Feather These barbules have minute hooks called barbicels for cross-attachment. Down feathers are fluffy because they lack barbicels, so the barbules float free of each other, allowing the down to trap air and provide excellent thermal insulation. At the base of the feather, the rachis expands to form the hollow tubular "calamus" (or quill) which inserts into a follicle in the skin. The basal part of the calamus is without vanes. This part is embedded within the skin follicle and has an opening at the base (proximal umbilicus) and a small opening on the side (distal umbilicus). Hatchling birds of some
The Barbs killing your parents, stealing guitars and humping till dawn ever penned". They also released an album, "Lupine Peroxide". On 1 December 2004, they were one of the headline acts at the MTV Staying Alive Music Summit, playing to a crowd of over 50,000. They also made several tours of the UK with bands such as The Rocks. Illustrator Emma Renton initially designed two of the Barbs single covers. Later, Jim Connolly was commissioned to produce comic book style artwork for their remaining sleeves. After the group broke up, guitarist Amy and guitarist/vocalist Tim went on to form What Would Jesus