Never again confuse leverage with loyalty, propagandism with publicity, and corporate social responsibility with a lucrative account representing a murderous but hugely wealthy Central Asian dictator. Bask in the admiration of your fellow communications professionals as you pronounce confidently on what to do when horse meat is discovered in the client’s ‘basics’ range of lasagne, or a fire breaks out in their fireproof goods factory, or a wildly politically incorrect utterance is made by a senior member of the board. Discover why there is a curious prevalence of attractive young women in PR consultancies in stark contrast to the curious prevalence of rheumy-eyed elderly men in in-house roles. And if you learn one thing from this book, make sure it is the importance of always retaining an external consultancy to do most of the actual work and take 100% of the blame. DO SAY: "This has been a watershed year for your company. Since you engaged us, ACME plc is now universally recognised as a phenomenally successful, sustainable, socially responsible yet curiously undervalued investment opportunity." DON’T SAY: "PR is perhaps the only occupation in which bluffing skills are absolutely paramount."

Fully updated fourth edition. The Middle East is perhaps the most tumultuous area on earth, with ancient battles still being fought. This updated guide offers an intense look - through the lens of present-day knowledge - at current events and the everchanging political and social landscape, as well as the region's history. And it addresses: ?The re-arming of Hezbollah ?Iran's increased threat of acquiring nuclear weapons ?The odds of Palestinian unity in peace talks ?The evacuation from Gaza

Instantly acquire all the knowledge you need to pass as an expert in the world of etiquette and high society. Know what to say, what not to say, where to be seen, and what and what not to wear. Never again be found wanting when asked if someone is a PLU or a NQOCD, why port should be passed to the left, or how many air kisses you should aim at the proffered cheek of someone you barely know. Arm yourself with the essential words or phrases which have entered the etiquette lexicon from pre-revolutionary France, and know not to mix up your droit du seigneur with your noblesse oblige. Bask in the admiration of your aristocratic hosts as you enquire politely about the place à table, pronounce confidently on whether the going is heavy or soft, and hold your own against the most sneering of posturing parvenus.

Focusing on market microstructure, Harris (chief economist, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) introduces the practices and regulations governing stock trading markets. Writing to be understandable to the lay reader, he examines the structure of trading, puts forward an economic theory of trading, discusses speculative trading strategies, explores liquidity and volatility, and considers the evaluation of trader performance. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Instantly acquire all the knowledge you need to pass as an expert in the world of opera. Never again confuse a castrato with a contralto, a prima donna with sopratitoli, or O Sole Mio with an ice cream advert. Bask in the admiration of your fellow opera lovers as you pronounce confidently on the merits of Donizetti’s bel canto over Wagner’s leitmotiv, and hold your own against the most sneering of opera buffs.