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- According to a recent Visa study, 83% of Brazilian WhatsApp users say security is a very important factor when sending money to friends and family via their mobile phone.
- Visa's Cloud Token technology powers world-class security for payments on WhatsApp.
Press Release
Visa Solutions Offer Enhanced Security to person to person transfers on WhatsApp
Sao Paulo and San Francisco – (May 4, 2021) – Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) today announced that peer-to-peer (P2P) money transfers on WhatsApp in Brazil are now available for Visa accountholders from Bradesco, Banco do Brasil, next, Sicredi, Woop and Mercado Pago. Brazilian WhatsApp users can now set up an account by adding their Visa card to utilize the feature. Visa Direct, Visa's real-time payments solution, and Visa Cloud Token technologies power the world-class security features that enable WhatsApp users to swiftly and securely send and receive money to family and friends on the popular global messaging service.
"Whether it is splitting a bill among friends or providing a family member with spending money, WhatsApp users can now send secure peer-to-peer payments to friends and family anywhere in Brazil," said Fernando Teles, Visa Brazil Country Manager. "We are hearing firsthand from local consumers that security and privacy are key considerations by consumers when thinking of sending mobile payments to friends and family. At Visa, we also value these attributes, and Visa's Token technology provides the enhanced security Brazilian consumers can rely on for digital payments, by protecting and removing sensitive payment information and converting consumer data into tokens."
According to a recent Visa study conducted by Morning Consult1, security and privacy are critical factors for consumers when sending money to friends and family. Out of seven attributes, which included – convenience, cost, ease of use, privacy, reliability, security, and speed – security and privacy rated highest in importance for mobile payments. 83% of people who responded to the survey saying security is very important and a similar number (80%) say privacy is also critical. In addition, with 98% of adults 18 and older reporting they use WhatsApp daily, the app's new payments feature could be significant for the future of payments in Brazil. Visa cardholders particularly expressed their interest in making transfers on WhatsApp: 79% of respondents showed an interest in using the app for quick person-to-person transfers. Moreover, the survey found that the most interested age group in paying via WhatsApp were the ones over 65 years old (75%).
With security top of mind for consumers in Brazil and around the world, tokenization has become one of the most effective ways to avoid fraud and allow for more secure and easy digital payment experiences, and as such today in Latin America and the Caribbean more than 60% of Visa's payment credentials are token ready. Payments on WhatsApp are powered by Visa's innovative Cloud Token, where transactions are protected by replacing sensitive cardholder information with a unique token or digital identifier that can be securely stored in the cloud.
"Payments on WhatsApp leverages our two core Visa technologies Cloud Tokens and Visa Direct, this is the first time that we are bringing these two platforms together, which marks the beginning of similar implementations around the world," said Ruben Salazar, Global Head of Visa Direct. "Visa Direct is a modern way to send and receive money in real-time and we are seeing the platform scale all around the world, growing to 3.5 billion transactions globally in fiscal year 2020. In Latin America and the Caribbean, Visa Direct transactions processed during fiscal 2020 grew more than 20X from the year before, largely prompted by growth in person to person payments in the region," he added.
"We are excited about the availability of this service. Facilitating the sending and receiving of money safely could not be more important at this time, as it not only decreases people's exposure to the pandemic, but also helps loved ones stay connected, broadens access to financial services and enables more people to participate in the digital economy," said Matt Idema, WhatsApp's Chief Operating Officer.
Providing Consumers Added Peace of Mind
As the shift to digital commerce continues to scale, tokens are becoming one of the industry's main bets to strengthen payment security, combat fraud and eliminate friction in the payments process. Issuers and merchants both recognize the numerous benefits of payments being secured by tokens, the key one being that personal card credentials are never exposed during the whole purchase process and remain completely protected. In addition, tokens tied to lost, or stolen mobile devices, can be instantly reissued – without the need to change the consumer's primary account number or reissue the plastic card.
Tokens can also be restricted to specific environments and use cases, helping reduce the chance of fraud and therefore optimizing transaction authorization rates. For instance, a fraudster who attempts to use a token provisioned to a mobile device for an online purchase, will cause the transaction to be flagged immediately as fraudulent and will be declined. Also importantly is that tokens are non-reversible, so the information becomes useless if a third party accesses the data.
As a leader in the digital payments space, Visa is committed to accelerating the adoption of tokenization solutions in Brazil and beyond as they enable consumers, banks, merchants and the wider payments ecosystem to boost authorization, drive innovation and create better and more secure digital commerce experiences.
For more information, visit www.visa.com.
1This survey was commissioned by Visa and conducted by Morning Consult in March 2021 among a sample of 1,000 adults in Brazil. The interviews were conducted online. The audience reflected the general population to ensure representation across age, gender, education, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.


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I really need a better plan for letting a revision go, putting it away, and then coming back to it with enough time for polishing.
I'm sure there's a good question in there somewhere, I just don't know how to articulate it.Well, since I understand what you're asking I think you've articulated it just fine.
Our blog readers who write novels will have some opinions and advice on this, and I think they are the ones you should heed first.
My writing experience is limited to this blog, and pitch letters to editors. [And letters to queriers. It took me 10+ years to get the form letter I send to writers when I'm passing on their work. There were about 20 iterations.]
I know that the more days I have to tinker, the happier I am with the outcome.
Recently, a client and I went through 27+ drafts of a proposal over a year and half.
Another client and I did 19 rounds on his proposal, over the course of about six months.
The first couple revisions were getting all the furniture in the house, then we moved the furniture into the right rooms, then we got it in the right place in the rooms (that takes several passes as you well know if you've ever gotten a new couch)
Then we hung the pictures and plugged in the lamps.
In other words the big structural stuff first: all the pieces, in the right order.
You don't need as much lying fallow time here because the big structural stuff is more obvious.
To me, polishing is not getting the pieces in the right place, it's where to hang the pictures in the room, and where the lamps go.
I don't think there's a hard and fast rule for fallow time other than this: at least overnight. And two days is better than one.
Thus, you write and revise till you think it's done. Then you let it sit overnight. Then you go back and polish.
Using the flash fiction timeline: you write on Friday till you're done. Let it sit overnight. Revise on Saturday morning. Let it sit overnight. Polish on Sunday morning. Hit send before the deadline!
For a novel, I'd say let it sit one day for every five thousand words.
But again, pay more attention to the comments. That's where the voice of experience will be found.

subset: commoncrawl


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Unifor is Canada's largest private sector union, with more than 315,000 members across the country, working in every major sector of the Canadian economy.
Unifor brings a modern approach to unionism: adopting new tools, involving and engaging our members, and always looking for new ways to develop the role and approach of our union to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Every person of working age in Canada has a right to a good job and the benefits of economic progress.


text: This racial dot map is an American snapshot; it provides an accessible visualization of geographic distribution, population density, and racial diversity of the American people in every neighborhood in the entire country. The map displays 308,745,538 dots, one for each person residing in the United States at the location they were counted during the 2010 Census. Each dot is color-coded by the individual's race and ethnicity. The map is presented in both black and white and full color versions. In the color version, each dot is color-coded by race.


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2014-05-16: Anybody with even the slightest interest in the Future Development of Fire Engineering Design, and Structural Fire Engineering in particular, should pay attention to the proceedings of an upcoming CIB/NIST Workshop, which will be held on 21-22 May 2014, at the NIST Campus in Maryland, USA …
CIB/NIST Fire Resistance/Resistant/Resisting/Resistive Structures Workshop
It is essential to read 3 White Papers … produced by three separate teams of experts, contracted by NIST, in advance of the Workshop … to get a 'real' flavour of how discussions may, or may not, develop next week. All three papers are available to download from the NIST WebSite (and the links below). I suggest that you get your hands on them … ASAP !
1. Fire Behaviour of Steel Structures (March 2014). 20 Pages, 786 Kb.
2. State-of-the-Art on Fire Resistance of Concrete Structures: Structure-Fire Model Validation (March 2014). 32 Pages, 1.26 Mb.
3. Fire Resistance of Timber Structures (March 2014). 20 Pages, 998 Kb.
After reading these 3 NIST White Papers … I was not surprised by the large number of 'unknowns', or the enormous gaps in our 'knowns' …
Taken in whole and all together, however, the three documents are a public confirmation that today's general practice of Fire Engineering is more akin to that of mid-19th Century Alchemy. Blinkered practitioners are isolated from the building design process … because they have no understanding of that process, and have no means of effective communication with the many other design disciplines involved. And minimal, i.e. 'cost-effective'(?), compliance with the limited and inadequate fire safety objectives in current building codes/regulations is widely regarded as the one and only target for their efforts … a minor one compared to the fundamental, long-term target of realizing a Safe, Resilient and Sustainable Built Environment for All. At the same time, frontline fire service personnel are forced to operate on shoestring budgets … and, when a fire emergency inevitably occurs, they are regarded as nothing more than an expendable resource.
!! Structure … Does Not A Building Make !!
Some comments on the 3 NIST White Papers …
A. The Papers contain a number of important technical errors:
- A similar Introduction in two of the Papers refers only to the 2005 NIST Report (NCSTAR 1) on the 9-11 Collapse of WTC Buildings 1 & 2 in New York City, which contained 30 Recommendations. However, NIST published a later Report in 2008 (NCSTAR 1A) on the Collapse of WTC Building 7, which contained a further 13 Recommendations … 1 new, and 12 revised/updated from the earlier 2005 Report.
- There is a reference in one of the Papers to a 1989 European Directive on Construction Products (89/106/EEC), and as later amended. This Directive was repealed, in 2011, by Article 65 of the new European Union (EU) Regulation No.305/2011 on Construction Products. Unlike a Directive, a Regulation is addressed directly to the EU Member States, and does not permit any flexibility with regard to national implementation. Annex I of Regulation 305/2011 sets out 7 Basic Requirements for Construction Works:
– Mechanical resistance and stability ;
– Safety in case of fire ;
– Hygiene, health and the environment ;
– Safety and accessibility in use ;
– Protection against noise ;
– Energy economy and heat retention ;
– Sustainable use of natural resources.
Concerning fire safety in buildings … it is incorrect to state, or even suggest, that only the second Basic Requirement is relevant … a building must satisfy all of the Basic Requirements taken together, i.e. the 7 Basic Requirements are inter-dependent.
B. Having carefully read the Papers … none of the expert teams appear to have paid any attention to any of the NIST Recommendations, in either the 2005 or the 2008 Reports ! Note well that two separate series of posts on both sets of NIST Recommendations have been carried here on this Technical Blog.
C. If we have learned anything from the WTC 9-11 Building Collapses, it is that the Fire Engineer must be able to communicate effectively with other mainstream building design disciplines … especially 'ambient' structural engineers who speak the language of Structural Reliability, Limit State Design and Serviceability Limit States. The Fire Engineer must also become an active participant in the creative, trans-disciplinary process of design. These issues have not been seriously considered in any of the Papers.
D. All of the Papers lack a common and precise starting point … relevant structural fire engineering concepts are either not defined or badly defined … and the 'dynamic, complex architectural interaction between a building's structure and fabric under conditions of fire' requires immediate and urgent investigation …
Structural Reliability
The ability of a structural system to fulfil its design purpose, for a specified time,
under the actual environmental conditions encountered in a building.
Structural Fire Engineering
Those aspects of fire engineering concerned with structural design for fire …
and the dynamic, complex architectural interaction between a building's structure and
fabric, i.e. non-structure … under conditions of fire and its immediate aftermath,
including but not confined to the 'cooling phase'.
Fire-Induced Progressive Damage
The sequential growth and intensification of structural deformation
and displacement, beyond fire engineering design parameters*, and the eventual failure
of elements of construction in a building – during a fire and the 'cooling phase'
afterwards – which, if unchecked, will result in disproportionate damage,
and may lead to total building collapse.
[ *fire serviceability limit states ]
Disproportionate Damage
The failure of a building's structural system:
(i) remote from the scene of an isolated overloading action ;
and (ii) to an extent which is not in reasonable proportion to that action.
[ Fire-Induced Progressive Damage and Disproportionate Damage are fundamental concepts in the Fire Engineering Design of All Buildings ! ]
E. It is not acknowledged in any of the Papers that the Fire Safety Objectives in Current Building Codes/Regulations are, of necessity, limited in scope … and entirely inadequate in the context of Annex I in EU Regulation 305/2011, and the long-term goal of realizing a Safe, Resilient and Sustainable Built Environment for All. Refer to the updated Scope, Aims & Objectives of CIB Working Commission 14: 'Fire Safety'.
F. Once and for all … use of the term Fire Resistance (and any number of variations thereof, e.g. resistant, resisting, resistive, etc.) in connection with any aspect of structural performance in fire … is ridiculous ! It is roughly comparable to use of the term Fire Proof during the first half of the 20th Century.
G. Finally, for now … the current unwise focus on Crude Pass/Fail Results from the 'standard fire' testing of single loadbearing structural elements must evolve … must be transformed into the more detailed and precise measurement of all aspects of 'real' structural system performance over the full duration of a 'design' fire (including the cooling phase afterwards) … using a much wider range of performance monitoring equipment, e.g. short wave infra-red thermography.
It is no longer acceptable for Fire Engineering to exist in an isolated Twilight Zone … completely removed from the everyday realities of Mainstream Building & Construction.


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ICANN will host a webinar to on 3 October 2012 at 15:00 UTC to inform discussion in Toronto and continue development of the Uniform Rapid Suspension system. The URS is an important new rights protection mechanism in the New gTLD Program, intended to provide low-cost, rapid relief to trademark holders for the most clear-cut cases of infringement, and to complement the existing Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).
The webinar is open to any interested participants. This is part of a series of planned consultations on URS implementation. Early feedback from UDRP providers and others indicated that the cost of the URS procedure as written would be likely to exceed targets, driving additional feedback and discussion in the community.
During ICANN 44 in Prague, community stakeholders participated in a session on the URS. Participants discussed possible adaptations to the URS that could help satisfy the goals of an efficient, low-cost process, while retaining the registrant protections embedded in the process. Suggestions from participants included:
- Limiting substantive review. For example, when there is no reply from the registrant, a decision could be taken by a case handler without the need for a panelist's substantive review.
- Limiting the scope of URS cases. For example, accepting only complaints related to trademarks registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse, in order to eliminate validation costs.
- Subsidization of costs by ICANN. Retain the current procedure, but ICANN could subsidize service providers to achieve low URS fees and review the URS after 18 months.
- Seeking volunteers or pro-bono assistance.
- Automation or simplification. Use web interfaces and email where possible. Eliminate administrative burdens associated with loser pays, the requirement for multiple communication channels and appeals.
The upcoming webinar will set out to develop some of those proposals for possible implementation. A session during the ICANN meeting in Toronto is also planned to advance this work. See the meeting page for additional details.
To RSVP, please send an email to email@example.com. For those interested but not able to participate, a recording will be posted after the session.
This ICANN announcement was sourced from:


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for sale, rent, or buy in Bangkok
Real estate information in Bangkok
From ฿2,947,778 to ฿3,291,167
From ฿3,000,000 to ฿3,200,000
Featured Properties in Thailand
Why buy or rent a property in Bangkok?
Are you toying with the idea of buying or renting property in Bangkok, but you're not quite sure if it's the right move for you? If so, you wouldn't be the first, and you certainly won't be the last. But when asked, why Bangkok? We might simply respond with: when there is something for everyone in this vibrant and beautiful cocktail of culture, why not? If it's what you want to do, then you'll be able to find plenty of reasons to do so. Finding reason not to on the other hand, is something that you'll struggle with.
That being said, perhaps you're not interested in moving, but see Bangkok as being a potential investment opportunity. In which case, you'd be absolutely correct. Bangkok has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so buying a central condominium is a great opportunity to see a return through holiday rentals, whilst turning a delicious profit on top.
Or, if you're not so fussed about the money, but simply have fallen in love with the place, then you'll be all too aware of how such a big move can be incredibly daunting, particularly for Westerners who have never lived anywhere other than their home country. So, it's completely understandable to be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect. Perhaps you've visited Bangkok several times in the past and you've fallen in love with the place. With such a colourful culture, bustling nightlife and a world-renowned cuisine, it's difficult not to! But how viable is it to uproot your life and move to the other side of the world? More so than you'd imagine!
Simply put: if you love Thailand and the city of Bangkok, and you want to make a change, then what better a way than moving to such a fascinating and exotic location? Certainly, there is much in the way of research and preparation involved before making the move, but you shouldn't let that put you off. When you finally touch down and get settled into your new river-view condo in the heart of Bangkok, your patience and perseverance will have been worthwhile. That said, it's really not as difficult as it sounds! Yes, there is much in the way of red tape, but should you decide to make the move, our team of friendly and experienced advisors can guide you through the entire process. This means that you'll be able to take full advantage of an established real estate agency with 16 years of experience in helping people find their forever homes in Bangkok. In that time, it's safe to say that we've got a "knack" for it, so you're in safe hands.
Should I buy or rent Bangkok Property?
Ultimately it depends on the type of property and what kind of visa that you'll be on. Naturally you can't just make the decision to buy a house and then move into it without acquiring the correct documentation, there is a lot more to it (again, we can guide you through that). But buying and renting really depends on your budget, the duration that you'd like to stay and much more!
For example, you may wish to buy a condo, so that you can stay several times a year, whilst renting it out the rest of the time. Or alternatively, you might not want to fully commit to Bangkok, and so would prefer to rent temporarily whilst you make a final decision. In any case, we have thousands of properties, available for buying and renting. All you need to do is get in contact with us, specify you desires, and we will help you find the perfect property for you.
What to do in Bangkok?
Bangkok. The name brings images of exotic temples, bustling local markets, vibrant nightlife and vast shopping complexes.
Include on your trip a visit to the must see Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha which is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. And, Wat Arun "Temple of the Dawn" located on the river know for its beauty, tranquility and glorious to behold at sunrise or sunset. And there is the opulent Grand Palace the past home of the kings where you can view the sacred Emerald Buddha.
Take a leisurely boat ride down the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is called the 'Venice of the East' and the river is the perfect perspective from which to appreciate this bustling city.
And don't forget to try the street food. Every busy road will have street food vendors selling their products to the locals and tourists alike.
Shoppers Be Aware! Bangkok boasts everything from flashy high-end malls, small street stores and Chatuchak, the famous weekend market that has 8,000 stalls covering 27 acres of space and is one of the largest markets in the world.
Looking for some entertainment, Bangkok is famous for it's nightlife scene and restaurants. There are exciting nightclubs, amazing rooftop bars, hip cocktail bars and just about any ethnic restaurant you may want to try.
The list of things to is endless. Get a Thai massage, go to a Muay Thai boxing match or ride Sky Train. You can't do it all in one trip, and this is what brings many people back again and again, to experience the wonders of this unbelievable city. Bangkok.
What are the popular property types in Bangkok?
There are many foreigners that make Bangkok their home. Either full time or part time, for business, leisure, retirement or investment Bangkok has something for everyone.
It seems like developers in Bangkok are launching new condominium projects weekly. The projects are ranging from mid-range to super luxurious. New developments can offer such modern features as sky garden terraces, automatic parking systems, yoga rooms, wellness centers and therapy healing swimming pools. Or more traditional features such as, saunas, fitness centers, kids play areas, security and key card access.
If it is space you want, then a slightly older condominium in Bangkok is for you. These condominiums have the same basic features but their square meters are much larger. Perfect for a large families or people that want more room around them.
Unique to Bangkok is the loft-style duplex. These apartments are two storey condominiums inside a larger high rise. They have a loft open living area on the ground floor and the sleeping quarters are usually on the second floor. Ideal for the homeowner that wants something different.
Another option is townhouses. Townhouses are attached homes and usually located in a secure estate. The townhomes are three or four storey high and have larger square footage. Most include parking in front and sometimes a garden. This is an excellent solution for a multi-generation family.
Most people think that properties in Bangkok are all high-rise condominiums, but there many detached single houses available as well. Bangkok has a diverse selection of properties for available and the opportunity to own a home that suits your lifestyle is there in Bangkok.
Why choose Siam Real Estate in Bangkok?
Siam Real Estate agents have more experience than any other real estate company in Thailand. We have skilled real estate professionals and that is the number one asset that sets us apart from any other agency. Our agents are great listeners. They focus on understanding your goal and assure that the path is a smooth one.
Siam Real Estate can help you sell your property, or find that perfect home. Our knowledgeable agents will work with you and for you, eliminating the hassle and uncertainty of the selling / buying process. With two dedicated sales offices and sales agents in all top destinations in Thailand, we are there to help you.
Our most effective Marketing tool—Our Agents
Full Time in all top Thailand destinations
Productive with high closure and sales volume
Experienced in all aspects of real estate and marketing
Hands on and will visit properties with you and for you and free viewings
High Tech that utilize state-of-the-art technology to evaluate and market your property.
Sales Tools available to our customers
Comprehensive website with listings that are updated daily with new property for sale or rent
Latest News section on the website that has market analysis and information for buyers and sellers
ROI (Return On Investment) calculator
After Sales Services
Siam Real Estate is the best choice in Thailand to help you sell or rent your home. We are there for you.
Locations of Bangkok
- Charoen Krung
- Sukhumvit Soi 3-20
- Silom, Sathorn
- Ratchadamri, Lang Suan
- Rama 3
- Chitlom, Wireless Road
- Bangna
- Sukhumvit Soi 21-39
- Sukhumvit Soi 40-63
- Mo Chit
- Saphan Khwai
- Ari
- Sanam Pao
- Victory Monument
- Phaya Thai
- Ratchathewii
- Siam
- Chit Lom
- Phloen Chit
- Nana
- Asok
- Phrom Phong
- Thong Lo
- Ekkamai
- Phra Khanong
- On Nut
- Bangchak
- Phunnawithee
- Udomsuk
- Bang Na
- Bearing
- Bang Sue
- Kamphaeng Phet
- Chatuchak Park
- Phahon Yothin
- Lat Phrao
- Ratchadaphisek
- Sutthisan
- Huai Khwang
- Thailand Cultural Centre
- Phra Ram 9
- Phetchaburi
- Sukhumvit
- Khlong Toei
- Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
- Lumphini
- Si Lom
- Sam Yan
- Hua Lamphong
- National Stadium
- Ratchadamri
- Sala Daeng
- Chong Nonsi
- Surasak
- Saphan Tak Sin
- Krung Thonburi
- Wongwian Yai
- Phaya Thai
- Ratchaprarop
- Suan Luang
- Akhan Songkhro
- Ban Thap Chang
- Bang Krasor
- Bang Phlu
- Bang Rak Noi Tha IT
- Bang Rak Yai
- Bang Son
- Bang Wa
- Charoenrat
- Hua Mak
- Khlong Bang Phai
- Lat Krabang
- Makkasan
- Ministry of Public Health
- Nararam III
- Nonthaburi Civic Center
- Pho Nimit
- Phra Nangklao Bridge
- Rama III Bridge
- Rama IX Bridge
- Ramkhamhaeng
- Ratchapruek
- Sai Ma
- Sam Yaek Bang Yai
- Samrong
- Saphan Khwai.
- Sathon
- Suvarnbhumi
- Talad Bang Yai
- Talat Phlu
- Tao Poon
- Tao Poon
- Technic Krungthep
- Thanon Chan
- Wat Dan
- Wat Dokmai
- Wat Pariwat
- Wong Sawang
- Wutthakat
- Yaek Nonthaburi 1
- Yaek Tiwanon


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Koreshan State Historic Site
Former utopian colony based on the belief that the universe exists in a hollow sphere.
Cyrus Reed Teed was an eclectic physician whose experiments in alchemy often involved dangerously high levels of electricity. In one such experiment in 1869, Teed was shocked so badly that he blacked out. It was during this period of unconsciousness that Teed insists a "divine illumination" occurred.
In this alleged mystical experience, Teed believed that God, in the form of a beautiful woman, divulged all the secrets of the universe and urged him to use his scientific knowledge to interpret the Bible. Though many believed that Teed's experience was more a result of brain damage than divine intervention, Teed dramatically changed his life to fit his new calling.
In the years that followed, Teed changed his name to Koresh, the Hebrew name for Cyrus, and began building the fundamental theories for his new religion, Koreshan Universology, or Koreshanity. Of Teed's pseudoscientific theories, there was one that became the core tenet of Koreshanity: Cellular Cosmogony, the belief that the universe exists inside a giant, hollow sphere.
Similar to other Hollow Earth theories, Cellular Cosmogony posited that humans lived inside—rather than on the surface of—the Earth, and were held there by centrifugal force, not gravity. Moreover, Teed believed that the universe also existed inside this sphere, and that the Sun was an electromagnetic battery-operated helix.
For the next few decades, Teed formed small Koreshan Unity groups around New York, Chicago and San Francisco. Even still, Teed fantasized about forming the "New Jerusalem," a utopian city built on 400-foot wide streets and consisting of 10 million citizens . Eventually, Teed decided to build his utopia in the small town of Estero, Florida, and he and his followers moved south in 1894.
Unfortunately, the "golden age" of Koreshanity was between 1903-1908, at a maximum membership of only 250 people. During this time, however, the Koreshans built extensively, erecting a bakery, printing press, and their own "World College of Life." Additionally, the Koreshans created their own political party and built their own power plant, providing electricity to surrounding towns years before the technology was available to the region.
Teed died in 1908 after being pistol-whipped during an altercation with locals. His death was blamed on this altercation, however, there has never been any crdible proof that this was the cause of his death. His death certificate states that he died of a circulatory ailment. After his death, the Koreshans left his body in a bath tub in hopes that his spirit would be resurrected. Though reincarnation was a central belief in Koreshanity, Teed's spirit never rose, and local health officials eventually demanded a proper burial.
The membership quickly declined, led by roughly three dozen members for the next thirty years. The last surviving member of the Koreshan Unity was Hedwig Michel, who fled Nazi Germany and came to Estero in 1940. Michel spawned a brief Koreshan revival for the next two years, opening up a Western Union and a gas station; however, with only four members left by 1960, she ceded the three hundred acres of land to the State of Florida in 1961.
Today, the area is a historic site and state park. Many of the buildings are still preserved, including the "Planetary Court," where Michel lived until her death in 1981. Visitors can see her grave, the only Koreshan grave on site, as well as browse the extensive landscaping on the grounds. A Monkey Puzzle tree, which drops football-sized seeds, and a number of Sausage trees are among some of the exotic plants that the Koreshans imported to Florida.
Know Before You Go
I-75 Exit 123 Corkscrew Road, head west 2 miles, cross U.S. 41 and continue on Corkscrew Road approximately 1000 yards to entrance of park. If traveling U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) Koreshan is located at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road at Estero.


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Gillian "Gem" Martin is the lead biologist at a wildlife sanctuary on the Northeast coast and head of the Wildlife Emergency Response Team called in when catastrophes, man-made or natural, threaten the endangered species she studies. Austin Germaine is a troubleshooter, the hired gun for a big oil company, whose job is to help contain leaks and prevent media coverage of a pending disaster until the danger can be eliminated. If it can be.
When Gem and Austin meet by chance in the midst of an approaching hurricane, neither expects their immediate connection to lead them into uncharted territory as wild as the looming storm. When word of the spill gets out, Gem and Austin find themselves reluctant allies in a race against time to divert the spill and save the wildlife refuge and its endangered inhabitants—all while battling an attraction as unlikely as it is powerful.
A high-stakes race against time, the forces of nature, and the strongest power of all—the desire of the human heart.
A First Responders Novel


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"Send Me An Angel" - is one of the biggest hits of the Australian band Real Life from the first album "Heartland", published in 1983. The song was recorded later in several other versions, which differ in the arrangement and the duration. Our study was based on the version appearing on the album "Send Me An Angel '89" (1989). In the set we present notation in the form of scores and notes for each instrument separately.
Download sheet music for "Send Me An Angel" (from album "Send Me An Angel '89") by Real Life. Arrangement: Notes and tablature for bass guitar.


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Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall and Preston Frazier
This week Mark and I had a highly enjoyable conversation with Dave Kerzner about his position with Billy Sherwood, Jon Davison, Jay Schellen and Jimmy Haun in Arc of Life. We talk about what he would like the band to grow into and delve a little into his keyboard work with Geoff Downes and Tony Banks. It was a real pleasure to welcome Dave back onto the show.
- What does Dave want to see in the future for Arc of Life?
- It's not Yes but what is it?
- What did Dave do for Geoff Downes?
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Homestead Wills & Trusts Attorney
Your level of preparation can immensely influence your ability to overcome adversity. When we are at our later stages in life, or when we know our time is becoming more limited, we begin thinking about how we want to leave our loved ones secure. This is when the service of our Homestead wills and trusts attorneys can prove to be valuable.
Cass & Ramos, PLLC is composed of trusted estate planning lawyers who specialize in the field of wills and trusts. We recognize your aim to properly allocate all your assets to the important people you will leave behind later in life. Our lawyers are fully equipped to guide you in every step of the process, ensuring that all your prepared documents are valid and substantial.
Wills are essential papers that allow you to bestow your assets to particular persons or organizations, appoint guardians for your children, and ultimately keep your family or children from the state's intestacy proclamations.
Trusts also can provide controls on your assets, whether you are living or dead.
The services we provide are marked by a passion for easing your legal burdens. We understand that humans can't fully control everything, including death, but having a legal groundwork is a smart and professional act of preparation for what is about to come. Be prepared and start talking to our Homestead, FL wills & trusts attorneys today.
Call Cass & Ramos, PLLC at (305) 699-0757 for your Free Consultation!
Things to Remember in Wills and Trusts
A will designates instructions on how to distribute property after your passing. The most common inclusions are the names of beneficiaries, entities that will execute your will's terms, specific guardians for your minor children, and also definite details of your burial and memorial service. A legal will and testament should be written unmistakably to avoid confusion and disputes between your executor and beneficiaries.
Dying without a will can make managing your assets complicated because they will fall under the state's intestate law. Your descendants also may have to pay a huge amount in the probate process.
Although a trust functions similarly to a will, a trust helps your assets and beneficiaries avoid probate. Trust is a legal instrument where you (the settlor) appoint an entity (the trustee) to handle your beneficiaries' assets. It enables you to protect your assets from being used differently than what you intended to do if you were the one in control. A trust also has tax advantages, and it allows you to pass your assets to the next generation.
There are two types of trust you must remember. One is the revocable trust. The terms of this trust can be changed as long as the settlor is able to do so. The other type is an irrevocable trust which cannot be modified. However, if you made a revocable trust and you die, the trust becomes irrevocable.
Why You Need a Wills & Trusts Attorney
Carrying out your plans on your own might eventually end up in a pileup of complications, especially if you have a large amount of assets to handle. Relying on the internet for what to do is not enough since every state has estate laws that differ from one another and every family has its own unique needs.
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There are specific terms and technicalities that only an experienced lawyer knows. Our lawyers can discern the most suitable ways to accomplish your goals. We can help you protect your assets during a potential will contest by providing a well-documented case file. We will make sure to help you minimize risk by taking the right measures in this complicated process.
If you make your documents, there is a chance of overlooking details that may prove crucial, such as signatures. You may even leave out assets you thought are not to be included. State statutes are also significant matters to consider. If you made your own documents and were not able to include particular details that the law requires to be on your will or trust, your effort may just go to waste and be considered invalid.
Credible Homestead Wills & Trusts Attorneys
At Cass & Ramos, PLLC, your assets and personal details are always safe. Although your situation is unique, our wills and trusts attorneys have acquired adequate experience in various cases that may have been similar to yours. We will respect your decisions and will focus on helping you overcome the complex process of planning, evaluating assets and liabilities, and writing the document.
You do not have to be elderly or wealthy to draft a will or trust. Everyone can choose to be prepared for what might happen in the future and to maintain control of their property. Our Homestead wills and trusts attorneys are here to explain what can be included in your will, how to divide your assets among your beneficiaries properly, and what to consider when filing one. We also get you informed on the advantages and disadvantages of revocable and irrevocable trusts.
Our trained and professional lawyers have a long list of families satisfied with our legal services. Our legal team has always been efficient and reliable in doing their jobs. Rest assured, we will give you the same level of satisfaction with our experience, knowledge, and skills in establishing valid wills and trusts.
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If you fear that you might lose control of your assets or if you have questions on state law regarding wills and trusts, your best choice is to hire an attorney from Cass & Ramos, PLLC.
With our in-depth knowledge of Homestead law concerning wills and trusts, we will deliberate on all your concerns, assets, and other legal matters that we find valuable in your situation.
Call Cass & Ramos, PLLC at (305) 699-0757 for your Free Consultation!


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We're loving it up here. I love that I can blow-dry my hair and not end up in a giant ball of sweat afterwards. If I get hot, I just open a window. What a concept!
We now have these two little fur-balls to keep me busy during the long, cold wintry days. They both came from the ASPCA and a rescue group. Meet Chaz and Lucy! Lucy is the kitten and I forgot what a handful kittens can be, but she's sweet too, so that helps. I know...they look exactly alike...I'm anal that way.
I'm on a new job hunt. Basically, I've been out of work by choice for one year. My last job completely burned me out to where I woke up one day and said, "¡NO MAS!" That job literally made me sick and I had to make a choice between my sanity and a pay check.
Since the age of 14, I've never not had a job…or two…or even three at a time. This past year has been completely new and alien to me, but a well-needed recharging. Plus a good portion was used to help sell our house and relocate up here. I also did a bit of volunteer work and watched wayyyy too much of the Military History Channel. I slept a lot, and spent days where I didn't even shower, and it was all deliciously wonderful. I couldn't have done it without my hunny bunny husband, who is a doll and supported me every step of the way.
Happy New Year!


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We've all heard of the great men and women who have marked the history of France. Still, perhaps you'd like to learn a little more about these legendary leaders, like Joan of Arc, Louis XIV or, closer to us, Georges Pompidou... Historical trails, museums, memorials, and even chateaux and gardens take us back in time to the lives of these emblematic figures.
From the Gallo-Roman era to the Middle Ages
Vercingetorix, the most famous Gallic leader, was born in Auvergne in approximately 80 BC. After heading multiple battles to unify Gaul, he beat Caesar in Gergovie in 52 BC before leading his troops to Alesia. Relive these Gallic Wars today at the MuseoParc Alésia in Burgundy. Another great unifying force, Charles the First (known as Charlemagne) was praised for having restored the great Western Empire and for decreeing a free school system. In one of France's most beautiful villages, Poitou, a trail retracing Charlemagne's life stops at Charroux Abbey, where the King's octagonal tower still stands. The influence of the church was even greater under King Louis IX, who was known as Saint-Louis. In 1248, he inaugurated the Sainte-Chapelle on Paris' Île de la Cité, a sacred lieu destined to house the holy relics of Jesus acquired by the King. Two centuries later, in 1425, a young peasant in Lorraine received a message from Archangel Michael. He bid her to lead the Dauphin to Reims to have him crowned, and to push the English out of France. Tenacious and determined, Joan of Arc joined Charles VII in Chinon in 1429: this mythical meeting was a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years War. At the Royal Fortress of Chinon today, look back on the epic legend of Joan of Arc, from her youth in Domrémy to the stake on which she was burned, in Rouen.
From the Renaissance to the French Revolution
In 1515, François the First became King of France. Choosing the salamander as his emblem, the reptile can today be found on the ceilings and walls of the Chambord Chateau in the Loire Valley. He reigned over a powerful kingdom and, after his victory over the Milanese in Marignan, sent Jacques Cartier to explore the Saint Laurence River in Quebec, and substituted Latin for French as the administration's official language. In 1533, King François' second son, Henri, married Catherine de Médicis, who became regent. Fond of grand parties and luxury, Charles IX's mother played the role of a true Renaissance princess and, along with her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, influenced the Chenonceau Chateau's gardens à la française. She attempted to relieve the kingdom of its troubles during the religious wars, yet it was only with the advent of Henri de Navarre that France grew pacific.
The future Henri IV was born at the Chateau of Pau, which today houses a National Museum on "the good King Henri," displaying the famous turtle shell that once served as his crib. Henri IV founded the Bourbon dynasty before being assassinated by Ravaillac in 1610, and ruled over France very authoritatively, in a manner that paved the way for the Absolutism of his grandson, Louis XIV. Throughout his 72-year reign, Louis XIV, or the Sun King, continuously expanded his home at Versailles, the castle being the ultimate symbol of power, and had extravagant gardens built by Le Nôtre. He worked towards the unification and centralization of the administration, and was a fervent protector of literature and the arts, inviting artists and writers like Le Brun, Racine, and Molière to court... A century later, Louis XVI's wife, Marie-Antoinette, also fell under the charm of the Versailles estate. Fond of entertaining, she organised theatre events and revived the grand balls. She spent more and more time at the Petit Trianon, which was offered to her by the King, then at the Queen's Hamlet, a picturesque little village she had built where, surrounded by her lady companions, she enjoyed the charms of country life. Executed in 1793 during the French Revolution, Marie-Antoinette's remains were placed in the Saint-Denis Basilica's royal crypt in 1815.
19th century: the two Empires
"He was above Europe like an extraordinary vision." This is how Victor Hugo paid tribute to Napoleon the First during his acceptance speech at the Académie française. Napoleon Bonaparte, born in Ajaccio in Corsica, was crowned Emperor of France on December 2, 1804. His reign was marked by a long series of wars, now immortalised in the names of Parisian avenues: d'Iéna, d'Eylau, de Friedland… After the French defeat of the invasion of Russia, Napoleon abdicated in 1814. He was sent to exile on the Isle of Elba, from where he escaped back to Paris to regain his power. Today, still, the Napoleon route between the Juan Gulf on the Riviera and Grenoble in the Alps is the same circuit taken by the Emperor in 1815. It was only after the Restoration, the July Monarchy and the IIe République that Louis-Napoleon, Napoleon's nephew, became the first president of the Republic, and this, to universal approval. Crowned Emperor after a coup d'État in 1852, Napoleon III contributed to France's economic and industrial revolution, notably with the railways he had built. In the meantime, while Baron Haussmann was transforming Paris into a modern capital, Ferdinand de Lesseps was in Egypt overseeing the cutting of the Suez Canal.
Under the Fifth Republic in the 20th century
A symbol of the resistance during the Second World War and a major player in the establishment of the Fifth Republic, General de Gaulle embodied France for many years. The Charles de Gaulle Memorial, inaugurated in 2008 in Colombey-les-deux-églises, is a veritable history lesson on the 20th-century, and, being so close to his home, an intimate encounter with the General himself. Following de Gaulle's resignation in 1969, Georges Pompidou took his place at the Palais de l'Elysée. Pompidou's presidency marks the last breath of the Glorious Thirty, just before the first oil crisis, and during a press conference, he began with this description of France: "Fine dining, Les Folies Bergères, haute couture... It's all over! France has begun an industrial revolution!" And so came about projects like Airbus, Ariane, Concorde... A great lover of art as well, he dreamed of building a cultural institution devoted to modern and contemporary creation in the heart of the Capital. Thus was born the Centre Pompidou, inaugurated in 1977 and considered an emblematic buildings of the 20th century. Culture was also highly esteemed by François Mitterrand, who, during his two seven-year terms in office, established the Fête de la Musique (held each year on June 21), along with other major Parisian institutions: the Geode at Villette Park, the Musée d'Orsay, the Arab World Institute, the Grand Louvre, the Bastille Opera House, France's National Library (today the François Mitterrand Library). He also promoted contemporary architecture with the building of the Grande Arche de la Défense and the Louvre Pyramid.
Have a chance to win 1 out of 25 double passes to visit the exhibition Matisse: Life & Spirit, click here!
By France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…


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DiS now does a monthly playlist for the Spotify blog and we thought we'd share this month's playlist right here.
Spring has sprung in London but there are no sheep leaping fences or daffodils bathed in sunshine outside my window. Nope, there's heavy rain bashing my window pane and high-winds turning umbrellas inside out, so apologies in advance if this isn't some Balearic beat-riding beast of a playlist and is perhaps more of a sombre plate of dark chocolate biscuits. Unless you're somewhere exotic reading this (and if you're reading this on your mobile, cooling in the shade on some beach, please spare us a smug a comment below, thanx!), go grab a cup of lady grey tea, put on some radiator-warmed socks and press play on this month's playlist by DrownedinSound founder Sean Adams.
1) Sparklehorse 'Rainmaker'
Mark Linkous was a genius. On March 7th he shot himself in the heart (News story) and in doing so his legacy was finally heralded by all corners of the mainstream press. If you haven't heard Sparklehorse before and like this track, I thoroughly recommend you explore Mark's entire heart-rendering catalogue of fuzz-drenched, sun-drunk, pop hits from a parallel universe. Rest in Peace.
2) Elliott Smith 'Thirteen'
Alex Chilton of the hugely influential Big Star also died in March 2010 (News story). This is a Big Star cover by the also deceased Elliott Smith, who has some posthumous remasters out in April via Domino Records in the UK and the Kill Rock Stars label in the US (info).
3) Broken Bells 'The Mall & Misery'
Here's a new project from two living legends, James Mercer from The Shins and Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse, who you may also know as one half of Gnarls Barkley. This synthesis of James' lyrical prowess, melodic wonderment and Brian's beats and next-level production coalesce beneath the swirls of post-Beatles psychedelia and swirly 70s LA-rock. Their self-titled album came out earlier this month (9/10 Review) and DiS caught up with them (somewhat jet-lagged) in Paris to talk about the record and the collaboration, which you can watch by click-clacking here.
4) Broken Social Scene 'Anthems For a Seventeen Year-Old Girl'
This Canadian super-group features everyone who's anyone in Toronto's indie-rock scene from Feist to post-rock royalty A Silver Mt Zion. Broken Social Scene have a new album due soon and they're coming over to play a show in Sheffield for Drowned in Sound. We love them, especially for tracks like this swelling - almost drone-like - song from 2002's You Forgot in People, featuring vocals from Metric's Emily Haines.
5) Emily Haines 'Reading In Bed'
Speaking of Ms. Haines, you might have noticed the special edition of Metric's latest album Fantasies being advertised on Spotify. It's well worth exploring, as is Emily's Knives Don't Have Your Back solo record (which, in the name of full disclosure, I released via the Drowned in Sound label a few years ago as I loved it so much). Emily was planning to work with Mark Linkous on the forthcoming Sparklehorse album and wrote this touching tribute to him, here.
6) White Hinterland 'Icarus'
Whilst this playlist is at a low-ebb with sultry vocals, here's a track from the new White Hinterland album Kairos (8/10 review). Portland Oregon based Casey Dienel's vocals swoop and unfurl on this track, against the icy swarm of synths. When not making music, Casey is a massive 'foodie' and provided DiS with three recipes for you to make and bake at home.
7) jj 'Into the Light'
Picking up the pace of this playlist a little but not a lot, is jj (which is meant to be written in lower-case), with this track taken from her blog-buzzed new album jj nº 3.
8) Toro Y Moi 'Freak Love'
Don't adjust your speakers or ponder whether anyone's slipped 'something' into your elevensies, as this is simply the sound of 'chillwave'. Not sure what that is? Read this thread for a full explanation of this latest sub-genre fad. This track is taken from Toro Y Moi's latest album Causers of This (7/10 review) which is out now.
9) David Bowie 'Warszawa'
Of course, a lot of the 'chillwave' sound wouldn't be imaginable/thievable if it wasn't for Brian Eno's excursions into new frontiers of sound, such as this track from the benchmark setting Low. I say benchmark, what I really mean is an impossibly high hurdle, which, decades on from it 1977 release, still sounds impeccable and future-leaning.
10) Errors 'A Rumour In Africa'
Squalling from your speakers is the sound of Glasgow-based, artful, angular guitar-wielding, electronica outfit Errors. They've toured with dance-acts, post-rock pioneers (in fact, they're signed to Mogwai's Rock Action label) and hipster guitar bands, whilst never deviating too far in either direction. This track is taken from their 9/10 scoring new album Come Down With Me. You can catch Errors on the Drowned in Sound stage at Summer Sundae festival in Leicester alongside Futureheads, Frightened Rabbit, Los Campesinos and more (details).
11) Liars 'Scarecrows On A Killer Slant (By Tunde Adebimpe)'
New York's noisiest ambient-loving punks Liars took over Drowned in Sound to celebrate the release of their phenomenal new album Sisterworld (8/10 review). They also let a heap of the most talented musicians around remix their album. The remixes feature on the second disc, including this one by Tunde from TV on the Radio.
12) Kid Cudi, MGMT, Ratatat 'Pursuit Of Happiness (nightmare)'
Speaking of remixes, here's a concoction of rap-star Kid Cudi, indie-pop tear-aways MGMT and palatial 'n pastoral deviated disco chaps Ratatat. This month we interviewed MGMT about their much-debated new album Congratulations and heard rumblings that Ratatat have a new album due in May.
13) The Knife 'We Share Our Mother's Health - Trentemøller Remix'
We rarely hand out 10 out of 10 ratings on DiS but then we very rarely hear anything as unique as The Knife's Darwin-inspired Opera, Tomorrow, in a Year. This track isn't from the opera but acts as an introduction to one of the greatest bands of the 21st Century. You can also read our interview with Olof Dreijer here.
14) Caribou 'Odessa'
Dumm-dumm-derring-screech! Caribou aka London-dwelling Canadian Dan Snaith, is a man who's equally awe of nature as he is in love with mathematics and machines. This track comes from his forthcoming album Swim which is due out on April 19th. Whilst you're waiting for the record to drop, check out the video have a listen to these fantastic remixes he's done recently, including a beautiful remix of Four Tet.
15) Tunng 'Hustle'
Chirpy, electronic and twee aren't the kind of words you can use to describe many things but with their Belle & Sebastian meets Animal Collective swirl of textures, that pretty much describes what Tunng do. This track has been remixed by Bloc Party and we ran a competition to remix it again - have a listen to all the entries here. This track is taken from their new album And Then We Saw Land (7/10 review).
16) Stricken city 'Killing Time'
Sitting on a door-key-scratched bench, somewhere between the romance of The Libertines and Franz Ferdinand's pop blimp are London's Stricken City. They were one of the band's to watch at this year's SXSW and they recently made a great video for new song 'Animal Festival', which cost just over a hundred quid and has to be seen (HERE) to be believed. Uh-uh-oh-OH....
17) The White Stripes 'Icky Thump (Live)'
Jack brings the mutha-truckin' riff! Taken from Under Great White Northern Lights (7/10 review).
18) Blood Red Shoes 'Colours Fade'
Much-like the White Stripes, Blood Red Shoes are a formidable two-some. Rather than turn blues-rock up to eleven, Steven (drums & vocals) and Laura-Mary (guitars & vocals) have dragged grunge kicking and spewing into the noughties. The Brighton duo's second album Fire Like This is one of the finest releases of the year so far - go investigate it! To promote the release Steven shared the things he's learned in transition from his time in do-it-yourself Fugazi-esque punk rock bands (including Cat on Form) to being in a world-touring 'professional' band with a record deal, read the piece, featuring must-read advice for any musicians here.
19) The Besnard Lakes 'Like the Ocean, Like The Innocent Pt. 2: The Innocent'
If you like bands who create music that is menacing and so grand it towers over you (like Low and early Verve), turn this up! The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Lights is one of my favourite albums of the year (so far!) and it seems a lot of our community agree.
20) Fur 'Lackadaisical'
After that wall of sound, I thought this chilled out 80s movie soundtrack-like bliss would be quite soothing. The album Witches (review) which this track comes from is perfect to throw on late at night or whilst you're in need of a de-stressing cocoon of sound at your desk.... until the white noise static kicks in, obviously!
21) Laura Marling 'Blackberry Stone'
Closing this month's playlist is a track from the wise-and-wrought-beyond-her-years Laura Marling. On the critically-celebrated new album I Speak Because I Can (9/10 review), her voice has a new-found grace and oakie croak plus her song-writing has found a subtlety of its own.
...and with that fading strum, that's your lot from March 2010. If you're looking for more playlists, check out our weekly and irregular themed Spotify playlists on DrownedinSound.com. And if you missed February's playlist you will find it here and January's is here.
Listen: Drowned in March 2010
White Board image by Janine Underhill via http://edjeavons.co.uk/tag/sxsw/


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Let's face it. Two years ago, if I started talking about ventilation, you might have just yawned and tuned me out. But the COVID pandemic has highlighted just how much the air we breathe matters, especially in our schools. Air quality experts say the health benefits of better air quality go far beyond COVID, but many schools face major challenges when it comes to making these upgrades. NPR's Maria Godoy has more.
MARIA GODOY, BYLINE: Not many people can say the pandemic has made their job easier. But in some ways, Tracy Washington Enger can.
TRACY WASHINGTON ENGER: You know, it is such a hallelujah moment. Absolutely.
GODOY: Enger works at the Environmental Protection Agency's Indoor Environments Division. For more than 25 years, she's been fighting to improve the air quality inside of America's schools because the benefits of doing so are well-documented and substantial. When a room is better ventilated, influenza rates drop. The number of asthma attacks go down. Reading and math test scores go up.
ENGER: One of the things that has been a real mission for us has been to help schools recognize that creating healthy learning environments is really connected to health and academic performance.
GODOY: But there are lots of competing demands for limited school budgets. And getting school districts to focus on indoor air quality hasn't been easy. Often, she says, it took some kind of crisis.
ENGER: When they found the mold problem, when their asthma rates were kind of going through the roof, then they started to seek out that kind of help with indoor air quality. And they would find it.
GODOY: Then came the COVID pandemic, spread by virus particles that can linger in the air. The key to clearing out those infectious particles, - good ventilation and air filtration. Suddenly, finally, lots of people have started to pay attention to indoor air quality. And it's about time, says Joseph Allen. He directs Harvard's Healthy Buildings Program.
JOSEPH ALLEN: The way we design, operate or buildings has been an afterthought for too long.
GODOY: Even though, Allen says, the health and academic benefits of good ventilation in schools have been seen repeatedly in different countries and ages.
ALLEN: We see benefits in kindergartners. We see benefits in high schoolers. We see benefits in college students and middle schoolers - every age group.
GODOY: Allen says understanding these wider benefits of better ventilation beyond COVID is vital.
ALLEN: I'm a parent. You think about all the things we do to help our kids succeed. But to think that the air quality in their school and other factors like acoustics and lighting are all influencing their performance, but we just don't pay attention to them - it's a gross oversight, and it speaks to our neglect of school infrastructure that has gone on for too long.
GODOY: That's why Allen applauded the new emphasis on school ventilation in the Biden administration's National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. The plan encourages schools to improve air quality using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Anisa Heming of the Center for Green Schools says one-third of all schools have outdated HVAC systems. Some don't even have mechanical systems to bring in fresh air. Surveys conducted by the center find that that aging infrastructure has been a major obstacle to improving air quality in schools.
ANISA HEMING: We keep hearing the same challenge, which is that school buildings are in bad shape. And so they need, in some cases, pretty major renovations in order to implement some of these recommendations.
GODOY: But that kind of work takes months of planning. There's no clear data on how many schools have made ventilation upgrades so far. But the EPA's Tracy Enger says interest in the agency's guidance for schools has soared in the past year. Finally, she says, people are coming to the mountain.
ENGER: What we are seeing is this moment turning into a movement for improving indoor air quality in schools and creating healthier learning spaces.
GODOY: A February analysis found school districts already have plans to spend more than $4 billion in federal relief funds for HVAC upgrades. While that's just a fraction of the spending needed to get schools in good condition, many agree it's a step in the right direction. Maria Godoy, NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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The Cycle of the Year as Breathing Process of the Earth. Lecture 3 of 5.
Rudolf Steiner, Dornach, Switzerland, April 2, 1923:
We should not underestimate the significance it once held for mankind to focus the whole attention during the year on a festival-time. Although in our time the celebration of religious festivals is largely a matter of habit, it was not always so. There were times when people united their consciousness with the course of the year; when, let us say, at the beginning of the year they felt themselves standing within the course of time in such a way that they said to themselves: "There is such and such a degree of cold or warmth now; there are certain relationships among the other weather conditions, certain relationships also between the growth or non-growth in plants or animals." — People experienced along with Nature the gradual changes and metamorphoses she went through. But they shared this experience with Nature in such a way — when their consciousness was united with the natural phenomena — that they oriented this consciousness toward a specific festival. Let us say, at the beginning of the year, through the various feeling perceptions associated with the passing of winter, the consciousness was directed toward the Easter time, or in the fall, with the fading away of life, toward Christmas. Then men's souls were filled with feelings which found expression in the way they related themselves to what the festivals meant to them.
Thus people partook in the course of the year, and this participation meant for the most part permeating with spirit not only what they saw and heard around them but what they experienced with their whole human being. They experienced the course of the year as an organic life process, just as in the human being when he is a child we relate the utterances of the childish soul with the awkward movements of a child, or its imperfect way of speaking. As we connect specific soul-experiences with the change of teeth, other soul experiences with the later bodily changes, so men once saw the ruling and weaving of the spiritual in the successive changes of outer nature, in growth and decline, or in a waxing followed by a waning.
Now, all this cannot help affecting the whole way man feels himself as earthly man in the universe. Thus we can say that in that period at the beginning of our reckoning of time, when the remembrance of the Event of Golgotha began to be celebrated which later became the Easter festival — in that period in which the Easter festival was livingly felt and perceived, when man still took part in the turning of the year as I have just described it — then it was in essence so, that people felt their own lives surrendered, given over to the outer spiritual-physical world. Their feeling told them that in order to make their lives complete, they had need of the vision of the Entombment and the Resurrection, of that sublime image of the Mystery of Golgotha.
But it is from filling the consciousness in such a way that inspirations arise for men. People are not always conscious of these inspirations, but it is a secret of human evolution that from these religious attitudes toward the phenomena of the world, inspirations for the whole of life proceed.
First of all, we must understand clearly that during a certain epoch, during the Middle Ages, the people who oriented the spiritual life were priests, and those priests were concerned above all with the ordering of the festivals. They set the tone for the celebration of the festivals. The priesthood was that group of men who presented the festivals before the rest of mankind, before the laity, and who gave the festivals their content. In so doing the priests themselves felt this content very deeply; and the entire soul-condition that resulted from the inspiring effect of the festivals was expressed in the rest of the soul-life.
The Middle Ages would not have produced what is called Scholasticism — the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas and Albertus Magnus and the other Scholastics — if this philosophy, this world conception, with all its social consequences, had not been inspired by the most important thought of the Church, by the Easter thought. In the vision of the descending Christ, Who lives for a time in man on Earth and then goes through the Resurrection, that soul impulse was given which led to the particular relation between faith and science, between knowledge and revelation, which was agreed upon by the Scholastics. That out of man himself, only knowledge of the sensible world can be acquired, whereas everything connected with the supersensible world has to be gained through revelation — this was determined basically by the way the Easter thought followed upon the Christmas thought.
And if, in turn, the idea-world of natural science today is totally the product of Scholasticism, as I have often explained to you, we must then say: "Although the natural science of the present is not aware of it, its knowledge is essentially a direct imprint of the Easter thought which prevailed in the early Middle Ages and then became paralyzed in the later Middle Ages and in modern times." Notice the way natural science applies in its ideas what is so popular today and indeed dominates our culture: it devotes its ideas entirely to dead nature; it considers itself incapable of rising above dead nature. This is a result of that inspiration which was stimulated by viewing the Laying in the Grave.
As long as people were able to add the Resurrection to the Entombment as something to which they looked up, they then added also the revelation concerning the supersensible to mere outer sense-knowledge. But as it became more and more common to view the Resurrection as an inexplicable and therefore unjustifiable miracle, revelation — that is, the supersensible world — came to be repudiated. The present-day natural scientific view is inspired solely by the conception of Good Friday and lacks any conception of Easter Sunday.
We need to recognize this inner connection: The inspired element is always that which is experienced within all the festival moods in relation to Nature. We must come to know the connection between this inspiring element and all that comes to expression in human life. When we once gain an insight into the intimate connection that exists between this living-oneself-into the course of the year and what men think, feel, and will, then we shall also recognize how significant it would be if we were to succeed, for example, in making the Michael festival in autumn a reality; if we were really to succeed, out of spiritual foundations, out of esoteric foundations, in making the autumn Michael festival something that would pass over into men's consciousness and again work inspiringly.
If the Easter thought were to receive its coloration through the fact that to the Easter thought "He has been laid in the grave and is arisen" the other thought is added, the human thought, "He is arisen and may be laid in the grave without perishing" — If this Michael thought could become living, what tremendous significance just such an event could have for men's whole perceiving (Empfindung) and feeling and willing — and how this could "live itself into" the whole social structure of mankind!
My dear friends, all that people are hoping for from a renewal of the social life will not come about from all the discussions and all the institutions based on what is externally sensible. It will be able to come about only when a mighty inspiration-thought goes through mankind, when an inspiration-thought takes hold of mankind through which the moral-spiritual element will once again be felt and perceived along with the natural-sensible element.
People today are like earthworms, I might say, looking for sunlight under the ground, while to find the sunlight they need to come forth above the surface of the earth. Nothing in reality will be accomplished by all of today's organizations and plans for reform; something can be achieved only by the mighty impact of a thought-impulse drawn out of the spirit. For it must be clear to us that the Easter thought itself can only attain its new "nuance" through being complemented by the Michael thought.
Let us consider this Michael thought somewhat more closely. If we look at the Easter thought, we have to consider that Easter occurs at the time of the bursting and sprouting life of spring. At this time the Earth is breathing out her soul-forces, in order that these soul-forces may be permeated again by the astral element surrounding the Earth, the extra-earthly, cosmic element. The Earth is breathing out her soul. What does this mean?
It means that certain elemental beings which are just as much in the periphery of the Earth as the air is or as the forces of growth are — that these unite their own being with the out-breathed Earth soul in those regions in which it is spring. These beings float and merge with the out-breathed Earth soul. They become dis-individualized; they lose their individuality and rise in the general earthly soul element. We see countless elemental beings in spring just around Easter time in the final stage of the individual life which was theirs during the winter. We see them merging into the general Earth soul element and rising like a sort of cloud (red, yellow, with green). I might say that during the wintertime these elemental beings are within the soul element of the Earth, where they had become individualized; before this Easter time they had a certain individuality, flying and floating about as individual beings. During Easter time we see them come together in a general cloud (red), and form a common mass within the Earth soul (green). But by so doing these elemental beings lose their consciousness to a certain degree and enter into a sort of sleeping condition. Certain animals sleep in the winter; these elemental beings sleep in summer. This sleep is deepest during St. John's time, when they are completely asleep. Then they begin once more to individualize, and when the Earth breathes in again at Michaelmas, at the end of September, we can see them already as separate beings again.
Man needs these elemental beings... This is not in his consciousness, but man needs them nonetheless, in order to unite them with himself, so that he can prepare his future. And man could unite these elemental beings with himself, if at a certain festival time — it would have to be at the end of September — he could perceive with a special inner soul-filled liveliness how Nature herself changes toward the autumn; if he could perceive how the animal and plant life recedes, how certain animals begin to seek their shelters against the winter; how the plant leaves get their autumn coloring; how all Nature fades and withers.
It is true that spring is fair, and it is a fine capacity of the human soul to perceive the beauty of the spring, the growing, sprouting, burgeoning life. But to be able to perceive also when the leaves fade and take on their fall coloring, when the animals creep away — to be able to feel how in the sensible which is dying away, the gleaming, shining, soul-spiritual element arises — to be able to perceive how with the yellowing of the leaves there is a descent of the springing and sprouting life, but how the sensible becomes yellow in order that the spiritual can live in the yellowing as such — to be able to perceive how in the falling of the leaves the ascent of the spirit takes place, how the spiritual is the counter-manifestation of the fading sense-perceptible — this should as a perceptive feeling for the spirit ensoul the human being in autumn! Then he would prepare himself in the right way precisely for Christmastide.
Man should become permeated, out of anthroposophical spiritual science, by the truth that it is precisely the spiritual life of man on Earth which depends on the declining physical life. Whenever we think, the physical matter in our nerves is destroyed; the thought struggles up out of the matter as it perishes. To feel the becoming of the thought in one's self, the gleaming up of the idea in the human soul, in the whole human organism of man; to be akin to the yellowing leaves, the withering foliage, the drying and shriveling of the plant world in Nature; to feel the kinship of man's spiritual "being-ness" with Nature's spiritual "being-ness" — this can give man that impulse which strengthens his will, that impulse which points man to the permeation of his will with spirituality.
In so doing, however, in permeating his will with spirituality, the human being becomes an associate of the Michael activity on earth. And when man lives with Nature in this way as autumn approaches and brings this living-with-Nature to expression in an appropriate festival content, then he will be able truly to perceive the completing (Erganzung) of the Easter mood. But by means of this, something else will become clear to him. — You see, what man thinks, feels, and wills today is really inspired by the Easter mood, which is actually one-sided. This Easter mood is essentially a result of the sprouting, burgeoning life, which causes everything to merge as in a pantheistic unity. Man is surrendered to the unity of Nature, and to the unity of the world generally. This is also the structure of our spiritual life today. Man wants everything to revert to a unity, to a monon; he is either a devotee of universal spirit or universal nature; and he is accordingly either a spiritualistic Monist or a materialistic Monist. Everything is included in an indefinite unity. This is essentially the spring mood.
But when we look into the autumn mood, with the rising and becoming free of the spiritual, and the dropping away and withering of the sensible (red), then we have a view of the spiritual as such, and the sensible as such.
The sprouting plant in the spring has the spiritual within its sprouting and growing; the spiritual is mingled with the sensible; we have essentially a unity. The withering plant lets the leaf fall, and the spirit rises; we have the spirit, the invisible, supersensible spirit, and the material falling out of it. I would say that it is just as if we had in a container, first, a uniform fluid in which something is dissolved, and then by some process we should cause this to separate from the fluid and fall to the bottom as sediment. We have now separated the two which were united, which had formed a unity.
The spring tends to weave everything together, to blend everything into a vague, undifferentiated unity. The view of the autumn, if we only look at it in the right way, if we contrast it in the right way with the view of the spring, calls attention to the way the spiritual works on the one side and the physical-material on the other. The Easter thought loses nothing of value if the Michaelmas thought is added to it. We have on the one side the Easter thought, where everything appears — I might say — as a pantheistic mixture, a unity. Then we have what is differentiated; but the differentiation does not occur in any irregular, chaotic fashion. We have regularity throughout.
Think of the cyclic course: joining together, intermingling, unifying; an intermediate state when the differentiating takes place; the complete differentiation; then again the merging of what was differentiated within the uniform, and so forth. There you see always besides these two conditions yet a third: you see the rhythm between the differentiated and the undifferentiated, in a certain way, between the in-breathing of what was differentiated-out and the out-breathing again, an intermediate condition. You see a rhythm: a physical-material, a spiritual, a working-in-each-other of the physical-material and the spiritual: a soul element.
But the important thing is this: not to stop with the common human fancy that everything must be led back to a unity; thereby everything, whether the unity is a spiritual or a material one, is led back to the indefiniteness of the cosmic night. In the night all cows are gray; in spiritual Monism all ideas are gray; in material Monism they are likewise gray. These are only distinctions of perceiving; they are of no concern for a higher view. What matters is this: that we as human beings can so unite ourselves with the cosmic course that we are in a position to follow the living transition from the unity into the trinity, the return from trinity into unity. When, by complementing the Easter thought with the Michael thought in this way we have become able to perceive rightly the primordial trinity in all existence, then we shall take it into our whole attitude of soul. Then we shall be in a position to understand that actually all life depends upon the activity and the interworking of primordial trinities. And when we have the Michael festival inspiring such a view in the same way that the one-sided Easter festival inspired the view now existing, then we shall have an inspiration, a Nature/Spirit impulse, to introduce threefoldness, the impulse of threefoldness into all the observing and forming of life. And it depends finally and only upon the introduction of this impulse, whether the destructive forces in human evolution can be transformed once more into ascending forces.
One might say that when we spoke of the threefold impulse it was in a certain sense a test of whether the Michael thought is already strong enough so that it can be felt how such an impulse flows directly out of the forces that shape the time. It was a test of the human soul, of whether the Michael thought is strong enough as yet in a large number of people. Well, the test yielded a negative result. The Michael thought is not strong enough in even a small number of people for it to be perceived truly in all its time-shaping power and forcefulness. And it will indeed hardly be possible, for the sake of new forces of ascent, to unite human souls with the original formative cosmic forces in the way that is necessary, unless such an inspiring force as can permeate a Michael festival — unless, that is to say, a new formative impulse can come forth from the depths of the esoteric life.
If instead of the passive members of the Anthroposophical Society, even only a few active members could be found, then it would become possible to set up further deliberations to consider such a thought. It is essential to the Anthroposophical Society that while stimuli within the Society should of course be carried out, the members should actually attach primary value, I might say, to participating in what is coming to pass. They may perhaps focus the contemplative forces of their souls on what is taking place, but the activity of their own souls does not become united with what is passing through the time as an impulse. Hence, with the present state of the Anthroposophical Movement there can of course be no question of considering as part of its activity anything like what has just now been spoken of as an esoteric impulse. But it must be understood how mankind's evolution really moves, that the great sustaining forces of humanity's world-evolution come not from what is propounded in superficial words, but from entirely different quarters.
This has always been known in ancient times from primeval elementary clairvoyance. In ancient times it was not the custom for the young people to learn, for example, that there are so and so many chemical elements; then another is discovered and there are then 75, then 76; another is discovered and there are 77. One cannot anticipate how many may still be discovered. Accidentally, one is added to 75, to 76, and so on. In what is adduced here as number, there is no inner reality. And so it is everywhere. Who is interested today in anything that would bring to revelation, let us say, that a systematic threefoldness or trinity prevails in plants! Order after order is discovered, species after species; and they are counted just as though one were counting a chance pile of sticks or stones. But the working of number in the world rests on a real quality of being, and this quality must be fathomed. Only think how short a time lies behind us since knowledge of substance was led back to the trinity of the salty, the mercurial, and the phosphoric; how in this a trinity of archetypal forces was seen; how everything that appeared as individual had to be fitted into one or another of the three archetypal forces.
And it is different again when we look back into still earlier times in which it was easier for people to come to something like this because of the very situation of their culture; for the Oriental cultures lay nearer to the Torrid Zone, where such things were more readily accessible to the ancient elementary clairvoyance. Today, however, it is possible to come to these things in the Temperate Zone through free, exact clairvoyance.... Yet people want to go back to the ancient cultures! In those days people did not distinguish spring, summer, autumn, winter. To distinguish spring, summer, autumn, winter leads us to a mere succession because it contains the "four." It would have been quite impossible for the ancient Indian culture, for example, to think of something like the course of the year as ruled by the four, because this contains nothing of the archetypal forms underlying all activity.
When I wrote my book Theosophy, it was impossible simply to list in succession physical body, etheric body, astral body, and ego, although we can summarize it this way once the matter is before us, once it is inwardly understood. I had therefore to arrange them according to the number three: physical body, ether body, astral body, forming the first trinity. Then comes the trinity interwoven with it: sentient soul, intellectual soul, consciousness soul; then the trinity interwoven with this: spirit self, life spirit, spirit man — three times three interwoven with one another in such a way as to become seven.
Only when we look at the present stage of mankind's evolution does the four appear, which is really a secondary number. If we want to see the inwardly active principle, if we want to see the formative process, we must see forming and shaping as associated with threefoldness, with trinity.
Hence, the ancient Indian view was of a year divided into a hot season, which would approximate our months of April, May, June, July; a wet season, comprising approximately our months, August, September, October, November; and a cold season, which would include our months, December, January, February, March. The boundaries do not need to be rigidly fixed according to the months but are only approximate; they can be thought of as shifting. But the course of the year was thought of according to the principle of the "three."
And thus man's whole state of soul would be imbued with the predisposition to observe this primal trinity in all weaving and working, and hence to interweave it also into all human creating and shaping. We can even say that it is only possible to have true ideas of the free spiritual life, of the life of rights, and of the social-economic life when we perceive in the depths this triple pulse of cosmic activity, which must also permeate human activity.
Any reference to this sort of thing today is regarded as some sort of superstition, whereas it is considered great wisdom simply to count "one" and again "one," "two," "three," and so on. But Nature does not take such a course. If we look, however, only at a realm in which everything is woven together, as is the case with Nature in springtime — which of course we must look at if we want to observe the interweaving of things — then we can never restore the pulse of three.
But when anyone follows the whole course of the year, when he sees how the "three" is organized, how the spiritual and the physical-material life are present as a duality, and the rhythmic interweaving of the two as the third, then he perceives this three-in-one, one-in-three, and learns to know how the human being can place himself in this cosmic activity: three to one, one to three.
It would become the whole disposition of the human soul to permeate the cosmos, to unite itself with cosmic worlds, if once the Michael thought could awaken as a festival thought in such a way that we were to place a Michael festival in the second half of September alongside the Easter festival; if to the thought of the resurrection of the God after death could be added the thought, produced by the Michael force, of the resurrection of man from death, so that man through the Resurrection of Christ would find the force to die in Christ. This means, taking the risen Christ into one's soul during earthly life, so as to be able to die in Him — that is, to be able to die not at death but when one is living.
Such an inner consciousness as this would result from the inspiring element that would come from a Michael service. We can realize full well how far removed from any such idea is our materialistic time, which is also a time grown narrow-minded and pedantic. Of course, nothing can be expected of us, so long as it remains dead and abstract. But if with the same enthusiasm with which festivals were once introduced in the world when people had the force to form festivals — if such a thing happens again, then it will work inspiringly. Indeed it will work inspiringly for our whole spiritual and our whole social life. Then that which we need will be present in life: not abstract spirit on one hand and spirit-void nature on the other, but Nature permeated with spirit, and spirit forming and shaping naturally. For these are one, and they will once again weave religion, science, and art into oneness, because they will understand how to conceive the trinity in religion, science, and art in the sense of the Michael thought, so that these three can then be united in the right way in the Easter thought, in the anthroposophical shaping and forming. This can work religiously, artistically, cognitionally, and can also differentiate religiously, artistically, cognitionally. Then the anthroposophical impulse would consist in perceiving in the Easter season the unity of science, religion, and art; and then at Michaelmas perceiving how the three — who have one mother, the Easter mother — how the three become "sisters" and stand side by side, but mutually complement one another. Then the Michael thought, which should become living as a festival in the course of the year, would be able to work inspiringly on all domains of human life.
With such things as these, which belong to the truly esoteric, we should permeate ourselves, at least in our cognition, to begin with. If then the time could come when there are actively working personalities, such a thing could actually become an impulse which singly and alone would be able, in the present condition of humanity, to replace the descending forces with ascending ones.


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Microsoft made a pitch Wednesday to developers to stay with the US tech giant, saying it remains a force in future technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
Chief executive Satya Nadella highlighted Microsoft's advances with its HoloLens augmented reality goggles, its Cortana virtual assistant and its progress in cloud computing.
This means Microsoft is a force to be reckoned with even though it has lagged rivals like Apple and Google in powering mobile devices, according to Nadella.
"For us, mobile first is not about the mobility of any single device, it is the mobility of the human experience across all the devices and all the computing in our lives," Nadella told the San Francisco gathering.
"Cloud is not a single destination, cloud is a new form of computing that in fact enables that mobility of experience across all our devices."
The company said its Windows 10 operating system—which can be tied together a range of devices including PCs, phones and tablets—now has some 270 million users.
"Windows 10 is off to an amazing start," said Nadella, calling it the "fastest ever" adoption of the Windows operating system.
The 270 million represents new computers and devices with Windows 10 installed as well as upgrades of existing gadgets.
Microsoft has set a goal of having the operating system in use in more than a billion devices by 2018, which would put it on a par with Apple, which said this year it has one billion active devices running iOS.
Microsoft said it would introduce an update of the operating system in the coming months that will make Windows 10 available for its Xbox One game console and enable various devices to use the Microsoft digital assistant known as Cortana, an artificial intelligence tool.
The Windows update will also step up use of biometrics for authentication, allowing users to log into computers and their applications with their fingerprints, improving security by moving away from passwords.
Looking ahead with HoloLens
Microsoft also Wednesday began its first shipments of its HoloLens augmented reality headgear, staking its place in what is expected to be an emerging computing platform.
HoloLens is being delivered to application developers, with Microsoft opting for augmented reality rather than virtual reality in devices such as the Oculus Rift from Facebook.
While virtual reality is fully immersive, the partly immersive augmented reality allows users to multitask via virtual images superimposed on their normal field of view.
At the conference, the US tech giant showed some of the possibilities for HoloLens—such as giving users a view of Mars that up to now could only be seen by space vehicles, and an inside view of the brain by medical specialists aiming to deal with a brain tumor.
Aiming to encourage new applications for the device, Microsoft noted that developers can create a "new mixed reality" with holograms to enable users to see and experience things in new ways.
Microsoft unveiled the HoloLens goggles a year ago as rivals such as Oculus were moving into virtual reality.
The holographic capabilities in the Microsoft gear can open doors for developers to augment tasks from complex surgery to motorcycle design, according to the company.
The developer editions will be available for $3,000 for app makers and other Microsoft partners.
One of the partners is NASA, which uses HoloLens to help users move about as if they are on Mars and figure out where they want the Rover to go.
Pamela Davis, dean of the Case Western Reserve University medical school, led a demonstration showing how holographic images of the body and its organs, including the brain, can be used in doctor training.
With the goggles and Windows 10, Microsoft said in a statement it was "extending the Windows experience to holograms and allowing developers to begin helping build the future of holographic computing."
The move by Microsoft comes just two days after Oculus began deliveries of the first Rift devices to consumers.
[SOURCE :-phys]