Marin, a former math professor and proficient early-seed investor with a vast network of industry connections, is a master in picking future stock winners in the junior exploration as well the large- to mid-cap energy sectors.

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With his backroom savvy, copious network and tidy bank balance, he is also a master of Thailand's old-style politicking.

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As a protector of the state Vladimir Semichastny was the master of the Soviet Union's vast and effective worldwide network of spies.

ECONOMIST: Vladimir Semichastny

The China Internet Network Information Center, which answers to China's Ministry of Information Industry, controls the master "directory" of ".cn" Web sites.

MSN: An explanation of Google's moves in China