Assignment America: CBSNews.com

A Pipe Dream Come True

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:00:05 EDT

To make a dream come true can be worth a great sum of money. But for one man, it meant nearly his entire life savings for one evening of glory at Radio City Music Hall. Steve Hartman tells his story.

Really Going The Distance

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:00:06 EDT

Sure, dogs like to chase their tails, but what on earth would cause a human to run around in circles? Steve Hartman found a group of people who have made it their hobby to run around the block - for thousands of miles.

Pen Pals - Then And Now

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:00:02 EDT

In the age of the instant message and e-mail, pen pals might seem like a thing of the past. But Steve Hartman found two classes in California that are learning a valuable lesson about friendship from doing things the old-fashioned way.

She's A Real Knockout

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:00:02 EDT

When you're 85 and riddled with arthritis, just moving the coffee pot can be an exhausting experience. Steve Hartman thought that - until he met Thelma Tavares. She's an octogenarian with knockout moves in the boxing gym.

The Price Of Forgetting Horror

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:00:04 EDT

It was a house like any other, in a peaceful Wisconsin neighborhood . until the unthinkable happened there. Steve Hartman will have the story about how one community came together to take down a horribly haunted house.

Is My Baby Cute? Really?

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:00:05 EDT

Have you ever heard a baby called "average-looking?" The answer, quite probably, is no. Steve Hartman got wondering about parental bias, and embarked on a quest to find out if his son, George, is really cute ... or not.

Spelling Bees - Not Just For Grade School

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:30:03 EDT

Bill Long has a taste for words, but always seems to come up just short at the AARP National Senior Spelling Bee. Steve Hartman reports on his latest attempt.

The House That Love Built

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:30:02 EDT

Sonya Barclay, a mother of four, has terminal cancer ... and a dying wish. She wanted a home for her family. When a popular TV program turned down her plea, her neighbors stepped in. Steve Hartman explains what happened next.

Kicking Off His Shoes - Forever

Fri, 30 May 2008 22:00:02 EDT

If shoes can make the man - then what are we to make of a man who shuns shoes altogether? For Assignment America, Steve Hartman meets Chris Roat, a member of the Society for Barefoot Living.

A Very Grown-Up Hobby Train Set

Fri, 23 May 2008 21:00:03 EDT

Building a hobby train set - it's the dream of many children ... and some grown men. Steve Hartman met one such man who went all out when building his dream - at full size, in his own backyard.

Giving New Meaning To "Senior" Prom

Fri, 16 May 2008 20:00:06 EDT

For years, the kids from Washington High School in Washington, Mo., have been inviting the senior citizens from the community to join them at prom. And, mixing seniors with seniors is teaching both groups a thing or two, Steve Hartman reports.

Mother Of The Year? Dog Nurses Kittens

Fri, 09 May 2008 21:00:03 EDT

You can understand why some visitors to the Burlington, Iowa, humane society get a little freaked out. It's not everyday you see a dog have a kitten for lunch. Steve Hartman has a special Mothers Day Assignment America.

Grown-up Professionals Play Cowboys

Fri, 02 May 2008 20:30:01 EDT

Many of us used to play cowboys and Indians when we were kids. Some of us, apparently, never grew out of it, CBS News Correspondent Steve Hartman reports with Assignment America.

The Bank Of Yesterday - Still Open

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:00:02 EDT

In the midst of the mortgage crisis, some big banks are struggling to keep in the black. But Steve Hartman found just the opposite. It's the tiniest bank in the country - and a charming relic of a simpler time.

Little Boy; Big Mountain

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:30:04 EDT

Steve Hartman met Keats Boyd months ago when he was in training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. But at 7-years-old, the odds on him making it weren't that good. Could he handle the challenge?

Teaching Cats New Tricks

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:30:03 EDT

You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but what happens when you try to get cats to learn dogs' tricks? Steve Hartman tells the tale.

The $675,000 License Plate

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:30:01 EDT

In Delaware, there is a cult fascination with low-digit license plates. Steve Hartman reports on a phenomenon that translates into lots of dollars. but very little sense.

An Epic Battle Over A Rock

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:30:05 EDT

Along the Ohio river, one man's interest in a long-forgotten historial marker has erupted into an intense war of words. It's an epic battle between two states ... for a rock. Steve Hartman reports.

A Sacrifice, And A Gift To The Troops

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:00:04 EDT

She's a gold star Mom who lost a son in Iraq. But she's still showing her support to his platoon - in a very festive way. Steve Hartman reports.

The Dog Who Helped A Boy To Speak

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:30:04 EDT

Marc Oliviere spent six years barely speaking - with no medical explanation - until one day he came home and said, "Boo!" Turns out, Boo is a dog who helped Marc learn the joy of speaking. Steve Hartman reports.

A Champ In, And Out Of, The Ring

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:00:03 EST

Dustin Carter lost his limbs as a child ... and lost his motivation. But since finding wrestling, he's been showing off his heart and determination. He even made it to a state championship, Steve Hartman reports.

Lending A Hand - One Glove At A Time

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:00:04 EST

Sometimes it's the people with the least to give that make the biggest difference. Steve Hartman meets the single mom known as San Francisco's "glove lady" for Assignment America.

Could He Be The Anchor Of The Future?

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:30:07 EST

Look out, Katie Couric. Here comes the competition. He's channel 14's Rodney Harris, Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America.

Inventing "The Cylie Rule"

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:30:03 EST

When bone cancer struck 11-year-old Cylie Pastian's right leg, she couldn't play the game she loved: basketball. That was, until her team made a new rule. Steve Hartman reports on "The Cylie Rule."

A Portrait Of Healing

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:30:04 EST

A hospital might not be a logical place to sit for a portrait. But artist Mark Gilbert is changing that with a special painting project aimed at helping patients heal. Steve Hartman has his story.

The Blind Barber Of Kalamazoo

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:08:53 EST

Assignment America correspondent Steve Hartman might be a nice guy, but is he brave? He goes under the shears of the blind barber of Kalamazoo to see how it's possible Jim has any clients after he lost his eyesight.

He's Got A Song - And A Mission

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:38:42 EST

Some people might be afraid to sing in public. But not 8-year-old David Militello. Steve Hartman reports that this boy isn't just challenging himself - he's challenging other peoples' assumptions about autism.

A Generous Gift From A Frugal Giver

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:00:04 EST

Paul Navone spent his life working in mills, never earning more than $11 an hour. Yet he managed to save enough money to donate $1 million to a New Jersey college and another million to pay for a high school swimming pool.

Paying It Forward

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:00:02 EST

Everybody dislikes something about their job. But Steve Hartman visited a bank where each employee had a smile on their face, thanks to a holiday bonus. Only the gift came with a catch.

Little Boy, Tall Dreams

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:30:58 EST

Meet Keats Boyd. He's a 7-year-old with big, tall, dreams. He wants to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - and for this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman found out why.

The Best Holiday Gift A Judge Could Give

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:30:03 EST

It"s got to be confusing being a kid in a courtroom, but in the courtroom of Judge George Economy, it"s the experience of a lifetime - and a heck of a Christmas present - for some kids. Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America.

This Santa Is Real - But Very Secret

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 21:30:01 EST

This Santa is very real - but he wishes to remain secret. He plans to cross the country giving people he sees in need at least $100. Steve Hartman tracked him down for Assignment America.

Healing For American Kids Touched By War

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:00:04 EST

When a parent returns from war wounded, their children also feel the pain. Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America that one group of volunteers is helping kids touched by war begin to heal with group therapy they call Camp Cope.

A Gardener Who"s Making Dreams Grow

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:19:05 EST

He crossed the border and came to America with only a 6th grade education. But now, after decades of gardening, he's making the American dream grow. Steve Hartman reports in Assignment America.

Revisiting The Generous Salesman

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:30:02 EST

Any car salesman can get you a lease on a new car, but in this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman meets -- for the second time -- a car salesman who's giving some untraditional hires a new lease on life.

Identical, For 80 Years And Counting

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 09:21:50 EST

Meet Dora and Doris, 80-year-old identical twins from Wisconsin, who are about as akin as they come. They"ve shared everything from dolls to a wedding day - and even dress alike. Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America.

Can A Pinch Of Spice Boost One Small Town?

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:00:04 EST

One Iowa town is seeking to beef up tourism - through a never-before-tried museum ... of salt-and-pepper shakers. Will it work? Steve Hartman has this week's Assignment America.

What Makes A Good Story?

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:30:02 EDT

What makes a good story for Assignment America? CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman offers advice on the stories in your community that may interest him most.

Picking Up Butch

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:30:03 EDT

At Vermont"s Middlebury College, one of the longest-running and deeply respected traditions is a ritual called "picking up Butch," CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America.

The Lunchroom Heroes

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:30:02 EDT

It was a lunch two little boys won"t soon forget. When one boy was choking, everyone else thought he was joking - except his best friend. And now they"re heroes, Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America.

Letters From Vietnam

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 21:30:03 EDT

A short walk down the street led to a long trip into the past. As Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America, a package of memories found its way back home after a mysterious disappearing act that no one noticed.

The Woman Who Wouldn"t Sell

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:30:03 EDT

Eighty-six-year-old Edith Macefield is a force to be reckoned with. She"s refused to sell her Seattle home to a developer - so they"re building a shopping center around it. Steve Hartman tries to warm her up in Assignment America.

Running On The Memories

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:00:01 EDT

Cleve Curtis owns the most beat-up car at the show - but he wins a trophy every time, thanks to the story of love that the car carries with it, mile after mile. Steve Hartman reports.

A Dying Professor's Words To Live By

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:30:04 EDT

In tonight"s Assignment America, Steve Hartman has a lesson in living from a terminally ill college professor who's learned to cherish every moment.

Sporting The Same Tie Every Day Since 9/11

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:30:04 EDT

Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, Bob Flournoy promised to wear his American flag necktie until Osama Bin Laden was captured. Six years later, it"s in tatters. Steve Hartman reports in the latest "Assignment America."

A New Lease On Life

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:00:08 EDT

Any car salesman can get you a lease on a new car, but in this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman meets a car salesman who's giving some untraditional hires a new lease on life.

Monique Proves Size Isn't Everything

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:00:05 EDT

Monique Johnson is a woman who's living proof that anything is possible - as long as you believe in yourself. Steve Hartman reports on a remarkable young woman in this week's "Assignment America."

Weeding By Example

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:30:03 EDT

Think every kid in America hates mowing the lawn? If you do, well, you don't know Jack. As Steve Hartman reports in this week's "Assignment America," he's a 13-year-old trying to get New Orleans back in shape, one acre at a time.

Professional Porch Sitters Unite

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 21:00:02 EDT

How'd you like to join a club that has no dues, no agenda and no organized meetings? Believe it or not, thousands have joined, and you can, too. Steve Hartman found the man who started it all, in this week's "Assignment America."

A Most Unlikely Father And Son

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EDT

Jovan was a poor kid in a rough neighborhood, seemingly headed nowhere. His story took a sharp turn for the better when he met a stranger, armed with only a paintbrush. Steve Hartman shares their story in this week's "Assignment America."

The Rose Man's Petal Power

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:30:03 EDT

In this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman meets The "Rose Man" " an 85-year-old Floridian who goes around giving away roses to anybody and everybody.

"Vacuum Boy" Has Unusual Passion

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:00:06 EDT

Kids collect all sorts of things. In this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman has the story of one young man's unusual obsession: vacuum cleaners.

Little Guy, Big Golf Skills

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:30:05 EDT

Meet Kyle Lograsso. At the age of five, Kyle already has what the pros call "a perfect swing" " and that's despite a big handicap of a literal kind. Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America.

From Jailbird To Embroidery Artist

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:30:05 EDT

Ray Materson is an entrepreneur who got his start while in prison. Now he's a master at the box stitch. His skill is an unlikely one: embroidery, Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America.

Screaming Over Ice Cream

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:00:01 EDT

There's a "cold war" going on between two American towns fighting to be considered the birthplace of the ice cream sundae. Steve Hartman reports from Two Rivers, Wis., and Ithaca, N.Y.

Chess Champs Together, Like It Or Not

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:00:00 EDT

Meet Fernando and Fernando, the Texas chess champions with uncanny similarities " and a mutual dislike. Steve Hartman reports for Assignment America on this unusual pair.

"Curious John" Takes To The Sky

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:00:03 EDT

Remember when Curious George gets carried away with helium balloons? For Assignment America, Steve Hartman met one man who's made that fiction a reality. But hey, kids: Don't try this one at home.

A Fairy Godmother With A Paintbrush

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:03:12 EDT

Make-A-Wish makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. Shelby Johnson's dream was a chance to grant wishes herself. Steve Hartman spoke with Shelby for Assignment America about her unique way of giving back.

The Vacation Of A Lifetime

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 20:30:06 EDT

Summertime means camp time for many kids. One couple"s dream camp " started for their daughter with Down syndrome " offers a different experience. Steve Hartman visits the Down Home Ranch for Assignment America.

The Place Where Valor Rests

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:30:05 EDT

On Memorial Day, President Bush praised the heroes who lie in Arlington Cemetery and said, "May we always honor them." Steve Hartman reports that a book given to families of fallen soldiers tells the story of the resting place.

The Kid Who Wouldn't Quit

Fri, 25 May 2007 20:30:04 EDT

High school grads are urged to work hard for their dreams and never quit. In this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman reports on one teen who could have written the speech himself.

The Amazing Doctor Q

Sat, 19 May 2007 14:00:01 EDT

By all accounts, "Dr. Q" is one of the best up-and-coming neurosurgeons in the country. But his roots are surprising: At the age of 21, he crossed the U.S.-Mexico border to find migrant work. Now, as Steve Hartman reports, he saves lives.

Meet A True College Senior

Fri, 11 May 2007 20:00:31 EDT

Nola Ochs is 95, and she's graduating from college this weekend " alongside her granddaughter. It will mark the end of the final leg of what has been the longest college career in history, Steve Hartman reports.

Kids (Again) In A Candy Shop

Fri, 04 May 2007 20:30:04 EDT

When a pair of sisters saw a "For Sale" sign in their grandfather's old candy shop window, they made a decision that's changed their lives " and their small town. Steve Hartman has this week's Assignment America.

Singing Sensation Sweeps . The Hospital

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:00:05 EDT

They've taken a thankless job and given it praise, Steve Hartman reports. "They" are the makeshift gospel choir of Cook County's Stroger Hospital, who specialize in mopping floors and making a joyful noise.

Changing Lives With Hot Dogs

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 06:32:21 EDT

If ever you doubted the importance of a piece of meat on a bun, you've probably never met Rick Swyden. Steve Hartman has, and reports that his efforts to feed the homeless hot dogs has changed dozens of lives.

Meet The Substitute

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:30:07 EDT

Students at Great Neck North Middle School say their favorite substitute teacher isn't much of a teacher at all. At 81 years old, Arnold Blume teaches his students a lot more than what's in the syllabus.

Agility Championship Is For The Dogs

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 16:46:25 EDT

The American Kennel Club Dog Agility Championships is a dog competition that's like no other. As Steve Hartman reports in this week's Assignment America, the well-trained dogs also have collegial owners.

Making Friends And Saving Soles

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 21:00:01 EDT

It's a unique gift: the ability to put a spit-shine on life. On this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman found a man who has that gift " a man who has been shining shoes for eight decades.

Artist Loses Hands And Feet, Not Talent

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:30:00 EDT

When artist Becky Guinn lost her hands and feet, she didn't lose her spirit. Guinn resumed her life and continues to paint, Steve Hartman reports in this week's Assignment America.

At Long Last, Love

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 22:30:08 EDT

You can't hurry love " but one couple waited 60 years. In this week's Assignment America, Steve Hartman reports on the relationship between two people who reunited after a long time apart.

Blind Auto Mechanic Feels His Way Around

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 20:30:07 EST

Larry Woody has no trouble fixing cars, even though he's blind. He says he's able to do this mostly because a lot of the parts you can't see anyway, Steve Hartman reports in this week's Assignment America.

Friends Find Happiness Is In The Cards

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:30:02 EST

A group of men has found happiness has been in the cards, literally. As Steve Hartman reports in this week's Assignment America, they've been getting together to play cards for more than a half-century.

Unicyclists Are On A Roll

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 20:30:11 EST

In this week's Assignment America viewer-submitted story, Steve Hartman reports on some people with a true passion for unicycles. One couple now owns one of the largest unicycle retailers in the world.

Mom's Final Adoption Is Hardest Of All

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:30:06 EST

Diane Sadovnikov has facilitated adoptions for more than 300 Ukranian orphans, matching them with loving American families. Now, she faces one final adoption: her own two children, Steve Hartman reports in this week's Assignment America.