Feather

Feathers are epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on birds and some non-avian theropod dinosaurs. They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates, and indeed a premier example of a complex evolutionary novelty. They are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant Aves from other living groups. Feathers have also been noticed in those Theropoda which have been termed feathered dinosaurs.

Although feathers cover most parts of the body of birds, they arise only from certain well-defined tracts on the skin. They aid in flight, thermal insulation, and waterproofing. In addition, coloration helps in communication and protection.Plumology (or plumage science) is the name for the science that is associated with the study of feathers.

Structures and characteristics

Feathers are among the most complex integumentary appendages found in vertebrates and are formed in tiny follicles in the epidermis, or outer skin layer, that produce keratin proteins. The β-keratins in feathers, beaks and claws — and the claws, scales and shells of reptiles — are composed of protein strands hydrogen-bonded into β-pleated sheets, which are then further twisted and crosslinked by disulfide bridges into structures even tougher than the α-keratins of mammalian hair, horns and hoof. The exact signals that induce the growth of feathers on the skin are not known, but it has been found that the transcription factor cDermo-1 induces the growth of feathers on skin and scales on the leg.

Feather (step)

Feather or Feather step is a dance figure in the International Style Foxtrot. Depending on a syllabus, it consists of three or four steps (man stepping basically forward), with the third step (right foot) done outside the lady (lady on the right side) with a slight turn in the body position to the right.

The feather is also known as the continuity finish in silver American Style Foxtrot.

The step was first introduced in 1920 by G. K. Anderson.

The ISTD syllabus considers the fourth step that aligns the man with the lady into a normal dance position to be part of the Feather Step variation, while the IDTA syllabus does not.

The pattern and especially its distinctive part (steps 2 and 3) gave rise to several variations:

Glow

Glow or GLOW may refer to:

In science and technology

In computing and telecommunications

In physics

Other uses in science and technology

In arts and entertainment

In film and television

Glow (Reef album)

Glow is the second studio album by English Britpop band Reef. Produced by the band and George Drakoulias, the album was released on 27 January 1997 supported by the singles "Place Your Hands", "Come Back Brighter", "Consideration" and "Yer Old". Glow topped the UK Albums Chart.

Reception

Generally speaking, Glow was received positively. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of music website Allmusic gave the album four out of five stars, claiming it to be "more focused and better than its predecessor [Replenish]" and describing it as "inspired" and "terrific". Rock music magazine Kerrang! ranked the album third on their 1997 "Albums of the Year" list.

Track listing

All lyrics written by Gary Stringer, all music composed by Reef.

Personnel

References

Glow (The Innocence Mission album)

Glow is the third album from American folk rock band The Innocence Mission, released in 1995 on A&M Records. Musically, it marks a radical departure for the group, as The Sundays/10,000 Maniacs-inspired dream pop aesthetic found on their first two albums was replaced by a more straightforward, cleaner rock sound. The album was recorded over a several-month period at Kingsway Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana and Bad Animals Studios, Seattle, Washington.

Track listing

All songs written by Karen Peris except "Keeping Awake", music by Don and Karen Peris.

"Bright As Yellow"

"Bright As Yellow", the album's only official single, peaked at number 33 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart. It was featured extensively on several episodes of the hit TV series Party Of Five and can also be found on the soundtrack to the movie Empire Records, among others.