German politics today surveys the German political system, based on up--to--date information covering the period since the 1998 Bundestag election and the new coalition government under Chancellor Schroder. A concise survey of the historical background to the present-day political system, including the steps that led to German reunification in 1990, is followed by analysis of the institutions of political participation (election, parties and interest groups) and the institutions of government (the constitution, the legislature, chancellor government and the federal system). The book concludes by considering the symbiotic relationship between Germany and Europe, and assesses how apt it is to consider Germany to be a 'normal' democracy today.

The author draws on German as well as English--language sources of data, ensuring that recent changes in the political system are fully explained, and provides coverage of the constitutional as well as the historical and partisan basis of contemporary German politics.

Special features include boxes, (which explain topics such as the 'surplus seats' which have occurred at recent Bundestag elections), a chronology of events leading to German reunification, and examples of interest groups officially registered with the Bundestag.

It will appeal to those studying undergraduate courses on German politics, and provide a valuable resource for those studying comparative European political systems.

Beer on the Last Frontier is the first book ever written that focuses exclusively on the craft breweries and brewpubs of Alaska. It is an exploration of and guide to the numerous craft breweries of The Great Land and the exceptional beers they are brewing. Volume I covers the breweries of the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island. Volume II will cover Anchorage, Fairbanks, and all points in between. Volume III will cover Southeast Alaska. This book is not intended to be a stand-alone guidebook to Alaska. Rather, it should be viewed as a guidebook specifically for the craft beer lover, one which will enable any visitor or tourist who is particularly interested in experiencing craft beer in Alaska to do so most effectively. This volume, The Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island Breweries, covers the four breweries and two brewpubs located in these two regions of Alaska in detail. Profusely illustrated with color photographs and containing interviews with the brewers, it also provides detailed information to aid the visitor to Alaska, such as driving directions, operating hours, as well as beer lists and tasting notes for each of the craft breweries. Besides detailed information on each of the breweries, the book also offers suggestions on bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in the regions which offer good selections of craft beers from the 49th state. Alaska is unique in its climate, its wildlife and the people who live there. Is it any surprise that its beers are unique as well? Beers, wines, meads, distilled spirits: they are all made commercially in Alaska. And not just made, but made well. Alaska's alcoholic beverages are the frequent winners of awards in national and even international competitions. There are 24 commercial breweries in Alaska, two wineries, two meaderies, and three distilleries. Not bad for a state with under 800,000 total residents. So if you will be traveling to Alaska and enjoy craft beer, this guidebook is a must

This book details the 27 near death experiences of a man on a journey through life, how he lived with his rebellious nature, and how he eventually awoke and was able to live a rewarding and joyous life while making others laugh.