Here's a couple of test shots from the weekend. I know they are boring but would appreciate any help on the following:

1. I have finally.....& recently started shooting in RAW and am currently getting my head around Nikon Capture. (Thats why your looking at a couple of taps) I noticed the sharpening tool can be quite aggresive (as posted below). But also maybe artistic as well? Especially in close up (pic 1). In my case totally by mistake!
I noticed over sharpening gave a painted/posterized effect, unlike what I have seen in other applications........interesting. Any tips on quick & basic pre-processing in Capture before I read the 160 page manual ?
2. These images should have been larger



Hopfullly the larger images can be displayed with your help soon.
Pics are now viewable in my next post in this thread.
Thanks to all in advance
Marcus