A gripping thriller about the most important technologies and challenges of our time “Fire, printing, industrialization, the atomic age, the Internet—all these are nothing compared to the hurricane of change unleashed by climate catastrophe, systemic crisis, and the merging of human and artificial intelligence.” With these words, Dan sets out on the hunt for the key to save humanity. He finds himself catapulted from his bleak everyday life into the future of WeYou where humanity, the We, is fighting for survival. Meanwhile, in the virtual Real World, a place of unlimited possibilities, life revolves around individual happiness, the You. Dan discovers the disasters and imponderables that lie ahead—but also the possibilities AI, genetic engineering, quantum computers or robots offer for the future. The knowledge to solve the greatest challenges of our time already exists; we just need to use it properly—but is there enough time for Dan to rewrite the history of our future? _______________________ “We added some new letters to the alphabet of life. Catch-42 turns these new letters into a fascinating story about technology, our society, and future.” —Floyd E. Romesberg, Chemist, Synthetic Biologist, TED Speaker “In Catch-42, Felix Holzapfel spins his deep understanding of today's most important technology trends into a gripping narrative about choice, ethics, and the nature of humanity—and shows us that the future will truly be what we make it.” —Greg Verdino, Futurist, Author of “Never Normal” “Creative, inventive, an enjoyable read. Stretched my thinking with an outstanding understanding of emerging technologies and what's possible today, coupled with a futuristic mindset that challenges the reader to explore what's real and what's right.” —Michael Fulton, Academic Director of Digital Executive Education at The Ohio State University “Like it or not, technology will rapidly change our world. Catch-42 demonstrates why it is so important that all of us get involved in the decision-making process that is nearly upon us.” —M. Sean Coleman, Author of “Netwars: The Code” “A breathtaking mix of science, technology, and philosophy. The result: A fascinating story with a daring and thought-provoking look into the future of humankind.” —Idris Mootee, Entrepreneur, Investor, AI evangelist “Catch-42 is not a classic page-turner but a demanding idea-turner. The novel covers many trending topics and important current questions. You might need some time to read it, but it’s worth every second.” —Brett Greene, Founder, New Tech Northwest _______________________ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Felix Holzapfel was born in 1978 in Darmstadt, Germany. He is an entrepreneur and recognized expert in technology and marketing. Thinkers360 recognized Felix Holzapfel as a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Digital Transformation. While Holzapfel has published several books about technology, trends, and the shift in our media landscape, Catch-42 is his first novel. To learn more, visit www.felixholzapfel.com.

The inspiring true story of a US Special Forces soldier who was medically retired after stepping on an IED, and his incredible return to active duty. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ryan Hendrickson is a brave, determined, and courageous soldier -- a Green Beret clearing the way for his twelve-man team while conducting combat operations against the Taliban. As the "tip of the spear," his role is to ensure the route taken by U.S. and Afghan troops are free of IEDs -- improvised explosive devices. Many soldiers do not survive their last step; those who do often lose at least one limb. While rescuing an Afghan soldier outside a mud-hut compound in 2010 -- knowing that he was in "uncleared" territory -- Ryan stepped on an IED with his right foot. The device exploded, leaving his foot dangling at the end of his leg. American soldiers losing a limb is an all-too-common occurrence. But what makes Ryan's story different is that after undergoing two dozen surgeries and a tortuous rehabilitation, he was medically retired but fought to return to active duty. Multiple skin grafts to his leg and right foot successfully reattached his lower leg, and he was aided in his recovery by wearing a new prosthetic device known as an IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis). Once he passed a series of crucial physical tests, Ryan was able to rejoin the Green Berets within a year and physically perform his duties, redeploying to Afghanistan in March 2012. In 2016, he volunteered to return to Afghanistan with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group. During a firefight with the Taliban, he risked his life under heavy enemy fire to rescue three Afghan soldiers cut off from friendly forces and return the bodies of two dead Afghan soldiers under the ethos that "no one gets left behind." For his heroic efforts on the battlefield, SFC Ryan Hendrickson was awarded a Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for valor. An engaging and harrowing account, Tip of the Spear tells the amazing story of one Green Beret's indomitable spirit.

The Bailey School kids are convinced that Roberta Bott is not a normal drama teacher, but really a robot trying to hack into the school's computer system.