Why is an understanding of political competition essential for the study of public economics and public policy generally? How can political competition be described and understood, and how does it differ from its strictly economic counterpart? What are the implications of the fact that policy proposals in a democracy must always pass a political test? What are the strengths and weaknesses of electoral competition as a mechanism for the allocation of economic resources? Why are tax structures in democratic polities so complicated, and what implications follow from this for normative views about good policy choice? How can the intensity of political competition be measured, why and how does it vary in mature democracies, and what are the consequences? This Element considers how answers to these questions can be approached, while also illustrating some of the interesting theoretical and empirical work that has been done on them.

ASK NOT WHAT THE BUTLER DID, BUT WHAT HE CAN DO FOR YOU We all know the cliche from the movies and board games about the butler doing it, but what was it the butler did? In the hotel environment, the butler can be a failed experiment or a service facility that commands high-rack rates and keeps occupancy rates at 100%. Where the butler fails in hotels, it is because he is cast in (frankly) degrading-to-the-profession roles such as "bath butler," "fireplace butler, "technology butler," "baby butler" (who provides rocking chairs and watches children), "dog butler," "ski butler," and "beach butler." The idea being that anything offering superior service in some small area is called a "butler" in an effort to siphon some of the prestige of the profession. At least when the term valet was extended to "dumb valet," that furniture item upon which one lays out clothing for the following day, there was no pretense that this was the real item. Fortunately for the profession, the public were not fooled or taken in by these "dumb butlers" and the practice has faded relatively rapidly-before it could sour the public mind on the concept of butlers in hotels. Fortunately also for the butlers working in top hotels around the world, who do justice to the profession, and the hotel managements who have recognized the value butlers bring to the bottom line and the repute of their establishments. In an industry that is completely premised on the idea of service, and in which service is a key differentiator, it's a no-brainer to institute butler service. Butlers have always represented the pinnacle in service quality. This book will go a long way toward bringing about and keeping on track a butler program. When used in conjunction with standard on-site training, it will cement in place a very successful butler service that will - Allow rack rates to be raised - Create a loyal following of repeat visitors - Enhance word of mouth - Increase new business - Raise service standards throughout the facility. All of which make the investment very sound. If you would like to become a butler in a hospitality setting, or think your hotel, spa, resort or private villa could benefit from an honest-to-goodness butler program, read this book.

Can tennis really be this simple?.

Just ask the dozens of world-class players who have made it to the top using Oscar Wegners groundbreaking approach. But if playing tennis isnt so easy for you, if you never seem to play up to your potential, dont blame yourselfblame the coach who taught you a lot of uselessly complex techniques. "Play Better Tennis in 2 Hours" is your guide to tennis as the pros play itmore intuitive, more fluid, and more fun. World-renowned tennis coach and ESPN commentator Oscar Wegner shows you how to focus your efforts on one thinghitting the ball correctly. Your own natural athleticism will take care of everything else. Follow the simple drills in this power-packed handbook, and youll learn how to: . . Move to the ball efficiently and fluidly. Stop worrying about foot position and stance. Hit every stroke harder and more accurately. Put a wicked topspin on your forehand. Master both one- and two-handed backhands. Combine control and power on your volleys. Put more speed and spin into your serve and more punch in your return. .

"Known and respected all around the world, Oscar has given us another great contribution to tennis with this book."Gustavo Kuerten, three-time French Open champion.

"Oscar has broken the mold, demystifying the modern tennis stroke. There's genius in his analysis of pro techniquesthe dynamics of what the racquet does to the ball, how power and spin are added. He understands how top pros really stroke the ball, and always have, all the way back to Tilden."Andy Rosenberg, Director for NBC Sports Wimbledon and the French Open.

Oscar Wegner is an internationally known professional tennis coach, ESPN commentator, and former tourplayer. He was the first tennis coach to identify and document the staggering disparities between the simple, fluid game played by the pros and the rigid, overchoreographed techniques taught to new players. Oscar has dedicated himself for more than twenty years to sharing his proven techniques both with new players and with those whose natural abilities have been hobbled by poor instruction. He can be reached at www.tennisteacher.com.

SHORTLISTED FOR RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 'When I came into the Ulster team,' Stephen Ferris says with typical candour, 'we were crap'. It was, however, preferable to his day job of paving driveways, and that day in 2005 saw the start of an incredible journey for Ferris, Ulster and Ireland rugby. A Celtic League title in his very first senior season with Ulster. A Grand Slam in 2009, followed by a sensational Lions breakthrough. A starring role in Ireland's greatest World Cup win, over Australia in 2011, when Ferris famously picked up Will Genia and carried him ten yards. And leading Ulster from nowhere to the Heineken Cup final. Stephen Ferris had an incredible rugby career, tragically ended by ankle injuries so severe they will never properly heal. He is an inspiration to the population of Ulster, an emblem of the sport that serves as such a positive expression of its culture and identity, and earned the respect and admiration of fans across Ireland for his strength, pace, skill and courage. Fearless, funny and full of an incredible array of stories from behind the scenes of Ulster, Ireland and the Lions, this is the must-have rugby book of the year.