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Categories > Cartoons > X-Men: Evolution > Sinister Soldiers
Sight Unseen0 Reviews
The Evo world is forever turned upside down when a man named Dr. Nathanial Essex begins a project known as Shadow Cell from which the lives of Scott, Jean, Vincent, Wanda, and X23 are changed forev...
Chapter 20: Sight Unseen
After countless hours of seemingly unending training session, the five mutant soldiers of Shadow Cell were finally given a little break. Their already rigorous schedule had truly been taken to another level since news of the sentinel fiasco spread and naturally, it didn't take long for it to reach the five mutant soldiers, who had only been given short, bare bones briefings on the matter from Dr. Essex. They were never really told much about the details, for protocol dictated that they only be told what was necessary for them to know. But they had grown used to such feelings over the years since as soldiers, it wasn't their duty to know...Only their duty to act.
But for now, they simply used what little time they had to unwind from the incessant complications of their lives whether it be through missions or training. They were all gathered in their specially designated break room where they usually relaxed and recuperated from the rigors of their training. In this room, there were allowed to do things like read, chat, and even play a few games. Their selection wasn't too broad though. They were only allowed books that had to do with war, each magazine they had was highly censored so as to keep them ignorant of trivial information, and the games they were given were only those which helped build one's mind like chess, checkers, and even a few card games.
As always, there were GURSO soldiers present during their break time, but for the most part, they were there just as a formality. They were still allowed to talk, relax, and do whatever they could to help them unwind. At the moment, Jean and X23 were simply enjoying a game of chess at one of the tables while Scott and Wanda sat on the couch adjacent to them reading a couple of magazines. Sitting in a chair near the bookcase was Vincent, who preferred real books as opposed to magazines, and today he was reading a book he had been trying to finish for some time now. It was entitled "The Five Rings," by Miyamoto Musashi, and it was a book he found deeply intriguing for it's value in terms of battlefield knowledge and philosophy. With concepts like timing and strategy and an emphasis on the warrior spirit, the book spoke volumes to young Vincent and it had quickly become one of his favorite reads. Given that it was written by an ancient samurai warrior, it was something that resonated with him in a powerful manner. And being that he was the philosophical one of the group, it seemed appropriate that he find a great deal of intrigue with this...For in reading it, he often found himself thinking back to some of the things Mr. Kansuke had taught him and the ideas Magnum later build upon.
"Man, can you believe what some of these people write?" commented Wanda as she looked over a recent issue of Newsweek magazine, "It's like they focus more on celebrities than real conflict."
"Yeah, I know..." said Scott with a slight chuckle, "It hardly seems balanced."
"Who would want to know about what some bimbo wore to some big movie premier anyways?" she wondered, "Is that really as important as say...The small little article about North Korea conducting secret trade deals with Latveria?"
"I don't know, Wanda..." said Jean as she made another move on the chess board, "I guess some people would rather focus on something trivial like celebrities, scandals, and what not rather than focus on the more serious side of the news."
"In other words...Ignorance is bliss," said X23 as she countered Jean's move.
"Yeah, I guess it's only natural that people wouldn't want to focus on things that could potentially frighten them," said Vincent as he turned another page in his book, "And in addition, it makes our jobs and the jobs of everybody else in the super secret world a lot easier."
"Definitely..." said Scott as he looked through an article in a recent issue of Time magazine, "And it's kind of funny really. Sometimes I see articles in these things that we were behind. Like get this...That little incident we took part in with that Columbian drug lord who tried to buy a nuclear weapon from the Russian mob is mentioned in here as just a 'major drug bust.'"
Upon hearing that, a round of laughter arose from the five mutant soldiers, which was rare for them, but it was something they still experienced from time to time. And when it did happen, it made them feel less like drones and more like human beings...Which was something they all wanted to hang onto, for that's part of what made them function so well as a unit and as soldiers.
"Major drug bust my ass..." said Jean with a grin as she made another move on the chess board, "That deal almost left Bogotá a smoking crater!"
"Yep...But we stopped it," said X23 with pride as she once again countered Jean's move, staying on the offensive.
"And we did it with style," said Wanda, who couldn't help but shake her head in amusement at some of the influence she and her comrades had exacted upon the world without anybody knowing it.
Once the laughter died down, things fell silent again...But the notion of them having such great influence upon world events without anybody outside world of black programs knowing about it still lingered with them. One day they were in the Hindu Kush stopping a killer virus from being released and a day later, here they are sitting together casually reading and playing games together as if they were a family. It was sobering in some ways...But rather humorous in others.
"Man we really are something, you know?" said Scott, letting out another chuckle as he reread the article.
"What do you mean babe?" said Jean as she made another move, hoping to send X23 back on the defensive with her bishop.
"I mean look at us...Sitting around here, joking about how we saved the world," he said, "The rest of the world doesn't have a clue...But for us, it's just part of our lives."
"Well when you put it like that..." said X23 with a slight chuckle, "I guess it does sound a bit odd. I mean, the way we go about our jobs is just so crazy at times."
"And yet, we manage," said Vincent casually, keeping his eyes on his book.
"But we don't just manage..." argued Scott, "We live it...We embrace it."
"Well it's what we do," said Wanda as she closed her magazine, thinking she had just about read enough useless babble for one day, "We fight, we train, we manage this life together. And when you think about it...We're almost like a family in how we do things."
There were some mixed feelings among the five mutant soldiers upon hearing that. The word 'family' had always had some pretty rough connotations. Scott, Jean, and Vincent had lost their families, Wanda's had abandoned her, and X23 never even had one to begin with. But in the context of what a family was and how it functioned...It really did kind of make sense to them that this is what they were at heart.
Whether they were in the heat of battle, training and honing their skills to perfection, or simply lounging around just like this...It all resonated so strongly in their minds. As a unit, they trusted each other with their lives...But as a family, they were close in a way that no mere comrade could ever ascertain. And with that thought in mind, the five mutant soldiers of Shadow Cell took a great deal of comfort in such closeness.
"Family..." said X23, feeling a strange, yet warm sensation within her as she looked back at the four friends who had helped her become human, "Yeah...I can see that."
"Me too..." said Jean with a smile as she looked back at Wanda.
"Same here..." said Vincent as he closed his book and shifted his gaze towards the woman that so often made things easier for him, "I guess we are a family in every way that matters. Family is what you make of it...It's the people you know will always be there for you."
"And after everything we've been through together, I think I can safely say that as messed up as our lives are in many ways...At least we still have a family to help us every step of the way," said Scott, who couldn't help but smile as he looked back at the people who had filled that hole that had been left in his heart since that fateful day in the skies over Alaska.
"Amen to that!" said Jean as she made one final move, "Check mate..."
"Damn..." said X23 with a sigh as she looked at the trap she had walked right into, "Best two out of three."
"You're on!" said Jean as they began to reset the pieces.
Then suddenly, before another game could begin, the door to the lounge was opened and the five mutant soldiers quickly stopped what they were doing and instinctively took their usual, respectful poise...For Magnum, their trusted teacher and mentor, had stepped in with a simple, yet vital message for her pupils.
"It's time..."
With a course of action finally given to them by the higher ups, the General called in an impromptu meeting for the five mutant soldiers that had served the organization so well. His trip to Washington had been cancelled in light of the mass chaos caused by the sentinel incident and a new set of priorities now dominated for the super secret program. This wasn't the first time such a meeting had taken place as a result of a crisis, but this was by far one of the most serious gatherings thus far for Shadow Cell.
As with all meetings, there was a great deal of protocol that the five mutant soldiers had to follow before heading into the aptly named War Room where they got most of the details concerning each mission. It was a very advanced area of the facility and was usually forbidden for any of them, the five mutant soldiers included, to tread anywhere near it because of the sensitive nature of the data that was being processed. It was here where much of the information that was gathered from all over the world from many different branches of the intelligence web was compiled and analyzed by an elaborate team of analysts that worked almost as long as the soldiers did to keep up with the flow of data. And given the magnitude of this situation, they had been putting in even more time as the mutant phenomenon took a firm hold of both government and society.
Of all the rooms, this one required the most GURSO soldiers to guard. Even thought it was always an annoyance for the General and Dr. Essex since they never questioned the loyalty of the team, the Colonel insisted upon it. Now, Scott, Jean, Vincent, Wanda, and X23 were standing in a well lit area in front of a long table with the General, the Colonel, and Dr. Essex at the head along with many other subordinate officers surrounding them. And as with pretty much ever other part of their lives at the base, GURSO soldiers kept their guns pointed directly at them the whole time as the meeting commenced.
"Greetings once again Shadow Cell. I see from your schedule that you all have been working quite hard this past week," said the General as the meeting drew into full swing.
"Yes sir," said Scott as he and his comrades stood firmly and respectfully to their superior officer, "At the request of our drill instructors, our regiment has been intensified quite significantly."
"Indeed, and there is most certainly a reason for that," said the General as he was handed a folder with a classified sticker on the front, "Now I won't bore you with the formalities at this point, but you all probably have a pretty good idea of why you're this meeting was called."
"However, for the sake of argument...We're going to keep this really short and simple because there's really only so much you need to know," added the Colonel, sounding somewhat more distasteful as the General shot him a dirty look, which he fully ignored.
Many more of the officers opened up their files as a readout of the current situation was displayed for all to bear witness to. It was complicated to say the least, but luckily that was Shadow Cell's specialty as the General took over once again.
"As you all know, last week a historic incident took place in downtown Manhattan at approximately 11:47 AM Eastern standard time," said the General as many of the other officers began to take down notes and read over the reports, "The now infamous sentinel fiasco that exposed mutants to the world has sent the higher ups back in Washington into a tailspin and the public's reaction has been far from accepting. Now we don't know all the details, but what we do know is that both mutants and a group of humans known as the Friends of Humanity are responsible. The Friends of Humanity built the sentinel to destroy mutants...And mutants exposed it and themselves in the process."
Images on a holographic projector with a team of mutants fighting off the giant robot then flashed before the five mutant soldiers. Much of the footage came from news reports, but after some of the clips played, new image files came up showing specific individuals that had been key players in the incident...That they knew of at least.
"Now first off...We'll give you all some of the good news," said the General as an image of Bolivar Trask, the man who created the sentinels came up on the hologram projector, "The man you see before you, Dr. Bolivar Trask, was the man behind the sentinel program and the founder of the Friends of Humanity, an anti-mutant group that seeks to eliminate all mutants. He's a former black ops program leader who was the best in his field when it came to robotics, but he was kicked out for radical idealism and theft of classified data which would later be used to construct the sentinel. But as a result of this incident, he has been arrested and imprisoned indefinitely while his group has been officially disbanded."
"However, that's not what we're concerned about here," said Dr. Essex as he took over while the General organized his papers and a new stream of images were displayed on the holographic projector, "Just because Trask and his organization was stopped doesn't mean that all is said and done. What has been concerning the government as of lately are the other individuals that were involved in that incident...The mutants who helped take him down."
Then, images of the X-men and the Brotherhood were shown on the projector and the five mutant soldiers knew to make mental notes of each of them, for they had a feeling that they were going to be a chief concern in the not too distant future.
"We know them by two main groups..." said the Colonel as he brought up more image files, "One group is known as the X-men...The other is known as the Brotherhood. The X-men are based in a large, secure school that preaches peace between humans and mutants...The Brotherhood is based in a run down boarding house and preaches a less pacifists view."
"So it's the Brotherhood we should be we should be worried about?" asked X23 as looked at some of the major differences between the X-men and the Brotherhood based on their data images.
"No...It's both you should be worried about," said the Colonel, "Now mutants everywhere are still scattered and living in the shadows, but these two groups already show the early signs of factions and ideology. And both sides have already sought to recruit other mutants."
"In other words, they're setting up sides..." said Wanda, thinking it sounded too much like a rebellion of sorts that she and the others were so used to dealing with.
"We don't know that just yet," said the General, not jumping to the same conclusions he knew the Colonel had already taken hold of, "We don't know much of anything about each group other than some personal data. Details on their mutant powers, aspects of their daily lives, and data on the overall operation of their respective groups are sketchy at best and we've only had the bare bones data to go on."
"And that, my children...Is why you're here," said Dr. Essex with a slight grin, "Your mission as of now is to go on a series of reconnaissance runs of each group over the course of the next week. You will be conducting concealed stakeouts and obtain photos of each facility and their members while also taking note of the powers and abilities of each mutant."
"You will each go out on a strictly undercover ops basis," added the Colonel, going on in greater detail, "That means no regular uniforms since you'll all have to blend in."
"Don't worry Colonel, we've done that before..." said Vincent, remembering all the times he and the others had to fly in to heavily populated areas around the world like Moscow and Hong Kong to carry out missions against concealed urban based enemies.
"Not in this respect you haven't," said the General, "You'll be going to the city of Bayville...A regular American city with regular American...In other words, it's a place none of you have ever operated in before. This isn't going to be some run and gun style infiltration in Tehran or Latveria, you're going to be amongst the average, regular Americans that you all have done so much to save. The big catch here is that you'll be monitoring other mutants and not terrorists or enemy soldiers. Now they all look like regular, ordinary people...But that's pretty much where the similarities end."
"In other words...This is a strictly incognito operation and you are to give absolutely no hint of your existence...No exceptions!" stipulated the Colonel.
"Yes sir, we know the drill," said Jean, for the Colonel had made it a habit of drilling that one detail into their heads time and time again.
"And see that you stick to it..." said the Colonel firmly.
Even though it wasn't the most polite or respectful way to get a point across, the five mutant soldiers nodded in affirmation that they understood the terms. Over the years, they had grown somewhat used to this with the Colonel, but that didn't make him any less of an annoyance.
"What about our guns?" asked X23, still not clear on what they'll have to work with in carrying out this mission.
"You'll be in a crowded, social environment at times...So you'll only be allowed to carry concealed side arms," answered the General.
"But you are NOT to use them unless it's absolutely, positively necessary," stated the Colonel, making sure they got the importance of that vital detail, "And that goes double for your powers unless it's necessary to carry out the mission. If at all we hear of any misuse...Then you all will face punishment. Is that understood?"
"Sir, yes sir!" they all said in perfect unison.
"Good..." said the General as he took over, "Now you're all to begin immediately since this is a high priority mission. You are to check in ever three hours via com-link and whatever data you compile must be secured on encrypted data disks. You will use a handheld XR1000 GPS mapping and computing device that will give you the scope of the entire area both within the city and around the facilities and you will also use it in conjunction with the disks in order to create the necessary reports on each mutant you observe. Now normally we'd try to get you some safe houses to stay in, but given the short notice of this mission, the best we could do was locate specific isolated areas outside the city for you to camp at. They're not far from the target, so you should be able to stay close to each group. Time is key here so we can't afford to squander any. We've already provided you with appropriate clothes, food rations, supplies, camp equipment, and transport, so good luck and Godspeed. Dismissed."
Upon hearing that, Scott, Jean, Vincent, Wanda, and X23 were led out of the room by a couple of lieutenants towards the main deployment area where they would undergo the usual protocols before they were released onto a mission. The rest of the officers present also got up to make their leave as well, but Dr. Essex, the Colonel, and the General all stayed behind for a brief word as the prospects of this mission.
"I noticed you didn't tell them everything we agreed upon Colonel," said the General as he pulled him off to the side away from curious listeners.
"The less they know, the less inclined they'll be to question anything," said the Colonel in response.
"I'm not concerned about that Colonel," stipulated the General in a somewhat annoyed tone, "Since when have they ever given us a reason not to trust them? They deserve to know as much as they can so they can better fulfill our mission and that includes some of the background data they were supposed to have on Xavier, Magneto, and the Brotherhood...Especially with Wanda."
"General...As shocking as it may be, I'm going to have to side with the Colonel on this one," said Dr. Essex.
"What?" both men said at the same time in a surprised tone.
"Dr. Essex, I thought..." began the General, but he wasn't allowed to finish.
"Yes, I know General...But for now, I think it would be best if the unit only occupy themselves with the most objective of details," said Dr. Essex in his highly refined tone, "You sometimes forget General...They are mutants. And this situation is entirely centered around mutants. They all know what they are and they all know how the world feels about them. And it is for that reason we must maintain their indifference even if it means leaving a few specified details out...And that includes keeping family issues like Wanda's out of the loop."
As much as Dr. Essex's words made sense, it was still strange that he was siding with the Colonel for a change since they had always been polar opposites since the early days of the project. The General still didn't agree with it since he had come to so greatly trust the five mutant soldiers that had dedicated their lives to their duty, but it was a little too late to change that now.
However, for Dr. Essex, there were plenty other reasons why he felt that the team should be kept in the dark about some of the more intimate details of what they were doing. In his mind, the less they knew the easier it would be for him when he finally puts his ultimate plan into action. Not to mention the fact that if Wanda found out about Magneto being the founder of the Brotherhood as well as her twin brother being a member, she may not take it very well. But that was a little tidbit he decided to keep sequestered for the time being, for it may come into play later.
"I see what you mean, Doctor...But still, don't you think that if they are to continue to trust us, we must also show that we trust them to do their duty?" asked the General.
"Indeed I do, sir...But with the way things are at the moment, I think it would be better if we kept it simple until the fury over the sentinel incident dies down," said Dr. Essex, sounding confident and certain of his position.
With a defeated sigh, the General conceded to the validity of what they were saying. He wasn't often swayed when it came to matters of protocol, but with everything being so messed up in general, it was probably for the best anyhow.
"I suppose you're right..." said the General, "But we have to consider what we tell them more closely with future missions...Especially if human/mutant tensions escalate."
"Oh don't be such a pessimist, General," said Dr. Essex in a more casual tone as he and the two officers made their way out of the room, "Let's just focus on the mission at hand with our strapping young lads out in the field once more and make sure we learn as much as we can about our latest point of interests. For who knows? Perhaps these X-men and Brotherhood will come into play later on..."
After leaving the War Room, the five mutants of Shadow Cell went through the usual protocols they had to follow before any mission. As always, they were repeatedly searched and monitored through numerous checkpoints as they made their way to a specific locker area where the clothing their superiors had carefully selected for them was laid out. It may have been a far cry from their usual uniforms, but they made no qualms about it as they got dressed, concealed their knives and firearms in special harnesses that would be worn under their shirts and along their legs, and retrieved the tools they were going to use during this mission.
Pretty much every detail about their appearance was made to help them blend in as with any other undercover spy mission...Only this time, it was somewhat strange because they were wearing clothes to make them look like regular, run of the mill Americans. Few missions ever required them to work like this. The only ones that did were the very rare missions where they would have to spy and infiltrate high risk terrorist groups that operated within the boarders of other Western countries like Germany and Sicily, but those kinds of missions were few and far between since they fell under the jurisdiction of other agencies like SHIELD and Interpol.
However, this time, the stakes were different and the situation was unlike anything they had ever encountered before. They were out to spy on mutants...Mutants just like them. They had never really come into contact with mutants with the exception of each other throughout the course of their lives as soldiers with only a few rare cases where their enemies had a psychic. But never before had they ever had to deal with mutants in a setting like this...Never before had they ever had to worry about mutants in a world like this since they officially didn't even exist up until a week ago. But, situation aside, it was another mission for Shadow Cell and they would carry it out like any other.
Once they were all properly dressed and outfitted with the necessary equipment, they were led by a sergeant towards a garage area where a single, mundane looking black sports car awaited them. It was no super sophisticated, high-tech spy car, but that really wasn't their style anyways. It only had a slightly supped up engine, a few compartments to store food and ammunition, and bore a special license plate that would keep them off the radar of local law enforcement. For the most part, the car would simply get them around and help them blend in, and that was more than enough for them.
As soon as they passed the final check point, they sent a confirmation signal to the General and the rest of the monitoring staff back in the heart of HQ and they were finally sent off in their regular looking sports car in their regular looking clothes. At first, they drove along poorly kempt dirt roads past all the security barriers that kept the vast Shadow Cell HQ hidden from the public eye. It took them a few hours before they even got onto a real road, but once they were on, the mission officially began.
"Damn it, do people really wear this shit?" asked X23 as she adjusted her somewhat uncomfortable red shirt, since she wasn't used to baggy clothing after all the skin tight combat uniforms that she had been wearing her whole life.
"Yeah, I know...It takes some getting used to," said Vincent, who was dressed in fairly loose fitting black shirt and dark blue jeans, "Then again, I haven't worn this stuff in years, so I wouldn't know."
"No kidding," said Wanda, also feeling a bit strange wearing regular baggy clothing that included a black shirt and black denim pants, "It's hard concealing weapons with American clothes since they've all become so damn loose and scant over the years. Hell, I almost prefer those burkas we had to wear back in Afghanistan. At least it was easy to hide weapons and blend in with those."
"Yeah, you could probably conceal an RPG launcher in those things," said Jean, who was wearing a simple loose red shirt and jeans.
"You can...I've done it before," said X23 in response.
"I don't doubt that," said Scott, who was dressed in dark blue shirt with black cargo pants, "But clothing aside, I doubt a mission like this will require anything near that kind of firepower. This is just a reconnaissance mission. If we do everything right, we won't have to fire a shot."
"And besides, you know how the Colonel feels about pyrotechnics," said Vincent, his tone growing somewhat distasteful at the mention of their least favorite commanding officer.
"Hey, pyrotechnics or not, he'll still find some way to yell at us when all it said and done," said Jean, rolling her eyes at the constant apprehension they had to endure at the hands of the Colonel.
"Well then let's not disappoint him, because I think the guy enjoys it," said Wanda as she finally stopped messing with her clothing once she was sure her guns and knife were secured and concealed.
"He probably does..." said Scott in agreement, "With any luck, he'll give himself a heart attack or stroke."
"Nah, he'll stay alive forever just to fuck with us," said Jean, "I think he sees that as his purpose in life as long as we're still breathing."
"Sucks for us...But then again, what else is new?" said Vincent as everybody began to settle in for the long three hour drive to Bayville.
In their minds, they began going over some of their many tasks that they were assigned to handle during this week long reconnaissance run. This was their first mission where mutants were the focus, but they had a feeling it wouldn't be the last. And for that reason, it was probably necessary for them to get up close and personal with these two groups that had garnered such interest among the organization. Neither of them knew what to expect, but then again, that was part of the job.
"So what do you think we'll find with these X-men and Brotherhood mutants?" asked X23 as they all mentally prepared themselves for the task at hand.
"I don't know X..." said Scott as he stayed focused on the road even as details of the mission ran through his mind, "There's no telling what either side will have in store for us...I mean, these are mutants we're talking about."
"Do you think some of them could be hostile?" she went on to ask.
"Knowing our luck...Probably," said Scott, speaking strictly from their track record, "But for now, we'll just have to forgo blowing people's heads off with this mission. We've got a job to do...And we won't know what we find until we find it."
It was Monday morning for the X-men, the Brotherhood, and the rest of Bayville as the five mutants of Shadow Cell drove into the area around seven in the morning. As soon as they were within the city limits, they activated their secure, low-frequency com-links to contact the General. Yet as they all parked the car in a relatively unoccupied parking lot not far from the office building, they all got a surprise as they checked in for the next phase of their mission.
"General, this is Cyclops...Part one of Operation Eagle Eye is a go, I repeat...Part one of Operation Eagle Eye is a go," said Cyclops as he and the others held back in the car.
"That's good to hear my boy..." said Dr. Essex over the line.
"Sir?" said Cyclops in a surprised tone as the sound of their mentor's voice echoed through the links.
"Surprised to hear from me?" said Dr. Essex over the line with a hint of humor in his voice.
"Dr. Essex...But, I thought..." began Mayhem, but Dr. Essex was quick to fill in the blanks.
"It was a last minute change at my request," said Dr. Essex, "I wanted to be the one who oversaw this mission for a change since it involves something I know more about than the Colonel and the General combined."
"But I thought the protocols of mission said we had to specifically check in with the General and at least three of our officers?" said Phoenix, remembering clearly what the General had told them.
"Let me handle that my children," assured Dr. Essex in his confident tone of voice, "Many of those protocols are unnecessary and you damn well know it. They're just a bunch of paranoid rules set up by the Colonel and his posse to better control you even when you're off doing your duty. And rest assured, I have pulled the necessary strings this time around so you can all better carry out your mission."
As the bewilderment of the five soldiers began to quickly wear off, the tension surrounding the mission seemed to ease some what. It didn't mean they would take it any less seriously, but it would give them one less thing to worry about while they carry out the tasks that they had been assigned. Yet still...There were some lingering questions about why Dr. Essex chose to head a mission like this when they were so used to the Colonel or the General being the one who gave the orders while they were in the field.
"But...Why now?" asked the Scarlet Witch.
"Because...Special situations sometimes call for special actions," said Dr. Essex in response, "I am the foremost authority on mutants and I know them better than anybody on the face of the planet. A mission like this simply requires someone who knows the finer details on the matter and as good as the Colonel and the General are at managing terrorists...Their knowledge of mutants is antiquated at best."
"I understand..." said Cyclops as the words of their mentor seemed to make at least some sense, "But how'd you get this past the Colonel?"
"Both he and the General have enough on their plate as it is..." answered Dr. Essex, not willing to give them the exact nature of how and why he wanted to head this mission, "But do not concern yourself with that just now...You all have a job to do."
"Right..." said Cyclops as he and the others stood ready to begin the next phase, "What are our orders?"
Over the line, a sinister smile spread across Dr. Essex's face, for he could barely contain the excitement he felt at the sheer implications that this mission had...Both for Shadow Cell and for his more 'ambitious' plans.
"I'm sending you the necessary protocols to your handhelds," said Dr. Essex, "In there, you'll have a complete map of the area encompassing the whole city, files on the known mutants that have many blanks we need to fill in, and a timetable for you all to carry out your observations. Now I've already divided you up into teams...Phoenix and Scarlet Witch will scope out the Xavier mutants while they attend school while Cyclops and Mayhem keep tabs on the Brotherhood. X23 will keep watch over the mansion in the meantime and be sure to make note of the layout and security of the area just in case we end up having to make a move on them in the near or distant future. Be careful and thorough at what you observe...Find out as much as you can about them both in terms of mutant powers and personal behavior."
"Consider it done, Doctor," said Mayhem with a firm confidence in his tone.
"Don't get too cocky," warned Dr. Essex, "Remember, there are still plenty of unknowns to deal with and it's vital that you all keep your anonymity. It'll be more difficult this time around because you'll be in a public setting dealing instead of a war zone. Add to that, some of the mutants in question are suspected psychics, so make sure your mental shields are at their utmost."
"Don't worry..." assured Phoenix, the team's powerful psychic, "I'll make sure no telepath catches even the slightest trace of our presence."
"I know you will, but remember to expect the unexpected my children...For there's no telling just where the information you gather will lead us," said Dr. Essex in an ominous tone, "Now go forth Shadow Cell...Make me proud."
Without another word, the com-link went silent and the five mutant soldiers were ready to begin their mission. With clothes that made them blend in like a fly on the wall and concealed powers that would aid them in each and ever facet, they were all ready to take on the daunting task at hand. Phoenix, the Scarlet Witch, and X23 exited the car while Mayhem and Cyclops stayed in and started the engine.
"We'll meet back here for a report at 18:00 hours," said Cyclops as the timetable was about to begin, "If you have trouble getting around and following them, Dr. Essex gave us the locations of a few places where you may be able to hot wire a few motorcycles."
"Don't worry...We'll find our way," assured Phoenix, "And if anything happens at all with any team, I'll keep a psychic channel open for us all to talk through."
"Good, we'll need something if we're going to maintain radio silence," said X23.
Then, as the sunrise began to bathe the city in a morning glow, the five mutant soldiers stood poised to begin their mission. While it was very different in many ways compared to the kinds of missions they were used to, it was a mission none the less and they were determined to carry it out with every bit of intensity and efficiency as they would any other.
"Okay Shadow Cell...We have our mission...Let's see it through," said Cyclops as they all put their hands in the center as they often did as their own little ritual before each mission.
"Kuwabara...Kuwabara..." they all said simultaneously.
And with that they broke the circle and made their way off to their respective targets.
Back at the Shadow Cell base, the com room where all missions were observed and carefully scrutinized, things quieted down for the most part as radio silence was initiated and the rest of the staff shifted into maintenance mode, simply keeping the channels of data flowing and keeping firm watch of the area.
Dr. Essex was the lead official present in the room, which was a great change for those who were used to the Colonel or the General, but they were all quick to adjust as things eased into more relaxed state of awareness as they simply let Shadow Cell do their duty.
On the high resolution video screen, an aerial view of the entire Bayville area was being broadcasted in real time from a spy satellite hovering over the area in cold vacuum of space. Certain places like the location of the Xavier Institute, the Brotherhood boarding house, and Bayville High where most of them attended were marked for reference as everything from traffic patterns to the flow of people along the streets was carefully monitored. And somewhere within this sea of data were the five mutant soldiers of Shadow Cell, working to carry out their mission as the data teams could only wait and wonder what kind of information they would receive.
Dr. Essex seemed somewhat more optimistic than usual as he looked over the map and made note of a few key features around the area where the two mutant teams resided. While the rest of the team was wrought with uncertainty, Dr. Essex seemed to be brimming with confidence as he kept a close eye on the status of the mission that he felt was the most important one to date...For him at least.
This attitude of his did not go unnoticed, but nobody dared to say a word...Except for the only person who was ever allowed to openly address Dr. Essex other than the Colonel and the General.
"Has it already begun?" asked Magnum as she stepped into the room and approached Dr. Essex from behind.
"Indeed it has, Magnum," affirmed Dr. Essex, "The next vital step has officially begun and not a moment too soon..."
"But what do you expect to find with the data that Shadow Cell gathers?" asked the deadly mercenary in her thick Russian accent.
Dr. Nathanial Essex simply flashed his most trusted associate a sinister grin as he leaned in closer so that nobody else could hear what he had to say.
"I only expect to find confirmation of that which I already know..." he whispered under his breath, "It's not the data that I'm eager for...It's the insight. Once I can confirm what I need to confirm...Then the next phase can begin."
"Does that mean I should prepare for more...Unofficial tasks?" she asked him in an equally discrete tone.
"Don't worry...I trust you'll be ready," said Dr. Essex, "It's the rest of the world that should be preparing...For it shall all begin with this fateful mission."
Back at the Xavier Institute, the usual scramble for a ride to school was in full swing as the students scurried about in preparation for yet another day at Bayville High. Things may not have gotten any easier with them being known mutants, but that didn't mean that they had to deal with being late in addition.
"Come on you bloody slowpokes! We're going to be late again!" yelled Betsy as she and Warren stood in the foyer with their backpacks in hand, looking ready to leave.
"Oh, don't leave yet!" said Kitty from upstairs who was trying to fix her hair, "My blow dryer was acting up again! I'll be right down!"
"Well hurry!" shouted Warren, "We don't want to give Principal Kelly another reason to yell at us!"
As activity on the upper levels intensified, Bobby and Sam made their appearance as they both slid down an ice slide that Bobby had made and scrambled to the garage.
"C'mon Bobby! Let's grab a couple of the motorbikes before Ray and Roberto take em first!" urged Sam.
"Right behind you man!" said Bobby as they both slid off the ice slide and passed an increasingly frustrated Betsy.
"Bobby! I thought the Professor told you no ice slides indoors!" yelled Betsy, growing annoyed with everybody's incessant tardiness.
"Hey, sorry 'mother,'" said Bobby with a laugh, "But you did say to hurry!"
Before Betsy could yell at them again, Sam and Bobby were already gone. Then, Tabitha, Rahne, and Amara made their appearance as they all slid down the banister and scrambled towards the garage as well.
"Heya wings!" greeted Tabby, "We're catching a ride with Roberto today, so don't worry about overcrowding your car!"
"What? How'd you rope him into that?" asked Warren, surprised because Roberto had just gotten his license, he had been more partial to taking one of the many motorbikes that Xavier had in order to help them all get around.
"Flashed him my boobs! Now come on!" said Tabby as she and the two other giggling girls made their way towards the garage, leaving Betsy and Warren to just look back in bewilderment.
"Something tells me I don't even want to know..." said Betsy as she just shook her head at the New Mutant's knack for making mischief, "Come on, let's get going luv."
"They snooze they lose I guess," shrugged Warren as he adjusted his shirt so that his confined wings were secured, "You want me to drive today?"
"Yeah, sure," said Betsy as they both made their way towards the garage, "I could use a break anyways after all the rides I've been giving the girls since the whole sentinel thing has made public transportation a nightmare."
"Tell me about it..." said Warren as they arrived just in time to see Roberto drive off with Tabby, Amara, Jamie, Rhane, and Ray in one of the Professor's many cars while Bobby and Sam sped off on motorbikes.
As they got into Warren's prized red convertible, Kurt appeared in the back seat ready to go and Jubilee ran through the door out of breath from making a mad dash to catch a ride with the rest of the New Mutants, but apparently arriving too late.
"Hey! They left without me!" said Jubilee in a disgruntled tone.
"Relax, they're out of sight now and you'd probably be safer with us anyways," said Warren as he started the ignition, "Roberto may have managed to get his license, but that doesn't mean he's a good driver."
"Hey! At least he's not as bad as Kitty," said Jubilee as she hopped into the back seat next to Kurt.
"True..." said Betsy, still cringing from the last time she was suckered into taking Kitty out for a drive.
As Warren was about to pull out, Kitty ran out into the garage still fixing her hair with a comb, grunting and struggling to get the tangles out.
"Hold on, ugh! I'm here! I'm here!" she said as she climbed into the back and sat between Kurt and Jubilee.
"Let me guess...Phased through the blow dryer again?" said Kurt with a smirk on his face.
"Yeah...I know," grumbled Kitty as she put her comb away and just sank into her seat, "But it wasn't my fault! Rogue, like, totally startled me when she started banging on the door!"
"So what's that now...Three gizmos you fried this year so far?" said Jubilee with a smirk.
"Four..." said Kitty grudgingly as Warren started to pull out.
"Hey vait! Vhat about mein sister? Aren't ve going to vait for her?" said Kurt, stopping Warren once again.
"She snoozes, she loses," said Betsy with a shrug.
"Besides...She'll probably catch a ride with Remy or something," said Warren as he wasted no more time in pulling out into the driveway.
Just as the car left the garage, Rogue stormed out of the door just in time to see them leave without her. Letting out a frustrated grunt, Rogue did not look forward to facing another detention in a school that was already made worse with mutant bigotry.
"Aw dang! Not again..." moaned Rogue.
Just then, another presence entered the garage.
"Dey leave without ya, cherè?" said Gambit with his accented voice as Rogue was once again startled by Remy's sneaky entry.
"Well it ain't like it was mah fault! Kitty was hoggin' the bathroom all mornin' and Ah couldn't find mah gloves!" she said in a fit of frustration.
The Cajun mutant only saw this as another opportunity as he kept up his cocky grin that had come to define him so well.
"Well dat ain't no problem," said Remy in a confident tone as he walked over to his motorcycle which sat next to Logan's and grabbed his helmet, "Remy would be more den happy to give ya a ride."
"A ride from you?" said Rogue, sounding somewhat skeptical, "Why? Ya don't even go to school."
"Doesn't mean Remy can't give ya a ride," said the Cajun as he tossed her a spare helmet, "And besides...It'll get ya there faster and it'll be more excitin' den ridin' wit de others."
As Rogue checked her watch, noting that she was probably going to be late if she tried any other way, she let out a defeated sigh as she took the helmet and strapped it on.
"Fine swamp rat...Ya got yourself a deal," said Rogue much to Remy's approval, "But if this ends up anythin' like that last time ya gave me a ride..."
"Aw come on, cherè..." coaxed Remy as she got on the back of the motorcycle, "Ya can't say dat ya didn't have fun speedin' down dat hill and winnin' dat drag race."
Rogue blushed somewhat at the memory, but thankfully the helmet concealed it, for she didn't want to give Remy anything else to be cocky about.
"Well...Maybe a little," she conceded.
"Dat's de spirit!" said Remy as he revved up the engine, "Now hold on, cherè! Dis is gonna be the best ride to school ya ever had!"
Upon hearing that, Rogue proceeded to securely wrap her arms around Remy's torso, a feeling they both secretly relished in as the motorcycle sped out into the driveway with a roar and passed through the open gates. And even though Rogue probably wouldn't have admitted it directly, she was happy that she could do something like this that felt so close to touching, yet so far at the same time as she simply held on and enjoyed the ride while it lasted.
However, as Warren's car and Remy's motorcycle passed the gate and sped off for another day at Bayville high, none of them saw X23 hiding in the bushes watching them leave or noticed when Phoenix and the Scarlet Witch began following them at a discrete distance on motorcycles of their own. None of them had a clue that they were being closely observed, and if the mutant soldiers of Shadow Cell had anything to say about it...It would stay that way, for their mission had just begun.
AN: To be continued for now folks! Shadow Cell has a new task to take care of, but they'll definitely have their work cut out for them. And it seems that it's holding a special level of importance for Dr. Essex, but you'll have to read on to find out why! What will Shadow Cell find as they learn about the X-men and the Brotherhood? Stay turned to find out! So what do you all think? How have you been enjoying this new universe I have created? Please tell me! Send me your reviews via email or post them on the website! I hope you all have enjoyed this story thus far because trust me, it's far from over! Thank you all very much for reading and I wish everybody the best!


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Nick Thorneycroft is a British headhunter working in Luxembourg. His company asks him to recruit a high-flying executive for the company's Russian business. The best candidate turns out to be smart, beautiful...and mysterious. Soon the effects of Russia's political upheaval, and the arrival of an ex-girlfriend who won't leave him alone, make Nick's Luxembourg life increasingly perilous; worlds collide in this gripping, atmospheric tale.
"Great Short Story"
Nick Thorneycroft awakes in his Luxembourg apartment with no recollection of how he got there and unsure of the strange lingerie left on his floor. As a British headhunter tasked with recruiting a mysterious and beautiful Russian executive for his company, Nick becomes embroiled in a world of corporate espionage and violent double-crosses as he attempts to fill in those missing hours. With an air of foggy intrigue, Simon Vance aptly narrates the twists and turns of this thriller.
When the body of a young heiress is found within the Royal College of Surgeons, Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke is assigned to the case. She enlists Blake Daniel, a reluctant clairvoyant, to help her discover the message it holds. When personal tragedy strikes, Jamie has nothing left to lose and she must race against time to stop the mysterious Lyceum claiming another victim. As Jamie and Blake delve into a macabre world of grave robbery, body modification, and the genetic engineering of monsters, they must fight to keep their sanity, and their lives.
"So much more than a thriller"
J.F. Penn creates a truly frightening tale, set in the dark underworld of grave robbery and body modification. When a mysterious antique ivory figurine is the only clue found beside the mutilated body of a young heiress, Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke enlists a clairvoyant named Blake Daniel to help on the case. Told with gripping intensity, Rosalind Ashford's heart-wrenching narration brings to life one of the most interesting detectives in the genre today.
"You can leave the army, but the army doesn't leave you. Not always. Not completely," notes Jack Reacher - and sure enough, the retired military cop is soon pulled back into service. This time, for the State Department and the CIA. Someone has taken a shot at the president of France in the City of Light. The bullet was American. The distance between the gunman and the target was exceptional. How many snipers can shoot from three-quarters of a mile with total confidence? Very few, but John Kott - an American marksman gone bad - is one of them...
"Lee and Dick seem tired"
It is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media - as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents - the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter - but is he really a killer?
"Demented, twisted, sick and I loved it!"
Personal trainer Trey Ziegler was in peak physical condition. If you didn't count the kitchen knife in his well-toned chest. Lieutenant Eve Dallas soon discovers a lineup of women who'd been loved and left by the narcissistic gym rat. While Dallas sorts through the list of Ziegler's enemies, she's also dealing with her Christmas shopping list - plus the guest list for her and her billionaire husband's upcoming holiday bash.
"A Feast for In Death devotees"
All is not well in Margrave, Georgia. The sleepy, forgotten town hasn't seen a crime in decades, but within the span of three days it witnesses events that leave everyone stunned. An unidentified man is found beaten and shot to death on a lonely country road.
"Comic book tough guy"
Our hero is Jack McEvoy, a Rocky Mountain News crime-beat reporter. As the story opens, Jack's twin brother, a Denver homicide detective, has just killed himself. Or so it seems. But when Jack begins to investigate the phenomenon of police suicides, a disturbing pattern emerges, and soon suspects that a serial murderer is at work.
"Is Connelly the Best Crime Writer Or What?"
"The Secret Place", a board where the girls at St Kilda's School can pin up their secrets anonymously, is normally a mishmash of gossip and covert cruelty, but today someone has used it to reignite the stalled investigation into the murder of handsome, popular Chris Harper. Stephen joins forces with the abrasive Detective Antoinette Conway to find out who and why.
"Well...I really liked 50% of it"
To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life — a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescue. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare.
"Not very exciting"
Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown children. She was tired of attending her Garden Club meetings. She wanted to do something good for her country. This first in the series sends Emily on her first case after she successfully persuades a skeptical CIA recruitment officer that she is the best person for the job.
"Barbara Rosenblatt: THE Voice!"
Baffin Island: Husband-and-wife team Sami and Remi Fargo are on a climate-control expedition in the Arctic, when to their astonishment they discover a Viking ship in the ice, perfectly preserved - and filled with pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico. How can that be? As they plunge into their research, tantalizing clues about a link between the Vikings and the legendary Toltec feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl - and a fabled object known as the Eye of Heaven - begin to emerge. But so do many dangerous people.
"good plot, some weak points of dialogue."
In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.
"Love this style of King!!!"
Tell No One is an irresistibly suspenseful thriller infused with nail-biting tension and packed with shocking plot twists. It has been eight years since Dr. David Beck's wife, Elizabeth, was murdered by a serial killer. When Beck receives a message containing a phrase only Elizabeth should know, he is tormented to tears. Either someone is playing a sick joke, or the wife he's never stopped loving is still alive. He's been warned to tell no one, and as the desperation of his search for the truth intensifies, he heads straight toward a deadly secret.
"Great Fun"
Ex-CIA assassin Court Gentry thought he could find refuge living in the Amazon rain forest. But his bloody past finds him when a vengeful Russian crime lord forces him to go on the run once again. Court makes his way to one of the only men in the world he can trust - and arrives too late. His friend is dead and buried. Years before, Eddie Gamboa had saved Court's life. Now, Eddie has been murdered by the notorious Mexican drug cartel he fought to take down. And Court soon finds himself drawn into a war he never wanted.
"The Gray Man only slows down for Red Lights"
When an author is asked to help the police with the investigation into a double murder by identifying occult symbols, which had been carved into the victims, he is plunged into nightmare and forced to go on the run. Hunted by law and a powerful cult, he has to stay one step ahead to survive.
The wonderful first novel from the critically acclaimed author of The Sleeper and The Sisterhood. It's New Year's Day and the year isn't kicking off well for Tansy: her mother's dead, she's a cocaine addict and her boyfriend has just left her. A trip around the world seems like the only option except that she's not interested in seeing the world, just escaping from it, and the last people she wants to hang out with are backpackers.
The truth is out there. Way, way, way out there! Drew Lawson is racing against the clock. He's got a twenty-four-hour window to authenticate the mummy of Princess Merneith. If he's not at his boyfriend's garden party when that window closes, it'll be the final nail in their relationship coffin. The last thing he needs traipsing on the final shred of his patience is brash, handsome reality show host Fraser Fortune, who's scheduled to film a documentary about the mummy's Halloween curse.

subset: commoncrawl


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85 days until Christmas!
Recipes and baking tips; all you need for the most memorable Christmas cookies ever. Over 570 recipes and counting! Browse our collection of scrumptious modern and traditional Christmas cookie recipes.
Type in Recipe name or ingredient to search.
These cookies are made with a special galette iron. If you don't have one, try a pizzelle iron. One reader tells us that even a waffle iron works fine. You can also occasionally find them on eBay.
1 lb butter, melted
6 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla or rum flavoring
1 teaspoon baking powder
6 cups flour
Sift flour and baking powder and mix in rest of ingredients. Chill dough. Drop spoonfuls on a pre-heated iron. Hold over hot stove and bake on each side for 2-1/2 to 3 minutes.
Note: You can find electric Galette irons at Fantes. The way their website is, it's hard to link to a specific product, so from that page scroll down to the Palmer Electric Belgian Cookie Iron.
1-5 of 27 reviews Next >>
A cookie baker in Maryland Dec 12, 2013
Would make this again.
I am trying to make our favorite Galettes for Christmas but this year I am having a problem with them separating on the iron, can someone tell me what to do? I never had this problem before! 5 stars
Gigi in Live in Mn but from Pa. Dec 19, 2012
Would make this again.
I've made a similar recipe but not with baking powder. It was my Great-grandmother's Recipe from Belgium. She would make them one at a time on an iron over a gas stove. Makes about 9 dozen. 5 stars
Lea in Charlotte NC Jul 18, 2012
Would make this again.
I started making these cookies in the 70's when I was a member of the Jayceettes for a money maker. We started using a gallette iron but we ended up using a waffle maker which works fine. My recipe is 1 pd real butter,2 cups white sugar 2 cups brown sugar,12 eggs,approximately 5 to 6 cups of flour. I throw the eggs in a blender, melt the butter and throw it all together. The ingredient I feel that makes them really good is Butternut Vanilla Flavoring add to your own taste. I use a lot. My 3 sons love these cookies, I just made them when we All got together in July. 5 stars
Betsy in Manassas VA Dec 24, 2011
Would make this again.
My mother made galettes every year while I was growing up just has her grandfather had made. Now I make them each December. However, the recipe I was raised with and used is simply -- 1 lb butter; 1 lb sugar; 1 lb eggs; and 1 lb flour. I measure with a kitchen scale (and usually use margarine instead). My friend anxiously await their holiday treat from me. 5 stars
Arline in New Jersey Dec 13, 2011
Would make this again.
I grew up making these with my Mom. My children start asking for them the begininng of December. The recipe she taught me is pretty much the same. I use less sugar, 1 cup of white and 1 cup of brown. Also, we don't use a rum flavoring, we use dark rum. We never had the right iron so we used a regular waffle iron. They come out a little thick but, still tast good. 5 stars
Share your original or adapted recipe


text: Useful Resources Below are web sites that will help you learn more about snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Snowshoe Magazine Snowshoe Magazine is a great source of information about snowshoeing — where to go, what types of shoes are on the market, special snowshoe events, and more. xcskiresorts.com This extensive web site will help you find trail systems where you can do Nordic skiing (and often, snowshoeing). These are great sports that help you stay fit during the winter and have fun, too.


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Book your room at Residence Inn by Marriott Sebring
Studio, 1 Queen BedMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Suite, 1 BedroomMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Studio, 1 King BedMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Standard Room, 2 BedroomsMax Occupancy: 5 guests (up to 4 children, 4 infants)
Sebring hotel with an outdoor pool
Situated in Sebring, this hotel is close to Sebring Golf Course, Harder Hall Country Club, and City Pier. Local attractions also include Altvater Cultural Complex and Lake Jackson.
Hotel Features
Recreational amenities at Residence Inn by Marriott Sebring include an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Other amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access and free self parking.
Room Amenities
Televisions come with premium cable channels. Guestrooms also feature kitchens, complimentary wireless Internet access, and complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
At your hotel
At your hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Sebring features an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Wired high-speed Internet access is complimentary. This business-friendly hotel also offers an arcade/game room, a picnic area, and concierge services. Complimentary self parking is available on site.
Residence Inn by Marriott Sebring is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Arcade/game room
- Number of floors - 4
- Concierge services
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-out
- Fitness facilities
- Hair salon
- Total number of rooms - 80
- Picnic area
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free self parking
- Smoke-free property
- Outdoor pool
- Free wired high-speed Internet
Stay connected
Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free wired high-speed Internet
Park your car
Free self parking
In your room
- Premium TV channels
- Premium bedding
- Balcony
- Climate control
- Complimentary newspaper
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Complimentary toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Cable TV service
- Sofa bed
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
The fine print for Residence Inn by Marriott Sebring
When you arrive
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
When you leave
Check-out time is 11 AM
How you can pay
Accepted at this hotel: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB International, MasterCard, Visa
Your pets
Pets allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.


text:
Aaron Goodyear
Run To Remember Babies Taken Too Soon
It's something people are pretty uncomfortable talking about: babies who are stillborn. It's also something that became real to our WCCO-TV family last year. Aaron Goodyear, whom we call "Goody," is a photojournalist at WCCO-TV. Last December, he and his wife, Amber, lost their baby late in the pregnancy.
Twins Blog: TC's New Ride
There was no finer pre-game sight than a bear zooming around on a four-wheeler on the floor of the Metrodome. But TC needed something that was as environmentally conscience as Target Field yet still fun to ride.
Tattoos For The Cure
One in eight women in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer, but the disease affects many more people.


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Running Shoes for Underpronation
Underpronators can improve comfort and promote normal pronation of the foot by choosing running shoes for underpronation; however in contrast to overpronators, there is no specific shoe designed solely for the supinator, and instead the best running shoes for underpronation are those which are designed with the neutral runner in mind. Running shoes fall into three main categories; two of which are aimed at overpronators and these need to be avoided. Between 70-80 percent of all runners are overpronators, so most running shoes are designed to cater to this particular gait.
Types of Running Shoes
- Motion Control Shoes
- Stability Shoes
- Neutral or Cushioned Running Shoes
Motion Control Running Shoes
Motion control shoes are designed with an overpronator in mind and are also well suited for heavy runners. They offer the maximum amount of motion control to prevent pronation of the foot. They are heavy and highly durable, and utilize a number of features to control movement of the foot. Motion control shoes are constructed from a straight last and usually feature a medial post to control rearfoot motion. They are best suited for runners with flat feet and moderate to severe overpronators.
Underpronators should not wear motion control shoes as they are likely to limit what little pronation exists and if anything will make an injury even more likely to be sustained.
Stability Shoes
Stability shoes are also designed for overpronators, although they are also well suited to runners with normal foot arches. They offer greater cushioning for comfort, but also tend to feature a medial post to control rear foot motion and to prevent pronation of the foot. Stability shoes are constructed from a semi-curved last, often feature dual density midsoles and are best suited when there are no problems with motion control. They tend to use firmer EVA foam densities on the inside edge to prevent pronation and maximise stability.
Underpronators should not wear stability shoes as they will prevent pronation of the foot.
Neutral or Cushioned Running Shoes
Neutral running shoes are the most lightweight and flexible shoes you can buy although this type of shoe can vary considerably between manufacturers and from model to model. Even a shoe which is fine in one version may not be so good when the yearly update is made. When you find cushioned running shoes which work for you, buy a few pairs while you can, although try them out first before you buy up all the local stocks! Cushioned running shoes tend to be constructed from a curved or semi curved last, which benefits the underpronator more as they promote pronation of the foot. In contrast to stability shoes which tend to feature firmer foam (especially on the inside edge), neutral running shoes have the softest midsoles and are better suited for high arched feet and underpronators. These shoes are more flexible and encourage motion of the feet rather than preventing it, which is exactly what an underpronator needs.
Neutral running shoes are the best choice for underpronators, as they will encourage pronation and will offer much better cushioning.
Features of Underpronation Running Shoes
You should avoid any shoes with a medial post if you are prone to underprontion or have high arches or rigid feet. The medial post is an extra support device which is inserted into the heel of shoes to provide greater rearfoot control to limit motion. It is often simply firmer density foam located on the inside of the arch towards the rear of the shoe.
Flexibility is a very important aspect of running shoes for underpronators, as this will help to maximize inward movement of the feet and will promote natural pronation. Look for for a soft midsole and avoid dual density midsoles as these feature reinforcements on the inside edge to control pronation. You want the shoes with the minimal amount of medial – inside – support. Look for any shoes in the cushioning category and try to find shoes contrasted from a curved last, or semi-curved last as these are the best running shoes for underpornators.
Popular Choices of Running Shoes for Underpronation
With such a wide range of shoes for underpronators on the market, it is not possible to single out the best running shoes for underpronators; however listed below is a brief guide to running shoes which are highly flexible and ideal for underpronators. The shoes have been broken down by manufacturer, with the most popular choices of shoes for underpronators summarized. These are not the only choices by any means, but have been selected based on a general consensus of opinion from running shoe manufacturers, but most importantly, from underpronators who have tried these shoes before.
Brooks Running Shoes for Underpronators
Seattle based Brooks is a leading running shoe manufacturer much loved by road runners the world over. Brooks® DNA technology provides custom cushioning and is one of the best cushioning technologies from any running shoe manufacturer. Omega Flex grooves in the forefoot are a common feature in Brooks shoes, and these maximize flexibility. In the lightweight cushioning category there are two excellent models to choose for the neutral runner or underpronator which are detailed below, also take a look at the Brooks Burn; this gets mostly good reviews from supinators.
Brooks Ghost 4
The Brooks Ghost 4 was voted Editor's Choice in the Runner's World's Fall 2011 Shoe Guide, and boasts a highly springy midsole, and is a very well balanced running shoe. The Brooks Ghost 4 is a relatively new Brooks model, but it is certainly winning support fast. It boasts Brooks® DNA technology for custom cushioning, Omega flex grooves in the forefoot for maximum flexibility, and for all weather running there is a GTX Gore-Tex version.
Its certainly one of the most impressive new models and its a great choice for underpronators, although now that the Brooks Glycerin has had a weight reduction it is probably a better choice. It gets almost universal good reviews from supinators.
Brooks Glycerin 9
Brooks Glycerin 9's are arguably the best running shoes for underpronators from the Brooks range. They offer smooth heel to toe transition, are rather plush, and are highly comfortable with excellent underfoot cushioning. The latest Glycerin 9 claims to ensure improved gait efficiency and certainly has the maximum flexibility thanks to the Omega Flex grooves. Full length Brooks DNA technology offers custom cushioning for the runner, and for the environmentally conscious, they feature the BIOMOGO midsole; the world's first fully biodegradable midsole. The Glycerin 9 is very soft underfoot making it an ideal shoe for underpronators, and one of the best running shoes for underpronators of any brand and is worthy of inclusion on any shortlist.
Asics Running Shoes for Underpronators
It's hard to fault the Japanese manufacturer when it comes to running shoes. Asics are certainly up there with the best and with good reason. Extensive research and development goes into each and every model and they are highly comfortable shoes for all runners. Asics running shoes for underpronators are numerous but the best two appear to be the Cumulus and the Nimbus, although careful with the Nimbus as the 12's are a little heavy – the 13's are far lighter.
Asics Gel Cumulus 13
The Asics Gel Cumulus 13 is named after those large fluffy white clouds, and it is a fitting name for such a highly cushioned running shoe. The shoes are soft underfoot, well balanced and highly comfortable for the neutral and high arched runner, and are ideal underpronation shoes.
For the women extra gel cushioning has been added to the forefoot for even greater comfort in the latest Asics Gel Cumulus 13, and there is a significant weight reduction from its predecessor. These are now down to just 338g for men and 262g for women; not the lightest on the market it has to be said, but certainly not bad. They are ideal shoes for middle to long distance running and a great running shoe for underpronators and for anyone with high arched feet. They come highly recommended.
Asics Gel Nimbus 13
The Asics Gel Nimbus 13 is another great cushioned running shoe from Asics, and one which is ideal for underpronators. The Asics Gel Nimbus 13 is a significant improvement on the Gel Nimbus 12 it has to be said. This model has changes significantly over the years, not necessarily for the better, but with the 13 model at least Asics are back to winning ways again. The design of the Gel Nimbus 13 sees a substantial weight reduction without sacrificing any of the cushioning; in fact this model sees an improvement on the cushioning front as well. The Gel Nimbus 13 is very soft underfoot and a great choice for underpronators, and is lighter that the Cumulus at just 329g for men and 226g for women. A great choice for beginners, heel strikers and all underpronators.
Nike Running Shoes for Underpronators
The biggest sneaker manufacturer and the most popular brand across the board when it comes to trainers, although hardened runners may prefer one of the more specialist running shoe brands. The latest Nike Free Run +2's are certainly winning many fans, but may not so good for heavy runners; neither severe underpronators. They are maybe a little unorthodox choice and will not be for everyone, so the best all round Nike running shoes for underpronators are the Nike Zoom Vomero models.
Nike Zoom Vomero 6
The Nike Zoom Vomero is probably one of the best offerings yet from Nike for the underpronator. They are highly flexible and lightweight, and in contrast to many cushioned running shoes feature cushioning is pretty thin. However thin as it may be, it is pretty efficient.
The cushioning runs the length of the midsole and the gender specific design has seen some more tweaks in the latest version to improve the fit and comfort for female runners. Seasoned runners may find the Nike Zoom Vomero a little too soft, but it certainly gets top marks for flexibility and if you want a super cushioned Nike shoe it is hard to beat.
Nike Free Run +2
The Nike Free Run +2 is the closest to barefoot running you can get without having to sacrifice cushioning (apparently!) although barefoot runners will no doubt slate this shoe for even claiming to be similar to barefoot running shoes which have no cushioning at all. However, if you want the cushioning underfoot and a natural feel without going barefoot and fancy something a little different they are certainly worth a try. These babies are ultra lightweight and highly comfortable, and plenty flexible thanks to the deep grooves in the sole which ensure a highly natural movement. The shoes are lightweight with minimal support which means maximum comfort and flex for an underpronator. They are pretty attractive too and can double up as everyday trainers thanks to the cool looks. Probably better suited to slight underpronators than severe underpronators and they may not be as durable as other brands and models, although for all but the heaviest runners it will probably not make that much of a difference.
New Balance Running Shoes for Underpronators
New Balance running shoes have a good many staunch fans, and brand loyalty is strong with NB. New Balance running shoes certainly win top marks for comfort, and plenty of tech goes into each shoe. The New Balance R&D is top notch and the fit is universally praised. For the underpronator I have picked out one of the latest models, which seems to be one of the best running shoes for underpronators released by the brand to date.
New Balance 1080
The New Balance 1080 is a plush and well cushioned running shoe that is lightweight with a very springy ride making it a great running shoe for underpronators. It's lower to the ground that its predecessors thanks to ultra thin cushioning, but don't let that fool you into thinking it will not be soft and squishy underfoot. The NB 1080 is highly flexible with more N-ergy® cushioning gel in the midfoot area than its predecessor, although maybe not the most comfortable choice for wide footed underpronators due to a slim toe box. It's light and responsive though, and the ABZORBb® technology ensures a smooth heel to toe transition. For New Balance fans at least, and they are one of their best shoes for underpronators.


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NCY racing pulley. forged, lightweight, teflon coated. P1,050
NCY center spring. 1000 and 1500 rpm. P260
NCY roller weights. 9 gms. P260
NCY stage 1 racing cam (with bearing). P1550
NCY 14/41 gears. P1500
"bolitas" secondary spring seat. P 290
racing clutch. P 1,150
1000 rpm clutch spring. P 200
MTRT racing pulley.. P 2,300
MTRT clutch bell/housing.. P 1,800
Sun racing metallic clutch.. P 1,200
Mio Gaz.i rear shock. P 2,400 lang.
NCY racing CDI, P 2,500 (fixed setting)... P 4,500 (adjustable settings)
LHK stage 1,2,3 cam. P 1,500 each
NCY 58.5 steelbore block. P 3,300
All items bnew. location: manila. will ship to cebu or anywhere in the philippines (LBC, 2GO, etc.) usually airvelope costs between 250 to 300 pesos. bank deposit payment or G-Cash. bulk orders with discount.
txt/call: 0917-4266439


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100,000 notes on this guy ? you guys kill me.
(via amourouse)
100,000 notes on this guy ? you guys kill me.
(via amourouse)
(via amourouse)
Alright everyone, I've been working on this project for sometime, and it is now ready for the unveiling.
I'd love it if you'd check out my new shop natureapothecary.etsy.com
check it out ladies !
I drew up this thing for the tulip time competition in my town, every vote would help me out. All you have to do is go to the Facebook link below and like the photo. (: thanks darlings. xo
Currently lusting over…This cute bikini is handmade by Eva Elz of Amourouse - an adorable shop specializing in creating fun, feminine bikinis and intimate apparel that is based in Holland. Summer here I come!
new cute things from amourouse !
100,000 notes on this guy ? you guys kill me.
❤ don't mean to keep spamming you with my swimsuits, but this one is too cute not to. amourouse.etsy.com
Been working on some pretty amazing bubbling bath salts. They'll be for sale sometime in the near future.
New stuff in the works for an amourouse side project !


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
But to make up for not having tank or group saving cool-downs, we bring the uniqueness of our buff giving totems...oh wait, everyone else has a better buff that overwrites ours. Well, then there is our staple Bloodlust...damn..2 other classes have that too. But there is always our........umm.... I'll have to get back to you on that one lol


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La Gomera
Coach Excursions excursion
La Gomera island tour This is a TOP FIVE rated excursion!
- Our discount price
- adult 57€
- child 29.50€
- Official tour operator price
- adult 61.95€
- child 29.50€
- Monday: 7:45 AM
- Tuesday: 7:45 AM
- Wednesday: 7:45 AM
- Thursday: 7:45 AM
- Saturday: 7:40 AM
La Gomera
We arrive at San Sebastián de la Gomera, capital of the island, having departed from Los Cristianos harbour. Here we pass by the "Asunción Church" and the "Hermitage of San Sebastián". We continue on up to "Mirador de las Carboneras" (look out), where we stop for photographs of the Hermigua Valley and town. We then continue to "El Cedro" passing through part of the "Garajonay National Park", declared as Universal Patrimony by the UNESCO. We descend through "La Palmita" arriving at the small village of "Las Rosas", where we have lunch and enjoy a demonstration of the famous Gomera whistling language. After lunch, we continue on to Agulo and La Castellana, making a stop at Hermigua , a beautiful village, set at the bottom of deep ravines. We return to San Sebastián, where there is free time to visit the last remaining historical fortifications of Columbus. We return to Los Cristianos by ferry.
-Lunch is included in the price.Excursions Price Page


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Personal daily adventure
photoblog by Landa Penders.
I'm in Australia!
My friend and stylist Naomi Fijten while taking testshots.
Behind the scenes
We were provocative per accident today.. I shot men in glitter suits in front of an Orthodox Russian church. :'D
Actrice Nina van der Woude
For Valentine
You were wild once, don't let them tame you.
Lookbook The Darling
Lookbook The Darling Amsterdam
Experimenting with DYING FLOWERS
I was trying something different.#DEADFLOWERS
Hiya everybody! Today my countdown widget tells me it's 100 DAYS 'till Erwin and I leave the Netherlands and go Down Under for fun and adventure! We are keeping a blog on http://www.landapenders.com/australie.html It's in Dutch though, but a lot of you can read that You can even subscribe to receive update notifications if you don't want to miss a single adventure report! Ps. We don't know when we're coming back, it's a one way ticket muaha!
WHITEWHITEWHITEModel: Anna StockfishStyling: Naomi Fijten
Anna Stockfish WHITEWHITEWHITEStyling & MUHA Naomi Fijten
Backstage brushings
GrapesNaomi Fijten


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A local county is continuing its effort to make accessing its records easier for the public.
At Monday's meeting of the Lewis County Commission, the county applied for a $10,000 grant to continue scanning court records.
The county has already received a similar grant to begin the process.
Circuit Clerk John Hinzman said the money will go to hire a part-time employee to scan documents, an important task for the county.
"On the computer, somebody comes in and wants an order from say, ten years ago, and if they know the case we can just look in the computer, pull that case up and print that order out for them," Hinzman said.
Hinzman said all counties will eventually be required to have their records available digitally.


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These pulls are absolutely gorgeous. The Red Antique Low Sheen is the pull I purchased and it's beautiful with my maple cabinets. The color isn't quite as dark as shown in the picture which worked out perfect for my application. They look very subtle on my cabinets. I couldn't be more pleased. IRead More
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Ordered these knobs for our master bath cabinet drawers. Love the color and weight, nice and heavy. We ordered handles for the cabinet doors and they go great.Read More
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I love these pulls! The nickel with the arch is beautiful. I used 5" long ones on a majority of my cabinets. I had two wide cabinets that I used these 7" long pulls on. Everything looks beautiful. they arrived in perfect condition. The 5" pulls were in stock at Lowes and were on sale as well.Read More
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Want to enhance your living space without a total overhaul? By changing the outlet and switch plate covers with elegant options can really add to your surroundings. The Brainerd Leaf and Vine pattern has an array of hardware (cabinet knobs, draw pulls, wall plates, etc.) so you can be consistent throu…Read More
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Very nice quality knob. Item has good "weight" and feels/looks expensive in my opinion. Used these to change out old knobs in my kitchen. Nice upgrade. Each knob comes with one long and one shorter screw. Choose the appropriate length based on the thickness of your cabinet/drawer.Read More
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I have ordered over 20 different knob styles and designs. Each and everyone of them have been a real treat to receive. I especially like the free shipping. But each and everyone of these knobs are unique as well as decorative and really fun. I have a hobby making yard decorations and these knobs workRead More
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Ordered 5 kitchen knobs. Took just one week for free delivery. Great price, great service. Would order again.Read More
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In response to:
Public schools have be come a social engineering lab for progressives. Education is no longer the primary goal. Indoctrination into their social code is the objective.
BudWiser Wrote: Feb 24, 2013 2:14 PM
this is why I question the thought of having armed government guards at every school.
Only one wreckless tyrant like Obama away from having those guns turned on the parents at pick-up time.
Only one wreckless tyrant like Obama away from having those guns turned on the parents at pick-up time.
pol_junkie Wrote: Feb 24, 2013 2:10 PM
It is certainly hard to argue that the quality of education has improved since formation of this bureacracy. We would be much better off allowing states and localities the room to be creative in how they advance their local schools without the Feds driving everything to the least common denominator.
Jerry555 Wrote: Feb 24, 2013 2:03 PM
President Obama's recent stumping for a federal preschool initiative has promised a lot to America. In his State of the Union speech, he spoke of making "high-quality preschool available to every single child in America." In his push, however, President Obama is promising something he has no plan to deliver.
As Russ Whitehurst writes, the Obama preschool proposal as currently constructed is far from "universal."
Whereas the president has been selling his preschool plan to the middle-class parents as universal, i.e., available to them, the White House fact sheet makes it clear that the administration is...


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- Victims to archbishop: Where are the predators?
- Eleven Seattle area clerics at two schools are accused
- SNAP: "Catholic officials should say where they are now"
- Such disclosures "help protect children," support group says
- It also backs bill in Olympia to lift "predator-friendly deadline"
- Proposal would help child victims expose pedophiles in court
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will blast Seattle's Catholic archbishop for what they call his "hands off" approach to at least 11 local clerics who are accused of abuse at two local schools. They will also urge him to
--publicize the whereabouts of the alleged offenders and
--push to have them put in treatment centers.
And the victims will
--endorse a proposed state law that would enable more child sex abuse victims to press criminal charges against their perpetrators, and
--urge anyone who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes or cover ups to report to police and prosecutors, not to church officials.
Monday, Feb. 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Outside the Seattle archdiocesan headquarters ("chancery"), 710 9th Ave. (corner of Cherry St.) in Seattle
Two-four clergy sex abuse victims who belong to a confidential support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a St. Louis woman who is the organization's long time outreach director
At least eleven clerics who worked at Seattle area Catholic schools are named as suspected child molesters in civil litigation. SNAP believes that Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain should tell his flock their whereabouts and clerical status. He should also, SNAP believes, prod the accused clerics' direct supervisors to put the men in a remote, secure, independent treatment center so they will be kept away from kids.
The clerics belong to a New York-based religious order called the Christian Brothers which is in bankruptcy proceedings. But they worked in western Washington with the explicit permission of Seattle archdiocesan officials. And Sartain is in charge of the safety and well-being of all western Washington Catholics, no matter who signs the individual cleric's paycheck.
They accused clerics include: Br. Edward C. (Chris) Courtney, Br. Casale, Br. Croke, Br. Duffy, Br. George Dwyer, Br. Gerard Aloysius Kealy, Br. John Bartholomew Lackie, Br. O'Sullivan, Br. C. P. Ryan, Br. Karl Walczak, and Br. Warren. All of them worked at Briscoe except Courtney and Walczak, both of who worked at O'Dea.
Walczak is the most recent Seattle area cleric to face a child sex abuse allegation. Until last November, he was O'Dea's principal. Months earlier, he was accused of abusing a boy. But Catholic officials with the Seattle archdiocese and the Christian Brothers kept quiet about the allegations.
SNAP also wants Sartain to vigorously lobby for Senate Bill 5100 which would extent the criminal statute of limitations on child rape. It is sponsored by Senators James Hargrove and Mike Padden. A hearing on the measure was held last week in Olympia.
Among other reforms, the proposal would "allow (child) rape cases to be prosecuted until the victim turns 30 and extend the statute of limitations for other child sex crimes.
Current Washington law says "a case of first- or second-degree rape involving a victim 14 or older can be prosecuted for 10 years, but only if it is reported within a year after it occurs; if the victim is younger than 14, the crime can be prosecuted until the victim reaches 28, if it is reported in that first year," according to the Spokesman-Review. http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020260878_rapestatutexml.html


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How about a discussion of the scalloped wheel on the injector pump for an IO540-C4B5 engine? My engine will ""load up"" at idle and I have to run the rpm up to about 1,200 quite often during taxi. Also the... Continue Reading →
How can I fine-tune idle mixture?Posted on June 22nd, 2007 by Paul McBride
What is normal oil consumption?Posted on June 8th, 2007 by Paul McBride
I have a 2005 Robinson R-44 Clipper II that I purchased new. The engine is a 540 injected Lycoming. I broke the engine in on mineral oil as suggested and changed to ashless oil after the initial 50 hours of... Continue Reading →
What parts can I use in my 1955 engine?Posted on May 18th, 2007 by Paul McBride
My 1955 Tri-Pacer original Lycoming O-320 engine was torn down and inspected. It has a Part No. 74166 camshaft gone bad (#3). I found a P/N 76097 camshaft. Is it OK to use this part number for the engine? Continue Reading →
Confused about replacement parts?Posted on May 4th, 2007 by Paul McBride
Q, I have a Lycoming O-320 150 hp engine with no suffix in my PA-22 Tri-Pacer. In one of your articles you list the O-320-A1A and the O-320-A3A as the numbers to refer to for replacement parts. Lycoming does not... Continue Reading →
The XR-7755: The whole storyPosted on April 20th, 2007 by Paul McBride
I was reading about the XR-7755 on the Internet and was wondering if you would clear something up for me. Most sources say there were two engines made, but I've found there were three versions. The first was set up... Continue Reading →
Can we convert from dual mag drive to separate drives?Posted on March 23rd, 2007 by Paul McBride
Can we convert a Lycoming O-540-J3A5D from dual mag drive to separate drives? Can it be done on a 1980 Dakota 236? Continue Reading →
Confusion abounds on difference in rocker armsPosted on March 9th, 2007 by Paul McBride
I'm confused about the rocker arm differences on the O-360-A4K parallel valve cylinders because I know about the extreme heat that the exhaust valves endure. Continue Reading →
Can I install a constant-speed prop on my engine!Posted on February 16th, 2007 by Paul McBride
I have a Lycoming O-360-A3A in my Cherokee. According to the Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS), this engine is similar to an -A1A, except without provisions for a constant speed prop. Nevertheless, it is equipped with a hollow crankshaft, and... Continue Reading →
EGT: What's normalPosted on February 2nd, 2007 by Paul McBride
I own a 1974 Grumman AA-5, SN550. Last winter I had the engine (O-320) rebuilt. I have a question about EGTs. Continue Reading →
Are dual mags reliable?Posted on January 19th, 2007 by Paul McBride
I own a Cessna R-182 that has a Lycoming O-540 J3C5D engine. It seems like a great engine and runs well. I have a concern about the ""dual-pack"" type magnetos that run off a common gear. Yesterday, another pilot told... Continue Reading →


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Kyle Kingsbury vs. Jimi Manuwa Fight Video UFC on Fuel TV 5 – Part 1.
OMFG,Maniwa has some sick sick striking, so refined, so devasting, wanderlei silva with greater technique and accuracy.
manvwa vs erik silva or other striker sweet
fight was amazing, kingbury has lots of heart but just seems consistantly outmatched
WOW!! Maniwa hit with such bad intention I really like how he puts power behind every hit.
but what is more amazing is that I don't think i've seen anyone with such a chin! Holly s***! he got shin kicked in the face hard!, he got kneed in the face so many times he got hit with huge shots. any of those shots would knock out most fighters out cold.
Jimi was gutted he looked like he wanted that knock out
@ultimate fighter. You're a retard.
haha…i love the suggestion that Manuwa should fight a welterweight next. But, that might be the best chin in the UFC.
i think a fight with Manuwa and Ryan Jimmo would be a interesting match up.
Manuwa was really impressive but I'm even more impressed by Kyle's chin.And I hope somebody screws that doctor's job so he can see what it feels like.What an asshole.Was he taking a s*** last round?Kyle was on top and Manuwa was completly exhausted.Kyle could've easily taken manuwa down and hold him there for the last round.And Manuwa looke dso tired Kyle probably could've TKOed him.I hope they neve rtake that doctor again what a gimp.
hehe, that was awesome. Can't wait to see this guy fight again. Hope he gets a sick guard or some tdd though