U.S. WWII veteran, 97, reunites with the Italian siblings he saved in 1944

By
Monica Pop
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This is one of those stories you don’t get to stumble upon every day. It is about a reunion like no other; between a U.S. soldier and the three siblings he nearly killed by mistake.

Martin Adler from Florida, now 97 years old, who served in the World War II, and a fellow soldier of the 339th Infantry Regiment entered a house in Bologna, Italy, back in 1944 believing German soldiers were hiding inside.

There, they saw a huge basket and just as they prepared to shoot at it, a mother in distress entered the room and started shouting: “Bambinis! Bambinis! Bambinis!” as she stood in front of Martin’s gun. “That was a real hero, the mother, not me. The mother was a real hero. Can you imagine you standing yourself in front of a gun and screaming ‘Children! No!?” Martin told Associated Press.

Source: Twitter

At that moment, three children, two girls and a boy, aged 3 to 6 years old, jumped out of the basket. Martin and his friend were relieved they didn’t kill those kids. Looking at their cute and puzzled faces, Martin asked the mother if he could take a photo with the little ones. Thankfully, she agreed, and now, over 70 years after it was taken, that photo led to one of the most heart-melting reunions we’ve ever witnessed.

Recently, Martin asked his daughter Rachelle Donley to help him track the children down, and thanks to the social media and one Italian journalist, Matteo Incerti, his wish came true.

Namely, Incerti shared the photo on his Facebook page and asked some friends for help, and in no time, he reached the children, now grandparents. Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana, who are now 84, 83 and 80 respectively, were over the moon to speak to the man who saved them years ago. They got the chance to talk via a video call, and now, Martin traveled to Bologna to meet them. The veteran was wearing a t-shirt saying ‘Martin’s bambini, forever kids.’

Martin’s daughter Rachelle says that her dad still trembles when he’s thinking of the time he nearly killed those children.

“I am so happy and so proud of him. Because things could have been so different in just a second. Because he hesitated, there have been generations of people,” she says.

Guliana’s granddaughter, Roberta Fontana, says that 6 children, 8 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren descended from the three kids hiding in the basket in October 1944.

“Knowing that Martin could have shot and that none of my family would exist is something very big,” she said. “It is very emotional.”

Source: Twitter

We are so glad Martin reunited with Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana.

For more on the story check out the video below.

Meet the most adorable preschool teacher who has Down Syndrome

By
Monica Pop
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A lot of people with Down Syndrome are completely independent. They are no different than most of us when it comes to their mental capacities and capabilities. Despite that, they are often starred at and considered disabled. The truth is that societies have a hard time accepting differences, forgetting that those differences are what make this world a beautiful place.

Source: Facebook / Noelia Garella

Noelia Garella from Argentina has Down Syndrome, but that didn’t prevent her from pursuing her life-long dream of becoming a teacher. Her life hasn’t been an easy one because she was bullied and called names while growing up, and it all started when she was very young. Namely, when her parents tried getting her into preschool, the people working there told them she couldn’t be accepted because she was “a monster.” Those harsh words broke their hearts, but they knew their girl will succeed in life despite what others had to say.

Source: Good Housekeeping

Today, Noelia, who is 31 years old, works as a preschool teacher and is one of the few people with Down Syndrome in the world who hold that position.

“I adore this. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be a teacher, because I like children so much,” she says.

We are so glad she found a job which makes her happy.

Source: Good Housekeeping

For more stories about extraordinary teachers check out the video below.

Remember DJ Tanner from ‘Full House?’ This is her today, age 45

By
Monica Pop
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Full House is one of those shows that we can go to over and over again without ever getting bored. I remember enjoying every minute of it during the eight seasons it aired.

Some of the actors that made the show what it is are John Stamos, Bob Saget, twins Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen, Lori Loughlin, and Candace Cameron Bure.

Candace played the role of DJ Tanner, one of the kids of widower Danny Tanner. The moment she appeared on screen, Candace became America’s sweetheart.

Youtube/kriistiy

She loved acting from very early age and seeing her older sister Kirk Cameron being part of the popular sitcom Growing Pains, that love only grew bigger and stronger, so soon after, Candace found herself on the set of what is now considered one of the greatest TV shows ever made; Full House.

Speaking of the time the series was filmed, Candace revealed that she enjoyed it to the fullest from day one. Unlike some child actors who face hard times being on set, Candace’s experience was nothing short of amazing. “There wasn’t a big focus on image and beauty from producers, so I didn’t pay that much attention to it [on set],” she told Good Housekeeping.

“It was the same with my family and my agents. I never had people around me telling me that I had to look a certain way or be a certain weight, and I think that’s half of the battle.”

Youtube/kriistiy

Candace starred in all the episodes of the show and years after it ended, she found herself reprising the role that changed her life forever in the spin-off Fuller House.

“If I am forever known as D.J. Tanner and everyone’s big sister, I will be thrilled and happy,” she said. “Full House and Fuller House have brought so much joy, comfort, and love to so many people. There’s nothing more I want to be associated with than wonderful and positive things. I embrace the show as an adult just as I embraced it back when I was 10 years old.” the actress said.

Youtube/Today

Candace is happily married to the love of her life, former NHL superstar Valeri Bure. She first met him back in 1994, when she was 18 years old. The two dated for a while and in 1996, they tied the knot. This year, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

Candace and Valeri are proud parents of three children, daughter Natasha, who is following into her mom’s footsteps, and sons Lev and Maksim.

In 2016, Candace wrote on Facebook: “There have been several tough years, in a row, ups and downs, bad attitudes and bad decisions, but we’ve persevered. We rode them out. We loved each other through them.”

Speaking of the secret to a long and happy marriage, Candace says: “When a man feels respected, that is love to him. For example, my husband does 98% of the cooking and I remind the kids to say thank you or I specify what I appreciate, whether it’s a new ingredient or recipe.” She also says that they put each other on the pedestal and have huge respect for one another.

“It’s worth it to make it a priority, otherwise, you see how it affects a marriage,” the actress adds. “Friendship is the foundation of marriage but you also need private time…You need that intimacy — not just romantic but also through conversation.”

Recently, she shared a photo of her and her Full House co-stars and wrote it was taken on the night she and Valeri first met.

Full House is a huge part of Candace’s life, so ending the filming of the spin-off wasn’t easy for her.

“[With Full House] I was 18 [when the show closed] and ready to move on and go into adulthood. But now being a seasoned mom and woman, you realize how grateful you are for all the things in your life and Fuller House and all the people that work on the show and these ladies are one of them. They mean the world to me.

“It was such a gift in my life to be able to reprise the show and do a whole new show based on the same characters, she told Washington Post.

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Candace Cameron Bure looks amazing and we are very glad she has a happy and fulfilled love and an adorable family.

Olivia Newton-John hits back at “Grease” critics who label the movie as “homophobic” and “sexist”

By
Monica Pop
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Nowadays, it looks like people get easily offended by everything and everyone.

I am certain there is no person on Earth, whether young or old, who doesn’t remember the iconic love story between charmer Danny Zuko and the shy Australian transfer student Sandy Olsson. Greese was a huge hit back in the day and is still popular today, almost 43 years after it stole the hearts of millions and became the highest-grossing musical at the time.

The leading roles were played by handsome John Travolta and incredibly beautiful Olivia Newton-John; two legends whose careers had a profound impact in the film industry.

Source: Instagram/grease.1978

This year, the musical was again on after Christmas, and after so much time, some people somehow convinced themselves that it was nothing less than “homophobic, racist, and sexual.” What’s most, they took to the social media to share their views thus gathered the attention of many and caused a stir.

The movie’s star, Newton-John, who is now 72, spoke of these claims at the podcast A Life of Greatness, saying: “I think it’s kind of silly. I mean, this movie was made in the 1970s about the 1950s. It was a stage play, it’s a musical, it’s fun. It’s a fun movie musical not to be taken so seriously.”

Source: Facebook

Many believe that Grease doesn’t belong in the modern time and say things like: “All couples must be boy/girl? Well Grease, shove your homophobia,” and “Grease peak of homophobia,” according to The Sun.

Further, viewers say there is a lack of black actors and a scene where middle-aged host Vince Fontaine flirts with teenage student Marty, telling her no same-sex couples are allowed on the dance floor.

Reading through all these comments and accusations, Newton-John says: “We need to relax a little bit and just enjoy things for what they are. I didn’t see it like that at all, I think it’s a fun movie that entertains people.”

Source: Instagram/grease.1978

What are your thoughts on this? Are you a fan of Grease?

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Patrick is all grown up and he looks exactly like his famous dad

By
Monica Pop
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Arnold Schwarzenegger rose to fame starring in some of the most popular sci-fi and action movies. You have certainly seen him in Terminator, but he also played the roles of Hercules in Hercules in New York and Conan in Conan the Barbarian. Some of you probably remember him from the comedies Twins and Kindergarten Cop.

Born in 1947, in a city near Graz, Austria, Arnold grew up in a family with an alcoholic father. He didn’t have it easy, but he always knew he would experience success.

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His awesome looks and hard work brought young Arnold the title Mr. Universe, and his name soon became well-known not only in his native country, but worldwide. In the following years, Arnold won the title four more times. He was named Mr. Olympia a number of times and became a celebrity.

In 1968, Arnold emigrated to America, and started living the American dream when he became part of the Hollywood glam.

Instagram/ arnoldschwarzeneggerpics

Speaking of his role as Terminator, Arnold told The Tim Ferris Show: “I never auditioned. Never. I would never go out for the regular parts because I was not a regular looking guy, so my idea always was everyone is going to look the same and everyone is trying to be the blond guy in California, going to Hollywood interviews and looking somewhat athletic and cute and all this.

“Okay, how can I carve myself out a niche that only I have? And so I always felt really strong about I have to get into the movie business.”

Youtube/FlashbackFM

From a bodybuilder, to an actor, to a Governor of California, Arnold has experienced it all. He has been successful in a number of different fields, and that includes his family. Now, his son Patrick is following into his footsteps and is pursuing a career in the film industry.

While Patrick was growing up, his father’s name was one of the most famous in Hollywood, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the boy fell in love with acting from very early age.

“I fell in love with acting, with film, with sets, with everything growing up,” 27-year-old Patrick told LIVE Kelly and Ryan during an interview.

“If I had a good week in school, my dad would pick me up early, take me to set. For a kid it’s a dream come true. You’re on the Universal studios lot, I watch my dad walk in as “pops” and come out as Mr. Freeze.  During breaks he had a golf cart, and he’d take me to the Jaws ride, the E.T, ride. All these different things, there were candy everywhere.”

Instagram/patrickschwarzenegger

According to him, both his parents have always been very supportive when it came to the choice of his future career, but they also wanted him to get formal education, which is what Patrick did. He earned a business degree from the University of California, as well as a cinematic arts degree.

Some of the movies in which Patrick had a lead role are Midnight Sun and Daniel Isn’t Real. Of course, he also starred in other movies, and new projects are yet to take place.

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In addition to acting, Patrick is also running his own business which he started at the age of 15. His “Project360” helped raise $30,000 for a women’s shelter in Long Beach, California.

Although his father is one of the best in Hollywood, Patrick isn’t spoiled at all. In fact, he always has his work done all by himself. Speaking to the Rain, he said: “If I’m at one of my gyms and someone needs to help sweep up the floor or something like that, I don’t get worried about getting my hands dirty. I’ve cleaned tons of floors at my businesses, I’ve made pizzas, I’ve done it all. You’re not an entrepreneur if you’re not willing to get your hands dirty—I learned that early.”

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Patrick says his parents are proud of him.

“He’s so proud of me. Both my parents are proud of me,” young Schwarzenegger said. “It’s pretty surreal ’cause I remember growing up and going to set with him and it was my favorite activity.”

“And I was so sad when he became governor, to go from Universal Studios’ lots to the Capitol,” he added. “But it was really surreal to have him come to set and have kind of the pages turned and, yeah, he’s really proud of me. You know, they’re so supportive and I couldn’t ask for a better parent duo.”

Instagram/ patrickschwarzenegger

We can’t wait to see Patrick’s future projects. We would love to see him as the Terminator one day.

Bodies of twin babies swept away in Tennessee flooding found after an extensive search

By
Monica Pop
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The catastrophic flood that struck rural Tennessee claimed the lives of 21 people and dozens are still missing. The water swept away homes, cars, and trees, and damaged infrastructure.

Unfortunately, among those who lost their lives are 7-month-old twins Ryan and Rileigh. The babies were swept away from their father’s arms as he was struggling to hold them and his two other children who remained unharmed. The family was trying to escape the raising water when the tragedy struck.

Source: GoFundMe

After an extensive search, the bodies of the babies were found.

Charity Hooks, a cousin of the twins’ mother, set up a GoFundMe page in an attempt to help the family with the funeral expenses.

“The mother grabbed a tree and the father had the 2 twins the 5 year old and 19 month old and sadly the 2 babies left his arms!

“This money could help them with a lot! Expenses, flowers for the funeral, for the house they lost but Most important is the help for these beautiful babies that gained there wings today!” the page read.

So far, over $100,000 have been raised.

Rest in peace, beautiful babies. Our hearts go out to the grieving family.

When he passed away, Andy Griffith was a multimillionaire – this is how much the television legend was worth

By
Monica Pop
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Andy Griffith was a man of many talents. Years after his death, we still remember the roles he played.

Growing up, he was very shy and friends sometimes teased him because of that. Later on, however, he realized that his ability to make others laugh was his strength and he used that at the best of his ability, by making a name for himself.

Griffith’s first encounter with the stage was both petrifying and magical. When he was in third grade, he was supposed to perform along one of his classmates, but in the last minute, he was left all alone. He felt extremely nervous at first but then started singing Put on Your Old Gray Bonnet and realized that was it. He was born to perform, and he knew it.

Source: Youtube/JoeSimonetta

After years of struggling to find a job in operettas and different choirs, Griffith was approached by a man named Orville Campbell and was offered to record a monologue. That’s when “What it Was Was Football?” was born; the monologue which changed Griffith’s life forever.

Soon after, Griffith became the citizen of one of the most famous fictional places there are, the iconic town named Mayberry. The Andy Griffith Show followed the lives of the rest of the inhabitants and after the first day of filming, Griffith considered quitting because he believed the series won’t last long. At the time, he had no idea how wrong he was, as the sitcom aired for total of 249 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons.

“That day, I didn’t have much to say at all. Artie Stander, Danny Thomas, and Sheldon Leonard yelled at one another all day. I asked Sheldon (the executive producer) if I could talk to him at the end of the day and he walked me to the gate. I said, ‘If this is what television is, I don’t think I can handle it,’” Griffith recalled.

Luckily, he changed his mind and stayed on the show. And, well, the rest is history.

Speaking of how the series managed to last for so long and of the role he played, that of Andy Taylor, the widowed sheriff of Mayberry, Griffith told New York Times back in 1965: “I think it is because we–everyone on the show–have a real sense of community, of kindness toward one another. The basic rule by which we live comes through on the program, kindness comes through. The show also has a number of featured performers, each with a definite character we can write around for any episode.

“But equally important is the character of Mayberry itself. We try to make it a real little community with its small problems and those of its people put forth comedically.”

The Andy Griffith Show actors didn’t only gain worldwide fame, but they made friends for life on that set. Don Knotts, who played the role of Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on the show, was one of Griffith’s closest pals until his passing in 2006, at the age of 81.

Once the show came to an end, Griffith started his own production company, Andy Griffith Enterprises, and later played in the series Matlock, for 181 episodes.

The legendary actor died of heart attack in 2012. He was 86.

At the time of his passing, Griffith was reported to be worth $60 million. He gave the film industry a lot and his roles continue to live even today. Who could ever forget the iconic Andy Taylor?

In Griffith’s honor, a statue of him as Andy Taylor has been placed in Raleigh, North Carolina. The inscription reads: “A simpler time, a sweeter place, a lesson, a laugh, a father, a son.”

Funeral home hires Labrador Retriever as “Bereavement Care Dog” to help families cope with their grief

By
Monica Pop
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Dogs make all the difference in the world. They are not only loving and friendly, but compassionate and caring too. Everyone who has ever owned a dog can say that these special animals have feelings more profound than anyone else. They are capable of feeling sadness when their humans are sad, and happiness when they see their owners smile.

Knowing just how important canines are to humans, the owners of a funeral home in Pennsylvania, the Soxman Funeral Home, decided to help the people who have lost a loved one cope with their grief by hiring the beautiful Labrador Retriever named Lilo as a “Bereavement Care Dog.”

Lilo is there to greet the mourners and provide a feeling of ease.

Anna Nesbit, the funeral home’s director and co-owner, spoke of Lilo and told WTAE: “She just has a way of bringing some warmth to a really sad time. She just looks up at you with those eyes and the families take that all in and you just watch them take a sigh of relief.”

Lilo was one of a litter of eight bright puppies who all grew up to be service dogs. She was trained by Perfect Fit Canines Service Dogs and the moments the funeral home owners laid eyes on her, they knew she would be the perfect fit for the job.

“She has a very sweet, gentle disposition which very much suits the needs of a funeral home,” Anna said in Facebook live video. “After some extensive training… we started to introduce her to some of the families around here during the services.”

Lilo’s job isn’t to distract people from mourning, but to help with the “intimidating feelings” some people have when they need to visit a funeral home.

One person who witnessed Lilo’s ability to provide comfort is Clyde Boyd. At the funeral of his 95-year-old mother Agnes Boyd, the deceased’s great-grandchildren were afraid to enter the funeral home, but Lilo did her job at the best of her ability.

“The part I really noticed was the great-grandchildren, they were very nervous and it was the first time they ever experienced anything like that, and she definitely made a difference, loosening them up, letting them be themselves,” Clyde told WTAE.

Lilo is happy she is surrounded by humans who need her. At the funeral home, she has her own place to sleep and a bunch of toys. When she’s not on the job, she splits time between Anna and the funeral home’s co-owner Brian and their families who love her unconditionally.

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