I hope you found part one of James Reynolds' blog entry as inspiring and moving as I did. This is the season to be giving and that's exactly what James and his castmates did in Detroit. I hope you enjoy part two of James' blog about Detroit and the talent search that led them there to begin with.

"Shelly Hennig completed our starting five, as we began our search for an undiscovered talent to join us on the show and one fan that would epitomize the tremendous fan support of our program. Our casting director, Marnie Saitta and her associate, Susanne Robbins, would be holding the auditions for the newest member of Days of our Lives. The cast members would eventually read with each of the 40 people who would be brought in for the final callbacks.

"In the meantime Bryan, Nadia, Shelly, Shawn, and I signed autographs, took pictures, and had a chance to talk and have fun with the more than 1,200 people who showed up. Gushing wives, hesitant husbands, and shy children shared space with giddy teenagers and fans of each description. I have long advocated that daytime drama and sports are the only forms of legacy entertainment. Each interaction with fans confirms that. Almost all began watching the show with mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers. It is the ultimate in family entertainment passed on as cultural inheritance from generation to generation."

"The talent show was a revelation. The callbacks were the 40 most talented and interesting of the hundreds who showed up to audition. They ranged from teenagers to those well into middle age. There were those who were trained as actors and those who simply dreamed of being on their favorite TV show. When we read with them, we were pleased and surprised by their dedication and abilities.

"The talent level was so vast that two winners were picked instead of one. Gary Clayton's youthful charm made him an early leader. The Dearborn, Michigan native's appeal grew stronger throughout the process. Henri Franklin brought a confidence and humor to his audition that was seen in few others. Trading his Detroit home for Hollywood was a dream come true for him.

"Of course, we could not leave Detroit without finding the number one fan from the city. The fans came in every form: bodybuilders, beauty queens, small and large families, people with jeans embroidered with the names of every character on the show, fans shaking with nervousness, and some screaming in excitement. Our winner was an attractive housewife from Monroe, Michigan: Christina Jones. Although chosen by chance, there was something about her genuine love of the show that indicated she would be the perfect representative of the millions of Days fans around the world."

"Detroit is now in our hearts. Yes, our visits to Motown and the Henry Ford Museum were tremendous. The MGM Grand was a host nonpareil. But with us forever, will be the kindness of the people of Detroit. We will cherish the hugs and smiles we received from the heroic folks at the VA and the hopeful women at Genesis House III. When Hollywood met Detroit the stereotypes melted, in its place was nothing but goodwill."

I look forward to seeing the big debut from the talent "Days" found in Detroit and as always, I look forward to reading your comments on the Days' Insider blog. Feel free to share your own personal stories of how you are giving back during this holiday season.