Laugh a Little

Children’s Story Share

Rumpelstiltskin

by The Brothers Grimm


One of the Brothers Grimm’s most enduring fairy tales, Rumpelstiltskin was first published in their collection, “Kinder- und Hausmärchen,” translated as Children’s and Household Tales (1812). They didn’t invent the story — its origins may go back over four thousand years — but the Grimms made it a childhood classic.


An illustration for the story Rumpelstiltskin by the author The Brothers Grimm

Once there was a miller who was poor, but who had a beautiful daughter. Now it happened that he had to go and speak to the King, and in order to make himself appear important he said to him, “I have a daughter who can spin straw into gold.” The King said to the miller, “That is an art which pleases me well; if your daughter is as clever as you say, bring her to-morrow to my palace, and I will try what she can do.”

And when the girl was brought to him he took her into a room which was quite full of straw, gave her a spinning-wheel and a reel, and said, “Now set to work, and if by to-morrow morning early you have not spun this straw into gold during the night, you must die.” Thereupon he himself locked up the room, and left her in it alone. So there sat the poor miller’s daughter, and for the life of her could not tell what to do; she had no idea how straw could be spun into gold, and she grew more and more miserable, until at last she began to weep.

But all at once the door opened, and in came a little man, and said, “Good evening, Mistress Miller; why are you crying so?” “Alas!” answered the girl, “I have to spin straw into gold, and I do not know how to do it.” “What will you give me,” said the manikin, “if I do it for you?” “My necklace,” said the girl. The little man took the necklace, seated himself in front of the wheel, and “whirr, whirr, whirr,” three turns, and the reel was full; then he put another on, and whirr, whirr, whirr, three times round, and the second was full too. And so it went on until the morning, when all the straw was spun, and all the reels were full of gold. By daybreak the King was already there, and when he saw the gold he was astonished and delighted, but his heart became only more greedy. He had the miller’s daughter taken into another room full of straw, which was much larger, and commanded her to spin that also in one night if she valued her life. The girl knew not how to help herself, and was crying, when the door again opened, and the little man appeared, and said, “What will you give me if I spin that straw into gold for you?” “The ring on my finger,” answered the girl. The little man took the ring, again began to turn the wheel, and by morning had spun all the straw into glittering gold.

The King rejoiced beyond measure at the sight, but still he had not gold enough; and he had the miller’s daughter taken into a still larger room full of straw, and said, “You must spin this, too, in the course of this night; but if you succeed, you shall be my wife.” “Even if she be a miller’s daughter,” thought he, “I could not find a richer wife in the whole world.”

When the girl was alone the manikin came again for the third time, and said, “What will you give me if I spin the straw for you this time also?” “I have nothing left that I could give,” answered the girl. “Then promise me, if you should become Queen, your first child.” “Who knows whether that will ever happen?” thought the miller’s daughter; and, not knowing how else to help herself in this strait, she promised the manikin what he wanted, and for that he once more span the straw into gold.

And when the King came in the morning, and found all as he had wished, he took her in marriage, and the pretty miller’s daughter became a Queen.

A year after, she had a beautiful child, and she never gave a thought to the manikin. But suddenly he came into her room, and said, “Now give me what you promised.” The Queen was horror-struck, and offered the manikin all the riches of the kingdom if he would leave her the child. But the manikin said, “No, something that is living is dearer to me than all the treasures in the world.” Then the Queen began to weep and cry, so that the manikin pitied her. “I will give you three days’ time,” said he, “if by that time you find out my name, then shall you keep your child.”

So the Queen thought the whole night of all the names that she had ever heard, and she sent a messenger over the country to inquire, far and wide, for any other names that there might be. When the manikin came the next day, she began with Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar, and said all the names she knew, one after another; but to every one the little man said, “That is not my name.” On the second day she had inquiries made in the neighborhood as to the names of the people there, and she repeated to the manikin the most uncommon and curious. “Perhaps your name is Shortribs, or Sheepshanks, or Laceleg?” but he always answered, “That is not my name.”

On the third day the messenger came back again, and said, “I have not been able to find a single new name, but as I came to a high mountain at the end of the forest, where the fox and the hare bid each other good night, there I saw a little house, and before the house a fire was burning, and round about the fire quite a ridiculous little man was jumping: he hopped upon one leg, and shouted—-

“To-day I bake, to-morrow brew,
The next I’ll have the young Queen’s child.
Ha! glad am I that no one knew
That Rumpelstiltskin I am styled.”

You may think how glad the Queen was when she heard the name! And when soon afterwards the little man came in, and asked, “Now, Mistress Queen, what is my name?” at first she said, “Is your name Conrad?” “No.” “Is your name Harry?” “No.”

“Perhaps your name is Rumpelstiltskin?”

“The devil has told you that! the devil has told you that!” cried the little man, and in his anger he plunged his right foot so deep into the earth that his whole leg went in; and then in rage he pulled at his left leg so hard with both hands that he tore himself in two.

Random Facts, You Might Not Know

1 out of every 4 kids in the USA is overweight.


Your hair will continue growing after you die until all the cells in your body die.


A fetus develops fingerprints at eighteen weeks.


A fetus that is four months old, will become startled and turn away if a light is flashed on the mother’s stomach.


A human head remains conscious for about 15 to 20 seconds after it is been decapitated.


Studies show that couples that smoke during the time of conception have a higher chance of having a girl compared to couples that do not smoke.


The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by Egyptians in 2000 B.C.


A pregnant woman’s dental health can affect her unborn child.


Your hair will continue growing after you die until all the cells in your body die.


A fetus develops fingerprints at eighteen weeks.


A fetus that is four months old, will become startled and turn away if a light is flashed on the mother’s stomach.


A human head remains conscious for about 15 to 20 seconds after it is been decapitated.


Studies show that couples that smoke during the time of conception have a higher chance of having a girl compared to couples that do not smoke.


The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by Egyptians in 2000 B.C.


A pregnant woman’s dental health can affect her unborn child.

Tips to Simply Life With Kids

Here are a few tips for living simply with kids:

  • Homeschool — or, in my case, unschool
  • Use public transportation, walk or ride bikes
  • Ditch the television and play games instead
  • Get a family pet from a local shelter
  • Encourage your kids to journal and draw daily
  • Make community service a weekly activity
  • Shop locally to keep dollars in your community
  • Keep a garden and raise chickens
  • Visit thrift stores instead of buying new
  • Sponsor a child in a third world country
  • Visit the library frequently

— Susan Patterson

Men, Silent Signs of a heart attack

Arm Pain

“Atypical heart attacks can have a wide range of presentations,” explains Dr. David Gatz, an emergency physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. “Pain or discomfort will frequently still be a part of the presentation, but may not involve the chest. Examples might include arm or neck pain.”

Indeed, in the Canadian study, 19 percent of men noted that they’d experienced neck pain, and 26 percent noted having pain in both arms at some point. And while some discomfort is normal,

Toothaches

Toothaches don’t always mean it’s time to schedule a trip to the dentist. Rather, for a surprising number of male heart attack victims—13 percent in the Canadian study, to be exact—tooth pain was one of the silent symptoms of their heart problem.

Weakness

A general feeling of lethargy and frailty could mean that you have the flu—or it could indicate that you’re having a heart attack. In the ER, “some [heart attack] patients report more vague symptoms like generalized weakness, while still others report an ominous sensation that they’re going to die,” says Gatz.

Throat Pain

“Typical symptoms [of a silent myocardial infarction] like mild pain in the throat or chest can be confused with gastric reflux, indigestion, and heartburn,” explain the editors at Harvard Health. Since so many patients mistake this warning sign for something less severe, they often put off seeing a doctor until their condition has worsened past the point of treatment—making it all the more important for individuals to pay attention to this symptom when it occurs. 9. Throat Pain “Typical symptoms [of a silent myocardial infarction] like mild pain in the throat or chest can be confused with gastric reflux, indigestion, and heartburn,” explain the editors at Harvard Health. Since so many patients mistake this warning sign for something less severe, they often put off seeing a doctor until their condition has worsened past the point of treatment—making it all the more important for individuals to pay attention to this symptom when it occurs.

Pressure in the Center of the Chest

Though most people associate heart disease with pain on the left side of the chest—where the heart is located—it is actually more common for a person experiencing a heart attack to feel pressure or pain in the center.

“Heart attacks most often cause discomfort in the center of the chest, along with a sensation of unremitting squeezing, fullness, or tightness,” cardiologist Dr. Curtis Rimmerman, MD, explained to the Cleveland Clinic,

Nausea

Feeling sick to your stomach? It could be because that sushi you ate at lunch was past its prime—or it could be a silent sign your heart isn’t working like it’s supposed to. This happens because, during a heart attack, the heart diverts blood away from the digestive system, thereby causing unpleasant gastrointestinal issues.

Back Pain

Pain anywhere in your upper body could be a symptom of heart disease—not just your chest. According to the Cleveland Clinic, when the heart is having difficulty functioning, it activates nerves that can trigger pain elsewhere in the body. So, if you’re dealing with discomfort in your back and you can’t explain why, it might be time to get your heart checked out—just to be safe.

Numbness

You can once again thank impaired blood flow for this subtle heart attack symptom. Because a heart attack causes the blood vessels throughout the body to narrow, it limits the amount of blood your extremities receive and therefore causes them to go numb.

Coconut Oil Does What?

Moisturize dry skin

Perhaps one of the most well-researched and famous uses of coconut oil is its ability to replenish dry skin. This oil is a nourishing powerhouse and is full of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants that work to heal your skin, boost collagen production, and prevent issues such as eczema and rosacea. 

Prevent razor bumps

Coconut oil works as a naturally hydrating shaving cream that will give you a close shave while penetrating your skin to prevent rashes and shaving cuts. Be cautious when shaving during a  shower as the heat from the water can cause the coconut oil to become incredibly slippery. 

Remove stubborn makeup

Many commercial makeup removers are full of harsh ingredients that damage and dry out your skin. This wonder oil works to remove even the most stubborn waterproof mascara with just a few swipes. Be sure to rinse and cleanse your face following use as too much oil can clog your pores. 

Cook at high heat

Because of its high saturated fat content, coconut oil is one of the all-time best oils for cooking things at high heat. Unlike other unhealthy oils such as vegetable and safflower, it retains its structure and will not break down during cooking.

Trim your waistline

If you eat a healthy, whole foods diet and exercise regularly but still can’t lose those last few pounds, coconut oil could help you cross the line to your weight loss goal. It has been shown to be an effective tool for cutting down on excess visceral fat along with a healthy lifestyle. It may also help reduce hunger, which can lead to a lower calorie intake and subsequent weight loss. 

Reduce inflammation

Chronic inflammation can be dangerous and severely debilitating. Adding coconut oil to your diet helps reduce this inflammation and markers of oxidative stress. 

Restore shine to wood furniture

Over time, wood furniture can get grimy and dusty, and no amount of cleaning seems able to restore its shine. Instead of purchasing commercial wood polish with dangerous chemicals and weird-smelling fragrances, simply place a little coconut oil on a soft cloth and apply in a circular motion. It will soak into your furniture and leave it gleaming!

Act as a carrier oil

Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin since they can cause burning and rashes and are too potent on their own. Combine them with a gentle carrier oil such as coconut oil to receive all of the health benefits of both. 

Restore lifeless hair

If you use a lot of heat on your hair such as blow dryers and flat irons, you are probably accustomed to dealing with brittle ends and dry, lifeless locks. Lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil, has been shown to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively than other oils that simply sit on the surface. Use a coconut oil mask every few weeks to give your thirsty hair the moisture it craves.

Eliminate bad breath

Oil pulling, or swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes before spitting it out, can improve your oral health and eliminate bad breath once and for all. Since coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, this practice can also help clear away germs in the mouth, prevent gum infection, and even leave your teeth whiter. 

Act as a mild sunscreen

Though coconut oil won’t keep you from burning if you spend hours in the sun, it provides about 20% protection from the sun’s UV rays and can be an adequate daily sunscreen for normal activities. Always be sure to cover up in bright sun and use a higher SFP mineral sunscreen when spending significant time outdoors. 

Note: Always use unrefined organic coconut oil.

As with any information, seek medical help and answers before trying something new on your own. I did not write this nor do I agree or disagree with the article. I am just passing along information so you can make a informed decision on your own.

MwsR

Products That Are Causing Cancer In Your Pets

Elephants and naked mole rats are two animals that rarely get cancer. Scientists believe these two creatures may have genetic mechanisms that allow them repair damaged DNA (which could otherwise precipitate tumors). Unfortunately, household pets (especially cats and dogs) are not so lucky.

Why are so many pets getting cancer?

Indeed, these beloved creatures are experiencing higher rates of cancer than even humans. For instance, today one person out of five will get some form of cancer in their lifetime. But one out of every two dogs will develop the disease at some point.

All told, at least six million dogs and six million cats will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Veterinarians often explain these alarming stats by telling owners that it’s because their pets are living longer than ever before and tumors are almost inevitable in old age.

However, it’s not just advanced age that seems to be a problem. In all probability, inflammatory diets, toxic pet care products, and environmental factors are contributing to the epidemic of cancer that is afflicting cats and dogs.

How to keep your pets cancer-free

With that in mind, here are seven likely carcinogenic culprits that you’ll want to keep your pet away from as much as possible.

1. Heat-processed pet food

Animal lovers have been horrified to learn about some of the stuff that turns up in many brand name pet foods. Part of the problem is that the FDA hasn’t made the health and well-being of cats and dogs much of a priority.

Another problem with conventional pet food is that it is heat-processed and loaded with preservatives. All this is meant to extend the shelf life of the product, but these methods can subtract years from your pet’s life. That’s because heavily processed foods tend to stimulate compounds called cytokines, which promote inflammation in both the gut and throughout the body.

Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for cancer and other diseases. For instance, it can precipitate a condition known as leaky gut syndrome, which can upset your pet’s hormonal balance while triggering an overactive immune system.

Increasingly, scientists believe that intestinal integrity is one of the keys to avoiding and preventing cancer. Many veterinarians do recommend conventional pet food brands, but the evidence suggests that both humans and pets are better off eating more nutritionally-rich raw foods.

Of course, cats and dogs have unique dietary requirements, which generally includes consuming excellent protein sources such as meat (along with raw veggies, grains and fruits).

2. Secondhand smoke

Cats exposed to secondhand smoke are 2.5 times more likely to get lymphoma than felines from smoke-free homes. Similarly, dogs exposed to secondhand smoke are at much greater risk for respiratory and nasal cancers. Smoking isn’t good for you, but it’s especially bad for your pet. Now, you have another good reason to quit the habit!

3. Preservatives in food

Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin have been linked to a variety of health problems and are suspected carcinogens to boot. Pet food companies could opt for all-natural preservatives such as tocopherols (vitamin E), citric acid (vitamin C) and rosemary extract, but they don’t because that would cost more. To avoid artificial preservatives you can look for organic brand pet foods that specify that they have no artificial additives or preservatives.

4. Flea and tick control products

Many popular flea and tick control remedies include suspected carcinogens like fipronil and permethrin. These chemicals have been shown to cause tumors in laboratory studies and have been linked to thyroid problems as well as cancers of the lung, liver and thyroid too.

At the very least, you should limit using conventional flea and tick products to the months when these pests are active. For an even better solution, it’s very easy to make your own apple cider vinegar flea and tick repellent spray.

5. Commercial pesticide sprays

A recent study has linked the chemical dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (also known as 2,4-D), which is used in many lawn herbicides sprays, to an increased risk of cancer in dogs. The scientists at Tufts University who conducted the research explained, “Specifically, the use of professionally applied pesticides was associated with a significant 70 percent higher risk of CML (canine malignant lymphoma).”

Earlier studies have found a link between lawn sprays and bladder cancer in pets. Eradicating dandelions and other weeds may provide aesthetic benefits, but there’s a tradeoff that may impact your pet’s health. At the very least, try to keep your pets away from lawns that have been treated with toxic herbicides and pesticides.

6. Cleaning agents and household items with formaldehyde

Formaldehyde has long been suspected to be a carcinogen and a health hazard to both humans and pets. Unfortunately, this chemical is used to treat and persevere everything from cleaning agents to cosmetics to furnishing (like sofas and carpets).

To reduce exposure, scrutinize product labels and avoid shampoos, laundry detergents and other household products that specifically include formaldehyde or any of the following ingredients: Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin and Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.

It’s hard to avoid carpeting and other furnishings treated with formaldehyde, but thankfully the chemical begins to break down when exposed to fresh air. Therefore, keeping your home well-ventilated can help reduce the health hazards from formaldehyde exposure.  

By the way, dogs and cats have very different types of skin than people. So, never use a shampoo intended for humans on your dog or cat. To avoid a shampoo with harmful preservatives (like formaldehyde), try making your own with these simple DIY recipes for dogs and cats.

7. Electromagnetic radiation

There is not a real lot of evidence tying radiation from cell phones, TV screens and computer to cancer in pets, but it’s well known that other forms of radiation (including ultraviolet light and x-rays) can damage DNA.

Cats and dogs love warm places, but allowing them to fall asleep directly under the TV, on top of a computer or near WiFi routers is probably not a great idea. It’s hard to avoid electromagnetic pollution these days, but keeping your pets at least several feet away from common devices can help reduce their exposure.

— Scott O’Reilly

Gardening Tips~Watering

Vegetables go through stages when they are at their most sensitive to water for good growth and development. When your veggies are in this phase of growth, be sure to water. Always water thoroughly so that the water soaks in deeply and encourages the roots to follow.

BeansFlowering until harvest
CucumbersFlowering until harvest
EggplantFlowering until harvest
PeppersFlowering until harvest
Sweet peasFlowering until harvest
TomatoesFlowering until harvest
MelonsFlowering until a few days before harvest
BroccoliHeading
CabbageHeading (which is just about all the time)
CauliflowerHeading
LettuceAll stages
SpinachAll stages
OnionBulb enlargement
Sweet PotatoesPotato enlargement