Meet Tom Donahue, a teacher and a dean, among his many other incarnations. He now runs Active Learning Systems; a regular working stiff like the rest of us.

His secret is a small black alien that dwells in his home. From that alien springs forth a mighty good vibe. While I couldn't understand a word that little dark creature said, Tom seemed to be in the know.

The concept of furry cohabitants is not new: we have two meow-ing types of our own. New is the degree to which they can change a tough business leader or a big-mouthed punk into a merry, smiley, personable person.

Compare this beaming, content one with an average dilbert type and you will see the importance of choosing the correct furry alien. Tom had chosen wisely.