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Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble! – Guide and Walkthrough
Guide and Walkthrough by yetstay
Version: 1.0 | Updated: 01/20/2006
Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble Walkthrough Ver. 1.0. (Latest update: Jan.20, 2006) by yetstay Copyright (c) 2006 Hyunse Lee ############################################################################### ##### Table of Contents ##### ############################################################################### Use Ctrl+F search and enter the number (or letters) of the content that you want to read. 1. Introduction [0001] 2. Walkthrough [0002] 2.1 Episode 1 [EP1] 2.2 Episode 2 [EP2] 2.3 Episode 3 [EP3] 2.4 Episode 4 [EP4] 2.5 Episode 5 [EP5] 2.6 Episode 6 [EP6] 3. Version Information [0003] 4. Legal Notes and Contacts [0004] ############################################################################### ##### 1. Introduction ##### [0001] ############################################################################### Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble is the first VJ game I've played, and I got hooked up immediately by the good gameplay and original style the game offered. VJ:DT is not a long trip but this fun journey is action packed and puzzle heavy. This guide is created for those who might have some trouble solving the puzzles from time to time, although the objective of each scene is pretty obvious and there are even hints provided on the screen. Also note this: THIS GUIDE CONTAINS SPOILERS. This guide will try to stay away from telling the storyline. However being a walkthrough, this guide will contain a lot of spoilers, especially when it comes to tell you the goal(s) of particular scenes. Basic control and item descriptions can be found in the instruction booklet. There are even tutorials about the control and items are pretty straight forward, so this guide will not cover them. Note that the term 'Cheese Burger' is used for all the hamburger-like items (such as Meals). Try different combos when facing enemies. This guide will list only the primary goals of each scene: collecting v-tapes and defeating enemies are regarded as something you should be able to do without any help and not mentioned specifically unless it is the current goal of the scene. This guide will keep a record of the cumulated number of v-tapes shown at the end of each scene as the game progresses. ############################################################################### ##### 2. Walkthrough ##### [0002] ############################################################################### After the prologue, the game will take you to the first episode where you can learn basic stuff about the game. =============================================================================== Episode 1 - Viewtiful Joe Begins [EP1] --------- 1-1 Scene 1: 0 A tutorial takes place. Defeat two enemies. Note that the number beside each scene is a log of v-tapes collected so far. Scene 2: 0 Defeat three enemies. Get the ticket and move to the right end of screen. You will be able to enter the gate. --------- 1-2 Scene 1: 0 Defeat three enemies. Scene 2: 14 A sequence of tutorials takes place. You can use VFX powers from now on. Use the powers well and collect all the v-tapes then defeat 4 enemies. You will want to collect all the v-tapes before you kill them off though. Enter the theater in the middle of the screen. --------- 1-3 Scene 1: 36 Just reach to the ride at the end of the screen. There are some v-tapes to collect and some enemies to defeat before you hitch a ride. --------- 1-4 Scene 1: 36 Defeat 4 enemies. Scene 2: 36 Defeat 6 enemies. --------- 1-5 Scene 1: 14 Jump onto the incoming traffic (use SLOW if necessary) and move onto higher platforms. You will want to collect all the v-tapes before you do it though. Scene 2: 14 Defeat 6 enemies. --------- 1-6 Scene 1: 32 Defeat 6 enemies. --------- 1-7 Scene 1: 46 Break the big switch on the upper right. Enter the door. --------- 1-8 Scene 1: 10 Defeat the enemy here. The password machine will start to roll and will give you a sequence of numbers. Go to the upper right part of the room and use SLOW then hit the machine to set the numbers same as the password. You will get a new VFX power and a tutorial will follow. Scene 2: 10 Use SPLIT to remove the box then enter the door. --------- 1-9 Scene 1: 16 Defeat 4 enemies. Use SPLIT to put out the fire, break the big pink box to collect some extra v-points then jump over the wall. Scene 2: 26 Defeat 6 enemies. Break the fire hydrant open then use SPLIT to put out the fire. Move to higher platforms while collecting some v-tapes. Use SPLIT again on the water tank to put out the fire. Move to the right. Scene 3: 26 Defeat the enemy here. Enter the door. --------- 1-10 Scene 1: 36 Defeat 8 enemies. --------- 1-11 Scene 1: 48 Move the vacuum using SPLIT to suck the junks away. Get the key then move to the right. Scene 2: 2 Take the battery out using SPLIT again then enter the door. --------- 1-12 Scene 1: 5 Defeat 6 enemies. Scene 2: 12 Move onto the higher platform then use SPLIT to cut the container that says 'POISON.' Jump onto the container and move to the right. Scene 3: 12 Defeat 6 enemies. Move to the right. Scene 4: 18 Use SPLIT to move the wall that's blocking the way up above to the barrel that says 'TNT' on it. Use SLOW then uppercut the barrel into the wall (while holding down SLOW) to break the wall open. --------- 1-13 Scene 1: 34 Use SPLIT to make way here again. Watch out for incoming monorail train then move onto the see-saw. Simply balance yourself out then move to the right. Reach the flag to open the door. --------- 1-14 Scene 1: 38 Position yourself between the trap door and the barrel, then use SPLIT to move the trap door above the barrel. Use SLOW then uppercut the barrel to the trap door. Scene 2: 0 Defeat 6 enemies. --------- 1-15 Scene 1: 0 Defeat Battleroid. It shoots out bullets, jumps to hit you when you are close, places a gas cloud on the ground. Use V-DODGE to dodge the bullets. --------- 1-16 Scene 1: 20 Defeat 5 enemies. Don't destroy the bus using SPLIT if you want all the v-tapes. --------- 1-17 Scene 1: 36 Defeat 2 enemies. Scene 2: 36 Hit the batteries to move them close to the middle of the room. Use SPLIT to open the slots up then use SLOW to uppercut the batteries into the slots. You will gain a new VFX power SLIDE, followed by a tutorial. One thing about the SLIDE is that the screen zooms in, and the top screen of DS is still used as main screen. If you have trouble with zoomed-in screen, simply look at the top screen. Aren't you glad that DS has two screens (quoted from Egg Monster Hero DS)? heh. Scene 3: 36 If you defeat the enemy here, the password machine will spin. Remember the numbers then go to upper right part of the room. Use SLIDE then touch the number panel in the order. Enter the door. --------- 1-18 Scene 1: 6 Use SLIDE to bring the control panel down to the bottom screen. Control the magnet to pick up the car, then move it back so the magnet will be placed above the hole in the ground. Move the magnet down a bit and stand on the pile of tires so you can use SLIDE to separate the car and the magnet. If you did this correctly, the car will be smashed and you will be able to get the key inside. Move to the right. --------- 1-19 Scene 1: 18 Defeat 6 enemies. Scene 2: 26 Jump onto the see-saw then hop over to the upper left platform. Use SLIDE to bring down the switch to the touch screen then touch(push) it. SPLIT your way through the spark generator. --------- 1-20 ============================= == Boss Fight : Gadget-Cop == ============================= *Attacks* 1. He shouts "Double 3" and shoots three bullets, followed by another set of three bullets. 2. He jumps and kicks downwards diagonally. 3. He lifts his torso and shoots out rockets. 4. He spins his torso to swing his arms, jumps towards you then hit right before him. *Strategy* If you observe his patterns, you will find him easy to beat. Use V-DODGE to dodge the bullets or the rockets. Just move around to avoid his drop kick. When he stops and lifts up his torso, you will see the sign that says 'SLIDE' right before he shoots out the rockets. Use SLIDE then touch his body(OK, this guide is officially PG-13 now...heh) to stun him, then he is open to some free shots for a while. It is possible to use SPLIT to cut open the water pipe in the background and short circuit him, in which case he will get stunned and become immobile for a while. Simply avoid his swings from attack 4 by staying away: you can't V-DODGE this attack. When you beat him you will be able to proceed to the next episode. =============================================================================== Episode 2 - Nightmare in X'Mas [EP2] --------- 2-1 Scene 1: 3 Defeat 6 enemies. You can use SCRATCH to bring down the enemy with balloons or just hit it in the middle of the air. Scene 2: 12 Use SPLIT to pull out the statue from the pillar. Jump over to the pillar then use SLIDE to push the button. Time it right and jump from the pillar to pillar when the spears are not poking out. Reach the flag and proceed. --------- 2-2 Scene 1: 21 Use SPLIT to push the red button with the statue. Scene 2: 24 Jump onto the chandelier and make your way to the upper left corner of the room. Use SLIDE to pull down the lever. Bats can only be defeated with SLIDE in effect(touch them to kill them). Enter the door on the right end of the room. --------- 2-3 Scene 1: 24 Defeat 4 enemies. Resident Evil fans will find a piece of great homage scene here when the dogs first come out...it really scared me back then on PS1 *shrugs* By the way, Resident Evil DS is out in Japan and should be out here this February (heh). Scene 2: 34 Keep going right until the trap ceiling falls down and block the way. Go back to the left and you will see two paintings on the wall, each with half a gear. Use SPLIT to combine the two pieces of gear and the gear on the wall falls off. Use SLIDE to spin it, and lift off the trap ceiling. Enter the door. --------- 2-4 Scene 1: 0 Use SLIDE to push the button. The floor will start to ascend. Stay away from the chandelier then wipe out 8 enemies. --------- 2-5 Scene 1: 3 Defeat 5 enemies. Scene 2: 20 The password machine will be activated once you take down the enemy here. Remember the number and use SLIDE to bring down the number machine. Roll the numbers to set the password and the chandeliers will move. Time it well and jump from a chandelier to a chandelier to reach the flag in the upper left part of the room. --------- 2-6 Scene 1: 28 Defeat 4 enemies. Scene 2: 40 Use SCRATCH to move the boulder out of the way. As you climb up the stairway here, boulders will continue to roll down. Whenever you see the boulder, use SCRATCH then move up fast. Reach the flag. Scene 3: 40 Defeat 5 enemies. --------- 2-7 Scene 1: 10 There are four statues you have to destroy in limited time. Move right and destroy the first one. Use SCRATCH to open up the ceiling, and then climb up all the way and use SCRATCH again to find the second one. Drop down one level, jump onto the big pink box then make your way left. Use the ledges to climb up all the way, then use SCRATCH to open up the floor and the ceiling. Destroy the remaining two statues. You will want to get the pink boxes before you destroy the statues. --------- 2-8 Scene 1: 10 Defeat two dogs. Scene 2: 10 Use SPLIT to enter the room in the middle of the screen. Use SLIDE to pull down the lever. Scene 3: 26 Use SPLIT to get out of the room. You can get the pink box on the right if you want. Make your way to the top then use SCRATCH to knock down the transmitter. Reach the flag to the right and use SLIDE to break open the glass entrance. --------- 2-9 Scene 1: 31 Defeat 6 enemies. Scene 2: 36 Defeat 2 enemies. --------- 2-10 Scene 1: 36 There will be occasional fire on the floor, and you can put it out using SPLIT to sever the water pipe. Defeat 6 enemies. Scene 2: 46 Defeat three enemies here to get a key. Enter the door. --------- 2-11 Scene 1: 8 Use SLIDE to push the button. SPLIT your way to the right to avoid laser beams then time it right and pass the swinging chain saw (use SLOW if necessary). Enter the door. --------- 2-12 Scene 1: 8 Defeat 5 enemies. Scene 2: 15 Simply move past the pistons and drop down. Scene 3: 24 Use SCRATCH to synchronize the passages of rollers then use SLOW to go past them. Drop down to reach the flag. Scene 4: 24 Using SLIDE and pushing the button will stop the wheel. Time it right and stop the first wheel to enter it(or use SLOW). Stop the first wheel to get out, and enter the second wheel using SLOW again. Stop the second wheel so the opening is facing upper right corner. Enter the third wheel using SLOW again, then stop the wheel to get out. --------- 2-13 Scene 1: 40 Jump onto the see-saw, and use SCRATCH to drop the big gear down. Push it to the right and hop over to the left so you can get to the upper left part of the room. Use SLIDE then break open the glass tube to get the key. Go back and push the big gear to the left so you get to the upper right part of the room. Enter the door. --------- 2-14 Scene 1: 2 Use SPLIT to get a bomb. Move it right towards the target, use SPLIT to bring the target above the bomb if necessary then uppercut to send the bomb flying. Repeat this one more time. When you walk over the bridge gate, you will fight yet another Battleroid. It shoots at you while flying, shoots out a big bullet on the ground and spins around to hit you when you are close. You can SPLIT the screen to get the bomb and uppercut it to hit the Battleroid. Doing so while the Battleroid is flying will damage it a bit. When you defeat the Battleroid, the other side of bridge gate will open. Drop down to proceed. --------- 2-15 Scene 1: 23 The v-tapes at the entrance can be accessed if SPLIT is used from the upper floor. Rotate the gear on the right to pull down the sheaf of straw. Move onto the higher platform to the left, then proceed all the way to the right. You will want to use SPLIT when exiting the barn to get the pink box. --------- 2-16 Scene 1: 44 Use SLIDE then touch the shark to keep it away from Jasmine. Watch out for the hands that raise up from the ground. Scene 2: 48 Defeat 5 enemies to get a key. Open the door and go through it. --------- 2-17 Scene 1: 19 Defeat 6 enemies. Scene 2: 19 Defeat two enemies. --------- 2-18 Scene 1: 19 Play the organ as instructed on the top screen. =============================== == Boss Fight : Killer Hands == =============================== *Attacks* 1. He pulls out cutters, charges at you then slices four times. 2. He pulls out a hammer and a sharp spring, jumps towards you then hits with the hammer. 3. He pulls out a hammer and a sharp spring, charges at you then hits with the spring four times. 4. He pulls out a hook, charges at you then slices two times. 5. He pulls out wings, floats then flies towards you. 6. He pulls out an electroshock device then throws short-range spark. 7. He pulls out a chain saw, aims with the skull mark at a distance then charges at you with a big swing. *Strategy* I had hard time deciding the sex of this boss and conctacted the voice actor but he was not supposed to say about the character a lot. I will contact Clover Studio some other time. Until that time this guide considers Killer Hands male :D Although this boss has a lot of tricks up his sleeve (very cheap pun intended heh), he is easy to overcome. Just watch the top screen (or the bottom screen, depending on the situation) and see what he prepares. After dodging the attack, get close to him then start laying the punches of justice on him. When you see the sign 'SLIDE,' get close to him then use SLIDE then touch him to stun him. He is a fairly easy boss and you will have no problem with him. *The v-tape collection log in this episode is not perfect.* =============================================================================== Episode 3 - Gone in 180 Secs [EP3] --------- 3-1 Scene 1: 0 You are in control of Jasmine now. Defeat 6 enemies. Scene 2: 0 If you stay on one building too long, the building will push down. keep moving to the right, until you see the Madow Dome. Stand on the top of the dome, wait right before it bounces you up then jump. If you time it right you will be able to stand on the zeppelin above you. Jump to the right to reach the flag. --------- 3-2 Scene 1: 0 Climb up the tower all the way, jump onto the moving cloud then reach the flag. --------- 3-3 Scene 1: 0 Defeat 5 enemies. Hit the missiles back to take down small soldiers then bring down the floating enemy. --------- 3-4 Scene 1: 15 You are now controlling Joe again. Defeat 5 enemies. The last one will charge at you sometimes, leaving a big ice spike on the ground. SPLIT it to break it. Get the ticket then enter the 'MINIATURE WORLD.' --------- 3-5 Scene 1: 15 Defeat 4 enemies. Scene 2: 35 Defeat 5 enemies to get a key. Enter the door. --------- 3-6 Scene 1: 35 Defeat 4 enemies. Try not to touch the gas cloud. Scene 2: 5 Move to the right and enter a stadium. Defeat 4 soldiers (the tanks are not counted) by either hitting back the missiles or using V-DODGE. The latter is easier way. Taking care of the tanks first will make the job easier. Use SPLIT at the end then move up to the ledge to proceed. --------- 3-7 Scene 1: 18 Defeat two bombers. You can use SLIDE then touch the dinosaur in the background to stop it from breathing out fire, but it's quite easy to hit the bombers in the mid-air, especially if you bought AIR JOE. Scene 2: 23 Defeat the drop ship. The enemy soldier doesn't seem to die, so leave it. Do evade his bullets. You will have to get on top of the pink box using SLOW to collect all the v-tapes. --------- 3-8 Scene 1: 28 This is where you started this episode with Jasmine. Defeat 8 enemies. Again, hit back the missiles by punches or V-DODGE. If you use SPLIT to put two billboards pieces with Cheese Burgers on them together, you will get a Cheese Burger from them. Scene 2: 43 Same as before. However the zeppelin is gone this time. Use SLOW then jump to boost Joe's jump extra high, then reach the flag. --------- 3-9 Scene 1: 43 Another Battleroid awaits. This time the Battleroid has two forms: it will choose to transform between a tank and a human form. When it is a tank, it shoots a bullet three times then charges at you. Use V-DODGE or simply jump. When it is in human form, it hits right in front of it or jumps towards you then takes a swing as it lands. Don't forget to collect v-points from the green box in the background. A passage opens up upon defeating the Battleroid. --------- 3-10 Scene 1: 15 Proceed all the way to the right using SPLIT. Watch out for the lasers. Use SLIDE to get the green box in the background. When you pass the second laser, jump onto the upper floor. You will see a hook and the sign that says 'SPLIT.' Use SPLIT to get the red jewel inside of the structure. If you want to collect some v-tapes and v-points, keep going right and hit the pink box in the mid-air. Come back to the place with hook, then SPLIT your way to the left this time. Watch out for the laser. Use SPLIT again to pull the platform on your left all the way to the middle of the screen then jump onto it. Put the jewel into the hole on the machine there. Drop down to left and use SPLIT, or double jump into the structure to get a blue jewel this time. Get back to the place where you put the red jewel into the machine, then make your way to the right using SPLIT. keep going right and you will see another machine with a hole. Put the blue jewel into the hole and you will see a ride arriving at the top of the screen. Jump to the right to collect some v-tapes or just turn back and reach the ride. Get into the ride. --------- 3-11 Scene 1: 19 Defeat 6 enemies including two bombers. Scene 2: 31 Use SLIDE to open the shutter door. Use SPLIT to block the flame then jump onto the platform. Use SPLIT again when the horizontal flame subsides and jump onto the platform. If you don't act quickly the door will shut down and you have to repeat the whole process. --------- 3-12 Scene 1: 37 Defeat 8 enemies. Scene 2: 1 Use SLOW then uppercut one ship. Don't let go of SLOW, and while the ship is in the middle of the air use SPLIT to stack it on top of the other ship. Get on the pile of ships then reach the flag on the upper right part of the screen. --------- 3-13 Scene 1: 17 Defeat 5 enemies, not including the small tanks. You can use SLIDE then touch the lasers to deactivate them for a while. V-DODGE the bullets from tanks and proceed right. --------- 3-14 Scene 1: 30 Don't touch the sparks since you will get some damage. If you stay too long in the water you will get electrocuted by overflowing sparks from the generator. Proceed right until you reach the flag. Scene 2: 30 Use SCRATCH to shake the boulder then drop it off of its place. When it drops, use SLOW then SPLIT to place the boulder above the vortex. Scene 3: 33 Defeat three enemies. --------- 3-15 Scene 1: 11 Use SCRATCH briefly to slow down the rolling boulders. Once slowed down, they will sink into magma. Hop on them to move right, until you reach the flag. Dive into the volcano at the right end. --------- 3-16 Scene 1: 33 Defeat 8 enemies. Scene 2: 39 Defeat three enemies to get a key. Enter the door. --------- 3-17 Scene 1: 39 Defeat 4 enemies. Scene 2: 0 Use SPLIT to enter the room on your right. As soon as you enter the room a password displays. Hit the rolling numbers to set the password. Uppercut is recommended. Use SLOW if necessary. Use SPLIT to enter the room to the right to collect some v-tapes and v-points. Get back to the first room and you will notice that now you can push the button in the background. Using SLIDE to push it will activate an elevator. Hop on it and move onto the higher platform on your right. Scene 3: 17 SPLIT your way to the right, then double jump onto the higher platform above. Use SPLIT again to enter the room on your left, then get on the elevator. Use SLIDE then touch the lever to send the elevator up. Notice that the lever will start to spin once you touch it, then stop when you release the touch screen. The closer the lever is to right, the higher the elevator will go up. Jump off the elevator quickly once it gets high enough since sparks await you on top of the shaft. Use SPLIT to enter the next room on the right. If you SPLIT your way to the room right to current room, there are some v-tapes to collect in that room. Get back to the first platform after the elevator, use SPLIT then stand on top of the split wall. Jump left (leaning on the wall) then jump right to reach the flag on the upper right platform. Scene 4: 17 Defeat 3 enemies to get a key. Enter the door. --------- 3-18 ======================================== == Boss Fight : Alter Woman (Vanilla) == ======================================== *Attacks* 1. She performs a cartwheel to move around the screen. 2. She shoots out some energy balls. 3. She builds an energy wall. 4. She hits four times. 4. She goes into the background to hide then shoots out missiles. 5. She goes into the background to hide then rains four satellites/meteors. 6. She gathers up some energy then shoots out energy bullets. *Strategy* Don't worry, you have more than 3 minutes :) At first, she will only use pattern 1-4. She is invincible when doing a cartwheel. You can hit back the energy balls to inflict some damage on her, or V-DODGE them. The energy wall can be broken by your SPLIT. If you dodge all four blows from attack 4, a sigh that says 'SLIDE' appears then stays on her for a long time. When you have a chance, use SLIDE then touch her to stun her for a while. Attack 4 is only performed once, when her life becomes less than half. Simply V-DODGE the missiles or move around to avoid them. After that, she adds two new attacks(5, 6) to her arsenal. There are four debris falling from the sky when she performs attack 5, and only the fourth one inflicts damage on you. Simply run back and jump to dodge it(or V-DODGE it if you want). You will see SLIDE sign when she performs attack 6: if you use SLIDE then she will be stunned and a debris will fall on her to cause some damage to her. Overall, she is not really tough if you know her pattern. =============================================================================== Episode 4 - The Flies [EP4] --------- 4-1 Scene 1: 0 Defeat 5 enemies. Scene 2: 22 Ride the Merry-Go-Round, double jump to reach the security switch and brake it. If you see a carriage with Jasmine in it you can SLIDE then touch her to get a Cheese Burger. There are some v-tapes on top of the Merry-Go-Round so be sure to collect them before you exit. --------- 4-2 Scene 1: 22 Defeat three enemies. Note that the big yellow enemy will take damages only from behind. Scene 2: 42 Get on one of the carts of the Ferris wheel. You will see a switch in the centre of the Ferris wheel and there is some space that you can stay in right below the switch. You will have to jump into the space, then the screen zooms out to broaden the view. Wait until the cart with a key gets close to a giant 'S' of the sign that says 'MOVIE STUDIO,' use SLIDE to switch screens and push the button to stop the Ferris wheel as if the next cart that will stop at the ground level is the cart with the key. If done correctly the cart will open. Get the key then enter 'RESTAURANT VOLCANO.' --------- 4-3 Scene 1: 42 Defeat two enemies. If you use SLIDE to touch the cash register, you will get 360 v-points(the register displays 360 before you hit it). Scene 2: 8 Use SCRATCH to shake the boulder. When it falls off it will block erupting magma, providing you a footing. Use SLOW to raise the boulder then use SPLIT to break the stalactite, which also serves as another footing. --------- 4-4 Scene 1: 8 Defeat 5 enemies. Avoid the swinging chunks of meat by using SPLIT. Scene 2: 20 Go to the right end of the room. Use SPLIT to separate the meat chunk from the chain. Use SLOW then uppercut it to send it flying. While it is still in the mid-air, use SPLIT to put it on the grill. As you cook the meat the ventilation hood opens up. Go through it. Scene 3: 20 Defeat the enemy here. --------- 4-5 Scene 1: 42 Use SCRATCH to shake the artifact off its place. It will roll out to press one red button. Stand on the other red button to press it down and you have a little pinball stage going here. Stand on one of the flippers, use SLIDE then touch(hold down a bit actually) the red circle on the flipper to send Joe flying. Double jump to reach the flag. When you reach the flag, magma erupts and blows Joe sky high. --------- 4-6 Scene 1: 48 Defeat two enemies. These guys are more dangerous than the ice cream truck guys since when they charge at you they will leave a long trail of fire. Scene 2: 12 Defeat the enemy here. It will leave you a nickel. Scene 3: 12 Insert the coin by jumping close to the hole then use SLIDE to change screens. Spin the bar there to get a giant head. Hit th head over to overflowing sewage and block it. Proceed right. --------- 4-7 Scene 1: 40 Get on the 'FLYING CARIBBEAN' and defeat three enemies. You can use SLIDE and touch those pesky Clownies in the background to stop them from shooting cannons for a short while. --------- 4-8 Scene 1: 2 Defeat two enemies. If you use SLIDE and touch Jasmine in the Coffee Cup she will throw out a Cheese Burger. Scene 2: 2 Defeat two enemies. Scene 3: 13 Defeat two enemies. Proceed right. --------- 4-9 Scene 1: 33 You will fight a giant tank here. The top cannon will shoot out some cannon balls and the bottom one will shoot out flame balls which leave a trail of fire when hit the ground. The fire can be put out by using SPLIT on the fountain in the background. Use SLOW to increase size of the water drops. Just keep hitting the tank and dodge its attacks. You can't V-DODGE the flame balls. --------- 4-10 Scene 1: 47 Defeat 10 enemies. Use a Pink Gourd, if you'd like. When the effect of the Pink Gourd is active, use SCRATCH to confuse the enemies then punch them to cause greater damage. Scene 2: 11 Defeat 6 enemies. The Pink Gourd comes in handy. Enter 'ACTION STADIUM.' --------- 4-11 Scene 1: 39 Defeat 5 enemies. You are getting targeted constantly so watch out. Again, the Pink Gourd you can find from upper right part of the room helps a lot. --------- 4-12 Scene 1: 39 Defeat two enemies. Scene 2: 11 Get on the moving platform and make your way to the higher ground. Stand on still ground then use SLIDE to close the valve. Move onto the conveyer belt then right before the next gas eruption keep moving left while using SLIDE and closing the valve. That is, your left hand should be pressing left on the directional pad of DS while you are in the SLIDE mode and at the same time your right hand should be closing the valve. Proceed right and do it again to reach the flag. --------- 4-13 Scene 1: 15 Defeat the enemy here. Scene 2: 23 Get on the elevator. The view broadens again. Use SLIDE to spin the gear and stop accordingly to get some items on the way(look at the top screen to decide when to stop). Go up all the way. --------- 4-14 =============================== == Boss Fight : Meta Rangers == =============================== *Attacks* Ranger Log 1. He charges at you with a big punch. 2. He jumps and sprinkles some powders. 3. He jumps backwards then fires a giant fire ball as he lands. 4. He takes a big leap vertically then kicks down, which creates close-range flame attack. Ranger Digi 1. He charges at you with a big punch. 2. He jumps and sprinkles some powders. 3. He jumps vertically then does diagonal kick three times. 4. He crouches a bit then charges at you with a flurry of punches. *Strategy* This battle consists of three parts: you fight against Ranger Log first, then when one full life bar drains he tags with Ranger Digi. Drain another life bar, and you will fight both of them at the same time. Learn their pattern and use SLOW to counter. They don't have SLIDE time like previous bosses but they do open themselves a lot after each attack. The only attack you can't V-DODGE is attack 4 of each Ranger. There is also Jasmine hiding in the background to support you: if you use SLIDE to touch her she will throw you a bunch of helpful items. You can find a Pink Gourd from the pink box in the upper right part of the stage. Beat them to proceed to the next episode. =============================================================================== Episode 5 - Viewtiful World [EP5] --------- 5-1 Scene 1: 0 Take down 10 enemies. --------- 5-2 Scene 1: 2 From this point, the game becomes boss rush. Defeat Gadget-Cop. Start by collecting all the v-tapes. While it is possible to stun him by using SCRATCH to open up the water pipe followed by SLOW which amplifies water drops, it is easier(and faster) to engage him head-on to bring him down. --------- 5-3 Scene 1: 3 Fight Killer Hands. It is possible to hit him with the stalactites using SCRATCH but the damage is too small. --------- 5-4 Scene 1: 17 It's Alter Woman who goes down this time. You can stand on the clouds here. --------- 5-5 Scene 1: 7 Didn't we just fight Meta Rangers? Oh well, here we go again. This time, both of them will engage you from the beginning. --------- 5-6 ========================== == Boss Fight : Alastor == ========================== *Attacks* 1. He pulls out his sword then charges at you three times. 2. He shoots out swords in the middle of the air then the swords fly at you. 3. He kicks down vertically while he flies. 4. He kicks down diagonally while he flies(like Joe's Red Hot Kick) 5. He flies into the background then emits thunderbolts for a while. *Strategy* You can't V-DODGE attack 3-5. Use SLOW a lot to see(and V-DODGE) his attacks. You will have to watch him on the top screen from time to time. AIR JOE helps a lot here, since he is mostly floating. If you see Alastor perform attack 5, simply use SLIDE then touch him. If you manage to touch him while he is flying low, you will put him into magma in the background and he will appear in one of fountains at the end of the stage, being stunned. Attack him whenever you see a chance, such as at the end of attack 1 or when he is simply floating. This fight is warm up for upcoming boss battle. --------- 5-7 ============================ == Boss Fight : Rex Majin == ============================ *Attacks* 1. It pulls out its sword then charges at you three times. 2. It shoots out missiles in the middle of the air then the missiles fly towards you. 3. It flies into the background then emits thunderbolts for a while. *Strategy* You can only V-DODGE attack 1. You will be using Six Majin in this battle, but it has same abilities as Joe. This boss will repeat attack 1-3 in order. There is some opening at the end of attack 1. When the missiles are shot, SLIDE immediately then wait until the missiles come closer, and touch the missiles quickly. Use SLOW as well if necessary. If you don't take care of them they will keep flying around you and will damage you to no end. You can't stop Rex Majin's thunderbolts this time. The best way to dodge this attack is as follows: think of the bolt as a wall. When it comes to your way, jump over the 'wall' to land on the other side of it. Jump back over the 'wall' to go back to your original position. Keep jumping back and forth until the boss stops the attack. Defeating the boss will let you proceed to the last episode of the game. =============================================================================== Episode 6 - Viewtiful Joe & Jasmine [EP6] --------- 6-1 Scene 1: 12 Defeat 9 enemies. Scene 2: 8 Defeat 5 enemies. Use SPLIT to get on top of the pink box then collect some v-tapes. --------- 6-2 Scene 1: 4 Defeat 6 enemies. The knight armors in the background attack you so be careful. Use SPLIT to collect v-tapes in the upper middle part of the room before you finish off the last enemy. --------- 6-3 Scene 1: 44 Defeat two enemies. --------- 6-4 Scene 1: 14 Defeat three enemies. Suck out the poison gas clouds by using SPLIT on the fireplace if they bother you. Exit left. --------- 6-5 Scene 1: 4 Defeat three enemies. Use the Gold Gourd that is found in the pink box well. --------- 6-6 Scene 1: 24 Familiar setting, no? Defeat three enemies. Get out to the balcony. --------- 6-7 Scene 1: 30 Double jump to the right. Use SPLIT to pull left to right then jump onto left platform. Use SLIDE then touch the wooden window to open it. Stand on the open wood panel then use SCRATCH to punch a hole above, SPLIT the screen then move upward to reach the flag. Scene 2: 30 Defeat 3 enemies. Scene 3: 0 The view broadens yet again (if not then jump). There are platforms going in and out of the wall. Use them as a platform to head upward and reach the flag. --------- 6-8 Scene 1: 20 As you enter the room, the door shuts down and the trap ceiling starts to fall down. You will see a clock counts down 60 seconds. Simply wear it out. When the clock ticks to 3 seconds, the scene will be over. Don't overuse SLOW if you want to have a good grade on TIME. When the scene is over, you will fight the last boss of the game. Prepare yourself during the intermission. Spend your v-points like it is the end of the world! (heh) --------- 6-9 ============================================ == Boss Fight : Heinderella (castle form) == ============================================ *Attacks* 1. The hands pour out water while gathering to the centre. 2. The hands clap three times: high, middle then low. 3. The castle shoots out two missiles. 4. The castle will target you and shoot you five times in a row (after pushing the switch). *Strategy* This is a fairly easy part of the last boss. Your main goal is to hit back the missiles either by punching them or using V-DODGE. The boss will repeat attack 1-3 in that order(except attack 4, which comes into the pattern later). You can stand on the hands but staying below (near the flame) or coming in contact with palms while they slowly clap will damage you so watch out. The water pillar will also damage you so don't get near it. Jump in the centre or just stay on the hands to avoid the water pillar. Staying at the edge of the screen is a great way to avoid any attack from hands. Doing so sometimes even sends the enemy away from you. Once turned back, the missiles will hit the central orb of the castle. After about 6 hits, the central orb will break and will reveal a switch. Use SLIDE to push it and the whole castle will come alive. The goal remains same, but the missiles are bigger and you are being targeted. Now the boss repeats attack 2, 3 and 4 (not necessarily in that order). If you are low on life, kill the enemy here to get a Cheese Burger. Generally you will have no problem if you try to stay on one of the hands constantly. --------- 6-10 ============================== == Boss Fight : Heinderella == ============================== *Attacks* 1. She flies towards you then hits two times. 2. She summons 4 golden rods which fly towards you. *Strategy* You can't use VFX powers in this battle. Simply avoid her attacks. Golden rods can be dodged easily: stop moving when they appear, then jump directly upward. After some time you will be prompted to a real battle. Hitting her does not do anything, so concentrate on dodging and pass some time. --------- 6-11 ============================== == Boss Fight : Heinderella == ============================== *Attacks* 1. She makes a shadow of herself around you. 2. She charges energy then flies towards you three times. 3. She charges at you and hits two times. 4. She summons 8 golden rods. Four of them fly towards you and the other four rain on the screen. 5. She summons 4 golden rods which fly towards you. 6. She summons 4 golden rods which rain on the screen. 7. She shoots out a long flame trail on the ground. 8. She flies into the background, split into four then targets you and shoots you constantly. *Strategy* Now this feels like more like the last boss. Use V-DODGE to dodge attack 2 or 3. Attacks 4-6 is dodged easily but use V-DODGE if necessary. Jump to avoid attack 7. There should be some opening after you dodge attack 2 or 3. Attack 1 doesn't seem to do nothing, but it is followed either by attack 1 or 2. The sequence is random so observe her pattern a lot then counter attack. Attack 8 will only happen after you drain one life bar out of her. This attack is very hard to dodge: use SLIDE immediately (followed by SLOW if necessary) and touch all four of her to bring her back to the battle ground. Jasmine is hiding in the background as well to support you. Give the boss all you've got. Good luck! =============================================================================== Congratulations, you beat the game! Enjoy the ending. You can also start new game with 'V-RATED' difficulty if you beat the game on 'ADULT' difficulty. ############################################################################### ##### 3. Version Information ##### [0003] ############################################################################### Ver.1.0. Completed the guide. V-tape collection of Episode 2 not complete. (Jan.20.2006) Ver.0.0. Started the guide. (Jan.14.2006) ############################################################################### ##### 4. Legal Notes and Contacts ##### [0004] ############################################################################### All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders. This guide may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright. Have any questions or comments? Send an email to yetstay[at]hotmail.com. I may not have time to answer all the questions, and I am pretty sure that almost all the information you need to beat this game is in this guide. DO NOT email me about how the game/this guide rocks or fails you. I won't answer the questions about the information you can find in this guide. DO email me about errors, contents that are missing from this guide, etc. Thanks to GameFAQs for hosting this guide. Thank you Jean Pierre Kellams for great voice acting of Killer Hands and for answering my question. Thank you for reading this guide! EOF
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Welcome to Hudson Valley Door and Hardware!
Hudson Valley Door and Hardware, LLC, a member of the Unified Door and Hardware Group, is the leading expert in commercial doors, frames, architectural hardware and bathroom partitions. We specialize in hollow metal doors, wood doors, FRP doors, fire doors, hollow metal frames, finish hardware and bathroom accessories and partitions. We service city and government contractors, general contractors, architects, school districts, private end users and more. Everything that we supply is purchased directly from the manufacturers, which ensures the most competitive pricing with the best possible service and factory warranties. Our on premises fabrication shop and warehousing facilities are available to assist in quick turn-around. Our experienced field teams can install, repair and rework hollow metal doors and frames, wood and FRP doors as well as establish and maintain master keying systems of any size. Consider us for any small or large door, frame and hardware projects. Call us, email us or stop by our facility in Wappingers Falls, NY. We look forward to fulfilling all your architectural hardware needs.


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Multiple threats and abuse that forced another journalist to flee the Mexican state of Veracruz last week illustrate the ongoing dangers for journalists and the need to ensure the efficient function of a protection mechanism for them, the International Press Institute (IPI) said today.
Noé Zavaleta, the Veracruz correspondent for Proceso magazine, said he left the state last week after filing complaints with local authorities about threats that followed the publication of his book, "The Hell of Javier Duarte", criticising the state's governor and others.
The journalist recently spoke with news agency AVC Noticias from Mexico City, saying that the threats against him had ceased in the wake of his complaints. However, he criticised what he said was a delay of several days before investigators communicated with him.
He also said that he was remaining away from Veracruz for the time being and that he was currently accompanied by two guards at Proceso's insistence, making him "the most uncomfortable on the planet".
Zavaleta's book criticised officials as well as the owner of the newspaper El Buen Tono, José Abella, who Zavaleta called "the privileged recipient of state advertising". Abella reportedly threatened Zavaleta on Facebook and the journalist received a number of anonymous threats in what Reporters Without Borders (RSF) last week labelled a "campaign of intimidation".
IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M. Ellis said the case, when viewed in light of the numerous journalists killed in Veracruz in recent years, showed the need to push Mexico's government to do more to protect journalists.
"While we are relieved that the threats against Mr. Zavaleta have stopped, we are concerned by the alleged delay in authorities' response and by the impact the current measures he must now take to stay safe will have on his ability to do his job," Ellis said. "We urge authorities to make greater effort to protect journalists under threat and to bring the killers of so many of their colleagues to justice."
Proceso correspondents rallied with Zavaleta after learning about the threats against him. In a letter to Mexico's president and other authorities they condemned the lack of investigation into journalists' deaths and demanded greater protection.
Veracruz is one of the most dangerous places for journalists in Latin America due to widespread corruption and drug-related violence in the state. Three of the eight journalists reported killed so far in Mexico this year died in Veracruz and critics of Duarte have argued that the danger that journalists face has only increased with his time in office.
The most-recent killing came on July 21, when two gunmen shot Pedro Rosas Tamayo outside his home. The journalist was under police protection at the time, but his family claims that officers stationed nearby failed to respond to gunshots or to stop the perpetrators from leaving calmly.
In May, Manuel Torres González was gunned down. Local authorities were criticised for initially ignoring his journalistic work as a possible motive.
However, authorities in Veracruz last week announced the arrest of a local chief of the Zetas criminal drug gang in connection with the February murder of Anabel Flores Salazar. She was found dead alongside a highway in neighbouring Pueblo state one day after she was abducted from her home in Veracruz at gunpoint. Authorities arrested another Zetas member in May and have said that the gang targeted Flores due to her work.
In 2015, two of 11 journalists murdered that year in Mexico were killed in Veracruz. But two more had links to the state: Ruben Espinosa, shot dead in Mexico City one year ago last month, had fled Veracruz and Armando Saldaña Morales, found dead in Oaxaca after apparent torture, had been abducted there.


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Cold Stone Creamery's Third Annual Oscar Signature Ice Cream Creations Français
Feb 20, 2013, 15:18 ET
OAKVILLE, ON, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Amour - The universal language. Try the Strawberry Passion ice cream cake with layers of moist yellow cake, Strawberry ice cream, a graham cracker pie crust and strawberry puree, all wrapped in a creamy strawberry frosting… because nothing heals heartache like ice cream!
Life of Pi - Chocolate ice cream, OREO cookie pieces and orange Gummi Bears. We like to call this one the 'Richard Parker.'
Beasts of the Southern Wild - Step out of the world's harsh realities and take a moment to dream with the Oh So Dreamy Ice Cream Bar: French Vanilla ice cream, surrounded by a chocolaty and almond coating.
Silver Linings Playbook - Mint ice cream, chocolate chips and fudge, the unofficial sweet treat of The Eagles football team. We'd bet that eating a cup of this before the big game will help with their juju!
Zero Dark Thirty - It seemed appropriate that we temporarily change the name of our Midnight Delight ice cream cake to Midnight Thirty Delight. Layers of moist Devil's Food cake and Chocolate ice cream with chocolate shavings and fudge, wrapped in a rich fudge ganache. It's perfect for sharing at an Oscar party!
Django Unchained - If Django and Dr. Schultz are going to remain focused on finding Broomhilda, they're going to need a snack that will put an extra kick in their step. Tim Hortons Double Double Coffee Ice Cream for a dollop of energy, Reese Peanut Butter Cups for a pinch of protein and topped off with a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.
Argo - How about a red and white ice cream cake to celebrate the Canadian Embassy's contribution to this declassified true story? Cake Batter Confetti is made of layers of moist Devil's Food Cake and Cake Batter Ice Cream, wrapped in creamy white frosting and topped off with delicious sprinkles.
Les Miserables - French Vanilla Ice Cream, strawberries and yellow cake. Our quick, easy and delicious version of a tradition French Crepe. Moral of the story: Just don't try to take it without paying!
Lincoln - Strawberry ice cream, blueberries and whipped topping - an appropriate red, white and blue Signature Creation to honour an American legend.
Cold Stone Creamery® Experience
Cold Stone Creamery's premium ice cream is made right in our restaurants. To experience Cold Stone, guests simply choose their cone or cup size - Like It™, Love It™, Gotta Have It™ - ice cream or sorbet and any number of countless mix-ins such as fruit, nuts, candies and other toppings. A Team Member mixes the selections with spades on a chilled granite stone, and the Creation is presented to the guest as The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience®. Guests can also enjoy Cold Stone Creamery's take-home treats such as ice cream cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, pies and cakes. http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/menu/coldstonecreamery.html
About Tim Hortons Inc.
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, fresh Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of September 30th, 2012, Tim Hortons had 4,138 system-wide restaurants, including 3,365 in Canada, 755 in the United States and 18 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com. Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter: www.twitter.com/timhortons.
Image with caption: "Cold Stone Creamery unveils Third Annual Oscar Signature Ice Cream Creations to celebrate the Oscars on February 24, 2013 (CNW Group/Cold Stone Creamery)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130220_C7117_PHOTO_EN_23933.jpg
SOURCE: Cold Stone Creamery
For further information:
Michelle Robichaud
[email protected]


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These days, with extended daylight and sunny weather, the solar hot air heaters – Cansolair – are going all out. They work very simply and directly in the following way:
A couple of very small fans pull cold air out of the ground floor of the lodge and run it through 2 panels mounted on the outside of the lodge. Inside the panels, the cold air passes through a series of cans heated by the sun. In the process, the air itself is heated. A second small fan blows hot air back into one of the guest rooms and into the Bistro kitchen – and voila!
The best thing about it? Cansolair is made from recycled material – beer and pop cans. Can't beat that!


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Instructors work hard to develop a unique course that's fully in tune with their students, their teaching style, and their research. How can a traditional standard textbook begin to support it? And why depend on photocopies and homemade handouts when students can have a professional text, anthology, or manual with customized material for a lower price?
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We are a diverse coalition of young people, organized to take power by winning elections for progressive candidates.
We lead with authenticity and grit to help our generation seize power online, on campuses, and in our communities. Since 2013, we have registered over 1.3 million voters and contacted millions of young people, motivating them to take back our democracy and vote.
In 2020, we are fighting to take back the White House, the U.S. Senate, and state legislatures by turning out young voters.
Our teams are on the ground across 11 battleground states having thousands of face-to-face conversations with the people who will decide this election.
Hover over each state for a look into our work.
Swipe below to learn more about our work on the ground.
Read our full 2020 plan here.
NextGen Arizona is committed to defeating GOP Senator Martha McSally, helping take back the Arizona State Legislature, and sending 11 electoral votes to the Democratic presidential nominee in 2020.
NextGen Florida is committed to flipping the Sunshine State blue for the presidential election, defending the Democratic gains in the U.S. House from the midterms, and fighting to put Democrats in control of the state legislature to check Gov. Ron DeSantis' power and prevent more rampant GOP gerrymandering.
NextGen Iowa will fight to deliver Iowa's six electoral votes to the Democratic nominee for president, flip a critical U.S. Senate seat from red to blue, and defend critical Democratic House gains from the midterms.
NextGen Michigan will deliver Michigan's 16 electoral votes to a Democratic president, send Senator Gary Peters back to the Senate, and defend Democratic House gains from the midterms.
A new addition to the NextGen program, NextGen Maine is determined to oust Senator Susan Collins, who cast the deciding vote to elevate Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. In addition to defeating Senator Collins, NextGen Maine aims to secure all four of Maine's Electoral College votes for the Democratic presidential nominee.
North Carolina has not voted for a Democrat for president since 2008; in order to remove Trump from the White House, voters in the Tar Heel State must show up in 2020 and send 15 electoral votes to the Democratic presidential nominee. NextGen North Carolina is also committed to removing Senator Thom Tillis, reelecting Governor Roy Cooper, and flipping the NC State Legislature to prevent more GOP gerrymanders.
New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary and independent nature solidify the Granite State as a bonafide presidential battleground state and a top priority. NextGen New Hampshire is committed to sending the state's four electoral votes to the Democratic presidential nominee, defending Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and removing Governor Chris Sununu from office in 2020.
NextGen Nevada is committed to sending all six electoral votes to the Democratic nominee for president and defending Democratic House gains from the midterms.
NextGen Pennsylvania is committed to flipping this state back into the blue column and sending all 20 electoral votes to the Democratic presidential nominee. In addition to sending Trump packing, NextGen Pennsylvania will focus on defending the Democratic House gains from the midterm and picking up nine seats in the State House of Representatives to take control of the chamber.
This cycle, NextGen Wisconsin is committed to flipping the Badger State blue to remove Trump from office. In addition to sending all 10 electoral votes to the Democratic presidential nominee, organizers and volunteers will focus on the state Supreme Court race to ensure Wisconsin has justices who will overturn gerrymandered maps and ensure fair elections.
In 2020, NextGen Virginia will work to ensure Virginia stays blue by sending 13 electoral votes to the Democratic presidential nominee and ensuring Senator Mark Warner earns another term in the Senate.
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Technical writing: the step-child of IT?
In my experience, technical writing alone of all the information technology functions is treated as a luxury. One large company for which I worked, for example, immediately eliminated the technical writing team whenever financial troubles loomed. Technical writing was considered "overhead" that did not directly contribute revenue; therefore, it was expendable.
This attitude has seemed nearly universal, at least in large companies. Only two conditions seem to make documentation a high priority.
1. Regulatory requirements
If a regulation requires documentation, it will be created. A number of people will want to have an imprint on the product. They will want their names listed as contributors, their points of view addressed and their concern for doing things properly noted.
After the document is written and the regulation satisfied, however, it is likely no one will ever read the document or direct anyone to do so, until something goes wrong. Then, the document will become the proof that someone - usually someone in the rank-and-file who is considered expendable - was at fault.
2. Downsizing and cost-cutting
When companies decide to eliminate jobs or lay off or replace personnel, the work those employees handled must be done by someone else. The tasks might be added to the workloads of remaining personnel, or they might be outsourced. In either case, documenting procedures becomes critical. I have even heard of companies penalizing outgoing personnel, via severance packages, who fail to train their replacements.
Why is technical writing undervalued?
One reason technical writing rates so low among IT skills is there are bad technical writers, just as there are bad programmers and bad managers, among the good ones.
Someone once told me the technical writer in his office thought her sole responsibility was to drop the developer's text into the template and reformat it. My supervisor on one contract actually asked me to rewrite another technical writer's work, because she simply could not understand it. On another job, someone said after working with me as the most recent of several technical writers, he finally understood that technical writers could be valuable assets.
Even if you put bad experiences aside, however, a number of fallacies about technical writing thrive.
Fallacy 1: Anyone can do it.
The ability to put words on paper - or a computer screen - and the ability to communicate effectively are two different things. Not everyone writes, or communicates, well, and not everyone writes all types of documents equally well. Communicating technical information accurately, concisely, completely in language appropriate to the intended audience is a specialized skill. The number of unintelligible user manuals in existence testifies to this truth. For detailed examples, compare the developer's and writer's versions of software installation instructions.
Fallacy 2: Hard-core technicians, such as the system administrators, programmers and engineers can write the documentation related to their jobs more easily than a technical writer.
This seems true until you consider that their perspective is that of experienced professionals instead of new hires. New hires, for example, may not know that the simple instruction to "take the system offline" actually involves three different steps - logging into a control panel, shutting down five different applications in a specific order and then powering down the server - instead of simply powering the server down with the applications still running.
Fallacy 3: Documentation is unnecessary if personnel know their jobs.
Again, this seems true until you think about the situation.
- If there is no documentation, how can a novice cope with a rare but time-sensitive issue when the more experienced personnel are unavailable?
- How can you ensure consistency in procedure when individual memory is the only guide?
- How can you keep an organization running when critical knowledge disappears with a departing employee?
Fallacy 4: Hands-on training can substitute for documentation.
To some degree this can be true, but consider:
- How much of your experienced personnel's time can you afford to devote to training when there are complex issues only the experienced can handle?
- How do you know the training is actually occurring? One technician once told me they could complete a task in less time than it would take to train someone else to do it. That is often true, but refusal to train lower-level employees is counter-productive to the team as well as detrimental to novice employees' development.
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Murderers lose appeal against whole life tariffs
- Published
Britain's most dangerous criminals can be kept behind bars for the rest of their lives, judges at the European Court of Human Rights have ruled.
Killers Jeremy Bamber, Peter Moore and Douglas Vinter had asked the court to rule on whole life sentences.
The murderers said condemning them to die in prison amounts to "inhuman or degrading treatment". They argued all sentences should be regularly reviewed.
The Ministry of Justice said the government welcomed this decision.
Bamber was jailed for shooting five members of his family dead in Essex in 1986.
He has always protested his innocence, claiming his schizophrenic sister shot the victims before turning the gun on herself at their farmhouse at Tolleshunt D'Arcy.
Peter Moore, from Kinmel Bay in Conwy county, was convicted of murdering four men for his sexual gratification and Douglas Vinter, of Normanby, Teesside, killed both his wife and a work colleague.
The trio's legal team had argued that any sentence under which the offender's rehabilitation cannot lead to a review of release breaches articles three, five and seven of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The men lost their appeal to the court that whole life tariffs condemning prisoners to die in jail amounted to "inhuman or degrading treatment".
The judges ruled that the whole life tariff is not "grossly disproportionate" and in each case London's High Court had "decided that an all-life tariff was required, relatively recently and following a fair and detailed consideration".
Lawyers representing Vinter plan to appeal against the ruling on his case.
In a statement released by his supporters, Bamber said: "If the state wishes to have a death penalty, then they should be honest and re-introduce hanging.
"Instead, this political decision that I must die in jail is the death penalty using old age or infirmity as the method.
"It is a method whereby I'm locked in a cell until I'm dead - no matter if it should take 70 or 80 years to happen. I shall be dead the next time I leave jail."
'Quite extraordinary'
Bamber said both the trial judge and the Lord Chief Justice set his minimum tariff as 25 years.
"Quite why the home secretary felt that I should die in jail when the judges felt otherwise is a mystery," he said, adding that it was "quite extraordinary" that the European Court felt it was "reasonable" for him to die in jail.
Following the ruling, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said the government "strongly welcomes this decision".
He said: "We argued vigorously that there are certain prisoners whose crimes are so appalling that they should never become eligible for parole.
"We are pleased that the European court has upheld the whole life tariff as a legitimate sentence in British courts."


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Ski Resorts
Discover the most popular ski resorts in the United States
At some of the nation's most popular ski locations, you can still manage to save money. Beat the rush in finding great ski resorts in the fall (late September or early October) and you're likely to save on flights and accommodations. Most resort websites offer lift discounts that require simple promotion codes. Once you spot your perfect ski resorts, all you'll need to do is nab a cheap flight, and you're on your way to a wintry paradise.
Colorado Ski Resorts
No matter when you find a ski resort to Colorado, you can't possibly escape the altitude. Mountains are everywhere, and your ski options are endless. If you're set on Aspen, then a few hills work best for budgets. At Snowmass, 90 trails welcome any-level skiers, and on Aspen Mountain, advanced go-getters will be pleased with double-black steeps. Family ski resorts are abound with teen programs and kid camps, ensuring that the young ones are taken care of at a minimal cost.
Ski Breckenridge and learn why it is one of the top resort areas in Colorado.
Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for finding ski resorts with character. The glamour of this beautiful lake doesn't have to be enjoyed at premium prices, either. For instance, at Diamond Peak Resort, first timers can relish in gentle slopes and wide runs. The more people you travel with, the bigger the savings are here, (groups of 10 can ski for around $33 a day) so if you and your friends book a ski resorts together, the discounts will tower.
Ski Lake Tahoe and learn why it is one of the top resort areas in California.
Vermont Ski Resorts
In the winter, travelers flock to local ski resorts that are near popular ski areas – Killington, Mt. Snow and Stowe. But fear not – skiing in Vermont doesn't have to be expensive – there are plenty of ways to ski Vermont's tallest mountains without paying the steep prices.
Ski Vermont and learn why it is one of the top ski areas in the northeast.
Utah Ski Resorts
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Middlesbrough – 1
Nottingham Forest – 1
Phew. That was a real 'Get out of jail free' moment – sort of. An increasingly injury ravaged Reds competed reasonable well in the first half, but struggled in the second half – falling behind soon after the half time break, and relying on some goalkeeping heroics from Lee Camp to keep it to one goal before big Dele bagged an ill-deserved stoppage time equaliser.
Earnie was restored to the starting line-up, and McCleary's impactful cameo at Millwall earned him a starting place – at the expense of Ando and Raddy, who both dropped to the bench. McGoldrick retained his place, but this time with a partner. Lynch's weekend hobbling was deemed to not be a problem so he continued his covering of the leftback berth. We looked like this:
Gunter Morgan Chambers Lynch
McCleary McKenna McGugan Cohen
Earnshaw McGoldrick
The customary sea of red seats in Middlesbrough greeting the start of the match, just shy of a thousand Forest fans made the trip (yours truly had to miss this one due to work commitments 😦 ). The home side were first to sting the palms of a 'keeper – with Julio Arca firing goalward but denied by Camp's parry and a clearance by Chambo. Barry Robson had another go from 20 yards but again Camp was equal to it.
At the other end a fine cross by McGoldrick found Earnie on the move down the left – the Welshman beat his defender but the shot was tame, so no St. David's Day celebration goal for Robbie. McGoldrick created a decent opportunity for himself, getting past three men with a decent run but his shot too wasn't able to beat Steele in the Middlesbrough goal.
Chambers is perhaps still rueing not doing better than spooning over from close range after Chris Cohen had put in a freekick from the right. Then a calamity. Joel Lynch started limping, and eventually hit the deck with less than forty minutes gone – to be replaced by Brendan Moloney who moved to rightback with Gunts switching sides.
Not the best of news – although post-match Billy hinted that Konchesky might well be fit for the weekend. Let's hope he really is, and we're not just 'making do.' Boro put some pressure on after this, a corner fell for Taylor on the edge of the area who hit it goalward, only to be denied by a save from Camp at the expense of another corner to the home side.
Forest started to build possession and drag some half-chances out of somewhere, but reminiscent of the weekend's trip to Millwall they weren't able to capitalise on them. Half time arrived with the score at stalemate. Without something altering dramatically it wasn't looking like our much anticipated game-in-hand was going to yield three points.
The start of the second half didn't do much to dispel these fears – a home freekick after a foul on McDonald as struck well by Tony McMahon, but was kept out by Lee Camp with an excellent save. The Forest number one was on his toes again to deny Leroy Lita from 20 yards out – but alas, despite his good form, he couldn't prevent what was to come.
Forest gave away the ball in midfield, giving Middlesbrough the opportunity to break down the right. Lita burst forward and found Robson, who put the ball across the box to Scott McDonald who made no mistake putting the ball into the roof of the net from just six yards out. It wasn't any more than they deserved really.
We continued to labour in the game, Billy introduced Paul Anderson for Lewis McGugan to try to change things around a bit – but it was the home side that continued to pile on the pressure. Good work from Arca saw him lay the ball off for Taylor whose shot looked to be set to double the lead for Boro, but for further excellent work by Lee Camp in the Forest goal.
The final change by Billy was to introduce Dele Adebola with a little over twenty minutes remaining. It didn't stop the general ebb and flow of the game though – a rare foray forward found Earnie unable to twist his way around what looked like the whole Middlesbrough defence, not even mustering a shot. It wasn't looking good.
Meanwhile back at the busier end of the pitch Lee Camp was once again on hand to deny Taylor a goal from close range. Lita had a pop from the edge of area but was blocked by Wes Morgan, and suddenly Forest actually started to look a little more lively – a freekick from Cohen found Anderson whose effort from six yards was blocked.
The home side continued to press though – an effort from Robson deflected off a defender and went out off the post. Nerve racking times. At the other end Dele won a header and Earnie was close to stealing in before Steele could grab the ball – but grab it he did. As the game entered stoppage time that bizarre swing in play started to occur and Forest made opportunities.
Adebola headed one straight into the arms of Steele, but a moment later he was in the right place at the right time. The ball was lofted towards the edge of the area, Morgan won it and Dele was able to bundle it over the line to give Forest a pretty valuable but an ill-gotten point. Frustrating, for sure – but as Billy says, there's still twists and turns in this league to come.
Fingers crossed that over the next few days we get to hear some positive news on the injury front, or – dare I even suggest it – maybe even a loan signing or two? It sounded post-match like Billy was considering headbutting Robin Chipperfield when he broached the subject of loan signings with the wee fella!
Filed under: Matches |


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S&P On Verge Of History Despite Renewed Trade War Fears; Yuan, Sterling, Lira Slide
Courtesy of ZeroHedge. View original post here.
In another "summer lulled" subdued session with low volumes, Asian markets were mixed while European stocks were broadly lower Wednesday, following several key earnings misses, while a new round of US tariffs on China imports affecting $16BN in goods pushed back the trade war into the open, even as the S&P 500 is just 14 points, or 0.5% away from making new all time highs as the VIX hit a 7 month low.
The result is a mixed market snapshot, with US futures flat, but coiled to surge higher after the open.
In notable macro moves, the USDJPY broke below 111, with the EURJPY accelerating below 129 although no specific news drivers were cited for JPY bid. The greenback initially weakens in response to the move in the yen before rallying to day's high, especially against emerging markets and the Turkish lira, which lost all recent gains.
In global equities, the MSCI's index of world stocks was marginally higher.
"Everyone is just focusing on U.S. earnings… and feeling the U.S. market will remain robust despite trade uncertainties, and that's the main driver right now," that is how Market Securities' Christophe Barraud summarized the current decoupling sentiment. He cautioned that fall could bring a reality check in the form of slower U.S. growth indicators, Italian politics, Britain's Brexit negotiations with the European Union, U.S. mid-term elections and – above all – the risk of trade war escalation.
"Support from U.S. earnings could last until the end of August and when people are back in September they will focus more on other events….(The trade war) is not a short-term conflict about a trade deficit but a longer-term story."
And to be sure, earnings support is less evident elsewhere, after a raft of weak results pushed European shares to slide lower: health-care and insurance companies dropped on the Stoxx Europe 600 Index, offsetting gains in technology, while raw materials firms lost ground after Glencore missed its earnings forecast.
Asia's benchmarks gave up some earlier advances, as shares in China notched many of the bigger declines, with the Shanghai Composite sliding 1.3% amid renewed trade war fears.
Trade fears were tempered somewhat by signs Beijing is unveiling further measures to support growth, such as increasing infrastructure spending and tweaking its monetary policy stance. Adding to previous moves to ease pressure on the yuan, the People's Bank of China urged some lenders to prevent any "herd behavior" and momentum-chasing moves in the currency market, according to people familiar with the matter. Even so, the offshore Yuan dropped to session lows of 6.8450 erasing much of yesterday's gains as trade war fears returned.
Trump's trade war was once again front and center, after the U.S. said it will begin imposing 25% duties on an additional $16 billion in Chinese imports in two weeks, the second time Washington slapped tariffs on Chinese goods in about a month. Even so, exports from the second-biggest economy grew faster than expected in July and imports surged, signaling the trade war has yet to make much of a dent on shipments as it has on equities and showing that both domestic and international demand continue to rise despite the uncertainty of trade relations with the U.S.
As reported late last night, China's exports growth edged up to +12.2% yoy in July, slightly above consensus. Meanwhile, imports surged to 27.3% yoy in July, well above consensus.
- Exports: +12.2% yoy in July (consensus: +10.0%). June: +11.2% yoy. Month-over-month exports growth: +0.2% in July, vs. +0.5% mom sa non-annualized in June.
- Imports: +27.3% yoy in July (consensus: +16.5%). June: +14.1% yoy. Month-over-month imports growth: +5.6% in July, vs. -2.9% mom sa non-annualized in June.
S&P500 futures were unchanged, with all eyes still on Tesla shares after Elon Musk suggested taking the company private, without providing any actual details or revealing his mysterious source of "secured funding."
Meanwhile, emerging market shares advanced and their currencies held steady even as the Turkey's lira erased most of Tuesday's gains, as investors said there's no easy way to rescue its financial markets.
In FX, the dollar was steady, as the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index erased an early decline of 0.2% even as the yen rallied. Demand for Japan's currency livened up an otherwise quiet Asian session. The pound dropped a fifth day against the greenback, sliding to an 11 month low, while it also dropped to the weakest level against the euro in almost nine months as markets gauge the risk to the U.K. leaving the EU with no deal on future ties.
Market players said they were seeing increasing moves by investors to hedge sterling risks: "A lot of companies can't wait until the (Brexit) outcome is clear… Many of them are trying to hedge against a drop in sterling," Barraud of Market Securities said.
The euro failed to sustain a short-squeeze rally and yuan gains proved short-lived.
Treasury yields were steady, with the 10Y trading flat a 2.97% ahead of the biggest-ever 10-year note auction, while euro-area bonds were modestly higher.
On oil markets, Brent futures held firm around $75 a barrel as U.S. sanctions on Iranian goods went into effect, intensifying concerns of looming crude supply shortages.
It's a quiet day, with the only expected data stateside being mortgage applications. CVS, Thomson Reuters, Booking, Equinix, and 21st Century Fox are among companies reporting earnings
Market Snapshot
- S&P 500 futures little changed at 2,859.25
- STOXX Europe 600 down 0.1% to 390.04
- MXAP up 0.3% to 166.92
- MXAPJ up 0.4% to 540.49
- Nikkei down 0.08% to 22,644.31
- Topix down 0.08% to 1,744.71
- Hang Seng Index up 0.4% to 28,359.14
- Shanghai Composite down 1.3% to 2,744.07
- Sensex up 0.5% to 37,853.63
- Australia S&P/ASX 200 up 0.2% to 6,268.53
- Kospi up 0.06% to 2,301.45
- German 10Y yield fell 0.8 bps to 0.401%
- Euro down 0.07% to $1.1591
- Italian 10Y yield fell 3.5 bps to 2.6%
- Spanish 10Y yield unchanged at 1.395%
- Brent futures up 0.1% to $74.72/bbl
- Gold spot up 0.1% to $1,212.70
- U.S. Dollar Index little changed at 95.17
Top Overnight News from Bloomberg
- In an escalating trade war, the U.S. said it will begin imposing 25% duties on an additional USD16b in Chinese imports in two weeks. Customs will begin collecting the duties on 279 product lines, down from 284 items on the initial list, as of Aug. 23. The new list covers products ranging from motorcycles to steam turbines and railway cars.
- Pressure is building on U.K. opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn to switch course and back a referendum on whatever Brexit deal the government reaches with the EU. As fears of a no-deal Brexit grow, Labour Party activists are trying to force a debate on the issue at its annual conference in Liverpool next month
- Elon Musk proclaimed that he might pull his money-losing Tesla Inc. off the market. Taking the electric-car company private at the price he touted would amount to an USD82b valuation
- The People's Bank of China's recent efforts to support the yuan included a meeting Monday with the nation's biggest lenders where currency stability was emphasized, according to people familiar with the matter. The PBOC urged the banks to prevent any "herd behavior" and momentum-chasing moves in the FX market, the people said
- China's exports grew faster than expected, while imports surged, showing both domestic and international demand continue to rise despite the uncertainty of trade relations with the U.S.
- The People's Bank of China's recent efforts to support the yuan included a meeting Monday with the nation's biggest lenders where currency stability was emphasized, according to people familiar with the matter
- The IMF said no sign Turkey considering asking fund for financial aid. The central bank and government have remained largely silent as the currency plummeted to record lows and the U.S. imposed sanctions and threatened more
- An outflow of European bankers from London is damping prices and rents in the capital's housing market, Bank of England policy maker Ian McCafferty said on Tuesday
Asian stock markets were mostly positive as they sustained the momentum from the US where the majors eked modest gains with the DJIA led by strength in energy and industrials, while the S&P 500 inched closer towards all-time highs. ASX 200 (+0.3%) was led higher by miners and surprisingly financials despite weaker earnings from Australia's largest lender CBA and scandalridden AMP. Elsewhere, Nikkei 225 (-0.1%) was initially supported throughout most the day by earnings and a weaker currency but then pared gains in late trade, while Hang Seng (+0.4%) and Shanghai Comp. (-1.3%) were mixed with underperformance in the mainland amid increased trade tensions after the US finalized the 2nd tranche of tariffs in which it will impose 25% tariffs on USD 16bln of Chinese goods from August 23rd. Finally, 10yr JGBs were higher for most the session despite as prices rebounded from this week's pressure and support near the 150.00 level, while the BoJ were also in the market for nearly JPY 1tln of government bonds concentrated in 1yr-10yr maturities. China NDRC said they will use monetary policy including targeted RRR reductions to support debt-to-equity swaps, while it added it will require banks to be stricter in limiting corporate debt and restrict high leverage firms from borrowing too much.
Top Asian News
- One BOJ Board Member Wanted 0.25% Range for Long-Term Yield
- Thailand Holds Key Rate as It Keeps Watch on Volatile Baht
- Orix to Buy Stake in HNA's Plane Lessor Avolon for $2.21 Billion
- Erdogan's Road Map Out of Market Meltdown Is Full of U- Turns; Turkey Must Hike Rates to 23% as Crisis Worsens, Investec Says
European equites have largely opened the day mixed, as the focus remains on large cap earnings. Uninspiring earnings from both Munich Re (-3.5%) and E.ON (-1.8%) have hit the DAX, which alongside the SMI are both in the red. The healthcare sector is the underperforming sector after Novo Nordisk reported a miss on both EBIT and revenue expectations. Earnings for AEX heavyweights ABN AMRO (+3.3%) and Ahold Delhaize (-2.0%) were also released, with the Ahold missing on net profit expectations.
Top European News
- Novo Sees U.S. Drug Prices Falling on Medicare Changes
- Ahold Delhaize Aims to Revamp Lagging U.S. Online Business
- Prudential First Half IFRS Operating Profit Beats Estimates
- Lanxess to Sell Rubber-Venture Stake to Aramco for $1.6 Billion
- German Bank Backed by ABN to Start Digital Corporate Loans
In FX, stops and another rebound in the YUAN have prompted all round Jpy buying and a break in the hitherto tight Usd/Jpy range to the downside through 111.00. This, after resistance above the big figure held on several attempts to rally towards heavy offers at 111.50, but the headline pair may not decline much further from circa 110.85 so far given multiple option expiries running off on Thursday and starting from 111.00-05 (1.4 bn) through 111.50-55 (1.9 bn) all the way up to 111.90, 112.00 and then 112.10-20. GBP/CAD - The Pound continues to languish amidst ongoing Brexit uncertainty and benign BoE policy intentions after only a second hike since the GFC last week, with Cable slipping to a fresh ytd sub-1.2900 and Eur/Gbp crossing 0.9000 to the upside, but the Loonie has also extended its retreat after weaker Canadian PMI prints yesterday, as Usd/Cad grinds higher towards 1.3100 supply. EM - It could be a watershed mid-week session for regional currencies after turnaround Tuesday for many that staged decent recovery rebounds vs the Usd, especially the Lira as US-Turkey talks resume to try and resolve the current dispute, while the Cny/Cnh will be eyeing further tariff developments after the US finalised the next $16 bn Chinese imports to be taxed from August 23
In commodities, the oil market is currently uneventful with WTI consolidating around its 100DMA of USD 74.53/BBL as news flow has been light for the fossil fuel after yesterday's larger than expected draw in crude stockpiles in the weekly API report alongside a surprise build in gasoline. China's President Xi has instructed Chinese state oil companies to lift production, according to CNOOC. In the metals sector gold (-0.1%) is up slightly, currently trading around the USD 1215/OZ level. London copper is also up on the day, and has set the scene for base metals, with all of nickel (+1.5%), zinc (+0.5%), lead (+2.6%) and aluminium (+0.2%) up on an improved risk sentiment.
Looking at the day ahead, in the US we get the latest weekly MBA mortgage applications data. Away from the data, the Fed's Barkin is scheduled to speak while CVS Health and Glencore are due to report earnings.
US Event Calendar
- 7am: MBA Mortgage Applications, prior -2.6%
- 8:45am: Fed's Barkin Speaks in Roanoke, Virginia
DB's Jim Reid concludes the overnight wrap
Tomorrow will mark the eleven-year anniversary of when BNP Paribas froze withdrawals from three of its investment funds linked to US subprime mortgages. Money markets started to seize up shortly after which led to huge and coordinated central bank action, subsequently leading to the extraordinary period of central bank activity that we now know today.
Amazingly the S&P 500 actually rose +2.42%, +0.62% and +1.41% in the three days leading up to August 9th 2007. Talk about being lured into a false sense of security. It then fell -2.96% on August 9th and subsequently lost another -54% over the course of about two years until the lows in September 2009. So this day eleven years ago really was the calm before the storm for markets. However, one of the great ironies about financial markets in the period since is that returns in major global financial assets have been incredibly healthy notwithstanding a few outliers. For example the S&P 500 has delivered a total return of +148.8% while Euro HY and US HY have returned +102.8% and +98.6% respectively. Other equity markets like the Hang Seng (+85.0%), FTSE 100 (+86.4%), DAX (+69.7%), Nikkei (+61.3%) and Stoxx 600 (+53.6%) have also rewarded investors handsomely. Treasuries have also returned +46.0% and Bunds +59.6%. Indeed of the 39 assets in our sample, 30 have seen a positive total return. Some of the exceptions to this include the Greek Athex (-79.8%), European Banks (-60.4%), CRB Commodity Index (-37.5%), Portugal General (-22.4%) and Shanghai Comp (-26.3%). So while the general conclusion is one of very positive total returns, not every class has benefited from huge intervention and general asset price inflation.
It's perhaps apt that with this big anniversary date in mind, the S&P 500 last night continued its upward march for a fourth day in succession, closing up +0.28% and so taking it to within 0.50% of the all-time closing high made back in January. Indeed on another quiet day for newsflow there was no stopping risk assets once again. The DOW and NASDAQ also ended +0.50% and +0.31% respectively while in Europe the Stoxx 600 earlier finished +0.47%. Moves yesterday also helped a number of European markets climb back into positive territory for the year again, joining the S&P 500 (+6.91%) and NASDAQ (+14.20%), with the likes of the Stoxx 600 (+0.34%) and FTSE 100 (+0.40%) now back onside and the FTSE MIB back to flat for the year. The DAX (-2.09%) and IBEX (-2.70%) are two markets which continue to languish in the red however.
Meanwhile the VIX nudged down to 10.93 yesterday and to the lowest since mid-January, while bond markets were for the most part a little weaker with 10y Treasures and Bunds ending +3.4bps and +1.9bps higher respectively. The most notable move for bonds yesterday actually came in Turkey where 10y yields tipped above 20% and to a new all-time high but then recovered later on, in part as Bloomberg reported that Turkey's deputy foreign minister was leading a delegate of officials to hold their first meeting with the US in Washington sometime today. The positive momentum for risk has continued into Asia this morning however the exception is China once again. While the Nikkei (+0.49%), Hang Seng (+0.46%) and Kospi (+0.27%) are all higher, the Shanghai Comp and CSI 300 are -0.32% and -0.55% respectively following confirmation by the US Trade Representative Office last night that Trump's administration is to begin imposing 25% tariffs on an additional $16bn of Chinese goods from August 23rd. Despite that the CNY has strengthened an albeit modest +0.17% following a meeting between the PBoC and Chinese Banks yesterday which concluded with the PBoC urging banks to prevent "herd behaviour" in the FX markets. According to Bloomberg the PBoC told the Banks that it has the necessary tools to stabilize the market while also keeping the CNY flexible and allowing it to move in both directions. China's July trade stats were also out this morning with the main takeaway being an unexpected jump in exports (+12.2% vs. +10.0% expected; +11.2% previously). Imports also rose which resulted in a smaller surplus however the jump in exports should help to alleviate some of the trade war concerns. The August data is likely to be a lot more significant however given the timing of tariffs.
On an otherwise quiet day for markets then one story which did stand out was Tesla where the founder Elon Musk signalled his intention to take the company to private ownership with the tweet "Am considering taking Tesla private at $420. Funding secured". If we used the takeout price of $420 per share (a roughly 23% premium to Monday's close), this would value the company at an enterprise value of around $83bn. With the debt needed to fund, this would be the largest leveraged buyout ever, exceeding the prior $48bn deal for Texas power utility company Energy Future Holdings back in 2007. Tesla's share price jumped 11% last night which corresponds to an increase in market cap for the company of $6.4bn. In other words that tweet from Musk was worth around $667m per word in additional value for the company. Quite incredible.
Moving on. A quick mention that this morning our House View team have published their latest infographic summarising the four central bank meetings that we've had in the last couple of weeks. The graphic includes a summary of the key takeaways and DB's expectations going forward, as well as a link to each of our economists' detailed summaries. Click on the following link to access it here. In other news, it was another quiet day for economic data yesterday. In the US, the June JOLTS survey indicated the number of job openings was broadly steady mom and just beneath the recent high at 6,662 (vs. 6,625 expected).
Notably the quits rate was also steady at its cyclical high of 2.3% for the fourth straight month. Meanwhile after a strong print last month, the June consumer credit reading moderated to $10.2bn (vs. $15.0bn expected), leading to annual growth of 4.7% yoy. In Europe, Germany's July industrial production reading fell more than expected at -0.9% mom (vs. -0.5% expected), although annual growth remains solid enough at +2.5% yoy (vs. +3.0% expected). Conversely Germany's June trade surplus was stronger than expected at €21.8bn (vs. €20.9bn expected), with exports up +5.7% yoy and imports up +8.8% yoy. Back in the UK, the July Halifax house price index jumped +1.4% mom (vs. +0.2% expected) which lifted annual growth to +3.3% yoy on a three-month average basis.
Elsewhere, with the spotlight back on Italy again with the budget developments it was perhaps reassuring that yesterday's Target 2 net liabilities balance revealed a modest drop in July to €471.1bn after reaching a record high back in June (€480.9bn). Meanwhile the Bank of Italy also noted in its latest Economic Bulletin in mid-July that Target 2 debt had been stable since mid-June.
Looking at the day ahead, in Europe, the only data release is France's July Bank of France industry sentiment index, while in the US we get the latest weekly MBA mortgage applications data. Away from the data, the Fed's Barkin is scheduled to speak while CVS Health and Glencore are due to report earnings.


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Global architecture, urbanism and design practice Broadway Malyan has completed the delivery of a new further education facility for 2,500 students, teaching and support staff in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Furness College comprises 14,500m² of new build as well as an additional 4,000m² of existing, refurbished building and new sports facilities, making it one of the largest further education colleges in the UK.
The delivery of the scheme – which took place over more than five years in a phased development – saw the introduction of a unified campus with all departments brought together under 'one roof'. This approach addressed the challenges presented by the fractured nature of the former college site where courses were being delivered from seven independent buildings.
Broadway Malyan's design of the new College building provides flexible, integrated teaching and social areas for users, whilst creating a landmark building which optimises its location close to the sea front. In addition, it anticipates changing educational requirements and the future growth of the College through the incorporation of adaptable spaces.
Tim Brown, Director of Architecture at Broadway Malyan, comments:
"We worked closely with the College to realise its vision of uniting the various departments and provide an equality of status across all subjects.
"In addition, our design has incorporated a number of public-facing spaces that help to redefine the College's relationship with the local community. Successful delivery is testament to the expertise of our education design experts and their distinctive approach to client partnering."
One key design element is the external terrace. This allows improved circulation through the site to be raised, linking the new and existing buildings and creating a sheltered external environment for students to meet.
The building envelope has also been redesigned and been wrapped in sheet copper, producing an attractive facade which is also sufficiently robust to endure the hostile weather conditions associated with coastal locations.
The curved form – which allows the building to step up from the street frontage to provide stunning views across the town of Barrow and Walney Channel – has become the identifying symbol of the College's new branding.
Anne Atwood, Principal and CEO of Furness College said:
"I have nothing but praise for the team which has created a building which far surpasses our expectations. The empathy shown by the architect is apparent as you tour the campus."
As one senior member of the Skills Funding Agency said:
"Others should see what has been done here – this is what an FE campus should look like.'"
The capital costs for the project were £31million, funded by the former Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Furness College is one of 13 further education colleges across the UK to be delivered following the ending of the LSC Funding Programme.


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Time and time again we see similar situations, a disrespectful driver for whom keeping a safe passing distance seems inconceivable
Watch this video, which is making the rounds on youtube, of a lucky rider that escaped what could have been a terrible accident
With the device we are building –CycloShield Nano– the driver wouldn't have escaped. The threat detection system and the cameras will keep such evidences safe even in the event of a crash.
Our device will be made of a durable material and will automatically push evidence to the cloud if you configure it to do so, reducing the risk of evidence loss in the event of destruction of the device
Read our first post, our mission is to save lives and if we are able to educate a few drivers along the way, then so be it