We use these phrases every day and yet have only the vaguest idea of where many of them come from. The origins of hundreds of common phrases are explained in this irreverent journey through the most fascinating and richest regions of the English language. Once you've read one, you'll be diving back in to look up all the others. Red Herrings is full of amazing definitions that take us all over the world, including military traditions and famous people who lent their names to describe familiar situations. From the drop of a hat to the bitter end - you'll never speak English in the same way again.

    What better way to introduce children to the story of the birth of Jesus than the story told with LEGO bricks!?!?!?Every year, children of all ages revisit the scene in Bethlehem with Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, the angels and shepherds, and the baby Jesus, swaddled and lying in a manger.Kids will love seeing the story of Christmas played out using their favorite toys. Brendan Powell Smith, author of The Brick Bible for Kids series—beginning with Noah’s Ark—creates a magical “brick” world around the simplified text of the Immaculate Conception, the census, the guiding star high above Bethlehem, and the promise one little baby brings to the Christians of the world.This important Christmas story is sure to be the perfect holiday gift and a book for families to cherish for years to come.

    With rich knowledge, expert wordsmithing, and signature wry humor, celebrity cosmic consultants Stella Starsky + Quinn Cox delve into the specific rules of attraction inherent in each bond and the perks and pitfalls particular to each partnership. Whether addressing enduring alliances or fleeting dalliances, Starsky + Cox don’t shy away from the juicier bits in profiling the romantic and sexual nature of each star-sign combination on the astrological block. Smart, sexy, and sophisticated, with a wink, Cosmic Coupling ­profiles couples in a threefold manner:•    Chemistry—describes the sparks, clashes, and underlying motivations of the couple’s mutual attraction •    Compatibility—depicts the relationship needs of each sign and explains how the pair best meshes•    Carnality—details the sexual dynamics of the bond, right on down to the nitty-grittyWith a profound understanding of astrology and human ­psychology, original insights drawn from ancient, literary, and pop archetypes, and a frankly intelligent, frequently funny delivery, Cosmic Coupling illuminates the dynamics of one’s (and others’) existing relationships and guides any singles seeking Mr. and/or Ms. Right, while giving the phrase “starry-eyed lovers” a whole, spicy new meaning.

    Here are the gods of the Olympian pantheon. Here too are the demigods, demons, heroes, and many of the best-loved (as well as lesser-known) cycles, fables and nature myths. The entries, always readable and informative, convey the significance of Greek mythology and its place at the core of Western culture. They evoke the majesty, as well as the all-too-human foibles, of the Greek deities and their acolytes. Whether they find themselves caught up by the single combat of Hector and Achilles before the looming walls of Troy; or find themselves transported, like Odysseus, by the haunting song of the Sirens; or are thrilled by the quest of Jason and his Argonauts for the fabled Golden Fleece - enthusiasts of myth and ancient history will discover many richnesses to enjoy here. Gods, Demigods and Demons is both a helpful guide and a one-stop resource that can be consulted again and again. It will prove an indispensable companion to the world of the ancient Greeks and the gods they worshipped.

    Love: The Psychology of Attraction offers answers to your burning questions: How should I present myself online? What are red flags in a first phone call? Is it time to meet family members? And, it answers some unexpected questions, too: Is chemistry predictable? Do I have a "lifestyle type"?With every quiz, assessment, and inviting infographic, Love: The Psychology of Attraction guides you toward deeper, more satisfying relationships that can lead to long-term fulfillment.Author Bio:Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps is a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker. She is a regular contributor to the Relationships blog for WebMD, as well as the Making Changes blog for Psychology Today, and is the author of Insecure in Love. She lives in New Jersey, where she is on the medical staff of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset. She also runs a private practice dedicated to helping individuals and couples feel better about themselves in all aspects of their lives. She lives in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.Reviews:"Interactive exercises guide couples onto the road to harmony, and sensible advice will take them even closer to an ideal relationship." - Publishers Weekly"Charts, diagrams, and illustrations permeate the text, creating a compelling, easy-to-follow read. This is one of the most straightforward guides to dating available." - Library Journal (Starred Review)

    This entertaining and informative guide introduces readers to the amazing world of ancient Rome and its emperors, epic wars, awesome architecture, heroes, and villains. With a complete rundown of Roman history alongside fascinating insights into the lives of everyday Romans, readers will discover the amazing people and events involved in the rise and fall of one of the greatest of all ancient civilisations and how its influence can still be felt around the world today.Guy de la Bdoyre is a historian, archaeologist, and Roman expert, he is well known for his numerous books and appearances on TV, especially Channel 4's "Time Team.

    No cards, no coins, no charts of the planets--just a hand and the knowledge in this book. Whether your interest is serious or casual, Palm Reading for Beginners will open a world of insight into yourself, your friends, your family, and your future!Announce in any gathering that you read palms and you will be flocked by people thrilled to show you their hands. When you are have finished Palm Reading for Beginners , you will be able to look at anyone's palm (including your own) and confidently and effectively tell them about their personality, love life, hidden talents, career options, prosperity, and health.

    The Survival Book shows you not only how to adapt in such circumstances, but also how to thrive in the wilderness environment. Packed with specially commissioned, crystal-clear, step-by-step illustrations for every survival technique, from what to do if you meet a bear in the woods to how to navigate by the stars, this book also includes exciting stories of real-life survival-what happened, who survived, and how they did it.

    From the Mona Lisa's hidden past to the history of Area 51, Do Not Open explores lost worlds, unravels secret codes, and lets readers step through the looking glass to see if they can handle the truth! AUTHOR BIO:

    in full color. Three favorite tales, humorously illustrated.

    Mars and Venus on a Date is  thorough understanding of the fives stages of dating: attraction, uncertainty, exclusivity, intimacy and engagement as well as a guide to knowing what kind of person you might be looking for and the unexpected places you might just find your soulmate. Filled with practical guidelines, inventive techniques, and witty insight Mars and Venus on a Date will help everyone navigate the dating world.

    Every tool and every technique you require for making your own home furnishings or clothing is closely and sharply photographed, carefully annotated, and clearly explained. The Tools section begins with the basic toolkit, opening up into everything you could possibly need every type of cutting tool and machine foot is shown. This section also includes information on patterns how to measure, how to use, and how to adjust them. Gallery spreads appear throughout the substantial Techniques section and showcase darts, zips, pleats etc, as well as showing key stitches. Plus, you can bring your acquired and refined skills to fruition as you make some of the 25 home decor and clothing projects at the back of the book. With "The Sewing Book" on your shelf, you've got every sewing question covered. Written by a passionate stitcher and teacher, with her own sewing school, eager to produce a one-stop sewing bible for her students, this book leaves no hem unturned. You can dip in at any level whether you're new to sewing or refining your art, whether you want to repair an old skirt or create a new one, whether you want to spruce up a curtain or design one from scratch. And with a Foreword by U.S. sewing teacher, Diana Rupp, this book has it all sewn up."

    Tour the Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, visit the Glasgow Cathedral, or look for Nessie in Loch Ness—you'll get tips on the best tours, museums, festivals, and more. Rick offers firsthand advice on the best sights, eating, sleeping, and nightlife, and the maps and self-guided tours will ensure you make the most of your experience. More than just reviews and directions, a Rick Steves Snapshot guide is a tour guide in your pocket.Rick Steves' Snapshot guides consist of excerpted chapters from Rick Steves' European country guidebooks. Snapshot guides are a great choice for travelers visiting a specific city or region, rather than multiple European destinations. These slim guides offer all of Rick's up-to-date advice on what sights are worth your time and money. They include good-value hotel and restaurant recommendations, with no introductory information (such as overall trip planning, when to go, and travel practicalities).

    No question from his readers is too small or obscure for Feldman to tackle. From the return of red M&Ms (they are back, if you've missed it) to new-car smell, the answers to life's little mysteries are dissected in these pages.Although it's all done in great fun, there is also an educational edge to the answers, as Feldman ferrets out top experts in diverse fields to come up with his entertaining answers. And their answers may surprise you—from the detailed physics involved in why cans of Diet Coke float but regular Coke doesn't, all the way to why they put crinkly paper into pairs of men's socks (but only one sock, not both).Complete with drawings by longtime Imponderables® illustrator Kassie Schwan, and a special section updating answers to questions in previous books in the series, this eleventh book of Imponderables® is sure to entertain the thousands of Feldman fans who have purchased over 2 million copies to date. Prepare to be delighted!

    Seminal works of genius are portrayed in their historical context, with attention paid to the culture of the time and the lives of their creators.