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Global aviation headed for better profits despite cost pressures
Cancun, Mexico
EVEN with cost pressures on the rise, the world's airlines are now expected to post better profits this year, buoyed by robust demand in the passenger and cargo sectors.
In its latest estimates on Monday, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) raised its 2017 profitability projection for the global airline industry from its previous estimation of US$29.8 billion to US$31.4 billion; this comes on the back of anticipated revenues of US$743 billion. However, even with the more bullish outlook, it still marks a decline from 2016's peak of US$34.8 billion in profit.
"Demand for both the cargo and passenger business is stronger than expected," said Iata chief Alexandre de Juniac. But he went on to warn: "While revenues are increasing, earnings are being squeezed by rising fuel, labour and maintenance expenses."
Geographically, however, profits vary from region to region.
Meanwhile, Iata downgraded its profit calculations slightly for 2016 to US$34.8 billion from US$35.6 billion previously as margins were squeezed in H216 by rising costs and the bottom line was hit by fuel hedging losses.
With expectations for GDP growth of 2.9 per cent in 2017, passenger demand is expected to expand by 7.4 per cent - or 275 million more passengers - in what could be the largest year-on-year absolute growth in passenger volumes. This would see passenger traffic outpace capacity injection, nudging load factors up to 80.6 per cent and boosting revenue.
Cargo traffic growth is expected to more than double from 2016's figure to 7.5 per cent - four percentage points more than what Iata earlier projected. Air freight growth is being bolstered by a pick-up in the economy, as well as the growing popularity of e-commerce and demand from the pharmaceutical sector.
But costs are also projected to swell, thanks to rising fuel prices and fuel hedges, as well as cost pressures from labour and industry suppliers. Overall industry expenses will spike US$44 billion to hit US$687 billion, while the average cost of Brent crude oil should clock US$54 per barrel, up from US$44.60/bbl in 2016. This means that jet fuel prices will average US$64/bbl this year.
For the third year in a row, airlines are expected to post returns trending above the cost of capital as the world's airlines are slated to earn US$7.69 per passenger, translating to a fairly slim average profit margin of 4.2 per cent. In 2016, the corresponding figure was 4.9 per cent. "That's why airlines must remain vigilant against any cost increases, including from taxes, labour and infrastructure," Mr de Juniac stressed.
While passengers yields are expected to decline by 2 per cent this year, this is the smallest slide in recent years with signs of stabilisation emerging in the first half of the year. Cargo yields will dip by a smaller one per cent, narrowing from the whopping double-digit drops of 12.5 per cent and 17.4 per cent in 2016 and 2015 respectively.
Drilling down into region, profits are a mixed bag.
North American carriers remain the driving force, and are expected to post profits of US$15.4 billion this year, easing slightly from US$16.5 billion last year. Profits are at "historically high levels" for this region, on the back of industry restructuring, a stronger economy and a more muscular greenback. But challenges still exist - very limited fuel hedging paid off when jet fuel prices declined sharply but this means there will be little buffer on the way up. In addition, a tight labour market is also pushing salaries upwards, which may eat into profits.
In the Asia-Pacific, carriers are now slated to bank an improved US$7.4 billion in collective profits, albeit down from US$8.1 billion last year. The stronger fortunes of the region's carriers is underpinned by the recovery in the global cargo sector, where the Asia-Pacific holds a market share of some 40 per cent.
Europe's carriers are also expected to take in US$7.4 billion in profit, thanks partly to improving passenger and cargo demand, although the recent terrorist attacks could impact travel going forward.
Latin American airlines are expected to earn 33 per cent more this year with profit of US$0.8 billion, while the Middle Eastern carriers will post a bottom line of S$0.4 billion, versus US$1.1 billion last year.
"There is growing evidence that the ban on large electronic devices ... is taking a toll on key routes," noted Iata, commenting on the Middle East. "Meanwhile, the region is struggling with increased infrastructure taxes and air traffic congestion."
Finally, Africa will remain the only region bleeding red ink to the tune of US$100 million, although losses will remain on par with 2016; its performance is weighed down by higher-than-average fuel prices, burdensome taxes and intense competition from the Gulf carriers. On the other hand, the region achieved a major milestone last year with zero jet hull losses.
Members of Iata are currently gathered in Cancun, Mexico for the association's 73rd annual general meeting, with issues such as a potential expansion of the laptop ban and efforts to tame carbon emissions set to take centre stage.


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Hey, Florida, are you ready for another specialty license plate? If you like bass fishing, this could be the one for you.
Production will begin soon on the state's new bass license plate. You won't even have to wait for your current tag to expire before you make the switch. You can pick one up at your county tax collector's office as soon as they're available. County tax collectors hope to have them reeled in and on the shelves by mid-March.
The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission will be launching a publicity campaign called "This One's a Keeper" to promote the new tag, which will cost $27 more than the standard auto tag. However, $25 of that will go into the State Game Trust Fund for fish and wildlife conservation. The trust fund pays for things like habitat management, law enforcement, stock replenishment, education efforts and research to ensure that Florida's anglers and hunters will always have enough game and fish to go around.
For more information on the new tag, see the commission's Internet web site: (http://www.state.fl.us/gfc/).
As web sites go, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission's home page has made quite a splash with the Florida Communities Network within the Florida Department of Management Services. Each week, the network selects a web site from over 2,200 that are linked to it and names it one of "Florida's Best."
The commission's web site drew praise last week for its attractiveness, originality and content. The commission is the second state agency to have its web site included among the 34 already honored by the network.
"Our goal is to provide the growing number of Internet users easy 24-hour access to news and information" about the commission's many activities, said Scott Ball, administrator of the web site, adding that it would soon be possible for the public to buy hunting and fishing licenses through the home page.
To check out the award-winning web site, go to the above-mentioned Internet address.
Question or comment? Write to Lynette Norris, Sun-Sentinel, 336 E. College Ave., Suite 303, Tallahassee, FL 32301.


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Last week I climbed the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. I have made some similar treks to this in the past and felt I had a good handle on what it takes to prepare. Though arduous and tiring as it was, it was a fulfilling 6 day experience. Here's how I prepared!
The Haute Route is a 6 day, 5 night ski tour starting in Chamonix in France and ending in Zermatt in Switzerland. For the non-mountaineers, ski touring requires off-piste skis mounted with up-hill/down hill bindings. When going up, you need to glue "seal-skins" (not made of seal anymore) to the bottom of your skis to allow for ascending mountain tops. It is the most efficient way of travel in high altitude as the weight distribution of the ski stops you from sinking into the snow, while the skins prevent you from sliding back down.
The Haute Route is a 180km trek above 3000 meters in altitude over cols and glaciers to get from the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, two of Europe's most mythical mountains.
I was most concerned with my fitness level as 180 km seems like a long way to go in just 6 days! I am not much for cardio, but I love HiiT classes. I upped my Hiit class regime from 2 to 3 times per week. I also parked my motorcycle and switched it for the heavy publicly available bicycles that tests one's thighs. I no doubt kept up my yoga practice. Being an activity that I love and live for, (being the founder of OHMME) I stand by it's all-round benefits to the body and believe it to be almost essential in maintaining flexibility and mobility. This of course came in really handy for me during the trip.
The Haute Route has 5 refuges (huts) where you can find a warm meal and a bed for the night. These unfortunately tended to be noisy places, but comforting nonetheless after enduring a day of trekking.
The first step is to adjust to the altitude which reduces your body's ability to regenerate. I found that a relaxed flow with slow focused breathing after every climb made me adjust to the altitude faster. The primary cause of altitude sickness is the lower concentration of oxygen, which your body needs to adjust to. Slowing everything down, stretching and calming my heart rate made the adjustment much easier. Doing poses that released tension in the hamstrings and the hip flexors made the soreness of the previous day dissipate!
Skinning up mountains is exhausting and causes even the most able and fit to sweat profusely. For this, I wore the OM Tee and during the early stages of the morning, I would wear the Orion long sleeve to keep warm. I was not let down. During transitions when we took the skins off to ski down hill or to attach skis on our bags to then put boot crampons on to climb an icy ridge, your sweat cools down and you would get very cold, very quickly. When arriving at one of the huts, we would dry all our gear and get ready to rest and hydrate. It was vital to get loads of water in our systems as fast as possible to ensure a full recover for the next day.
Over the trip I had decided not to drink alcohol, which would have made recovery a lot harder at altitude. However, I felt I had been working hard throughout the journey and my daily yoga practice was fulfilling enough, that I I decided to break this rule to try the local Genepi. The guide Miha and I became good friends talking late into the evening and playing backgammon most evenings.
All through the trek, I would get up over another ridge and would be stunned by the beauty of the world. It always brings to light the dulling nature of modern technology. Our devices are oversaturated with dazzling photos of mother natures rainforests, mountain tops and vast blue oceans. With just a tap of the fingers, we are taken around the world on a tiny screen. Nothing beats the real things though. The deep impact of true immersion in nature is undeniable. The glaciers are some of the most stunning, misunderstood lifeforms on earth. Glaciers move, breathe, shape the environment around them and give life to millions on earth. They are also dying. On the Haute Route you cannot miss the signs of the rapid retreat of their long bodies. Traces of their recent passage is all too visible along the edges of valleys. In the past 30 years the mer de glace in Chamonix has lost 4 to 5 meters a year. A floor in a building has on average 9 steps, this means that since 1988, the glacier has lost a 40 story building worth of its body of ice.
This redoubles our commitment at OHMME to spreading awareness on climate change and trying our best to making clothing as ecologically sound as we can.
The final assent of the Haute Route is a breathtaking experience. You climb up a final ridge to see the Matterhorn looking back at you in the distance. In retrospect, I think that the most useful tool I brought to this expedition, apart from my skis, skins and crampons, is my yogic breathing. Climbing in high altitude is very similar in a way to a very difficult yoga class. It's all about keeping your breath steady, having no one else to face but yourself, and pushing on.


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Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as model host, we have identified mutants of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa with reduced virulence. Strikingly, all strains strongly impaired in fly killing also lacked twitching motility; most such strains had a mutation in pilGHIJKL chpABCDE, a gene cluster known to be required for twitching motility and potentially encoding a signal transduction system. The pil chp genes appear to control the expression of additional virulence factors, however, since the wild-type fly-killing phenotype of a subset of mutants isolated on the basis of their compact colony morphology indicated that twitching motility itself was not required for full virulence in the fly.
The extraordinary versatility of bacteria in the genus Pseudomonas is reflected in the diversity of studies using these organisms: studies of biochemical pathway evolution (27), biodegradation of toxic waste (31), and pathogenesis. There is a pressing need to incorporate the results of all these investigations into an improved understanding of the biology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium so versatile that it is not only a major cause of opportunistic human infection but also virulent toward plants (29, 30), insects (4, 17, 30), and the soil-dwelling nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans (9,23). Because of this broad spectrum of virulence, a variety of models that allow efficient screening of bacterial mutants have been developed (18). Recently, for instance, P. aeruginosa genes required for killing the nematode C. elegans have been identified (23, 41; L. A. Gallagher and C. Manoil, unpublished data), as has a worm gene required for sensitivity to killing (9).
Innate immunity in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogasterprotects it from overwhelming infection in a life rich in interactions with microorganisms (3). The signal transduction cascade underlying this system is under intense investigation, and these studies have revealed striking similarities to the mammalian innate immune response (2, 16). In both insects and mammals, Toll family receptors signal through Rel family transactivators (2,16), mediating responses that are specific to different classes of pathogens (22). These responses include secretion of antimicrobial peptides (3, 20). The fruit fly thus may be an especially good model organism to reveal the complex interactions between P. aeruginosa virulence factors and host defenses which underlie human disease such as the chronic respiratory infections of cystic fibrosis patients (15, 36).
P. aeruginosa PAO1 kills fruit flies.Previous studies showed that P. aeruginosa is a particularly virulent pathogen of fruit flies; pricking with a needle dipped into a culture of P. aeruginosa strain α1 is lethal: the bacteria grow exponentially within the fly until and even after the death of the fly (4). This observation suggested that the fruit fly could be used to screen for Pseudomonas mutants with reduced virulence. We therefore tested whether PAO1, the best-characterized strain of P. aeruginosa (38), was also proficient at fly killing.
PAO1 (from the laboratory of B. Iglewski) was grown with 1 mM succinate as the carbon source in M63 minimal medium (35) without the added iron and with 1 mM MgSO4. Cultures were grown for 12 h to stationary phase in a rotary shaker at 37°C. The fruit fly D. melanogaster Canton S was grown with standard cornflour-molasses medium at 25°C. Adult female flies 2 to 4 days old were pricked in the dorsal thorax with a 25-gauge needle dipped directly into the PAO1 culture; the females were then returned to standard fly culture vials with food. Flies generally died 16 to 28 h after infection with wild-type bacteria (Fig.1) and became noticeably lethargic 1 h before death. Female flies were used since pricking with a sterile needle was consistently harmless while up to 15% of male flies died, presumably because of their smaller size.
Immediately after infection and at various subsequent time points, individual flies were ground with a Teflon pestle in an Eppendorf tube with 100 μl of 10 mM MgSO4 and serial dilutions of the homogenate were spread on Luria-Bertani (LB) agar to determine viable bacterial cell counts. These experiments showed that 400 to 2,000 PAO1 cells were introduced into and onto the fly by pricking and that the flies died when the bacterial titer reached 1 × 106to 40 × 106 cells. These results are consistent with those of the previous study using a different strain of P. aeruginosa (4).
Screening for P. aeruginosa mutants impaired in fly killing. P. aeruginosa PAO1 was mutagenized using plasmid pUT carrying transposon ISphoA/hah essentially as described for Escherichia coli (24) but with the following modifications: the chloramphenicol resistance gene in the transposable element had been replaced with a tetracycline resistance gene (Gallagher and Manoil, unpublished), mating recipient PAO1 cells were grown in 5 ml of LB broth for 12 h at 42°C without shaking, the mating duration was 30 min, and PAO1 cells carrying a chromosomal insertion of the transposable element were selected on LB agar containing 10 μg of chloramphenicol per ml (to counterselect E. coli) and 60 μg of tetracycline per ml after incubation for 48 h at 30°C. Single colonies were patched to a selective master plate and also used to inoculate 200-μl cultures of M63-succinate medium in a 96-well tissue culture dish. After growth for 12 h at 37°C without shaking, 100 μl from each well was transferred to the lid of a 48-well tissue culture dish (to avoid the floating film of cells in the unshaken culture) and three flies per PAO1 mutant were pricked with a 25-gauge needle dipped directly into this culture. Each set of three flies was then transferred to a well in a 48-well tissue culture dish capped with cotton and in which 200 μl of apple juice-dextrose agar had solidified as a slant. The dishes were incubated at 25°C. PAO1 mutants that failed to kill more than one of the three flies after 30 to 32 h were scored as potentially fly-killing impaired and retested.
Approximately 1,500 independent PAO1 ISphoA/hah insertion mutants were screened, yielding 54 candidates for strains with reduced virulence. Mutants which grew slowly might appear less virulent in the fly simply because of the growth defect. Of the 54 candidates, therefore, only 33 (2% of the total screened) were analyzed further, i.e., the strains that appeared to have a wild-type growth rate (based on colony size and time of appearance) on plates with M63-succinate medium.
PAO1 twitching-motility mutants are enriched for strains impaired in fly killing.The 33 mutants were impaired in fly killing to various degrees. Eight mutants had a strong phenotype, with a delay in 50% killing of approximately 6 h and a delay in 100% killing of up to 18 h (typified by the chpA37 mutant in Fig. 1). Strikingly, all eight of these strains displayed the compact, smooth-edged colony morphology characteristic of mutants lacking twitching motility (1), a form of motility used byPseudomonas to move on solid surfaces and requiring type IV pili (5, 34).
To explore the correlation between colony phenotype and the defect in fly killing, PAO1 twitching-motility mutants in addition to the 8 already assayed were identified by visual inspection of colonies, 11 from the 1,500 strains already generated and 30 from 4,500 newly generated ISphoA/hah PAO1 mutants. Of the total 6,000 mutant strains generated in this study, 49 appeared to lack twitching motility and 24 of the 49 were impaired in fly killing (data not shown). For 45 of these 49 strains, the mutated gene was successfully identified by a semirandom PCR protocol (6) using primers described previously (24) together with the PAO1 genome sequence (Pseudomonas Genome Project). Insertions were identified in each of the chromosomal loci known to contain twitching-motility genes (1, 33), except for the isolated gene pilF(Fig. 2). Only two mutants, independently isolated, had identical insertions (within pilR).
Twitching-motility mutants impaired in fly killing.The 22 sequenced twitching-motility mutants also impaired in fly killing (Fig.2) grew on plates with LB or M63-succinate media at a rate indistinguishable from PAO1 (based again on colony size and time of appearance). Of these 22 mutants, 15 had an insertion inpilGHIJKL chpABCDE (1, 10, 12, 38; C. Whitchurch, M. Young, A. Leech, A. Semmler, and J. Mattick, Pseudomonas '99: Biotechnology and Pathogenesis, abstr. S41, 1999), a cluster of genes most similar to the che genes for flagellum-mediated chemotaxis in E. coli and thefrz and dif genes involved in type IV pilus-mediated social gliding motility in Myxococcus xanthus(25, 37, 40, 43, 48). The extent to which each of these 15 insertions affects the expression of genes downstream in the cluster is unknown (11). However, this study has identified multiple gene clusters required for full virulence in the fly (Fig. 2), and for the 15 pil chp mutants, the fly-killing phenotype is typified by that of the chpA37 mutant, with 50% fly killing delayed by approximately 6 h (Fig. 1). This strain was therefore used as a representative in subsequent experiments. An equivalent phenotype was observed for five mutants, each with a different insertion in fimV (Fig. 2), a newly discovered gene required for twitching motility (33). The amino acid sequence of FimV and the effect of FimV overexpression on cell shape suggest a role in peptidoglycan remodeling necessary for pilus biogenesis and function (33).
The remaining two mutants each had an insertion in a locus not described previously in the context of twitching motility: an open reading frame (ORF) that could encode a protein similar to various putative homologs of E. coli TonB (up to 36% amino acid identity over 277 residues) and an ORF that could encode a protein similar to various putative homologs of E. coli ExbD, an inner membrane protein that complexes with TonB for transport of receptor-bound substrates (up to 64% amino acid identity over 145 residues). The tonB-like ORF (designated orf406) is adjacent to the pil chp cluster and immediately upstream of algH (Fig. 2), encoding a global regulator affecting the expression of alginate as well as several quorum-sensing-controlled virulence factors (32); disruption of orf406caused a delay of several hours in 50% fly killing (data not shown). The exbD-like ORF (designated orf2982) is immediately upstream of the PAO1 homolog of E. coli lpxK(Fig. 2), encoding lipid A 4′-kinase; disruption of this ORF caused a particularly strong phenotype, with 50% killing delayed by approximately 24 h (data not shown). For this mutant, as well as the chpA37 mutant and strains with a mutation infimV or orf406, the number of viable bacterial cells used to infect flies (determined with fly homogenates made immediately after infection) varied within the range observed for PAO1 (data not shown).
Twitching-motility mutants not impaired in fly killing.Genes with diverse roles in twitching motility (1) were disrupted in strains not impaired in fly killing (Fig. 2):pilR and fimS are regulatory genes representing one member of each of the two known two-component sensor-regulator pairs; pilQ, pilY1, and pilN are putative structural genes, as are pilW, pilX, and pilE, which encode pilin subunit (PilA)-like proteins; pilT andpilU encode putative nucleotide binding proteins which could mediate pilus retraction (5, 26, 47) as a basis for motility; and the role of pilZ in twitching motility is unknown. pilD encodes the leader peptidase, which processes components not only of the type IV pilus but also of the type II secretion apparatus, whose substrates include the exoenzyme virulence factors phospholipase C, elastase, and exotoxin A (39); it was therefore unexpected that the pilD mutant would be unimpaired in fly killing (Fig. 1). Also surprising was the observation that the pilU mutant had a unique colony morphology: cells grew slightly slower than did wild-type cells on LB plates and formed colonies with a dry wrinkled surface, distinct from the wet smooth surface of colonies of cells of each of the other mutants in this study. Although pilT and pilU encode homologous proteins, previous studies noted a difference in the virulence (7) and phage sensitivity (45) ofpilT and pilU mutants.
A chpA mutant kills flies more slowly than PAO1 even though it grows at the same rate within the fly.The pil chp genes have recently been proposed (Whitchurch et al., Pseudomonas '99) to function as a signal transduction pathway adding a layer of regulation to PAO1 virulence factor expression. We therefore analyzed the chpA37 mutant in more detail in the fly-killing assay. Individual batches of five flies infected with either PAO1 or the chpA37 mutant were homogenized at various time points before the first flies began to die. An infection with either strain followed an identical course: the number of viable bacterial cells in fly homogenates decreased over the first 4 h after infection and then increased exponentially, doubling approximately every 1.3 h (Fig.3). The fact that individual data points, essentially representing separate experiments, consistently indicated the same bacterial growth rate within the fly, testifies to the reproducibility of the assay. Furthermore, although the number of viable bacterial cells in single-fly homogenates made immediately after pricking varied between 400 and 2,000, this variability was not sufficient to obscure a delay in fly killing; indeed, for the data shown in Fig. 3, the initial difference between the number of viable cells of the chpA37 mutant and of PAO1 was completely eliminated by 16 h after infection. Based on the colony morphology of cells of the chpA37 mutant recovered from the fly, twitching motility was not regained over the course of the infection.
To compare the end points of infection with PAO1 and with thechpA37 mutant, 10 single flies infected with each strain were homogenized when their limb motion was no longer detectable with the unaided eye (which normally preceded death by less than 30 min). Although most of the first flies to die contained fewer bacterial cells than the last flies to die, the observed range for PAO1 (1 × 106 to 40 × 106 cells) was distinct from that of the chpA37 mutant (10 × 106 to 90 × 106 cells). The generally higher titer of the mutant is consistent with the delay in fly killing seen with this strain (Fig. 1) and suggests that although it grew within the fly as fast as PAO1 (Fig. 3), the chpA37 mutant was less virulent.
A chpA mutant rapidly kills flies that have defects in innate immunity.Flies have a sophisticated innate immune system evolutionarily related to that of mammals (16). Since it seemed possible that the chpA37 mutant was compromised in evading the fly immune response, we assayed this strain along with PAO1 for its ability to kill Bc,imd mutant flies. Bcis a mutation blocking the phenoloxidase cascade, by which foreign bodies are sequestered by melanization in the fly circulatory system, and imd is a mutation that reduces the expression of antibacterial peptides and renders flies more susceptible specifically to infection with bacteria as opposed to fungi (21, 22). Flies with either mutation are more readily killed by E. coli (21, 22). The distinction between the killing kinetics of PAO1 and the chpA37 mutant was reduced in infections of Bc,imd mutant flies; in particular, the average time at which the last mutant fly died was the same for an infection with either bacterial strain (Fig.4). When the experiment was repeated using bacterial cultures diluted 10-fold in 10 mM MgSO4before infection, a similar effect was observed: the average delay in 50% fly killing for flies infected with the chpA37 mutant with respect to PAO1 decreased from 3.7 h for wild-type flies (standard error of the mean, 0.62) to 0.8 h for Bc,imdflies (standard error of the mean, 0.73). Although the observed reductions are somewhat subtle, they are nevertheless consistent with ChpA being important for overcoming fly innate immunity.
Parallels between the biology of P. aeruginosa and that of M. xanthus.This study identified P. aeruginosa mutants with reduced virulence toward the fruit fly. All strains strongly impaired in fly killing also lacked twitching motility; most such strains had a mutation in pilGHIJKL chpABCDE, a gene cluster which could encode a signal transduction pathway. An additional set of twitching-motility mutants generated in this study, however, was not impaired in fly killing (these strains were identified by their compact colony morphology, indicating a lack of surface spreading). Therefore, twitching motility itself is not required for full virulence in the fly, in turn suggesting that thepil chp genes control the expression of as yet unknown virulence factors which are the true determinants of fly killing (Fig.5).
The first description of the pil chp genes in PAO1 (10) emphasized their similarity to genes involved in gliding motility in M. xanthus, a nonflagellated soil bacterium that glides on surfaces as it hunts the bacteria that are its food. Subsequent studies have greatly expanded the parallels between these two organisms: twitching motility in P. aeruginosa has been shown to be genetically and morphologically equivalent to social gliding motility in M. xanthus (34); genes coordinately regulated with each motility include those for biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides, which could facilitate surface spreading (37), alginate for P. aeruginosa(46); cell-to-cell signaling is crucial for each motility in groups of bacterial cells (14, 37), quorum sensing forP. aeruginosa (14); and under stressful environmental conditions, each motility is required to form a structured community of resistant cells (28, 42), a biofilm for P. aeruginosa (8, 13, 28, 44). Incorporating models proposed for M. xanthus (40, 43,48), the chemotaxis-like pil chp genes in PAO1 could encode a signal transduction system that controls adaptations for surface growth, adaptations that include twitching motility as well as expression of factors required for full virulence in the fruit fly (Fig. 5).
The pil chp signal transduction system is likely to be important for virulence not only in the fruit fly but also in mammals. This conclusion is supported by a study of P. aeruginosagenes mediating epithelial cell injury (19): part of one such gene was identified as being similar to E. coli cheA, and, using DNA sequences not available at the time of that study, the only exact match to this sequence in the PAO1 genome ischpA. The fruit fly thus may be a particularly good model host to both reveal and characterize new components of P. aeruginosa pathogenicity: this study has shown that bacterial mutants can be efficiently screened in wild-type flies and that individual strains then can be tested in mutant flies with specific defects in an innate immune system evolutionarily related to that of mammals.
We thank S. Jackson, M. Terayama, J. Dorman, R. French, K. James, and D. Tran for sharing their expertise with fruit flies and S. Lory for sharing his expertise with Pseudomonas. All PAO1 gene analysis was greatly facilitated by the online Pseudomonas aeruginosa Genome Database at the Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Queensland.
This work was supported by National Science Foundation grants MCB-9905048 and IBN-9983207 to C.M. and C.B., respectively, and a Cystic Fibrosis Research Development Program postdoctoral fellowship to D.D.
- Received 7 September 2000.
- Accepted 16 November 2000.
- Copyright © 2001 American Society for Microbiology


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Matzek first gained the attention of scouts early in his junior season of high school in 2008, when he outpitched Gerrit Cole (who would become the Yankees' first-round pick that June) in a preseason matchup. Matzek entered 2009 as the top-rated pitcher in the high school draft crop, and he saved his best for last. After pitching a shutout in the California Interscholastic Federation Division I semifinals, he took the mound with the bases loaded and two out in the sixth inning of the finale. He pitched out of the jam, hit an opposite-field homer for a 1-0 lead in the bottom half, then got out of another bases-loaded situation in the seventh to preserve the victory. Matzek didn't allow a run in 18 1/3 innings in the CIF playoffs while touching 97-98 mph and maintaining both his velocity and quality breaking stuff deep into his starts. With his strong finish, he pushed himself to as high as No. 2 on some clubs' draft boards, but he fell to the Rockies at No. 11 after stating that he was looking for "unprecedented money." At the Aug. 17 signing deadline, Matzek passed up a full scholarship and the opportunity to play both ways at Oregon in order to receive a club-record $3.9 million bonus. Scouts thought he was the best high school lefthander to come out of Southern California since Cole Hamels in 2002, and Matzek has better stuff. He has a legitimate four-pitch arsenal, starting with a fastball that sat at 90-94 mph for most of the spring before jumping to the upper 90s right before the draft. His curveball and slider are two distinct breaking pitches and both have the potential to become plus offerings. He also shows feel for a changeup, though he didn't need the pitch very often as an amateur. Matzek has an exceedingly smooth delivery and the ball comes out of his hand easily. He's athletic and repeats his mechanics well, which bodes well for his future control and command. His leadership is another trait that has him destined to be a staff ace. While he hasn't faced much adversity on the mound, he proved his toughness after his father Jeff, who had coached him since T-ball, was diagnosed with throat cancer while Matzek was a sophomore. He didn't let his father's illness affect his performance, and Jeff 's cancer is now in remission. Matzek sometimes lands on a stiff front leg, causing his fastball to sail high and out of the strike zone. He'll need to improve his fastball command and use his changeup more often, but that should come with more innings. There's really little he needs more than experience, and he has the aptitude and confidence to make any adjustments that he'll need to address. The Rockies are normally reluctant to push young players, particularly pitchers, but they were very impressed with how Matzek handled instructional league. The first high school pitcher they've picked in the first round since the Matt Harrington debacle in 2000, Matzek is ticketed for low Class A Asheville, which would make him the first high school player that Colorado has allowed to debut in full-season ball. He should move very fast for a prep product and projects as a frontline starter.
Friedrich went from undrafted as an Illinois high schooler to a first-round pick in 2008 after three years at Eastern Kentucky. The Rockies didn't expect him to be available with the 25th overall pick and gladly signed him for $1.35 million. In his first full pro season, he rated as the top prospect in the high Class A California League and ranked second in the minors in strikeouts per nine innings (12.0). Friedrich has added velocity, pitching consistently in the low 90s and topping out at 95 last season. He has a 12-to-6 curveball and a hard slider, both emerging as plus pitches. He rarely threw his changeup before pro ball, but it is becoming an average offering. He does a good job of throwing strikes, but Friedrich must continue to improve his fastball command. Once he can locate his fastball consistently, he'll be ready for the big leagues. He missed a month at midseason with left elbow inflammation, but it's not a long-term concern. Friedrich will open 2010 in Double-A Tulsa, where he would have finished last season if the Rockies hadn't decided to handle him carefully after his elbow problems. If he develops as quickly as he did in 2009, he could make his major league debut by the end of the season.
Rosario and Hector Gomez are the first potential impact position players to come out of the Rockies' Latin American program, which initially emphasized finding pitching. After Rosario rated as the top prospect in the Rookie-level Pioneer League in 2008, Colorado jumped him to high Class A Modesto last season, where he worked with catching guru Jerry Weinstein. He missed all of August after hurting his left wrist on a tag at the plate, but returned to impress scouts in the Arizona Fall League. Rosario has the physical abilities to be the complete package behind the plate. He has a quick, compact swing and can drive the ball. He has a strong arm and threw out 47 percent of basestealers who tested him in 2009. He's agile behind the plate. In order to get the most out of his offensive potential, Rosario needs more discipline at the plate. He's too anxious to hit and tends to chase hard breaking balls out of the zone. He loses his concentration at times, affecting his receiving. He's a below-average runner, though he's not a baseclogger. With Chris Iannetta in the majors, the Rockies don't need to push Rosario more aggressively. He's scheduled for a full season in Double-A at age 21 and should battle Iannetta for the big league starting job in 2012.
Chacin led the minors with 18 wins in 2008 before making his big league debut last July. He allowed just two runs in eight relief appearances with Colorado, though the Pirates roughed him up in his lone major league start. Chacin's size and athleticism allow him to throw a hard sinker that ranges from 89-92 mph. His best pitch is a changeup that negates lefthanders. He throws it with the same arm action that he uses for his fastball. His slider is a plus pitch at times. He's poised well beyond his years. His slider and curveball need refinement, but for some reason Chacin made them his primary pitches when he got to the big leagues. He fell behind in the count too often and fell prey to walks. He has to pitch off his fastball and changeup, and use his breaking pitches only intermittently, to be effective. He lacks fastball command at times, particularly when he overthrows. Chacin will open the season in the Triple-A Colorado Springs rotation, and figures to return to the big leagues to stay later in the year. His ultimate ceiling depends on his ability to develop a consistent breaking ball to complement his fastball and changeup.
A low Class A South Atlantic League all-star as a 19-year-old in 2007, Gomez has been slowed by injuries the last two years. In his first at-bat of 2008, he fouled a ball off his shin, sustaining a stress fracture, then hurt his elbow during his rehab and required Tommy John surgery. He returned to the diamond late last April, then missed almost all of June with a groin strain. Gomez has the tools to be an all-around shortstop. Managers rated him as having the California League's best infield arm last year, and he also has excellent range and soft hands. He has a quick bat that can catch up to quality fastballs, and the power to eventually hit 15 or more homers per season. He has plus speed. After losing so much development time the last two years, Gomez still needs work on the nuances of the game. His lack of plate discipline cuts into his power production. He has a tendency to chase breaking pitches, which the Rockies hope to alleviate by shortening his stroke. He's still learning how to steal bases and he sometimes gets careless in the field. Gomez got some much-needed at-bats in the AFL, paving the way for him to step up to Double-A. Troy Tulowitzki's presence in Colorado means there's no need to rush Gomez, and also could mean he'll move to second base when he's ready for the big leagues.
Like his father Eric Sr., the Rockies' first starting second baseman and now an ESPN analyst, Eric Jr. could have played college football. Instead, he turned down Villanova and attended junior college to focus on baseball. Young has led his league in stolen bases three times in the last four years, topping the minors with 87 in 2006. Young's ability to disrupt a game with his plus-plus speed earned him a spot on Colorado's postseason roster. He embraces the value of small ball, though he does have some strength and can drive the ball if a pitcher makes a mistake, as he showed with a Futures Game home run in St. Louis. He's a tireless worker who has put in the effort to improve his defense. Young lacks soft hands and has fringy arm strength. He's just adequate at second base, where he'll make an occasional spectacular play but also get caught on his heels by a routine grounder. He has been given limited playing time in center field, and he still has a lot to learn there. At the plate, he needs to get more selective and make more contact. Young fits into the Rockies big league picture as a role player for now, serving as a pinch-runner, alternative at second base to Clint Barmes, and a double-switch candidate in the outfield.
Wheeler led the Cape Cod League with 15 steals in the summer of 2008, then set Sacramento State records for single-season (72) and career (142) RBIs while batting .385 last spring. One of the best all-around college players in the 2009 draft, he surprisingly lasted until the 32nd overall choice, which made him the highest pick in Hornets history. Signed for $900,000, he finished his pro debut on a 12-game hitting streak. Wheeler has solid tools across the board. With a pretty lefthanded swing and a strong, athletic build, he has the potential to hit for a high average with 20 or more homers per season. His slightly above-average speed and strong arm give him a chance to play center field. He has a good feel for the game, allowing his tools to play up. Wheeler fits better defensively in right field, and to play regularly on a corner he'll have to deliver on his power potential, which currently is more evident in batting practice than in games. He expanded his strike zone and got under balls rather than squaring them up in his pro debut. He can improve his reads and routes on fly balls. If Wheeler has a strong spring training, he could skip a level and head to high Class A. Brad Hawpe's contract expires after 2011, and Wheeler could be ready to take over in right field by then if needed.
After setting a Lipscomb record with 132 strikeouts in 94 innings, Brothers projected to go in the middle of the first round of the 2009 draft. The Rockies gladly scooped him up with the No. 34 pick, making him the second-highest drafted player in school history behind Bo McLaughlin--who's now Colorado's minor league pitching coordinator. Brothers signed for $969,000. Though he was a starter in college, Colorado envisions him as a power lefthanded closer in the mold of Randy Myers. Brothers' fastball sits at 94-96 mph and touches 97, while his slider parks in the mid-80s and peaks at 89. He has plenty of life on his pitches to go with his velocity, making it very difficult for hitters to square him up. He has a resilient arm that will serve him well in the pen. Brothers' pitches move so much that he has trouble commanding them at times. He focused on developing his changeup during instructional league, though it will always be his third option and he won't need it as much as he would as a starter. Brothers reached low Class A at the end of his pro debut and could advance to Double-A to start 2010. He should move very quickly as a reliever, and if he throws enough strikes, he has the type of stuff that could land him in Colorado by the end of the season.
Originally signed as a shortstop, Rogers hit .209 in three years in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League before moving to the mound in 2006. He dominated Double-A hitters in the first half of 2009 before getting knocked around in Triple-A and making his big league debut in September. Rogers made the transition to pitching more easily than most former position players, quickly developing smooth mechanics. His fastball ranges from 92-95 mph and features good life, and he can rack up strikeouts with his hard curveball. Until he got to Triple-A, he did a good job of challenging hitters. Rogers seemed intimidated when he got to Colorado Springs, consistently fell behind in the count and got hit harder than ever before. He just has to trust his power stuff. Lefthanders batted .367/.453/.608 against him in Triple-A, reinforcing his need to develop a changeup. Though he's a good athlete, he's still learning how to control the running game and has committed 18 errors the last three years. Rogers will return to Colorado Springs and try to conquer Triple-A to start 2010. If he can clean up his changeup, he'll be a starter. If not, his fastball and curveball are more than enough for him to succeed in a late-inning relief role.
Arenado hit safely in 27 of 28 games as a high school senior last spring, batting .529 overall and earning most outstanding hitter honors at the National Classic tournament in April. After signing him for $625,000 as a second-round pick, the Rockies moved him from shortstop to third base. Their lack of a complex league team necessitated sending him to the Pioneer League, where he hit .300 despite being the second-youngest regular in the circuit. Arenado has the impact bat teams want from a corner infielder. He has a balanced approach, advanced plate discipline and excellent hand-eye coordination, so he should hit for average. His bat speed and strength should give him at least average power in the future, and he already drives balls into the gaps. He has good reactions and first-step quickness at the hot corner, along with soft hands and a strong arm. Some scouts think he could be an impact catcher if given the chance. He has strong leadership skills and work ethic. He's a below-average runner, though Arenado moves well enough for his size and has good instincts on the bases. He doesn't have a lot of range and will have to continue to work on his defense at his new position. The Rockies usually avoid rushing high school players, but they're excited about Arenado's bat. He could open 2010 in low Class A.
Deduno missed the 2008 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he returned looking better than ever. He won the Double-A Texas League pitching triple crown, going 12-4, 2.57 with 123 strikeouts in 133 innings. He finished so strong at Tulsa that the Rockies cleared him to pitch in his native Dominican Republic during the winter. Deduno has a quality fastball that sits at 92-93 mph, as well as a power curveball. He's still working on a changeup, which will be important for him to control lefthanded hitters. He has leverage in his delivery that gives him a good downhill plane and helps him keep the ball down in the zone. He allowed just three homers last season. The key for Deduno will be command. He almost won a quadruple crown in the Texas League, finishing second with 72 walks, and he has averaged 5.0 walks per nine innings as a pro. Deduno can be a solid major league starter if he sharpens his command and develops a changeup. His two strikeout pitches should make him a good bullpen arm regardless. He'll move to Triple-A in 2010, and could get a big league callup.
Blackmon was drafted out of high school (Marlins, 28th round, 2004) and out of Young Harris (Ga.) JC (Red Sox, 20th round, 2005)--both times as a lefthander. After he transferred to Georgia Tech and redshirted for a year, he pulled a joke on his coach in the summer Texas Collegiate League by playing in the outfield. It worked out well, and he stayed there for his junior season at Georgia Tech, playing his way into the second round of the 2008 draft. Blackmon has a simple, consistent stroke and a feel for driving the ball gap to gap. His splits are strikingly similar against lefthanders and righthanders, day and night, home and road. The Rockies think he could turn some of his doubles turn into homers as he gets older. His well above-average speed makes him a stolen-base threat, though he could improve his efficiency. Blackmon handles center field well despite his limited experience. He needs to improve his jumps and reads so he doesn't have to rely as much on his speed. He has a solid arm but tends to wind up rather than using a crow hop and quick release. He'll continue to refine his game as he moves up to Double-A in 2010.
A freak injury slowed McKenry down late in the 2009 season after he made significant progress the last couple of years. USA Baseball had selected him to be one of its catchers for the World Cup in Europe, but the day before he was to leave Tulsa he was hit in the ear by a bat on a backswing, giving him a concussion and requiring stitches in his ear. He also had a negative reaction to the local anesthesia, but he has a clean bill of health for the 2010 season. Typically a slow starter, McKenry gets himself in trouble offensively when he becomes home run happy and tries to pull everything, opening up too quickly. At his best, though, he has a quality line-drive stroke and uses the middle of the field. He's also willing to work counts for walks. McKenry handles pitchers well and has strong makeup, intelligence and work habits. He moves well behind the plate and has a strong arm. When he focuses on his footwork and technique he can slow a running game. He sometimes tries to be too quick with his throws, wrapping his arm behind his head. He threw out 33 percent of basestealers last season. He has such a thick, strong body that it can inhibit him behind the plate and at bat, and he has well below-average speed. McKenry is ready for Triple-A and is knocking on the big league door, though his best role may be as a highenergy backup. The Rockies added him to the 40-man roster for the first time in November.
When they drafted him eighth overall and paid him a $1.8 million bonus in 2007, the Rockies expected that Weathers could make their big league bullpen by last season. That was before he blew out his elbow in the Arizona Fall League after the 2008 season, causing him to miss all of 2009. He did throw bullpen sessions during instructional league and should be ready to go in the spring. Converted from an outfielder to a pitcher in junior college, Weathers has to re-establish his quality fastball. It's most effective in the low-90s, when it has late life, and can reach the mid-90s. He throws a late-breaking slider that sits in the mid-80s, giving him two swing-andmiss pitches. Weathers has the aggressive mentality that teams want from a closer, and he needs to show it more often against lefthanders, who at times appear to intimidate him. He has to refine the command of both of his pitches. The Rockies will take it slowly with him to open 2010. He's expected to spend the year in Triple-A, but it's not out of the question that he could start the season in Double-A.
After three years of Rookie and short-season action, Nicasio had an eye-opening effort in low Class A last year, showing the ability to throw strikes and dominating hitters. He had a 5-1 strikeout-walk ratio and led the South Atlantic League with a 2.41 ERA, pitching his way onto the 40-man roster because the Rockies feared losing him in the Rule 5 draft. Nicasio sits in the low-90s with his fastball, which he complements with a plus changeup. He uses a curveball for his primary breaking pitch, but he'll probably refine a slider to use more than the curve. Nicasio's breakthrough year was the result of adjustments in his delivery, improving his downhill angle to the plate and giving him better sink on his pitches. He's a strike-thrower, though he becomes hittable if he flattens out his delivery. After his first summer with a heavy workload, the Rockies brought him to instructional league and then sent him to their Dominican academy, but they declined to have him pitch winter ball. Nicasio will open 2010 in high Class A, and Colorado will accelerate his progress if he continues to dominate.
Primarily a shortstop in high school, Balcom-Miller felt he had a future on the mound so he decided to focus on pitching. The Royals made him a 35th-round draft choice after his freshman year at West Valley (Calif.) JC, and he turned them down to return for his sophomore season. The gamble paid off when the Rockies picked him in the sixth round last June and signed him for $125,000. He debuted at Rookie-level Casper and went 4-0, 1.58 to win Pioneer League pitcher of the year honors. Returning to West Valley allowed Balcom-Miller to add velocity to his fastball, which is now a solid 89-91 mph pitch that hits 93 and shows good sink. The extra year in junior college also gave him time to develop an average changeup and refine a slider that has become his best pitch. His herky-jerky motion helps with his deception, and he has a bulldog approach. Balcom-Miller throws strikes, but he needs better command within the strike zone to consistently get outs as he moves to higher levels. He should jump to low Class A this year and has the ceiling of a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter.
Cleary is the kind of raw athlete who Rockies scouting director Bill Schmidt looks for in the late rounds of the draft. He was a quarterback on his high school football team and a guard on the basketball team that won the Arkansas Class 6-A state title his junior year. Since signing for $250,000 as a 37th-rounder in 2008, Cleary often has been referred to as a poor man's Dexter Fowler, a testament to his exciting potential. The cousin of NBA forward Shawn Marion, Cleary has above-average speed and some raw power. A switch-hitter, he must continue to work on his lefthanded swing and his strength, because he too often gets overpowered by hard-throwing righthanders. He also has to tighten his strike zone and avoid getting overly anxious at the plate. He's still learning how to tap into his power and may be better off concentrating on putting the ball on the ground and getting on base to maximize his speed. Clearly can steal bases and cover a lot of ground in center tfield. He has a decent arm that should get stronger with more baseball repetitions. Cleary will spend 2010 in high Class A.
A middle infielder at New Mexico, Pacheco made the transition to catching in his first full pro season in 2008. He won the South Atlantic League MVP award last season, finishing second in the league batting race (.322). Pacheco's bat is what got him drafted, but he lacked the quickness to play second base and the power potential to profile as a corner infielder. The Rockies believed that if he could be an adequate defender behind the plate, he could hit his way to a backup/utility role in the big leagues. Now the thought is that Pacheco could be a regular catcher. He handles the bat well and knows the strike zone. He understands his limitations and looks to drive balls in the gaps. He's a below-average runner but moves well for a catcher. Pacheco has average arm strength, though he's still working on his throwing mechanics after throwing out just 16 percent of basestealers in 2009. His receiving also is a work in progress, though he made strides by committing just eight passed balls in 69 games after giving up 21 in 44 contests in 2008. He has the leadership qualities a team looks for in a catcher. Pacheco will advance to Modesto, where he'll benefit playing for catching guru Jerry Weinstein.
Matthes was an Aflac All-American in high school and performed well as a sophomore and junior at Alabama, yet he went undrafted until putting up big numbers his senior season in 2009. Matthes became the first Alabama player to earn Southeastern Conference player of the year honors, hitting .358 with an NCAA Division I-leading 28 homers. After signing for $200,000 as a fourth-round pick, Matthes built on that success with a solid pro debut, topping the short-season Northwest League with 23 doubles. His power started to blossom when he began to improve his pitch-recognition skills during Alabama's tour of Cuba in the fall of 2008. He has a sound swing and drives the ball to all fields, but needs to be more selective. He's a solid athlete and runner who could become an above-average defender on an outfield corner. He has enough arm to play right field but would fit better in left. Given his age and performance record, Matthes could jump over Class A and open 2010 at Tulsa.
Alburquerque came to the Rockies from the Cubs in a trade last July for Jeff Baker, who had been squeezed out of the big league lineup by the arrival of Ian Stewart. Much like Baker, Alburquerque has had a career plagued by injury. He missed the entire 2005 season following Tommy John surgery and all of 2008 after a shoulder operation. Fully healthy again, he put up his best season yet in 2009, when he became a full-time reliever. The Rockies added him to the 40-man roster after he sat in the mid-90s and touched 99 mph in the Dominican Winter League. In addition to his overpowering fastball, he also has a quality slider with depth that sits at 87-88 mph. Alburquerque had better success against lefthanders following the trade, and if he can get lefties out consistently, he'll soon fit into the back of Colorado's bullpen. He'll open 2010 in Triple-A.
The son of former big leaguer and current Rockies broadcaster George Frazier, Parker was on the verge of jumping to high Class A as a 20-year-old last season before developing elbow problems. Following Tommy John surgery, he's expected to miss at least the first half of the 2010 season, though his rehab is progressing ahead of schedule over thanks to his conditioning and dedication to his rehab. Frazier operates primarily with two pitches, a low-90s sinker with late movement and a hard slider. He throws strikes and thrives off pitching to contact, generating plenty of grounders. His numbers should improve as he moves up the minor league ladder because he'll have better defenses behind him. Colorado will err on the side of caution with Frazier as he comes back from elbow surgery. But if he returns to form quickly, it's possible he could reach Double-A by the end of the season.
After Baker finished second in the minors with 33 saves last season, the Rockies sweated when they left him off their 40-man roster. But he went unpicked in the major league Rule 5 draft, so he'll continue his climb toward Colorado in 2010. Because of a heavy college workload and biceps tendinitis, Baker didn't pitch in his first pro summer after signing in 2006. Shoulder problems cost him the last month of the 2007 season, and he returned to low Class A in 2008 before taking off last season. Baker uses a high three-quarters delivery to his advantage in creating deception on his four-seam fastball, which ranges from 89-94 mph. He complements his heater with a 12-to-6 curveball. He has good control but will need to sharpen his command of both pitches as he moves up. He also has a slider but could use a pitch to combat lefthanders, perhaps a two-seamer. He's ready to advance to Double-A.
The biggest question about Lindsay is if he will ever stay healthy enough to capitalize on his raw ability. He tore his labrum late in 2006 and missed all of the following season. He then broke his hand in a barroom brawl, cutting short his comeback in 2008. A strong Arizona Fall League performance in 2008 renewed hope, but then he missed nearly three months last season with a strained ribcage. The Rockies wanted him to build up innings in winter ball, but he struggled in six appearances in the Dominican League and was sent home. Lindsay has worked just 255 innings since signing out of Australia 2003, but he remains intriguing because he owns a mid- 90s fastball that can touch 98 mph, as well as a knuckle-curve that he throws for quality strikes. His changeup never has materialized, but that's less of an issue after Colorado made him a full-time reliever in 2009. His twopitch assortment gives him plenty with which to attack hitters coming out of the bullpen. Lindsay could open this season in Triple-A and finally get his first big league callup later in the year.
A quality athlete who could have followed in his father's footsteps and played quarterback at Kentucky, Roe instead chose to sign for $1.025 million as a sandwich pick in 2005. He made steady progress until he was slowed by arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in spring training in 2008. He missed time again in 2009 with a strained oblique and got little out of instructional league after coming down with a serious case of the flu. Nevertheless, Roe has reaffirmed his ability as a starting pitcher. He went back to his high school mechanics last season and regained velocity on his fastball, sitting in the low-90s. His curveball is a swing-and-miss pitch, yet he gets hit harder than his stuff would indicate he should because his command is very much a work in progress. He's still refining the changeup that will be a necessity for him to negate lefthanders. His command also remains very much a work in progress. After earning a spot on the 40-man roster, Roe will see how effective his curveball will be at high altitude when he gets to Colorado Springs this year.
An unheralded 20th-round pick in 2007, Reynolds has pitched well enough that the Rockies debated bringing him to the big leagues for their pennant drive last year until they were able to acquire veteran Joe Beimel. Reynolds has dominated at times as a lefty set-up man in the minors. His fastball sits at 90 mph and appears quicker because of the deception in his delivery, which is similar to that of Jeff Francis. Both southpaws use their height as leverage in getting quality downhill action. Reynolds has a curveball with good bite, and his splitter gives him an out pitch against righthanders. A starter at Austin Peay State, he has settled into a bullpen role, showing a resilient arm and the ability to get loose quickly. The plan is for Reynolds to open 2010 in Triple-A, but he could force himself into the big league equation with a strong spring.
After spending three years in the Dominican Summer League and dealing with a bout of appendicitis in 2000, Vargas finally came to the United States last season and pitched his way into the Rockies' long-term plans. After giving up 10 earned runs in his first two starts at Casper, he allowed just 19 more over his final 11 starts. Vargas has solid velocity for a lefthander, sitting in the low-90s with his fastball, and he has the makings of a good curveball and solid changeup. Having thrown just 145 innings in four pro seasons, Vargas needs more innings to refine his pitches and command. He has yet to pitch in a full-season league, yet Colorado will have to protect him on its 40-man roster after the 2010 season or risk losing him in the major league Rule 5 draft. He'll get a shot at making the Asheville club out of spring training.
Escalona has made tremendous strides in the last two seasons, improving his control while reaching Double-A as a 22-year-old. He has one of the best fastballs in the system, pitching at 92-96 mph and hitting 98 on occasion while coming out of the bullpen. He has good sink on his heater, inducing a lot of weak contact. Escalona has a decent slider, but to be more than a middle reliever he needs to refine his splitter to give him something offspeed that he can use against lefthanders. In a rarity for a pitching prospect, he never has started a game in five pro seasons. The Rockies gave him permission to pitch for Caracas in the second half of the Venezuelan League, and he continued to make progress. He'll get the chance to make the Colorado Springs roster out of spring training after getting added to the 40-man roster this offseason.
Massey played football for his father Phil at the Baylor School in Chattanoogan and could have played the sport in college as well. He accepted a baseball scholarship offer from Virginia, which scared teams away from him in the 2008 draft, but the Rockies persuaded him to turn pro with a $525,000 bonus in the 14th round. His pro debut was cut short when he ran into an outfield wall and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, requiring surgery. Colorado challenged Massey with a jump to low Class A last season, and his numbers weren't pretty. Some scouts from other clubs question his feel for hitting after he posted the third-worst OPS (.551) among South Atlantic League regulars. The Rockies aren't as concerned. They point to his short stroke and ability to use the whole field, and believe he'll be more productive with more experience. He has good raw power but needs to do a better job with his plate discipline and pitch recognition. Massey has the drive to put in the work to make improvements. His arm is solid but his speed is average at best, so he fits best in left field or at first base. He may return to Asheville until his bat gets going.
It was considered a coup when the Rockies landed Nelson with the ninth overall pick in the 2004 draft, but the $2.15 million bonus baby is starting to run out of time. A summer league teammate of Dexter Fowler when they were Georgia high schoolers, Nelson hit .299 with 19 homers at Modesto in 2007 but has been held back by injuries ever since. A broken hamate bone in his left hand limited him to 81 games and muted his bat in 2008, while a cartilage problem in his left wrist ended his 2009 season in late May. The bat speed that wowed scouts when Nelson came out of high school is still there, but he has lost too much playing time and has yet to develop plate discipline. He has plus speed and a terrific arm--he was clocked at 99 mph as a junior in high school before he had Tommy John surgery--but hasn't fulfilled his potential as a basestealer or defender. He gets careless at shortstop and likely will wind up at second base or center field. In light of his inability to put together a full season, Nelson is likely headed for a third stint in Double-A to start 2010.
Roling has as much raw power as anyone in the system, but whether he can find a position remains to be seen. A Colorado high school product who signed as a sixth-rounder out of Arizona State in 2008, he led the South Atlantic League in batting (.331) and slugging (.593) in his first full pro season. He uses his strength, bat speed and leverage to drive balls a long way. His swing can get long, but he has the ability to make adjustments. He needs better plate discipline. Though he's a decent athlete, Roling is bulky and slow. He had knee surgery in college and missed time with quadriceps and knee injuries last season. He did some catching at Arizona State but is raw behind the plate. He has soft hands but a below-average arm, and he's pretty much limited to first base. Roling will start 2010 in Modesto but could reach Tulsa before season's end.
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Keyboard Is not working properly.. It's typing itself as curser is clicked on the password box.
Actually after purchasing the product after some day there's issue in laptop keyboard but because of warranty I changed that. And now again it's creating same type of problem.. As I switch on the laptop and click on password box. It's automatically keep on typing...
Keyboard Is not working properly.. It's typing itself as curser is clicked on the password box.
Hey there! @Viveka_123,
1. Have you tried checking with an external keyboard does the issue persist?
2. Was there any liquid split on the Notebook Keyboard?
3. Is there any Dust settled on the Notebook Keyboard?
4. Are there any Keys which are fallen off / Any Keys which are loose?
Also, restart your PC keep tapping the F11 key on your PC before the PC boots, you will see the recovery manager screen.
Open the command prompt from the list and check if all the keys on your PC are functioning correctly. If the keys don't function it is a hardware issue with the PC.
If all the keys function try the steps recommended below.
Turn off the computer and then restart it.
Press the Esc key repeatedly to see if a startup menu opens.
If a setup menu does not open, the integrated keyboard hardware is not working. The integrated keyboard in the notebook should be serviced or replaced. To continue using the notebook, connect a USB-wired keyboard to a USB port and restart the computer.
If a setup menu opens, use the arrow keys to navigate the menus. If these keys are working in the startup menu, but then fail when Windows loads, the problems might be related to the keyboard software.
Restart the computer.
In Device Manager, uninstall and reinstall the keyboard software:
In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
Click View and select Show Hidden Devices.
Click the arrow next to Keyboards, right-click the keyboard device name, then select Uninstall to remove the device from Windows.
Continue removing device names in the Keyboards category until all device names have been uninstalled.
Restart the notebook. Right-click Start (), select Shut down or sign out, then select Restart.
Wait for the computer to restart and open Windows.
Also, Turn off Filter Keys
Filter Keys is a feature that is designed to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, and according to users, this feature is turned on by default on their laptops, and that's what's causing the keyboard issue.
Go to Control Panel and open Ease of Access Center.
Scroll down and select Make the keyboard easier to use option.
Scroll down and locate Filter Keys option. Make sure that Turn on Filter Keys option is not checked.
After turning off this option, click Apply and OK to save changes.
Refer this article to know more information about keyboard issues with the PC. Click Here
Let me know if this works!
Take Care! 🙂
Please click "Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the "Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say "Thanks" for helping!
I am an HP Employee


text:
From March 6 to March 8, 2018, one of the world top 5 industrial activities, the largest international exhibition of the electrical energy industry in the world & the 2018 Middle East (Dubai) International Power Exhibition was grandly held in Dubai, attracting thousands of excellent power enterprises in the world to take part in. Exhibits cover the whole power industry, including generator sets, electric transmission and transformation equipment and others. KIPOR, whose booth number was S3. B50, showed with some new products and technologies.
Through well-designed and well-arranged stage adopting enterprise standard color, KIPOR's booth worked in concert with its product appearance, showing decent and concise design. There were corresponding product presentation beside every exhibit to help clients better know our products. In addition, except basic performances of every product, significance of new energy, innovative technology, science and technology and environmental protection was showed incisively and vividly.
Wuxi KIPOR Power Co., Ltd., established in 1998, has been always hammered at developing high-efficient and energy-saving engines and power equipment. The independently-developed KIPOR gas generator set made its first appearance in Dubai!
The gas generator set has the following advantages: 1. has generated output covering from 320kW to 1,650kW and adopts open-shelf or container-type arrangement to meet demands of vast clients; 2. has high power density, more compact structure, smaller size and more rational space usage; 3. applies EGS + TECJET gas control system to realize accurate fuel control and knocking monitoring system to guarantee optimal advance angle of ignition, which means generator set can still run efficiently with the best fuel availability.
Products showed this time attracted clients from many countries including Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Russia and Saudi Arabia. After knowing KIPOR in detail, they inquired specific information of our products and praised KIPOR's whole industry chain and cutting-edge technology.
High-performance diesel generator sets, digital generator sets and distributed solutions were also exhibited.
High-performance diesel generator sets are new two-pole diesel generator sets of KIPOR with configuration conforming to environmental requirement. They are based on high performance, silence, low fuel consumption and speed change, and equipped with engine oil and cooling liquid emission extension tube to simplify regular maintenance. In addition, oil level indicator, oil filter, oil replenishment port, fuel filter, storage water tank, accumulator and air cleaner are all at the same side, gathering electrical specification, operability and maintenance.
The digital generator set IG2000I not only has remote control function, but also has improvement in power promotion. The new KDE19ST has more compact design and better mute effect.
Distributed solution and product recommendation obtained well exhibition effect. Many clients stopped to exchange on cooperation.
Features including stable performance, strong mechanical property, low loss and noise and high reliability let KIPOR products attract clients in the whole world and obtain high acceptance of clients. Successful exploitation can't do without strong support of product quality and persistent efforts of staffs of KIPOR. In the whole exhibition, staffs of KIPOR answered clients with patience fervidly, letting clients know a better KIPOR and its products comprehensively.
This exhibition meant a lot to KIPOR. It not only let new products of KIPOR be promoted in the market ,manifested enterprise demeanor of KIPOR and enlarged international brand awareness, but also successfully let KIPOR, the national brand of China, to be famous. We believe that KIPOR will step on a better road!


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Mommy tip #1 that no one told me: You don't always need everything that is in your diaper bag. DUH!
Well, I guess that one was really a no-brainer I didn't pick up on until just recently. But now that I've got the memo I've also got a trendy little diaper clutch. And you can have one too!
My DIY Diaper Clutch PATTERN.
Print out and cut out the pattern.
*Disclaimer* When I scanned in the pattern the solid line on which you cut the pattern out wouldn't show up in most places. You can measure a 1/2 inch outside of the dotted sewing lines and that's where you should cut.
Tape #1 together but dont let the peices overlap.
Trace onto the wrong side of your fabric and cut out. Repeat.
This will be the linning and the outer facing fabric.
Trace #3/4 onto the wrong side of you fabric and cut out. Repeat for piece #4.
These will be the two pocket pieces.
Now take the two pocket pieces and fold over one long side half an inch and sew to make a nice finished edge on each one.
Depending on what your color scheme is you can kind of mix it up with your thread and make it fun. I went with black and white with orange neon ribbon so I chose orange neon thread to accent.
Decide which piece from step 2 you will use for the outer facing. Cut a long length of the ribbon that can be sewn down the center of the fabric and has enough length on both ends to tie a bow. Pin the ribbon on the right side (the side that will be facing out) of the fabric and sew both edges of the ribbon onto the fabric.
This part can be tricky so pay attention!
Place the outer facing fabric with the ribbon attached face up on your work surface.
Pull the extra ribbon meant for bow tying towards the middle of the fabric and pin in place but make sure the fabric is still stretched out flat and you haven't scruntched it up.
Now, place both the pocket pieces wrong side up onto the fabric with the hemmed edges facing the middle (the non hemmed edges should match up with the edges of the larger fabric, AKA the hemmed edges shouldn't touch)
Lastly lay down linning fabric wrong side up.
This makes a fabric sandwhich...
Outer Fabric: Right side/ribbon side up
Pocket Fabric: Wrong side up
Linning Fabric: Wrong side up
Pin all the edges together.
Sew around the edges like you would if you were sewing a pillow and leave about four inches so that you can turn the clutch right side out.
Turn the clutch right side out and close up the hole left in the edges.
Your clutch is ready to use!


text:
A "low ball offer" is a real estate term for an offer that is viewed as inappropriate. Some buyers like this approach, especially in a buyers market, because they are fishing for a great deal and use this technique. They are not affraid to make many offers and don't expect most of them to come together. They are looking for that one opportunity. Which is why real estate agent typically don't like them because the vast majority of the time they don't work.
Don't define a low ball offer by how far below the list price you are offering. Maybe the list price is not appropriate. Define a low ball offer by how far off the market value you are offering. If you are coming in way below market value then your offer may be a low ball and depending on the circumstances may not be an effective approach. The market value takes into effect the circumstances of the seller, buyer and the overall market conditions. If the seller is highly motivated this impacts the market value. I still define a low ball offer as one way below the value, even after considering the motivation of the buyer and the seller.
Some buyers will agree that the market value is a good deal but still want to make a low ball offer. I typically find this approach to also be ineffective. Focus on the market value and the goal is to devise a strategy that will allow the buyer to get the best deal vis a vis the market value. Taking pot shots at a home is like buying lottery tickets. Be in control and focus on what matters the most.


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text:
Accueil du site Brèves Brèves 2016 'Fairy circles' discovered in Australia
'Fairy circles' discovered in Australia
ScienceDaily (March 15, 2016)
The circular, barren patches of land, forming a highly regular pattern over the dry grassland of Namibia, were thought to be the only ones of their kind anywhere in the world. But a new study shows that they are not. Researchers have now discovered the baffling structures in the uninhabited Australian outback too. Investigations carried out there have also provided new evidence that these fairy circles result from the way plants organize themselves in response to water shortage.
Story Source : Helmholtz Centre For Environmental Research - UFZ
Page publiée le 17 mars 2016, mise à jour le 27 juillet 2017


text:
Job Seekers, Welcome to NCAA After the Game® Career Center
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text:
Instructions for Authors of Accepted Papers
What to do after paper has been accepted?
1. Prepare CRC Copy of the Paper (include reviewers guidelines, reduce similarity at least below 25%, send the word file to the conference),
2. Register for the conference (Pay Fee and Submit online registration form) and
3. Fill in Online Copyright form.
Page limit is 6 pages (including figures and references). For additional pages authors will have to pay Rs 300 per page. CRC for the conference must be submitted in Word format (.doc or .docx). The proceedings will be printed in black and white (grayscale) in printed format and coloured online.For complete details, download the template here. Please download complete instructions regarding paper format here. You can also Download MS Word Template.
The authors of the accepted papers are advised to make a correction in accordance with the suggestions of the reviewers and submit final camera-ready papers within the stipulated deadline (23/02/2015). The conference proceedings will be distributed amongst the participants during the conference. Accepted papers must be presented by author(s) personally (Oral/Postal/Virtual) to be published in the conference proceedings. Please ensure to (a) include reviewers comments and improve your paper, (b) reduce similarity score below 25% excluding references and citations "quoted text", and (c) submit CRC as a MS Word file (.doc or .docx) with high resolution pictures and equations if any. The file must be named as yourpaperid.doc or yourpaperid.docx.
The Conference Proceedings will be published in the form of CD and printed book with ISBN 978-93-82288-54-1. All accepted papers in correct format shall be archived online in reputed digital library.
3. HOW to REGISTER?
You or at least one of your coauthor must pay applicable author registration fee (Early Bid Before 23/02/2015). Fee details are given here. How to pay instructions are given here.
Submit your registration form online here.
You will have to upload proof of payment while submitting the registration form. On-Spot registration for authors is not permitted. Please note that if none of the authors registers for the conference, the paper shall not be included in the proceedings. If an author registers after the proceedings, goes to print the paper can still not be included in the proceedings.
Submit Copyright (By 23/02/2015). Complete copyright transfer online here. No paper shall be published in the proceedings, if the copyright for the same is not submitted by due date.


text:
Boundary Information
Find Your School / Find Your Bus Route Link
The above link will take you to the district's transportation routing system, where you can find school and bus stop information.
How do I find the route number on the bus?
Click here ⇒
If you have students in programs such as Literacy Squared, Early Exit, Dual Language, etc., or in Special Needs programs, please contact your program office for school assignment information. If you are unsure who to contact regarding a program, please contact your neighborhood school.
For more information please contact Boundary Information at 503-399-3246.
Oregon Health Plan Now Covers ME!
Transportation Links
Riding a school bus for the first time?
This video will take you through the norms and expectations of being a safe bus rider in Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
¿Montar en un autobús escolar por primera vez?
Este video le llevará a través de las normas y expectativas de ser un jinete de autobús seguro en las Escuelas Públicas de Salem-Keizer.


text:
Blue Line MetroLink trains will only operate between Shrewsbury and Forest Park during the evening December 17 – December 21 to accommodate work along the light rail system. Metro passengers are encouraged to allow a little extra time for their evening commutes this week as minor delays are possible.
On Monday and Friday (December 17 & 21) from 8:00 p.m. to end of service, MetroLink will operate on a single track at the Union Station and Civic Center MetroLink Station due to work on the overhead wires of the light rail system. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (December 18-20) from 8:00 p.m. to end of service, MetroLink will operate on a single track at the Central West End MetroLink Station to accommodate work on the station's platform extension project.
During these periods, Blue Line MetroLink trains will only operate between the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 and Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink Stations.
For more information, contact Metro Transit Information by calling 314-231-2345 or 618-271-2345 or texting 314-207-9786, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Metro riders can also text Metro Transit Public Safety directly at 314-300-0188, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


text:
25 Jan 2018
The Range Stormer has ostentatious air ducts on the bonnet, as well as these distinctive accents on its flanks.
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text:
Discipline: Economics
A Callable Bond is a bond whose issuer reservers a contractual right to pay off all or part of the obligation before the due date comes.
Issuers usually 'call' a callable bond when the bond's interest rate exceeds that of the market. After closing the high-interest rate bond, the company can issue a new bond with the currently lower market rate, and save money.
Also see: bond, bond market, bond prices, bond ratings


text:
You have no items in your shopping cart.
StarSense camera and hand control both plug into the Interface Box and the Interface Box plugs into the mount's hand control port. In minutes your Celestron or SkyWatcher mount is aligned and you are off to the stars.
Automatically align your computerized Celestron and Sky-Watcher mount with StarSense.
No need to identify or locate any star in the sky – StarSense will automatically align your telescope, so you can begin observing in minutes. Plug and play compatibility (see compatibility list).
Replaces the SynScan hand control, uses the Celestron StarSense hand control and StarSense camera. Comes with mounting bracket that is compatible with most Celestron and Sky-Watcher optical tubes.
3 AUX port accessories: Supports StarSense and optional GPS accessory. Lightweight and easy to attach with the included tripod strap.
Celestron NexStar SE, GPS, SLT / LCM (with aux splitter)
Advanced VX / GT, CGEM, CGEM DX, CGEM II,
All Sky-Watcher SynScan GOTO mount (Star Discovery included)


text:
Model Number: AG0434-8 Key Specifications/Special Features: Quick Details :Size: 28 x 20 x 0.8 cmMaterial : PE Board + Nylon + Zipper + Elastic BandUse : Organize accessories in placePrinting : Woven labelM.O.Q: 500 pcsDescriptionfor Elastic Organizer Board:
- This is an unique organizer, interwoven elastic bands allow for storage of a variety of objects at once, configure your own system to stay organized. Various gadget can find its own most appropriate location, never forget or miss something, easy to find and use them.
- Double-sided design gives double storage, conveniently hold different size gadget. Organize accessories in the front and documents or most valuable items are kept in back zipper pocket.
- Built-in PE board is strong enough and is not easy to bend, Anti-slip elastic woven, super strong elastic force and criss-cross woven design can hold gadgets firmly in place. You do not have to worry your gadgets fall off.
- A slim profile helps ensure this accessory doesn't take up space but creates space through organization-easily using as sleeves stand up in travel backpacks, computer bags , luggage and suitcases, briefcases, it's light enough for hiking and wont shift or slide on uneven surfaces.
- With a hook strap at corner, the storage plate can be hanging easily anywhere, at home and kitchen, on office desk, or in car vehicle.
- A must-have smart accessory for traveler, gadget lover, storage enthusiast and more people. It can keep all small gadgets, such as your phone, MP3, power bank, charges & cables, earphones, cosmetics, watch, keys, sunglass, flashlight, pen, chewing sugar, pocket tissue, remote control, SD card, mouse, wallet and more useful tools under control and give you a tidy and orderly bag/desk.
- Personalize your own grid it wrap at minimum quantity 500 units.
|Prouduct name:
|Elastic Organizer Board
|28 x 20 x 0.8 cm
|PE Board + Nylon + Zipper + Elastic Band
|Organize accessories in place
|Woven Label
|Individual polybag
Customized packaging way is also welcomed.
|500 pcs
|Factory Location:
|Shen Zhen
|Product Origin:
|Payment Terms:
|T/T / PayPal / L/C / Western Union
|Sampling Lead Time:
|7~10 days
|Production Lead Time:
|25~35 days
Shipping Information:
- FOB Port: FOB Hong Kong by Sea
- Lead Time: 20 - 25 days
Main Export Markets:
- Eastern Europe
- North America
- Mid East/Africa
- Central/South America
- Asia
- Western Europe
- Australasia


text:
25 june 2012
With each other
(after T.T. Cloete)
Together we enjoyed evenings
in each other's company, dined out,
at times we talked and sometimes were silent;
for months we knew about our love,
we visited and drove around,
shared poems, stories and memories,
at times we only stayed peacefully at home,
we knew that love can never be boring
and we talked almost right through nights,
we went to church in suits and ties and coats,
we embraced every time that we got together,
even in rain showers and in muddy patches
while we were becoming much more in love.
[Reference: "die welkomsomhelsing" (the welcoming embrace) by T.T. Cloete.]


text: Film, Reviews, Screen Blade of the Immortal film review: blood, gore and mayhem in balls to the wall samurai fest By Luke Buckmaster | November 14, 2017 | ★★★★★ ★★★★★ The latest film from prolific Japanese director Takashi Miike contemplates everyday occurrences and common grievances – such as opponents who cover their swords with bloodworm poison for a bit of extra kick, and a sorceress who transforms ordinary men into supernatural warriors. There is also a man who has carved the bones of his missing arm into claws (as you do) and enough blood-stained kimonos to consume a generation of dry cleaners. Chocked to the gills with swordplay and severed body parts, Blade of the Immortal – based on a manga series of the same name – is a hardboiled samurai fest with a bang-for-buck running time of nearly two and a half hours. It is tempting to describe it as an old school slice and dice movie, bringing a degree of contemporary sensibility to moth-eaten genre tropes. But really, samurai pics have rarely offered this much grunt and gore, the action intertwined with inevitable plotlines involving power grabs and long-held grievances. I doubt anybody will come out of The Great Wall, or Blade of the Immortal, complaining that there is too little action. It is a solid choice for action movie enthusiasts, constructed with the sort of measured, patiently paced style largely abandoned by western action filmmakers. This is one of the reasons Yimou Zhang's The Great Wall, the vertiginous candy-coloured epic starring Matt Damon as a lone warrior in a far away land, is under-rated: with scale and spectacle to spare, Zhang also understands the virtues in allowing big images to linger and complex sequences to breathe. I doubt anybody will come out of The Great Wall, or Blade of the Immortal, complaining that there is too little action. The latter is more a case of too much, or perhaps too often. Miike's obvious love of the genre (also exhibited in previous films including 13 Assassins and Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai) manifests into a repetitiveness that eventually gets the better of him. His wash-dry-repeat turns the experience into a looped timeline of déjà vu-inducing moments. Miike opens in eye-watering black and white, for an introductory battle stuffed (and there will be more where this came from) full of sword clanging and flesh chopping. Protagonist Manji (Takuya Kimura) attempts – and fails – to save his young sister (Hana Sugisaki) from barbarous hordes. The violent brouhaha results in Manji, slain, lying on the ground minus one severed hand. When it magically reconnects to his body the film transforms into colour. The hero has been healed by a centuries-old biddy (Yôko Yamamoto) who 'curses' him with immortality. Perhaps Hollywood can hire the director to helm a superhero movie for Marvel or DC. The death-cheating envisioned by screenwriter Tetsuya Oishi is strange for two reasons: 1) the protagonists of samurai films tend to be nigh-on impossible to kill anyway, so one might question the point of it, and 2) "immortal" is a somewhat fraudulent description, given Manji does hurt (slowly) and can potentially die. But in broader narrative terms there is nothing out of the ordinary about it. The filmmakers reiterate the philosophy of most vampire stories: that death is merciless but immortality (or thereabouts) is even worse. And in Manji's case, that physical wounds heal but emotional ones may not. Blade of the Immortal wears its bleeding heart on its kimono sleeve, obvious in both its messages and the fondness Miike has for his genre antecedents. Perhaps Hollywood can hire the director to helm a superhero movie for Marvel or DC. Why not? This is the 57-year-old filmmaker's 100th movie; his work ethic is indisputable. Miike would also likely bring the material a style and poise light years away from the ugly sound and fury of Batman V Superman, and the thinly disguised, off-the-assembly-line sameness of Wonder Woman. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email About the Author: Luke Buckmaster Luke Buckmaster is film critic and writer for Daily Review, and contributes commentary to a range of Australian publications.


text:
Gasana Law Firm
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– This feedback is our best reward! Every day we increase sales and help local businesses fully relize their potential in internet.
Website https://cugasanalaw.com
Type of Service: Web Design | SEO | Branding
Industry: Law Firm
Location: Houston, TX
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text:
Jet reworks profitability plan
Reports are emerging that Jet Airways is re-working comprehensive profitability plan sought by Etihad Airways, which now owns 24% of the Indian airline. The plan is being reworked following the announcement that market regulator SEBI has exempted the UAE carrier from making an open offer to the public shareholders of Jet.
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