The "Million to One" Book Project

 Good day and a hearty virtual TK Salute to all my fellow Loyal Littles! It may surprise some (well, many!) of you that in my day job (when I’m not posting about the TK show about “The Planet that Shall Remain Nameless,” parking, the “Animal Revolution,” license plates, etc.), I’m a Professor of Management (like Mr. Tony, NOT a real doctor!). I’m at that point in my career where I can choose my research projects and how to publish them, and so that has me coming to all of you with an “ask.”

Like many of you, I’ve been intrigued by ALL of the “Million to One” stories that Littles from across the country have been sharing on the podcast (hey, more intriguing than “dog poop radio” or “What’s your bracket?”, am I right?). At any rate, I’ve authored a book in the past that was based on a compilation of stories, and thinking like TK does, I see these “Million to One” stories as worthy of being compiled into a book. And yes, like Mr. Tony, an “I’m back for more cash”-type of situation! What I am looking to do is to frame a narrative around as many of these stories as possible, and to publish these in a book! My wish is that these stories can be preserved and shared - and perhaps serve as at least good dinner or bar conversations, and maybe, just maybe, even a source of inspiration for some as well!

So, here’s my ask of you. As we loyal podcast listeners know, only a small fraction of the emails sent into the show ACTUALLY get read by Mr. Tony on the show passing through the “Nigel” and Michael screening), with the rest landing on the proverbial “cutting room floor.” What I would like to have you do is something that should require no more than 5 minutes of your time, and you will be able to say: “Hey kids (like you’re rounding them up to see the Moon!)! Your (insert your familial role here) has actually been included in a book! I’m SMART (in TK’s voice, of course)!” My ask is REALLY simple: Please send me the email that you sent to Mr. Tony as your (or your spouse’s, your parent’s/grandparent’s, a friend’s, a coworker’s, etc.)  “Million to One” story. And if you have not yet actually composed an email to the show, please just create one (or more) of the “Million to One” stories that you might have and send that on to me as well. I would like to attribute each story to a Little (or a friend of a “friend of the show” if you would like to share more than just your own personal “Million to One” story. So, please send along either your name (or a shortened form of it - e.g. “David W.) and the city where you live in your email to me, which should be directed to me at david@theideapublishing.com. Please also “cut and paste” this statement into your email if you will (so I don’t have to call Abbe, 15 minutes, well, probably 5 minutes, with him would likely eat-up ALL the royalties I might earn from the book!): “I hereby give Professor David Wyld permission to reprint the story from this email in his book project, tentatively titled “Million to One Stories.” 

I truly, truly appreciate all of my fellow Littles who will join me as a contributor to this book. As the only child of a man from Sydney, Australia who married a young woman from Cranfills Gap, Texas and who was likely conceived during the Cuban Missile Crisis (Dad: “Oh what the hell, Gayle! We’ll likely be nuked tomorrow!”), I truly love these “Million to One” stories - AND can relate to them, as I am one myself! It will be my honor to be able to write a book around them, and I do hope that you will take the time to share yours (or those of someone close to you) with me for this book project. I look forward to working on a project that will be both “fun” and hopefully meaningful to many, and I very, very much look forward to hearing from you on this. If you have ANY questions, please either email me or send me a private message on “The Facebook!” And if you know of Littles who are not in either of the TK Facebook Groups (“C’mon man! Whada we even doing ‘round here, man?”), please spread the word so that they can contribute to this project, which will truly be a labor of love for me to work on (just don’t ask me how it’s going in a few months for as we know, any project like this will have its rough patches, as I’m sure that TWTWIARTBM will tire of hearing about my book about the folks who actually LIKE listening to the Bald, Orange Man!). 

Thanks for taking your time to read this (yes, I’m a professor - so, I’m long winded)! I hope to hear from many of you real soon with your “Million to One” stories at david@theideapublishing.com!

David

5 cornerstones of an unforgettable African travel experience

(BPT) - If you love to travel, chances are you have a bucket list filled with once-in-a-lifetime destinations you simply cannot wait to visit, whether you dream of exploring the homeland of your ancestors, cities renowned for their culinary feats, or a place known for its wildlife.

If your focus is the latter, no bucket list is complete without an authentic African safari that provides the opportunity to step into the native habitats of Africa's big five animals, rare birds, and great apes. If this type of intimate animal experience is on your must-do travel list, here are five reasons Uganda is the perfect destination for your African adventure.

You can get up close and personal with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees

Uganda is home to more than half the world's population of endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking to see these majestic creatures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a top bucket list item for nature enthusiasts. The country is also a prime location for those hoping to catch sight of chimpanzees, as Budongo Forest Reserve is home to 700 of these playful primates, including three groups that have been habituated and can be visited by humans.

See it all at Murchison Falls National Park

You can see it all at Murchison Falls National Park, which is a four-hour drive northwest of the capital city of Kampala. Bisected by the Nile River, Murchison Falls boasts 76 species of mammals and 451 species of birds. The park is home to iconic African game such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and giraffes, as well as river-loving animals like crocodiles and hippopotamuses. The dramatic falls, created by a remnant rift that plunges water 150 feet down the valley wall, provide a picture perfect photo opportunity.

Catch a glimpse of the southern white rhino at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is home to 15 southern white rhinoceroses and is the only place in Uganda to see this majestic creature. The ranch, a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda, serves as a sanctuary where the animals can live and breed in a protected environment. In addition to the rhinos, more than 40 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds call Ziwa home. Those who visit leave invigorated by the power of conservation and the work the ranch is doing to protect its residents for generations to come.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is for the birds, and you

Bird is the word at Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda, where 600 different species of birds can be found - more than any other park on the eastern half of the continent. Here, you will have a chance to see some of Africa's most sensational birds such as the Shoebill, African Broadbill, Martial Eagle, Black-rumped Buttonquail, African Skimmer and Pink-backed Pelican.

Seize the opportunity to enjoy authentic, immersive cultural experiences

Uganda is home to more than 50 distinct tribes, and meeting individuals from any of them offers a unique opportunity to experience their way of life and make lasting personal connections. Join the Batwa Experience for a glimpse into the living history of a tribe that once called Uganda's forests home. You can also learn the art of basket weaving or beekeeping from communities across Uganda who use these arts to sustain their villages. A number of lodges connect travelers directly to these local communities, providing the chance to experience unique cultural performances of dance, music and song that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

Uganda is often referred to as "The Pearl of Africa," and those who visit quickly understand why. Some of the continent's most diverse wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and mesmerizing cultural interactions await adventurous travelers, and there is no better time to plan a visit than right now. To get started, head to www.visituganda.com and begin preparing for the African adventure of a lifetime.

6 Tips to Protect the Things You Love Indoors and Out

Whether the family dog gets his muddy paws on the couch, an ice cream cone melts all over the backyard hammock or a sudden storm soaks your new patio cushions, life is filled with unexpected messes. There’s no time like the present to plan ahead so you’re ready for whatever mess life throws your way with these 6 tips.

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6 Tips to Protect the Things You Love Indoors and Out

10 signs you may have a bleeding disorder

Are you at risk for a bleeding disorder?

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10 signs you may have a bleeding disorder

Creating Confidence: 8 steps to feeling more self-assured

Virtually everyone struggles with a lack of self-confidence at some point in their lives and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure of yourself in certain situations. However, if you find a lack of confidence is holding you back from fully enjoying your personal life, or achieving your professional goals, it may be time to take action.

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Creating Confidence: 8 steps to feeling more self-assured

Tips to Save Money at the Pump

As gas prices continue to drop, motorists should take advantage of their savings at the pump and invest it back into their vehicles. Here are some tips to increase savings and fuel efficiency for your vehicle.

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Tips to Save Money at the Pump

Tasty Tips for a Healthier Holiday

Whether planning a family feast or flitting among gatherings during the holidays, you may find it harder than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your weight management goals on track. However, with the right approach and recipes like Low Carb Cranberry-Ginger Pork Roast, Low Carb Browned Pumpkin with Maple and Sage, and Low Carb Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake, you can still enjoy many of your holiday favorites and serve foods your guests will appreciate as much as your waistline does.

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Tasty Tips for a Healthier Holiday