forms in highly intelligent and most enjoyable prose. Her knowledge of the genres is huge, yet she lays it out in a natural way, never inserting herself into the stories, although she no doubt has many of her own across a distinguished career. Her passion for the subject is palpable. The people and places come alive in the telling.

This book is required reading for all budding theater impresarios and filmmakers.

You might expect that a work filled with such brilliant photography in the coffee-table sized format to be all fluff. Wrong, Ladies and Gentlemen. This work actually has something to say and does it in an intelligent fashion! Not for just anyone, but if you truly Love the American Musical it is a Must Have. Since I teach Musicals, both Broadway and Hollywood, this is a welcome reference work. Besides the photos are wonderful and many not seen elsewhere.

I couldn't agree more with the other two reviews. This is a marvelous book that any musical and/or movie musical fan will devour. And the design, layout and pics are all sensational. If only "A Chorus Line" had been included, the book would be perfect. (Maybe Denkert was precluded from writing about it for some reason.) In any event, this is a reader-friendly (not to mean dumb) coffee table book that won't break your wrists or the bank.

Being an observer of plays and movies with a particular interest in musicals I've long been puzzled by the difficulty there seems to be with moving a musical from Broadway to Hollywood. Why does a smash hit like Gypsy, sometimes called 'The best damn musical ever,' basically flop on screen?

Darcie Denkert is an expert on both Broadway and Hollywood. In this book she has carefully researched a series of the most famous musicals that were made into movies. Sometimes, like with Gypsy, the play simply doesn't translate into the big screen. The scene at the train station, for instance when Rose is shifting her attentions to Louise after June left in the play works well. The train station doesn't look like a train station, it looks like a set. The orchestra is visible, the song works. In the movie, at a real train station, you don't just burst into song. And the stars, great movie stars, just didn't fit.

This is the kind of information that only an insider with a foot into each camp could get and then put into a book. Referring to Gypsy again, the author also tells us how the stories got written, who did what, how did the music get written, what did they do in the screenplay to adapt it?

The book covers 6 big plays: My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Gypsy, The Sound of Music, Cabaret, and Chicago, and 8 smaller ones. This format gives all the space that is needed to completely tell the story. Gypsy, for instance gets 38 pages, and they're big pages. To we outsiders, not plugged into either Broadway or Hollywood, this is an absolutely fascinatin book.

darcie denkert has done a fabulous job talking about the great shows of broadway and their translation to the screen. i love this book--the illustrations are insightful and the text is very well thought out. it should be a great addition to any college course on musicals.

it is also a great thing to see a woman's voice come through on this subject that is dominated my many great writers such as ethan morrden and mark steyn.

go, darcie!

I love mysteries, but find it increasingly hard to find ones that aren't rewarmed or overbaked versions of what I have already read. Mr. de Castrique has a series going that will make you wish the third and fourth ones were already out. This one stands alone, but you should read both. Having an understaker as your "detective" really works well (of course it helps that he was a policeman before). And his use of a North Carolina mountain town is a welcomed relief from big urban centers, small English towns and any place in California and Florida.

This is a very good series. Barry is a fully dimensional character with strong family ties and good friends. The sense of place is wonderfully done and dialogue is very true. He provides an interesting look into the human side of the funeral business, which I very much enjoyed. And, it's still a tight mystery with very good suspense. If you've not discovered this series, I definitely recommend giving it a try.

Author Mark de Castrique brings readers back to the small mountain town of Gainesboro, North Carolina in this enjoyable sequel to "Dangerous Undertaking." As his father's Alzheimer's worsens and a buyer is making noises about wanting the family funeral home, Clayton and Clayton, Barry Clayton has another problem.

Finding a loose skeleton on top of a closed casket, which was buried a number of years ago is bad enough. The fact that the skeleton has a small bullet hole above the eyes is indicative of the nature of death. What is unexplainable, as Barry watches at graveside, is why the dead man's wallet contains a picture of the woman he loves, Dr. Susan Miller? Why is a gun registered to her father buried with the skeleton?

As a circumstantial case against Dr. Susan Miller and her father, Walt, begins to build, Barry Clayton begins to investigate with the help of his friend, Sheriff Tommy Lee Wadkins. Faced with a hot shot District Attorney with serious political ambitions using the case for his own purposes instead of justice, the situation is stacked against them. Then there is the fact that Susan isn't telling all she knows, their relationship is in jeopardy on many levels, Barry's father wanders away from home lost in his own mind, and the buyer wants a fast decision. Not to mention that a killer still walks among them and is beginning to clean up the loose ends the only way possible-by killing again. Barry should have stayed on the police force up north where it was safer.

This is another enjoyable read by the author who combines interesting and realistic characters, a good mystery, and elements of real life that touch us all. With so many familiar with Alzheimer's, either directly or indirectly, it is nice to see a storyline concerning the subject handled so well in the first two novels of what promises to be a good series. The author gracefully and with tact, details the hard choices so many families have to deal with today in handling the situation and never raises the subject to preaching nor lowers it to condescension or amusement.

This sequel, which could be read as a stand alone, showcases the same deft touch in regards to the depictions of funerals and the grief of the survivors. These characters though they may only appear for brief snippets, a few pages at most, are just as real as the main characters of Sheriff Wadkins, Barry, Uncle Wayne and others. All are family and the result is a read with characters and scenes that flow at a steady pace towards a satisfying ending that culminates another good read.


Book Facts:

Grave Undertaking
By Mark de Castrique
Poisoned Pen Press
www.poisonedpenpress.com
2004
Hardback
266 Pages
$24.95 US
ISBN # 1-59058-116-4


This review previously appeared online at The Mystery Morgue.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2005

It's just an ordinary day for funeral director Barry Clayton--moving a casket from one location to another to meet the needs of the dead man's family. But when he comes across a skeleton that shouldn't be there--a skeleton with a bullet hole in the middle of its forehead, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. No funeral director put that body in the grave--and no suicide could cover himself so well. When Barry's girlfriend's picture is found in the skeleton's wallet, Susan, and even Barry himself, become suspects.

The sheriff seems willing enough to push forward with the obvious case and Susan's lies and her confrontation with the dead man only days before he vanished, give her motive, opportunity and means. Barry needs to dust off his ex-police skills to get to the bottom of the mystery. It doesn't help, though, that Susan is lying to him as well as to the police. Could it be that she has more to hide than Barry is willing to accept?

When he starts pulling on the case, Barry finds hints that something is rotten in the criminal justice system--that maybe the Sheriff has a good reason to point fingers anywhere but within his own department. Suspecting is one thing, though. Staying alive long enough to find out the truth becomes a major challenge.

Author Mark de Castrique creates an engaging story with enough red herrings to fill the Atlantic and a charming romance betwen Barry and Susan. I especially enjoyed the way de Castrique deepened Barry's character through his evolving relationship with his Alzheimer-suffering father and with the community he somewhat reluctantly serves as funeral director. de Castrique's strong writing kept me glued to the pages. Good stuff.

When his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer?s disease, Charlotte police officer Barry Clayton leaves the force and returns to Gainesboro, a North Carolina mountain town. He helps his parents and his uncle run the family business, the Clayton and Clayton Funeral Home. He is there when Pearly Johnson?s coffin is exhumed so it could be moved to the family plot. State Senator Richards paid a lot of money to be buried in Pearly?s plot, which is next to Caleb Turner, a Union sympathizer.

Before they reach Pearly?s coffin, they discover the skeleton of another man on top of the coffin, a bullet in his head. A wallet is found with four hundred dollars and a picture of Barry?s girlfriend Susan Miller. They identify the body of Samuel Calhoun, a private detective who was buried with the gun of Susan?s father. Both Susan and her father become suspects in the death of this sleazy blackmailer. When Barry makes inquiries, he is shot. Still he thinks the killer is someone in the justice department and Barry and his friends better find out who it is before someone else dies.

Mark de Castrique has written an exciting regional mystery that gives readers feeling of what it is like living in a small southern mountain town. The protagonist is a hero in the truest sense of the word as he gives up his job to take over the family business that means everything to his mother and uncle. He?s patient with his father, tries to protect his girlfriend, and find a murderer. GRAVE UNDERTAKING shows the importance of the funeral home in the community as neighbor helps neighbor in time of need.

Harriet Klausner

Overall this is a great book for anyone that owns, rents or is thinking of buying a house. It has excellent illustrations with easy to read and understand explanations. It filled in many gaps in my knowledge about my home.

I was a little surprised that in section/chapter 4: Heating and Cooling that he never even mentioned evaporative coolers/Swamp Coolers. Granted, one has to live in a fairly dry climate to get the best use out of them, but surprise........ lots of people do.

I'm guessing he grew up on the east or west coast and never had much exposure to them, but they at least warrant mention.

Otherwise an excellent, well written book for those of us that are curious about "How it Works"

This books explains how a US single family house evolved to its current standard, including structure, plumbing, electrics, etc. The author is both knowledgeable on how things in our houses work and very good at communicating his knowledge to a lay person. Although there are a few "fix it yourself" or "complete guide" books that are good at providing quick solutions, this book will help you understand how some of the solutions work. The book is less than 200 pages and takes only a few nights to read. You will benefit from it for your whole life.

This is the book to buy before you read the how-to books.

It presents a concise evolution of the American home, explaining the rudiments of its construction and systems from the timber frame to the postwar eras.

The illustrations are excellent.

Beware, you may be tempted to subscribe to The Family Handyman.

I've looked at a lot of "home" type books and this is the best one that I have seen. It takes a home and explains in the simplest terms, how it works ('wonder where they got the name of the book?). The illustrations are absolutely top notch. Buy this book!

This book is a rare blend of the fundamentals of residential construction, expressed in the most friendly language. Duane has an unusual two-fold gift to understand all the technical aspects of our homes and the ability to communicate that expertise in the most approachable manner. It's like having the 60-year wisdom of a construction foreman and a dutch uncle in your back pocket. I have given copies of this fine book to all my nephews and several friends.

I love this book! My husband is in Iraq, leaving me to handle the kids and home maintenance. This book is a great resource and designed for women in mind, leaving out all the "contractor talk." It's also very funny and entertaining.

I bought this for a friend after using the book myself during the planning for our new kitchen. Its a good basic home repair project book.

I purchased this book as a Mother's Day present for my mom. She really has enjoyed it. Not only does Ms. Liebeler give simple and easy to follow instructions for doing many at home projects, she writes as if she's talking to one of her good friends. A very easy to read and understand book! I probably will buy a copy for myself as well.

This is a great book for the new female home owner who doesn't want to spend all her time and money at the big-box how-to stores or be at the mercy of professional tradespeople. Written with the special needs of women in mind, especially in regard to safety and environmental concerns, this is a light-hearted, yet serious book that will come to the rescue when you need quick, good answers. Joanne knows what she is talking about and helps you feel good about taking the best care of your biggest investment. Buy it for yourself or give to a friend. Fine Book.

Joanne Liebeler's DO IT HERSELF: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FIX, MAINTAIN, AND IMPROVE YOUR HOME is written by women for women and offers step-by-step directions for a range of easy fixes, from tightening loose hinges and stopping a running toilet to unclogging sink drains and installing a GFCI receptacle. Each tip comes with good-sized color step-by-step photos and accompanying directions for installations and repairs, including a 'time and talent' sidebar defining job complexity. Perfect for women who want to develop basic home repair skills.