I’ve often talked on the show about the wonderful circle of WWII vets that I’ve been privileged to get to know. The Flyboys, they call themselves. These Greatest Generation Heroes flew “the heavies ” over Europe & the Pacific: the B-17s and B-24s. Without those bombing missions, the war may well have ended differently. The Flyboys get together for lunch a couple of times a month in Royal Oak and I’m honored to be able to join them when I can. Pilots, bombadiers, tail gunners, navigator: they faced death with every mission.

One of the Flyboys is Bill Rosynai, a retired Ford engineer who lives in Oakland County.

Bill served as a navigator on board a B-17 Flying Fortress, flying 35 missions over German-held territory from the fall of 1944 to the end of the war in Europe in April ‘45. He is living witness to the war in the skies over Europe…and he’s eager to tell his story to high school and junior high school students. When I went on the Honor Flight with him to the WWII Memorial, I couldn’t help but notice the group of visiting kids who immediately gravitated to this gentle, dignified man who is happy to share his memories with them.

Bill wrote me last night to say he’s hoping to get some more classes lined up, preferably older students. If you’re a parent, let your kid’s history teacher know about this quiet hero who has stories to tell. If you’re a history or social studies teacher, here’s someone who lived through what you’re trying to teach. You could have the students watch 12 O’Clock High or Memphis Belle to get an idea of what the war was like for these flyers, then have Bill in to speak. (although he and the other Flyboys will hasten to tell anyone, they hated Memphis Belle, LOL!). You can email me or post a reply here on this blog and I’ll pass your contact info on to Bill. A lot of members of the Greatest Generation weren’t so eager to talk about their experiences: here’s one who wants this generation to know what his generation did when they were young men.

Again, teachers,  I’ll be happy to pass your contact info on to Bill.

Here’s a link to that butt bra we talked about this morning: check it (and other interesting women’s contouring undies) at www.lovemybubbles.com

What do y’all think?

We’ve been getting more emails asking: where can I go for a mammogram if I don’t have insurance?

That’s a question that is SO important, so I wrote to Patricia Ellis of the Karmanos Cancer Center. Just as I thought, Karmanos can help you get that mammogram (and Pap test) . Here’s her reply:

Hi Cyndy - Good to hear from you. Yes - free screenings for both breast and cervical cancer is offer through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). Karmanos Cancer Institute administers BCCCP in Wayne County, working with other providers as well. This program helps uninsured or underinsured women (who meet the criteria) have access to the proper breast and cervical screenings, since early detection saves lives. There are also other BCCCP programs throughout the state administered by other organizations. Our staff at Karmanos/BCCCP work with folks, even if they don’t meet the criteria, to match them up with the available services that may be able to help them. We try to help everyone in some way.

Here is the Website write up on BCCCP: Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP): This federally funded program provides underinsured or uninsured women between ages 40 -64 with low-cost or no cost breast screenings. The program empowers women dealing with low income, a lack of health coverage or minimal outside resources with the ability to maintain their health with earlier detection and improved access to treatment.

Women can call 1-800-KARMANOS and they can be connected to BCCCP. Hope this  helps.

Thank you, Patricia!!

My friend Corinna just forwarded me a very interesting link. If you’re on the fence between Barack Obama and John McCain–and polls show a lot of Americans are among the ranks of the “undecided”, go to this link at ABC News. You’ll take an interesting test: you get two quotes side-by-side from each candidate on a variety of issues. There’s no telling which candidate said which statement. You read them over and click on the statement with which you most agree…and at the end, it tallies up your choices and you discover which candidate you most agree with. Interesting!

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

Just got a touching email from a Magic listener and I thought that some of you who’ve faced this parenting challenge may have some words of advice and/or encouragement. Read on, Magic family. She’ll be checking this blog for your ideas.

I was listening to you talk about children having trouble with other children and it is best to let grade school children work it out. Here’s my question. What if you have a special needs child that can’t/doesn’t stick up for himself?  I have a son with Chiari Malformation and he is a little immature for his age. He doesn’t speak clearly and he has a continuous drooling problem. Other boys do not want to be with him, even at church and it breaks my heart to listen to children say “I don’t want to play with him.”  Do I just sit idly by and cry or do I say something? Thank you for your input.

As the weather gets cooler, it’s time for comfort food. I’ve been getting requests for that crock pot beef stew recipe that I’ve shared over the years. It used to be up on the Magic website, but who knows where it’s gone?! So, just for you stew lovers, here goes:

                                                       HEARTY BEEF STEW

2 pounds stewing beef, cut in 1-inch cubes

5 carrots, cut in 1-inch pieces

1 large onion, cut in chunks

3 stalks celery, sliced

1 (1lb. 12 oz.) can tomatoes

1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca

1 or 2 whole cloves (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves)

2 bay leaves

Salt & Pepper to taste

Trim all fat from the meat. Put everything into the crock pot and mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on Low for 12 hours or High from 5 to 6 hours. This is a great supper with some warm biscuits. Hope you enjoy!

OK, Cougars! From the “Enjoy From a Safe Distance” file, check out English actor Jim Sturgess!!!!!!!!!

He stars in Across The Universe, a look at the 60’s through the eyes of a young lad from Liverpool (yes, comparisons to a young McCartney are welcome)….

…and in 21, a fascinating story about students from MIT who ran a counting ring, winning big bucks playing blackjack in Vegas. I didn’t think I’d like it, but I really did, both for the plot, the cast and the chance to watch Sturgess for a couple of happy hours!

…and as Ann & Mary Boleyn’s brother George in The Other Boleyn Girl.

Oh YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 PS Here you go, Magic Listener Karey. This one’s for you! Got to love these hot Brits!

Matthew MacFadyen. Wears that 19th Century garb very well!

Who’s got more nominations for our “Enjoy From A Safe Distance” Hunks Club?

Here’s another Brit I’ve been crushing on ever since I saw him on Broadway in 1995 in “Hamlet”. Then he turned up in the lead role in “Band of Brothers”….Damian Lewis, playing Major Richard Winters in BofB.

And was I delighted to see Damian Lewis get his own series on NBC, playing Detective Charlie Crews on “Life”!

One more time: oh YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!   

10/3. Got this email from Magic Boss Diva Extraordinaire Lori: more nominations!

Cyndy…can’t believe you, purveyor of all things Irish, is missing a post for one of the hottest Irishmen out there! Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who’s lately been playing Henry VIII on Showtime’s “The Tudors”.  Also, closer to home, “Entourage” star Adrian Grenier, who also claims some Irish heritage along with French and Native American. Erin Go Bragh, indeed!

Alright, ladies, let’s hear some more nominations. You post ‘em, I’ll track down the picture. It’s a nice little mental vacation for a few minutes, admit it!

The Governator (Ah-nuld) recently signed a bill banning texting while driving in California (although we just heard he also killed a measure banning drivers from driving with their dogs on their laps. Apparently he doesn’t see a squirmy Chihuahua as a driving danger). I wish we’d get that passed in our state, because we’ve got some crazy text maniacs on the road. But if you could write the laws for the roads, what other foolish behavior would you outlaw? What bad habits tick you off the most?

Me, I SO want to be a ticket-writing cop when I spy drivers reading as they tool on down the road…and those freeway tailgaters who somehow think they’ll get there faster by riding your tail as you both do 65+! How about you?

Saw a list of tips for preventing a meltdown–your kid’s AND yours! Among these suggestions: when things are getting more and more tense, you can feel everyone’s mood spiralling out of control, try these:

*A tickle-fest! Getting the giggles going not only lightens the mood, it gives a physical release to all that tension, so everyone’s stress goes down. (Just don’t carry it too far. When I was a kid, I tickled my little brother so much he wet his pants. Won’t say which of my brothers, to protect the innocent!)

*Get creative. Give your child some crayons and paper to draw a picture of how she feels. You can write, blog, draw or play an instrument to let it all out.

*Count to 10.  As you are slowly and deliberately counting to ten, you can ramp down your anger and tension. And it gives your youngster a set amount of time to change gears from the behavior that’s making you nuts to something more acceptable.

*Here’s one I THINK will be have its fans and detractors: offer a reward. If a child’s learning to control her behavior, a little “something” won’t hurt. Try throwing a marble in a har whenever a tantrum quiets down. Ten marbles earns something special: maybe a trip to the park or a special movie night at home. Same goes for you as the parent. If you’re working on a quick temper problem, you can apply the marble tactic and grab a reward of your own.

How do these strike you? What are your tricks to regaining peace on the home front and keeping everyone in a meltdown-free state?

Although I didn’t walk in the 3-day, I wanted to share some pictures of my time at the camp on Friday night & the emotional closing on Sunday at The Henry Ford. These pix are courtesy of the always-wonderful Rae & Kathy, members of our Magic Family.

My dear friend Liz Larin and I were honored to join 3-Day Crew member Tara as the judging panel for the 3-Day RockStar competition on Friday night.

This wasn’t the time for any mean Simon Cowell critiques. The walkers and crew who got up to sing just warmed our hearts!

We loved Dawn, who was walking by herself, not on a team…and who got up there and sang the heck out of Faith Hill’s “Breathe”. She made it to the final 3.

Isn’t the camp cool? Even the evening sky cooperated by getting in a “pink” mood!

On Sunday afternoon, I joined Rae and Kathy and Magic listeners at The Henry Ford to welcome the walkers back after their 60 mile triumph.

None of us will forget the sight of 3000 walkers hoisting their shoes in a triumphal salute!

And finally, the emotional “embrace” of the Survivors. A lovely way to end three amazing days.