It is common knowledge that a protective navy of bacteria normally floats in our intestinal tracts. Antibiotics at least temporarily disturb the normal balance. But it's unclear which antibiotics are the most disruptive, and if the full array of "good bacteria" return promptly or remain altered for some time.

The old saying "American as apple pie" certainly applies to Walt Disney, one of the great American icons. It's difficult to imagine anyone who has not been touched by some of his great works. Recently the Wall Street Journal published an article about him and his life. It's great reading. Here's an introductory paragraph from the article.

The mission of Zeebu is to provide interactive teaching tools for children with developmental delays. Our products are designed to engage children with their parent or educator, motivating them to think, communicate, and connect.

Note: I wrote this as a contest piece two years ago to an audience unfamiliar with autism.

One day my life changed. No one died. I didn't have a new baby. There wasn't a terrorist attack. My son was diagnosed with autism. It was absolutely devastating.
The first time I cried was in the parking lot of the psychologist's office. I cried when I told my mother who was at home watching our baby daughter. And again when I told my husband when he came home from work. And again when I told our pastor Sunday morning. I probably cried every time I said autism for a month.