The accounting dilemma: the gap in GAAP -- The basic financial statements: what your Mama didn't tell you about the balance sheet -- Essential ratios: rolling up your numerical sleeves -- What statements do not reveal: dirty little accounting secrets -- Footnotes, part one: an overview of the real disclosures -- Footnotes, part two: red flags you can find on your own -- Structure of the annual report: a public relations document -- The auditing role: accounting culture and the audit mentality -- How the numbers are manipulated: accounting shell games -- Sources of free information: you don't need to pay for help -- Modifying your game plan: a new form of portfolio management.