How to Do Just about Everything: Just about

From eHow.com, a popular Web site, comes a volume about how to do almost anything imaginable, from naming a baby to writing a r sum to making ethnic meals. Each entry is concisely written and includes six to 10 steps, along with tips. For example, under ""write a birth announcement,"" the three steps are simple--write down all the information, including relatives' names; choose the kind of announcement; and finally consider ready-made cards since custom-made cards can be costly. One tip is almost obvious but quite sensible: ""Ask a family member or friend to help you address the envelopes since you are doubtless busy taking care of the new baby."" Some of the athletic advice is great since this information is not easily found elsewhere in one source. Included are basic pointers on hitting home runs, throwing a curveball, paddling a raft, turning on skis, etc. Obviously, advice on some topics such as running a marathon, networking for a new job or getting a divorce is less than exhaustive. On the other hand, specific questions, such as how to clean a bathtub, how to store leftovers and how to make cupcakes, can be answered in the half-page format. Every section--except, perhaps, the dating pages--offers reasoned tips and, in some cases, perfect solutions to common problems. (Dec.)