The author, Brian Francis Redman, was a close associate of the late Sherman H. Skolnick. Tutored by the famous muckraker, Mr. Redman began to see an alternative reality hiding behind the smoke of our collective mentality. Post-graduate studies in Spanish literature added to his understanding of the surreal nature of our lives. Mr. Redman has worked as a cab driver, bell-ringer for the Salvation Army, bicycle messenger, actor, truck unloader, bus driver, and other jobs. He currently resides in Champaign, Illinois.