Ears Wide Open

This edition of Ears Wide Open marks the completion of our first year as a membership organization. It was last year at this time of transition from winter towards the first hints of spring that I first put together this online bulletin. This season, as first bulbs are dressed in lingering snows, offers an apt reflection of the ongoing evolution of the Acoustic Ecology Institute. As with those hardy bulbs, AEI is once again emerging into the world after a period of relative quiet. For more about the Institute's work, see the Institute Update link to the left.

A highlight in this issue of the member's bulletin is a look back at what was learned about ocean noise during 2006--see the Recent Science Findings section for more on this.

For now, I ask that you join me in taking time for a listening walk somewhere near your home or workplace, and meet the wintry gusts or hints of spring with the gratitude our earthly home always deserves. Groundhog Day to modern Americans (will winter persist, or give way?), Brigid's Day to the Celts (a time of purification and welcoming the return of life from its underground rest), Candlemas in the Christian church (the day to bless ritual candles to be used during the year); all these suggest the underlying theme of preparation for the coming burst of life into which we will cast ourselves over the new cycle of seasons. May your journey be one of heart and nourishment.

Jim Cummings
AEI Founder

P.S.
While this quarterly bulletin is designed for members, please feel free to point friends to this page if you think they might enjoy hearing about the Institute. This collection of pages provides a concise introduction to what we're up to.

Contact:
45 Cougar Canyon
Santa Fe, NM 87508
ph 505-466-1879 fax 505-466-4930