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Rockridge Branch
Branch Address5366 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 597-5017
Branch Hours
About the Rockridge Branch
Rockridge Branch has approximately 75,000 books, compact disks, DVDs, audio books, video games, and magazines and newspapers for all ages. Circulating materials are largely of popular interest, with a strong emphasis on practical how-to topics and fiction. Rockridge also offers popular children's and teen collections.
The branch features 12 computers with internet access for public use.
Meeting RoomThe meeting room has a capacity of 47 people per side or 94 for the entire room. Each room has a 5 x 7 projection screen and a wall-mounted white board/bulletin board unit. Room One has small sink. A Television with DVD player (no TV reception) is available with advance notice.
Currently on Exhibit
Layers Revealed, Digital Photographic Fine Art Works by Oakland Technical High School Students
There's always more than what meets the eye at first glance. Through digital layering effects on Adobe Photoshop, Layers Revealed brings transparency to photograhic images, revealing deeper hidden narratives. (All photographs used are originals shot by the student artists of Oakland Technical High School's fashion, Art & Design Academy (FADA), Grades 10 to 12.
On Display FromSat, 04/05/2014 - Sat, 04/26/2014
Currently on Exhibit
David Peniston Mixed Media and Small Sculpture
David Peniston is a Bay Area artist who has had a number of showings of his work throughout the Pacific Northwest, California and the Midwest. He has won numerous awards for his paintings, including First Place Award from the Artist Gallery in Oakland. He is showing works of mixed media and small sculpture in the Rockridge Library Lobby Display Case. For more information go to the artist's website.
On Display FromTue, 03/04/2014 - Wed, 04/30/2014
Upcoming Events
|Event Name
|FREE Comic Book Day!
|Family Storytime
|Rockridge Teen Advisory Board
|Free Computer Help Available!
|Massage for Mother's Day
|Event Name
|Free Computer Help Available!
|Lawyers in the Library
|Kamishibai Stories on the back of a Bicycle
|Event Name
|Teen 'Scape
|Event Name
|Preschool Storytime


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Barbican Centre Silk Street, City of London, EC2Y 8DS
Giving a unique insight to the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards-winning design and refurbishment of two hospitality spaces at this landmark building, this tour co-led by designer and operator is a must for foodies and designers alike.
The Food Hall and Lounge Bar, both designed by SHH, relate to and uncover the history of the existing building while presenting a fresh aesthetic for today's visitors. The tour will culminate with a complimentary drink in The Lounge Bar and a taste from the menu.
Please note that the end time for this event is not fixed.
Guest booking (if already registered)
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Antonia FaustRIBA London firstname.lastname@example.com
The Barbican Lounge Restaurant.

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Advanced Search
When you move from XP to Windows 7 you either buy a new machine or upgrade the old one. The first approach clearly costs money. You buy a new machine. Then you have to get security software, possibly some other news apps -- and there's a decent chance the old peripherals won't work (I've got a stack full of defunct HP printers, if you don't believe me).
And management tools all have to move along with the client shifts.
Then you and your end users have to learn the new OS. If you upgrade older systems, almost all the costs are the same (minus the expense of buying new computers), though you may need RAM and other sundry hardware items.
The No. 1 reason IT doesn't buy new operating systems? They cost more money.
A new IDC study that Microsoft paid for says that what seems intuitive to me is actually completely backwards. If I had half a brain (or if Microsoft paid me to think), I could be bought to think that Windows 7 is way cheaper than XP.
IDC claims maintaining an XP machine cost an average of $870 a year. Windows 7 is dirt cheap at only $168. This is largely because Win 7 is less prone to malware, so IT spends less time on the phone with users and less time fixing the infected machines.
I think Win 7 is substantially better, but still not perfect as it still has a lot of XP-style behaviors. I have apps that still semi-freeze for no apparent reason (I guess Win 7 likes to take a break whenever I even think about printing) and I've had my laptop reimaged at least twice (but I do admit, I use my machines hard and put 'em away wet!).
What do you make of IDC's math? Compare it with your own at email@example.com.
Posted by Doug Barney on 05/30/2012 at 1:19 PM
Printable Format
Yes, if you are doing an enterprise refresh cycle, win7 is the only way to go. But probably half the remaining XP boxes are NOT on corporate networks. People ask me 'should I upgrade at home?' and I ask them 'why? does your current setup not do anything you need or want to do? If no, wait till machine dies, or they get a periperal than XP does not support. " Other than geeks, few non-corporate users EVER upgrade the OS, or even patch it- that is why MS developed the automatic patching. New PCs are so cheap, they are almost consumables. Just budget 500-1000 every five years for a new one.
I don't think it's necessarily the same for everybody, but the if Windows XP is so all fired cheap to run, why is everybody switching to Windows 7? Sure you can keep running on your old hardware, but few people like to do that. You have to explain to your customer that they can keep their old software running on that old machine, but they can't print to the brand new, all the bells and whistles does everything printer because they simply don't make Windows XP drivers for that anymore. Odd errors show up on your old XP browser, and you can't upgrade to the new browser because it doesn't run on XP. And finally good luck implementing IPv6 on Windows XP. Yeah you can say XP is cheaper. You can even prove it by short changing your users on service and security. However the reality is you aren't accounting for the cost that you're imposing on your users by doing so. Sure Microsoft paid for the study. That doesn't make it any less right.
What! Both my IT and I, plus the informal network, have experienced every likely XP error, and it's permutation, a number of times. How can that possibly be more expensive?
Who paid for the study?????
Studies paid for by companies can be said to be 'biased". I don't care if it is MS or Apple, or anyone else? Unless it is a really BLIND study and you do not know who is paying for it.... And that is not mentioned here.
I see Microsoft propaganda machine is back in full swing. Windows 7 cheaper than Windows XP? Yeah, and Windows is better than OS/2.
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Peacock for iPhone 5/5S
Textured and raised pieces create a tactile design that's fun to hold. The innovative lay-flat design adds extra screen protection with its raised bezel. The accompanying feather charm completes the bohemian styling.
Read All Reviews | write a review
Disappointed in quality
This case was loose and fell off repeatedly. I finally bought another case and no longer use the peacock case. It was a waste of money as it never fit correctly.
This case turns heads.
The beauty of this case is backed up by the non-slip grip and surface protection it provides my iPhone 5. I'm SO glad that I bought this case. And the dangling rubber peacock "feather" is adorable. Every woman who sees this case wants one. It's just the most beautiful case (for anything at all) that I've ever owned. Best purchase EVER!!
Beautiful but poorly fitting case
I absolutely loved this case when I saw it online and when I opened the box. However, it does not fit the phone snugly and comes off quite easily. It's just a bit too large. At the price point, I had hoped it would be perfection - it was not.
-R. Smit
Fun, but not sturdy
While I love the look, it is not sturdy. The flimsy rubbery case doesn't secure the phone properly in my handbag or pocket. The phone comes out of the case a lot. The peacock dangly piece, which I also loved, broke off after a year. I am going to get a sturdier case soon.
Peacock case
Love the looks and feel of this case. The problem is it stretches out so after a while does not fit the phone very well.
Love grippy silicon cases, especially in fun designs like this. Wish they had even more designs to choose from. However, it does stretch out a little - no big deal tho'.
-Francine Hsieh


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Civil rights activist, poet, dramatist and educator Maya Angelou will come to Tennessee Tech University on March 20 as part of the university's celebration of Women's History Month.
The TTU Women's Center will also hold a talk by author and journalist Andrea Moore-Emmett, who has won several awards for her writings about polygamy.
Angelou's presentation, co-sponsored by the TTU Commission on the Status of Women and Center Stage, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in Derryberry Auditorium.
Moore-Emmett's talk will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, also in Derryberry Auditorium. Both events are free and open to the public, but tickets to the Angelou event will be limited.
"Because she's African-American and a woman, Maya Angelou could be called the matron saint of the 60s because her poetry articulates civil rights and women's rights," said TTU English instructor Andrew Smith, who is teaching her works in his American literature class. "Some of her poetry is hard for students to read because it it's hard for this generation to understand the anger she expresses in some of her work."
"It's hard for us to imagine a Jim Crow world, but it wasn't that long ago," he said.
An emphasis on women's history began as a weeklong event in 1981, but expanded to become Women's History Month in 1987. This year's theme is "Women's Education – Women's Empowerment."
One of today's most influential voices, Angelou's best-known work is a memoir, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," published in 1970. Since then, she has written more than 30 bestselling titles, including works of verse, fiction and non-fiction. She is a producer, actress, filmmaker, historian, civil rights activist, dramatist and educator.
"She's someone who has lived a lot and has had some very difficult moments in her life. She hasn't lived the same life as people here," said Colleen Hays, TTU French professor and chair of the TTU Commission on the Status of Women. "Since the 70s, she has been an inspiring voice in women's and African-American poetry."
Moore-Emmett has spent nearly 20 years researching polygamy in Mormonism and fundamentalist Christian sects. In 2004, she published God's Brothel: The Extortion of Sex for Salvation in Contemporary Mormon and Christian Fundamentalist Polygamy and the Stories of 18 Women who Escaped. She also served as the researcher for the A&E documentary, Inside Polygamy.
Tickets are not required for Moore-Emmett's appearance.
Because the Angelou event is sponsored by Center Stage, TTU students will have priority for tickets. Students can pick up one ticket each with a valid Eagle Card Monday, March 12, until Thursday, March 15, at the Women's Center in Pennebaker 203. Faculty and staff may pick up one ticket each on Friday, March 16, also at the Women's Center.
If there are any remaining tickets, they will be available to the public on Monday, March 19, in Henderson Hall 204C. Tickets are required for admission to the event.


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Bemis 583SLOW Round Toilet Seat with NextStep® Built-in Potty SeatTM, Whisper?Close® with Easy?, White
" Wonderful produce. We needed to replace our toilet seat, and this was a great choice. Easy to clean, my DD can be completely independent...Pull up her step stool and open seat. The potty seat is easy to pull down..held in place with a magnet....and to put back up again. I love the slow close lid - it means it is not possible for the lid to be dropped back down heavily and loudly....which is..." --kbvr
Baby Bjorn Toilet Seat Adaptor
" I had a chance to use this seat while on vacation. It is comfortable and my son had no issues transitioning from his usual potty to 'going' on this one. No complaints. There is a built in pee guard so no spraying to worry about. The handle makes it easy to take off and on as well as hang up when not in use. It is also easy to wipe clean and even give a quick was in the shower. " --tubbytelly
BABYBJÖRN Potty Chair, Blue
" This is a great potty - bought this for DD to use at home. We had the smaller all in 1 potties at the sitter's and in the car. This one worked well for home. Great non-skid base - helped DD to feel secure when sitting down herself. Nice high back...my DD likes to lounge and read books (Everyone Poops) while on the potty - so this gave good support. The rise in the front helps when DD lounging..." --kbvr
BABYBJÖRN Little Potty - White
" I bought this potty to keep in our van to use on the go. I love it's small size and how easy it is for my tiny toddler to sit on. The one piece design is nice as well and you don't have to take it apart to clean it if not all the potty makes it into the bowl. It is a little bit of a pain to dump out though, especially for poop. " --CrunchyChristianMama


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Download the PowerPoint template if you would like to use it for your presentation or workshop.
You must submit your session ahead of time in order that it can be pre-loaded onto the presentation equipment. To submit your final presentation ahead of time, please email Carole Lindop your PPT or link to presentation by Monday, 29 July. If, for any reason, you can't email your presentation ahead of time (or you make changes after you have arrived at the conference), please bring your session PPT on a Flash Drive to Carole at least 4 hours prior to your scheduled presentation. She or one of the support team can be located via the Registration and Information Desk.
Blackboard will provide a standard AV support package for all sessions. Session rooms will be supplied with the equipment outlined below:
Please contact Carole Lindop for any help while on site. She can be located via the Registration and Information Desk.
Copyright © 1997-2013. Blackboard Inc. All rights reserved. Blackboard, the Blackboard logo, BbWorld, Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Transact, Blackboard Connect, Blackboard Mobile, Blackboard Collaborate, Blackboard Analytics, Blackboard Engage, Edline, the Edline logo, the Blackboard Outcomes System, Behind the Blackboard, and Connect-ED are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackboard Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Blackboard products and services may be covered by one or more of the following U.S. Patents: 8,265,968, 7,493,396; 7,558,853; 6,816,878, Re.44,535.


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In 1610, Galileo Galilei published a small book describing astronomical observations that he had made of the skies above Padua. His homemade telescopes had less magnifying and resolving power than most beginners' telescopes sold today, yet with them he made astonishing discoveries: that the moon has mountains and other topographical features; that Jupiter is orbited by satellites, which he called planets; and that the Milky Way is made up of individual stars. It may seem strange that this last observation could have surprised anyone, but in Galileo's time people assumed that the Milky Way must be some kind of continuous substance. It truly resembled a streak of spilled liquid—our word "galaxy" comes from the Greek for milk—and it was so bright that it cast shadows on the ground (as did Jupiter and Venus). Today, by contrast, most Americans are unable to see the Milky Way in the sky above the place where they live, and those who can see it are sometimes baffled by its name.
The stars have not become dimmer; rather, the Earth has become vastly brighter, so that celestial objects are harder to see. Air pollution has made the atmosphere less transparent and more reflective, and high levels of terrestrial illumination have washed out the stars overhead—a phenomenon called "sky glow." Anyone who has flown across the country on a clear night has seen the landscape ablaze with artificial lights, especially in urban areas. Today, a person standing on the observation deck of the Empire State Building on a cloudless night would be unable to discern much more than the moon, the brighter planets, and a handful of very bright stars—less than one per cent of what Galileo would have been able to see without a telescope. Amateur astronomers sometimes classify nighttime darkness on the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, which is based on a number of criteria, among them "limiting magnitude," or the brightness of the faintest celestial objects that are visible without magnification. The scale, composed of nine points, was devised in 2001 by John E. Bortle, a retired Westchester County fire chief and a monthly columnist for Sky & Telescope. "One of the problems I was addressing was that younger amateur astronomers, especially east of the Mississippi, had never seen a dark sky at all," he told me recently. "People will sometimes come up from the city and call me and say, 'John, I've found this fabulous dark site, it's totally black, you can't imagine how good it is.' So I'll go and have a look, but it's always poor. They have no comparison to work against."
In Galileo's time, nighttime skies all over the world would have merited the darkest Bortle ranking, Class 1. Today, the sky above New York City is Class 9, at the other extreme of the scale, and American suburban skies are typically Class 5, 6, or 7. The very darkest places in the continental United States today are almost never darker than Class 2, and are increasingly threatened. For someone standing on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on a moonless night, the brightest feature of the sky is not the Milky Way but the glow of Las Vegas, a hundred and seventy-five miles away. To see skies truly comparable to those which Galileo knew, you would have to travel to such places as the Australian outback and the mountains of Peru. And civilization's assault on the stars has consequences far beyond its impact on astronomers. Excessive, poorly designed outdoor lighting wastes electricity, imperils human health and safety, disturbs natural habitats, and, increasingly, deprives many of us of a direct relationship with the nighttime sky, which throughout human history has been a powerful source of reflection, inspiration, discovery, and plain old jaw-dropping wonder.
David L. Crawford earned his Ph.D. in astronomy in 1958 and spent nearly all his professional life at Kitt Peak National Observatory, on a mountaintop fifty-six miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. By 1970, he had noticed, with alarm, a significant decrease in astronomical visibility. Tucson was growing rapidly, and so was its sky glow. With a colleague, he persuaded the city to adopt an ordinance governing exterior lighting, and later they persuaded other Arizona cities and counties to pass similar regulations. In 1988, Crawford and another friend formed a nonprofit organization called the International Dark-Sky Association. "We're sort of a nighttime Sierra Club," he told me, during a recent visit to Tucson. He retired from Kitt Peak in 1995 and has worked full time for the I.D.A. ever since, often putting in sixty-hour workweeks. He has the complexion of a man who doesn't spend a lot of time outdoors during daylight, and speaks in the modulated tones of someone accustomed to talking while others are asleep. "We're on a mission to change the world at night," he said.
The I.D.A.'s headquarters is a warren of small offices, accommodating a dozen or so staff members and a shifting group of volunteers and researchers, around the corner from a (non-related) store that sells light fixtures. Crawford and his staff devote much of their time to proselytizing for dark-sky regulations and working with manufacturers to improve lighting products. Hanging on a wall in a conference room is a map that shows the geographical distribution of the organization's eleven thousand members. The states with the highest representation are California (fifteen hundred and thirty), Arizona (six hundred and seventy), New York (five hundred and one), and Massachusetts (four hundred and eighty-two). The I.D.A. also has members in seventy-eight foreign countries, including Iraq and Iran, where astronomy is a popular hobby, especially among girls and young women. Authorities in Sa'adat-shahr, about four hundred miles south of Tehran, periodically cut off all electric power in the town in order to improve visibility at nighttime "star parties" conducted by a local teacher.


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Hi everybody!
I´m physiotherapist and change a massage/therapy by a place where stay. I also do the housework, teach you spanish cousine, take care your dog...and offer my couch in Spain to make me return the visit. I will visit New York 3 days between febrery 25 to march 3 but my dates are flexible. mail:email@example.com.
I travel with another girl, i hope It's no a problem.
Thank you


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Approx length from shoulder 34 inch.
Shell: polyester. Lining: 96% polyester, 4% elastane.Colour Nude pink. Hand wash only.
Refreshing and clean, Ted Baker W for her EDT is a versatile scent suitable for all occasions.
Ted Baker W opens with top notes of lush fig accord, white peony and African violet, evolving into heart notes of pink orchid, cassis and raspberry rounded out by smooth base notes of cedar and vanilla.
Ted Baker M for him EDT is also available - MV354.
Useful info:
- Great gift idea
- Comes in a stylish presentation box
- Ted Baker W for her 75ml EDT
- Great gift idea
Ted Baker Oversized Sunglasses
Enjoy the sunshine in flawless style in these gorgeous oversized sunglasses by Ted Baker. They're the perfect anti-glare accessory for outdoor parties this season.
Dark frames coordinate beautifully with the ultra dark lenses for a smart statement look. Oversized, the large lenses frame your face for a flattering fit. Cut-out circles to the arms add impact and branded they provide a classic Ted Baker finish.
Wear with skinny jeans, an embellished peplum top and platform strappy sandals for a super svelte style.
Useful info:
- Sunglasses by Ted Baker
- Oversized frames
- Branded cut-out circle to arms
If you're looking for a sophisticated everyday scent for him, look no further than Ted Baker M 30ml EDT and 2 Body Washes Gift Set.
Refreshing and clean, Ted Baker M for him EDT is a sophisticated aftershave with oriential tones.
Ted Baker M opens with sparkling notes of Japanese yuzu, roseberry and black peppercorn before evolving into heart notes of coriander, elemi oil and guaiacwood resin, rounded out by a smooth base of vetiver, tonka bean and grey musk.
The gift set includes 2 fragranced body washes so that he can start each day as he means to go on.
Useful info:
- 30ml EDT, 2 body washes
- Great gift idea
- Comes in a stylish presentation box
- Ted Baker M for him EDT and 2 body washes gift set
Ted Baker Niora Boucle Biker Jacket
- Was
- Was £219.00
- Now
- Now £199.00
- Save £20.00
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ted Baker 'Niora' Boucle Biker Jacket
This biker jacket by Ted Baker is the perfect pick for spring - bright and bold it beautifies your new season looks.
This design is the ideal weight for warmer days - use it to cover-up when the sun is deciding whether to shine or not. Made from boucle fabric for a textured luxury this jacket lightens and brightens your daytime looks with its neon hue. A contrast zip fastening and angular lapels give this biker piece a urban edge that amps up your style cred.
Wear this jacket with Ted Baker skinny jeans, bangles, court shoes and a Ted tote. Finish your charming daytime outfit off with one of the brand's printed tops.
To keep me looking my best, please dry clean only.
Useful info:
- Biker jacket by Ted Baker
- Bright neon colour
- Contrast zip trim
- Fully lined
Ted Baker Pastel Lemon Skater Dress
Add some luscious lemon drizzle to your summer occasionwear wardrobe with this yellow Nistee skater dress by Ted baker.
Paint your wardrobe with summer's prettiest pastel palette in this structured skater dress. With a high neckline and cap sleeves this dress cuts a strong shape juxtaposing its feminine hue. Seams to the front and contrast panels to the sides give a tailored feel for a super flattering fit. A nipped in waist and pleated skirt combine to give a fit and flare shape for flirtatious movement. The exposed zip fastening to the back finishes this candy coloured look with sleek industrial edge.
Pair this lemon skater dress with nude Ted Baker peep toe courts for a sugar-sweet look that's perfect for all of those outdoor summer soirées.
Useful info:
- Skater dress by Ted Baker
- Seaming to neckline and front
- Contrast panels to sides
- Flared skirt with pleat
- High round neckline
- Capped sleeves
Ted Baker Blue Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet Mens Watch
- Was
- Was £190.00
- Now
- Now £95.00
- Save £95.00
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ted Baker stainless steel bracelet with blue dial. Multi-layer dial with lumi hands. Multifunction movement. Stainless steel bracelet. Stainless steel case. Case diameter 48 mm. Water resistance 3ATM. Manufacturers guarantee 2 years. Model reference - TE3046.
Ted Baker Mens Aviator Sunglasses
An icon of British fashion, Ted Baker presents a pair of Aviator sunglasses to deliver statement style to your warm weather look.
In a classic teardrop silhouette with double bridge detail, they're packed with beach-ready attitude. The slim metallic frame provides a minimalist aesthetic, whilst the dark lens secures that trademark Ted Baker elegance. Flexible nose pads provide a comfortable fit, and they're finished with a two-tone fade to the arm and branding to the side.
Offering a standout finish to your holiday outfit, these Aviator sunglasses by Ted Baker are a cool summer selection.
Useful info:
- Sunglasses by Ted Baker
- Aviator
- Metallic frames
- Dark lens
- Branding to side
- Flexible nose pads
- 2-tone fade to arm
Ted Baker Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet Ladies Watch
- Price
- £195.00
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
This Ted Baker Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet Ladies Watch embodies the city chic style that the brand is famous for.
The classic linked bracelet combines brushed and polished stainless steel for a wonderful textured appeal, while the rose gold tone ensures a thoroughly feminine style.
The oversized bezel has a matching rose gold hue to create a warm and seamless look. This perfectly frames the deep-set watch face, with delicate batons and 4 subtle diamante studs for a sophisticated sparkle.
The working chronograph dial enhances the practical feel of this piece, allowing for accurate time keeping and also adding detail to the watch face. Slim watch hands complete the timeless and ladylike feel of this Ted Baker watch.
Useful info:
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Brushed gold tone
- Rose gold dial
- Round bezel
- Linked strap
- Petit crystal detail
- Working chronograph dial
- Ted Baker Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet Ladies Watch
Ted Baker Hartpant Mens Plain and Printed Trunks (3 Pack)
- Price
- £35.00
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ted Baker Hartpant Plain and Printed Trunks (3 pack)
Underwear now holds as much prominence as belts and watches in regards to giving the finishing touches to your outfit and these Ted Baker boxers scream idiosyncratic style.
Made with 5% elastane for a stretch, flush to the body fit, the trunks are as comfortable as they are eye-catching.
In a pack of three, each trunk features contrast tipping and an elasticated waistband with 360 degree Ted Baker branding.
Useful info:
- Mens trunks by Ted Baker
- 3 pack
- 360 degree logo waistband
- Contrast tipping
- One printed, two plain with contrast trim
The Ted Baker iPhone 5 case brings you a bright, beautiful and brilliant design from Ted Baker London.
*Phone not included*
Ted Baker Black IP Stainless Steel Dial and Mesh Bracelet Mens Watch
- Was
- Was £130.00
- Now
- Now £65.00
- Save £65.00
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ted Baker black IP case and mesh bracelet. 40 mm black IP case. Black dial. Black IP mesh bracelet. Case diameter 40 mm. Water resistance 3ATM. Manufacturers guarantee 2 years.


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News Literacy
The rise of internet video news
More and more young people get their news from online video, which is not necessarily a bad thing
By Ben Adler Apr 21, 2014 at 11:00 AM
Most of the discussion of youth news consumption and news literacy--including that of yours truly--focuses on articles and written content.... More
Reality Check
The secret whistleblowers, revisited
The new documentary 1971, which premiered on Friday, reveals how a group of activists exposed the secrets of J. Edgar Hoover's FBI
By Edirin Oputu Apr 21, 2014 at 06:50 AM
In March 1971, eight burglars broke into a Federal Bureau of Investigation office in Media, PA, and stole hundreds of... More
The Kicker
Must-reads of the week
"Ah, the New York Times is coming today. I'd better put on my best pair of leggings"
By The Editors Apr 18, 2014 at 02:50 PM
Culled from CJR's frequently updated "Must-reads from around the Web," our staff recommendations for the best pieces of journalism (and... More
United States Project
How the Detroit Free Press won a Pulitzer for commentary
The paper put columns at the forefront of its coverage of the city's bankruptcy
By Anna Clark Apr 18, 2014 at 11:21 AM
DETROIT, MI -- This might just be the newsiest city in America--and Stephen Henderson's job is to make sense of... More
Behind the News
The ambiguous LA Times/Occidental rift
It's in many ways a "they said, he said" story with no easy answers
By Lauren Lipton Apr 18, 2014 at 06:50 AM
Last month, the Los Angeles Times dismissed Jason Felch, a 2006 Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting, in the kind... More
The Observatory
Walking the public opinion tightrope
Early reception of a celebrity-packed Showtime documentary demonstrates the difficulty of engaging audiences on climate change
By Alexis Sobel Fitts Apr 17, 2014 at 03:00 PM
The first episode of Years of Living Dangerously, Showtime's mammoth documentary series on climate change that premiered Sunday night, is... More
The Kicker
Huffington: 'Virality has become fetishized'
HuffPost's founder spoke about her site's direction—and her newest book—at Tufts University on Wednesday
By Molly Mirhashem Apr 17, 2014 at 12:15 PM
The Huffington Post's South Korean edition--the site's 11th international incarnation--launched in February with a reporting focus on burnout and technology... More
The Audit
In defense of 'Dasani'
The NYT series transcends the Pulitzers and the second-guessing
By Ryan Chittum Apr 17, 2014 at 06:50 AM
Columbia's Bill Grueskin tries to explain why the Pulitzer board dismissed The New York Times's "Invisible Child" series about Dasani... More
United States Project
What law did the Toledo Blade break? The Army won't say
But we've got a guess—and the paper's lawsuit could present the first challenge to the statute
By Jonathan Peters Apr 16, 2014 at 03:22 PM
After military police detained two journalists last month outside a military manufacturing plant, an Army spokesman said the journalists had... More
Behind the News
Another Pulitzer for reporting classified info
The prize's board has "rewarded" coverage of leaked material before
By Cora Currier Apr 16, 2014 at 11:35 AM
The Pulitzer committee's decision to give its public service award this year to the Washington Post and the Guardian for... More
The Kicker
3 signs you're in a bad relationship with your editor
What happens if, somewhere between first draft and publication, the editor-writer relationship goes south?
By Sarah Laskow Apr 16, 2014 at 06:50 AM
Just like any successful romance, a good editorial relationship starts with two people, a mutual attraction, and the hope that... More
Behind the News
Why was 'Dasani' shut out of the Pulitzers?
5 problems with The New York Times' ambitious, influential series on the life of one homeless Brooklyn girl
By Bill Grueskin Apr 16, 2014 at 06:50 AM
On Monday afternoon, the Pulitzer board awarded the local news reporting prize to an impressive, powerfully written series of stories... More
The Second Opinion
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does the Medicaid story we've been looking for
Taking a close look at what life is like in the "coverage gap"
By Trudy Lieberman Apr 15, 2014 at 03:05 PM
Not long ago, we faulted press coverage of the Medicaid expansion debate for overlooking the personal experiences and struggles of... More
The Audit
USA Today's third-rate clickbait
Trolling for pageviews à la Business Insider, but without the panache
By Ryan Chittum Apr 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM
What happens when America's Newspaper tries to go Business Insider? Something like this: That's the America's Markets section of USA... More
Behind the News
Stories I'd like to see
Sealing deadly court files, and Obama and his Cabinet
By Steven Brill Apr 15, 2014 at 10:55 AM
This column, a regular feature, was originally published on Reuters.com. 1. Sealing deadly court files: In the wake of continuing... More
Language Corner
Pretentious, or quaint?
Amongst, amidst, whilst
By Merrill Perlman Apr 15, 2014 at 06:50 AM
The headline on a recent article in a Tennessee newspaper said the local teachers were "among best-paid" in the state.... More
Behind the News
IBT Media is allegedly breaking labor law
Newsweek's parent company only pays employees once a month despite laws mandating twice monthly, according to multiple former and current staffers
By Sara Morrison Apr 14, 2014 at 05:45 PM
IBT Media, the parent company of International Business Times and Newsweek, has been violating New York labor law for years... More
The Kicker
2014 Pulitzer Prizes announced
Guardian and WaPo win for public service
By The Editors Apr 14, 2014 at 03:00 PM
This year's Pulitzer Prizes were announced at 3pm on Monday at Columbia University, the final prizes overseen by outgoing administrator... More
16 women whose digital startups deserve Vox-level plaudits
A look at the media entrepreneurs who aren't grabbing headlines
By Ann Friedman Apr 14, 2014 at 11:30 AM
Even casual consumers of media news have heard of Ezra Klein and Nate Silver, two names that are now synonymous... More
Behind the News
The enduring pull of mag covers
Why do magazine cover images still hold so much cultural power in this decline-of-print era?
By Jill Filipovic Apr 14, 2014 at 06:50 AM
In some ways, the Julia Louis-Dreyfus Rolling Stone cover is a sign of how far we've come: A 53-year-old woman... More
The Kicker
Must-reads of the week
Heartbleed bugs and wonk bubbles
By The Editors Apr 11, 2014 at 02:50 PM
Culled from CJR's frequently updated "Must-reads from around the Web," our staff recommendations for the best pieces of journalism (and... More
The Second Opinion
The AP downplays its Obamacare scoop
Repeal on deductible caps marks another step in The Great Cost Shift
By Trudy Lieberman Apr 11, 2014 at 01:30 PM
Earlier this week, David Espo of The Associated Press broke the news that an unlikely alliance of Democrats and Republicans... More
The Kicker
OnEarth eliminates print
The science mag's editors say sticking to digital will allow them to devote more resources to environmental journalism
By Alexis Sobel Fitts Apr 11, 2014 at 11:31 AM
Back in February we praised OnEarth, the editorial arm of the Natural Resources Defense Council, for using its website to... More
16 women whose digital startups deserve Vox-level plaudits - A look at the media entrepreneurs who aren't grabbing headlines
Why was 'Dasani' shut out of the Pulitzers? - 5 problems with The New York Times' ambitious, influential series on the life of one homeless Brooklyn girl
The AP downplays its Obamacare scoop - Repeal on deductible caps marks another step in The Great Cost Shift
The enduring pull of mag covers - Why do magazine cover images still hold so much cultural power in this decline-of-print era?
Michael Wolff's digital media bloopers - The Newser founder trolls (other) digital-news companies
Why was 'Dasani' shut out of the Pulitzers? (8)
Michael Wolff's digital media bloopers (UPDATED) (8)
16 women whose digital startups deserve Vox-level plaudits (5)
Toledo Blade lawsuit alleges military guards detained journalists, deleted photos (5)
Email blasts from CJR writers and editors
Six things to consider about the new Los Angeles Register
"If the Register were a football team, Coach Kushner's strategy would clearly be to flood the zone"
Here's why Chelsea Clinton's baby is going to be the worst media story of 2016
In one astonishing Morning Joe segment
Great data viz from Bloomberg View
How did the clothes you're wearing get to you? We trace the human cost of the Bangladeshi garment industry in video, words and pictures
Despite the bridge scandal, Chris Christie's state is relatively transparent and accountable. CJR's Greg Marx talks to Gordon Witkin
CJR's Guide to Online News Startups
ACEsTooHigh.com – Reporting on the science, education, and policy surrounding childhood trauma
Who Owns What
The Business of Digital Journalism
A report from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
Questions and exercises for journalism students.
16 women whose digital startups deserve Vox-level plaudits – A look at the media entrepreneurs who aren't grabbing headlines
16 women whose digital startups deserve Vox-level plaudits – A look at the media entrepreneurs who aren't grabbing headlines


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g'morning all -
i'm refinishing the exterior of a cast iron clawfoot tub.
it appears to have a coat of latex paint on it now, over the primer. the paint is in fairly good condition but i'd like to change the color.
there are a very few, small areas where rust pock marks have appeared through the paint.
i've refinished tubs before (sanding, priming with rust oleum primer, top coat of rust oleum paint) but someone recently told me it's okay to use latex wallpaint as a top coat.
has anyone had experience with using non-oil-based paint as a topcoat on a cast iron bathtub?
i love the ease and clean-up of latex, but i can't imagine using a waterbased paint over cast iron - even with the presence of an oil-based primer.
your experiences?
many thanks, kavita


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Welcome International Customers
We're excited to share our jewelry collection with you!
Just choose your country and currency to personalize your shopping experience.
We're excited to share our jewelry collection with you!
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Roberto Coin "Pois-Moi" .40 ct. t.w. Diamond Lock Pendant Necklace in 18kt Two-Tone Gold. 18"
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Metrostar Systems Jobs in Millersville
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Are you organized, enjoy coordinating projects, and excel when working in collaborative environments? If so, then apply for the On-site Project Manager at MetroStar Systems today and utilize your skills to strengthen our growing team. RESPONSIBILITIES: Establish relationships and convey MetroStar Systems capabilities to stakeholders will be the primary function during the early stage Maintain exis...
Are you a world-class programmer with a Passion for technology? Apply for our Programmer opportunity today and show us how you can help us power change. Responsibilities: Assist in the execution of all phases of software life cycle development according to CMMI standards and standard operating procedures Generate detail/summary plans of actions and milestones Facilitate requirements management/gat...
Join MetroStar Systems as a Systems Engineer to help us power change by providing support to various requirements associated with IT database management, applications management, web and OS management, RAC management, enterprise backup and recovery, and system architecture support. Active Secret Clearance required. Responsibilities: Provide web systems installation, configuration, and management o...
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Researchers are harnessing the power of the body's natural defenses to fight deadly cancers, and the treatment appears to be powerful, effective and long-lasting.
Latest News
February 04, 2014
January 09, 2014
Scientists have discovered a type of RNA that could have enormous potential for better diagnosing and treating many types of cancer, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and other diseases.
October 14, 2013
Through support from the Catalyst Awards, UCSF researcher Aditi Bhargava is working to develop a method for delivering small-molecules to a specific target group of cells for treatment of pain.
October 01, 2013
UCSF researchers received six of 78 awards announced this week by the National Institutes of Health for innovative, high-risk, high-reward research.
September 17, 2013
One of UC San Francisco's newest faculty members is receiving the National Science Foundation's Expeditions in Computing award as part of a multi-investigator team working to establish solid foundations for molecular programming.
July 31, 2013
UCSF has tapped acclaimed molecular biologist Nevan Krogan, PhD, to lead the UCSF site of the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) at UCSF Mission Bay.
May 08, 2013
UCSF recently convened experts to discuss cell therapies, which have already saved children and adults from leukemia in clinical trials after other drugs failed them.
April 29, 2013
New research conducted at UCSF sheds lights on how fingers and toes are formed in the womb, a finding likely to fundamentally reshape biologists' understanding of how cells communicate to each other during development.
October 18, 2012
Researchers at UCSF have identified the lynchpin that activates brown fat cells, which burn fat molecules instead of storing them, making them the focus of pharmaceutical research aimed at fighting obesity.
October 04, 2012
UCSF and its affiliates have been major players in the transformation of San Francisco as a leading center of innovation in health care and biosciences, according to a new report released Wednesday.


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May – June 2005
Vol. 31 No. 3
Modern Living
32 Gull Lake Getaway An inspired lakeside cabin by David Salmela puts the mind at ease with simplicity and casual grace By Thomas Fisher, Assoc. AIA
38 Beauty and the Brick Julie Snow Architects' Humboldt Mill Condominiums—part historic rehab, part modern infill project—combines the past and future of loft design By Phillip Glenn Koski, AIA
44 The Perfect Sunset Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle's SunsetRidge Townhomes offers flexible, light-filled living spaces for seniors with an active lifestyle By Dorothy Rand
48 New Guy on the Block Are those . . . billboards? LOCUS Architecture's Nowhaus 01 is the talk of the town By Christopher Hudson
52 Elegant Geometry Charles Stinson's Lake Harriet House captivates with an artful composition of horizontal and vertical planes By Camille LeFevre
57 Mix and Match Robert Gerloff Residential Architects finds the right combination in the Jolitz Residence By Barbara Knox
60 Renovation within Reach Three residential architecture firms package their
design consultation services with first-time clients in mind By Camille LeFevre
66 Chipboard Charm An ambitious affordable-housing project in St. Paul's
Frogtown neighborhood integrates cost-effective construction methods with sustainable
design By Christopher Hudson
5 Editor's Note Old and New
9 Overview "Affordable Housing," New Releases, New AIA Fellows, Search for
Shelter Charrette, Residential Honors
17 Newsmakers A seven-block housing development on St. Paul's Upper Landing by KKE Architects and ESG Architects; Cermak Rhoades Architects to design loft-style condominiums at Pillsbury A Mill; LHB takes on a supportive housing project in Duluth; ALTUS Architecture + Design's
Kenwood Residence By Bette Hammel
21 Endangered The historic Shaw-Hammons House in Anoka may yet be saved from
demolition, thanks to an active local citizenry By Robert Roscoe
25 Practice Zero energy housing promises lower energy costs and a cleaner,
healthier environment—so what are we waiting for? By William Weber
27 Technology RSP Architects makes creative use of the latest window technology
in the Andersen inHOME, a mountaintop show house in Park City, Utah By Barbara
31 Talking Point Managing construction costs and budgets requires "confronting reality as early as possible, proceeding with caution while constantly weighing ability, and keeping false hope in check" By
Bill Beyer, FAIA
110 Consultants' Directory
123 Directory of AIA Minnesota Firms
159 Index of Firms by Building Type
164 Project Credits
165 Advertising Index
166 Fast Forward The Edgewater; ESG Architects, Minneapolis, design architect;
Domain Architecture & Design, Minneapolis, interior architect
Matthew Cabin
Brainerd, Minnesota
Architect: Salmela Architect
Photographer: Peter Bastianelli-Kerze
Mission Statement
Architecture Minnesota, the primary public outreach tool of the American Institute
of Architects Minnesota, is published to inform the public about architecture
designed by AIA Minnesota members and to communicate the spirit and value of
quality architecture to both the public and the membership.


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Out In Hollywood - Part 1
Before I start, I must say that this is the first review of a CD that I have ever written. It seemed as no one else was going to review this CD, so I thought I would. First, I must say that I do love listening to studio sessions (out-takes / alternate takes etc...) It's amazing how different a song can sound from take 1 up to the master take, examples being 'Sand Castles' (listen to Takes 1 & 9 on the import release Hawaii USA and you'll see what I mean) and 'Stay Away' take 2 that was released on FTD Vol.5 Long Lonely Highway last year. I know some people don't like these "stupid" movie songs - they say that these songs weren't the real Elvis. But I will say this: What a perfectionist Elvis was with his music! How many other artistes would go to the lengths of recording 31 takes of 'King Of The Whole Wide World' or 20 takes of 'Adam & Evil' before getting them the way he liked them? I don't think many would.
There's nothing really outstanding on this CD, but they are all new alternate takes. A lot of these have been released before on Import releases, but for some, it is the first time they have been released in any form so I personally like this CD. In this review I refer a lot to the released version of a song, this is the master take of the song already released by RCA or BMG on the soundtrack Album.
The CD starts with 'Mexico' (take 7) from Fun in Acapulco. This is actually very different to the released version (take 5) as Elvis sings all of the words of the song. It's interesting to hear Elvis sing the complete song himself. This version is released for the first time. Next is 'Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (take 6) from Girl Happy. This is interesting because there's no piano intro at the beginning of the song. This is also released for the first time on this CD. 'Wild In The Country (take 11) is next. This is quite different to the master version (take 19) in that the backing vocals seem a bit flat and there seems to be no feeling whatsoever. Also there seems to be a tapping all the way through the song, as if someone is tapping a guitar the whole time, very irritating.
'Adam & Evil' (take 16) from Spinout is next. Well after doing 15 takes of this song, and not finishing a complete take, Elvis must have been really tired of it, and it showed. We get a few seconds of 'When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano' and a couple of improvised lines of 'Adam & Evil' by Elvis at the beginning of the take. Even though this take is complete, Elvis did another four takes until he gets the song the way he likes it. The master version is take 20. 'Lonely Man' (take 4 Record Version) is next, and is released for the first time here. It is a lot slower than the released version (take 13) and in my opinion, a lot better. We even get the engineer at the end of the take saying "God ****, that's pretty", and Elvis saying "Thank you". It's a shame they didn't put take 1 or 3 of 'Lonely Man' (Solo) on this CD, especially as it was the solo version that was supposed to be used in Wild in the country. I say that because I have a movie trailer on video, for Wild in the country with Elvis (with guitar in hand) singing Lonely Man.
On 'Thanks To The Rolling Sea' (take 3) from Girls, Girls, Girls Elvis almost stumbles on the lyrics "Abalone steaks and tuna fish cakes" at the end of the take, but manages to keep the song going to the end. It's not too different to the master version (take 5). 'Where Do You Come From?' (take 13) also from Girls, Girls, Girls is next. This too only differs slightly from the released version, where Elvis almost stumbles on the line "Or from some di-stant star", and again at the end with the line "And tell me what you'll say". Next we have take 3 of 'King Of The Whole Wide World'. The only difference here to the released version (take 4) seems to be the longer saxophone ending. Now we come to 'Little Egypt' (take 21), this should be called Little Egypt #2, as it was recorded the day after the released version was recorded. Elvis seems a lot more relaxed, singing this song now, and he sings it a lot slower - and in my opinion - a lot better, than the final master. Elvis also fools around at the end of this take. 'Wonderful World' (take 7) is next. The released version (take 17) was sung over the opening credits of Live A Little, Love A Little. This is not much different to the released version, apart from maybe a longer ending.


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Um Yeah.
Umm I didnt watch this video for any briefing. LOL
Look at those knocker!!!!
Pretty obvious why that top was worn, I like Ashley and think she does a great job but this a tech site lol , not complaining tho she's a good lookin chick, good stuff ashley f&ck all the haters
You're so hot
im sorry Ashley, what were you saying? i missed everything ;-)
Usually Im the only one commenting here on Mondays but I can see that a bit of clevage brought over some fellow titlovers.
I am greedy but in this case I will share ! :) lol
What did she say?
the mole. can't stop staring at the mole. well done, God.
When I saw this post I went like "who's the h3ll is that!…" LOL! Yeah right! Briefing...


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The Pros and Cons of Working With Large Practices
Maribeth Marsico · The Changing Landscape of Dentistry · Industry News · Sep 2013
The number of large dental practices has risen 25% in just two years, according to the ADA, and although many of them have their own on-site laboratories, they often work with independent laboratories...See more as well. In fact, nearly one-quarter of respondents to an LMT survey say they work with at least one of these large practices. Although the technical day-to-day routine of working with large practices isn't much different than working with smaller practices, there are some differences from a business standpoint. For example, while members of a group practice sometimes contract with one laboratory, other times it's up to the individual doctors to choose their own laboratory and this can be a valuable source of referrals for laboratories. "It's almost like free advertising when we start working with one of these dentists; word of mouth spreads through the practice and we end up getting more work from others in the group," says Eric Bone, AAA Dental Studio, Omaha, NE. "As the office grows, more dentists get exposed to our work. And these doctors don't always stay with the same practice, so if they leave, it often gives us an 'in' at a new practice, too." On the other hand, there's always the risk of losing an established customer when he joins a large group. "I once had a client who was starting to think about retirement and sold to a large practice. I lost his business because the new practice wasn't interested in changing its laboratory affiliation," says Tim Wright, Wright's Dental Laboratory, Apalachin, NY. "It's become very popular for the aging dentists in our area to sell to one of these large practices, whereas it used to be more common to take in a young associate who would eventually buy them out. This leaves me looking for new accounts every time someone retires." Laboratory owners also worry that the growth of large group practices will increase pricing pressure, since some of these large groups negotiate for volume discounts or even send work offshore to get the best prices. "The growth of these large practices means laboratories are competing for fewer dental practices; this puts the practices in the driver's seat and they expect lower fees," says Greg Thayer, Owner, Thayer Dental Laboratory, Mechanicsburg, PA. Laboratory Owner Mark Frichtel offers a word of advice for those labs working with very large practices: be careful when they're running up large balances. Frichtel, Co-Owner of Jesse and Frichtel in Pittsburgh, speaks from experience. After never missing a payment in five years, his biggest client—a chain of dental clinics—had amassed a balance of $225,000 during 2010. The chain was going to be bought by a venture capital investor and, though payment was promised as soon as the deal was completed, it fell through and the lab never got paid. "We still work with some group practices, but do we want to work with 60 or 70 offices from one practice again? Probably not. It took us two years to come back from that," he says. "And we watch payment very carefully because—as with any client—it can go south quickly." 23% of laboratory respondents work with large group practices (more than 20 dentists). If you're among that percentage, please share your thoughts on the pros and cons of working with large dental practices in the comment box below. Our readers would love to hear from you!
The Business of Oral Health Care: a Look Into the Corporatization of American Dentistry
LMT Communications, Inc. · The Changing Landscape of Dentistry · Industry News · Sep 2013
Written by Erik K. Curtis, DDS, MA, MAGD and reprinted with permission from AGD Impact, October 2012. (c)Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved. On the Web at www.agd.org. License #37166 America...See more loves big business. Never mind the warnings of philosophers and other naysayers. For every Occupy Wall Street curmudgeon huddling under a leaky tent to protest stratospheric CEO incomes, a million of his compatriots get in line at the local Apple store to purchase the company's latest and greatest products. For every crusader decrying the ethics of the bottom line, an army of analysts crisply counters that an entrepreneurial, creative private sector is what makes this country great. For every science fiction movie featuring an evil corporation bent on taking over the world, there is a corporate cinema screening that very film. Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Media, even Big Chocolate: For most of us, big organizations mean the security of efficiency, reliability, consistency, and cost control. And now, medicine has gotten in line. In an Aug. 13, 2012, New Yorker piece titled "Big Med," American surgeon and Harvard public health professor Atul Gawande, MD, discusses U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which reveal that, in a single decade, most physicians have gone from practice owners to employees. Dr. Gawande does not decry the shift. In fact, he argues, medicine should become even more conglomerated, more systematized, and more standardized—in short, more like the restaurant chain The Cheesecake Factory. Dr. Gawande asks his readers not to scoff. "Big chains thrive," he writes, "because they provide goods and services of greater variety, better quality, and lower cost than would otherwise be available. Size is the key. It gives them buying power, lets them centralize common functions, and allows them to adopt and diffuse innovations faster than they could if they were a bunch of small, independent operations." While many other industries have followed this thinking—often with profitable outcomes—health care has only recently began to follow suit, albeit cautiously. Dentistry is one of the last health care fields to venture into the world of corporately driven professional services. Though big business has thrived throughout America, its success in dentistry has yet to be determined by both its patients/consumers and dentists alike. The Rise of 'Big Dentistry' Dentistry is experiencing a big-box trend of its own. According to the ADA's Health Policy Resources Center and an April 9, 2012, article from the ADA News, "ADA Explores Growth of Large Group Practices," 76% of dentists in 2006 were solo practitioners; by 2010, the number had fallen to 69%. Additionally, since 2010, the number of large dental group practices has jumped 25%, from 2,000 to 2,500. A May 2012 Bloomberg financial news article by Sydney Freeberg ("Dental Abuse Seen Driven by Private Equity Investments") reports the emergence in the last 10 years of at least 25 dental management services companies bankrolled by private-equity firms—which together account for the management or employment of approximately 8% of all U.S. dentists. In some instances, dentists contract with the companies—known as dental management organizations (DMOs) or dental service organizations (DSOs)—for business support. In others, where local laws permit, the corporations own the practices and hire their own dentists. Freeberg notes that dental practices have become "a favored investment of the private equity industry," and even quotes one dental management CEO who calls dentistry "a fragmented cottage industry ripe for outside management." "The corporate view is that dentistry is ripe for takeover," explains North Carolina AGD President Jerry W. Caudill, DMD, MAGD, of Fayetteville, NC, who is a former national dental director of a 120-office, multi-state dental management group. He explains, "Outside investors and dental corporations are interested in dentistry because our margins are much better than those of medical group practices, which have been severely reined in." Corporate dentistry doesn't just appeal to the large corporations moving in on this health care service; it also appeals to the health care providers it employs. Corporate Dentistry's Appeal Management companies can offer dentists potentially impressive advantages, including staff recruitment, patient scheduling, and marketing. Corporations enjoy deep-pocket capital, media clout, and the size to vertically integrate supplies, equipment, and technology. They can negotiate deals with dental laboratories and third-party payers that solo practitioners can't begin to match. They can organize convenient in-house specialist consultations and referrals. Employees boast about generous salaries, benefits, and bonus incentives. And, although a treating dentist still must answer to the dental board for a patient complaint, the company assumes financial responsibility for malpractice cases. Corporations promise relief from many of the traditional burdens of solo practice. "Solo practitioners have to be available to patients 24/7," says AGD Vice President W. Carter Brown, DMD, FAGD, of Greenville, SC. He continues, "Solo practitioners also have to create their own retirement, which means they must produce extra income. They have to own the building and equipment and pay the taxes. They must cover insurance costs and their employees' expenses. A corporate model has a structure to deal with all of that." Corporations also may act as a de facto private dental society, providing a broad range of benefits and perks to dentist partners and associates and promoting the group's interests in community and political arenas. "As a DSO, we were even able to arrange and offer continuing education courses," says Dr. Caudill. Some believe corporate dentistry also offers patients the comfort of a "brand." "Patients might view a dental chain as the big-box store of dentistry," Dr. Brown explains. "A patient might think, 'I am dealing with a corporation, so therefore, it must be able to offer me the same product for less money.'" Dr. Brown notes that, because money is a powerful motivator, patients often do not give dentistry the same priority as they do for medical care. "Most Americans view medical care as something that is paid for by someone else—insurance, government, or other programs," he says. "In dentistry, there is a significantly larger percentage of out-of-pocket expense than you see for typical medical care." In fact, Dr. Brown notes, dentistry receives very little government or other external support, dental insurance is woefully underfunded, and patients see dental care as expensive. (Ironically, according to Dr. Brown, the nationwide per-capita cost for dental care last year was only a little over a dollar per day.) "The reality is that, for many, dental care is not a health priority," he says. Operating in such a fiscally sensitive environment, corporate marketers sometimes send artfully contradictory messages to patients and dentists when it comes to costs and salaries, respectively. Patients hear, "You will get the best/easiest/most convenient care for less money." Potential client or employee dentists hear, "You'll make more money with less responsibility." Corporate dentistry knows the challenges that private practitioners face. Marketing messages are tailored around those challenges—and how corporate dentistry doesn't have them. "Corporations do a really good job of making their services sound very appealing to doctors," says Dr. Caudill. "For example, we would say something like, 'Doctor, you're trained to be a great dentist. Let us handle the staff, the bookwork, and the tax preparations. We'll order supplies, equipment, and maintenance. You can go home at five and relax. Go have a great life with your spouse and children.'" For dentists who are bogged down with all of the business aspects of dentistry that they have to do on their own, a corporation that says it will handle all of those responsibilities can be very enticing. "It's a good draw," he says. Corporate Dentistry's Growing Labor Force Many dentists view corporate dentistry as a good draw, indeed. Corporations go nowhere without willing labor, and there seems to be no shortage of dentists willing to take the corporate plunge. Dr. Brown believes that the rise of corporations is due in part to the financial pressures that new graduates and young dentists face. One must consider the increasing cost of dental education: "The cost of dental education is one of the highest among medical professions," Dr. Brown says. "With no vigorous scholarship mechanism in place, students rely on loans and personal funds, which often lead to $200,000 and $300,000 of debt." On top of the student loan debt, new dentists incur even more debt as they begin practicing—and they don't have many places to turn for help these days. Previous generations of young dentists could count on bank loans or associateships with established practitioners to help them with these costs. But the current recession is squeezing traditional practice entry points and bank support has dwindled. "Doctors are coming out of school $200,000 in debt into a bad economy, in which long-time dentists are going bankrupt and banks are balking at making loans. It's much harder now to come up with the money to buy or set up a private practice, which could cost $500,000 to $1 million," says Dr. Caudill. It's not surprising that many young dentists are looking to other options, including corporate dentistry. Even if young dentists had the funding to buy a practice, Dr. Brown notes, fewer practices are available for purchase, because many older dentists are practicing longer. (Interestingly, as mature dentists approach retirement, many of them are finding that fewer younger practitioners can afford to buy them out—but corporations can.) Associateships also are more difficult to secure. For one thing, there may not be enough established practices to take the graduates that are churned out by dental schools each year. "As long as we continue to graduate more dentists than the marketplace can absorb," Richard Dycus, DDS, MAGD, of Cookeville, TN, says, "corporate dentistry will scoop up the new graduates who need a job." What's more, traditional solo practitioners, strapped by lower patient traffic and less production, may be less willing to take on the burden of supporting the financial needs of younger dentists. "Many new grads need a sizeable income just to cover their loans," says Dr. Brown. "They may not be able to wait while helping to grow the practice." Only scant employment opportunities exist otherwise for dentists who want to practice. Positions in public health clinics are relatively rare and the potential for hospital positions are slim. There is another, less obvious dynamic that also may make corporate dentistry appealing to new dentists. "People are less oriented to coming out of school and starting their own practices," Dr. Caudill says. "They are losing the desire for entrepreneurship." Dr. Brown agrees that the desire for private practice has changed over the years. "Different life and career expectations come into play among the generations," he says. "The model for a lifelong, successful career has many looks now, and each generation wants different mixes of ownership, time with family, professional growth, and community involvement." Young dentists may not want to ever own a practice. Many new dentists are more interested in having a balanced work-home life. According to a 2011 American Dental Education Association report, "Reasons Why Students Pursue a Dental Career," 64% cite "control of time" as the reason why they enter the profession. And, while it still is a high percentage, only 55% cite "self-employed" as the reason for becoming a dentist. This could be related to the fact that education today focuses on more group work, social interactions, and constant communication via technology, which affects the way in which younger people work and interact after they graduate. According to a 2005 article from the EDUCAUSE Network, "Learning, Learners & Technology," "Interaction and social networks are essential. Young people prefer group work and online contact with others (e.g., Facebook)." Further, the new generation of young people, who are referred to as Generation C, or the "Connected Generation," are constantly connecting with their peers. A white paper and accompanying video, "Who Are the Class of 2015?" from the social media agency Mr. Youth, reports that 59% of college students update their Facebook status while sitting in class. More than half of students are on Twitter, and more than 75% send more than 20 text messages per day—they are constantly connecting with others. Dr. Caudill says, "The new generation of dentists also is growing up with social media. With the likes of Facebook and Twitter, this is a much more social group than the lone wolves of yesteryear. They thrive in a group environment." For this reason, solo practices may no longer be very appealing to younger dentists. Criticisms of Dental Corporations In spite of their appeal to segments of patient and dentist populations alike, some dental service organizations have generated serious operational and ethical complaints. Amid well-publicized accusations of patient abuse, unlicensed practice of dentistry, and fraud, six states currently are reviewing or auditing dental corporation business practices. Additionally, these management companies also are the subject of a U.S. Senate inquiry launched earlier this year by Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa). This inquiry is looking into allegations of overtreatment and low-quality care delivered with "assembly-line service" by a number of American dental corporations. Further, in recent years, Dr. Caudill describes seeing what he calls the "big-boxification" of dentistry, in which dental corporations set up shop in a given area, bombard the local media outlets with advertising, cut service prices, run mom-and-pop practices out of business, and then raise fees. "Corporate dental groups come in and saturate an area, opening multiple offices, and hiring specialists who rotate among locations and cut out outsiders," Dr. Caudill says. Dr. Brown worries that these insider-only referrals are not in patients' best interest. "Mega-groups that include specialists may seem like a benefit to patients who want to only go to one location for care," he says, "but do the dentists in these groups have the option to refer to the specialist who they think would be best for that patient, whether inside or outside of the group?" Once established, Dr. Caudill says, some corporations may put doctors on production quotas, which are often strictly enforced. Under pressure to perform and produce—or risk termination—dentists may become motivated to prescribe the most expensive treatments available. "They may be encouraged to up-sell the patient," he says. Dr. Caudill explains that he was informed by a colleague from a dental corporation about incentivized up-selling procedures. If a doctor prescribes a filling, for example, and the hygienist or treatment plan coordinator can convince the patient to accept a crown, they all may receive bonuses. Dr. Caudill also describes supply quotas that result in shortages. After a previous slow month, for example, a practice can run out of supplies in the third week of a busy month. The dental corporation may refuse to send more, and the practice can't order again until the next month. This may cause disruptions in, or changes to, treatments. "I've seen doctors tempted to put in the wrong color composite because that's all they have left," Dr. Caudill says. Different Approaches to Care In addition to supply issues, DSOs and private practice dentists differ in other areas, including practice management and approaches to care. Dr. Caudill says he has encountered a variety of corner-cutting techniques in corporate dentistry, such as delaying and postponing care of capitation patients. "The goal of some DSOs may be, in theory, to not see the capitation patient at all, while continuing to collect capitation fees," he says. Additionally, Dr. Caudill says, corporate doctors often are instructed to use only a company-approved lab, which typically would be the lowest bidder, and not always the one that offers the highest quality. And even if the lab's quality is not good, doctors often are not allowed to change labs. Speed and a one-size-fits-all mentality limit a dentist's ability to treat every patient as an individual. "Some DSOs may tend to run the patients through like cattle to maximize profits," Dr. Caudill says. DSOs may win out over solo practitioners on the cost of treatment, according to some observers, but on such specific benefits as detailed, thorough, easy-to-understand descriptions of treatment plans and such broad intangibles as human connection and trust—not to mention a stable, low-turnover employee base—they inevitably come up short. Corporations, of course, have other axes to grind, constituencies outside the office to please. They must fund the checking accounts and 401(k)s of layers of people beyond just the dental team itself—particularly corporate employees and executives. They must generate a return on their investment that satisfies stockholders. So DSOs constantly struggle to find the cost savings that allow them to remain competitive. "There are companies that do it right," Dr. Caudill says. "But, there are also some very bad actors who want ROI [return on investment] so badly they will do anything to reach it. These corporations will cut everything to squeeze more profit because of the extra layers of people to feed. Once you have the pressures of stockholders to satisfy, dental practice takes on a whole new character." As a result of their broader focuses, corporations may lose sight of the needs of the people closest to the action. Dr. Caudill says, "In many DSOs, the doctors are always fighting the bean counters. Some corporations are good at making promises to both patients and dentists that they don't or can't keep. The doctors want to provide quality care, but often feel they aren't given enough time, staff, or supplies to do so." This struggle to provide intangibles like caring, thoughtful treatment and building long-standing, personal relationships with patients are reasons some argue that corporate dentistry offerings cannot compare to what private practices provide. Conflicts of Interest Treatment philosophies also come into play for all dentists—corporate and private alike. Dentists, like all doctors, always have walked a philosophical tightrope. They must balance their own best interests with those of their patients. "The best basis for creating good oral health is a solid patient-doctor relationship," Dr. Brown says. "This means that the patient and the doctor collaborate to decide the best course of treatment. The doctor informs the patient of any conditions and concerns and presents the solutions for the patient. The patient expresses his or her wishes, and a dialogue determines the best mix of solutions and potential outcomes. The patient trusts the doctor to present what is in the best interest of the patient, not the best interest of the doctor." But, for some corporations, only one bottom line exists. Above all, corporations must make a profit. "Profit-seeking corporations are not directly required by licensing laws or patient-care interest to meet a dentist's ethical responsibilities," says Gary D. Oyster, DDS, of Raleigh, NC, legislative chair of the North Carolina Dental Society. Dr. Brown is concerned that corporate dentistry encourages a commodity mind-set. "Production quotas, whether directly stated or implied, ruin the patient-doctor continuum. They can, even if subconsciously, drive doctor decision-making and abrogate patient responsibility," he says. Some believe the commoditization of dentistry also may distort patient values. "Commodity patients see dental care the same as buying tires. They want top-drawer results without cost or commitment to the personal responsibility that is the key to good oral health," Dr. Brown says. "The public health iron triangle of access to dental care says that you cannot have high-quality oral health care from a committed, caring professional and still receive all treatments at a fraction of the cost. You can't minimize cost without negatively affecting quality or availability of care." Dr. Caudill notes that, despite this, dental corporations like to position themselves as patient advocates. DSOs argue that only they have the capital to reach out to patients in rural or underserved areas. But Dr. Caudill says his experience contradicts this. "You are not going to put a fast food restaurant in an area with insufficient traffic," he explains. "DSOs make their decisions in the same way. They use population density ratios, demographic studies of socioeconomic levels, and traffic count surveys to determine where to put a new office. They are not going to open in an area unless they see a very good opportunity for corporate profits." A Test of Power One such area where dental corporations were part of a heated debate is North Carolina. Dentistry in that state was thrust into the news recently with its legal debate over dental corporations. For some years, the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners had been pursuing expensive and strongly contested litigation against corporate violations, such as illegal ownership, fee-splitting, and false bookkeeping. In 2010, a 62-year-old dentist sold his practice to the Illinois-based corporation Heartland Dental Care Inc. However, the North Carolina Dental Practice Act ownership provision prohibited this sale as it allows only licensed dentists to own or otherwise control, manage, or supervise a practice. The dental board took legal action against Heartland Dental and the dentist. In lieu of a formal administrative hearing, the dental board settled the complaint with consent orders for both the dentist and Heartland Dental, and the parties' agreement was terminated eventually—a huge setback for corporate dentistry in North Carolina. Still, corporations continue to flex their power, and their money, too. In 2011, legislation was introduced to improve the North Carolina dental board's capacity to enforce the state's broad laws against corporate practice. The bill came to be seen as a test case on dental corporation power. A consortium of mostly out-of-state, investor-owned companies raised more than $1.1 million to fight the bill with political advertisements. The companies also hired 14 lobbyists and delivered significant campaign contributions to legislators. Organized dentistry pushed back; the North Carolina Dental Society website declared that some DSOs "have crossed the line from providing business support services to exerting control over the dental practice." By summer 2012, the legislation passed, reinforcing dental corporation statutory restrictions as valid state law and calling for further work to improve board regulation. According to Dr. Oyster, this new law demonstrated that "corporate-run—owned, supervised, or controlled—clinics are against the law and are bad for the profession." For now, at least in North Carolina, organized dentistry seems to be winning the battle against corporatization. Perceptions of Corporate Dentistry While the battle continues and becomes more of an issue for the profession, many dentists have been and will continue to form opinions about corporate dentistry. Trying to compete with and challenge corporations can be tough for solo practitioners and private practice dentists, mainly because corporations are extremely powerful—and rich. "The corporations are making huge bucks. They are not going away. They have the money and lawyers to stay the course," Dr. Caudill says. Many expect the corporate dentistry trend to continue growing at its current, accelerated rate, increasing the influence of standardized, The Cheesecake Factory-esque big business on something that many dentists feel should stay small and personal. There are dentists who vehemently oppose DSOs, and there are some who feel there can be a middle ground or practical alternative to DSOs. "I think small, space-sharing groups are a much better answer than large corporations," Dr. Brown says. "Then, you could keep the private-practice advantages for patients, while maximizing expense coverage and enjoying the built-in professional collaboration." There is also the group who feels that DSOs remain a good option for some dentists, including those just graduating from dental school. All dentists—whether they favor corporate models or not—will agree that the patient must remain the No. 1 priority. As is the case with all health care professions, transparency remains the key. "Patients have a right to know who is driving the bus, who is really calling the shots regarding their care—the doctor or the corporation," Dr. Caudill says. About the Author: Erik K. Curtis, DDS, MA, MAGD, is an adjunct associate professor at the University of the Pacific. Dr. Curtis holds a certificate in professional writing from the University of Arizona and is certified by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. He maintains a private general dental practice in Safford, AZ.
Thriving Implant Market Key Topic at Interactive Nobel Biocare® Panel
LMT Communications, Inc. · LAB DAY · Apr 2013
The implant market isn't slowing down anytime soon. At Nobel Biocare's LAB DAY panel discussion, featuring laboratory owners and other industry experts, the company offered these statistics: 60 million...See more people are edentulous in one arch or another. The "nearly edentulous"—those with two or more teeth per arch—will grow to 39 million by 2015. Projected growth for implant-supported restorations: 9.3% over the next four years. The average lab produces about 30 implant abutments a month; 50% of them are done via CAD/CAM. As the market grows and more and more dentists get involved, they're looking to their technician-partners for technical guidance. "The most exciting trend I'm seeing is how interested doctors are in communicating with us about complex implant cases," said Tom Wade, CDT, New Horizons Dental Lab, Broomfield, CO, one of the panelists. "They're really willing to sit side by side to discuss and plan cases and it's not uncommon for me to meet with both the restorative dentist and the surgeon. I didn't see this years ago." Dr. Scott MacLean agreed, saying he relies on his technician's implant experience and trusts his input. "My technician has done hundreds of implant bars and I can learn so much from him. Some of his advice has saved me hours of time," he said. To build your implant business, panelists recommended partnering with implant manufacturers who can put you in touch with doctors, offering CE courses to dentists, and joining or starting a study club. Representing another market trend—corporate dentistry—Dr. Mark Adams and technician Scott Adams were on-hand from ClearChoice Dental Implant Center, a network of over 30 dental treatment centers across the U.S. that provide one-day implants along with a temporary screw-retained denture; the patient returns about six months later to receive his final prosthesis. In order to meet that initial one-day turnaround time, the Center follows a very strict protocol. "We create uppers and lowers in about three hours and it requires a real level of dedication to getting it done," says Scott Adams, Director of Laboratory Services. "We can set our watches by what we do." Digital Communications Another hot topic at the event was how technology is transforming the way labs and dentists communicate on a daily basis. For instance, many panelists use Skype or similar software to virtually meet with one another and nearly half of attendees* said they're regularly communicating via texts and the internet to discuss cases and share case images. These instant communication tools are helping dental team members quickly collaborate on cases and solve challenges. For example, panelist Dr. MacLean uses joinme.com —a meeting app that allows instant screen sharing—to share CT scans and other information on his computer with his technician. "Teach your dentists about joinme.com and how to use file-sharing websites like Dropbox to exchange photos and files and they'll see how valuable you are," said MacLean. One important tip: if you text and exchange photos with clients via smartphone, be sure you're saving them for future reference should an issue arise. Or, if you use Facetime for a face-to-face video chat on the iPhone, software like IMCapture allows you to record the conversation. Types of Implant Cases Attendees* are Fabricating 64% offer CBCT-planned, CAD/CAM-milled restorations 19% offer implant-supported bridges 8% offer mini implants 7% offer single-unit cases only *Nobel Biocare's popular interactive panel discussion featured live audience polling via digital handheld devices so attendees could provide instant feedback to questions posed by Moderator Mark Murphy, DDS, FAGD. Answers were immediately displayed on a large screen at the front of the room; the 200 attendees could also send texts or emails with questions for the panel members.
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Dirt Magnate
San Diego, California, just a stone's throw from the US-Mexico border and sharing much of the terrain with our neighbor to the south, seemed like a logical jumping- off point to realize our urges to get behind the wheel of the most controversial truck Ford has ever developed. After all, most of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor's off-highway capability, inspired by Mexico's Baja peninsula, was developed and tested in the Anza-Borrego desert, northeast of San Diego.
As we rolled in to the Ford rendezvous point, we saw enough Raptors lined-up to populate a spec series in SCORES's legendary Baja 1000. It was about that time that this tempting thought crossed our minds: We could have had the most badass Lobo in all of Mexico.
All of this, in addition to the 9.8 inches of minimum ground clearance (compared to 8.7 for an FX4 model), becomes very meaningful when heading down a desert trail at speed, clobbering whoops, breaking through sand berms, and laughing off errant cranium-sized rocks as if they were bugs strikes against the windshield. The wider-than-Hummer H1 track makes deep sandy ruts insignificant as the wheels drop in and out of them, allowing the chassis to remain parallel to the ground and perfectly stable.
The venerable 320hp/390 lb-ft 5.4L V-8 and six-speed automatic that came in our testers were wholly adequate, making the most of the 4.10:1 gearing. The exhaust note is delicious, with a noticeable bump in sound and volume without being obnoxious. Those who live to roost should wait for the late-availability SOHC 6.2L premium V-8 coming in February. It'll be a $3,000 option and is estimated to produce 400hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Sliding around corners hot is just how one drives a Raptor, and surprise encounters with various desert impediments that seem poised to rip off bumpers and front axles in lesser trucks go from a cringe to a shrug as the Raptor flies over them like a Stealth fighter over SAM missile sites. No damage to report, thanks to a sturdy skidplate system. But just in case you find yourself in over your head and in need of stabbing the "Whoa!" pedal, you'll find comfort in knowing that all '10 F-150s have an improved braking system. It is simply phenomenal in the Raptor, with fade-free pedal feel and response previously unheard of in a Ford truck.
While driving through the desert sideways, it is always important to find a good seating position, which is easy with the Raptor's power seat and adjustable pedals. The captain's chairs are comfortable enough to be considered for showroom floor placement at La-Z-Boy, while gripping you as tight as anything this side of a Corbeau racing throne.
A huge steering wheel is your interface with the Raptor, and it is endowed with an orange leather mark at 12 o'clock, in the event you lose where center is. And while you are heading down a fast wash one-handed, you might look around to enjoy the cabin surroundings, which are far and away the nicest available in a fullsize truck.
Interior options include some lively orange leather inserts and appliqués on the Molten Orange and Tuxedo Black trucks (Oxford White and Flame Blue are also offered), a fantastic Sony stereo, a voice-activated navigation system, complete with Sync and Sirius Travel Link that is capable of displaying traffic, overlaying weather radar, as well as giving you sports scores and gas prices in your vicinity. The backup camera, which is the best in business with its progressive green, yellow, and red marks is also available, and help when backing up on a tight trail.
Judging by the instant recognition of the truck out in the public, we'd say styling is strong. The "F O R D"-emblazoned bull-nosed grille is the centerpiece to a visual display of strong design acumen. Ford trades in the standard F-150's squarely butch duds for some shapely flanks that add some organic elements to the F-150's blocky design. The front fenders are made of composite, while the rear bedsides are stamped steel. Beveled pockets are used so that the standard F-150 headlight cluster and taillights can remain, albeit with a more sinister-looking smoky hue. And forget any preconceived notions that the hood vents are mere eyeball candy - they are entirely functional. Another element that is pure function is the five clearance lights that span the width of the truck in the front and rear. At 86.6 inches wide, these lights are a federal requirement and give the Raptor a unique look when going down the road at night.
All we would have needed to do was head out of the parking lot in our Raptor and turned right to cross the border. We imagined that the Raptor badges could have been easily removed and replaced with those of the Mexican Ford Lobo. With the romanticism of driving off into the Baja Sunset to a seaside palapa filling our heads, we quickly remembered our jobs, family, and good standing within the law enforcement community, reminding ourselves that our own selfishness shouldn't get in the way of our very first printed driving impressions.
Starting with a simple tip, it was three years ago that we began researching and following the Raptor program. The Raptor was started as a successor to the much-loved SVT Lightning when SVT, fulfilling the truck side of their one-truck, one-car strategy, decided it was better to make an extreme truck out of a truck than it was to create a compromised sports car.
Two years ago we broke the story of its existence on fourwheeler.com, and it has been one year since we had the print exclusive (January '09) that introduced it to the world. And it was all of about five minutes in to the 22-mile desert hot lap when we realized that the Raptor has arrived. Years of sleuthing and research all culminating in this: An OEM truck capable of whomping over whoops and sand drifts, blowing through river wash corners sideways at ridiculous speeds and airing out over cross ditches - all with a full factory warranty.
So what makes a Raptor? The spec sheet shows that the Raptor is based on a Ford F-150 Super Cab with a 5.5-foot box, a configuration for 2010 that is unique to the Raptor. To make the ultimate OEM truck, SVT focused squarely on the chassis, which receives a 10mm increase in wheelbase and 3.5-inch-per-side increase in track thanks to massive aluminum lower control arms, heavy-duty upper arms with giant ball joints and a modified steering rack with performance tie rods. With specially developed internal 2.5-inch triple-bypass Fox shocks with 47mm pistons and unique high angle 31-spline CV-axles, the Raptor achieves 11.2 inches of front wheel travel. Out back, a two-leaf spring pack works with the piggyback-reservoir versions of the Fox shocks to deliver 12.4 inches of wheel travel to the widened 34-spline 9.75-inch rear axle. Limiting travel at both ends are microcellular jounces.
Obscuring the prerunner-grade suspension from view are specially constructed and Ford-spec'd BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires in the 35-inch equivalent LT315/75R17 size. These tires are mounted on 17x8.5 cast aluminum wheels and even include a matching fullsize spare under the bed.
The Raptor is loaded with features, including an excellent Hill Descent Control that works in both forward and reverse and an Off-Road Mode button that allows the driver to select what level of intrusiveness he wants his electronic nannies to exhibit. Another industry-first feature specific to the Raptor is a rear locker that can be used in any mode (4-Hi, 4-Lo, and 2-Hi) and at any speed. Ford also provides four Super Duty-style auxiliary switches for powering aftermarket accessories, such as lighting or onboard air.


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By Naomi Hirsch (Author)
List Price: $24.99
Online Discount: 10%
You Pay Only: $22.49Catalog #: ROAH ISBN-10: 1422613348 ISBN-13: 9781422613344Binding: Hardcover / Pages: 336Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches / Weight: 1.50 LBSPublished: by Shaar PressIn Stock?: YES
Roadblock is a gripping novel about facing the fears and the past that haunt us. About true courage. About struggle, growth, and honesty. With a rich cast of characters and a stunning climax, this beautifully written novel combines page-turning excitement with a sensitive examination of the relationships that mold us, that enrich us, and that, yes, sometimes hold us prisoner.
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