SALES HANDLE: An investigative look at the myths, predictions, and truths behind the phenomenon that is 2012. HOW WILL THIS TITLE BE DISTINCTIVE: A guide to the guides, and an unraveling of many of the myths surrounding 2012, this title firmly grounds the mania in reality and gives loads of insight into the phenomenon and its background. Beautiful two color illustrations give readers a visual guide to the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the date. NOTABLE AUTHORS OF CONTRIBUTORS: Author Melissa Rossi is a respected author and journalist who has been published in a variety of magazines and newspapers, including Newsweek, Esquire,and Newsday. She is the author of the What Every American Should Know series. EXPERT INTRODUCTION: The book features an introduction by Bruce Scofield, professor of astronomy at University of Massachusetts and expert in the Maya, astrology, metaphysics, and more. Illustrations by artist James Noel Smith. SPEAK TO THE EXISTING TREND/DEFINE CUSTOMER: -Mass potential: the hype leading up to 12/21/2012 is huge, and is only going to get bigger! And more confusing! News stories about 2012-and those obsessed with the date-have already appeared in Playboy, Popular Science, New York Times Magazine, and more. - 2012 the movie released in theaters in Novemeber 2009 and increased awareness of the coming date immeasuably. -Doomsday is extremely popular. The History Channel has already featured several specials on 2012 and possible approaching 'end-times' scenarios given their popularity right now, and the ratings (and DVD sales) they get for this type of show: --Seven Signs of the Apocalypse (2009) --Armageddon (2004) --Armageddon: Exploring the Doomsday Myth --2012: Science or Superstition? --Doomsday 2012 (2009) --Nostradamus: 2012 (2009) --The Nostradamus Files (2009)

The What Every American Should Know series returns with a timely guide to the region Americans need to understand the most (and know the least) The latest edition of Melissa Rossias popular What Every American Should Knowa] series gives a crash course on one of the most complex and important regions of the world. In this highly informative and entertaining reference book, Rossi offers a clear analysis of the issues playing out in the Middle East, delving into each countryas history, politics, economy, and religions. Having traveled through the area over the past year, she exposes firsthand the U.S.as geopolitical moves and how our presence has affected the regionas economic and political development. Rossias comprehensive and engaging guide covers countries such as Israel, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and much more. Topics include: a Why Iran is viewed as a threat by most Middle East countries a Why the U.S. is turning the Persian Gulf into an armed fortress a What resource is more important than petroleum in regional power plays a Whatas really behind the fighting between Sunni and Shia a How Saudi Arabia inadvertently feeds the violence in Iraq and beyond a Which countries are modern, forward-thinking, stable and increasingly democratic a How monarchies like those in Jordan and Qatar are more open and progressive than the so-called republics With answers that will surprise many Americans, and covering a vast history and cultural complexity that will fascinate any student of the world, What Every American Should Know About the Middle East is a must-read introduction to the most critical region of the 21st century.

A guide to the politicos, money men, lobbyists, and deal makers who really run America

What foreign country has the power to send America crashing into a recession? Why is the USA still dangerously dependent on oil, when viable energy alternatives have existed for decades? Who made the call that we should return to nuclear energy--and then took a high-paying position with a nuclear company? Which youth group was a spawning ground for many contemporary power mongers? What lobbyists and special-interest groups are running the show on Capitol Hill--and exactly what tools of persuasion are they using?

Melissa Rossi answers these questions and more in this timely and topical guide to who's pulling the strings behind the scenes of American politics. This latest edition of Rossi's popular What Every American Should Know. . . series puts the spotlight on our own backyard, covering topics like:
- Which groups ensure that Americans pay more for drugs than any other nation
- How our immigration laws are damaging the U.S. economy
- Who's telling the school boards what your child will learn
- Who really benefits from U.S. foreign policy
- How corporations and government agencies are spying on us
- Why we should avoid electronic voting
- Who killed the electric car and who exposed it
Organized by topic for easy reference, "What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running America" shows Americans what is going on behind the scenes and how they can counterbalance the influence of a small, powerful elite to put the power back where it should be--in the hands of the people.

From the bestselling What Every American Should Know a] series, a look at the hot spots, hot shots, political muck ups, cross-border sniping and cultural brouhahas across the ocean
With the creation of the European Union and the introduction of the Euro, Europe has undergone a dizzying transformation recentlyaso much so that even Europeans are scratching their heads. Melissa Rossi brings US readers up to date on what has changedaand what makes each country tick.
* Which European nation most adores nuclear energy?
* Which countryas residents are by far the richest?
* Which prominent leader was once a taxi driver?
* Why are the typically calm Dutch getting twitchy?
* What happened to Czechoslovakia?
With her trademark investigative flair and wry humor, Rossi gives the inside scoop on every nation in the European Union, with vital facts about local culture, politics, tourist attractions and recent events. From Portugal to Poland, What Every American Should Know About Europe is a no holds barred, humorous and comprehensive guide for anyone interested in what our transatlantic cousins are up to these days.

A timely follow-up to What Every American Should Know About the Rest of the World Most of us know the big players politically in the United States. But ever wonder whoas pulling their strings? Who the movers and shakers are around the globe? In sharp, witty prose, What Every American Should Know About Whoas Really Running the World spells out exactly who to watch and what theyave done (and are still doing). Get the lowdown on:
*Pfizer
*Halliburton
*Monsanto
*Oprah Winfrey
*WTO & IMF
*Wal-Mart
*Rupert Murdoch
*Al Qaeda
Filled with hard facts, global issues, and profiles of the heavy hitters, What Every American Should Know About Whoas Really Running the World is essential reading for all Americans who want a handle on the movers and shakers behind the headlines.

Confused about the news? Slip out of the room when friends talk current events? Now you can keep up with ease and learn to talk like a diplomat.

Among the things you’ll soon be able to slip into everyday conversation:

• What is the difference between Kurdistan and Kazakhstan?
• Why did North Korea’s leader kidnap his favorite actress?
• Why is Osama bin Laden so mad?
• Which countries still have slaves?
• Why is Kashmir “the most dangerous place in the world?”
• What country has the most Muslims?
• Why are they fighting in Chechnya?
• What little box prompted Hutus to kill Tutsis?
• Who is Prince Turki and how did his hunting trip change history?
• How are cows fueling the fighting between India's Muslims and Hindus?
• Which country drew maps that have resulted in the most intractable wars?
• What is controversial UN Resolution 242?
• What makes Qatar stand out?
• What country does Sumatran coffee come from?
• What country’s fakes forced the US to redesign the $100 bill?
• Who is the FARC and why have they been fighting for decades?

An entertaining guide to political science, current events, foreign affairs, and history, What Every American Should Know about the Rest of the World gives you the vocabulary and background you need to decipher the modern world in a simple-to-understand format.