CNN reveals Top 10 Heroes of 2008...

For Liz McCartney, selection as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2008 could not have come at a better time.

"With the recent storms in Texas and southwest Louisiana, we have experienced a sudden drop in volunteers," said McCartney, whose St. Bernard Project helps Hurricane Katrina survivors rebuild their homes just outside New Orleans, Louisiana.

"While other areas need help, this recognition is letting the American people know that the New Orleans area still matters," McCartney said.

The diverse group of honorees includes a Cambodian activist who offers free schooling to children who work in Phnom Penh's trash dump; a Georgia prosthetist-orthotist who provides limbs and braces to hundreds of people in Mexico; and a Virginia woman who tapes video messages from incarcerated parents for their children. CNN's Anderson Cooper announced the 10 honorees Thursday on "American Morning." CNN launched its second annual global search for ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary deeds in February. The network has aired weekly CNN Hero profiles of those people, chosen from more than 3,700 nominations submitted by viewers in 75 countries.

A panel made up of world leaders and luminaries recognized for their own dedication to public service selected the Top 10. The Blue Ribbon Panel includes humanitarians such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Kristi Yamaguchi and Deepak Chopra. Each of this year's Top 10 CNN Heroes will receive $25,000 and will be honored at "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," airing from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on November 27.

Hosted by Cooper, the Thanksgiving night broadcast will culminate with the announcement of the CNN Hero of the Year, selected by the public in an online poll that began Thursday morning. Continuing through November 19, viewers can log on to CNN.com/Heroes to participate in the poll. The person receiving the most votes will receive an additional $100,000. [End of report]

I am not going to say much here but Im just going to share a few thoughts on the topic. I was really happy when I heard that there's going to be another edition of CNN Heroes this year. I really enjoyed it last year. There was a lot of inspiring people with inspiring stories who got rewarded for everything they have done. Some of them didnt do much as compared to others, but sometimes, all you need to do is a simple deed to change someone else's life. I dont think they did all those things to get rewarded or recognised, but because it is like a calling for them to help others in need and it is something that anyone of any age, race or sex can do which is to help or contribute towards making someone life better or making the world a better place to live in.

This year's CNN Heroes will be happening on Thanksgiving which will be on November 27. I really hope that I will not be call upon by the army yet for my National Service so that I can watch it live, but if I cant do that, then I guess I will just have to record it and watch it when Im back. If there is any award shows I recommend you to watch, then this is it. It is a show worth watching because it rewards real people who really deserve it, instead of those waste of time award shows that reward some singers of actors for doing what they are paid to do. That is not the real heroes for me. Real heroes for me are people who gives without being asked and who are willing to risk their life for others. Anyway, I would like to urge you to visit the website above which is CNN.com/Heroes to see all the top 10 CNN Heroes for this year and remember to vote for your favourite hero even if you dont have CNN to watch it later or you can click on the widget above to go to the link and vote. This is your opportunity to change someone else's life forever so dont miss it.


*The report was taken from CNN.