January is National Hobby Month! Are you thinking of picking up a new hobby, or maybe returning to an old one? Well, no offense intended, but you might consider picking up a “For Dummies” book. Despite the mildly offensive name, this is a long-running and generally trusted series of introductions to many topics, including several popular hobbies. You might also be interested in checking out one of the Hobbies & Leisure databases MHL offers access to, such as Birds of the World, Creativebug, The Great Courses, or Mango Languages.
Bird Watching for Dummies
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Bird Watching For Dummies is a spark book, teaching you all you need to know about this fun, affordable, and accessible hobby. It gently guides as you explore your local habitats, learn to recognize more and more species, and reap the many mental health benefits of connecting to the outdoors and all the wonders it holds. This book gets you started, teaching you how to identify birds by sight and sound, find birdwatching hotspots, and get the birds to come to your own backyard. You'll learn about the latest gear, the best field guides and online apps that will jumpp-start your bird identification skills.
Bird Watching For Dummies is a spark book, teaching you all you need to know about this fun, affordable, and accessible hobby. It gently guides as you explore your local habitats, learn to recognize more and more species, and reap the many mental health benefits of connecting to the outdoors and all the wonders it holds. This book gets you started, teaching you how to identify birds by sight and sound, find birdwatching hotspots, and get the birds to come to your own backyard. You'll learn about the latest gear, the best field guides and online apps that will jumpp-start your bird identification skills.
Calligraphy for Dummies
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A fun introduction to the art of calligraphy--plus how-tos and practice exercises Calligraphy For Dummies, 2nd Edition is an approachable place to start for anyone interested in lettering with flair. This book provides helpful tips and tricks for learning this expressive artform, including choosing your pen and paper, taking care of your materials, understanding foundational concepts, and putting your own spin on classic alphabet styles. Once you've gotten the basics down, this book also helps spark interesting project ideas, including ways you can elevate letters, invitations, posters, and beyond. With plenty of practice opportunities and guidance, this easy-to-use resource will have you dotting your i's and crossing your t's--the fancy way. Inside: Learn classic calligraphy lettering and techniques, as well as digital calligraphy Discover the world of ink, pens, and paper, and choose the best materials for your project Add your own artistic touch to alphabet styles Add beautiful lettering to your other art and craft projects Pick up an exciting new hobby or brush up, with Calligraphy For Dummies, 2nd Edition.
A fun introduction to the art of calligraphy--plus how-tos and practice exercises Calligraphy For Dummies, 2nd Edition is an approachable place to start for anyone interested in lettering with flair. This book provides helpful tips and tricks for learning this expressive artform, including choosing your pen and paper, taking care of your materials, understanding foundational concepts, and putting your own spin on classic alphabet styles. Once you've gotten the basics down, this book also helps spark interesting project ideas, including ways you can elevate letters, invitations, posters, and beyond. With plenty of practice opportunities and guidance, this easy-to-use resource will have you dotting your i's and crossing your t's--the fancy way. Inside: Learn classic calligraphy lettering and techniques, as well as digital calligraphy Discover the world of ink, pens, and paper, and choose the best materials for your project Add your own artistic touch to alphabet styles Add beautiful lettering to your other art and craft projects Pick up an exciting new hobby or brush up, with Calligraphy For Dummies, 2nd Edition.
Chess Openings for Dummies
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Set yourself up for success by understanding the art of the chess opening Chess Openings For Dummies helps beginning and intermediate chess players improve their game by making the first few moves count. With a strong opening, you can dictate the flow of the game, control the center, and keep your king safe. This book shows you how to make tactical early moves that put you on a strong footing for the rest of the game. Chess master James Eade shares his expert knowledge for coming out triumphant in open, semi-open, closed, and semi-closed games. Plus, you'll discover the perks of advancing with flank openings and learn the major mistakes to avoid. Learn the importance of online competitions, computers, and faster-paced chess events and their impact on the game. In language anyone can understand, this Dummies guide helps you gain a strategic advantage in chess. Discover the most effective openings for open and closed games Advance your game with new and advanced opening techniques Learn why certain openings have become more popular--and why you should use them Gain the upper hand in the first few moves and keep opponents on their toes Looking to improve your chess openings? Chess Openings For Dummies makes it easy.
Set yourself up for success by understanding the art of the chess opening Chess Openings For Dummies helps beginning and intermediate chess players improve their game by making the first few moves count. With a strong opening, you can dictate the flow of the game, control the center, and keep your king safe. This book shows you how to make tactical early moves that put you on a strong footing for the rest of the game. Chess master James Eade shares his expert knowledge for coming out triumphant in open, semi-open, closed, and semi-closed games. Plus, you'll discover the perks of advancing with flank openings and learn the major mistakes to avoid. Learn the importance of online competitions, computers, and faster-paced chess events and their impact on the game. In language anyone can understand, this Dummies guide helps you gain a strategic advantage in chess. Discover the most effective openings for open and closed games Advance your game with new and advanced opening techniques Learn why certain openings have become more popular--and why you should use them Gain the upper hand in the first few moves and keep opponents on their toes Looking to improve your chess openings? Chess Openings For Dummies makes it easy.
Creative Writing for Dummies
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Unlock your creative potential and write something special Ever dream of writing a book, article, poem, or play that means something to you--and maybe to someone else as well? Do you have an idea you're ready to get down on paper? In Creative Writing For Dummies, you'll learn how to unleash your creative side and become a confident and productive writer. Discover the essential elements of storytelling, including structure, characterization, setting, dialogue, and plot, as you navigate the countless ways you can express yourself with the written word. Explore the media and methods you can use to help find an audience--from traditional to self-publishing, social media, blogging, and more! Creative Writing For Dummies also shows you how to: Write in all sorts of different formats, including screenplays, scripts, creative nonfiction, poetry, short stories, novels, and beyond Navigate the world of social media and learn how it can contribute to getting your work read by more people in more places Understand the new, online nature of contemporary journalism and the proliferation of news and blogging sites A can't-miss roadmap to getting your first--or hundred-and-first--story, poem, or script committed to paper, Creative Writing For Dummies is an essential read for aspiring, amateur, and professional writers everywhere.
Unlock your creative potential and write something special Ever dream of writing a book, article, poem, or play that means something to you--and maybe to someone else as well? Do you have an idea you're ready to get down on paper? In Creative Writing For Dummies, you'll learn how to unleash your creative side and become a confident and productive writer. Discover the essential elements of storytelling, including structure, characterization, setting, dialogue, and plot, as you navigate the countless ways you can express yourself with the written word. Explore the media and methods you can use to help find an audience--from traditional to self-publishing, social media, blogging, and more! Creative Writing For Dummies also shows you how to: Write in all sorts of different formats, including screenplays, scripts, creative nonfiction, poetry, short stories, novels, and beyond Navigate the world of social media and learn how it can contribute to getting your work read by more people in more places Understand the new, online nature of contemporary journalism and the proliferation of news and blogging sites A can't-miss roadmap to getting your first--or hundred-and-first--story, poem, or script committed to paper, Creative Writing For Dummies is an essential read for aspiring, amateur, and professional writers everywhere.
Drawing for Dummies
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Drawing For Dummies makes it easy to learn the basics of drawing and even master advanced techniques. With a little instruction and practice, there's no such thing as I just can't draw. Drawing can help you relieve stress, express your emotions and creativity, communicate across cultures, improve memory, and develop and strengthen fine motor skills. This user-friendly Dummies resource will teach you how to see the world through the eyes of an artist, explore your inner visions, and open up your creativity through drawing exercises. Step-by-step illustrations and images, newly enlarged in this edition, will show you exactly how to achieve the results you want. It might be time to invest in some picture frames, because you're about to make art you can be proud of. Learn the fundamentals of drawing, including the essential supplies you'll need. Practice drawing techniques, get your creativity flowing, and explore your own mind with fun drawing exercises. Get step-by-step instructions on how to draw anything in a range of styles Improve your abilities with tips and ideas for making your drawings better.
Drawing For Dummies makes it easy to learn the basics of drawing and even master advanced techniques. With a little instruction and practice, there's no such thing as I just can't draw. Drawing can help you relieve stress, express your emotions and creativity, communicate across cultures, improve memory, and develop and strengthen fine motor skills. This user-friendly Dummies resource will teach you how to see the world through the eyes of an artist, explore your inner visions, and open up your creativity through drawing exercises. Step-by-step illustrations and images, newly enlarged in this edition, will show you exactly how to achieve the results you want. It might be time to invest in some picture frames, because you're about to make art you can be proud of. Learn the fundamentals of drawing, including the essential supplies you'll need. Practice drawing techniques, get your creativity flowing, and explore your own mind with fun drawing exercises. Get step-by-step instructions on how to draw anything in a range of styles Improve your abilities with tips and ideas for making your drawings better.
Golf for Dummies
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Level up your own golf game, or enjoy the sport as a spectator Golf is a great sport for all types of people. It's a low impact form of exercise, a social activity, and it gets you outdoors. Golf For Dummies teaches you the rules of the game and gives you tips on improving your play. If you're more of a spectator, you'll love this book's coverage of the latest golf trends and the best players on the pro courses. Helpful illustrations make it easy to understand how golf really works, so you can step onto the green with confidence. In this new edition, you can learn all about new golf formats and recent changes to the rulebook. Ready to play a round? Understand golf basics, perfect your swing, and master the mental game Follow simple instructions and diagrams to improve your grips and stances Learn how the sport of golf is changing, at the amateur and professional levels Improve your golf game with advice from a championship-winning golfer This is a great Dummies guide for anyone looking for a general introduction to the sport, as well as current players who want to take their game to the next level. Have fun when you hit the links!
Level up your own golf game, or enjoy the sport as a spectator Golf is a great sport for all types of people. It's a low impact form of exercise, a social activity, and it gets you outdoors. Golf For Dummies teaches you the rules of the game and gives you tips on improving your play. If you're more of a spectator, you'll love this book's coverage of the latest golf trends and the best players on the pro courses. Helpful illustrations make it easy to understand how golf really works, so you can step onto the green with confidence. In this new edition, you can learn all about new golf formats and recent changes to the rulebook. Ready to play a round? Understand golf basics, perfect your swing, and master the mental game Follow simple instructions and diagrams to improve your grips and stances Learn how the sport of golf is changing, at the amateur and professional levels Improve your golf game with advice from a championship-winning golfer This is a great Dummies guide for anyone looking for a general introduction to the sport, as well as current players who want to take their game to the next level. Have fun when you hit the links!
Guitar All-In-One for Dummies: Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction
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A one-stop resource to learn to play guitar! This guide puts everything you need to start playing and continue improving at your fingertips.
A one-stop resource to learn to play guitar! This guide puts everything you need to start playing and continue improving at your fingertips.
Hiking & Backpacking for Dummies
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Get ready to hit the trails! Hiking is one of the world's most popular outdoor activities, and Hiking & Backpacking For Dummies is the inclusive reference you need to get started exploring the great outdoors on foot. Whether you're day hiking in a nearby state or national park or heading into the woods for your first backpacking trip, this book has all the information you'll need to hit the trail with quiet confidence. From tips on trip planning, gear selection, and health and safety to practical advice on how to optimize your time both on trail and in camp, Hiking & Backpacking For Dummies is a fun and approachable book that will prepare you for the challenges and adventure of hiking in the wilderness. Get started with hiking, even if you've never set foot on a trail before Cut through the marketing hype and discover what hiking apparel and equipment are right for you Acquire the knowledge and skills that will allow you to hike safely and responsibly in different environments and seasons Learn about the seven principles of leave no trace hiking and camping, the golden rules of the great outdoors Irrespective of age or athletic ability, Hiking & Backpacking For Dummies is for anyone who loves heading outdoors and experiencing the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits inherent in walking in nature.
Get ready to hit the trails! Hiking is one of the world's most popular outdoor activities, and Hiking & Backpacking For Dummies is the inclusive reference you need to get started exploring the great outdoors on foot. Whether you're day hiking in a nearby state or national park or heading into the woods for your first backpacking trip, this book has all the information you'll need to hit the trail with quiet confidence. From tips on trip planning, gear selection, and health and safety to practical advice on how to optimize your time both on trail and in camp, Hiking & Backpacking For Dummies is a fun and approachable book that will prepare you for the challenges and adventure of hiking in the wilderness. Get started with hiking, even if you've never set foot on a trail before Cut through the marketing hype and discover what hiking apparel and equipment are right for you Acquire the knowledge and skills that will allow you to hike safely and responsibly in different environments and seasons Learn about the seven principles of leave no trace hiking and camping, the golden rules of the great outdoors Irrespective of age or athletic ability, Hiking & Backpacking For Dummies is for anyone who loves heading outdoors and experiencing the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits inherent in walking in nature.
Learning a New Language for Dummies
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Providing research-based suggestions for speeding up language acquisition, this easy-to-understand guide will help you choose learning methods so that you stay motivated, set realistic goals and succeed in leveling up your linguistic ability.
Providing research-based suggestions for speeding up language acquisition, this easy-to-understand guide will help you choose learning methods so that you stay motivated, set realistic goals and succeed in leveling up your linguistic ability.
Magic for Dummies
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Develop the knowledge, skill, and showmanship you need to thrill audiences of all ages Magic For Dummies is your introduction to mystifying friends, family, and the world at large with the art of the magic. Emmy award-winning author David Pogue teaches you dozens of fun, inexpensive tricks that you can do with everyday objects like office supplies, clothing, food, and even your phone. Card tricks, sleight of hand, disappearing tricks--it's all in here. You'll also learn how to practice and improve your skills, so you can take your magical performances to the next level. Plus, this book includes tips on how to refine your techniques, so you can dazzle any live or virtual audience. This entertaining introduction to the world of illusion is a must for aspiring magicians. Get easy instructions on how to perform and perfect basic magic tricks Become a more entertaining magician, with tips on connecting with your audience Discover the fun of performing magic tricks for friends and strangers, in person and online Wow people of all ages with card tricks, optical illusions, and beyond This book is for readers of all ages who want to learn the art of magic, including beginners and those who have already tried a trick or two.
Develop the knowledge, skill, and showmanship you need to thrill audiences of all ages Magic For Dummies is your introduction to mystifying friends, family, and the world at large with the art of the magic. Emmy award-winning author David Pogue teaches you dozens of fun, inexpensive tricks that you can do with everyday objects like office supplies, clothing, food, and even your phone. Card tricks, sleight of hand, disappearing tricks--it's all in here. You'll also learn how to practice and improve your skills, so you can take your magical performances to the next level. Plus, this book includes tips on how to refine your techniques, so you can dazzle any live or virtual audience. This entertaining introduction to the world of illusion is a must for aspiring magicians. Get easy instructions on how to perform and perfect basic magic tricks Become a more entertaining magician, with tips on connecting with your audience Discover the fun of performing magic tricks for friends and strangers, in person and online Wow people of all ages with card tricks, optical illusions, and beyond This book is for readers of all ages who want to learn the art of magic, including beginners and those who have already tried a trick or two.
Mahjong for Dummies
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Start enjoying mahjong games with family and friends, at local tournaments, and by hosting your own parties Mahjong For Dummies will teach you how to play traditional Chinese mahjong, American mahjong, and many other variations. This simple book breaks down the rules, explains the different mahjong styles, and offers easy-to-understand explanations and diagrams. Get playing right away, without getting bogged down by technicalities. After all, the essence of mahjong is the shared experience! When you're ready, you can find advanced strategies and more complex rules, clearly explained. Confidently begin playing and organizing your own games, thanks to this clear Dummies guide. Learn the rules of mahjong in an accessible and engaging style, with a focus on enjoying the game Improve your skill and understanding with charts, diagrams, scorecards, and cheat sheets Grasp the game's mechanics so you can make the right decisions, manage risk, and improve your chance of winning Read about the cultural context and rich history of Mahjong Mahjong For Dummies offers something for everyone and is great for complete beginners and experienced players alike.
Start enjoying mahjong games with family and friends, at local tournaments, and by hosting your own parties Mahjong For Dummies will teach you how to play traditional Chinese mahjong, American mahjong, and many other variations. This simple book breaks down the rules, explains the different mahjong styles, and offers easy-to-understand explanations and diagrams. Get playing right away, without getting bogged down by technicalities. After all, the essence of mahjong is the shared experience! When you're ready, you can find advanced strategies and more complex rules, clearly explained. Confidently begin playing and organizing your own games, thanks to this clear Dummies guide. Learn the rules of mahjong in an accessible and engaging style, with a focus on enjoying the game Improve your skill and understanding with charts, diagrams, scorecards, and cheat sheets Grasp the game's mechanics so you can make the right decisions, manage risk, and improve your chance of winning Read about the cultural context and rich history of Mahjong Mahjong For Dummies offers something for everyone and is great for complete beginners and experienced players alike.
Pickleball for Dummies
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The game with the funny name was created in the 1960s and is, today, the fastest growing sport in America. We take you through the hows of the game. In true Dummies fashion, the material is easy to understand and appropriate for newbies as well as advanced players. We cover it all from scoring, serving, dinking, places to play, and getting more involved in the community. No need to be intimidated - you've got Dummies on your side of the court to give you all the best tips and tricks from expert authors. If you're in a pickle because you don't know anything about this popular game, Pickleball For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know. Inside: learn the rules and stroke fundamentals; introduction to the fun, social aspects of the game; advanced strategies that will raise an experienced player to next level; and tips for tournament players and club organizers.
The game with the funny name was created in the 1960s and is, today, the fastest growing sport in America. We take you through the hows of the game. In true Dummies fashion, the material is easy to understand and appropriate for newbies as well as advanced players. We cover it all from scoring, serving, dinking, places to play, and getting more involved in the community. No need to be intimidated - you've got Dummies on your side of the court to give you all the best tips and tricks from expert authors. If you're in a pickle because you don't know anything about this popular game, Pickleball For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know. Inside: learn the rules and stroke fundamentals; introduction to the fun, social aspects of the game; advanced strategies that will raise an experienced player to next level; and tips for tournament players and club organizers.
Raised Bed Gardening for Dummies
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An easy, step-by-step guide to a fun and relaxing form of gardening Interested in exploring gardening but worried you don't have enough time or space? Concerned that the constant bending and stooping might create a problem for you physically? Then it's time you discovered raised bed gardening. In Raised Bed Gardening For Dummies, experienced gardener and author, Teri Chace, delivers a practical and hands-on guide to a rewarding and physically accessible style of gardening you can get the hang of immediately. Chace shows you how to plan, design, build, maintain, and grow plants in raised bed environments. You'll learn exactly how to get started, from picking the right location and garden materials to choosing your plants, fruits, and veggies. You'll also find: Tips to create convenient, no-bend gardens that are perfect for people with physical limitations or disabilities and those worried about causing or aggravating an injury Expert troubleshooting tips for common gardening issues, like pests, temperature changes, and soil maintenance Accurate info about which plants thrive in which environments so you can match your garden to your location and climate The perfect book for people entirely new to gardening and interested in a fun, relaxing, and challenging new hobby, Raised Bed Gardening For Dummies is also a must-read for would-be gardeners with limited space, like city dwellers and condo owners.
An easy, step-by-step guide to a fun and relaxing form of gardening Interested in exploring gardening but worried you don't have enough time or space? Concerned that the constant bending and stooping might create a problem for you physically? Then it's time you discovered raised bed gardening. In Raised Bed Gardening For Dummies, experienced gardener and author, Teri Chace, delivers a practical and hands-on guide to a rewarding and physically accessible style of gardening you can get the hang of immediately. Chace shows you how to plan, design, build, maintain, and grow plants in raised bed environments. You'll learn exactly how to get started, from picking the right location and garden materials to choosing your plants, fruits, and veggies. You'll also find: Tips to create convenient, no-bend gardens that are perfect for people with physical limitations or disabilities and those worried about causing or aggravating an injury Expert troubleshooting tips for common gardening issues, like pests, temperature changes, and soil maintenance Accurate info about which plants thrive in which environments so you can match your garden to your location and climate The perfect book for people entirely new to gardening and interested in a fun, relaxing, and challenging new hobby, Raised Bed Gardening For Dummies is also a must-read for would-be gardeners with limited space, like city dwellers and condo owners.
Sewing for Dummies
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A fun and understandable guide to sewing. Looking for an easy-to-understand resource that will show you how to get started with hand and machine sewing? In Sewing For Dummies, best-selling author Jan Maresh walks you through basic hand stitches and sewing machine operation with easy-to-follow instructions to guide you every step of the way. You'll learn to create and repair clothing. Plus you'll discover how to upgrade and transform thrifted finds into something new--and all you. If you're ready to improve your sewing skills or start a fun and challenging new hobby, you've found the perfect book.
A fun and understandable guide to sewing. Looking for an easy-to-understand resource that will show you how to get started with hand and machine sewing? In Sewing For Dummies, best-selling author Jan Maresh walks you through basic hand stitches and sewing machine operation with easy-to-follow instructions to guide you every step of the way. You'll learn to create and repair clothing. Plus you'll discover how to upgrade and transform thrifted finds into something new--and all you. If you're ready to improve your sewing skills or start a fun and challenging new hobby, you've found the perfect book.
Singing Exercises for Dummies
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Some people are born with naturally beautiful voices, but even the best can get better by applying training that can make a performance truly soar. Singing Exercises For Dummies shows you how to do just that. Following the drills and exercises found both in the book and online examples, you'll be able to refine your technique; develop consistency, power, and endurance; and increase your vocal range so you can achieve a voice that stands out from (and always wows) the crowd!
Some people are born with naturally beautiful voices, but even the best can get better by applying training that can make a performance truly soar. Singing Exercises For Dummies shows you how to do just that. Following the drills and exercises found both in the book and online examples, you'll be able to refine your technique; develop consistency, power, and endurance; and increase your vocal range so you can achieve a voice that stands out from (and always wows) the crowd!