The author details the deployment of three acoustical monitoring systems in April 2009 in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (ORPI). The purpose of this monitoring effort was to characterize existing sound levels and estimate natural ambient sound levels in these areas, as well as identify audible sound sources prior to the construction of several Department of Homeland Security Rapid Deployment Towers (RDT) that will be located on or adjacent to ORPI. Acoustical monitoring provides a scientific basis for assessing the current status of acoustic resources, identifying trends in resource...

Kazakhstan - a country of extremes, of both culture and weather.
This is an account of one persons experience, coping with living and working in a strange environment where normal, day to day activities can turn out to be monumental in their execution and where any comfort zones are hard to find!
My experiences far exceeded any expectations or anticipations I had had and I had to draw on reserves I never knew I even possessed.
I describe living conditions and the difficulties I encountered both in the workplace - a drug treatment centre - and in forming relationships. I found myself caught...