Having a bucket or wish list is common, and for some, many of the things on that list could be considered exciting or even dangerous. I suppose this has a lot to do with how the human spirit is hardwired—we have a hunger for adventure and a need to explore the unknown.

Aside from adventure, lots of other things can be on one’s list of course—like writing a book or learning a new language. Part of our bucket list, here at ALIVE, is one that continues without end as we strive to bring you new ideas and material that might inspire you to add to your own list!

In this month’s issue for example, feature writer Bob Fish, shares his experience of scuba diving in Palau with his wife, Jennifer (page 18). After reading his piece and seeing the photographs of the extraordinary, colorful sea life, I suspect some readers will add a scuba adventure to Palau to their own bucket lists.

If Pacific sea life doesn’t inspire you, ALIVE’s writers always have other ideas to get your juices flowing. If you’ll allow me to brag a bit, there isn’t another magazine within 500 miles with the variety or depth of content provided each month by our stellar cast of writers, and if that’s not enough, this month we are proud to add yet another talented individual to our editorial roster—Ed Baxter.

You’ll probably already be familiar with Ed Baxter from his years as a radio personality on KGO, where he was the anchor and host of morning and afternoon news programs, and served as the main substitute for Paul Harvey News and Comment, the world’s top rated radio program. Ed is a member of the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the Edward R. Murrow award for best newscast in the country. Ed began writing for ALIVE last month with his article, “1962: The Age of Innocence,” and begins a column called “Making Sense” in this issue (page 43 ).

I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of ALIVE. Read it, and I guarantee you’ll have no excuse for a short bucket list.

Palau is an exceptional destination for the adventurous soul. Foremost are the pristine reefs and over 100 dive locations teeming with a wildly diverse array of marine life. It also has an interesting cultural history, dating back to 1,000 BC when the first inhabitants arrived from Indonesia. My primary interest revolved around actions that occurred during World War II when Palau was used as a major base by the Japanese until the US captured it in a vicious fight in September 1944. In recent years, East Asian tourists come for a brief vacation to get a tan on the beach or have a tropical wedding.

My wife Jennifer and I decided 2013 was the year to check this one off our list. However, just locating Palau on a map is not a simple task, while getting there involves many hours of flying. Fortunately, her brother, David, and his wife, Judi, had been there before and coordinated the process. In the end, we made arrangements for a special two week liveaboard cruise on the M/V Tropic Dancer, a very comfortable catamaran dive boat with an excellent Captain and crew.

After our 18 divers boarded the boat in Koror, we steamed leisurely north to some rarely explored locations. On most days there were four one-hour dives. The the first one began around 7:15am and sometimes, the last one would be at sunset. The water temperature was roughly 83 degrees so we were able to wear relatively thin wetsuits, which allowed great freedom of movement for taking pictures or swimming with larger fish that came our way. While Palau is prized by scuba divers, I snorkeled the entire time and enjoyed hanging out on the shallow reef tops.

Over the course of two weeks, as our boat wandered from north to south, we visited a wide variety of sites including steep walls, pristine tropic reefs, deep caves and complex tunnels.  One of the most famous dive sites in the world is called Blue Corner, a wall that juts out into deep water. It has a rich concentration of marine life including an abundance of grey reef sharks, barracudas, sea turtles, napolean wrasse, humphead parrotfish and manta rays. At times, it looked like an underwater movie set with all the camera flashes popping off! German Channel and Peleliu Express are two other world-famous dive sites that provide an amazing experience, even for the veteran diver. Of course, the southern-most island in the group is Peleliu, where a significant WWII battle was fought, so there were numerous aircraft and ship wrecks to investigate and photograph.

It is impossible to describe the number, color and types of marine life we encountered. Each day was filled with many wondrous sights, from the large pelagic cruising near us all the time, to cute little clown fish, hovering over their home anemone. There was a fantastic display of soft and hard corals as well as reef dwelling creatures like moray eels, and giants clams with shockingly blue mantles. Two favorites of mine were the royal blue starfish and clown triggerfish found in the shallower water.

When the current got too strong for free swimming, divers would place a small hook into the reef and hover in one place while the sea life came rushing by on the undersea tide. On one such occasion, a 20-minute long school of bream (many thousands) zoomed by, transiting through Palau on their way from the Philippine Sea to the Pacific Ocean. On another occasion, we visited a manta ray cleaning station, where small wrasses and butterfly fish entered the manta’s mouth to eat various parasites in there.

We also did a land tour of the island of Peleliu one day and visited some of the key WWII battle sites. In addition to exploring the invasion beach and the airfield we spent time in a huge cave that once housed 1,000 Japanese military personnel. Many of the artifacts left over from the war (tanks, landing craft, aircraft, heavy guns, etc.) are slowly being reclaimed by the jungle but there is enough still available to make the visit interesting and educational. Our boat was moored in a small mangrove-lined lagoon not far from the home of a large saltwater crocodile. Needless to say, none of us swam to shore that day.

The final day proved to be a very unique and rewarding event in its own way. Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake located within the world famous Rock Islands, a group of small, rocky, mostly uninhabited islands in Palau’s Southern Lagoon. Of the 70 marine lakes in the area, Jellyfish Lake is the most famous and the only one open to tourists. It is about 12,000 years old and is notable for the millions of golden jellyfish that migrate across the lake every day.

Although the jellyfish living in the lake have stinging cells (nematocytes), their potency has lessened over many generations and rarely causes harm to humans. I can personally attest, however, that it is possible to feel the stings on sensitive areas, albeit very mild. People with allergies to jellyfish should consider wearing protective clothing for their swim, such as a rash guard or dive skin.

Each day, roughly four million golden jellyfish pulse through the water in rhythmic motion.Their bodies rotate counter-clockwise as they swim to the surface, presumably to provide even exposure to the sun for the symbiotic algae in their bodies.

To reach the lake from the main boat dock, we had to endure short hike over a ridge that separates the lake from the ocean lagoon. Upon arrival, we saw a massive number of jellyfish milling around, vying for their place in the sun on its journey from east to west across the sky. Jumping into the water to join them for a brief snorkel/swim require a test of faith, since virtually all humans who have ever played at the beach during summer vacation have been painfully stung by a jellyfish at least once.

Most of our group “took the plunge,” but only a few of us swam slowly into the throng of reddish/brown jellyfish. We had to swim very carefully to ensure we didn’t damage their delicate bodies, especially with our fins. Even then, on occasion, we felt a little claustrophobic when a particularly large group completely surrounded us as they pulsed along on their migration path. In order to not hurt them we could only tread water and wait for the throng to pass.

At one point, Jennifer and I each gently held a jellyfish in our hands, much as one would hold a small kitten. They really do feel like holding an undulatingbatch of jello!It was a truly amazing experience – one we highly recommend for anyone wishing to get closer to the miracles of nature.

Photos Courtesy David & Judi Willis

The Intouchables

Monotony. Sounds like a boring word but it claims a whole new meaning when it describes, not just a few hours but the rest of your life. That’s what French aristocrat, Philippe was facing. Philippe (Francois Cluzet) is a quadriplegic who used to be a daredevil. Now he is trapped in his own body, relegated to a wheelchair. Philippe has a houseful of staff but they all seem to fawn over him. In the beginning of the story he is interviewing for a care giver, someone with a strong back and strong hands. Everyone who comes to interview seem to have sterling resumes. When ex-con Driss (Omar Sy) shows up it is for one reason and one reason only: he needs to get a signature to prove he’s out looking for a job so he can draw his benefits. No sterling resume but there was something about him that told Philippe this one just might make a difference in his “hohum” existence.

The Intouchables is an irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility. This film depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.

This true story fascinated me. I have to admit that personally, I often don’t know how to act around the handicapped. It’s not that I don’t care for them but more than likely that I care too much. I don’t want to hurt or offend them. I suppose, in my ignorance, I just never had the courage or the honesty to ask the question: how would you like me to treat you?

In real life, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo is a descendant of two prominent French families and is the director of one of the most celebrated champagne houses. He was not in the habit of asking for help. Then in 1993, right on the heels of his wife being diagnosed with a terminal illness, a paragliding accident left him a quadriplegic. In a moment, he became the equivalent of an “Untouchable,” unable to reach out to others as others were afraid to reach out to him.

The only person who seemed unaffected by Philippe was someone who had been marginalized his entire life, Abdul the unemployed, uninhibited Algerian immigrant who would become his unlikely caretaker. In between dramas and jokes, he sustained Philippe’s life for the next 10 years. Philippe wrote a book about this period of time entitled, “Second Wind.” Philippe describes his friend, Abdul, as irreverent and cheeky, with an outrageous sense of humor; a sweet craziness.

This statement is depicted splendidly by directors and writers, Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. The Intouchables, a French box office hit, has taken home many awards in Europe. Go see The Intouchables! You’ll be glad you did, then email me at chastings@rockcliff.com

PS: This film is graphic, so it’s not for young children.

Sadly, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that over 400,000 people die of tobacco-related illnesses in the United States each year—more than from auto accidents, HIV, fire, illegal drugs, alcohol, suicides, and homicides combined.

On a positive note, did you know that after you stop smoking, according to the American Cancer Society, your health benefits begin within minutes and your:

• Blood pressure and heart rate drop 20 minutes after quitting

• Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal after 12 hours
• Lung function and circulation improve within 2 to 12 weeks of quitting

• Shortness of breath and coughing decrease one to 9 months after quitting
• Sense of smell returns and food tastes better

• Risk of heart disease drops to half the risk of a smoker—one year after you quit

A Client’s Success Story

I smoked 20-30 cigarettes a day for 32 years and was the really ‘chemically addicted’ type of smoker. I’d tried everything to quit—gum, patches—but was convinced I did not have the willpower to ‘overcome the beast.’ My allergist referred me to Trina for help in quitting. Trina provided me with four great tools to achieve my victory over nicotine.

 First and foremost were the visits under hypnotherapy to important places deep inside myself. In this very relaxed state, I reconnected with those in my life who have loved me the most. This inner work provided me a source of courage to stand up to my addiction and to nurture the health-loving and smoke-free person inside of me.

 Second was a self-hypnosis CD to use at home so I could revisit the empowering thoughts and refocus my courage. This CD was very helpful in the first and second week after quitting when cravings were at their worst.

 Third was the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) that included tapping an acupuncture meridian point while at the same time verbalizing the self-belief that I am healthy and stronger than nicotine.

 Fourth, Trina made herself available by phone and e-mail the first week for once a day, ‘in-the-moment,’ moral support and encouragement. Likewise, in our first strategizing session, we identified several close friends of mine who could also offer support.

 My allergist recently showed me that, since quitting smoking, my lung function is normal again and has improved 30% from when I smoked. And, just a few months after quitting, I am biking up Mount Diablo—something I could not have dreamed of awhile back.”

—John

Customized to meet your needs, my comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program consists of a minimum of four private sessions that include support and cutting-edge tools to assist you in quitting smoking. In addition, the strategy will address how to transform destructive (smoking) “Me-Time Moments” into constructive (smoke free) “Me-Time Moments.”

Finally, when you’re ready to “kick the smoking habit” and receive the benefits of a smoke-free life, call me and we’ll strategize your customized plan. This courageous phone call could be a life-changing gift.

Join Trina and attend her Walnut Creek workshop for women and men: Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center: Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40. Seats are limited—register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”

Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal. She currently has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285-5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com. To receive Trina’s inspiring FREE newsletter “Transformational Tips for Mindful Living.” Sign-up here: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com

 Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

It is the mission of Sentinels of Freedom to assist severely wounded/permanently disabled veterans in their efforts to become productive, self-sufficient, integrated members of their local communities upon their return to civilian life.

Sentinels of Freedom was established to meet an entirely new social need. In past wars, the medical treatment and resources available was insufficient to save severely wounded veterans, nor was our society willing to assist and support them. Today, the technology to save these lives and the will to help are both present. Sentinels of Freedom provides unique resources for severely wounded veterans—resources that go beyond what the Veterans Administration or other organizations can provide. This is long-term support for severely wounded/permanently disabled veterans, enabling them to learn how to live with their disabilities, set new life and career goals, and become active participating members in their communities.

Sentinels of Freedom started as a grass roots organization to assist one returning soldier in 2003. Since that time, Sentinels of Freedom has assisted over 120 Veterans across the US. All Veterans in the program are rated with a 60% or higher permanent disability rating by Veterans Affairs.    These injuries include (but are not limited to) blindness, severe burns, Traumatic Brain Injury and amputations. The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship program includes post-secondary education, mentorship, financial assistance and employment for up to four years.

The Sentinels of Freedom program affords the veterans the time to adapt to their new physical challenges and surroundings as they work their way back to a life of complete self-sufficiency.   The goal of Sentinels of Freedom is to provide severely wounded veterans with the resources and support needed to live active, engaged and successful lives as they recover from physical, emotional and psychological injuries. The program helps our returning warriors learn to live with their disabilities, and work towards personal self-sufficiency.

Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship recipient Hein Tran talks about what the program has meant to him.

Sentinels of Freedom is part of my second chance of life.  Being a Sentinel gave me my sense of Duty, Purpose and Service back which I thought I had lost, while I was recovering from my injuries at Walter Reed Hospital.  Mr. Mike Conklin, founder of Sentinels of Freedom built this program with a solid foundation of Respect, Integrity and Commitment for me to stand up and walk  forward on. This program means more to me than words can type to describe. I would have nothing today if the Sentinels of Freedom did not believe in me. My wife and I are very grateful for all that things that Sentinels of Freedom has provided for us.  It’s more than just a second chance, it’s HOPE.

To learn more visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org Email info@sentinelsoffreedom.org or call

925 380 6342 ext 2

She is Denica Freitas, and her story is a fairy tale.

At 25 she will take weekend classes at California Culinary Academy of San Francisco and essentially work herself into a successful cake shop that caters and delivers pasties all over the Bay Area. I imagine her secret ingredient is passion.

Across town is a boy. He has come up through life donning an apron since the age of 15, taking any and all restaurant jobs from the Bay to Hawaii, which will not only mold his signature sense of floral attire, but ignite that same passion for desserts as Denica’s. He will find himself the owner operator of a very successful cookie shop in Castro Valley that ships his delicacies around the world. On paper he is a competitor. In a fairy tale, he is the prince. This is a fairy tale. The boy and girl fall madly in love. A love that is equaled only by their passion for food and in 2000, they combine forces and open Denica’s.

This restaurant comes to my attention by my wife. Since the day I met her, she has told me about this place, and literally, her face lights up when she speaks of it. The feeling is something she can’t explain, almost as unexplainable as what took me so long to get there myself. But I went, and I am in love with the love you feel here.

The restaurant is not spectacular in itself; a counter in front of an elevated yet simple menu, in front of a display case of pastries; a wall covered in mismatching frames displaying her family on various trips as you might find in her hallway at home, and a menu serving fresh, homemade, very healthy breakfast (all day) and lunches—salads and bowls, sandwiches and burritos, omelets and quesadillas, and of course desserts!

But it is the secret ingredient that a young Denica found so long ago that is palpable in this place—a live ingredient that has grown and invisibly made its way over every nuance. The ingredient is…passion. When she met her husband, James “The Cookie Man,” she doubled her wattage for life. Individually, they possessed enviable amounts of personal passion; enough to affect others on smaller scales and create successful businesses, but together their hunger for life, adventure and food, as well as the love for their five children, has created what can only be felt, not written about.

In 2005 they expanded the business next door by knocking out a wall and creating the Taco Lounge and of course have been met with success. Success is in their DNA. The food is delicious. It is flavorful and healthy. It can be vegetarian or not, but it is hearty. There is something about the walls here that make you want to be nicer to the people around you. The kind of happy that comes from a homemade chocolate chip cookie and a fountain soda or peering at the smiles of their kid’s faces on the walls. The kind of inspiration that comes from the Freitas’ personal motto~”Dream it, think it, do it, repeat.”

Denica’s Real Food Kitchen ,6058 Dougherty Road, Dublin, 925-829-6200

OK – so what we need to ask is, “Is it our turn next?” We can probably rule out a tsunami, and we get very few hurricanes passing this way. But the professionals in the area of earthquakes tell us we are long past due for a good shaking around here.

Let’s be pessimistic for a line or two and talk about what a really bad quake would do to us here in the Alive Magazine readership environment.

First of all, we can cross off electricity and phone lines. What the shake didn’t topple the falling branches, and for that matter, the uprooted trees took care of. If the quake was large enough, we can probably cross out these conveniences for at least a week, and probably longer.

Now, the younger generation immediately thinks of cell phones with a bit of arrogance. But I am told that the excessive traffic that results in a disaster such as an earthquake pretty well jams those lines, and they aren’t going to work.

Next we need to look at the damaged buildings and the toppled book cases that manage to land on people. Our first instinct would be to call the fire department and police for help in dealing with these upended structures and/or trapped neighbors. History in other disasters informs us of several facts. One, only a limited number of these helpers is available, i.e., only the ones on duty. The ones not working in these departments are helping in their own area. Two, the few on duty are overwhelmed by the sheer number of problems which have developed. Result – limited assistance here too.

Injured must be cared for on the spot or transported, and access to proper medical care will be limited. Speaking of transportation, these nice solid overpasses above our freeways may or may not hold. Some are bound to collapse. You’re not going to be able to zoom around in your BMW, if that’s your plan. There will be traffic jams and certainly limited movement.

There probably will be fires. Those gas lines to your house may rupture, and a spark could ignite them. There are groves of trees just waiting for this to happen.

Getting hungry and thirsty? Better have a bottle or two of H²O and an outdoor grill because you may need them for a week or so. Drinking pool water will make you sick.

I could go on and on, but I guess by now you’ve got the picture about what could happen. In fact, you may be asking, “Is anyone doing anything about this possible situation?”

Ah ha – I’m glad you asked. The answer is “YES” – a very strong powerful yes.

Over the past several years a program has been developed under the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security. This program is called Community Emergency Response Team – referred to by the acronym CERT. The program this group encourages varies a great deal around the country. California is one of the more effective areas with the Bay Area being good, and the Martinez to Livermore area being one of the best.

In case of a disaster, one of the most important needs is communication. In our area an efficient network has been established with individuals communicating through minimum range radios called FRS, to group stations with more powerful radios called GMRS, and a network of HAM operators who report to a central command station located, for example, in fire or police headquarters. This will allow the professionals to get a clear overview of the damage and direct their limited resources to the areas of the most need. In addition, they can give professional and informed information to the outside world.

The basic information coming from the field via the FRS transmissions will be supplied by a large group of trained volunteers. These volunteers have been attending classes and participating in training drills for most of the last five years. This training includes other items as well as radio communication.

Basic search and rescue instruction is also included. This includes medical triage, neighborhood safety, i.e., how to turn off gas lines in houses, proper techniques in extracting victims and perhaps, most important, how to set up incident command centers.

These command centers help create order out of chaos. They act as neighborhood centers where trained volunteers can properly assess what should be done first. In addition, they act as gathering places for the injured so that medical teams can efficiently deal with the wounded. In many cases, essentials such as blankets, medical supplies, and tools are stored in these locations.

The trained CERT volunteers, along with the trained professionals, make a formidable network – prepared tohandle any area disaster should one occur.

CERT classes are being held regularly and are open to anyone wishing to volunteer. These classes cover a wide range of subjects. All of which are applicable not only for use in disasters, but can also help in everyday living. They act as a refresher in first aid and remind you of simple acts you can perform to make your home a safer place. Accidents and emergencies happen to us all, and preparedness will help you to deal with them effectively. Even better, they may help you avoid them.

If you are interested in volunteering to become a trained CERT member you can log onto www.bereadysrv.com. You can also go to www.firedepartment.com and click on the Community Outreach section to sign up for CERT classes.

The C-Max replaces the Ford Escape Hybrid and delivers a much-improved driving experience. With an SUV-raised view of the road, plenty of passenger space, and 47 miles per gallon, there is an increase of 15 mph over the Escape and a 5 mpg increase over the Toyota Prius V.

The all-new C-Max is loaded with features, room and style. Some of the high-tech features in the C-Max include: Hands-Free Lift gate – allowing an easy rear lift gate opening with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper, and Active Park Assist that with only minor driver pedal involvement parallel parks the car in 26 seconds.

Other standard features include: Fog Lamps, Ambient Lighting, Dual Zone Climate Control, Leather Trimmed Heated 10-way powered driver’s seat, Power Locks and Windows, MYKEY, Homelink and Intelligent Access with push button start. The C-Max is only available as a hybrid.

The 2013 Ford C-Max Wagon is available in two trim levels: SE ($25,995) and SEL ($29,160). There is also a plug-in hybrid version called the Energi that will be reviewed separately.

C- Max Hybrid features an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery that is 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries used in first-generation hybrid vehicles.

The power of the C- Max comes from two sources: 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle with 141 horsepower and a Permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor generator that delivers 118 hp. The transmission is a HF35 eCVT hybrid powersplit transaxle.

The interior is similar to that of the Ford Focus and Escape and is decked out in high- quality materials, solid construction, and a stylish design. The quiet interior is roomy; however, did have a little wind noise ruffling in the cabin. The C-Max specifications state that it seats 5 and the middle seat is less comfortable and best left to the center armrest, which contains cup holders. The rear-door openings are a bit narrow and rear cargo is limited due to the battery pack. Overall, the seats were very comfortable and visibility was good.

Exterior styling follows Ford’s current themes and is stylish especially for being a hybrid. The grille is commanding on the front end and rises up to a heavily sloped windshield. The rear drops into the hatchback lift gate. An optional power lift gate can be ordered.

Handling is tight and delivers a strong command of the road. The C-MAX feels solid throughout providing a more expensive European driving experience.

Room for improvement:

• Cargo space is less than the Toyota Prius V

Cool Features:

• Push-button start
• Hands Free Lift Gate
• Active Park Assist

The standard safety equipment on the 2013 C-Max Hybrid comes standard with anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. C-MAX also combines technology called Curve Control to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast and a feature called Torque Vectoring Control to accelerate through a turn when necessary. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) also are standard. Parking sensors and a rearview camera are available.

In Summary – The 2013 Ford C-Max nicely blends the needs of a compact SUV with the fuel economy of a hybrid. Like most of Ford’s vehicles today, C-Max offers SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offering multiple ways – including voice – for owners to manage and control their phone, navigation, climate and entertainment functions. This generation of MyFord Touch shows strong improvements over past iterations. If you are in the market for a hybrid wagon with great fuel economy, ride, and style, then the 2013 Ford C-Max should be on your list of vehicles to check out.

Specifications

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL

Base price:  $28,200 as driven: $31,605 (including destination)

Engine:  4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter

Horsepower: 188 @ 6000 RPM

Torque:  129 @ 4000 RPM

Transmission:  Automatic, CVT

Drive:  All Wheel-Drive

Seating:  5-passenger

Turning circle: 38.3 feet

Cargo space:   24.5 cubic feet

Curb weight:   3682 pounds

Fuel capacity:  13.5 gallons

EPA mileage:   City 47/Hwy 47

Wheel Base:   104.3 inches

Warranty:   3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper

Also consider:    Honda CRV, Nissan Leaf, and Toyota Prius V

That is the back story to Baseball Comes Out, Saunders’s exploration of the first acknowledged gay player to come out while still in the big leagues. As it happens, the protagonist plays for the San Francisco Giants and is portrayed as the best closer in the big leagues; meaning the team would be inclined to put up with the distractions created by such an event. That his partner is the team’s best pinch hitter and a respected veteran of nearly 20 seasons adds further spice to the story.

“In my mind, the plight of gays is the civil rights issue of the early 21^st Century,” Saunders said. “It’s easy to forget that right after World War II, African Americans often could not frequent the same restaurants or drink from the same water fountains as white Americans could. Most of us now, naturally, see that as ridiculous. I believe that Americans later in this century won’t understand the furor around same-sex marriage and the reluctance of gay athletes to be themselves in public. The movie 42 featured the heroism of Jackie Robinson but also highlighted the ignorance and bigotry of some of his white contemporaries. I tried to do the same thing with my book.”

Baseball Comes Out is a what-if story. What if a gay major leaguer decided to come out of the closet? How would the baseball establishment react? What affect would a gay player have on his team? How would fans behave?  “This is not the rant of a gay man,” Saunders says, but rather a protest by an offended baseball fan. “The game I love is screwing men I admire. The villain here is the closet itself.”

The author’s background as a professor at Golden Gate University and a corporate p.r. director for Lawrence Livermore Labs and Pacific Bell are especially useful has he takes us behind the scenes for plausible front office and consultant conversations. The book’s characters are multi-dimensional and the baseball segments are realistic.

A gay athlete coming out in one of the four major North American team sports is probably more a matter of when, not if. World class athletes in tennis, rugby, soccer and golf have already done so. Retired gay football and baseball players have published books about their time as pro athletes in the closet. Reading Baseball Comes Out is akin to reviewing the first draft of a coming major event in American sports history.

Baseball Comes Out is available as an e-book on amazon.com for kindle readers.