Simon Birch: A film about a boy who was not an Outsider

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Simon Birch Journal Entry

By Alyssa Schankman

Simon Birch is a film about outsiders, friendship, and love and sacrifice revolving around the life of a diminutive twelve-year-old boy named Simon. It captures the answers to the questions studied in the course of English thus far during the short story "The Lady or the Tiger" and the novels A Separate Peace and Lord of the Flies. In the film, Simon acted as an outsider, a friend, and a sacrifice. As all those things, Simon became a hero.

I believe Simon was the key to learning the answer to the first question, "Who Are the Outsiders?" If Simon were in Lord of the Flies, he would have been like Ralph and Piggy, but he would have taught them that being an outsider could make someone a hero. Simon had power when he was an outsider, but Ralph and Piggy didn't. That's because Simon had faith. He believed in others and in himself. Simon knew he wasn't meant to just be an ill-treated outsider all his life. So the answer to this essential question would be Simon is an outsider, but he finds good out of the situation.

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In Simon Birch, there were two other outsiders as well. In the beginning of the film, Ben was an outsider. Joe and Simon didn't want to accept him into their lives in the beginning, but later on they had to turn to him for help and he no longer was an outsider. That was the same case with Samneric in Lord of the Flies. Jack didn't want to accept them into his group in the beginning because they hung around with other outsiders, but in the end Samneric were with Jack. All the way throughout the novel, Joe also was a type of outsider. Simon caused Joe to be an outsider, because Joe hung around with Simon and was friends with him, so everyone else saw Joe as an outsider. In the novel Joe could be related to Ralph, who became an outsider during the novel because he was Piggy's friend.

In the film, Simon also gave us the answer to the question "What are the Obligations of Friendship". In the novel A Separate Peace, Gene ended up failing all of the obligations of friendship, so he wasn't a good friend to anybody. Simon, however, knew that the obligations of friendship were love, care, loyalty, honesty, trust, and faith, and he lived up to them to be a good friend to Joe, Mrs. Wentworth, Ben, and even Reverend Russell. Simon fulfilled these obligations with these people in many ways. First of all, Simon showed love and care to Mrs. Wentworth. He always said hi to her and talked to her and was really nice to her whenever he saw her, so in return she became a friend to him and showed him love also by going to his baseball games and making him a sweater. Also, Simon showed faith, honesty, and trust to Reverend Russell. Although the Reverend didn't accept what Simon showed him, or believe in it, Simon was still a good friend to him. Simon taught Reverend Russell about God's plan, and he gave the Reverend faith that God had a plan for everyone. In the end of the film, Simon and the Reverend trusted each other. That was because Simon was honest with the Reverend in everything he told him. That was an obligation of friendship that Simon showed the Reverend existed between people. Simon gave the obligations of friendship to the Reverend to give to his son, Joe.

Simon also was a good friend to Ben and Joe. When Joe made it clear that he didn't want anything from Ben, and he didn't want Ben in his life, Simon cared about Ben and tried to be nice and grateful that he could befriend such a nice person. In A Separate Peace, that's how Gene should have been towards Leper, but instead Gene shunned Leper away like Joe did to Ben. The ultimate friendship in the film, between Joe and Simon, was achieved. Simon showed Joe every single obligation. Simon taught Joe faith, to believe in himself and God's plan, he showed love and care to Joe when Joe's mom died, Simon was honest with Joe, admitting that he swung the bat that led Joe's mother to death, Simon trusted in and believed in Joe, and Simon was loyal to Joe and stood up for him and stood by him. This was a lot like Finny with Finny and Gene's friendship. Although Gene failed as a friend, Finny was a lot like Simon in the friendship. Finny tried to give Gene faith, Finny had faith in Gene as a person, Finny cared for Gene, and Gene wasn't honest with Finny, but Finny was very honest with Gene. Finny was loyal to Gene and trusted Gene, who later failed him in the end of the novel.

Simon Birch also portrays the answer to the question "Is Sacrifice Necessary for Love to Exist?" In the end of the novel, Simon is a sacrifice. Simon sacrifices himself because he loves and cares about all the children that were on the bus. Also, the sacrifice Simon made was necessary for the true love between him and Joe to exist, because Simon believes that was God's plan for him. In "The Lady or the Tiger," the lady had a choice to either sacrifice her lover to a tiger or another lady. Simon didn't have a choice about his sacrifice; he had to sacrifice his life because he loved everybody.

All three of these questions can relate to each other and it is seen in the film how they do. Simon uses the obligations of friendship to become a hero even though he is considered an outsider. By the time Simon sacrifices his life to save the children, he is no longer an outsider, because everyone truly loves him.

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Charismatic Leadership

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RUNNING HEAD CHARISMATIC LEADERSHIP

Charismatic Leadership

Connie King

Leadership 7001 Foundations of Leadership

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Assignment 1

NOVA Southeastern University

November 18, 00

Abstract

Many leaders, past and present, have been identified as charismatic leaders. The author explains the history of charismatic leadership and its characteristics. Different charismatic leaders and their leadership characteristics are discussed. An explanation of the characteristics and behaviors of followers of charismatic leaders is discussed. Cultural and situational charismatic leaders are explained and why certain individuals originate as leaders. A comparison and relationship between transformational, transactional, and charismatic leadership styles is discussed.

Charismatic Leadership

Society is made up of many different types of leaders. One of these types is charismatic leadership. Charismatic leadership was introduced around the turn of the century and has been researched and studied ever since. The leaders that are defined as charismatic leaders display characteristics that followers relate to. Charismatic leaders' posses' characteristics that enable them to win follower's respect and support for his or her beliefs or visions. Leaders from all walks of life both good and bad have been identified as charismatic leaders because of their ability to persuade others that their beliefs were right. The history, characteristics, charismatic leaders, and charisma related to other leadership styles will be discussed in this paper. Charismatic leadership can be a forceful leadership style that can be used to improve societies and organizations or it can also be used for detrimental purposes.

The German sociologist Max Weber is the person responsible for introducing the idea of charisma as being a type of leadership. Weber believed that leaders who possessed charismatic leadership qualities were highly esteemed persons. Due to his research on leadership, sociologist began to study the concept of charisma in both social and political walks of life in the early twentieth century.

Talcott Parsons is widely credited with importing Weber to the United States; Parson's introduced his work The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism in 17 which dominated American sociology for decades. Parson's view of Weber's ideas was challenged over the decades by famous sociologist such as Pope, Cohen and Hazelrigg. They believed that Parson's views of Weber's ideas were distorted by misinterpreting the German's original ideas.

Lowell Bennion was the first person responsible for making available Weber's original ideas in the United States. He translated Weber's ideas and writings from German to English in a dissertation, Max Webster's Methodology, where only a hundred copies were published in 1. Bennion's dissertation was written 1 years after Weber's death and was influenced by scholars who were Weber's contemporaries. (DiPadova, 16)

According to DiPadova, Weber introduced the concept of charisma when viewing authority in regards to religion. In this he describes three types of power

1) charismatic authority ("the external or internal rule over man made possible by the faith of the ruled in this supernatural power of the leader")

) traditional authority ("the traditionalistic rule of man is based on the faith in that which has always been"); and

) rational-legal authority (based on impersonal rules and norms. Its typical representative is the bureaucratic rule made possible by the victory of the formal juridic rationalism of the Occident") From these three types of power sociologist began to research Weber's authoritative leadership ideas. Charismatic leadership was not researched strongly until the 170's where sociologists began to survey and experiment with charismatic leadership ideas. (DiPadova, 16)

Since Weber introduced the idea of charismatic leadership into society, many charismatic leaders have been identified. Leaders that are considered charismatic leaders tend to have similar basic characteristics. These characteristics are

1) Self-confidence and self assurance

) Need for power and low authoritarianism

) Expert power

4) Referent power

5) Communications and rhetorical skills

6) Assertive, dynamic, outgoing, and forceful

Leaders such as John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Charles Manson, and Adolph Hitler were considered charismatic leaders. All four leaders possessed self-confidence and self assurance along with other charismatic characteristics. They believed in their "vision" whether good or bad. As leaders they were able to persuade others to follow and fight for the vision they essentially believed in. Many followers believed so whole-heartily in the vision that they committed murder and even suicide.

People that follow the charismatic leader possess many of the same characteristics as their leaders. Characteristics of followers

1) Identify with the leader and the leader's beliefs

) Heightened emotional levels

) Willing subordination to the leader

4) Feelings of empowerment

Followers of charismatic leaders often follow there leaders blindly because the leader is so confident in his beliefs that whatever the leader says or does is accepted by all without comment or thought. Leaders of religious cults and sects often attract followers that are lonely and insecure; these followers are looking for someone that will take control of their "pathetic" lives and many are looking for a place to belong.

Some sociologist believes that a person becomes a charismatic leader if the situation arises. These situational charismatic leaders form characteristics similar to the following

1) Crises

) Task interdependence

) Innovation

4) More receptive to change

5) Organizational downsizing

Lee Iacocca became a charismatic leader because of the situation at hand. He was able to pull the Chrysler Corporation back into being because of his charismatic leadership abilities. Cultural charismatic leaders often arise when cultures and their cultural values are threatened. These situational leaders promote unlearning and the search for new actions. Many arise when traditional authority cannot meet an organization's need for leadership. Charismatic leaders often appear because the culture is expecting or prophesizing the leader's arrival. When this happens certain characteristics contribute to charismatic leadership. These characteristics are

1.) Social crises

.) Carries or spreads a "message"

.) Stimulates guilt or shame

4.) Supernatural stature is assimilated

Charismatic leaders that evolve because of cultural unrest tend to be religious leaders that followers think of as "prophets" or "saints", these leaders become the route to salvation.

Charismatic leadership can have both a negative and a positive impact on society and organizations. In the United States alone charismatic leaders such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King used there leadership abilities to make society a better place for all individuals and races to live and work. While on the other hand Charles Manson used his charismatic leadership abilities to persuade his followers to commit horrendous murders on random individuals. Hitler convinced millions that his beliefs were the only true beliefs; in turn his followers committed murders because they believed in Hitler's vision. Few studies have been made on the impact of charismatic leadership on society and organizations. Charismatic leaders that impact society can be distinguished as ethical or unethical charismatic. The ethical charismatic wants what is good for society or the organization and its members, while the unethical charismatic is motivated by personal power and achievement and pursues anything which makes him or her look better and stronger.

Transformational leadership is the leadership defined by a work-based exchange relationship. In this relationship the leader promotes alignment by providing fair extrinsic rewards and appealing to the intrinsic motivation of the collaborators. Transactional leadership is the leadership defined by an economically-based exchange relationship. In this relationship the leader promotes uniformity by providing extrinsic (positive or negative) rewards to the collaborators. Transformational leadership is the opposite of transactional leadership. Transformational leaders tend to be concerned with values, ethics, standards, and long-term goals, while transactional leaders focus on exchanges between leader and follower. Many politicians are elected to office because they are transactional leaders; they promise the voters to change laws and policies in exchange for their vote. A person can be both transformational and transactional depending upon the situation. Evangelists for instance are transformational leaders when they are trying to convert followers to their religion and at the same instance they are transactional leaders when they entice their followers to contribute money in exchange for a new worship area or prayer book. Transactional leadership tends to be transitory; the leader is effective as long as the relationship between leader and follower is mutually beneficial. Transformational leadership tends to have a strong bond or hold on its followers, there is no need to "dangle" promises and gifts. Transformational leaders have followers because the followers believe in the same vision as the leader. The transformational leader places the follower on a pedestal almost as high as the one he or she is preaching from. The leader makes the follower feel important and that the follower is making a great contribution to the vision.

In transformational leadership, charisma plays a major role. Charisma is defined as a special personality trait that gives an individual superhuman or exceptional power. Leaders that possess charisma appear to be competent and have high expectations for themselves and their followers. They also articulate ideological goals to their followers. These characteristics that define a charismatic individual is the same characteristics or traits that a transformational leader possess. Some sociologist interchanges transformational leadership with charismatic leadership because the two are closely related. Charismatic and transformational leadership provide the followers with a vision and a sense of mission, they instill pride among their followers. Charismatic leadership, intellectual stimulation, and inspirational leadership are components of transformational leadership.

Charismatic leadership throughout this century has development into a strong, forceful leadership style. The charismatic leader must possess characteristics that make him or her almost superhuman and mystical. Leaders and followers must share the same visions and goals for the charismatic leader to survive. Charismatic leadership qualities are mutually shared by other leadership styles such as transformational and transactional leadership. Charisma is a trait that a successful leader should have to become an effective leader. As spoken by Bass in 185 he states that, "Charisma is in the eye of the beholder and, therefore, is relative to the beholder. Nevertheless, the charismatic leader actively shapes and enlarges his or her audience through energy, self-confidence, assertiveness, ambition, and opportunities seized."

References

Avolio, B. J. & Gibbons, T. C., Developing transformational leaders A life span

approach, In Conger, J. and Kanungo, R. (Eds.), Charismatic leadership The elusive factor in organizational effectiveness. pp. 76-08. San Francisco Jossey-Bass.

Bass, Bernard M., Bass & Stogdill's Handbook of Leadership, Theory, Research, and

Managerial Applications. rd edition, 10 New York The Free Press

Bass, B.M. (185). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York Free

Press

Cardona, P. Transcendental leadership, Journal of Workplace Learning Employee

Counseling Today from http//www.managementfirst.com/practical_management/leadership_styles.htm

Charismatic leadership, manipulation and the complexity of organizational life. Journal

of Workplace Learning Employee Counseling Today, 1 (000) from http//www.managementfirst.com/practical_management/art_char.htm

DiPadova, L. N. (16) Towards a Weberian management theory lessons from Lowell

Bennios's neglected masterwork. Journal of Management of History, , pp. 5-74

Gibson, J.W., Hannon, J.C., & Blackwell, C.W. (188). Charismatic leadership the

hidden controversy. The Journal of Leadership Studies, 5(4)

Humphreys, John J., (00) Transformational leader behavior, proximity, and successful

services marketing. Journal of Services Marketing, 16 (6), pp. 487-50

Popper, M. & Zakkai, E. (16) Transactional, charismatic and transformational

leadership Conditions conducive to their predominance. Leadership and Organization Development Journal, 15, pp. -7

References

Avolio, B. J. & Gibbons, T. C., Developing transformational leaders A life span

approach, In Conger, J. and Kanungo, R. (Eds.), Charismatic leadership The elusive factor in organizational effectiveness. pp. 76-08. San Francisco Jossey-Bass.

Bass, Bernard M., Bass & Stogdill's Handbook of Leadership, Theory, Research, and

Managerial Applications. rd edition, 10 New York The Free Press

Bass, B.M. (185). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York Free

Press

Cardona, P. Transcendental leadership, Journal of Workplace Learning Employee

Counseling Today from http//www.managementfirst.com/practical_management/leadership_styles.htm

Charismatic leadership, manipulation and the complexity of organizational life. Journal

of Workplace Learning Employee Counseling Today, 1 (000) from http//www.managementfirst.com/practical_management/art_char.htm

DiPadova, L. N. (16) Towards a Weberian management theory lessons from Lowell

Bennios's neglected masterwork. Journal of Management of History, , pp. 5-74

Gibson, J.W., Hannon, J.C., & Blackwell, C.W. (188). Charismatic leadership the

hidden controversy. The Journal of Leadership Studies, 5(4)

Humphreys, John J., (00) Transformational leader behavior, proximity, and successful

services marketing. Journal of Services Marketing, 16 (6), pp. 487-50

Popper, M. & Zakkai, E. (16) Transactional, charismatic and transformational

leadership Conditions conducive to their predominance. Leadership and Organization Development Journal, 15, pp. -7

Please note that this sample paper on Charismatic Leadership is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on Charismatic Leadership, we are here to assist you. Your cheap research papers on Charismatic Leadership will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

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What about me?

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A Midsummernights Dream

By bob hope

In act two of this play, the reader learns of a quarrel between the king of the fairies, Oberon, and his queen, Titania. We later see the development of this quarrel into a dispute which the king is intent on resolving along with that of two passing mortals whose conversation we happen to overhear. Through the scene, we see Oberon's character develop into a fairly well -rounded personality, and we see the set up for the main plot of the entire play. Oberon wishes to drop love blossom juice into Titania's eyes so that he can gain back his wife's affections. In the beginning of this act, we see that Oberon is jealous that Titania's attention and time has been spent with her new page. By putting the Queen under the spell of this flower, causing her to look the fool, and then relinquishing her from this spell, the king is certain she will concede and "make her render up her page to [him]. (.1.185)" With the beginning of this act, we see Oberon as a jealous creature who feels that because he has control over nature, he should also have control over his wife. Early in the act, at the first entrance of Oberon and Titania, we first see this bitterness emerge. "What jealous Oberon, skip hence. I have foresworn his bed and company. (.1.6)" Says Titania when she first sees Oberon, basically telling him to get out of here. To which Oberon replies "Tarry, rash wanton; am I not thy lord? (1..6)" Oberon's response here shows his dominant attitude towards Titania, and her initial statement shows she is mad at him, and has no intention of submission to his will. They go on like this for quite awhile, with Titania accusing Her mate of adultery, and Oberon saying the same of her. They continue to argue for many lines until Oberon finally commands her to leave and asks Puck to enter (.1.146 154). The dialogue at the beginning shows us the start of this clever subplot and also sets up the comedy that ensues later in the play. Also, it appears Oberon shows a tender side as he takes pity on Helena, perhaps understanding her situation with Demetrius. Helena is in love with this man, who does not return the favor, and given Oberon's recent trouble gaining Titania's affections, he seems to want to help. He instructs Puck that after he puts the nectar in Titania's eyes, he should seek out Dimetrius and "Anoint his eyes / But do it when the next thing he espies / May be the lady. (.1.61 )" This gesture by Oberon seems to show that he is taking pity on the poor mortal, perhaps to make himself feel better about his current situation with his own Love. This first scene of act two beautifully sets up the plot for the rest of the play. We see the gods begin to interact with the mortals, and see that they are prone to human problems which makes their mistakes later in the play more believable, as gods are usually believed to be infallible. Through the entire scene, Oberon's character develops from a heartless ruler, to a kinder man intent on fixing not just his own problems, but those of the mortals who are oblivious to his presence.

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Please note that this sample paper on what about me? is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on what about me?, we are here to assist you. Your persuasive essay on what about me? will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

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Iwo jima

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World War II was a time of uncertainty and heartache all over the world. Millions of young men were being sent off to battle and would not return. It was a time of mass bloodshed and confusion. During war between the United States and the Empire of Japan, on a tiny volcanic island in the South Pacific lied the spot of one of the most important US battles against Japan. The Battle of Iwo Jima – a fierce battle during Pacific conflicts of World War II- did not merely serve as a landing zone for Bomber planes under distress located 750 miles from Tokyo, the conquering of the highly fortified Island gave US Marines and Americans alike a strong sense of American Pride.

Under direct orders from President Roosevelt, Admiral Chester William Nimitz , On Christmas 1941, was ordered to take command as Commander in Chief, Pacific fleet or (CinCPac). The New CinCPac directed operations in Hawaii not far from Pearl Harbor, from atop the extinct volcano known as Makalapa. Under the tightest military security was a four-story concrete building where military leaders would continue to meet to plan the pacific division of the war. Nimitz assignment personally given in the Oval office by President Roosevelt was to defend Hawaii and fight, for months and possibly years, with what remained of decimated United States military power in the pacific. (Ross, 2-9)

Commander of the Japanese was brilliant Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Yamamoto was the mastermind behind Pearl Harbor. Aware of the industrial superiority of the United States in a prolonged war he said, "Unless the American fleet is put out of action by 1942, the balance of power will shift to the United States and that will be the end." At the time the US was outgunned and outnumbered so Japanese action had to be taken at once. Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippines were quickly overrun. Soon after, the Aleutians were invaded, and Alaska threatened. But, just as expected by Yamamoto power soon shifted. (Ross, 7-13)

In the morning haze of June 3, 1942 Admiral Nimitz had set an ambush for the Japanese, at Midway. For Japan, controlling Midway meant tight control between United States and Hawaii, and the South Pacific and Australia. It would be a fine rendezvous point for carrier based attacks against the West Coast. For the next forty-three hours, the outcome of the war in the Pacific was left in shaky balance. On the morning of June 4 as the morning skies came ablaze with brilliant sunlight, the battle erupted in a furious confusion. It was a standoff until early afternoon when Nimitz sent the Hornet, with its fighters, dive-bombers, and torpedo planes swarming into the action. Spectacular dogfights cluttered the skies, and in the end heavy black smoke rose thousands of feet into the sky signaling the Japanese had failed to conquer the island of Midway. (Ross, 19)

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Now the United States swung its own attack. Each military campaign from there on became bigger, more costly, more complicated, and always crucial to the long journey to Japan. Marines invaded and suffered heavy casualties in key strongholds: Guadalcanal, Guam, Saipan, Bourgainville, Tarawa, and Peleliu. During this time, around October 1944, allied forces were on the offensive on all fronts of the global war. The next step in Army Commander MacArthur's plan was the recapture of the entire Philippines and the seizure of Okinawa and Formosa, and land a million man force on the Chinese Mainland. From there could be mounted the final invasion and conquest of Japan. (Ross, 23-26)

Pulverizing the heartland of Japan through brutal air attacks had given the United States an advantage. The bomb run to Japan had always been dangerous at best. The main reason for this was the Island of Iwo Jima. With this tiny island 800 miles from Japan in their hands, using their primitive radar, Japanese interceptors were able to lift off, gain altitude, and ambush Japan-bound formations in devastating numbers. Rather than MacArthurs' plan to take South Chinese mainland, on September 7, 1944 the Admiral Nimitz assembled his admirals and generals to make plans for the invasion of Iwo Jima.

(Ross, 245)

Iwo Jima, a few miles of rock in the South

Pacific, was the location of one of the most

important battles for the US during WWII.

Iwo Jima is located in the South Pacific just 750 miles from Tokyo. The Island itself is only 8.5 square miles and is focused around Mt. Suribachi, a dormant 545-foot volcano, on the south side of the island. (Scribner,450) Iwo Jima means sulfur island, and is a volcanic island that was used to mine sulfur and refine sugar. The small island was covered in dense forest making great natural bunkers and trenches. (Perret, 399) The US occupied Iwo Jima until 1968, when it was returned to Japan.

Iwo Jima, one of the most important battles of World War II, took place on a tiny volcanic island in the South Pacific. But what was the Purpose of conquering this tiny island? American B-29 bombers were flying missions over Japan at the time but were suffering heavy losses on the long-range missions. Iwo Jima, well within striking distance of Tokyo, was seen as an ideal staging area for expanded bombing runs with fighter cover and a key location for damaged bombers to land in emergency situations. (Brown)The bombers were able to travel greater distances than smaller fighter planes, but without a nearby airfield they were forced to fly without proper fighter escort. It already had an airstrip for emergency landings, so it would be ideal for distressed American bombers. A geographically ideal spot, Iwo Jima was the most important island in the "Stepping Stone" operation of the United States.

Using new tactics and technology, the Japanese were able to slow down the inevitable conquering of their tiny tropical stronghold. Led by General Kurbayachi the Japanese constructed a massive fortress of defense of the island centered on Mt. Suribachi and overshadowed the southern landing beach. Instead of normal Japanese tactics of a beach defensive position at the waters edge, Kuribachi decided instead to defend from an elaborate system of tunnels, caves, and trenches dug into and throughout the island itself. (Frank, Oxford) Its defenses--the most elaborate, dense, and best integrated in the Pacific--included three airfields; over 730 major installations with 120 guns larger than 75mm; 220 large mortars, howitzers, and rocket launchers; and ten miles of underground tunnels linking hundreds of bunkers and blockhouses. (Iwo Jima) The island was guarded by more than 21,000 men armed with more than 1,000 heavy guns defended the small fierce island of Iwo Jima. (Wheal) Mt. Suribachi dominates both possible landing beaches. Mentally prepared, The Japanese focused their tactics around knowing they would all be killed. The goal was for each soldier was to kill 10 Americans before they were killed. General Kurbayachi showed this in a letter to his wife: "The enemy may land on this island soon. Once they do, we must follow the fate of those on Attu and Saipan. Our officers and men know about "Death" very well. I am sorry to end my life here, fighting the United States of America, but I want to defend this island as long as possible and to delay the enemy air raids on Tokyo." (Voda) Japanese gunners zeroed in on every inch of the landing beach. Blockhouses and pillboxes flanked the landing areas. Within, more heavy weapons stood ready to blast the attacking Marines. Machine guns criss-crossed the beaches with deadly interlocking fire. Rockets, anti-boat and anti-tank guns were also trained on the beaches. There were no front lines. It is possible that no other given area in the history of modern war has been so skillfully fortified by nature and by man.

Conquering this Island demanded a strategic military plan carried out using brute force. The United States used an "Island Hopping" strategy in the central Pacific kept the Japanese off balance and effectively isolated island defenders during the American advance toward Japan. (Alison) The tactics of the U.S. Marine Corps in the island-hopping drive across the central Pacific were controversial even during World War II. Critics, including elements of the

U.S. Army, argued that the Marines knew

only one way to fight--direct assault, cost what it might. (Ross/Random) To reduce US casualties from ground fighting, Iwo Jima received heavy US bombing from mid December all the way up until early February. Assigned to capture the Island was Marine Major General Harry Schidt leading his fifth Corps, that consisted of the third, fourth, and fifth divisions. On February 19, 1945 4th and 5th divisions of 5th Amphibious Marine Corps, With 3rd Marine division in rescue landed of the Island after 72 days of Air Bombardment. Admiral Nimitz describing US bombing of the Island said, "No other island during WWII received as much preliminary pounding as did Iwo." The US sent 110,000 marines to the island in 880 ships. (Frank/ Oxford)

The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the most bloody and widely known Battles of World War II. Shortly before 2am on Feb. 19, 1945, the Navy began firing on the Island Of Iwo Jima. Next 110 bombers bombed the tiny island until it looked like it had been torched. At 8:30 am 1954 the first wave of Marines were ordered to storm the beaches. Because the island was volcanic, the volcanic ash of the beaches made it impossible to dig foxholes. The Marines were sitting ducks for the heavy machine gunners and the trench hitting riflemen. The Marines were above ground and the Japanese were below them underground. The Marines rarely saw an alive Japanese soldier. The Japanese could see the Marines perfectly. Every Marine, everywhere on the island was always in range of Japanese guns. (Ross/ Legacy) The Battle was known as one of the most famous engagements in the "stepping stone" operation leading to the end of the pacific campaign of WWII. Historians described U.S. forces' attack against the Japanese defense as "throwing human flesh against reinforced concrete." After bitter fighting the US forces took Mt. Suribachi on February 23 1945, spot of the famous flag raising. The Japanese fought with astonishing bravery and made their last stand, up to the very last Japanese soldier in a rocky canyon now known as the "Bloody Gorge". (Perret, 399)

The most famous photo of WWII is unquestionably the flag raising of February 23, 1945. This photo, although staged of the previous flag raising that occurred earlier that day was atop Mt. Suribachi in which the fought inch by inch up the mountain. The photo was taken by Joe Rosenthal who one a Pulitzer prize for the photo. The survivors: Bradley, Hayes and Gagnon became national heroes within weeks. This photo means so much to us symbolically. IT shows the American rising up during a time of challenge and overcoming all odds and impossibilities.

The Iwo Jima accomplishment was a vital victory for the US, but very costly in Human Lives. 6,821 US soldiers were killed fighting the battle of Iwo Jima and 17,400 wounded. Easy Company started with 310 men. Some battalions lost a very high amount of soldiers: "We suffered 75% casualties. Only 50 men boarded the ship after the battle. Seven officers went into the battle with me. Only one--me--walked off Iwo." (Showalter) Captain Dave Severance Easy Company Commander. Iwo gave the United States a forward air base at the front door of the Japanese homeland, a bastion that cleared the way and made feasible the dropping of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to win the War. (Ross, 357) "The battle of Iwo Island has been won. By their victory, the 3d, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the 5th Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. (Isley) Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue." -Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The island itself served as an effective landing zone for distressed bombers saving more than 24,000 B-29 air-shipmen. The battle itself was a very costly for the Japanese as well, with more than 20,000 Japanese were killed and 1,083 captured. A total of one third of all the marines killed during World War II were killed in 36 days on an unknown island in the South Pacific, that is the size of Manhattan.

The inch by inch fighting and conquering of the tiny island gave prestige to the United States Marine Corps and every American troop. The brave troops going against extremely hostile foes gave rise to American spirit and national pride during WWII Iwo Jima was a bastion that cleared the war and made feasible the dropping of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. United States Marines are now known for their fierce combat tactics, and will to never give up. The sacrifice of 6,821 soldiers helped save the lives of more than 24,000-air crew and created the possibility to drop the atomic bomb. Without these brave soldiers fighting and giving up their lives, the Japanese Empire would not have been defeated as quickly. (Ross, XV) (Frank, Oxford)

The Famous Picture gave raise to the famous statue. The flag-raising photo caused an immediate sensation across the country. Just two days after it was first seen in the US, Senators rose on the floor of the US Senate calling for a national monument modeled on the picture. The California State Legislature petitioned the Federal Government to build a grand monument. Thousands of ordinary American's wrote the President appealing for a monument to immortalize the picture they loved. Felix DeWeldon, an ambitious sculptor, had a clay replica of the picture sculpted within 72 hours of seeing the picture. DeErldon was hired and along with hundreds of other artisans, he worked 8 years to complete the memorial. Each figure is 32 feet high. The flagpole is 60 feet in length. (Ross, 255)It's the world's tallest bronze statue. It's stands 78 feet high. A cloth flag flies from the pole. The statue is located in the Arlington National cemetery. The cost of the statue was $850,000. No public funds were used. Private donations picked up the tab. The inscription at the bottom reads: "Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue." (Iwo Jima)

It is difficult to understand what good can come from such a large loss of life. We must learn to respect and understand what these young men did for the greater good of our Country. It does not seem right for thousands of men of all different races to be killing one another on an island that looks more like a paradise than a battle field. These thousands of Marines died for their country, for 8.5 square miles. Without a Great War or a great depression, we seem to take for granted our forefather's sacrifice for our freedom. These men have given us so much strength from their bravery. After September 11th a common photo was the firefighters raising the American Flag amongst the rubble, very similar to the Iwo Jima flag raising. Brave acts like the flag raising of Iwo Jima have given us bravery and strength to keep our nation strong and faithful. Sepmer Fidelis.

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Females' Relationships in Virginia Wolf's "Mrs. Dalloway"

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Clarissa Dalloway, the main character in Virginia Wolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" is a complex figure that lives for her parties. Her relations with other women reveal as much about her personality as do her own musings. Wolf skillfully portrays the ways females interact sometimes drawing upon one another for things which they cannot get from men; other times, turning on each out of jealousy and insecurity. The novel although is in third person, focuses on Clarissa but moves from character to character, and the other characters provide insight into the persona of Clarissa. Wolf's purpose in creating a range of females characters with various ages and social status in the novel is to simply let the readers form their own views on Mrs. Dalloway. Wolf's does not create such a range of males characters, however, she creates enough males characters to show different views of Clarissa because after all, women are usually jealous of each other and their views are most of the time different from men's point of views.

Clarissa's relationship with the other characters males and females say a lot about her. For instance, Clarissa is Peter's first and only love. He blames her for all of his relationship problems after she refused to marry him. He is more reminiscent; he remembers the old Clarissa, in fact even the florist seems to notice a change in Clarissa, now known as Mrs. Dalloway. Clarissa's only gift to the world is her parties and she is quite known for that; Peter, however, knows that she has so much more to give and that there is so much more to perfect hostess. At the end, though Clarissa is as vain as she is, Peter sees her just as she is

"It is Clarissa,

For there she was." (Wolf, p. 14)

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Peter's views of Clarissa although might be tainted by love, shows that Clarissa is not as vain as she appears to do. Many well to do married women don't work and they throw parties to pass the time, to have fun, and to gossip about other women. Anyway, his view on her is one of the best insights on Clarissa's real persona. The other view on her Clarissa is portrays through her relationship with Sally Seton. In fact, no other females characters have or had a better relationship with Clarissa than Sally, not even Elizabeth Dalloway, her daughter.

As a young woman, Sally Seton was Clarissa's best friend, staying with Clarissa at Bourton because she was poorer than Clarissa was. Her relationship with Clarissa was quite positive; Sally enjoyed causing a raucous by making outrageous claims and acting on a rebellious instinct that led her to smoke cigars, run naked down the halls, and do other crazy stunts that were condoned by society, because after all, girls are supposed to be quiet and be lady- like.

Sally was Clarissa's stimulation; she enjoyed Sally's the individualistic woman and she was charmed by Sally. Moreover, the physical experience she enjoys with Sally is something she had never shared with a man, because Sally represents freedom from society's constraint to Clarissa. Sally would have been perfect for Clarissa because they are both freeing themselves from society and the division of class that they are place in by society; otherwise Sally would have an idealized romance for Clarissa.

Moreover, Sally represents Clarissa's true but unfulfilled love and the reason that it unfilled is perhaps because Sally wasn't a man and neither one of them were homosexuals. Again, being someone else's true love doesn't necessarily has to be about sexual involvement. Anyway, Wolf's describes the first kiss between the two ladies as such

"Sally stopped; picked a flower; kissed her on the lips.

The whole world may have turned upside down!….. The

others disappeared; there she was alone with Sally. And

she felt that she had been given a present, wrapped up and

told to keep it, not to look at it- a diamond, something

infinitely precious, wrapped up, which, as they walked

(up and down), she uncovered, or the radiance burnt

through, the revelation, the religious feeling!" (p.5-6).

The kiss that Wolf describes are what women in love feel when they shared they first kiss with the person that they love. The kiss between the two women was like an epiphany; until they were disturbed by Joseph and Peter.

Moreover, Clarissa's relationship with Ms. Kilman and Elizabeth her daughter is parallel to each other; both Clarissa and Ms. Kilman are fighting for Elizabeth's love. However, Ms. Kilman's view of Clarissa is not flattering; Ms. Kilman is poor and she hates station in life, she hates Mrs. Dalloway and she refuses to open herself to anyone except Elizabeth; perhaps it's because Elizabeth is not like her mother. Yet, their connection breaks down during the trip to the store and caf. Ms. Kilman is extremely self-involved and dependent as shown by her attempts to keep Elizabeth with her

"'I never go to parties,' said Miss Kilman, just to keep Elizabeth from going." (p. 1)

Ms. Kilman doesn't want Elizabeth to leave her, but she recognizes that she isn't her mother and she has to let her go, even if it's going to kill her.

In conclusion, Wolf's purpose in creating a range of females characters with different ages and background is to show whom Clarissa Dalloway really is. She also creates a range of males characters to use in the same way as the females characters; and through Clarissa each character comes together.

Please note that this sample paper on Females' Relationships in Virginia Wolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on Females' Relationships in Virginia Wolf's "Mrs. Dalloway", we are here to assist you. Your essay on Females' Relationships in Virginia Wolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

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Loss of a creature

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"The Loss of the Creature," by Walker Percy is a short and informative piece that mostly has to do with people's personal experiences and the ways that people react to their experiences. Percy uses several examples to further explain the ways that different experiences can be perceived by different people. Although many people try to achieve maximum intensity through each experience, it is often better to take each experience as it comes and have no expectations of the power of the experience.

Percy begins his piece with an example using the Grand Canyon as his focus. Percy claims that one who views the Grand Canyon "face to face" for the first time is in actuality just confirming the fact that the canyon exists. The visitor has preconceptions about the canyon and already knows what to expect. Although Percy is correct to say this, I feel that Percy has gone too far in saying that the first natural view of the canyons (that of Garcia Lopez) is the most powerful. Each person's experience is unique and can only be judged powerful by the person who is experiencing. For me, I don't measure my actual experience to any preconceptions; they are all unique and are measured on a distinct scale. "The highest point, the term of the sightseer's satisfaction, is not the sovereign discovery of the thing before him; it is rather the measuring up of the thing to the criterion of the performed symbolic complex." Here, Percy states that when we are experiencing something, instead of perceiving it based on its own qualities, we try to see what we have already learned about that place or subject. Percy also explains that people are often reaching to experience that first and natural view when in fact it is impossible because of the impact of society. If one attempts to go off the beaten track to achieve the natural experience, they are just being different, not better or worse.

There are many examples of how someone's first and natural experience differs from an experience with preconceptions. Music is an area where a natural experience, one with no preconceptions can be achieved. I can recall the first time that I listened to one of my favorite songs, Blue Sky, by the Allman Brothers Band. The music overcame my senses and left my body tingling with emotions. Although this feeling continued to occur each time that I would listen to this song, I had expectations. I heard the song differently, not with more or less power, just differently.

Percy also talks about the way that people share their experiences. "They wanted him, not to share their experience, but to certify their experience as genuine." Although he makes a good point, I feel that people's experiences shouldn't be questioned. The power of people's experience depends upon how he or she feels, not upon the reaction of others.

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It is very important to realize that each person's experiences are unique. Each person feels differently about the same experiences. If you sit two people down next to each other, and put them through the exact same movie, each will feel differently about the movie. Some people hate what others love.

Please note that this sample paper on loss of a creature is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on loss of a creature, we are here to assist you. Your essay on loss of a creature will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

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Discuss how birds evolved from their non-avian ancestors

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Speculation about the evolution of birds began in the eighteenth century when de Maillet claimed that they had arisen from flying fish (Stahl, 174). The earliest known member of Aves is Archaeopteryx, first found in the Late Jurassic rocks of Bavaria, and it is now known that birds are the second most direct (surpassed only by the more obvious reptiles) descendants of the dinosaurs but as yet there has been no universally accepted theory of their exact ancestry. Currently two major hypotheses on the evolution of birds still stand in conflict, with one other slightly more obscure theory still hanging on by a thread.

To start with the least well accepted hypothesis, in 17 A.D. Walker claimed that there were close relations between extant birds and extinct crocodylomorphs (ie Sphenosuchus) based mainly on his detailed studies of the morphology of the braincase and ear region of both. Other proposed evidence included similarities in features of the tarsus, skull and teeth. However, it has since been found that the majority of synamorphies hypothesised between birds and crocodylomorphs are general to archosaurs or other larger taxonomic. Thus levels so they can not be seen as diagnostic of the phylogeny of either taxa and this theory has all but lost its support (Padian & Chiappe, 18).

Of the two major contenders, the theropod hypothesis seems to have the most evidence on its side. First proposed by Huxley, this links birds to a group of small carnivorous bipedal dinosaurs (the theropods) which display striking synamorphies with both Archaeopteryx and extant birds. These include features of the skull, pectoral girdle and hind limb, a longer ischium, a postoventrally directed pubis and many others (Padian & Chiappe, 18). In 16 Heilmann rejected a theropod ancestry for birds based on the lack of clavicles displayed by all theropods which had at that time been found. However, this objection was destroyed a decade later when clavicles were reported in an Early Jurassic theropod dinosaur, Segiasaurus. They have now also been reported in a plethora of other species. The major stumbling block of this theory stems from the apparent absence of theropod dinosaurs from the fossil records before 110 million years ago. As the first Arcaeyopteryx is 150 million years old, Feduccia (16) and others claim that they cannot possibly be the ancestors of the birds. However, Padian and Chiappe (18) counter what they refer to as "The false argument of stratigrapic disjunction" with the example of monotremes which have for a long time been universally accepted as the ancestors of marsupials and placentals but were not until recently known in the fossil records until 80 million years after the first appearance of their descendants. Padian and Chiappe merely take this as evidence for the imperfection of the fossil record.

Mainly because of the momentous gap in the fossil record Feduccia (16) and a number of other scientists still favour thecodonts theory of the ancestry of birds. The thecodonts comprise archosaurian reptiles that are not dinosaurs, crocodiles or pterosaurs, and have no diagnostic characters of there own and are claimed by this group of scientists to be the most likely ancestors of Archaeopteryx. Further evidence to support this claim was found in the form of striking "affinities" between Archaeopteryx and certain earlier thecodonts. However, Padian and Chiappe (18) dismiss this as an over pronounced reliance on features such as small teeth and triangular skulls which they claim can be seen in the juvenals of a large number of tetrapods.

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Whilst the argument over the exact ancestors of the birds has not yet been resolved, it is still possible to speculate on the changes in general which must have taken place for birds to evolve. This is best done by looking at the specific features which are used to diagnose modern birds and which lead to the placing of Archaeopteryx as the earliest know true avian..

On the surface it seems that birds are characterised by 4 main features. Firstly they all have wings which at some point in their ancestry have been capable of sustaining flight. They also all have feathers, elongated skulls and horny beaks. All of these must have evolved due to selection pressure under which their reptilian ancestors lived and whilst they are also displayed separately in a number of non-avian species, (such as the feathered theropods of china (Xu et al. 001)) it is their presence in combination with each other that makes them diagnostic of the order Aves.

In support of the theropod hypothesis of bird development, there are a number of known fossils of distinctly non-avian theropod dinosaurs (ie definitely incapable of flight from the morphology of their wings) which show the presence of either modified scales, ie Sinosauropteryx which has a row of small fringed structures along its vertebral column (Padian & Chiappe, 18), branched integumental structures (protofeathers), ie Sinornithosaurus (Xu et al. 001) or true feathers, ie Protoarchaeopteryx (Quiang et al. 18). Phylogenetic analysis has indicated that these specimens are more primitive than Archaeopteryx and therefore suggests that feathers developed in theropods before a capability to fly gave them their avian distinction. This is fairly astounding as it was always assumed that feathers evolved as a consequence of flight rather than their presence aiding the evolution of the latter.

As feathers did not therefore evolve to allow better flight, there must have been alternative selection pressures which favoured the presence of feathers for another reason. There have been a number of varying theories put forward for the adaptive value of feathers, ranging from active thermoregulation through display to camouflage. If the thermoregulatory function of feathers is to be taken as the most likely then it has been suggested that of the three types of feathers (down, covert and flight) down and covert would have evolved first as they would have afforded the most insulation. In contrast, supporters of the display/camouflage theory believe that flight and covert feathers would have been the first to derive from the reptilian scales (Padian & Chiappe, 18).

Once the evolution of flight has been uncoupled from the development of feathers in birds (by the discovery of them non-flying, reptilian ancestors) then we are free to hypothesise on the adaptive significance of flight without having to worry about the apparent lack of some of the necessary structures at the beginning of flight history. The two proposed models of flight evolution in existence have enjoyed varying levels of favour within the scientific world over the years the arboreal model suggests a "trees down" gliding origin of flight whilst the cursorial model relies on a run-and-jump "ground up" beginning.

Having spent many years at the top of the pile, the arboreal theory is beginning to be toppled. This model suggests that powered flight originated through a growing use of wings whilst gliding from a higher level to a lower one. These high places have most frequently been assumed to be trees thus giving the model it's name. Although it has been argued that the claws of its pes and manus have a curvature typical of birds adapted to perching on branches (Feduccia, 1), this argument was countered by Ostrom (176) who suggests that Archaeopteryx has claws commensurate with ground dwelling birds. There is also evidence to suggest that trees of substantial size would have been absent from the habitats in which the fossilised Archaeopteryx has been found (ie de Buisonj, 185). This, accompanied by the other evidence, such as the lack of typical gliding morphology associated with the skeleton of Archaeopteryx, has lead to an increase in the number of proponents for the cursorial model which does not rely on the presence of trees or climbing ability in the ancestors (Padian & Chiappe, 18).

However, the cursorial model relies on the inference from fossils that the ancestors of the birds were strongly-bipedal, swift running and capable of attaining suitable speeds to allow for take off. Unfortunately, the maximum running speed of Archaeopteryx has been estimated at ms-1 and it's minimum flying speed at 6ms-1 and this apparent disparity in figures has caused an instability in the "ground up" theory. This, coupled with the high energy demands necessary to attain lift against gravity and the unsolved problem of the origin of the flight stroke have been used by proponents of the "tree down" theory to discredit the cursorial model. However, recent calculations including the wings of Archaeopteryx as primary thrust generators used to increase speed (Burgers & Chiappe, 1) have apparently provided a solution to the gap between the running and flight velocities and have given the cursorial model much greater credibility. Also, the discovery that the sister group of birds, Deinonychus, already had the side-ways flexing wrist essential for the development of the wing beat and the production of thrust has helped calm fears over problems associated with the evolution of the flight stroke (Padian & Chiappe, 18). It has also been suggested that this movement would have served Deinonychus as a prey-seizing stroke and therefore could well have been used by the ancestors of both in the pursuit of prey and have developed into a thrust generating mechanism from there.

Whether it developed via the cursorial or arboreal model, or even by a combination of the two, flight is an exceptionally energetically expensive pastime and the ancestors of modern birds must have been under phenomenal selection pressures to make it a favourable option. Theories on causes of flight origin tend to cast the ancestors of birds in either a predatorial or a prey role. As the animals were carnivores it has been suggested (as mentioned before) that the wing beat evolved as a means to increase their speed when in the pursuit of terrestrial prey. However, it has also been hypothesised that forelimb flapping may well have served to increase the moment of suspension when jumping to catch insects which were also a food source. Alternatively, these creatures were small compared to the top predators of the time and the extra thrust generated by a wing beat, and even the ability to propel themselves through the air, may well have increased their chances of avoiding predation.

The energetic demands of flight may well have been instrumental in the evolution of the distinct avian respiratory system. This system ensures via a system of air sacs that with every muscle movement involved in breathing, fresh a supply of oxygen is passed across the respiratory surface, - unlike in other vertebrates where fresh air is only present on every other muscle movement. This would therefore allow a greater efficiency in the diffusion of oxygen into the blood meaning that more was available to be used in respiration within muscles such as those controlling the wings during flight.

Other skeletal characteristics that must have evolved in the development of the birds include major alterations to the digits to produce wings and the skull. In the past it seems to have been argued at some time or another that the wing of a bird comprises of almost every combination of three digits conceivable. However, irrelevant of digit numbering (apparent discrepancies in which have been used to attack the theropod ancestor theory (Hecht, 14) but in turn has been rebuffed by the claim that a change in digit identity would only necessitate a single simple mutation and is therefore not strong enough evidence to discredit the theropod theory (Galis, 001)) it is obvious that a reduction in digit number and morphology has occurred to produce the wings exhibited by Archaeopteryx. From the non-avian ancestors, it has been suggested that a complete loss of digits IV and V and a significant reduction in digits I and III would have lead to the production of the wing seen in Archaeopteryx (Padian & Chiappe, 18).

The development of the beak and loss of teeth would have opened up new food sources to the proto birds whilst also greatly changing the aerodynamics of the creature. By losing the teeth and replacing it with a gizzard containing stones (as in the case many species of extant birds) the weight distribution would change from more at the front to a greater mass in the region of the sternum. This may well have acted as a type of ballast by stabilizing the bird during flight and thus giving it an adaptive favourability through which natural selection could act.

As can be seen from the evidence laid out in this essay, the evolution of birds is a dynamic subject with many contrasting and conflicting theories. However, irrelevant of the exact starting point, the evolution of birds was characterised by the development of the essentially avian features of feathers, wings, flight and beaks in combination. Since the time of Archyopteryx the order Aves has undergone many further modifications at the hands of evolution to produce the birds of modern day. For instance, drastic reduction of the number of tail vertebrae and the development of a pygostyle have afford birds greater control of the flight feathers in their tails which in turn has allowed them to attain exploitation of a wide range of lift forces during flight (Gatesy & Dial, 16). This means that the birds of today are certainly more graceful and capable flyers than Archaeopteryx but irrelevant of its ability, it is still the earliest known creature almost definitely capable of a significant degree of powered flight.

Burgers, P and LM Chiappe, 1, "The wing of Archaeopteryx as a primary thrust generator.", Nature, 60-6

Feduccia A, 1, "Evidence from claw geometry indicating arboreal habitats of Archyopteryx.", Science, 570-7, New Haven.

Feduccia A, 16, "The origin and evolution of birds", Yale University Press, New Haven.

Galis, F, 001, "Digit identity and digit numbering indirect support for the descent of birds from theropod dinosaurs", Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 1616

Gatesy, SM and KP Dial, 16, "From frond to fan Archyopteryx and the Evolution of short-tailed birds", Evolution, 5007-048

Padian, K and LM Chiappe, 18,"The Origin and early evolution of birds", Biological Review, 71-4

Quiang, J, PJ Currie, MA Norell and J Shu-An, 18, "Two feathered dinosaurs from northeasetern China", Nature, 75-761

Stahl, BJ, 174 "Vertebrate History", McGrawHill

Xu X, HH Zhou and RO Prum, 001, "Branched integumental structures in Sinornithosaurus and the origin of feathers.", Nature, 41000-04

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