Captivating photographs of the world’s most detailed bird fossils illuminate the early diversity of avifauna. When fossils of birds from China’s Jehol region first appeared in scientific circles, the world took notice. These Mesozoic masterpieces are between 120 and 131 million years old and reveal incredible details that capture the diversity of ancient bird life. Paleontologists all over the world began to collaborate with Chinese colleagues as new and wondrous fossil-related discoveries became regular events. The pages of National Geographic and major scientific journals described the intricate views of feathers as well as food still visible in the guts of these ancient birds. Now, for the first time, a sweeping collection of the most interesting of Jehol’s avian fossils is on display in this beautiful book. Birds of Stone makes visible the unexpected avian diversity that blanketed the earth just a short time (geologically speaking) after a dinosaur lineage gave rise to the first birds. Our visual journey through these fossils is guided by Luis M. Chiappe, a world expert on early birds, and Meng Qingjin, a leading figure in China's natural history museum community. Together, they help us understand the "meaning" of each fossil by providing straightforward narratives that accompany the full-page photographs of the Jehol discoveries. Anyone interested in the history of life—from paleontologists to inquisitive birders—will find Birds of Stone an irresistible feast for the eyes and mind.

Kingscourt had been their home since the 16th century, a rambling country estate with immaculate gardens and rolling Devonshire hills. But one weekend leads to a misunderstanding which changes everyone’s lives. Julian was a golden boy used to having his own way and whatever he wanted. He was in the throes of a passionate love affair, and that the lady was married did not trouble him at all, until his father’s discovery forced him to make a choice. Billy was his carefree younger brother used to taking the blame for all his bad behaviour. Joining the Army had been his one ambition and leaving home matured him, but an untimely death and a decade of drifting ended with the Great War. Simon was a career soldier who suddenly found the Army did not want a man with a broken knee. An unlikely friendship led him to a life he could never have imagined. Grace loved her home and wanted everything to stay the same, but she knew marriage would mean leaving it forever. An unexpected death and a new arrival turned her life upside down, and the home she loved so much tested her in ways she could never have imagined. War tested them all as casualty lists lengthened and staff shortages changed their leisured way of life. And one member of the family threatened to bring shame on them all with one wild escapade after another.

Three Birds One Stone is a 1960's based fictional story of a woman's journey and how the times affected her life and legacy with every hand-wringing gut decision she had to make as a woman surviving in the decade as a dedicted mother. Maybe being human is really about experiencing emotions and learning that with peace comes a balance of suffering in order to achieve Divine peace. Perhaps suffering and stress are the brain's warning signs to the soul; but, rendering peace is the outcome of achieving pure love. How will she know the difference? Join her as she takes you on a remarkable journey of a life where freedom from pain was never a guarantee. A limited number of dark blue river stones have been placed around the world in public spaces, just waiting to be discovered for you to unlock a complementary book experience.

People are like birds and stones. For some, just a hint, a single word is enough to be prompted to the spiritual height. And their awakened essence will soar towards perception of the infinite universe. While others... Well, a stone is merely a stone.Three captivating stories of this book: "Duty", "Everything is so simple" and "Birds and a stone" tell about unusual people who reconsider their life values. All these people are united by a legendary personality of Sensei. Interesting facts about a human from the point of view both of modern science and ancient civilizations. Amazing information how thoughts are "born" and how to control them. Interesting information about "Jesus' Prayer", Saint Agapit, the Elder Antony. And many other useful things for thoseWho are on the spiritual way and strive to become a Human!

Russell Thornton's latest collection of poems, Birds, Metals, Stones and Rain, explores powerful, primary human relationships through images of two worlds: the natural and the urban industrial. Simple grass is the iron of an invisible forging within nature that involves the human creative consciousness. A scavenger alley crow is the universal creative spirit in brutal primordial disguise. A murderously violent father and son are integrated into a single new man who walks "bright as a song in the air." A young daughter flings up her arms to seagulls that "collect up the world, opening it like a door." An infant son fights the “anger in him … the death … with the heaven in living flailing hands." Intensely personal, Birds, Metals, Stones and Rain reveals how essential human identity reinitiates human consciousness in a participatory universe.

Eliza finds a special stone on the beach and, certain it's an egg, brings it home--but even after a stone bird hatches, her mother is sure Eliza's mistaken.