Effusive appreciation is in order as 2007 rolls out. As we catapult into a sparkling new year, LEA editor- in-chief Nisar Keshvani first thanks all quarters that made 2006 another resounding success — From the 91 contributors (who hailed from 17 countries), to the 42 peer review panelists who secured academic integrity through their critical comments and feedback, to the religiously dedicated guest editors, curators and moderators. Not forgotten are the unsung crew – the editorial team, colleagues in Leonardo's San Francisco office and most importantly, LEA's board and committee members. Kudos to one and all!

Another tuneful installment awaits, as we launch "UNYAZI" a special supplement to complement Leonardo Music Journal Vol 16 (2006). This compilation includes essays from UNYAZI, the first South African electro-acoustic music symposium/festival. UNYAZI is the Zulu word for lightning. Held in Johannesburg 1-4 September 2005, UNYAZI brought together "an illustrious group of local and international electronic music practitioners", with diversity as "the obvious festival concept."

Jürgen Bräuninger's editorial succinctly introduces us to UNYAZI and the essays that flow effortlessly after. Contributors to this eclectic album of sorts include Pauline Oliveros, who looks at North-South relationships, Lukas Ligeti, who explores the combination of African musical forms and Rodrigo Sigal, who illustrates heritage and identity in Latin American contemporary music.   Theo Herbst introduces us to music technology at Stellenbosch University, and in closing, Mathew Ostrowski investigates the possibilities and implications of mapping databases on to sound as a compositional technique.

Also in this issue, enjoy the discussions around our last special Wild Nature and Digital Life. In the Leonardo Electronic Almanac Discussion (LEAD) space, read moderators Marcus Bastos and Ryan Griffis' overview. Those of you who missed the wildly exhilarating chats, download transcripts of the Jeremy Hight & Peter Hasdell, Sue Thomas & Giselle Beiguelman, Jennifer Willet, Dene Grigar & Tara Rodgers and Brett Stalbaum & Kathryn Yusoff chats, available In English and Portuguese. And, don't miss the top Leonardo Abstracts Service (LABS) English and Spanish abstracts from the 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2006, a run-down of what's available in LMJ 16 (Noises Off — Sound Beyond Music), and job postings at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Here's to another year of distinction!