--by Colin Ryan at astanduplife.com (for encouraging me to share my story with the world)

When I first met a kindergarten teacher named Sharon a few months ago, she struck me as a clever, thoughtful person – softspoken, but quietly confident. Which is why I was surprised to hear her say, a few weeks later at a storytelling event, that she used to be extremely shy. When I asked her how this could be, she started talking about the surprising effect an improv class had on her life. Right away it became clear that Sharon had discovered a surprising and simple way to grow more than she ever would have thought possible.

Not long after, the following interview took place…

Ryan Gosling's an Academy Award nominated actor, part-time musician, dog lover and now, a crime fighter.

A viral video that spread like wild fire on Monday captures the 30-year-old brooding star breaking up a street fight in the middle of a New York intersection.

As a number of other people try to tear two quarrelling men apart, Gosling suddenly appears and walks toward the altercation on 8th Street in the East Village. He drops his belongings on the street and manages to separate the two men while trying to peacefully play referee...

see full article at NYDailyNews.com

August 22, 2011--When Hurricane Irene stormed through the Caribbean, Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson's Necker Island home was struck by lightning, resulting in a massive fire.

The home was filled with as many as 20 guests, who were visiting for a wedding. Many of Branson's relatives were inside, including his daughter, nephews, nieces and his 90-year-old mother. Luckily, Kate Winslet was there as well. Winslet lifted Richard Branson's mom and carried her out of the home while it was still ablaze.

The other guests were able to make it to safety as well. Branson told CBS News that although he lost his home to the fire, he was just grateful that his family and friends were okay.

Brad Pitt is taking on an on-screen zombie invasion in Scotland, but for a moment on Thursday night's shoot, the Oscar-nominee took on the role of a real life-saving hero. (Move over, Ryan Gosling and Kate Winslet!)

Starring as Gerry Lane in the big screen undead apocalypse film, "World War Z," Pitt was in the midst of shooting a scene in which fearful masses rush through Glasgow's George Square, trying to get away from the scourge of the face eaters. One woman, involved in the stampede of fearful Scots, fell over amidst the madness, and was in danger of being trampled upon by her fellow extras. Then in came the hero; according to the Scottish Sun newspaper, Pitt rushed over, scooped up the woman and carried her off to safety.

Man Rescues New Mexico Girl from Suspected Kidnapping

August 15, 2011--When New Mexico resident Antonio Diaz Chacon saw a little girl being snatched from the street and placed into a blue van, he had no doubt about what he needed to do. He jumped into his own car and followed.

The 6-year-old victim had been going to a neighbor's house for a package of tostadas when she was grabbed from the street. Diaz had seen the man cover the girl's mouth and place her into the van. A neighbor screamed in Spanish, "Let her go, she's not yours!"

Martha Diaz said her husband told her he was going to block the way, that he was going to stop him. Martha called 911 as her husband left to follow the van.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at mewith a smile …

LyricsTube is a new service by YouTube... where you'll find all of your favorite music, featuring Musicians, Bands and Recording artists, in live performances... including each song's LYRICS (so you can sing along).

Click on any of these popular links - where you can search for even more Music Videos as well as bookmark them, if you like.

These may be some of the best links you’ll ever find… just click artist and a list of songs will pop up… including lyrics. 1)   Elvis Presley <http://www.lyricstube.net/video.php?artist=Elvis+Presley&artistid=16241> 2)   Roy Orbison <http://www.lyricstube.net/video.php?artist=Roy+Orbison&artistid=12664> 3)   Beatles <http://www.lyricstube.net/video.php?artist=Beatles&artistid=16282> 4)   Abba <http://www.lyricstube.net/video.php?artist=ABBA&artistid=16240> 5)   Bee Gees <http://www.lyricstube.net/video.php?artist=Bee+Gees&artistid=16294> 6)   Michael Jackson <http://www.lyricstube.net/video.php?artist=Michael+Jackson&artistid=10179> 7)   John …

A victory at the race in December 2010 would guarantee 16-year-old Holland Reynolds' California track team a state championship. But just feet from the finish line, Reynolds collapses. A race official, who runs immediately to her side, explains to her that if she wants to finish the race, she can perhaps crawl enough to get one foot over the line--but if she gets assistance from anyone, she would have to be disqualified. Stunning the crowd, Reynolds pulls herself up and crawls toward the finish. In a dramatic, inspiring end, Reynolds crosses the finish line on hands and knees and crosses fast enough to secure the state championship for her team. "I just wanted to cross the line," Reynolds explained to ABC News.