Author: Roger E Pedersen
Publisher: PSI Publishing Inc
ISBN: 1737535130
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
The Second Book of the SuperPower Series: The Next Generation The Second Book of the SuperPower Series: The Next Generation “SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Next Generation" (Book #2) begins twenty years after Professor Steele's heist of the century. The twin sons of Diego and Carmen Martin become the heads of DODGE (Department of Defense Genetically Engineered) Initiative along with Elijah Moses Jr. After the disappearance of the Professor, his two nephews take over his 'Golden Eagle' organization. In a worldwide drive to recruit the best SuperPower individuals, both organizations send their candidates on missions throughout the world; some for riches, others for glory, and a few for humanitarian reasons. -Which group will succeed as the DODGE initiative seeks to win at all costs? -Through missions located worldwide with twists and turns, it’s SuperPower vs. SuperPower. -The Martin twins want to apprehend the Steele brothers disrupting their 'Golden Eagle' organization? -Will Rocky and Apollo Steele’s newest SuperPower acquisitions, help the 'Golden Eagle' organization prevail? -The 'final air battle' depends on everyone's SuperPower abilities. 1/2024
SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Next Generation (Book #2)
Author: Roger E Pedersen
Publisher: PSI Publishing Inc
ISBN: 1737535130
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
The Second Book of the SuperPower Series: The Next Generation The Second Book of the SuperPower Series: The Next Generation “SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Next Generation" (Book #2) begins twenty years after Professor Steele's heist of the century. The twin sons of Diego and Carmen Martin become the heads of DODGE (Department of Defense Genetically Engineered) Initiative along with Elijah Moses Jr. After the disappearance of the Professor, his two nephews take over his 'Golden Eagle' organization. In a worldwide drive to recruit the best SuperPower individuals, both organizations send their candidates on missions throughout the world; some for riches, others for glory, and a few for humanitarian reasons. -Which group will succeed as the DODGE initiative seeks to win at all costs? -Through missions located worldwide with twists and turns, it’s SuperPower vs. SuperPower. -The Martin twins want to apprehend the Steele brothers disrupting their 'Golden Eagle' organization? -Will Rocky and Apollo Steele’s newest SuperPower acquisitions, help the 'Golden Eagle' organization prevail? -The 'final air battle' depends on everyone's SuperPower abilities. 1/2024
Publisher: PSI Publishing Inc
ISBN: 1737535130
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
The Second Book of the SuperPower Series: The Next Generation The Second Book of the SuperPower Series: The Next Generation “SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Next Generation" (Book #2) begins twenty years after Professor Steele's heist of the century. The twin sons of Diego and Carmen Martin become the heads of DODGE (Department of Defense Genetically Engineered) Initiative along with Elijah Moses Jr. After the disappearance of the Professor, his two nephews take over his 'Golden Eagle' organization. In a worldwide drive to recruit the best SuperPower individuals, both organizations send their candidates on missions throughout the world; some for riches, others for glory, and a few for humanitarian reasons. -Which group will succeed as the DODGE initiative seeks to win at all costs? -Through missions located worldwide with twists and turns, it’s SuperPower vs. SuperPower. -The Martin twins want to apprehend the Steele brothers disrupting their 'Golden Eagle' organization? -Will Rocky and Apollo Steele’s newest SuperPower acquisitions, help the 'Golden Eagle' organization prevail? -The 'final air battle' depends on everyone's SuperPower abilities. 1/2024
SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible The Deal of the Art (Book #1)
Author: Roger E Pedersen
Publisher: PSI Publishing Inc
ISBN: 1737535114
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 369
Book Description
SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Deal of the Art (Book #1) In the heart of bustling cities—New York City, London, and Paris—ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary destinies. Meet the SuperPower individuals, each harboring a unique talent. Some can defy gravity, their bodies lifting effortlessly into the air. Others can vanish from sight, slipping through the fabric of reality itself. The Audacious Heist: Professor Steele, an enigmatic figure, gathers this eclectic group. Alongside his associate, the mysterious FA-King, he hatches a daring plan: a simultaneous heist across major art museums in the three cities. One night, one chance to steal priceless masterpieces—the Mona Lisa, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Monet’s Water Lilies. The stakes are astronomical, the thrill intoxicating. The Canvas of Cities: As the team assembles, New York City’s skyscrapers, London’s historic landmarks, and Paris’s romantic streets become their canvas. They navigate security systems, laser grids, and pressure-sensitive floors. Their SuperPowers—whether flight or invisibility—shape their approach. But secrets simmer beneath the surface, and alliances are tested. Will their extraordinary abilities lead to triumph or unforeseen consequences? The World Watches: The world holds its breath as the heist unfolds. Art lovers, detectives, and curious onlookers follow the trail of audacity and intrigue. Can the SuperPower team outwit the authorities? Will their abilities prove a blessing or a curse? And what lies beyond the stolen canvases—a revelation or a trap? Prepare for a pulse-pounding adventure where art, mystery, and SuperPowers collide. The fate of masterpieces and the balance of power hang in the balance. As the clock ticks, the world wonders: Will they soar or vanish into the shadows? About the Author: Roger E. Pedersen, author of the Sci-Fi, dystopian SuperPower book series, is not just a talented writer but a man of diverse interests. With an advanced degree in Computer Science Software Production, he is also a US Chess Life Candidate Master. His love for adventure is evident in his enjoyment of cruising on Carnival, visiting the Florida and California theme parks, and seeing blockbuster movies weekly. Before his foray into writing, Roger was a top computer game designer and developer. His expertise in this field is evident in the SuperPower series, where readers can play three games as they progress through each book. These games involve identifying the referenced movie, book, or music.
Publisher: PSI Publishing Inc
ISBN: 1737535114
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 369
Book Description
SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Deal of the Art (Book #1) In the heart of bustling cities—New York City, London, and Paris—ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary destinies. Meet the SuperPower individuals, each harboring a unique talent. Some can defy gravity, their bodies lifting effortlessly into the air. Others can vanish from sight, slipping through the fabric of reality itself. The Audacious Heist: Professor Steele, an enigmatic figure, gathers this eclectic group. Alongside his associate, the mysterious FA-King, he hatches a daring plan: a simultaneous heist across major art museums in the three cities. One night, one chance to steal priceless masterpieces—the Mona Lisa, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Monet’s Water Lilies. The stakes are astronomical, the thrill intoxicating. The Canvas of Cities: As the team assembles, New York City’s skyscrapers, London’s historic landmarks, and Paris’s romantic streets become their canvas. They navigate security systems, laser grids, and pressure-sensitive floors. Their SuperPowers—whether flight or invisibility—shape their approach. But secrets simmer beneath the surface, and alliances are tested. Will their extraordinary abilities lead to triumph or unforeseen consequences? The World Watches: The world holds its breath as the heist unfolds. Art lovers, detectives, and curious onlookers follow the trail of audacity and intrigue. Can the SuperPower team outwit the authorities? Will their abilities prove a blessing or a curse? And what lies beyond the stolen canvases—a revelation or a trap? Prepare for a pulse-pounding adventure where art, mystery, and SuperPowers collide. The fate of masterpieces and the balance of power hang in the balance. As the clock ticks, the world wonders: Will they soar or vanish into the shadows? About the Author: Roger E. Pedersen, author of the Sci-Fi, dystopian SuperPower book series, is not just a talented writer but a man of diverse interests. With an advanced degree in Computer Science Software Production, he is also a US Chess Life Candidate Master. His love for adventure is evident in his enjoyment of cruising on Carnival, visiting the Florida and California theme parks, and seeing blockbuster movies weekly. Before his foray into writing, Roger was a top computer game designer and developer. His expertise in this field is evident in the SuperPower series, where readers can play three games as they progress through each book. These games involve identifying the referenced movie, book, or music.
SuperPower: The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Golden Eagle Has Yielded (Book #3)
Author: Roger E Pedersen
Publisher: PSI Publishing Inc
ISBN: 1737535157
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
The Third Book of the SuperPower Series “SuperPower The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Golden Eagle has Yielded” begins at the memorial service for the Steele brothers. The Martin twins and their paramours pay their respects to their adversaries who died in front of them on their way to a life-time incarceration. Encountering the treachery and blatant lies from the Steele family, Myrena Gorgona a SuperPower SuperModel forms a new feminine SuperPower organization she calls the “Lemnian Deeds Federation.” She opposes the two male dominated, operated SuperPower groups: the DODGE (Department of Defense Genetically Engineered) Initiative and the ‘Golden Eagle’ Organization. The Lemnian Deeds welcomes all SuperPowered individuals and non-SuperPower females as the non-SuperPower males survive as domesticated servants. -How does the DODGE Initiative and their adversary the ‘Golden Eagle’ Organization deal with Myrena Georgia and her new ‘Lemnian Deeds’ Federation?’ -Follow the new recruits of the ‘Lemnian Deeds’ Federation having new SuperPower abilities and experiences. -Does the old adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” hold true?
Publisher: PSI Publishing Inc
ISBN: 1737535157
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
The Third Book of the SuperPower Series “SuperPower The Ability to Fly or to Become Invisible: The Golden Eagle has Yielded” begins at the memorial service for the Steele brothers. The Martin twins and their paramours pay their respects to their adversaries who died in front of them on their way to a life-time incarceration. Encountering the treachery and blatant lies from the Steele family, Myrena Gorgona a SuperPower SuperModel forms a new feminine SuperPower organization she calls the “Lemnian Deeds Federation.” She opposes the two male dominated, operated SuperPower groups: the DODGE (Department of Defense Genetically Engineered) Initiative and the ‘Golden Eagle’ Organization. The Lemnian Deeds welcomes all SuperPowered individuals and non-SuperPower females as the non-SuperPower males survive as domesticated servants. -How does the DODGE Initiative and their adversary the ‘Golden Eagle’ Organization deal with Myrena Georgia and her new ‘Lemnian Deeds’ Federation?’ -Follow the new recruits of the ‘Lemnian Deeds’ Federation having new SuperPower abilities and experiences. -Does the old adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” hold true?
The Invisible Actor
Author: Yoshi Oida
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350148288
Category : Drama
Languages : en
Pages : 123
Book Description
The Invisible Actor presents the captivating and unique methods of the distinguished Japanese actor and director, Yoshi Oida. While a member of Peter Brook's theatre company in Paris, Yoshi Oida developed a masterful approach to acting that combined the oriental tradition of supreme and studied control with the Western performer's need to characterise and expose depths of emotion. Written with Lorna Marshall, Yoshi Oida explains that once the audience becomes openly aware of the actor's method and becomes too conscious of the actor's artistry, the wonder of performance dies. The audience must never see the actor but only his or her performance. Throughout Lorna Marshall provides contextual commentary on Yoshi Oida's work and methods. In a new foreword to accompany the Bloomsbury Revelations edition, Yoshi Oida revisits the questions that have informed his career as an actor and explores how his skilful approach to acting has shaped the wider contours of his life.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350148288
Category : Drama
Languages : en
Pages : 123
Book Description
The Invisible Actor presents the captivating and unique methods of the distinguished Japanese actor and director, Yoshi Oida. While a member of Peter Brook's theatre company in Paris, Yoshi Oida developed a masterful approach to acting that combined the oriental tradition of supreme and studied control with the Western performer's need to characterise and expose depths of emotion. Written with Lorna Marshall, Yoshi Oida explains that once the audience becomes openly aware of the actor's method and becomes too conscious of the actor's artistry, the wonder of performance dies. The audience must never see the actor but only his or her performance. Throughout Lorna Marshall provides contextual commentary on Yoshi Oida's work and methods. In a new foreword to accompany the Bloomsbury Revelations edition, Yoshi Oida revisits the questions that have informed his career as an actor and explores how his skilful approach to acting has shaped the wider contours of his life.
The Invisible Man
Author: H. G. Wells
Publisher: Modernista
ISBN: 9180949290
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 102
Book Description
A stranger with a striking appearance arrives in the small village of Bramblehurst on a cold, snowy day. His face is completely covered in bandages, with only a fake nose protruding. The villagers wonder why he is disguised, and when mysterious burglaries begin to occur, they decide to unmask the stranger. What they discover is not just a man trapped by his own creation, but a chilling reflection of the unsolvable secrets deep within human nature. The Invisible Man is a timeless classic that not only entertains and thrills, but also sheds light on questions of human nature and the dangers that arise when the boundaries of science are crossed. It is a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience that has challenged readers for generations to contemplate their own life choices. H. G. WELLS [1866-1946] was a British author and pioneer in the science fiction genre. His works, including The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, delved into futuristic and societal critique themes. Wells’s visionary portrayals of technology, social structures, and extraterrestrial life made him one of the most influential writers in his field and a precursor to modern science fiction.
Publisher: Modernista
ISBN: 9180949290
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 102
Book Description
A stranger with a striking appearance arrives in the small village of Bramblehurst on a cold, snowy day. His face is completely covered in bandages, with only a fake nose protruding. The villagers wonder why he is disguised, and when mysterious burglaries begin to occur, they decide to unmask the stranger. What they discover is not just a man trapped by his own creation, but a chilling reflection of the unsolvable secrets deep within human nature. The Invisible Man is a timeless classic that not only entertains and thrills, but also sheds light on questions of human nature and the dangers that arise when the boundaries of science are crossed. It is a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience that has challenged readers for generations to contemplate their own life choices. H. G. WELLS [1866-1946] was a British author and pioneer in the science fiction genre. His works, including The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, delved into futuristic and societal critique themes. Wells’s visionary portrayals of technology, social structures, and extraterrestrial life made him one of the most influential writers in his field and a precursor to modern science fiction.
The Science of Superpowers (Set)
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781502639837
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 48
Book Description
This fun series explores the science behind classic superpowers, from their origin in lore and mythology to modern technologies seeking to make the seemingly fantastical come to life. From the science of flight, mind control, and telepathy to the ability to become invisible or control the weather, the Science of Superpowers series adds a fresh spin to science. Each book includes captivating photographs, a breakdown of scientific processes explaining the possibility of superpowers, and real-life examples of animals, inventions, or natural phenomena that possess these extraordinary abilities or inspired their legend. This engaging series is sure to excite scientific and fantastical minds alike. Features include: The history behind each superpower, from ancient times to modern day. An explanation of scientific processes and modern technologies that could make a superpower possible. Real-life examples of animals or phenomena in nature that seem to exhibit such superpowers. Did You Know? boxes that provide more information about a superpower or its scientific characteristics.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781502639837
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 48
Book Description
This fun series explores the science behind classic superpowers, from their origin in lore and mythology to modern technologies seeking to make the seemingly fantastical come to life. From the science of flight, mind control, and telepathy to the ability to become invisible or control the weather, the Science of Superpowers series adds a fresh spin to science. Each book includes captivating photographs, a breakdown of scientific processes explaining the possibility of superpowers, and real-life examples of animals, inventions, or natural phenomena that possess these extraordinary abilities or inspired their legend. This engaging series is sure to excite scientific and fantastical minds alike. Features include: The history behind each superpower, from ancient times to modern day. An explanation of scientific processes and modern technologies that could make a superpower possible. Real-life examples of animals or phenomena in nature that seem to exhibit such superpowers. Did You Know? boxes that provide more information about a superpower or its scientific characteristics.
X-Men
Author: Max Bemis
Publisher: Marvel Entertainment
ISBN: 1302490117
Category : Comics & Graphic Novels
Languages : en
Pages : 115
Book Description
Bailey Hoskins has just discovered that he's a mutant. For someone who's never been special, never stood out, this could be his big moment. But as he gains entry into the halls of Xavier's School for Gifted Children, what exactly is his gift? He's used to being hated, but is he anything to be feared? Bailey struggles to find a place alongside his fellow students, but the X-Universe is a big one - perhaps Mystique will see his potential. Or could Magneto have just the mission for him? Max Bemis, front man of the band Say Anything, makes his Marvel debut with the story of a misfit among misfits, just trying to fit in. Bailey Hoskins? Worst. X-Man. Ever. COLLECTING: X-MEN: WORST X-MAN EVER (2015) #1-5.
Publisher: Marvel Entertainment
ISBN: 1302490117
Category : Comics & Graphic Novels
Languages : en
Pages : 115
Book Description
Bailey Hoskins has just discovered that he's a mutant. For someone who's never been special, never stood out, this could be his big moment. But as he gains entry into the halls of Xavier's School for Gifted Children, what exactly is his gift? He's used to being hated, but is he anything to be feared? Bailey struggles to find a place alongside his fellow students, but the X-Universe is a big one - perhaps Mystique will see his potential. Or could Magneto have just the mission for him? Max Bemis, front man of the band Say Anything, makes his Marvel debut with the story of a misfit among misfits, just trying to fit in. Bailey Hoskins? Worst. X-Man. Ever. COLLECTING: X-MEN: WORST X-MAN EVER (2015) #1-5.
Powerless
Author: Matthew Cody
Publisher: Yearling
ISBN: 0375844899
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
Superheroes soar in this promising debut—and they’re kids! Twelve-year-old Daniel, the new kid in town, soon learns the truth about his nice—but odd—new friends: one can fly, another can turn invisible, yet another controls electricity. Incredible. The superkids use their powers to secretly do good in the town, but they’re haunted by the fact that the moment they turn thirteen, their abilities will disappear—along with any memory that they ever had them. Is a memory-stealing supervillain sapping their powers? The answers lie in a long-ago meteor strike, a World War II–era comic book (Fantastic Futures, starring the first superhero, Johnny Noble), the green-flamed Witch Fire, a hidden Shroud cave, and—possibly, unbelievably—“powerless” regular-kid Daniel himself. Superhero kids meet comic book mystery in this action-filled debut about the true meaning of a hero.
Publisher: Yearling
ISBN: 0375844899
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
Superheroes soar in this promising debut—and they’re kids! Twelve-year-old Daniel, the new kid in town, soon learns the truth about his nice—but odd—new friends: one can fly, another can turn invisible, yet another controls electricity. Incredible. The superkids use their powers to secretly do good in the town, but they’re haunted by the fact that the moment they turn thirteen, their abilities will disappear—along with any memory that they ever had them. Is a memory-stealing supervillain sapping their powers? The answers lie in a long-ago meteor strike, a World War II–era comic book (Fantastic Futures, starring the first superhero, Johnny Noble), the green-flamed Witch Fire, a hidden Shroud cave, and—possibly, unbelievably—“powerless” regular-kid Daniel himself. Superhero kids meet comic book mystery in this action-filled debut about the true meaning of a hero.
Sophie's World
Author: Jostein Gaarder
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 1466804270
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 599
Book Description
A page-turning novel that is also an exploration of the great philosophical concepts of Western thought, Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World has fired the imagination of readers all over the world, with more than twenty million copies in print. One day fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen comes home from school to find in her mailbox two notes, with one question on each: "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" From that irresistible beginning, Sophie becomes obsessed with questions that take her far beyond what she knows of her Norwegian village. Through those letters, she enrolls in a kind of correspondence course, covering Socrates to Sartre, with a mysterious philosopher, while receiving letters addressed to another girl. Who is Hilde? And why does her mail keep turning up? To unravel this riddle, Sophie must use the philosophy she is learning—but the truth turns out to be far more complicated than she could have imagined.
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 1466804270
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 599
Book Description
A page-turning novel that is also an exploration of the great philosophical concepts of Western thought, Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World has fired the imagination of readers all over the world, with more than twenty million copies in print. One day fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen comes home from school to find in her mailbox two notes, with one question on each: "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" From that irresistible beginning, Sophie becomes obsessed with questions that take her far beyond what she knows of her Norwegian village. Through those letters, she enrolls in a kind of correspondence course, covering Socrates to Sartre, with a mysterious philosopher, while receiving letters addressed to another girl. Who is Hilde? And why does her mail keep turning up? To unravel this riddle, Sophie must use the philosophy she is learning—but the truth turns out to be far more complicated than she could have imagined.
The Last Economic Superpower: The Retreat of Globalization, the End of American Dominance, and What We Can Do About It
Author: Joseph P. Quinlan
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071753532
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
The Risks and Rewards for the West in the Coming Multipolar World "A marked shift has occurred in the tone and assumptions surrounding our national fortune. Nowhere is this better seen than in the second generation of books dealing with America’s financial crisis, particularly Joseph P. Quinlan’s The Last Economic Superpower." New York Journal of Books The global economy, designed by Western powers with the United States as lead architect, is in the process of reconfiguration. The 2008 global financial crisis has terminated America’s reign as sole economic superpower and opened up important new spheres of influence to developing nations. Does this signal the retreat of globalization as we know it? Has an economic “cold war” already begun? Will the West ever exert the kind of control and influence it enjoyed just a few short years ago? In The Last Economic Superpower, Joseph P. Quinlan, a Wall Street veteran and expert on global economic affairs, addresses these questions and many others. Presenting his vision with refreshing clarity and objectivity, Quinlan examines: How America went from being a major creditor to the world’s largest debtor nation in only two decades Five critical issues America must face in order to prevent permanent fragmentation of the global economy What the fading appeal of Europe and Japan means for the future of globalization What China, India, and others have that the West doesn’t--and why this gives them unprecedented leverage Decisions made now will shape the course of history. The Last Economic Superpower outlines critical choices that must be made in order to recast, reinvent, and reenergize a new style of globalization. The Last Economic Superpower lays bare the issues and challenges that will decide whether the world builds a new, functional system that serves all or fragments into separate spheres of influence, which benefits no one.
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071753532
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
The Risks and Rewards for the West in the Coming Multipolar World "A marked shift has occurred in the tone and assumptions surrounding our national fortune. Nowhere is this better seen than in the second generation of books dealing with America’s financial crisis, particularly Joseph P. Quinlan’s The Last Economic Superpower." New York Journal of Books The global economy, designed by Western powers with the United States as lead architect, is in the process of reconfiguration. The 2008 global financial crisis has terminated America’s reign as sole economic superpower and opened up important new spheres of influence to developing nations. Does this signal the retreat of globalization as we know it? Has an economic “cold war” already begun? Will the West ever exert the kind of control and influence it enjoyed just a few short years ago? In The Last Economic Superpower, Joseph P. Quinlan, a Wall Street veteran and expert on global economic affairs, addresses these questions and many others. Presenting his vision with refreshing clarity and objectivity, Quinlan examines: How America went from being a major creditor to the world’s largest debtor nation in only two decades Five critical issues America must face in order to prevent permanent fragmentation of the global economy What the fading appeal of Europe and Japan means for the future of globalization What China, India, and others have that the West doesn’t--and why this gives them unprecedented leverage Decisions made now will shape the course of history. The Last Economic Superpower outlines critical choices that must be made in order to recast, reinvent, and reenergize a new style of globalization. The Last Economic Superpower lays bare the issues and challenges that will decide whether the world builds a new, functional system that serves all or fragments into separate spheres of influence, which benefits no one.