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Be a Hay Connoisseur
- Jan 1, 2008
- Topics:
If a horse does not have access to pasture, hay is usually the mainstay of diet. Next to pasture, good-quality hay is the most natural feed for horses. In this article we'll help you become a "hay connoisseur," knowing what is good, and what to watch out for.
Types of Hay
Hay falls into several categories: grass, legume, mixed (combination of grass and legume), and cereal grasses such as oat hay. Some of the more common grass hays for horses include bromegrass, timothy, orchardgrass, coastal Bermuda grass, fescue, ryegrass, and meadow grasses, according to Kathleen Crandell, PhD, Superintendent of the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE) Center in Middleburg, Va. Legumes include alfalfa, various clovers, and lespedeza.
W. Burton Staniar, PhD, formerly of the MARE Center (now an assistant professor of equine nutrition at the Penn State Department of Dairy and Animal Science), says specific forage plants used for hay will vary greatly from region to region, depending on what grows best in that climate or soil. In northern parts of the United States, timothy is grown because it tolerates cold weather and starts growing early in the spring, but it doesn't do well in hot climates.
In some parts of the country, reed canarygrass or ryegrass are more common. In central or southern regions you might find coastal Bermuda grass, or brome because these tolerate heat and humidity better than timothy or bluegrass.
"Timothy is the traditional hay grass (in northern Virginia), but now we are seeing more horsemen select orchardgrass, or orchardgrass mixed with a legume," says Staniar.
"There is some fescue hay still being made for horses, and there's no problem with it as long as it's not fed to pregnant mares (because of reproductive and lactation problems associated with fungal endophytes that infect some fescue)," says Staniar. "There are palatability issues if it's too mature, but when harvested at the right time, it has good nutrient content and can be a very good forage source."
Fescue is often used as hay, but it is hardly ever sold under that name because of its potential negative effects on pregnant mares. It might be sold under the name of orchardgrass or timothy because of the bad press it's gotten due to the endophyte problem. Fescue is an easy hay to grow and is fine for nonpregnant horses.
Cereal grain crops are sometimes cut for hay while still green, rather than waiting for seed heads to mature as grain. If harvested properly, oat hay works well for horses, especially when grown with a legume. The latter provides protein and other nutrients the oat hay lacks.
There is also some risk of nitrate poisoning if cereal hay--or any forage, for that matter--is harvested after a growth spurt following a period of drought. Weather conditions during growth can be a large factor in whether the hay is safe or not. Even though cattle are more adversely affected than horses, it might be wise to test cereal hay for nitrate content.
Legume hay usually has a higher level of digestible energy, vitamin A, calcium, and other nutrients than grass hay. Alfalfa, for instance, can have twice the protein and three times the calcium of typical grass hay. Early bloom alfalfa (cut before the blossoms open) has more than 18% crude protein, compared with 9.8% for early bloom timothy (before seedheads fill), and 11.4% for early bloom orchardgrass. Alfalfa cut at full bloom drops to 15.5% crude protein, compared to 6.0% for late bloom timothy and 7.6% for late bloom orchardgrass.
Selecting Hay
The type of hay you choose might depend on what's grown in your area, unless you want to pay the extra cost of having it hauled in--a price that can be extremely high due to fuel costs.
"If you live in Florida, for instance, you may be able to get a good Bermuda grass, but many people want timothy or alfalfa brought in from other parts of the country," says Crandell. "In California, there's a lot of alfalfa available, and you pay more to get grass hay hauled in. Your best buy is usually one of the types of hay grown in your area, but sometimes you must get hay somewhere else to get a good quality."
The important thing to keep in mind when selecting hay is the nutritional needs of the animals being fed. Mature horses don't need high protein or calcium levels except in late pregnancy or lactation. Not every horse needs top-quality alfalfa, and very few need dairy-quality alfalfa--it should only be given as a protein and calcium supplement rather than the mainstay of the diet, since it provides more nutrients than needed by most horses
"There is also a market for mature timothy hay that doesn't have the highest nutrient content, but might be just right for a gelding that's not working hard and is an easy keeper," says Staniar. "Often times, a hay with these characteristics could be considered a quality hay for this type of horse because it has enough fiber to help maintain gastrointestinal health," yet prevent obesity and related problems.
Nutritionists say many horse owners need to learn more about plant physiology and understand what "maturity" means.
"Some people think that when they buy timothy it must have seed heads on it so they'll know it's timothy, but by the time the seed head has fully emerged, it's past its peak for good nutrition," Staniar says. "When grass becomes this mature, it is more fibrous and the nutrient content has declined."
The plant has its highest level of nutrients if cut before bloom or seed stage.
When selecting hay, you can't always determine nutrient levels just by looking at it, so it helps to have a nutrient analysis performed to determine fiber content, crude protein, etc. If you can't get an analysis, you must go by what you can see in the hay to judge stage of maturity (to see if there are blooms or seedheads). You should open some bales and check them anyway, just to make sure there's no mold and to look for dust, weeds, foreign material (bits of wire or hay twine, dead animals, etc.) since the outside might not give a clue to what's inside. The outside might look sun-bleached and weathered, yet the inside could be green and good.
"You also need to see how well the leaf material stayed intact (still on the stems)," says Staniar. "If it was harvested correctly, the leaves should hold together instead of shattering and falling off as soon as you open the bale. The hay should also smell good" and not musty, moldy, or dusty.
Crandell says hay should have a good green color. "Loss of color may be an indication that the hay got rained on after being cut and before baling," she says. "Don't buy hay that's been rained on, since 40-50% of the nutrients can be lost." However, for a horse that is an easy keeper and/or has insulin resistance problems, rained-on hay would be a safe way to meet his fiber and basic mineral requirements, as long as it is not moldy. Loss of color usually means primarily a loss of vitamin A and E activity, which can easily be supplemented.
It's hard to find hay that has no dust; there's usually a little dust due to leaf shatter, transfer from the ground during harvest, or due to having been grown next to a dusty road or plowed ground. If it is noticeably dusty, however, it can cause respiratory problems.
Also be on the lookout for mold. Legumes are harder to cure without mold formation than grass hay because it's harder to get the plants completely dry. "Red clover is especially prone to mold and dust because if it's not put up right, it doesn't dry out enough," says Crandell. "The stems of clover and alfalfa are thicker than most grass stems. If the harvesting equipment is not crimping the stems adequately to enable them to dry faster, it won't dry enough and is more susceptible to mold.
"When feeding alfalfa, check for blister beetles," says Crandell. "These are deadly, and it doesn't take many beetles to kill a horse." Equine nutritionists point out that blister beetles can be very hard to detect, and this caution generally only applies to alfalfa grown in the western/midwestern/southwestern states (Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, etc.).
There is more risk when hay blooms before harvest; beetles come to the blossoms to feed and can be killed by haying equipment and end up in the bales. If alfalfa comes from an arid region with lots of grasshoppers, there's more chance it will contain blister beetles, especially if there was a drought the previous year. Larval stages of these beetles use grasshopper larvae as food, and the grasshopper population is higher during dry years. To be safe, buy hay that has not yet bloomed, or first-cutting alfalfa; later cuttings are more apt to contain beetles since they emerge later in the season. Also, you can buy certified blister beetle-free alfalfa in affected regions.
Storing Hay
Important priorities when storing hay are to keep it off the ground, covered, protected from direct sunlight and moisture, and away from small animals that might defecate in it or make nests. Rodents, scavengers, and other small creatures can spread diseases (such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis--EPM--or leptospirosis). When you find hay with feces on it, or a nesting area that contains feces and urine, discard that hay.
If you store hay for the whole feeding season, stack it in such a way that you can always use the oldest hay first. That way you won't end up with some that's been stored a very long time. Extended storage reduces protein and vitamin A levels.
Make sure hay won't heat after being stacked in a hay shed or barn and create a fire hazard. "Some hay producers use a moisture meter to help judge proper timing for baling," says Staniar. The criteria for moisture content will depend on the type of hay being baled, weather conditions (humidity), size of bales, etc. There's less flexibility for moisture levels in large bales compared to small square bales. Even if large bales were harvested properly, if they get a lot of rain on them after harvest, they can still heat and ferment.
Feeding Methods
Small square bales are easy to handle, and they can be fed flake-by-flake or put into a hay rack. Big round bales or large square bales (800 to 1,800 pounds) can be handy, however, if you are setting one out in a pasture or paddock feeder every few days for horses to consume free choice.
"If they always have plenty to eat, they tend to avoid any bad portions, leaving the moldy or spoiled areas," says Crandell. "They may waste a lot, pulling it out and standing on it or lying on it, but they can pick and choose what they eat if you always replace the bale before it's all gone."
When feeding only a couple flakes morning and evening in a stall, however, make sure every bit of it is good hay. Always inspect it as you feed, and discard any questionable portions. "Money lost from throwing away bad hay is always cheaper than colic surgery or loss of a horse, so don't take chances," says Crandell.
The MARE Center uses small bales for the horses in stalls, and large square bales (900 pounds each) for horses at pasture. Those larger bales are loaded onto the back of a truck with a tractor and fed across the field in flakes.
"Originally we used big round bales and bale feeders," says Staniar. "If we had 12 to 15 mares in a pasture, this worked well, but we didn't move the feeders often enough and ended up with dead spots in the field. The horses used the hay fairly well, but the hay would be there for a number of days and if we got a little rain, it spoiled. We lost a considerable amount that way.
He says the MARE Center switched to large square bales that staff members spread from the back of a truck, and they pay close attention to how much the horses eat. This helps avoid wastage.
"In stalls we used hay nets or feed on the ground," Staniar continues. "There's always debate about which way is best, and we do both. If horses have to reach up for the hay, they are more at risk for respiratory problems. On the ground you worry about them picking up worm eggs or sand. There are advantages and disadvantages to both." Hay nets-- especially nylon ones--can be a hazard if they are hung too low, because horses can get their legs tangled in them. Some people prefer to err on the safe side and use hay bags. But it's important to remember that if the stall is kept clean and properly bedded, parasitic eggs and sand aren't as much of an issue and feeding on the ground should be fine.
If a horse is fed a minimum amount of hay when confined, use a feeder that dispenses it through the day or makes it difficult for him to eat it all at once (such as a double hay net, or a feed rack with mesh) so he has to pull it out a little bit at a time and can occupy himself longer without being bored. Frequent munching is better for a horse's digestion and mental health.
"A horse needs a minimum of 1% of his body weight in hay per day if he's also getting a grain ration," says Crandell. "If he's only getting hay (no grain), he needs 2-2.5% of his body weight per day (20 to 25 pounds per 1,000-pound horse)."
The actual amount will depend in part on the metabolism of the horse, how hard he's working (how many calories he needs), and how much he wastes. Some show horses on a high grain ration are fed very little hay to keep them from getting a "hay belly," (a fallacy in itself, because hay only causes a "hay belly" if it is very poor quality) and this is not healthy, says Crandell.
"You'll see some of them eating their manure just to try to get more fill," she says.
Take-Home Message
Feeding hay isn't as simple as giving your horses what shows up in the barn from the hay dealer. Horse owners should inspect the hay, perhaps even have it analyzed for nutrient content, understand what they are looking for that might be a problem, and be able to determine how much each horse should eat for good health.
About the Author
Heather Smith Thomas
Heather Smith Thomas ranches with her husband near Salmon, Idaho, raising cattle and a few horses. She has a B.A. in English and history from University of Puget Sound (1966). She has raised and trained horses for 50 years, and has been writing freelance articles and books nearly that long, publishing 20 books and more than 9,000 articles for horse and livestock publications. Some of her books include Understanding Equine Hoof Care, The Horse Conformation Handbook, Care and Management of Horses, Storey's Guide to Raising Horses and Storey's Guide to Training Horses. Besides having her own blog, www.heathersmiththomas.blogspot.com, she writes a biweekly blog at http://insidestorey.blogspot.com that comes out on Tuesdays.
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Gonzalez sprains ankle on first-base bag
By Brian McTaggart and Clark Goble / MLB.com
Gonzalez, who was pinch-hitting, tried to beat out a throw from Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval and landed awkwardly on the first-base bag. He shot up off the bag into the air with his leg locked and fell to the ground, grimacing.
He was able to walk off the field under his own power. Interim manager Tony DeFrancesco said the injury wasn't as bad as it looked originally. Gonzalez will have an X-ray on the ankle Friday.
Gonzalez is batting .234 in 201 at-bats for the Astros this season.
Astros send down Keuchel, add Dominguez
HOUSTON -- The Astros recalled third baseman Matt Dominguez from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, sending down left-hander Dallas Keuchel, Wednesday's starting pitcher.
Manager Tony DeFrancesco said the team needed another right-handed hitter on the bench with outfielders Justin Maxwell and Ben Francisco questionable to play with minor injuries. The Astros only had left-handed bats off the bench Wednesday.
"We feel like we have a little more breathing room," general manager Jeff Luhnow said.
DeFrancesco wants to give Dominguez, 23, a chance to show his abilities over the final month of the season.
"We really like his defense," DeFrancesco said. "He's a young kid who's hopefully going to be able to play at this level and make the adjustments."
Dominguez, acquired in the deal that sent Carlos Lee to the Marlins, played in four games with the Astros in early July. At Oklahoma City, Dominguez batted .298 with two homers and 23 RBIs in 45 games. He was batting .368 in his last 10 games.
"He does show some power, but we're waiting for him to have some more consistency," DeFrancesco said. "A third baseman in this league is a guy that's going to have to drive the ball and hit for power and drive in runs. He had a great week down there, so we thought it was the time for him to get up here and see what he can do."
Dominguez said he wasn't expecting to get called up before September but he was excited to be back in Houston.
The Astros will need a starter for Monday's game in Pittsburgh with Keuchel set to pitch that day with Oklahoma City. Luhnow said right-hander Edgar Gonzalez, who gave up four hits over seven innings for Oklahoma City on Wednesday, is a leading candidate to start Monday. The Astros will probably look outside their own pitching staff.
"We've talked about possibly going to a six-man rotation and Edgar is a candidate for that," Luhnow said. "We might get a chance to get him up here and see him on Monday. We still have a few days to figure that out."
Gonzalez signed with the Astros on Aug. 23. He started the season with Triple-A Colorado Springs, a Rockies affiliate, before making six starts with Monterrey in the Mexican League. On the season, he is 6-5 with a 3.84 ERA.
Francisco remains out with strained wrist
HOUSTON -- The Astros decided to keep outfielder Ben Francisco out of Thursday's lineup as he continues to deal with a right wrist strain.
Manager Tony DeFrancesco waited to post the lineup until the team could see how Francisco looked in batting practice. Soon after batting practice, the team decided to keep Francisco on the bench.
Francisco said the injury wasn't serious. His right wrist has never given him problems before. He said he felt it wear down over the past couple of days with "a lot of swings."
"Just wear and tear," Francisco said.
The team scratched Francisco from Wednesday's lineup an hour before the first pitch. Francisco entered Thursday's game batting .247/.289/.365 with the Astros in 85 at-bats.
Batting-glove changes allow Maxwell to hit
HOUSTON -- A few days after undergoing a pain-killing injection and now after adding some protection to his batting glove, Astros outfielder Justin Maxwell was available to hit Thursday for the first time since being scratched from the lineup Aug. 22 with a bruised right index finger.
Maxwell, who hasn't hit in a game since going 1-for-4 on Aug. 21, has been limited to pinch-running and defensive duties. He wasn't in the lineup Thursday, but he was eager to bat. He entered Thursday hitting .236 with 12 homers and 37 RBIs.
"We had to modify the batting glove and put some padding on it so I'll finish out the rest of the season and allow it to fully heal in the offseason so I can help the team win some games here in September, if not today," he said.
Maxwell was on the disabled list in late June and early July for loose bodies I his left ankle and briefly considered having surgery. He said none of the injuries he's experienced this year are going to require him to have surgery at the end of the year.
"My foot, I never had that problem before and the rest I had took care of it and it hasn't been an issue at all," he said. "It nagged me for the whole month of June, and the hand is the first time for this injury, too. It's been weird injuries. With a full offseason of rest and rehab and whatnot, I'll be fine."
Astros to monitor Clemens' next start
HOUSTON -- The Astros will once again have a scout on hand to watch Roger Clemens when he makes another start for the independent league Sugar Land Skeeters. The Skeeters announced Thursday that Clemens would make a second start for them Sept. 7.
"We're going to make sure we're prepared," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "If we need to have the information from a baseball perspective to see what he looks like, we're going to have a scout there. It's an easy game for us to cover."
The 50-year-old Clemens made his first professional start in five years last week, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the Bridgeport Bluefish in Sugar Land, a suburb of Houston. He allowed only one hit -- a single -- and threw 37 pitches, 24 for strikes.
"My first start with the Skeeters was a great deal of fun," Clemens said in a statement. "There was lots of excitement in the air. I am looking forward to doing it again on Friday, Sept. 7. Stay tuned, I might have a few more surprises to come with the Skeeters."
Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner who pitched for the Astros from 2004-06, will travel with the team to York, Pa., before returning home to make his start. Astros owner Jim Crane has said previously the team would have some interest in him possibly returning to pitch for the club this year.
Worth noting
Astros center fielder Jordan Schafer, who's been on the disabled list since Aug. 7 with a left shoulder separation, will play two more games during his rehab at Triple-A Oklahoma City before joining the club Monday in Pittsburgh.
Relief pitcher Wilton Lopez, who was sick enough Wednesday to be absent from the ballpark -- and subsequently miss the team photo on the field -- was back at Minute Maid Park on Thursday and was available to pitch.
Former Astros pitcher Shane Reynolds will be inducted into the Astros Walk of Fame at 3 p.m. CT on Friday along Texas Avenue, outside Minute Maid Park. Reynolds pitched for the Astros between 1992-2002 and compiled a 103-86 (.545) record in 274 appearances (248 starts) with a 3.95 ERA and 20 complete games.
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Tag's Lines. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter. Clark Goble is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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Please could anyone identify these tracks? Not sure whether it's mammal, bird, insect or amphibian!
Location: SW Scotland. Outside of velux roof window. (Placed piece of white card behind window to get photo.) August 1013. Looked for excrement, no signs. Looks like two separate tracks, one smaller than the other (50p included for scale.)
PS Suggestions so far: mouse, pterodactyl.
PPS Can't possibly clean window til it's identified!
These are grazing marks left by snail(s) (feeding on algae).
Similar question and answer here - http://www.ispot.org.uk/node/323458.
Thank you!


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Hello all, and welcome to me. The name is James Dieux, and I'm a cosplayer from Indiana. I'd consider myself just getting started into cosplaying, although I've been in the scene for a few years. Hopefully I'll learn a lot, and enjoy just as much!
Recent Updates
Newest Favorites
Newest Fans
Recent Comments
- Autumn41 says, "omygoodness you guys are adorable!"
- For Hikaru Hitachiin from Ouran High School Host Club


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fc barcelona wins place in fifa club world cup uae 2009
FC Barcelona's victory last night over English giants Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League Final in Rome has secured the Club's place in the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 in Abu Dhabi from 9-19 December.
Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0 in front of 67,000 fans at the Stadio Olimpico with a match defining goal from Lionel Messi who, unmarked, placed a perfectly cushioned header past Van der Sar to give FC Barcelona the final definitive lead.
The result means that Abu Dhabi may play host to some of the biggest names in world football, such as Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Thierry Henry when the team participates in FIFA Club World Cup UAE in December. It also sets up the exciting prospect of a game between the local UFL champions Al Ahli and the UEFA champions on December 16th, Barcelona's opening game, if Al Ahli win their earlier matches.
Barcelona is one of the world's most popular football clubs and has been crowned European champion on three occasions.
The Club will be able to count on great support in Abu Dhabi as it has one of the most loyal and dedicated sets of supporters in the world. Locally, the Club sells more shirts in the UAE than any other international club and will enjoy the support of many of the 2,000 Spanish nationals living and working in the Emirates.
His Excellency Mohammed Khalfan Al-Rumaithi, UAE FA President, said " FC Barcelona is one of the greatest teams in the world and this will be the first time that the Club has played a competitive match in our region. This is a rare opportunity for all sports fans in the United Arab Emirates and GCC region to see European football at its best."
Last night, Lionel Messi said "This is the most important win of my life, I am the happiest man alive and I am happy for myself, for my family and for my country."
Elisa Labori, president of the FC Barcelona Fan Club of the UAE said: "Having FC Barcelona coming to the UAE is a dream come true for UAE fans. Mark my words, for every game they play at the FIFA Club World Cup there will be a mass of Barcelona fans cheering on their heroes."
The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 presented by TOYOTA will see seven teams compete over the course of eight matches from 9-19 December for a prize fund of 16.5 million USD, with the overall winners earning 5 million USD.
Barcelona is the fourth team to have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009. They join AL Ahli who won the UFL on Sunday, along with Auckland City (New Zealand), of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), and Atlante FC (Mexico) representing the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), who both qualified earlier this month.
Top Headlines
- Syria: Twitter pic of dead teen Barcelona fan goes viral
- UAE residents to sign giant Manchester City FC shirt
- Al-Ahli make history by earning a berth in FIFA club world cup UAE 2009 set to compete against world football elite in front of home crowd
- Atlante FC of Mexico earn trip to Abu Dhabi to compete in the Fifa club world cup UAE 2009
- FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009


text: The only way I can swallow what happened is by assuming that it was some kind of double bluff, and Ben Kingsley really was the Mandarin. I know it's flawed, but it's the only way I can stomach what happened. Honestly, the only good things about these movies have been Robert Downey Jr. and the design of the original Iron Man armor. The actual stories and storytelling have truly and utterly sucked. But Downey was just so perfect for the role and he is so charismatic that they're still watchable. I'd love to see what we'd get with a decent script and talented director. But even more, I"d love to see more faithful adaptations of all these characters. I hate this insistence on "having" to reinvent every little detail just because some college professor told some film students that so-and-so doesn't work on the big screen. So no one ever even bothers to try. It's ridiculous.


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This quote is assuming that the Raptors have a TPE to work with. There is no TPE created."If a team is below the cap (which Toronto is), then their Disabled Player (Toronto has none), Bi-Annual ($1.8M Raptors do have), Mid-Level ($5M Raptors have) and/or Traded Player exceptions (new $7.6M) are added to their team salary, and the league treats the team as though they are over the cap."
Read Q70 in his salary FAFQ
The Raptors were never above the salary cap, so this trade doesn't create a TPE.71. What is the Traded Player exception?
As described in question number 70, exceptions are the mechanisms that allow teams to function above the salary cap. Any trade which results in the team ending up over the salary cap requires an exception. This is true even if the team is moving downward in salary. For example, if the salary cap is $50 million, a team has a team salary of $55 million, and they want to trade a $5 million player for a $4 million player, they still have to use an exception. Even though their team salary would be decreasing by $1 million, the fact that they would still be over the salary cap ($54 million) means that an exception is required.


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Big Brother is getting bigger
President Obama claims that federal spending, under his administration, has risen at the lowest pace in nearly 60 years. His statement is accurate, as long as you remember that the 2009 fiscal budget is considered part of his predecessor's legacy. As such, the $700 billion TARP bail-out and the $831 billion stimulus package occurred at the end of President's Bush term, even though Barack Obama signed the stimulus bill and voted as a Senator for TARP. How does that work?
Part of the confusion lies in calendar versus fiscal year accounting. Before 1842 the federal fiscal year was the same as the calendar year. Since then it has changed several times and since 1977 the government's fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 so the spending in 2009 was pinned on Bush since he was president on October 1, 2009. I guess that is fitting since the cause and result of the financial crisis that continues today occurred while the Republican Party was in power.
Despite the Administration's double talk, the fact is that 2010, 2011 and 2012 are three of only four fiscal years since 1945 that the federal government spent more than 24 percent of GDP in a single year.
The Office of Management and Budget predicts that this year federal spending will hit 24.3 percent of GDP. That is about what the government spent in fiscal 1942, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and America went to war in both Europe and the Pacific.
Before we look at spending today, readers need to understand that there are at least two measures of government spending. The one most quoted by the economic journals and politicians we'll call "G", which is how much federal, state and local governments directly contribute to economic activity measured as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is the sum of all the goods and services they provide.
There is also a broader measure that captures all the spending in government budgets. This figure includes all of "G" plus interest payments on our debt, transfer payments through programs like food stamps, social security, Medicare and Medicaid, unemployment insurance, housing vouchers, Veterans benefits, et al. As you might imagine, when you add all this into "G," government spending, as a percentage of GDP, turns out to be closer to 37%. In comparison, the average spend since 1960 is about 32 percent.
Now that is down from the 39 percent that it hit in the second quarter of 2009 when the financial crisis was at its peak. If we confine our analysis of government growth since then, government spending has decreased whether you use "G" or the broader measure.
However if you measure government growth from the beginning of the decade, when government spending totaled just 30 percent of GDP, then yes, government has grown by a whopping 6 percent in the last 12 years.
Beneath the statistics we can see that the government's economic role has clearly grown larger and with it the power it welds. Its historical role as provider of public goods and services remains but is shrinking as more and more of government's budget is spent on transferring cash and in-kind payments to taxpayers directly through programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
This is no accident. Remember that an entire generation of Americans is close to or already in retirement. Baby Boomers are tapping social security while experiencing mounting health issues as they grow older. They are turning to Medicare to answer their needs. And why shouldn't they? Throughout their working careers, these hard-working Americans, (who fought three wars for this country in their lifetime along the way), have contributed paycheck after paycheck to guarantee that when the time came, Social Security and Medicare would be there for them when they needed it. So, yes government has grown larger. It is the "why" of it that so many politicians conveniently forget.
As the government's role in the economy gains force, so does its power. But power is agnostic. It can be used for good or for evil. We have seen how Wall Street has abused power. In my opinion, government spending that is used to honor its contract with America's retiring workers is a proper use of that power. Whether this country can afford to honor its commitments is another story and a question we will answer in a forthcoming column.
Bill Schmick is registered as an investment advisor representative and portfolio manager with Berkshire Money Management.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


text: Submitted by chris_hunt on Sat, 2013-12-28 16:44 Conservation Vote Up Down +256 + P8290154.JPG As 2013 winds to a close, think about all the good TU, its staff and its volunteers have done over the last 12 months to make your fishing better. From standing firm against a vast open-pit mine in Bristol Bay (and likely influencing the pull-out of the project's major investor) to reconnecting thousands of river miles for trout and salmon all across America, TU is easily the best investment you can make for your charitable contribution, especially if you love cold, clean water and have a passion for fishing. Our board of directors has graciously offered to match every dollar we bring in before the end of the year, up to $500,000. Think about it. Your donation of $50 will be matched by our board, making your contribution worth $100. When it's all said and done, at midnight Dec. 31, we hope to add $1 million to TU's coffers--this is cash we can use continue our on-the-ground work to make fishing better all across the United States. In 2013, TU celebrated several major victories, including the creation of the Rio Grande del Norte Nationa Monumeent in New Mexico, a locally driven effort led largely by anglers and hunters who understand that intact habitat equals excellent sporting opportunity. In Maine, TU helped lead the effort to remove the Veazie Dam on the Penobscot River, bolstering the chances for the healthy return of Atlantic salmon to the waters of the United States. P8290148.JPG Other efforts are showing promise, like the proposal to protect the Hermosa Creek roadless area in southwest Colorado as wilderness, again to protect intact habitat for generations of anglers to come. In Montana, TU helped U.S. Sen. Jon Tester move his Forest Jobs and Recreation Bill out of committee--this bill would create the first new wilderness areas in Montana in generations, and it would also guarantee forest products jobs in the state by identifying areas in need of thinning and harvest in order to improve overall forest health. Also in Colorado, TU is leading the effort to create a wilderness in Browns Canyon along the fabled Arkansas River. This would protect some of the best wild brown trout fishing in the West, as well as irreplacable elk and bighorn sheep habitat. In California, salmon have returned to the San Joaquin River for the first time in 50 years thanks to TU and its volunteers. In Southeast Alaska, TU is working to protect much of the Tongass National Forest for its priceless--and renewable--salmon resources by identifying and setting aside 77 vital salmon and trout drainages from development. This will enure healthy returns of wild fish for generations. Literally, from coast to coast, TU is protecting the quality angling we all enjoy today while making fishing better by restoring degraded watersheds and reconnecting tributaries with mainstem rivers. We're a good bet for your conservation contributions, and with our board matching you tax-deductible gift through the end of the year, ask yourself if there's a better way to spend your charitable dollars this holiday season--particularly if you love to fish. Log in or register to post comments


text:
Businesses filing suit against Rockingham
ROCKINGHAM -- The town's attorney said there is no merit to lawsuits, or potential lawsuits, filed against the town in relation to Baybutt Construction Co. and its failure to pay sub-contractors for work on the Rockingham Free Public Library.
Stephen Ankuda said Lawrence & Lober Electric and Hodgkins & Sons are among the companies ready to go to court against Rockingham, Baybutt and architect Eric Palson of Sheerr McCrystal Palson Architecture Inc.
Baybutt, a company based in Keene, N.H., was hired by the town as the general contractor for a complete renovation project of the library. But the Rockingham Selectboard was one of several entities to terminate its contract with Baybutt for a variety of reasons, including the corporation's failure to pay subcontractors and secure a required performance and payment bond. Selectboard members also said Baybutt falsely stated, under oath, that all appropriate amounts were paid to subcontractors that issued certificates for payment.
Baybutt did not take out a performance bond or a payment bond, which act as a sort of insurance contract, as Ankuda said was a project requirement from the town. Baybutt submitted a statement, which said the business was entitled to be paid for percentages of the project completed and that it had a $21,000 performance bond, which it actually did not. Ankuda said he was told Baybutt thought it had all the necessary bonds.
Some sub-contractors, or subs, are now suing the town for not making sure Baybutt had the proper bonds and because they have not been paid.
Ankuda said Rockingham has already paid Baybutt roughly $900,000 for the percentage of work done on the library and for the performance bond that did not exist. He told the Reformer a general contractor is required to compensate the subcontractors within seven days of being paid. He said the town's contract was with Baybutt - not the sub-contractors - and the only legal obligation the town had was to pay the corporation.
When asked if this was his own legal opinion, Ankuda said it was the way the contract was worded. The subs were under a separate contract with Baybutt.
Lawrence & Lober Electric did not return a phone call and Russ Hodgkins, owner of Hodgkins & Sons, had no comment for the Reformer.
Joel Letourneau, owner of Joel Letourneau Drywall LLC in Surry, N.H., said his suit against Rockingham will be filed within a few days. He said he is suing the town for being negligent and not doing its due diligence in ensuring that Baybutt had all the necessary bonds. "They really dropped the ball," he told the Reformer on Monday before commenting on why he thinks the town has taken the position it has. "They're going to say what they have to say to protect their interests."
He said he has not been paid a penny of the $75,000 Baybutt owes him for the work he did.
Ankuda also said some sub-contractors have also filed mechanics liens in the Rockingham town land records office against the amount of money owed to Baybutt from the town. Once a lien is filed, he said, a judge must approve it within 180 days as part of due process in order to become a lawsuit. Ankuda said Lawrence & Lober's lien is set to go before a judge on Monday, March 4.
Work was halted at the site for a while when all sub-contractors refused to continue their jobs, insisting they have not been paid for the work they had done. But the library's board of trustees voted on Tuesday, Jan. 15, to have Engelberth Construction Inc. close in the building's roof and walls and to make sure the structure is reasonably weathertight. Municipal Manager Tim Cullenen said Engelberth is working to "button up" the building and a few of the subs were back to work.
Rockingham Selectboard Chairman Tom MacPhee said Engelberth has not been named the new general contractor, though that is a possibility. Cullenen said a letter has been sent to the project's previous bidders to determine if they are interested in the job.
MacPhee told the Reformer contracts with the subs and where the project should go from here will be discussed in an executive session at 6 p.m. tonight, before a Selectboard meeting in the Rockingham Town Hall Lower Theatre.
The state of Vermont also canceled a contract with Baybutt, which has been doing work in New England since 1964, due to problems similar to those in Rockingham. The next was the town of Antrim, N.H., which terminated a contract to build a new police station.
Domenic Poli can be reached at email@example.com, or 802-2542311. You can follow him on Twitter @dpoli_reformer.
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text:
ArtsWatch: Working The Crowd
In recent news ...
On Jan. 24 the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press released survey results from Jan. 19–22 finding that coverage of "websites protesting online piracy legislation" was the story followed most closely by those between ages 18–29. Complaining about that coverage on the floor of the Senate on Jan. 23, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said, "It was disappointing that sites linked to descriptions of this legislation that were misleading and one-sided. The Internet should be a place for discussion, for all to be heard and for different points of view to be expressed. ... Last week, however, many were subjected to false and incendiary charges and sloganeering designed to inflame emotions." Nevertheless, digital rights groups feel justified in building on their success and hope to keep public engagement high.
With a Feb. 10 deadline looming, consumer rights groups Electronic Frontier Foundation and Public Knowledge are rallying the public to submit comments to the Copyright Office, advocating exemptions to the anticircumvention provisions of current copyright law. EFF is supporting exemptions for jailbreaking smart phones and ripping video for remixes. Public Knowledge favors an exemption for ripping DVDs. On its blog, PK wrote, "While this strikes us as an eminently reasonable request, here in [Washington] D.C. that's not always enough to make something happen. We need to convince the Copyright Office that people actually want and need this exemption." These activities are already widespread and supported by readily available software, though the legal issues are often complicated. Public pressure already worked on Congress just this month, so why keep quiet when the Librarian of Congress is going to issue a new round of permissions (lasting three years) and has requested comments? Pro-copyright, antipiracy arguments seem narrow and stodgy in contrast.
On Jan. 26 the European Union and 22 member nations signed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. ACTA's language was finalized last October. IFPI CEO Frances Moore said, "The treaty highlights the EU's ongoing support for intellectual property. We urge the European Parliament to complete the adoption process by giving its assent to the treaty." But not if Internet activists can help cause its failure. PC World coverage rounded up dissenting voices, and UK organization Open Rights Group said, "When we find out when the final vote is, there'll be a big push to convince all MEP's that ACTA needs swatting away." Coverage by CNN Money employed the colorful headline "Meet SOPA's evil twin, ACTA." Although ACTA has always been controversial, it basically enlists the rest of the world in adopting the existing U.S. approach to antipiracy. Now that the public is more engaged, the treaty could face a rough road ahead, evidenced by recent street protests in Poland that attracted more than 10,000 demonstrators.
Economist Dean Baker published a blog titled "The Surefire Way To End Online Piracy: End Copyright" on the Huffington Post on Jan. 23. He wrote, "The real lesson from the SOPA debacle is that we need to develop alternatives to copyright to support creative work. The institution of copyright dates back to the late Middle Ages. It may have served a useful function back then, but we will need something better for the Internet Age." While Baker is being somewhat flip, his tone and premise reflect the problematic juncture antipiracy advocates now face.
On Jan. 23 IFPI released its "Digital Music Report 2012." NewsWatch already covered its sales and revenue figures, but the report also included a global summary of antipiracy efforts and suggestions for the road ahead. Cnet News rounded up highlights, including a noteworthy chart quantifying how entering an artist's name and "mp3" in search engines can turn up predominately infringing results. In separate but related news, on Jan. 26 Open Rights Group published UK music and film industry proposals that it obtained under Britain's Freedom of Information Act. The document justifies taking a "comprehensive" approach to rethinking how search engines should function because consumer search results "are directed overwhelmingly to illegal sites and services." The Guardian's headline summed it up as "Google And Bing Accused Of Directing Users To Illegal Copies Of Music." From a music industry perspective, it doesn't seem like it is news nor an accusation, but that it's how search engines do their job of helping people find what they are looking for online. The controversy is created by how activists perceive copyright owners' intentions. For example, Open Rights Group campaigner Peter Bradwell said, "It's another plan to take on far too much power over what we're allowed to look at and do online." On Jan. 25 The Recording Academy's Chief Advocacy & Industry Relations Officer Daryl P. Friedman blogged about how ironic the arguments against antipiracy have become. This idea that content owners have gone power-mad to try to dictate details of search results falls under Friedman's Irony No. 2 — "Trust Us, We're Google."
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Jan. 18 that Congress did not exceed its authority when it increased the duration of copyright terms, causing many works that had fallen into the public domain to be restored to copyright-protected status. Justices Samuel Alito and Stephen Breyer dissented.
On Jan. 24 a Notice of Inquiry from the Copyright Office was published in the Federal Register requesting comments on two issues by Feb. 23 with regards to its upcoming revision of fees. The first is whether a sole author registering a single work that was not made for hire should be provided a more-affordable, reduced registration fee. Secondly, should expedited handling be made routinely available for a higher fee, and are there additional special services that the Copyright Office should add to its regular fee schedule?
The Recording Academy actively represents the music community on such issues as intellectual property rights, music piracy, archiving and preservation, and censorship concerns. In pursuing its commitment to addressing these and other issues, The Recording Academy undertakes a variety of national initiatives. ArtsWatch is a key part of an agenda aimed at raising public awareness of and support for the rights of artists. To become more involved, visit Advocacy Action @ GRAMMY.com and sign up for Advocacy Action E-lerts.
Click on the "ArtsWatch" tag below for links to other GRAMMY News stories in this series.
Follow GRAMMY.com for our inside look at GRAMMY news, blogs, photos, videos, and of course nominees. Stay up to the minute with GRAMMY Live. Check out the GRAMMY legacy with GRAMMY Rewind. Explore this year's GRAMMY Fields. Or check out the collaborations at Re:Generation, presented by Hyundai Veloster. And join the conversation at Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.


text:
The online registration system works best with Firefox and Chrome.
**Camp dorms do not have air conditioning. We recommend you bring a fan with you to camp.**
Princeton University reserves the right to cancel, postpone or reschedule any camp or clinic because of low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. In the unfortunate case a camp or clinic is canceled, Princeton University will issue a full refund of the fees paid. Princeton University cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges or expenses, including but not limited to; cancellation/change fees assessed by airlines, hotels, car services or travel agencies.


text:
Revised - Industrial Products Update - April 2013
Announcement Number: IP2013-9
Categories: All Industrial Products,Business News,Construction Products,Consumer Products and Machinery,Environmental Waste,Lumber and Panel Products,Minerals,Non Ferrous Metals,Paper and Fibre Products,Steel and Ferrous Metals
Posted Date: April 16, 2013
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If you have any questions please contact your Union Pacific representative.


text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Sunday, July 22, 2012, 10:02 AM
Town Square
Facelift planned for popular Eleanor Pardee Park
Original post made on Jul 22, 2012
Read the full story here Web Link posted Sunday, July 22, 2012, 10:02 AM
Comments (22)
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Jul 22, 2012 at 10:30 am
Once again our city leaders and elected officials somehow free up another half million dollars plus for certainly a desired, but very much a non-essential expenditure. For many years these same city leaders have proclaimed and decried the unprecedented financial crisis that we face and annual budget deficits. Vital and essential infrastructure and public safety needs remain unfunded, but yet they proceed with just the latest in a long line of fluff, feel good projects. When they're not doing that, they're buckling under to another special interest or friend's group who consistently shout down any suggestion of user fee hikes or outsourcing.
If it couldn't get any more irresponsible or worse, when the issue of funding our vital civic needs are discussed the only response from our city leaders has been to float another bond measure and tax increase. In other words we face a widening budget deficit, have no way to pay for our foundation needs, we keep spending on non-essential projects at the tune of millions of dollars, and the solution is to return to the tax payers with hands out crying poor. After all of the poor planning and mismanagement that's how we expect to solve this problem. The thought alone is beyond insulting.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jul 22, 2012 at 10:40 am
To Marrol:
To MY knowledge...the people who live around and near the park didn't start this!! There's nothing wrong with that park. We're more concerned with burglaries. The city has hired some sort of master gardener who is evidently looking for something to do!! I've lived here a long time and have not heard of any special interest or friends' group' pushing this. Why don't YOU find out and tell us.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Jul 22, 2012 at 11:06 am
Bob, I couldn't agree with you more. I walk through this park several times a week and I, like most people I suspect think the park is just fine. Also I didn't suggest that a special interest group was behind this park make-over. I stated that this was an example of non-essential spending. In the next sentence I stated that if the city isn't spending irresponsibly, like in this case, they were bucking under to special interest or friends groups like animal services or the Children's Theater for example.
I too have a much greater concern for addressing our vital infrastructure and public safety needs than creating a new management position for an urban forester. It makes no sense and is highly irresponsible. Our city leaders claim that we can't afford to pay police officers and firefighters and cut several of those positions, but yet we can afford to pay a six-figure salary to an urban forester. Are they kidding or truly that far out of touch.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jul 22, 2012 at 12:11 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Midtown
on Jul 22, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Not sure why Bob feels the need to jump on Marrol. His concern and points seems quite legitimate to me.
I also think it is quite awful when posters suggest their neighbors who disagree with them should live elsewhere. That's the ultimate in non-neighborliness and just leads to the retort that the other folks should be the ones who move. Bob, I'm sure you are more civil and neighborly that that.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Jul 22, 2012 at 12:32 pm
And Bob, what I won't do is discourage others from expressing their opinions responsibly and within the rules of this forum. If you don't care to read someone's opinions then there is a real easy solution, don't read it. How about that?
As for the Children's Theater issue, I certainly have no hatred toward that group so spare us the drama and histrionics. I simply refer to PACT as one of many examples of spending the city should reconsider in light of our current budget crisis. I also asked what I believe was a relevant question related to their promise in 2010 of raising private funds in order to avoid user fee hikes and/or budget cuts. Like other friends groups they successfully shouted down cost cutting measures in large part by making that promise. I simply ask if they were successful in doing so. Most recently the animal service friends group did much the same thing when faced with being outsourced. So, if we're going to let these groups off the hook from accepting these measures, are we ensuring that they're making good on the promise. Seems like a perfectly logical and relevant question.
One last thing Bob, I've been in Palo Alto for over half a century and respect the fact that our city has long been known as a place of tolerance, open communication, and understanding. It's troubling that you wish to expel me from Palo Alto just because we have a difference of opinion. Again, I have always attempted to state my opinions respectfully and within forum rules. I've never made calls to ignore, expel, or silence others. Now go back and read your post and tell me who is the one "ranting" here.
a resident of Midtown
on Jul 22, 2012 at 1:32 pm
The only reason Eleanor Pardee Park is being refurbished is because the City has too many park administrators who have to be given jobs to do. It's the same thing with California Avenue. The City hired Jaime Rodriguez to oversee transportation and they have to give him something to do. Too many administrators with too little to do - they are make work projects.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jul 22, 2012 at 1:38 pm
I'm with Marrol
If we can't pay for our infrastructure then we shouldn't be redoing parks or financing Childrens Theatre programs.
a resident of Midtown
on Jul 22, 2012 at 4:59 pm
This coming year the city's budget is $6 million more than last year. However the city & citizens have more they want then there is available money: the city staff want's more of the budget devoted to their pensions & benefits, the "green" special interests wants more money for a compost factory, widen the plastic bag ban, among other things, the bike special interests want more money spent on street modifications for biking, the library special interests should be coming with a request for $1 million for increased operating expenses once the new Mitchell Park library opens, and the list goes on & on.
I don't know about you, but in my household, we have wants as well, but our income isn't increasing to meet all of our wants, so we prioritize. And usually the basics come first, like making sure the mortgage is paid, repairs around the house, our cars are maintained, and we save for our less critical items (like the next fancy cell phone, tv, or computer).
My expectation is that the city council & city staff do the same. I'm glad that they got off to a great start by having the blue ribbon infrastructure commission assess the extent of the needs. But the commission's work has been done since the end of last year, and now it's time for the city council to do it's job and start prioritizing the needs in relation to all the other activities thats in the city's budget. So far, I have to say, that what I see is the city manager prioritizing activities like public safety lower than funding futher studies in the compost factory, or redoing Eleanor Park; funding another assistant to the City Manager for sustainability, and redoing Californai Ave against animal services.
If it was me, I would have prioritized things differently, and I'll vote in November for some different faces for city council, because it's clear to me that some of the candidates aren't up to task.
a resident of Midtown
on Jul 22, 2012 at 8:50 pm
(In refer. to the article) If I go to a shop to buy something, I would only pay at the cashier and not to anyone who hangs around the shops. If we need to elect someone to be the president, the votes have to be coming from this country and not other place.
It's interesting to see these city folks always set aside pet money and not paying the bill.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Jul 23, 2012 at 10:58 am
If any renovations are going to be done at Eleanor Pardee Park,
please include a restroom. People come for soccer games and picnics and need somewhere other than the bushes to relieve themselves..
a resident of Palo Verde
on Jul 23, 2012 at 11:00 am
STOP FIGHTING . !!! (and go to the park)
a resident of Crescent Park
on Jul 23, 2012 at 11:48 am
Eleanor park has public restrooms? I never knew or heard of that and I walk or bike ride by their fairly often. Imagine that … guess I can move out of my home and move into the park now that it's civilized! ;-)
a resident of Palo Alto Orchards
on Jul 23, 2012 at 1:27 pm
How about a City Tree - ie. there are no Redwoods in the plan for new trees at the park.
You took one out when the Eucs came down, please put a few Redwood back in - and find a way to water them - perhaps from the well down the block.
a resident of Community Center
on Jul 23, 2012 at 3:08 pm
I live nearby and am often in or around the park. The playground was renovated several(8-9?)years ago and new equipment put in but my kids are past that age now. Overall I am surprised the city is choosing to send this much money on an already well functioning park in a time of financial crisis.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Jul 23, 2012 at 4:20 pm
It would be spectacular if the landscape architects placed north at or near the top of their plans, provided a north arrow AND labeled the adjoining streets. Only a native can make sense of such plans otherwise.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jul 23, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Pardee Park is fine the way it is - maybe just some minor improvements but just like our family we should not spend money we don't have! I think a water fountain that functions is important and a restroom so people don't have to use the bushes would be nice. The walk way does have some rough spots but they could patch those up like they do the streets.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Jul 24, 2012 at 10:39 am
I'm happy to see that there will not be restrooms. It is a neighborhood park with limited parking. Restrooms would invite non-residents to spend the entire day there. The park and the surrounding community of homes does not need any more traffic or parking woes.
In fact, I question the need for additional tables. We do not need to turn Pardee into Rinconada Junior.
a resident of Stanford
on Jul 24, 2012 at 7:39 pm
"Restrooms would invite non-residents to spend the entire day there." Don't forget your own residents, Dad. Sheesh, what a snob.
a resident of University South
on Jul 24, 2012 at 11:04 pm
My family lives equidistant from Pardee Park, Heritage Park and Rinconada Park. My kids like Pardee the best. So i can't understand why you would pour 625k into "fixing" the park that is already better than the brand new Heritage Park?
Bathrooms would be nice. I understand people don't want people coming from every surrounding city to their neighborhood park, but it is a long stressful walk home with a 4 year old that has to pee. And if you have more than one kid, they all have to leave as soon as the first one has to be walked home to pee.
But i guess that's what bushes are for.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Aug 13, 2012 at 1:23 pm
We go to Pardee Park most days. I would say it doesn't need any improvements, though a restroom would be good. It would be nice to see fewer off-leash dogs in the mornings. Most of all, it would be great if the city could stop over-watering the grass. Some of it is little more than a mud-bath, and mosquitoes are becoming more noticable.
a resident of East Palo Alto
on Jun 4, 2017 at 5:28 pm
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text:
Side note: I could not access the bloodline limitations part, so bare with me. If their are mistakes I'd like a chance to correct them due to that issue.
Basic Information
Name: The name of this being is rather complex to most, but also very simple. People have had time to use the ''S'' within his name as the wrong pronounced caution. His name is simply Sigma, similar to the Greek letter within the Alphabet. So he is known as Sigma Kaguya.
Nickname: Names have not been given to him in pure jest yet and, he indeed tends to keep it that way. For no matter how kin one's friendship is he will never accept the fact to be called another Aliases besides his actual birth name he was created from. Those that try or attempt usually refer to him as Sig-Chan. Which seemingly causes irritation to high extents annoying him quicker than any sole purpose on this planet.
Gender: Of course he takes the shape of a man, so in that very instant he is of male species. Having the reproductive organs to reproduce or have sexual relations, he prefers not to most of the time. For he has other things in life to do than pound the crap out of a few and cause a certain like pleasure to emerge.
Age: September 21 would be his birth date. Making him a virgo.
Clan: Kaguya Clan. That of the Kaguya are simply said to possess the ability known as Shikotsumyaku: which means "Dead Bone Pulse". It is a bloodline trait on pure extinct to freely cause manipulation on the Chakra and bone like structure within their bodies. Mixing and melding the calcium to create an entity of bones as their weapon of choice for combat, or defense reasoning. The Clan Itself could manipulate the growth and properties of their bones to their liking as well. So in terms if one wanted to rip out their spine in combat and use it as a whip lash of sorts, the clan member can use their remaining energy, control even manifest it in order to cause a form of regeneration to replace the structure that was removed in combat. The members who possess the Shikotsumyaku abilities have a different body structure than others so most genetic information even material cannot be properly matched.
Looks: Sigma of the Kaguya
takes the form of a young man around Thirteen or fourteen years of mortal age. As one might expect from such a youthful appearance, he doesn't break the five-and-a-half-foot barrier with his height. Instead, he stands just under it like a teenager who got the short end of the genetic lottery. His short stature and relatively thin frame don't actually detract from his striking appearance, however. With deep, dark blue eyes and Light-Green hair or silver (if dyed), Sigma could be considered quite attractive if he happened to care at all about such things. As it happens, he doesn't, and his good looks come as naturally as his ability to fight, and he never puts any effort into improving upon the base that luck has given him. That's not to say that he isn't attractive - he is - it just happens to be entirely natural and without any additional effort. The Light-Green hair upon his head flows backwards in a way similar to the "suit" or stereotypical "wallstreet" looks, making it seem combed despite it actually being the natural direction of his hair follicles. Sometimes when he is not feeling to go for that rich boy look, he just wears it messy. Like any other member of the Kaguya Clan Sigma maintains the clothing of his people. Just unaltered within his style...
Unlike others, however, he adamantly and completely refuses to modify the uniform as a price for his failures in the past. While many of the Insane crazies have issued different aesthetic changes to their white Robe. Sigma's is quite plain, with long sleeves and a black divider line down the precise middle of the outfit. The only interruption to this line is around his Bare skin, which is in the center of his chest. It continues on after the end of the pale structure of skin until it reaches the bottom of the Robe and the black sash of the uniform. Said sash is, like the Robe, entirely unaltered. Barring black shinobi like shoes, that serve for balance and instant grip on specific area's.
Personality: Sigma's personality is colored by his failure to slaughter a sole Enemy who had threatened his friends in battle nearly a few years ago. While those particular friends have long since been killed and their deaths avenged by Sigma himself, the fact that the one Being escaped retribution has caused an irrational and permanent feeling of guilt, which he atones for with every waking second. This Aspect of Death has caused him to become one of the more docile Entity in the caste system. He has no intentions of advancing for he has, no driving wish for power, and no hatred towards those stronger than him - all strange things for a creature like this being, let alone any Kaguya. Those who give him orders find his will to atone beneficial, as he follows logical demands without question. However, should anyone, including a Being of lower level or even High, threaten or hurt one of his Family even Friends, Sigma becomes an unstoppable force of retribution who would sooner die than let such actions go unpunished. This train of thought and action is the most obvious manifestation of his guilt towards the unpunished Beings of the past.
Village Info.
Village of Birth: Like any other Kaguya clan member one would be birthed and originate from the Village of Mist. Due to their manifesting actions of war. It had lead them astray and to their short lived demise. You can say during the chaotic times of foolishness Sigma was born out of it. Sure his birth home is the mist and with Kaguya, but at the time the child was given up. Thrown into a basket and sent away to the sea's. Eventually appearing within the leaf Village, where he decided to learn and form his Alliance with.
Village of Alliance: The Leaf village, and Land of fire. He has rarely no connections to mist, because he hardly knows of it. Just as he hardly knows of his clan. Sigma only knows little aspects of his people, such as the clothing type and abilities due to reading and personal experience. However the Kaguya is not fully documented due to their greedy actions for power, leading to their deaths.
Rank//Chakra Info.
Ninja Rank: Genin
Specialty: Taijutsu
Elements: None
Your ninjutsu: Dance of Camellia is the only known jutsu of the boy so far and very basic.
Background Info.
Dusk. The ever reliable transition from day to night, light to dark. Despite whatever troubled the world, whatever tore at the soul, whatever drove men to fields of life and death with a zealous lust for slaughter, despite everything, that sallow orb would always sink beneath the horizon. Consistency, predictability. Things for which we eternally yearn in search of some basic commodity that, despite what history's scribes and prophets have penned and spoke, we will never truly achieve. Peace. Never can man, wholly without objection, rely upon himself to go about even a single day without disruption. But despite such curses of variation, one can always depend upon that sun to set when the proper time has arrived. It was with this same dependability that the mortal namesake to this celestial shift engaged in battle.Quick fleeting motions! Such fast, such unbelievable, such quick fleeting motions! A rapturous heartbeat rendering a forceful rhythm in clashing cacophony. A women had screamed near distance. Flames of the candle withered away shortly after the scream had died down. Flickering, struggling to keep light around the women and those inside the room. It soon was put out, leaving the distant light from the skies appeal to consume the beings within the small birthing place. Small cries had formulated surrounding few with joy, indicating a Child was born. Cleaning the Child and getting a small basket ready. The beings clothed the baby, and put it into the basket. Walking towards the lake that would lead to the ocean. This being pushed at the basket motioning it towards the Sea. Hopefully this Child would be found and given a home away from the chaotic affairs that subjected those of the mist village. A foggy substance had engulfed the area soon the beings gone from personal view as well, as the faint Basket. Within minutes or so, currents would push along the basket, causing the child to fall into absolute slumber. Within Hours and seconds the Basket was picked up from the ocean by wandering beings out of curiosity. Opening it, they found a child. A seemingly beautiful baby boy. The two beings motioned themselves back to their village, the place they had called home. Soon a name had been given to the child, a name that would be cherished. Sigma. Eventually growing up, the Child would be put through hard trails of the world that shaped his personality, the ability to lose, gain, and even not care.
Theme Song and Background Music: War of change by thousand foot krunch
Won: none
Lost: none


text:
Magdalena Adam
August 1, 2012
Program: Translation and Localization Management
Undergrad: Sprachen-und Dolmetscherinstitut München
Fast Fact: Has run three half marathons to date and is planning on running in the San Francisco half marathon next year.
"Most of the [TLM] professors are active translators, interpreters, and localization managers, so they really know what's going on in the field and can prepare their students perfectly for their professional careers."
Magdalena Adam, an international student from Germany, already had a degree in translation when she arrived at the Monterey Institute. She chose to pursue her master's degree in Translation and Localization Management (TLM) in hopes of learning some new skills while at the same time furthering her translation training. Magdalena was drawn to the TLM program at the Monterey Institute because of its great reputation and unique curriculum. She says, "TLM was perfect for me."
Being an international student, Magdalena enjoys the multicultural experience that MIIS has to offer. She says, "Before I came [to MIIS], I was a little bit worried about all the administrative stuff associated with being an international student in the States. The different offices at MIIS are very helpful, though, and figuratively take you by the hand and help you sort out whatever needs to be sorted out."
Magdalena has past experience working for a translation agency as a project manager, translator and editor.


text:
Check BNN and Bulbanews for up-to-date Pokémon news and discuss it on the forums or in the Bulbagarden Discord server.
Difference between revisions of "Professor Sycamore"
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* 635-654 Pokémon:
* 635-654 Pokémon:
:''"You're a Pokémon-catching pro, you know that? My jaw drops at your incredible skills!"''
:''"You're a Pokémon-catching pro, you know that? My jaw drops at your incredible skills!"''
* 655 Pokémon:
* 655 Pokémon:
:''"[[Trade|Trading]] Pokémon with friends is another great way to fill up your Pokédex!"''
:''"[[Trade|Trading]] Pokémon with friends is another great way to fill up your Pokédex!"''
: 675 Pokémon:
:''"If you have access, it might be a good idea to use the [[Global Terminal|GTS]], too!"''
==In the anime==
==In the anime==
Revision as of 13:15, 27 December 2013
| Professor Augustine Sycamore
プラターヌ博士 Dr. Platane
Art from X and Y
|Eye color
|Hair color
|Dark blue
|Trainer class
|Pokémon Professor
|Pokémon X and Y
|Anime debut
|Lumiose City Pursuit!
|English voice actor
|Jake Paque
|Japanese voice actor
|Hiroshi Tsuchida
Professor Augustine Sycamore (Japanese: プラターヌ博士 Dr. Platane) is a Pokémon Professor from the Kalos region.
- 1 In the games
- 2 In the anime
- 3 In the TCG
- 4 Trivia
- 5 Names
In the games
The player first meets him in Lumiose City, where he will battle the player and, afterwards, gives them one of the three Kanto starter Pokémon. On the way to Shalour City, he will instruct the player to meet Gurkinn, the Mega Evolution guru, to learn and get a better understanding about Mega Evolution. Later, he appears at the Coumarine City monorail station and talks to Diantha about Mega Evolution and how it may be possibly related to the bonds between Pokémon and their Trainers. There, he will congratulate the player for using Mega Evolution for the first time and gives them HM02 (Fly).
He feels disappointed when Lysandre reveals himself to be the boss of Team Flare, but turns to his network of acquaintances to try to stop the villainous team's plan. He sends Dexio and Sina to the Lysandre Labs in order to investigate Team Flare's interest in AZ and how to thwart their plans.
At Couriway Town, he will apologize to the player for not preventing what Lysandre had done. He then challenges the player to another battle to test how far they have come in their journey. After being defeated, he informs the player that he has a special surprise for helping stop Team Flare and leaves. Once the player has beaten the Pokémon League, he leads a parade for the player in Lumiose City, where he awards them and their friends with the Honor of Kalos for their heroics.
Later, he tells the player to meet him in Lumiose Station, where he gives them a ticket to Kiloude City. After Calem/Serena is defeated in Kiloude, Professor Sycamore will upgrade the player's Mega Ring so that they can detect hidden Mega Stones from 8 PM to 9 PM.
When the player completes all three Kalos Pokédexes (Central Kalos, Coastal Kalos, and Mountain Kalos) and evaluates all of them at his lab in Lumiose City, Sycamore congratulates them and gives them an Oval Charm as a reward.
Lumiose City
Couriway Town rematch
Pokémon X and Y
- "So, we finally meet!"
- "Fantastic! You're here! Come this way, won't you?"
- "Many thanks for coming all the way from Vaniville Town! I'm Professor Sycamore! It's a pleasure to finally meet you! How is your Pokémon journey going so far? Have you met many different Pokémon? Fantastic! Let me have a quick look at your Pokédex and see!"
- Uses the line depending on how many Pokémon have been seen in the Central Kalos Pokédex.
- "Well now, you DO have a certain je ne sais quoi! I have a good feeling about you! At first, I was thinking of choosing only one child from a town when I was deciding who to give a Pokémon to. In Vaniville Town, it was going to be the child of a Veteran Trainer I know. About then, I learned that the Rhyhorn racer Grace and her son were moving here. Here in the Kalos region, you're far away from everything you used to know... That really hit me right here... Then it hit me--I should give you a Pokémon and have you travel around Kalos!"
- "Fantastic! Now, let's all have a Pokémon battle! Your opponent shall be me!"
- Before battle
- "Shall we start the battle?"
- Yes: "Just so you know, I'm not that tough!"
- No: "No problem at all! I'll wait! I'll wait as long as I must!"
- Being defeated
- "Ha ha! You're too much for me! You're really something, aren't you?"
- After being defeated
- "I think I've about figured it out!"
- "<player>! You are an interesting Pokémon Trainer indeed! It'd be fantastic if you took another Pokémon with you! Here! Pick one!"
- "You picked Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle, then! I see. That's simply wonderful!"
- "Would you like to give your Pokémon a nickname?"
- Yes: "So, you've decided its nickname will be <nickname>?"
- No: "Oh, I see. You're not going to give your Pokémon a nickname, then."
- "Since you chose Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle, I'll give you this Mega Stone."
- "Come now, you two. Pick your Pokémon."
- "Well, I've got a feeling everyone else will show up soon."
- "See. Wonderful! Everyone's all here! So now that we're all here, I'd like to say a few words. Be the best Trainer you can be! At the same time, remember to have fun traveling with your Pokémon! Also, I want to ask for your help in solving the Kalos region's biggest Pokémon mystery: the secret and potential of Mega Evolution, a new kind of Evolution that occurs in battle! That's why I gave you that Mega Stone just now. It's an important clue!"
- "Trevor, my lad, if that's what "best Trainer" means to you, then I want you to go out there and complete that Pokédex!"
- "If you're investigating Mega Evolution, why don't you check out Camphrier Town? That town has a lot of history--you might find a hint there! Now listen. If you visit many different places to complete the Pokédex, you will probably see Pokémon with many ways of living and meet people with many ways of thinking. First, accept the ways of living and thinking that sometimes conflict with your own. And think about what's really imporant--this will truly broaden your horizons."
- "Why hello, <player>!"
- "Congratulations! I see you finally obtained everything you need for Mega Evolution! A Mega Stone for the Pokémon, a Mega Ring for the Trainer, and a strong bond with your Pokémon."
- "It's only a hypothesis, but I think the bond between Pokémon and Trainer is the key to this new Evolution. But what is this bond, exactly? And why are there examples of Mega Evolution only in the Kalos region? There's still so much we don't know..."
- "Oh! What an excellent point! Indeed! The more you know, the more there is to research! The excitement never ends, does it?"
- "Oh, that's right! I came here to give you this!"
- "Use the HM Fly to pop right over to Pokémon Centers of places you've already visited! Well then, <player>..."
- "Diantha, I hope to see you both again soon!"
Lumiose City (Lysandre Café)
- "Over here!"
- "I was just having a conversation with Lysandre about Mega Evolution."
- "Actually, Lysandre himself is of royal ancestry... He truly is a chosen one."
- "By the way, <player>... Do you know where the Holo Caster is made?"
- Yes: "That's right! They're made in Lysandre's lab."
- "Lysandre is a great man. He supports Trainers and Pokémon research with some of the profit from the Holo Caster."
- "What a passionate person. He's just like a blazing flame. Perhaps his pride in his lineage is what makes him burn so intensely."
- "That being said, what Lysandre says is only one way to looking at things... It's not necessarily the truth. <player>! What's truly important is the time you spend together with others! Treasure these moments spent traveling the Kalos region with your Pokémon!"
- "Hello..."
- "I have to apologize to you about Lysandre... I'm very sorry for the trouble he caused..."
- "And I'd also like to thank you! I'm sincerely grateful for what you did for all of the Pokémon and people of this world. And by stopping Team Flare, you also saved Lysandre. I always knew that he desired a beautiful world..."
- "And maybe someday the population of people and Pokémon will actually increase to where resources become very scarce. If someone acts out of greed in such a world, surely some will go without. If all living things keep acting that way, there will be nothing left at all in the end. Why, there won't even be anything left to steal, will there?"
- "But what I really wanted was for him to put his ego aside and lead everything to greater heights. I never had this discussion with him, though. So I'm partially responsible for this."
- Before battle
- "Well, enough of that. <player>! I want you and your Pokémon to take everything you learned from your journey and hit me with your very best shot!"
- Being defeated
- "You are really something! You and your Pokémon have developed strong bonds by spending time together and by caring about one another. That's why you and your Pokémon are so strong."
- After being defeated
- "The strength you've found is simply marvelous! And... You truly love and trust your Pokémon! <player>! A treasure of mine is hidden in this town! If you'd like, try to find it. Well, I'll be off then! I have many preparations I must attend to! I have a little surprise planned for all of you to thank you for fighting Team Flare and saving Kalos!"
Parade at Lumiose City (after entering Hall of Fame)
- "What an amazing turnout! All of these people are here to celebrate your achievements. I'd like to present you with the Honor of Kalos for the bravery you showed battling Team Flare! I'm so proud of you all! On behalf of the entire Kalos region, I'd like to say... Thank you!"
- "His Pokémon was waiting all this time... Waiting for him to return to the man he was. The man who loved Pokémon with all his heart."
Lumiose Station (post-game)
- "How did you like your parade, <player>? So the reason I asked you to come here is... I wanted to give you a pass to Kiloude City!"
- "Doesn't ring any bells? Kiloude City is a city in the southern part of the Kalos region. And it's the perfect place for Trainers looking to sharpen their skills! So here's your pass for the super high-speed rail to Kiloude City!"
- "Use it to ride the TMV super high-speed rail! Take your pass to that scanner over there. It's an orange machine. Have the machine scan your pass to board the train. Have a fantastic time!"
Pokédex evaluation
- Before evaluating the player's Pokédex in person:
- "Well now, let's have a look at your Pokédex!"
- After evaluating the player's Pokédex in person:
- "Your Pokédex must be jam-packed with all the memories of your journey... I hope you treasure it always!"
- After evaluating one of the Kalos Pokédexes via a PC after all three have been finished:
- "You're encountering Pokémon at a really good clip, aren't you?"
- "I have something for you, so stop by the lab when you have a moment!"
- After evaluating one of the Kalos Pokédexes in person after all three have been finished:
- "You're encountering Pokémon at a really good clip, aren't you?"
- "I want to give you this to help you reach your goal!"
- "So, if you're holding an Oval Charm, Eggs are discovered at the Pokémon Day Care more easily than normal."
Central Kalos Pokédex
- When talking to Sycamore to get the Pokédex evaluated:
- "Hmm... So you've seen <number> kinds of Pokémon in Central Kalos, then."
- 30-38 Pokémon:
- "Oh ho! The pages are getting filled in. It's starting to look good!"
- 41-59 Pokémon:
- "Some Pokémon can be hard to find, but keep on searching in the tall grass!"
- 66-87 Pokémon:
- "Battling against other Trainers is another, good way to fill up your Pokédex!"
- 92-108 Pokémon:
- "Some Pokémon only appear in certain places! Keep an eye out!"
- 115-126 Pokémon:
- "Why hello! Find any Pokémon that you've taken a particular shine to yet?"
- 130-149 Pokémon:
- "Just a little bit more, and you'll have found every kind of Pokémon in the Central Kalos area!"
- 150 Pokémon (first time):
- "Congratulations! You've encountered every kind of Pokémon in the Central Kalos area!"
If the player has already obtained the evaluation for the completed Pokédex once, subsequent evaluations skip the sentence stating the number of seen Pokémon altogether and simply say:
- "Incredible! You've already completed the Central Kalos Pokédex!"
Coastal Kalos Pokédex
- When talking to Sycamore to get the Pokédex evaluated:
- "Oh ho! You've seen <number> kinds of Pokémon in Coastal Kalos. "
- 5 Pokémon:
- "A new Pokédex means new Pokémon! How exciting!"
- 48-59 Pokémon:
- "Some Pokémon can be found only by fishing. Aren't Pokémon fascinating?"
- 65-87 Pokémon:
- "Some Pokémon can only be seen inside caves!"
- 97-107 Pokémon:
- "Some Pokémon Abilities make it easier for you to encounter wild Pokémon!"
- 114-129 Pokémon:
- "You should try using Surf to explore new areas and find the Pokémon that live there!"
- "Just a little bit more, and you'll have found every kind of Pokémon in the Coastal Kalos area!"
- 150-153 Pokémon (first time, with at least all Pokémon other than Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres seen):
- "Congratulations! You've encountered every kind of Pokémon in the Coastal Kalos area!"
If the player has already obtained the evaluation for the completed Pokédex once, subsequent evaluations skip the sentence stating the number of seen Pokémon altogether and simply say:
- "Incredible! You've already completed the Coastal Kalos Pokédex!"
Mountain Kalos Pokédex
- When talking to Sycamore to get the Pokédex evaluated:
- "I see! You've seen <number> kinds of Pokémon in Mountain Kalos. "
- 4 Pokémon:
- "The third Pokédex of the Kalos region! I wonder what kinds of Pokémon you'll find!"
- 20-27 Pokémon:
- "It's so interesting to look at the differences between the Pokémon that live in each area!"
- 45 Pokémon:
- "I'll bet the Pokémon you can find in the mountains and caves are tough and rugged!"
- 60-87 Pokémon:
- "There are still many Pokémon awaiting you in locations you've yet to visit!"
- 90-99 Pokémon:
- "It's fascinating to learn how certain Pokémon evolve!"
- 111-129 Pokémon:
- "Isn't it great to learn about all of the different Pokémon that are out there?"
- 130-150 Pokémon:
- "Just a little bit more, and you'll have found every kind of Pokémon in the Mountain Kalos area!"
- 151 Pokémon (first time):
- Congratulations! You've encountered every kind of Pokémon in the Mountain Kalos area!"
If the player has already obtained the evaluation for the completed Pokédex once, subsequent evaluations skip the sentence stating the number of seen Pokémon altogether and simply say:
- "Incredible! You've already completed the Mountain Kalos Pokédex!"
National Pokédex
Note: This Pokédex only counts caught Pokémon towards the evaluation.
- When talking to Sycamore to get the Pokédex evaluated:
- "You've caught a total of <number> kinds of Pokémon! Fantastic! And you caught <number> of those Pokémon species in the Kalos region!"
- 38 Pokémon:
- "Keep traveling through the Kalos region, and you might find even more new encounters!"
- 88-148 Pokémon:
- "I hear there are more than 700 kinds of Pokémon to be found in the National Pokédex!"
- 157 Pokémon:
- "Non remember--the trick to catching a Pokémon is to lower its HP before using a Poké Ball!"
- 258-299 Pokémon:
- "You won't be able to find all of the underwater Pokémon by fishing in just one spot!"
- 300-349 Pokémon:
- "The Sticky Hold and Suction Cups Abilities make Pokémon easier to reel in when fishing."
- 350-399 Pokémon:
- "Pokémon with the Magnet Pull Ability can help you encounter Steel-type Pokémon more easily!"
- 400-449 Pokémon:
- "Pokémon with the Static Ability can help you encounter Electric-type Pokémon more easily!"
- 450-499 Pokémon:
- 500-523 Pokémon:
- "Wow! You've caught 500 kinds of Pokémon! You sure are an amazing Trainer!"
- 547-559 Pokémon:
- "Some Pokémon can only evolve at certain times of day or in certain places!"
- 560-589 Pokémon:
- "There are some moves that leave Pokémon with just a tiny bit of HP left!"
- 590-614 Pokémon:
- "Some Pokémon have Abilities that prevent wild Pokémon from fleeing!"
- 615-634 Pokémon:
- "Wow, 600! Pokémon sure do live in all kinds of places!"
- 635-654 Pokémon:
- "You're a Pokémon-catching pro, you know that? My jaw drops at your incredible skills!"
- 655-674 Pokémon:
- "Trading Pokémon with friends is another great way to fill up your Pokédex!"
- 675 Pokémon:
- "If you have access, it might be a good idea to use the GTS, too!"
In the anime
Professor Sycamore made his first appearance in Lumiose City Pursuit!, when Ash, Clemont and Bonnie brought an injured Froakie to him. Sycamore treated Froakie while explaining that it used to be owned by Trainers but had severe behavioral problems which caused it to either abandon or be abandoned by its past Trainers. Sycamore also explained that his area of research was Mega Evolution, and Garchomp was the Pokémon he was researching since she was capable of achieving it.
After Team Rocket's failed attempt to steal Froakie caused Garchomp to go wild, Professor Sycamore joined Ash in his attempt to calm her down but was forced to simply watch from the bottom of Prism Tower. After the situation had been resolved, he thanked Ash by giving him a new Kalos Pokédex and allowing him to take Froakie, who had bonded with the Trainer, with him.
In A Battle of Aerial Mobility!, Sycamore met Serena as she arrived to pick her starter Pokémon.
He appeared again in XY010, where he meets up with Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie when they return to Lumiose City. Later, he is captured by Team Rocket, who seek for his knowledge about Mega Evolution. Serena and Bonnie are also captured when they try to help the Professor. The three are rescued by Ash, Pikachu, Clemont, and a Chespin from Sycamore's lab, but Team Rocket activates their newest mecha, which chases them across the forest. After Ash and Clemont unsuccessfully try to defeat the mecha with Pikachu and Chespin, the group is saved by Blaziken Mask and his Blaziken, who destroys the mecha, and Team Rocket are then sent blasting off by Ash and Clemont. At the end of the episode, Sycamore allows Clemont to capture Chespin when it wants to travel with the group.
This listing is of Professor Sycamore's known Pokémon:
On hand
| Professor Sycamore's only known Pokémon is a Garchomp who lives at the lab with him as the main test subject as he researched Mega Evolution. Despite her fearsome appearance, Garchomp is very gentle as shown by her concern for Froakie. She also enjoys company, and happily allows others to pet her. However, when Team Rocket attempted to capture Froakie, Garchomp defended it from Team Rocket's device which then attached itself to her. This caused her severe pain resulting in her going on a rampage through Lumiose City and heading to the top of Prism Tower.
Once there, she was carefully approached by Ash who refused to allow Pikachu to use any moves against her since she couldn't help her behavior. Soon, with Ash and Froakie's help, the device was removed and Garchomp returned to her old self.
She appears in a flashback in XY003.
Garchomp's only known move is Hyper Beam.
|Lumiose City Pursuit!
Gives to new Trainers
Gave away to Trainers
Ash's Froakie
Serena's Fennekin
Clemont's Chespin
Voice actors
In the TCG
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Professor Sycamore in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
| Related cards
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a silver background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
| English
| Japanese
|Professor Sycamore
|Collection X
- Sycamore is the first Pokémon Professor to battle the player in the games.
- Sycamore is also the first Professor to hand out starter Pokémon that were not introduced in his generation upon first meeting the player character.
- According to a male Scientist on the second floor of the lab in Lumiose City, Sycamore learned a lot from Professor Rowan in Sinnoh when he was young.
- In the anime, Sycamore gives all three Kalos starters in reverse Pokédex order.
|プラターヌ博士 Dr. Platane
|From platane, French for plane trees.
|Professor Augustine Sycamore
|From sycamore and possibly the Augustine Henry.
|Professeur Platane
|Same as Japanese name.
|German, Italian
|Professor Platan
|Same as Japanese name.
|Profesor Ciprés
|From ciprés, Spanish for cypress.
|플라타느박사 Peullataneu-baksa
|Transliteration of Japanese name.
|This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.


text: Winner of Gramophone's 2011 Label of the Year award (and the first label dedicated to live recordings to win the prestigious accolade), the "Wigmore Hall Live" recording series continues to be "a source of sound documents to cherish" (BBC Music). This venue holds a unique place in London musical life and is an essential platform for the world's most sought-after soloists and chamber musicians. Every week a concert is broadcast on radio and the Internet, but with the launching of this recording label, Wigmore's great performances can be a revelation and a source of enduring pleasure to music lovers worldwide.


text:
- Properties
- Agents
- Offices
- About the Area
- News
- Videos
- About Us About Us
- Preferences
- Back
- Change Currency:
Mary is a longtime Santa Fe resident with a Dallas connection. She is a contributing editor of Veranda Magazine, and is first on board for styling a home when it goes on the market. Mary is heavily involved with numerous charitable organizations, and is a board member of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society. Also a member of the Santa Fe Garden Club, Mary is known for her fun and easy way of entertaining her expanding circle of friends.
231 Washington Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Office: (505) 982-6207Fax: (505) 982-0204


text:
For months now, I've been dealing with too-consistent slowdowns in accessing and streaming/downloading files from some key top Internet-based services, among them YouTube and the Apple app store. Things are generally peachy and relatively quick during the day, but I get serious slowdowns and even some failures during "prime time" in the evenings--roughly 7PM to midnight, Central time.
Often, YouTube videos won't stream at all, and if I pause one to let it buffer up, the video will take several times longer to buffer fully than it does to play. That's pretty pathetic--and this isn't all 720p or even 480p videos. Even the 360p ones can have problems. This is a problem on both my wireless laptops and my fast, wired GigE desktop.
Similarly, the Apple app store will often be sluggish to move from screen to screen, slow to load screenshots (they sometimes just fail to load), and painfully sluggish when downloading even simple, smallish iPhone apps. I'm using an iPhone4 on Wi-Fi with a solid signal, but I still run into problems.
I've pretty much assumed the problem was related to servers at those services for a while now, but it seems to me like, if the basic infrastructure for those popular Internet services were nearly failing constantly, folks would be talking about it. So far, I haven't noticed much on Google beyond the occasional basic support thread. Recently, I've finally gotten fed up enough to do something I've not found necessary for a while: bust out some basic network analysis tools and see if I can pinpoint the problem.
For what it's worth, I have Time Warner/Road Runner for my ISP, with the 15Mbps "Turbo" option, and I can get 15 Mbps downloads and 1 Mbps uploads to a local server via SpeedTest.net. Ping times are ~55 ms to that server, although local ping times to my ISP are in the 20s. If I hit a server on the west coast, I generally get 8-10 Mbps downloads, with ping times in the 70-80ms range. (I'm in KC, MO.)
I'm just starting work on it, and at this very moment, there's no problem to observe. I'll have to check later tonight. In the interim, though, I'm wondering whether any of you are running into similar issues with YouTube, the app store, or other streaming video services like Bing's. Is everything peachy in the evenings or are any of you seeing similar probems?
If you are seeing problems, tell me: What sort of 'net connectivity do you have? Do a lot of people share it? Do you suspect your ISP or do you suspect it's a larger problem? Why?
I wonder if, with CDNs and the like in wide use, if there isn't some kind of regional issue at play here. Hmm.