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Tree Removal in Washington Depot, Connecticut
Christian Tree Service LLC has been in the tree services business for 4 years, specializing in Washington Depot tree removal. We have state of the art equipment, expert tree climbers, and extensive experience to handle any size job in Washington Depot. Christian Tree Service LLC will safely remove any tree in Washington Depot regardless of size, location, or condition.
Tree removal from your Washington Depot property is a dangerous job that should be left to the experts. At Christian Tree Service LLC, our tree removal teams adhere to strict safety standards to ensure that your Washington Depot tree is removed safely. Call (203) 496-5568 to discuss your tree removal needs with one of our knowledgeable staff members.
Tree Removal for Land Clearing
Whether you are clearing a lot for new construction in Washington Depot or need room for expansion/ addition to an existing Washington Depot structure, Christian Tree Service LLC is equipped to handle any size tree removal job.
Our tree removal teams are knowledgeable in all Washington Depot native tree species.
Our priority is on removing all trees safely and leaving your Washington Depot property free of all tree removal debris.
We will work with you to make sure trees are removed from your Washington Depot property within your time frame, not ours.
Christian Tree Service LLC has been in the tree removal business in Washington Depot since 2016.
Dead Tree Removal
Dead or dying trees are more than a cosmetic problem. They can also pose a serious hazard. Christian Tree Service LLC tree specialists are trained in safely removing dead or dying trees in Washington Depot.
We are also trained in removing trees in Washington Depot that have grown too large for their space. In either case, the tree can pose a threat to nearby structures and utility wires.
Tree Removal
- Christian Tree Service LLC will remove your trees, remove or grind the tree stumps, and properly remove and dispose of all brush and debris from your Washington Depot property.
- Christian Tree Service LLC will ensure that your tree removal project is in compliance with all Washington Depot safety and permit regulations.
- Call (203) 496-5568 for a free estimate for your Washington Depot tree removal job..
- Christian Tree Service LLC has been in the tree services industry since 2016 in Washington Depot, Connecticut.
Call for FREE Tree Removal Quote
(203) 496-5568
★★★★★ - "I have used Christian Tree Service twice. Once from storm damage and then from an overgrown yard that needed some help. The price was below other estimates and they were very diligent. There were lawn gnomes in the path of potential danger and one worker took the time to move them up the hill and then replace them after the trees were down. Can't write enough good comments about this company"
Stephany F in Danbury, CT2019-09-05
★★★★★ - "Christian Tree Service did a great job removing a tree close to the house as well as trimming others that were obstructing the house. They were on time and clean, staying late into the day to finish clean up. Price was fair for the amount of work done."
Patricia in New Canaan, CT2019-06-17
★★★★★ - "From the beginning Christian and his team were responsive and professional. He was hired to remove 2 large pine trees. Not only was he competitively priced, he was flexible with me as we added a SIGNIFICANT amount of brush to the job in between the time of quote and day of the job. Arrived promptly the morning of and it took Christian and his team less than a full day to knockout a very significant amount of work---extremely pleased and grateful! WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND as I can truly say it was a pleasure doing business with Christian Tree Service!"
Kyle C in Southbury, CT2019-04-17
★★★★★ - "Christian and his crew took down a cluster of old trees that were a danger to the house with excellent care and precision! They also removed a few other trees and cleaned up the brush we had along the fence, making the property much brighter and ready for Spring!"
Nick in Ridgefield, CT2019-04-01
★★★★★ - "We had a tall tree leaning toward our house making my family nervous. I received many estimates from other businesses that I found very high. I happen to see Christian Tree Service down the street from my house here in Newtown, CT cutting down a very tall tree at a neighbors house. They looked organized and capable so I called them for an estimate. They promptly returned my call and came out to check the tree. With a handshake and a reasonable price, they promised to come that Monday. Despite inclement weather, they kept their promise and came Monday and had our tree ( which was fairly close to the house and very close to power lines) cut down in less than 3 hours. They were friendly, efficient, organized and very good at what they do. I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone that needs a tree cut down!"
Roberto in Newtown, CT2019-02-20
★★★★★ - "In the 2018 storm, I had two trees come down on the house and several others badly damaged and in need of being dropped. I called 5 different tree service companies but Christian was the only one who was fair priced and prompt with his correspondence. He showed up on time and the quality of work was excellent!! I will definitely be using Christian Tree Service for future tree work. Christian - thank you for your good old fashioned hard work, a difficult thing to come by these days!"
Bill in New Fairfield, CT2019-02-11
★★★★★ - "Christian and team were a Godsend when the damaging storm of May 2018 hit. He answered my call right away and ensured that several trees that hit my house were taken down with great care and expertise. I have since used him for other tree needs and his professionalism and care are noteworthy. Give him a call next time you are looking for tree work and you will not be disappointed."
John in New Fairfield, CT2018-09-04
★★★★★ - "Took down 4 trees quickly and safely and one right over the house. Professional and very clean. He is now my go to tree service guy, great service great price!"
Brandon in Ridgefield, CT2018-08-22
★★★★★ - "During a recent storm we had 20 trees down on the house and driveway. After calling and leaving messages for 5 other companies (who still to this day have not returned our call) we called Christian and he actually picked up the phone and answered our call. Christian showed up the next day on-time and provided a very reasonable estimate. The following day Christian showed up with his crew removed the trees and left the property very clean. Good price, great service and would highly recommend."
Tom in Brookfield, CT2018-06-25
★★★★★ - "Did a great job on downed tree in very wet and difficult conditions. Price was very reasonable for what was done. I highly recommend him and his crew."
Anonymous in Sherman, CT2018-04-16
★★★★★ - "I had a tree fall down on my house after the last storm. Called several Tree Services and after all the interviews chose Christian Tree Service. Chose him because he was honest and straight forward about how he would handle the work. I called him @ 8AM on the 6th of March. He arrived by 11:15 and after we negotiated a price, I selected him to do the work. Christian and one of his employees arrived @ 10:30 and by 12:30 two trees were taken down and the job site was cleaned. If you want a Good Honest Person to do Quality work at a Fair Price then Christian is that person."
JOHN AVITABILE in New Fairfield, CT2018-03-06
★★★★★ - "Christian and his team did a great job. I had some large trees in close proximity to my screened-in porch and they removed them without any problems."
★★★★★ - "I called Christian to get a price for removal of two trees and chipping of several years of accumulated tree branches. It was certainly refreshing to have him actually answer his phone...no voice mail, no computer prompts to go through, no waiting for a return call! He came and gave a very fair price. He and his crew showed up on the day he said and were on time. They did a great job and cleaned up everything. I couldn't have had a better experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Christian and his company."
Dave Arnold in Danbury, CT
★★★★★ - "We used Christian Tree Service for the removal of three trees including one that hung over the roof of our house. They were professional, polite, prompt in getting the job done and they were reasonably priced. We have already recommended them to two friends who needed work done and would happily recommend them to anyone needing tree work done."
Richard B. Wellen in Norwalk, CT
★★★★★ - "Had a wonderful experience! Professional and timely! I had 3 trees removed, One stump was ground down and 1 tree was pruned - - - all done at a reasonable cost - and these trees were gigantic! Would definitely recommend this company and have to my friends and family :)"
Anonymous in Norwalk, CT
★★★★★ - "We contacted Christian through the Internet. The response was excellent. He came and provided a very reasonable estimate for removing a large double trunk dead tree. Came as agreed. Did a very neat job within a few hours, left a clean work area. Have already recommended him to one neighbor. Excellent."
John Wallace
★★★★★ - "I can't say enough how totally great these people are. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Fantastic job and so very nice!"
★★★★★ - "Christian and his crew arrived on time with the right equipment to take down and dispose of a large oak tree, plus clear various overgrown areas of the property. They completed all work diligently, and for a reasonable price. I appreciated the thorough clean up, too. Would definitely hire again."
Tom McHugh in Bethel, CT2019-08-23
★★★★★ - "I am very happy with the work done by Christian and his team. Christian returned my initial call right away. He tried to arrange an appointment when it was convenient for me. When he looked at our property, he took a good amount of time to survey the area, and had some great suggestions on how to open up our back yard (while also understanding we were probably keeping to a budget). We had a few large trees on a steep hill which were too close to our house. The crew worked diligently, carefully, and safely, making sure there were no risks to the house or the crew. We also had them clear a patch of land out in our back yard. All debris was entirely cleaned up. I highly recommend Christian Tree Services. They are very professional and extremely hard working."
Mark C in Bethel, CT2019-08-21
★★★★★ - "As a retired construction manager of 30 years experience and now a Senior citizen, my wife and I choose contractors very thoroughly and carefully. I hired (Aug.2019) Cristian Tree Service Company owner, Cristian Pelaez, and crew. I myself a Construction Project Manager and a Tradesman in Engineering Construction. Cristian is a Superior Tradesman in his field of tree cutting, planning, organization and a most Sincere businessman in its Entirety He is a man of his word!!! And when he tells you a date of the project, he's there with All of his hard-working crew!!! And he gives the fairest price with a copy of a Cert.of Insurance for the owner. My project was near our property line and in between my house and neighbors and nothing was damaged to properties or structures, None!! And Cristian and Crew left my property and neighbor's property cleaned up Immaculately!!! I, Emidio C. Cerasale of Naugatuck, Ct, most HIGHLY RECOMMENDS Cristian and Cristian Tree Co. of Danbury, Ct to anybody who wants a job done the right way in its ENTIRETY!!! God Bless this smartest and hard-working Company!! Being a Senior Citizen of 74 yrs. old., I recommend all Seniors to contact this great company!!"
Emidio C. Cerasale in Naugatuck, CT2019-08-19
★★★★★ - "Christian was very willing to meet with me at a time that was best for me to review the project (I come from out of state). He even arrived early! The work crew were very pleasant and did an excellent job. The property looked 1000 times better than it did. There were a forest path and stairs to clear from overgrowth and storm blowdowns on a steep hill. A BIG job. Thanks, Christian!"
Meg S.2019-07-22
★★★★★ - "Christian and crew are the most professional tree service in our area bar none. All work was completed as agreed, which is refreshing. I highly recommend."
Frank Dilauro in New Fairfield, CT2019-05-20
★★★★★ - "On-time, excellent work, perfect clean-up, fair price."
Greg in Danbury, CT2019-04-24
★★★★★ - "A great experience! when I touched base with Christian, he showed up on time and gave me a very fair quote and detailed work scope. The following week he showed up with an ample crew, again on time, and they went to work and did exactly what we agreed upon. Since then, I had them back for additional work and plan on using them again. They left my place spotless as well!"
R. Martell in Newtown, CT2019-02-20
★★★★★ - "Christian and his team are amazing! He is professional, thorough, insurance forward and safety conscious. His fair pricing and prompt service make for one happy customer. A job well done - thank you!"
Denise R., Tree Services in Danbury, CT2018-12-14
★★★★★ - "We couldn't be happier with the service we received from Christian Tree Service! Christian is reliable, professional and very fairly priced. Communication was also excellent! He is the best tree guy we have ever used. He and his crew came when he said he would come, performed the job with expertise, and cleaned up everything up with care. I highly recommend him and we will definitely be using him in the future! Thanks Christian!"
Lori in Ridgefield, CT2018-11-26
★★★★★ - "Very fast and excellent work! Cleaned up when they were done and the price was right too."
Brandt Boulden in Bethel, CT2018-10-24
★★★★★ - "Christian basically is the man!! We moved into the area in April of 2017 & needed some tree work done & just by chance saw his truck rolling by & decided to use him. He did the job so professionally & at a great price & is also just a pleasure to work with--super nice fellow. We have used him for 3 jobs since & he always rocks the gig to the highest extreme. The guy is also basically a spider monkey, shimming his way right up your tree & cutting it down (or trimming it to your liking) in the safest & most effective way possible so that there is no damage to your home/property. Also, he is the guy doing your work (along with his team)...not some faceless, corporate operation that farms out their work to hired guns, etc. & we definitely like that. You deal with the actual guy that owns the company & he's a great guy to deal with--very fair & honest. Highly recommended & he's also awesome to use for firewood if you need that. He will always be our go to guy if he keeps this up--hahaha!!"
Bill M. in Danbury, CT2018-10-22
★★★★★ - "Very effective. prompt, easy to work with, hard working. Got the job done on time. Will hire Christian's team again."
★★★★★ - "Cristian is fair, fast, and he knows what he's doing as far as contracting out equipment when necessary to complete large, sloppy storm damage jobs. If you're not using him- you should be. I'm not an easy customer to make happy, and when I'm spending thousands of dollars, I expect value- and he has delivered on all 3 jobs he's performed for us. 5/5."
Derek in New Fairfield, CT2018-09-06
★★★★★ - "Christian is very professional. He gave a fair quote. He and his crew did a great job and cleaned up very well. I highly recommend him."
Charlie I. in Ridgefield, CT2018-06-26
★★★★★ - "Here to say that in the 12+ years in Wilton with a heavily wooded area-We have seen it all. From the big Corporate tree types with layers of " management " to those guys with a chainsaw and a pickup, as well as everything in between. Called Christian, after checking him out via his website. Couple days later, we did the post-winter storm(s) walkabout, agreed upon a price and that was that. Today, Christian and a couple of his guys arrived promptly at 8:00 AM and really got after it. By the time they left at 4:00 PM our property sparkled. They truly were invested in our combined outcome. Cared about the property. AND it was small cleanup branch free. He is truly our guy headed into the future- no matter if it is 50' above ground for those pesky hangers or selectively dropping an aging maple past its prime. Christian and his team won the day with flying colors."
Bob Coleman in Wilton, CT2018-04-25
★★★★★ - "Very professional and courteous."
Anonymous, Tree Services2018-03-28
★★★★★ - "Christian was the best price around, my neighbor used him and suggested I do as well, I'm really happy I did; fast, courteous, reliable, and more than reasonable pricing. Thanks again, Christian, and your crew as well!"
Anonymous, Tree Services2017-11-20
★★★★★ - "Christian and his workers did a great job, received an estimate quickly, which was reasonable, arrived on time, and finished the job earlier than expected. Would highly recommend his services to friends and neighbors."
PHil in Danbury, CT
★★★★★ - "Christian did a great job at a great price! Hardworking, safe, and quick. I would recommend him to neighbors, and hire him again when necessary."
Peter G. in Brookfield, CT
★★★★★ - "The best! Great work, great pricing. Highly skilled. Perfect clean up. Will use again without question!"
Chris in Danbury, CT
★★★★★ - "We had an excellent experience with Christian Tree Service LLC. Our back yard has all kinds of brushes and some of them connected with the trees through thick vines. Christian provided a very reasonable quote. He showed up on time with two of his crews. They spent literally 11 hours to finish the project, almost no rest. The project was well done. We particularly like their chipping approach to take care of any size of branches and debris. Definitely recommend Christian to anyone who needs tree service."
Anonymous in Newtown, CT
★★★★★ - "Cristian chipped the debris on our property and the mulch provided great ground cover. The workers were very careful and did a terrific job. I highly recommend their services."
BG in Mahopac, NY
★★★★★ - "I found Christian thru a Quote Request Service. He contacted me literally within minutes and met me at my house within a day to assess the job. He provided a very competitive quote and completed the job safely and pretty much on schedule. Even though he ran into some challenges during the job, he and his team persevered and left the property in good shape and fully cleaned up. I highly recommend him for big and small tree work."
Todd Burt in North Salem, NY


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The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age.
We are physicians, hospitals and communities working together to help you live better.

subset: commoncrawl


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Another Colorado kid headed to DU
Young forward Jared Fiegl of Parker has pledged to play for DU beginning for the 2014-15 season. The 15-year-old product of the Colorado Rampage triple-A organization in Monument is the first known commitment for the 2014 freshmen class and the seventh Coloradoan scheduled to join the Pioneers within the next three years.
"I am very fortunate with this opportunity," Fiegl, 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, said through Rampage director Andrew Sherman.
Fiegl, who was born Jan. 23, 1996, was 14 for most of last season but "because of his skills, size and commitment (he) played on our U16 team," Sherman said. In the U16 Elite League, Fiegl had six goals in 36 games.
Fiegl was selected by the Des Moines Buccaneers in the recent USHL draft, but he might never play for the Bucs. He will again play for the Rampage's U16 team next season as a sophomore, and Sherman said he might be a candidate to join the U.S. National Development Program's U17 team in Ann Arbor, Mich., for 2012-13.
"He's a real special kid, one of the more unique athletes in general," Sherman said.
The Rampage is in its 11th season in Monument and 14th in the year in Tier 1. The Rampage has sent more than 60 players to college hockey since their inception, Sherman said.
With the help of LetsGoDU.com, here is a list of DU recruits (in ranked order by The Post):
2011 class
D Scott Mayfield, St. Louis, Mo. (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)
F Zac Larraza, Scottsdale, Ariz. (U.S. Under-18)
D Joey LaLeggia, Burnaby, BC (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
D Josiah Didier, Littleton (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus, Aspen (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Matt Tabrum, Colorado Springs (Omaha, USHL)
F Larkin Jacobson, Sioux City, Iowa (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D-F Wade Bennett, Gardena, Calif. (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham, Fort Collins via Chrystal Lake, Ill. (Chicago Steel, USHL)
D Dakota Mermis, Alton, Ill. (U.S. Under-18)
D Matt Van Voorhis, Edina, Minn. (Sioux Falls, USHL)
D Nolan Zajac, Winnipeg, Manitoba (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Garrett Allen, Dalafield, Wis. (Chicago, USHL)
2013 class
F Landon Smith, Greenwood Village (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Brad Hawkinson, Littleton (Colorado Thunderbirds U-18)
2014 class
Jared Fiegl, Parker (Colorado Rampage U16)
Keep tabs with Mike Chambers on Twitter: @MChambersDP
Read more of Mike Chambers at All Things Avs.


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SEOUL -- A high-ranking North Korean military officer said to be a close confidant of the recently executed uncle of ruler Kim Jong Un is in South Korean custody in China, South Korean media reported Thursday.
Several South Korean media outlets, citing anonymous intelligence officials, said the unnamed military officer was being questioned in a South Korean diplomatic office in Beijing.
According to 24-hour news channel YTN, the former aide to Jang Song Taek anticipated the purge of his boss and sought to defect at the end of September.
Though South Korea's Foreign Ministry has denied the reports, analysts speculated that the South Korean government may be avoiding public comment on the situation to protect the would-be defector and secretly bring him to South Korea while minimizing diplomatic friction for China, North Korea's neighbor and ally.
Lee Jung-hyun, a spokesperson for Seoul's presidential Blue House, told reporters, "When I asked Chief of National Security Kim Jang-soo about the matter, he said he 'knows nothing about it.'" Pressed further about whether South Korea was handling any asylum seekers, Lee replied, "Whether the matter is small or big, we are on alert on anything related to security."
Jang, 67, was Kim's uncle by marriage and widely regarded as the second-most-senior figure in the North Korean leadership. But North Korea's official KCNA news agency reported last week that Jang was executed after being found guilty of treason and other crimes, calling him "despicable human scum."
KCNA's nearly 3,000-word report on the execution of Jang made it clear that Kim's regime does not intend to allow those close to Jang to avoid punishment.
Jang's "flatterers and followers in his department and organs under it praised him as 'No. 1 comrade.' They went the lengths of denying even the party's instructions to please him at any cost," the KCNA statement said. "The revolutionary army will never pardon all those who disobey the order of the Supreme Commander and there will be no place for them to be buried even after their death."
The Jang confidant was reportedly in charge of managing slush funds for Kim Jong Un and his late father, North Korean ruler Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011.
Although many analysts predict further fallout from the Jang purge, the incident seems to be having no effect on one upcoming international exchange with the Stalinist regime: ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman's third trip this year to the isolated nation.
Rodman, 52, who has called Kim Jong Un a "friend for life," left Beijing for Pyongyang on Thursday. The basketball player, who visited North Korea in March and in September this year, is reportedly going to help train the country's national team during his five-day trip.
On Jan. 8, Kim's birthday, Rodman is scheduled to attend the "Paddy Power Dennis Rodman Basketball Invitational" in Pyongyang. Publicity materials for the event indicate that Rodman plans to bring "NBA stars" to play against the North Koreans, though no names of any participating players have been announced.
Rodman told reporters at Beijing's airport that he hopes to have "a good conversation" with Kim but said politics "had nothing to do with [him]."
"I'm just going over there to do a basketball game and have some fun," he told Reuters news agency.
Choi is a special correspondent.


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If you would like to explore the opportunity of providing products or services to American Water, please find the information in the "Becoming a Supplier" section below. The information should provide all documentation required for registering with American Water. Once you are registered, your information will be forwarded to the appropriate Supply Chain strategic buyer. If we are able to use the products or services you provide, a buyer will contact you to discuss the possibility of our companies working together.
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup
I know it's summer still in half of the nation but it's been unseasonably cold here. My Ballplayer has practice at night and I need food that warms him after. It also happens to be Taco Tuesday in our house. Anything Mexican works for my family. Tortilla Soup is a favorite of mine because you can make it as healthy as you want. Mine is a vegetable soup base which is great if you are not eating meat. Then I add chicken in (which you can leave out) and serve with tortilla chips and lots of toppings. Everyone in the house loves soups of any kinds except The Tortured Teenager. You can't please everyone. So she is having a cheese quesadilla tonight and not complaining about it.
Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup
1 onion diced
1 bell pepper diced (red)
1 zucchini diced
1 clove garlic minced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 sm can diced chilis
1 can black beans rinsed
1 cup carrots chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 cup frozen corn
2 cups shredded chicken
1 carton chicken broth
2 cups water
Chop and drop the onions, bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots (you could add any vegetable you have that is in the bin. And if you are really out of veggies, frozen veggies work great. Just skip the browning and add to the broth.) I like to add a TB or two of olive oil to the pan first and get it warmed up. Cook the veggies on Medium High for a couple of minutes. This does make a difference in the flavor of the store bought chicken stock later. Make sure to season the veggies with some salt and pepper.
Now add the can of diced tomatoes. I only have plain but you could add the ones that have onions or jalapenos in them. Just do not drain them first. This liquid is huge in the soup. Add one can of Ortega chilis, undrained, one can black beans that are drained and rinsed 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp oregano (all I have is dried)
Add chicken broth/stock (one carton)and make sure you shake up the box first.
Now add two cups of water. You could do more and it really would not affect the flavor. My family likes a thick soup, sort of like a stew.
Let it all come up to a boil and bring it down to a simmer. Let simmer for 15 minutes
This is when you would add in some leftover chicken. I am not big on leftovers so I have some chicken breast tenders that I am sauteing up with some garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper. I didn't measure the spices, just sprinkled it all over. You can't go wrong with garlic powder or cumin, and there is never too much in a recipe in our house.
Pour the chicken and all the juices in the pan. I hope you were lucky enough to have leftovers but if not these smell really good. The Tortured Teenager is asking if she can make a taco out of some. NO! Soup Hater!
Add 1 cup of frozen corn. I do this at the end. It just needs to heat up not over cook. Taste and make sure you have enough salt and pepper or cumin. We like a lot of cumin in this house. Not everyone likes cumin. If you are really adventurous, you could add a tsp of chipotle adobo sauce, but that is another recipe at another time...
Now, I like to put some cheap tortilla chips in the bottom of the bowl. You could make your own, but this is QUICK Tortilla Soup. This gets to the table in 25 minutes (take that Rachel Ray!) I put cheese and green onions on top of it. Ladle soup on top of it. You could put tortillas on top for appearance but I like how they get all soft from the soup and make the broth all creamy.
I dig around looking for the chips, dodging carrots!
Other Toppings you put on your soup;
Green onions
sliced jalapenos
Hot sauce!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Whiskey Peppercorn Steak
I have a weakness for steak covered in sauce. It is not very popular in this neck of the woods. Here, steak is cooked slow over oak wood. It is flavorful and shouldn't need a sauce. But I can't help it! Maybe it is because I grew up eating cheap cuts of steak. Sauce was used to make it taste better. Whatever the reason, I am stuck on a nice sauce. This one is made out of Jack Daniels. Hello Jack!!! Don't worry, all the alcohol cooks out. This sauce is peppery. Is that a word? It is bold. The sauce was so good that I found myself dipping my potato in it.
Whiskey Peppercorn Steak
3-4 good sized steaks (I prefer Ribeye, The Fireman like New York)
1 TB canola oil
1 TB cracked black peppercorns (you just stick them in a bag and give them a good whack!)
1/4 cup finely diced onions
1/4 cup Whiskey (Hello Jack!)
1 cup beef broth or stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Put the Peppercorns in a zip-lock bag and pound with a rolling pin until it is good and cracked. I like mine more cracked than most. You could just run it through a pepper mill!
Take the steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before you plan on cooking. Very important. Season them with some Kosher salt (no pepper) and set aside.
Heat oil in the pan on high heat. I would love to say that I am using a cast iron pan. I should be saying I am using a cast iron pan but things happen when you move. Bear with me. Once the pan is smoking hot (literally) put the steaks in the pan and turn the heat down to medium high. You hear me telling you this a lot. My stove is not reliable and it takes too long to cool down. Plus my fan isn't what it should be...
Let them cook for a good four minutes. Don't move them and dont turn them! The Fireman likes to do that. Don't touch my meat!!! You will completely know it is time to turn when it gets enough crust that it flips with out taking the pan with you. Be patient. It really is about four minutes.
Once you flip, turn the heat down...I know, again but there is a method to my madness. We are turning it down so it doesn't overcook. Stay on top of it at this point. I like mine medium. Just medium (about 135 on a meat thermometer) but The Fireman likes his burnt...crisp...shoe leather! Once your steak is perfect, put on a place on a plate. Do not cut into it thinking you will just have a bite while the sauce cooks! You will ruin the steak! It needs to rest so it will be juicy (despite The Fireman's being shoe leather)
In the same pan, add the onions and saute until they get just a tad of color to them.
Add the Whiskey (Hello Jack!) and scrape the bottom of the pan. Add the peppercorns. Add the beef stock/broth and turn up to high heat. You are going to let it all thicken about 5 minutes.
Now add the cream. I love cream. I love Butter. This isn't about Butter but you mention cream and I go nuts. Back to the sauce. Give the cream a minute to mix in with the sauce. Let it thicken just a minute. Now add the parsley. (Have I mentioned how much I dislike what my stores have lately?) and taste it to make sure it has enough salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce over the steaks (careful to not give MY steak to the Fireman, because I do not want his steak) and ooh and ahh as you eat!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Sausage & Peppers Subs
"Is that all we are having for dinner," whines The Tortured Teenager.
"Oooh sausage and peppers! Right on!" cheers The Fireman
I guess you can't please everyone all the time.
I guess you have to grow up eating this. Personally this was a regular. One my father could make and would make. The Fireman grew up with his on mashed potatoes. We'll cover that in the winter.
This is quick and easy. I'm gonna give you the basic version. There are a million ways to dress it up and those are another time.
Sausage & Peppers Subs
makes 5 subs
1 pkg Italian sausage (sweet, hot or regular I could only find Mild Italian sausage)
1 red bell pepper sliced (if you have a large family you could double or triple but there are only 2 that will eat them tonight.)
1 orange bell pepper sliced
1 large onion halved and sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup water
French rolls
These are the sausages I am using. The Fireman prefers one that says "Sweet Italian" on it but these were pretty close without freaking anyone out.
I pop them in a sauce pan. Any frying pan that you can lid will work great. If you dont have a lid for your pan, have some foil handy.
Brown the sausages on all sides on medium high. While you are browning them, cut up your veggies. Get them into a pan sauteing with a little oil or even butter (I love butter) over medium high and when they are just about done, add the garlic.
Once the sausages are brown, add 1/2 cup water to the pan and cover it. This will steam them for the remainder of the cooking. This takes about five minutes. I use a meat thermometer to check. I want them cooked all the way but not tough and over cooked.
I like to toast my buns, whole in the oven. Stick them on a cookie sheet and in the oven at 350. Stick them in when you are just about thinking of adding water to the pan of sausages. Have some provolone cheese handy for when you pull them out. I like to cut them and stick cheese on them immediately so the cheese gets all melted. Stick one sausage on the bun and pile with the veggies.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Making Bacon
I really need to cover this because it seems to be unknown by so many and baking bacon is really my preferred method. If you have been in front of the stove with grease popping at you, then I have a treat for you! Bake it! it comes out so perfect, so not greasy and you can still save the drippings if you are after them (I rarely ever do that.)
First you need one of these baking cooling racks. I use mine for everything from cooking oven chicken nuggets to steaming buns for hotdogs. Originally I bought mine for cookies. Those days of baking are long gone (well not completely but one can wish!)
Stick this into your cookie sheet. Line the rack with bacon, careful to not overlap. Overlapping is bad. I didn't need much bacon this time but I have loaded the pan down.
Put into a preheated 425 degree oven. It takes about 15 minutes but do not trust my calculation because I have walked away from bacon and wondered what was burning too many times. It just happens too fast. Take out and transfer to paper towels (I still do it)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly
My grandma made these for me as a child. Just let me close my eyes and....ya I'm back in her kitchen. She had red carpet in her kitchen! Red carpet in the family room. Hmm that must be where I get it from? No I do not have red carpet! But I LOVE RED! Yup! Our bedroom comforter...red! The throw blankets in my family room....red! All my accessories...red! Nickname my hubby calls me...you got it! Red!
My grandma didn't make this very often. It's rich! Perfect for the middle of the night or when upset! The last time she made it for me, I was fourteen...no maybe thirteen (I think, it was a long time ago) and I was staying home sick. I wasn't sick but a boy had broke my heart for the very first time. To make matters worse, he was my grandparents paperboy! This town was way too small! My best friend lived around the corner, half the girls I went to school with (not really, I'm exaggeration just a tad) lived in the neighborhood. I was embarrassed. I was hurt! And this sandwich made me feel better. Funny thing! My husband's grandparents also lived in the neighborhood. I didn't know them, or at least I don't remember knowing them. Small world!
So a couple years ago on some cooking show, this sandwich was being made. It's not original for God's sake! Elvis was known for eating it ALL THE TIME! So anyways The Tortured Teenager turned her cute little nose up at the sight of the sandwich! Noooo! I couldn't have that! It's a culinary masterpiece! So just to prove a point, I HAD to make it! She peered from around the corner. In her snotty voice "I guess it smells good but I won't eat that!" hmm but I didn't make it for her! So I cut it and sat right next to her. Oh it's ooey and gooey and rich! She snatched a corner and says "I guess I'll try it but I won't like it!" HAAA! I HAD to make her one! Just because she "wouldn't like it" lol! The Ballplayer on the other hand hadn't discovered his love of peanut butter and jelly on the same sandwich. Back then he only ate peanut butter sandwiches. Who are these kids? How are they related to me???
I haven't made these in years. Just recently The Tortured Teenager asked if I would make them. Her heart wasn't broken. But they forever will be a Heartbreak Sandwich for me.
Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly
Butter (yes butter! I heart butter! But I am being good and am using Smart Butter)
Peanut Butter
Strawberry jelly (or your favorite)
We like wheat bread. No really! But use what you like. We also like the old fashioned peanut butter but again, use what you like. One requirement-use jelly not that cheap jam. Trust me! Plus the wheat bread makes me not feel so guilty for eating this. Sort of.
Make yourself a PB&J. I personally put butter under my jelly. Don't ask why! My grandma did it, my dad did it, my husband does it. Everyone claims it keeps the jelly from making the bread soggy. I have never tested this theory. I am afraid to. Resist the urge to take to the table and eat.
Butter both sides of the sandwich.
Now grill it like a grilled cheese making sure both sides are perfectly golden brown.
I got a little sloppy with my jelly. This will be my first bite!
Carefully flip. Oooh more jelly. Now which side will I eat first?
Serve. I like to let it sit just a minute. (Let rest!) I've burned the roof of my mouth one too many times.
Remember I said to let it rest...proof I cut it too soon. Ooozing peanut butter.
Serve with milk. Really it is must!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Greek Cous Cous Salad
I have been actively watching my waistline. Watching it grow....not really. But I hope not. This dish reminds me of what you would eat at a spa. I have no idea what they serve at a spa but I would want to eat this. I may even want to lick my fingers after.
This does feed an army. Cous Cous is amazing at being affordable and stretching the dollar. The Fireman and I ate this for lunch for two days. This may or may not have been low in fat or calories but I felt good after I ate it. It is full of flavor. You could easily add some grilled chicken or shrimp to it or keep it meatless.
Greek Cous Cous Salad
1/4 cup butter (I know! Not spa like but I'm trying!)
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup chop kalamata olives
1/2 cup chop sun dried tomatoes
1/2 c wine
1/2 lemon juice
Salt pepper
1/2 cup feta
Prepare plain cous cous according to the package. I just happen to have some leftover from dinner last night.
Melt the butter in a saute pan. Add the garlic and cook until it gets some color. Add the wine, and lemon juice. Let cook for a minute or two. I have to resist grabbing bread at this point. I love wine and butter mixed together. I have love handles to prove it..
Add the Kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes (you could totally add more of any of these items.) Give it a stir and let it all just warm up.
Add the cous cous to the pan. Mix well. Now I could have done a better job last night at fluffing my cous cous. Once I stored over night I had little pasta balls and there was nothing I could do about it nor did it affect the flavor.
Now add the feta and serve.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Brats with Beer and Onions
"you're cooking your kids in a vat of beer with onions??"
Only my funniest friend from the sticks would ask me that!!
Yes I've got Brats in beer cooking. Sausages, not my kids! Taco Tuesday was forgotten this week. Purely by accident. I promise. I simply forgot what day of the week it was. You are welcome to wrap a tortilla around it if it makes you feel better. I bet it would taste good too!
One package of brats (I'm using the beer ones)
2 small onions for boiling
1 clove of garlic for boiling
2 TB butter for boiling
2 beers (whatever you can pry out of your husbands hands)
3 small onions for topping
2 TB butter for topping
Buns-mine are warmed
Make this once and I promise the men in your house will ask for it again and again.
Slice up 2 small onions and mince
1 clove of garlic
Melt 2 TB butter in a deep frying pan and add the onions. Cook till you get just a tad of color. Then add the garlic. Let cook just until you get a spot of color.
Add the two beers. Bring to a boil
I'm not sure where these beers came from. The Fireman prefers dark beers.
Add the Brats (sausages...not kids)and a pinch of salt (kosher but just a pinch)
Cover and cook 25 minutes on a simmer
While the brats are boiling, cut the other onions. Melt the remanding butter on medium heat and caramelize the onions.
Heat a grill pan or get your hubby to start the BBQ. Place brats on grill and brown.
Do not discard the beer. Uncover and reduce the beer mixture while the brats brown.
Place browned brats in beer. Turn to warm. Let them just sit in the liquid until ready to eat. This is perfect if you are making them for a game!
When ready to eat, place brats in warmed buns. I like to use French rolls. I place on a cookie sheet and place in a 350 degree oven for ten to fifteen minutes.
Top with caramelized onions. I like mustard on mine too.
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Updated 1:36 p.m. ET - Capitol Hill leaders emerged from their meeting Friday with President Barack Obama sounding optimistic about their ability to reach consensus on vexing tax and spending issues and avoid the impending "fiscal cliff."
Just weeks before an end of year deadline -- when a series of income tax cuts are set to expire just as billions in automatic spending cuts stipulated in the 2011 debt ceiling deal will take effect -- House and Senate leaders suggested they had made progress during their first meeting with President Barack Obama since he won re-election last week.
President Barack Obama meets with congressional leaders for first round of talks aimed at avoiding tax hikes and spending cuts. NBC's Danielle Leigh reports.
"I think we're all aware that we have some urgent business to do," Obama said at the top of the meeting, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to his right and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to his left.
That urgency, apparently, was not lost on Republican and Democratic leaders who appeared jointly after the hourlong meeting to express their optimism that a deal was within reach. The word of the day was "constructive," a term which each leader used to describe their talks on Friday.
"I feel very good about what we were able to talk about in there," said Reid. "We have the cornerstones of being able to work something out."
Boehner, the GOP speaker who faces a tough task in convincing conservatives to sign off on any final deal, referenced a framework he's offered tying tax reform to changes in entitlement programs as keeping with Obama's own goals.
House Speaker John Boehner, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Mitch McConnell speak outside the White House Friday following their fiscal meeting with President Barack Obama.
"I believe that the framework that I've outlined is consistent with the president's call for a fair and balanced approach," he said following the meeting.
Both Obama and Republican leaders in Congress have sketched broad outlines for the type of deal on which they could agree. The president has insisted that wealthier Americans share a higher tax burden as part of any deal's outcome, an idea on which he campaigned against GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
"Our challenge is to make sure that we are able to cooperate together, work together, find some common ground, make some tough compromises, build some consensus to do the people's business," the president said at the top of the meeting, adding later: "My hope is this is going to be the beginning of a fruitful process where we're able to come to an agreement that will reduce our deficit in a balanced way and deal with some of the long-term impediments to growth."
Boehner's office suggested after the meeting that the leaders' focus would turn to setting long-term targets on levels of taxing, spending and entitlement reform that could be presented to lawmakers after Thanksgiving.
Pool / Getty Images
President Barack Obama shakes hands with Speaker of the House John Boehner during a meeting with bipartisan group of congressional leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on November 16, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Republicans have said they are open to new revenue, as long as it is the byproduct of tax reforms that lower rates and close loopholes and limit deductions. Boehner has also said tax reforms should be linked with steps toward shoring up the solvency of entitlement programs.
"I can say on the part of my members that we fully understand that you can't save the country until you have entitlement programs that fit the demographics of a changing America in the coming years," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., following the meeting. "We're prepared to put revenue on the table provided we fix the real problem, even though most of my members -- I think, without exception -- believe we're in the dilemma we're in not because we tax too little, but because we spend too much."
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"The president and the leadership had a constructive meeting and agreed to do everything possible to find a solution that averts the so-called 'fiscal cliff.' and to work together to find a balanced approach to reduce our deficit that includes both revenues and cuts in spending and encourages our long-term economic and job growth," White House press secretary Jay Carney said of the meeting. "Both sides agreed that while there may be differences in our preferred approaches, we will continue a constructive process to find a solution and come to a conclusion as soon as possible."
President Obama says he and congressional leaders are aware of the "urgent business" at hand and are prepared to "work together" and "make tough compromises" to come to an agreement that will reduce deficit, encourage economic growth and protect middle class families. He also whishes House Speaker John Boehner a very happy 'bipartisan' birthday.
That August 2011 debt deal produced the series of automatic spending cuts, known as the "sequester," as part of the deal to extract an agreement to raise the debt limit. The sequester would inflict heavy and immediate cuts, especially to the defense budget, and was designed purposefully as such to offer lawmakers a political incentive to reach some sort of fiscal alternative.
Complicating matters are the 2001 Bush income tax cuts, which were extended for two years by Obama in 2010, which are set to automatically expire (along with a payroll tax break) at the end of this year.
But talks over how to best address the looming sequester stalled for much of 2012, putting lawmakers now against a heard deadline to reach a deal. Economists have worried that the combined effect of tax hikes and spending cuts would have a perilous effect on the economy.
Adding to the encouraging signs, both Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., suggested that they could reach a deal before the end of the year. In Pelosi's case, she urged her colleagues to adopt a deadline before Christmas.
Lawmakers are away from Washington on recess for the Thanksgiving holiday next week, during which, Reid said, talks would continue on how to best address the fiscal cliff. He said the leaders hoped to meet with Obama again shortly after the break.


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On July 15, 1410, one of the most important battles took in the later middle ages. Fought between Tannenberg and the nearby village of Grünwald, Polish and Lithuanian forces under Ladislaus II (Wladyslaw Jagiello) halted the eastward expansion of the Teutonic Knights. For a detailed description of this battle, please see http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/matthaywood/. This account of the battle was written sixty years afterwards, by Jan Dlugosz, who served as the secretary to the Bishop of Cracow.
The Grand Master sends the king two swords. Wladyslaw Jagiello gives the signal to battle (1410)
Mikolaj, the deputy chancellor of the Polish Kingdom, having received the royal order, went to the supply columns, and the king intended to put on his helmet and march off to battle. Suddenly, two heralds were announced, led under the protection of Polish knights in order to avoid an act of aggression. One of them, from the Roman king, had a black eagle on a gold field in his coat of arms, and the other, from the Szczecin duke, had a red griffin on a white field. They came out of the enemy's army carrying unsheathed swords in their hands, demanding to be brought into the king's presence. The Prussian Master Ulryk sent them to King Wladyslaw, adding also an arrogant order to rouse the king to commence the battle without delay and to stand in ranks to fight. The Polish King Wladyslaw, having seen them and being convinced, as it indeed turned out, that they were coming with some new unusual deputation, ordered to call back Mikolaj, the deputy chancellor, and he listened to the deputation of the heralds in his presence and the presence of some lords who were ordered to guard the king's safety, namely: Siemowit, a younger Mazovian duke; his royal nephew, Jan Mezyk of Dabrowa; Czech Solawa, secretary Zbigniew Olesnicki; Dobieslaw Kobyla, Wolczek Rokuta, kitchen master Boguchwal and Zbigniew Czajka from Nowy Dwor, who carried the royal spear; Mikolaj Morawiec, who carried a small pennant; and Danilko from Ruthenia, who held the royal arrows – because Aleksander, the grand duke of Lithuania, could not be called on account of the hasty preparations for battle and the difficult duty of drawing up his ranks. And they, having somehow saluted the king, presented the contents of their deputation in German (Jan Mezyk served as interpreter) in the following words:
"Your Majesty! The Grand Master Ulryk sends you and your brother (omitting the name of Aleksander and the title of duke) through us, the deputies standing here, two swords for help so that you, with him and his army, may delay less and may fight more boldly than you have shown, and also that you will not continue hiding and staying in the forest and groves, and will not postpone the battle. And if you believe that you have too little space to form your ranks, the Prussian Master Ulryk, to entice you to battle, will withdraw from the plain which he took for his army, as far as you want, or you may instead choose any field of battle so that you do not postpone the battle any longer".
So much from the heralds. And it was noticed that during the deputies' speech the Teutonic army, confirming the statement conveyed by the heralds, withdrew to a much vaster field to give proof by deed of the truthfulness of the secret orders given to the heralds.
It was indeed a foolish statement and did not befit their rule. They did it as if they were convinced that fate and the destiny of each of them on that day depended on their plans and was in their power. And King Wladyslaw, having listened to the boastful and impudent words of the Teutonic deputies, accepted the swords from their hands, and without any anger or resentment, but with tears, responded without hesitation to the heralds, with strange humility, patience and modesty. "Even though", he said, "I do not need the swords of my enemies, as I have in my army a sufficient amount, however, in the name of God, for securing greater help, protection and defense in my just cause, I accept these two swords brought by you and sent by the enemies who desire my blood and my destruction as well as that of my army. I will turn to Him as to the most just avenger of pride, which is unbearable, to His Mother, the Virgin Mary, and to my patrons and those of my Kingdom: Stanislaw, Adalbert, Waclaw, Florian, and Jadwiga, and I will ask them to turn their anger against the enemies, the proud as well as the wicked, who cannot be appeased and led to peace by any just manner, by any modesty, by any of my requests, if they do not spill blood, do not tear out entrails and do not break necks. Placing my trust in the most sure defense of God and His saints, and in their steadfast help, I am sure that they will shield me and my people with their might and intercession and will not allow me and my people to succumb to the violence of such horrible enemies with whom I strove for peace so many times. I would not be reluctant to conclude it even at this moment, if only it could be done according to just conditions. I would withdraw the hand extended to battle even now, although I see that heaven most clearly foretells my victory in battle by the swords you have brought me. I do not at all claim the choice of a battlefield, but, as becomes a Christian and a Christian king, I leave it to God, wishing to have whatever place of battle and whatever outcome of the war that God's mercy and fate will determine for me today, hopeful that the heavens will put an end to the Teutonic relentlessness so that as a result, their wicked and unbearable pride will be defeated once and for all. For I am sure that heaven will support a more valid cause. On the field we tread, on which the battle will be waged, Mars, the mutual and just judge of war, will erase and humiliate the impudence of my enemies, which reaches to the skies". The two aforemen–tioned swords, sent out of pride by the Teutonic Knights to the Polish king, are kept to this day in the royal treasury in Cracow to remind us of and bear witness to the pride and defeat of the one side and the humility and triumph of the other.
The first encounter
When the reveilles began to sound, the whole Polish army sang with loud voices the native song 'Mother of God' and then, lifting spears, they threw themselves into battle. The first, however, who went to battle were the Lithuanian army, commanded by Duke Aleksander, who did not tolerate any delay. Mikolaj, the deputy chancellor of the Polish Kingdom, who intended to go with chaplains and scribes to the royal camps, had already disappeared out of the king's eyesight in a torrent of tears, when one of the scribes prompted him to stop for a moment and wait for the clash of these powerful armies, because it was indeed a rare sight that would never be seen again. He, agreeing, turned his eyes and face to the fighting ranks. And it was just at that moment that the two units clashed in the middle of the valley that separated the armies, and both sides raised a cry, as soldiers usually do before a battle. The Teutonic Knights tried in vain to hit and confuse the Polish units with a double shot from the cannons, even though the Prussian army ran to battle with a louder cry, greater speed and from a higher elevation. In the place where the encounter occurred, there were six high oak trees on whose trunks and branches many people climbed and sat – it was not dear if they were from the royal or Teutonic army – to watch from above the first encounter of the units and the fate of both armies. Because during the attack of the armies, breaking spears and armor hitting against each other produced such a great clatter and bang, and the clang of swords resounded so loudly, as if some huge rock had collapsed, that even those who were several miles away could hear it. Then knight attacked knight, armor crushed under the pressure of armor, and swords hit faces. And when the ranks dosed, it was impossible to tell the coward from the brave, the bold from the slow, because all of them were pressed together, as if in some tangle. They changed places or advanced only when the victor took the place of the defeated by throwing down or killing the enemy. When at last they broke the spears, all the units and armor clung together so tightly that, pushed by the horses and crowded, they fought only with swords and axes slightly, extended on their handles, and they made a noise in that fighting that only the blows of hammers can raise in a forge. And among the knights fighting hand to hand only with swords, one could observe examples of great courage.
Wladyslaw Jagiello in danger
After the Lithuanian army was driven away, a light, mild rain sent up a powerful swirl of dust that covered the battlefield and fighters, and a fierce battle broke out again between the Polish and Prussian armies in many areas. As the Teutonic Knights were striving hard for victory, the big standard of the Polish King Wladyslaw with the white eagle in the coat of arms, carried by the Cracow standard-bearer, the knight Marcin of Wrocimowice of the Polkozic clan, fell to the ground under the enemy's pressure. But the knights fighting under it, the most battle-seasoned knights and veterans, raised it immediately and put it in its place, not allowing its destruction. It would not have been possible to raise if it had not been for the outstanding unit of the bravest knights, who defended it with their own bodies and arms. And the Polish knights, trying to erase the infamous insult, attacked the enemy in the most furious way, and routed them completely, cutting down all these forces that dashed with them.
Meanwhile, the Teutonic army, which made chase after the fleeing Lithuanians and Ruthenians, considering themselves victorious, was heading to the Prussian camp, leading a crowd of captives. Seeing, however, that a very fierce and bloody battle was taking place, they abandoned the captives and spoils, and threw themselves into the vortex of the battle to help their own, who at that moment were fighting with less intensity. Thanks to the help of the new fighting men, the battle between the two armies grew more fierce. And when on both sides a lot of men fell down and the Teutonic army suffered heavy losses, when confusion began in its units, when its leaders perished, it was expected that the Teutonic army would be inclined to run away. But thanks to the persistence of the Teutonic Knights and the Order as well of the Czech and German knights, the battle which was weakening in many places was renewed.
During the fierce battle between the two armies, the Polish King Wladyslaw stood nearby observing the courage of the fighters, and having put his trust in God's mercy, he confidently expected the retreat and final rout of the enemies, whom he saw shattered and defeated in many places. Meanwhile, sixteen new, untouched, not yet battle-scarred regiments of the enemy entered into battle under their standards. When their ranks turned toward the Polish king, standing only with his bodyguard, it seemed that they aimed at him with their outstretched spears. And the king, convinced that the enemy's army threatened his life, especially because of a small number of knights surrounding him, and fearing mortal danger, sent his secretary, Zbigniew of Olesnica, to the regiment of his courtiers fighting nearby, with the order to come quickly to his rescue, to protect their king from the mortal danger he would face if help did not come at once. This regiment was dose enough to engage the hostile forces. But a king's knight, Mikolaj Kielbasa of the Nalecz clan, one of those fighting in the first rank, aimed his sword at secretary Zbigniew, the king's messenger, scolding him loudly and ordering him to leave: "Poor wretch", he said, "don't you see that the enemies are attacking us? And you compel us to abandon the battle, just about to begin, and go to defend the king? Wouldn't it be like escaping from the ranks, turning tail to the enemy, and endangering both ourselves and the king if our forces broke down?" Zbigniew of Olesnica, chased away by these harsh words, with–drew from the court regiment which surrounded him, and the king's men at once engaged their enemies, and fighting very fiercely they crushed and smashed the enemies. After returning to the king, Zbigniew of Olesnica reported that all the knights were engaged in battle and added that the knights, fighting or waiting for the battle, would not be persuaded to do anything, nor would they follow any order. Zbigniew reported to the king that he could not convince any units involved in the battle, since they would not listen to arguments or orders on account of the noise and confusion.
A small royal standard carried behind the king, with the white eagle on the red field as the coat of aims, was farsightedly removed so as not to betray that the king was there. It was hidden on the order of the king's bodyguard, and the surrounding knights shielded the king with their horses and bodies so that nobody would guess that he stood there. The king was eager to fight and, setting spurs to his horse, he attempted to cut into the tightest ranks of the enemies. The bodyguard restrained him with great effort, barring his way. The king lightly struck one of his bodyguards, Czech Solawa, with the tip of his spear, when Solawa firmly grabbed his horse's bridle, so that the king could not advance, and he had to ask him to let go so that he could fight. He finally withdrew, prevented by the firm and decisive command of the bodyguard, who declared that they would rather expose themselves to the worst danger than permit him to fight.
Meanwhile, a knight of German origin, Dypold Kokeritz of Ecber in Lusatia, ran out of the Prussian army on a red horse, dressed in a white coat, called in Polish a jakka, with a gold belt, and in full armor. He ran from the ranks of a bigger Prussian regiment, one among the sixteen regiments, to the place where the king stood, and waving his spear in full view of the Prussian army standing under sixteen standards, he intended, it seemed, to attack the king. When the Polish King Wladyslaw attempted to fight with him, waving his own spear, Zbigniew of Olesnica, the king's secretary, clashed with him, shielding the king from the blow, with a spear broken in half. He struck the German on the side and knocked him from his horse to the ground. With his spear, King Wladyslaw struck the knight, who lay on his back on the ground in convulsions, hitting him in the forehead, which was bare as his visor had opened, but left him intact. But the knights keeping guard over the king killed him immediately, and the foot soldiers pulled off his armor and clothes.
Did anyone manage to achieve anything more successful in this battle? Indeed there was nothing more brave and bold than the deed of Zbigniew. This man, without armor or arms, dared to fare an excellently armed knight in battle; a youth, virtually a boy, entered into battle with a mature man and veteran. With a spear broken in half he knocked away a very long spear of the enemy and, hurling an implacable enemy down from his horse, he eliminated the imminent danger hanging not only over the king but also over the whole army, if the king had fallen down and died. And when the Polish King Wladyslaw, listening to his bodyguard's words of praise in which they profusely extolled his courage, wanted to give him the knight's belt as a sign of favor and to reward his exceptionally praiseworthy deed, the noble youth did not agree to this laudable favor from the king, but when the king tried persistently to confer on him the rank of knight, he responded that he should be enlisted not in the secular army, but in the spiritual one and that he would prefer to fight always for Christ rather than for an earthly and mortal king. Then King Wladyslaw said: "Since you choose a better fate, if I win, to reward your deed, I will not fail to elevate you to the rank of bishop". From that time on, the king began to bestow on the aforementioned Zbigniew greater affection. Favored in everybody's presence with special consideration, he was in time to become the bishop of Cracow, thanks to the king's support. Pope Martin V granted him dispensation from the stigma he drew upon himself with this extraordinary deed.
The Teutonic army suffers defeat
It was from one of sixteen regiments of the Teutonic army that Kokeritz, a knight from Meissen, attempted to attack the king and died because of this thoughtless rather than brave deed. Seeing that the aforementioned knight Kokeritz was slain, the army began to withdraw at once, having been given a signal by a Teutonic Knight, a regiment commander, who was sitting on a white horse, giving to the knights in the first rank a signal to retreat with his spear and shouting in German: 'Herum, herum'. After turning back, the army moved towards the right side, where the bigger royal regiment was standing, which returned with some other royal regiments after finishing the slaughter of the enemy. The majority of the king's knights, having noticed the army positioned under sixteen standards, took them for the enemy's army, as was the case. The rest, succumbing to human weakness, prone to expect something better, maintained that it was the Lithuanian army because of the big number of light spears, called sulice; and did not attack them immediately, held back by uncertainty and disputes that arose among them. To put a stop to these disputes, Knight Dobieslaw of Olesnica,. from the clan called Debno, with a cross in their coat of arms, set spurs to his horse and charged alone, with a raised spear, toward the enemy. A Teutonic knight, a commander of the regiment and units, ran out from the Prussian cavalry toward him and cutting off the attacking Dobieslaw, with skillful motions of his lance pushed Dobieslaw's outstretched spear over his head and in the first moment avoided his blow. And Dobieslaw, seeing clearly that his blow had missed, and recognizing that it was risky and unwise to fight against the whole unit, returned quickly to his people. The Teutonic knight, who began to chase him, setting his spurs to his horse and aiming threateningly at Dobieslaw with his spear, struck only Dobieslaw's horse across the covering called a caparison, and wounded its loins, but not mortally, and quickly returned to his ranks, to avoid being captured by Polish knights.
And the Polish units, abandoning a hesitation which delayed them, threw themselves with many regiments at the enemy, who were positioned in sixteen regiments, in which found refuge also those who had suffered defeat under other banners, and the Poles waged a mortal battle against them. And although the enemies put up a resistance for some time, ultimately, surrounded by great numbers of the king's army, they were put to the sword and virtually all units fighting in the sixteen regiments either perished of were taken prisoner. After defeating and crushing the enemy's army, during which – as it is known – Grand Master Ulryk, marechals, commanders and all the more prominent knights and lords of the Prussian army perished, the remaining crowd of enemies beat a retreat and once they turned tail they began to run away with determination.
And the Polish king won a delayed and difficult victory, but one that was nonetheless full and decisive over the Grand Master and the Teutonic Order. It was then that the knight Jerzy Gersdorff, who carried the banner of Saint George in the Teutonic army and who preferred to be taken prisoner than to shamefully run away, stood in the way of Przedpelk Kropidlowski, a Polish knight of the Dryja clan, together with forty comrades in arms. He fell to his knees and was taken prisoner, like a knight, as was his wish, after also surrendering his banner. Two princes, who were helping the Teutonic knights with their own armies and under their own banners, were taken prisoner: Kazimierz of Szczecin was taken by Skarbek of Gora; Konrad Bialy of Olesnica by Czech Jost of Salc. In addition, many knights from different armies and of various nationalities were taken prisoner. A considerable number of knights who escaped from the Prussian units found refuge behind the Prussian supply columns and in the camp. Attacked fiercely by the king's army as it fought its way into the supply columns and to the camp, they perished or were taken prisoner. Also the enemy's camp, filled with all kinds of riches and wagons, as well as all the possessions of the Prussian master and of his army, were plundered by the Polish knights. They found in the Teutonic camp several heavy wagons loaded with fetters and chains which the Teutonic knights had brought to shackle the Polish prisoners, since they had promised themselves a sure victory, without considering God's intervention and without thinking about the battle, but only about a triumph. They also found other wagons full of pine fire-brands soaked with tallow and tar, also arrows greased with tallow and tar, with which they were going to chase the defeated and escaping soldiers. In their delusion caused by pride, they were too eager to anticipate an outcome which rested in God's hands, not leaving any room for God's power. But according to God's just verdict, obliterating their pride, the Poles were putting them in those fetters and chains. It was an event worth watching, and also surprising, when it comes to pondering matters concerning human fate, that the lords were put in their own fetters and chains, which they themselves had prepared, and the enemies' wagons, amounting to several thousands, were plundered within a quarter of an hour by the king's army, to such a degree that not a trace was left of them.
In addition, there were many barrels of wine in the camp and on the Prussian wagons, which the king's army, exhausted by toils of battle and summer heat, descended upon after defeating the enemy, in order to quench their thirst. Some knights quenched their thirst by scooping up the wine with their helmets, others used gloves, and still others boots. And the Polish King Wladyslaw ordered the wine barrels destroyed and smashed, fearing that his army, if they got drunk with wine, could become inefficient and be easily defeated by a cowardly enemy, if somebody had enough courage to begin a battle, and also that the army could become prone to sickness and weakness. When, following the king's order, the barrels were quickly smashed, the wine flowed over the corpses of the dead, a big pile of them in the place where the enemy's camp was. It was seen flowing mixed with the blood of the dead people and the horses in a red stream up toward the meadows of the Stebark village and because of the swift current, it formed a streambed. They say that it gave rise to tall stories among the people, to stories that described how in that battle so much blood was spilled that it flowed like a stream.
Later they found not far from the enemy's camp in a little forest covered with trees that we call birches, seven Teutonic banners left by the fleeing army, carefully stuck in the ground, which were immediately carried to the king. The commander of Tuchola, Henryk, who had ordered two swords to be carried in front of him and would not be swayed from this proudful order by his good advisors, when he arrived in Wielchniowa in his shameful escape from the battlefield, was caught by his pursuers and died in a pitiful way, by decapitation, and suffered a terrible but just punishment for his lack of reason and his pride. Some pious and humble men, who were allowed to see it by God's mercy, saw in the air during the battle an illustrious man clothed in a bishop's robes, constantly blessing the Polish army, as long as the battle went on and the victory was on the side of the Poles. It was believed that it was Saint Stanislaw, bishop of Cracow, patron of the Poles and the first martyr, thanks to whose intercession and help the Poles, as is known, won this famous victory.
Pursuit of the fleeing Teutonic Knights
After smashing the enemy's supply column, the king's army came to a hill, on which stood the enemy's permanent camp, and they saw many enemy units and detachments scattering in escape, and the light reflecting off their armor, which nearly all of them wore. The Polish army continued chasing them, entered wet meadows, threw themselves at the enemies and defeated the handful that had dared to offer resistance. Following the king's order to the knights to end the slaughter, they chased the remaining unit, not allowing any bloody outrages. It was then that the Polish king gave a sign to order the knights to chase the fleeing enemies, having admonished them to refrain absolutely from slaughter. The pursuit stretched for many miles. The handful that had taken flight earlier escaped. Many knights were captured and brought to the camp and the victors treated them with leniency. The next day they were handed over to the king. Because of the crowding and pushing, many drowned in a pond, two miles from the battle scene. The approaching night interrupted the pursuit. Fifty thousand enemies perished in that battle, and forty thousand were taken prisoner. It was reported that 51 banners were taken. The victors became rich with the enemy's booty. Although I am convinced that it is a difficult thing to count exactly how many of the enemies perished, however the road was covered with corpses for many miles, the soil was soaked with the blood of the dead, and the air was filled with the cries of the dying and of the moaning.
This text is from Polish Literature from the Middle Ages to the End of the Eighteenth Century: A Bilingual Anthology, selected and translated by Michael J. Mikos (Waszawa: Constans, 1999). We thabk Michael Mikos for his permission to republish this section. Those interested in this book should contact the publisher at: email@example.com


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Give an Hour: Helping Veterans Cope with the Psychic Toll of War
Barbara Van Dahlen's Give an Hour pairs returning troops and their families with free mental health services so that they never have to struggle alone.
It was another hot, sticky summer day in Bethesda, Maryland, five years ago, and Barbara Van Dahlen was driving her daughters, Gracie and Mira, then 9 and 5, to swim practice. Gracie looked out the car window and saw a man in army fatigues holding a sign that read: Homeless Vietnam Vet. Please Help. God Bless. "My daughter asked, 'Mommy, how can we let this happen to a veteran?'" says Barbara, now 51. "I knew right then I couldn't let my daughters grow up wondering why we didn't do anything to help. I thought, if someone needed to step up, it might as well be me."
Barbara was raised in the shadow of war—her father was a World War II veteran. "My dad never talked about his experiences," she says. "But he always stressed integrity, honor, and service." She also grew up during the Vietnam War, and was well aware of its psychic toll. "Many of the local boys in our little rural California town were drafted and a lot of them didn't come back," she says. "Those who did were changed. I was still young when the war ended, but I could see even then that many of them were in terrible emotional pain."
Being a psychologist, Barbara knew she had the expertise to help. "We have so much more knowledge about stress now," she says. "We can do a better job with our men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan." Her idea was to create a national network of mental health professionals who would provide free ongoing counseling services. "When someone goes to war and sees and experiences unimaginable horrors, it takes a toll on his mind," she says. "Not everyone is severely damaged, but we need to wrap our arms around the ones who are." In a matter of weeks Barbara had assembled a board and recruited volunteers to help create a Web site. Give an Hour (GAH) became an official nonprofit in January 2006, and had 1,200 volunteers providing counseling by May 2008.
Its task is enormous. Since 2001 more than 1.9 million troops have been deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf, and nearly 40 percent more than once. At least 20 percent of returning personnel experience severe depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the suicide rate in the armed forces is the highest it's ever been. At the same time, only about half of suffering returnees seek treatment. "The military is doing more than they ever have, but the system is complicated," Barbara says. "And while they're trying to get out the message that it's courageous rather than shameful to go for counseling, that perspective hasn't always filtered down the ranks." GAH fills in the gap, working as a separate organization but with the government's approval. "We're here to collaborate and coordinate," says Barbara.
The nonprofit provides treatment for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, sexual health and intimacy issues, family problems, and loss and grieving. Relatives are also eligible for assistance. "We define 'family' as any person who loves someone affected by the wars," Barbara says, which includes unmarried life partners and close friends. "I'm especially concerned about the children and younger siblings of the veterans, knowing how the effects of trauma can trickle down within families," she explains. "An angry or withdrawn member of the household affects everyone."
Now over 5,000 licensed mental health professionals representing all 50 states have registered to participate, each person donating an hour a week. Clients use a zip code finder on the Web site to locate providers in their area, choosing from particular specialties, such as marital counseling or PTSD. Or they can answer a brief questionnaire that will guide them to the right service. The therapists determine how often they see a client and for how many sessions, with no restrictions on length of treatment. Volunteer therapists are required to commit to one year but most stay longer.
To expand services and get the word out, GAH now has a staff doing outreach, consulting with other nonprofits and providing educational programs. It has teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide counselors for kids who have a parent currently deployed, and with AARP to recruit seniors to assist military families. This fall it also launched Community Blueprint, which helps local leaders develop ongoing support for military families.
Barbara relies on several corporate sponsors, gifts from individual donors, grants, and small fundraisers to meet expenses like printing brochures for marketing. Her favorite fundraiser is Swim for the Troops, because her daughters, both competitive swimmers, have helped organize it for the past four years. Last July nearly 100 children—many of them Gracie's and Mira's friends—participated, raising almost $1,500. "It's important that we all help military families," Gracie says. "Thanks to my mom, I'm aware of what our soldiers do and how much they give. I want to make sure that people are thankful for that." Barbara met her husband, Randy Phelps, PhD, through Give an Hour—he is a deputy executive director at the American Psychological Association. "Give an Hour is a family passion for us," says Barbara. "My girls are both very proud to help, whether it's stuffing envelopes or organizing the swim meet."
As GAH evolves, Barbara hopes they will continue consulting with the government to improve mental health services to veterans. Last year Barbara was invited to the White House to speak about the subject. She also gave a presentation to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. "We want it to be automatic that our military men and women come home and get the right kind of support; it shouldn't be a stigmatized endeavor," she says. "By accepting help, they can really change the way our culture views the mental health consequences of war. If we all give a little bit, we can do a lot."
Volunteers wanted: Licensed mental health professionals can sign up to become providers at giveanhour.org. Give an Hour also needs support—including financial—in other areas, like outreach, education, marketing/public relations, and administration; e-mail email@example.com to learn more.
At Your Service
Often it happens that a friend or family member who needs therapy refuses to go. Rather than nag or pressure the person, you should reach out to a counselor. As your loved one sees you developing a relationship with a counselor, he may take your concern more seriously and, since you've taken the first step, feel safer coming with you or going on his own. If you still meet resistance, your counselor should be able to help you find the right language. "What's most effective is to use loving, hopeful words to state that you see the pain they're in and that you want to help," Barbara Van Dahlen explains. "Say, 'I'm in this with you, and we'll figure it out together.' That's a powerful message for someone who is struggling."
Find Help
- Give an Hour, giveanhour.org
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, va.gov
- Tricare, tricare.mil
- American Psychiatric Association, psych.org
- American Psychological Association, apa.org
- National Association of Social Workers, naswdc.org
- Mental Health America, nmha.org
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, aamft.org
- State departments of mental health; community mental health centers
Originally published in the November 1, 2010, issue of Family Circle magazine.


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Any newspaper reporter worth his or her salt is a keen observer, and by that I mean very little ever slips by unnoticed.
It does happen, though.
Nov. 1, for example, while Colorado branch of Volunteers of America was honoring The Denver Post's fashion editor, Suzanne Brown, at the inaugural Service with Style luncheon.
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The chit-chat continued as the waitstaff did its thing. It was so engaging that Brown barely looked up as one particularly good-looking waiter leaned down to put her plate on the table.


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We begin our twisted tale under the cover of night. The crickets are chirping, the monkeys are sleeping, and a weary and exhausted tribe returns without it's spiky haired Svengali. Before we were given proper time to grieve and weep dramatically into pillows, we were confronted with a 14 yr old Asian boy telling us about how he's in charge and how he controls the entire game. Look Karate Kid, you may be good at that one-legged kicking thing, but your "instilling fear in others" and personal humility needs a little work. So while Kobayashi is busy telling us how he'll eat all the hot dogs and rule this tribe with a iron fist, Crazy Pants (Holly) is in her bunk listening to the sweet sounds of Life Coach Clam Shell free radio. It's sort of like Christian Radio only without all the bad rock music and Jesus stuff. It's uplifting and delivers messages of hope. Tonight's broadcast is all about how Crazy Pants is going to win this game. "Take out the prepubescent Asian boy", it says. "Stop him from advancing any further!" With her mission received, Crazy Pants salutes the tiny crustacean and tiptoes over to Jungle Jane's bunk to begin planting the necessary seeds. Jungle Jane doesn't even need a nudge as she's surprisingly receptive to the plan and ready to get Mowgli (Brenda, formerly known as Ninja Warrior) out of this game once and for all. No more Mr. Nice Guy. It's time to slit some throats and watch people squirm. *throws glitter in the air* Hooray! Crazy Pants and Jungle Jane clink their estrogen bottles together and wait until dawn to put their plan into motion.
Back on top of the Earth's crust in the fresh air, we find Crazy Pants staring into the ill-placed fire and preparing to stage her coup. I don't know if it was the pretty orange flames or the clam shell tucked inside her bra, but somehow it's finally dawned on her that even though she didn't have the most illustrious start in this game, she could definitely have a rootin' tootin' hell of a finish with no less than a million smackeroos in her pocket. With this new realization comes a confidence Crazy Pants has never had before. She's standing up a little straighter. She's no longer doing that shifty unsure eye thing she did before. She has purpose now and, strike me dead if I'm lying, but it's growing on me. It's kind of, ummm, charming. I know, I know... this is Crazy Pants we're talking about here! But, you know what? I like the wide determined eyes and the half skip-half walk thing she does when she's excited. She's getting shit done and she speaks with purpose. Can I really hate that? I don't think so.
So anyhow, Crazy Pants pulls Loverboy (Benry) into the woods and tells him point blank, "Sash and Brenda are in total control of everything." Loverboy lets it sink in for a second and then says, "You know what? You're right. They are running everything!" And with that Crazy Pants has another recruit. Boom. Bam. Done. Onto the next victim... Rainbow Brite (Chase). Rainbow Brite doesn't like these overcast days. They make his hair frizz and his petticoats hang limply. So when Crazy Pants approaches him, she doesn't find him in exactly the best of moods. With no fuss or muss Crazy Pants says, "Brenda is the ringleader!" Rainbow Brite can only stare into the trees and furiously fan himself in response. Mowgli was his first true love! How can he turn away from her and be a part of her demise? He decides he can't so he suggests they get rid of Loverboy instead. Crazy Pants shakes her head defiantly and says, "I think you're wrong." She whips out the notepad in her pocket and writes in thick child-like scrawl, "Chase=not good. Keeps eyes on him." She puts the notepad back her in pocket and without turning her back to Rainbow Brite, slowly steps away.
Norma starts off the conversation talking about how alliances are being reshuffled and for the first time ever he's out of the loop. Mowgli chimes in and says she regrets the last vote. The clean cut gentleman on the bench smiled and nodded and that's when I saw it... the evil glint! It was faint, but it's still there. By God, it's still there. Mowgli starts talking about trust and all I'm thinking is "shut up shut up shut up shut up". The lazy voice, the unflinching forehead, the smug little look of superiority... I'm over it. My only regret is not changing her name to Mowgli sooner.
Then we get to the best part of Tribal Council ever. Dimples asks Insignificant Kelly to weigh in with her twenty years of experience. This was Kelly's reply, "Um, me? Yeah so ok, experience. I think that, well, ok, I think that... this is all... I feel out of the loop. Yeah, loop. Completely! My wheels are turning. The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. The wheels on the bus go round and round all through the town. Game plan... I'm like... It's so enlightening! Really!" Then she collapsed into a pile of dust and a breeze carried her away. *waves* Bye Insignificant Kelly. Thanks for chiming in.
Dimples rolled his eyes, wiped the dust off his face, and then asked Mowgli if she scrambled at all or even gave the faintest glimpse of an idea that she was trying to stay in the game. Mowgli goes into her whole "scrambling is a sign of desperation" speech and again I thought, "shut up shut up shut up shut up". A stunned Dimples asks, "Is scrambling beneath you?" I chuckled to myself, snorted some gin out my nose and chortled, "Good one Dimples!"
OK so everyone votes and it's Idol time. Dimples asks for it and all eyes were on Norma. Every. Single. Person. Stared. At. Norma... even Mowgli! With my heart in my throat and a gin coolie in my hand, I waited... and waited... and waited. Norma doesn't give it to Mowgli! He just sits there! It was bee-you-tee-full! Thank you Norma! You're back in my good graces again. So yeah, the Asian boy went home and Mowgli is the 11th person voted out and the 3rd member of the Jury.
So, what did you guys think last night? Are your loyalties all screwed up like mine are? Could Crazy Pants actually win this thing? Does a Jughead, Crazy Pants, Nanook finale actually sound not so bad? Were you also worried about Life Coach Clam Shell in that fire (say yes)? Comment it out bitches and have a great day!
Next week is a recap episode and Thanksgiving so no blog until two weeks from today. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Travel safe and stuff yourselves silly. If you've enjoyed what I've done here so far this season, please click on my PayPal button on the right hand side of the page and show your girl some love. Thanks bitches!
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