As a kid, it seemed like the "Public Service Announcement" tests came on the television at least once a day. Usually right in the middle of a good "Laverne and Shirley" episode (yes, I used to think there was such a thing!) would come the deep male voice, "This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast Network. If this were a real emergency, the next 60 seconds would include important information and blah, blah, blah. Beeeeeeep."

Nowadays those long test beeps are rare. If there was some sort of emergency, these days most people would likely find out about it through a friend's facebook status. Emergencies aside, it is how many of us find out about what is going on in our country and our world. It is a very real fact for thousands of people. How many of you first learned about Farrah Fawcett or Patrick Swayze's deaths through facebook? Who learned of the recent earthquake in the American Samoa from a facebook link?

News travels fast. More than 100 million users log onto facebook every day. No, Austin Powers, that isn't one million, that number is one HUNDRED million. Staggering. I have been on facebook for over 3 years now. I too am guilty of learning about some of the events happening in this world first from my facebook friends, but the simple truth is that I have connected with some terrific people and I am glad that I would rather check what they are up to in my day before turning on the world news. (Which can be, quite frankly, annoying at times)

One of the great people I have connected with via fb is a guy named Craig Lancaster. Craig and I went to high school together. We weren't bff's or anything in high school, but as adults we have realized that we have a lot in common. We probably would have been good friends in high school if we had the opportunity to get to know each other better.

As you may know if you follow my website blog posts, I have a son with autism. Craig recently has had a book published about a grown man with Asperger's Syndrome (one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders). I have read Craig's book, and as a mom, I truly appreciated the insight into Edward's (his main character) disorder.  Even though it is a fictional work, I cried as I drew a mental picture of the life circumstances that Edward found himself having to deal with. His story is touching and a wonderful read.

On November 2, Craig is going to be a guest blogger on my writing site. He will share some insight about his book, including a brief excerpt. I would love it if you would go to: http://www.forthesakeofjoy.com/blog/ and enter your e-mail address in the space at the top right column of the page to subscribe to my blog so that you do not miss his posting.

His book is being re-released by Riverbend Publishing at the end of this month. Anyone who reads my blog and makes a comment of any kind on Craig's November 2nd post will be eligible for a draw for a copy of Craig's book. We will do the draw on November 5th. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on the chance to win this book.

I appreciate the kind words of encouragement that I get from so many of you. Join me on November 2nd in encouraging Craig on his latest literary accomplishment. Now, go update your facebook status with a link to this blog so that others can get in on the fun too! : )

Peace.