A professor, a pro football player and a plumber walk into a bar. While it sounds like the start of a bad joke, it is anything but. Instead, it is the beginning of an extraordinary and life-changing adventure for this unlikely trio and and six others of their acquaintance. The bar they walked into was a tapas bar in Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto. The fateful day was Wednesday, April 18th, 2012. All the plumber sought was a break from his dirty labors. Most of the others simply sought a break from the ennui of a long afternoon. An hour or so of some friendly, profitless conversation with an...

Alan Thomas Palmer wouldn't be caught dead in a white dinner jacket. That is a rule breaker for someone who enjoyed anonymity. Always one to embrace routine, the former bookkeeper was ready to settle into what he hoped would be a well-ordered retirement in Berkeley. But it was not to be. When an invitation requesting formal attire arrived, he visited his sister's vintage clothing store hoping to find a black tuxedo. Instead, he was urged to try on a classic white dinner jacket that fit him perfectly. At the same time, he found himself involved once again with two people who figured...

Happy New You Turn your journey through life into an exciting adventure Everyone wants to experience more happiness in their life. These simple daily insights can change your perception of yourself, of others, and the world. They will help you focus more keenly on the positive aspect of events and experiences you have. Through simple and easy exercises you can change your perspective from standing on the sidelines and watching the parade of life passing you by to joining in the celebration