You're no idiot, of course. You know how to push a toddler on a swing, the recipe for the gooey chocolate chip cookies, and even how to get teens to confide in you. Your own kids think you're hip, too (although they'd never admit to it). But when it comes to figuring out how not to come across as the wicked stepparent, you feel like you need a magical potion. Don't reach for the garlic yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Stepparenting gives you sanity-saving advice for dealing with the stepfamily, getting to know your stepchildren, and feeling confident in your role.

You're no idiot, of course. You know how to push a toddler on a swing, the recipe for the best gooey chocolate chip cookies, and even how to get teens to confide in you. Your own kids think you're hip, too (although they'd never admit to it). But when it comes to figuring out how not to come across as the wicked stepparent, you feel like you need a magical potion. Don't reach for the garlic yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Stepparenting gives you sanity-saving advice for dealing with the stepfamily, getting to know your stepchildren, and feeling confident in your role. In this Complete Idiot's Guide® you get: --Tips for dealing with the dreaded “first meeting.” --The top 10 complaints of stepmoms and stepdads—and how to deal with them. --Disciplining do's and don'ts. --Practical suggestions for dealing with the Ex. --Expert advice on making time for romance!

Written by a parent for parents, this simple guide shares no-nonsense strategies for every aspect of child-raising, from the toddler years to adolescence.

“Why are most plants green?” Why doesn’t stomach acid dissolve the stomach itself? Why are there more tornados in the Midwest than on the coast? This volume answers these questions and over 200 more, shedding light on the science behind them. As informative as it is entertaining, it addresses every major branch of science, including physics, chemistry, biology, geology, meteorology, astronomy, and cosmology. It highlights some of the big ideas that helped shape science as we know it, and discusses the future of science with regards to nanotechnology, genetic modification, molecular medicine, and string theory. • Complete Idiot’s Guides® have a proven track record of simplifying science with great success, as with volumes on physics and chemistry. •Entertaining scientific overviews of this kind also successful, including such titles as The Pocket Idiot’s Guide™ to Not-So-Useless Facts and The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Understanding Einstein.

You're no idiot, of course. You know the Crusades were a war between Christian and Muslims for control of the Holy Land. However, these bloody conflicts raged over centuries, under changing circumstances, making the whole story difficult to follow. You don't have to don armour and cross deserts to relive the Crusades! 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Crusades' shows you why these wars began, why they continued for so long, and how their impact on the world still resonates. This 'Complete Idiot's Guide' gives you: -An introduction to the Dark Ages and the Renaissance, and why Pope Urban II would grant absolution to anyone who reclaimed the Holy Land for Christianity.-The origins of such Holy Orders as the Knights Templar, the Hospitallers, and the Teutonic Knights and the roles they played during the Crusades.

Gain some insight into the game of life... Game Theory means rigorous strategic thinking. It is based on the idea that everyone acts competitively and in his own best interest. With the help of mathematical models, it is possible to anticipate the actions of others in nearly all life's enterprises. This book includes down-to-earth examples and solutions, as well as charts and illustrations designed to help teach the concept. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Game Theory, Dr. Edward C. Rosenthal makes it easy to understand game theory with insights into: • The history of the discipline made popular by John Nash, the mathematician dramatized in the film A Beautiful Mind • The role of social behavior and psychology in this amazing discipline • How important game theory has become in our society and why

No more burnt offerings! Whether it’s nachos or crock-pot kielbasa, a party, something quick for the kids’ lunch, a romantic date night, or dinner-for-one, this guy-friendly cookbook features over 230 real-food recipes for everything from vegetables, pasta, and desserts, to leftovers, appetizers, and grilling. Instead of relying on shortcuts, canned food, or unhealthy processed ingredients, it pares down complex cooking instructions, explains basic cooking terms, figures in prep time and cook time, and allots larger portion sizes. • Notes high-salt or high-cholesterol recipes. • Includes more than 230 recipes. • Provides special tips, advice, and recipe construction for beginners, plus bigger portion sizes for hungry men.

The Toltecs were an ancient society who lived in the central valley of Mexico. Their knowledge of science, art, and the spirit was amazingly advanced, and it led them to create a system of teaching that required enormous discipline and willpower. Focusing on the mind, the Toltecs developed a spiritual philosophy that incorporated the beauty of many esoteric teachings, forming a perfect model for transcendence. They believed that humans live in a world of dreams, and the way they dream places limitations on their lives. By changing those dreams, and reprogramming our minds, the wisdom of the Toltecs can lead us to the self-love and respect that are the keys to personal freedom. In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Toltec Wisdom, readers can travel through life with the knowledge of the Toltecs, taking charge of their lives and becoming fully aware for the first time.

An updated and revised edition of one of The Complete Idiot's Guidespopular religion and history titles. Additional information about Jews in early American history through the 19th century. Expanded coverage of Jewish history and culture in the places you might least expect - Asia and South America. Jewish history and culture brought up to date to 2004.

It’s your move . . . The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Chess Openings provides all readers need to know to solidify their opening game and get on the road to victory. In it, the authors provide a step-by-step walk-through of 100 of the most effective opening moves. Each opening strategy is clearly and succinctly explained, with numerous illustrations that bolster the reader’s understanding. • Step-by-step advice and strategies, as well as helpful illustrations • Approximately 605 million people worldwide play chess; the World Chess Federation estimates that more than 285 million play chess online