HEE! Welcome to the shiny!

Of course it's okay to ask. I don't know of any stuff on lj, but here's some links to tutorials and free projects with instructions

http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/03/14/the-basics-information-tutorials-to-get-you-started/ (good basic information)

http://www.beadage.net/glossary/index.php (glossary of terms with pictures - very helpful)

http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/default.asp (lots of good basic how-to info)

http://www.artbeads.com/learning-center.html (lots of good basic how-to info)

http://www.beadfly.com/

http://www.beadingdaily.com/freeprojects/ (free project instructions)

That should get you started. :)