(Caught On Tape) Hero police officer saves little boy [Video]

Talk about being at the right place at the right time. You’ve got to watch the video!

A Grosse Pointe Park police officer is being called a hero for pulling a toddler out of the street.

The rescue was captured on the officer’s patrol car Dash Cam video.

Officer Ryan Willmer was talking with a driver he had just pulled over for speeding on Altar road when he heard a woman yelling for her son.

The woman and her 3-year-old son had just come out of a grocery store when the toddler darted out into the busy street.

When the officer saw the child in the street he quickly ran out, scooped the boy up and handed him back to his mother.

The toddler was not hurt.

Officer Willmer said he was just doing his job and that many of his colleagues would have done the same.

Read more and watch this story: Hero Cop Saves Little Boy

Childhood books exhibit stirs up great memories [Video]

This story reminds me of my childhood! I had tons of these books as a kid. I have great memories of sitting in my Mom’s lap as she read them to me. I had no idea they’ve been around as long as they have.

When you were a child you probably read one of “The Golden Books.” Now you can see some of the original artwork from these children’s classics.

You probably read “The Three Bears,” “Henny Penny,” or one of “The Golden Books.” Now some of the original artwork from the series is on display at the Pratt Library’s main branch.

“It’s really a fabulous exhibit. I think it brings back a lot of memories for people. These are the books that many of us grew up with,” said Ellen Riordan, Pratt Library Children’s Services Coordinator.

Today’s children have their favorites, but the “Golden Books” were introduced in 1942 and were an instant success.

“My favorite, ‘Henny Penny,’ is here. You just think back to better times. In these challenging times I think it helps people to re-connect to what’s really important–family, being together and the simple pleasures,” said Dr. Carla Hayden, CEO of Enoch Pratt Free Library.

They have the “Great Big Fire Engine” to the all-time best seller “The Poky Little Puppy.”

“And it brought back so many memories. It’s wonderful just as an art exhibit, not just as a nostalgia fest,” said Lynn Jensen, book reader.

You can fill out a post card to tell about your favorite “Golden Book” memory. It seems everybody has one.

“Baby boomers and even children today remember the stories of “The Three Bears,” “Henny Penny,” “The Great Big Fire Engine.” All of your favorites are here,” said Riordan.

 Read more and watch this story: Childhood Books Exhibit Stirs Up Great Memories

Boy wins rights to tropical island in lottery

My readers are apparently  in a lottery mood today. Here is a recommended story from another reader.

A 4-year-old boy has won the use of an uninhabited tropical island, with white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, in a Taiwan lottery aimed at boosting spending during an economic downturn.

Officials said Yeh Chien-wei, who won the prize at Thursday’s draw, will get exclusive rights to the tiny plot in the Taiwan Strait from May through September.

Penghu County, an offshore archipelago, will provide food, drinks, water and electricity to the boy. He has been quoted in local media saying he wants to play in the sea.

“Penghu has a lot of islands, and that one has water and electricity, so someone can really enjoy it,” said county economic promotion official Lu Yan-chang, explaining why use of the island, which also has a cabin, was offered as a prize.

Penghu, which comprises 64 islands, is known for its beautiful beaches and water sports.

According to the terms of the prize, the boy and up to seven family members can visit the island five times, for trips that last a maximum of three days.

Read more: Boy wins rights to tropical island in lottery

 

Sending message of love with handmade teddy bears [Video]

The Mother Bear Project is sending bears to more than a dozen countries in Africa plus Haiti. They shipped bear number 37,000 just this week. Amy Berman started the nonprofit.

“See, these bears are pretty great. They’re special. What can I say,” she said.

Berman’s small storage unit in Hopkins is nearly over-flowing with hundreds of the cute, cuddly and very colorful bears. This is where she keeps the ones ready to be shipped, along with materials to make them, including yarn.

The Mother Bear Project has been successful, but even Berman admits it’s not because of her. It’s because of volunteers in the Twin Cities and around the world, helping fulfill the organization’s goal.

“These bears, we are hoping, will bring comfort and hope to the children who receive them,” Berman said.

She sends the bears to some of the poorest children in the world, mostly in Africa. Many of the children are affected with HIV and AIDS, and they’re struggling to survive.

She took several pictures last September when she went to the continent. She said the bears provide some relief for the children.

“It gives them something to hold onto, something to call their own, something to love and something to cuddle at the end of a hard day,” Berman said.

Read more and watch that story: Sending Message Of Love With Handmade Teddy Bears

Dear Mr. President: Boy’s letter to Obama [Video]

 

Meet Michael Bedsaul — philosopher, author, and advisor to the president. This six-year-old Las Vegas boy isn’t just name-dropping when he tells you the president wants to hear what he has to say.

Just when you think you have a pretty good grasp on the way the world works, along comes this straight-talking six-year-old with words of wisdom we could all learn from.

Excited by the inaugural celebrations he watched live on television, Michael decided to write to President Barack Obama to remind him that even in the midst of the country’s economic chaos, we need to focus on what really matters, “It is important to say please and thank you.”

But it was the picture Michael sent with his letter that really blows your mind, “This is a heart sun, this is a real sun, and this is Barack Obama.”

Michael goes on to explain that a heart-sun spins in the sky, sending God’s love to everyone all over the world, including President Obama.

Michael’s handwritten letter and picture were selected from thousands submitted by children from around the world, and though he’s not impressed, it will be included in a bound volume and presented to the president.

Michael has no plans of politics in his future. He wants to be a Transformer.

Read more and watch this story with the super cute little guy: Boy’s Letter to Obama Included in Book