I do believe I’m eclectic … which I think is a very cool word, not to be confused with electric.

Deriving ideas, style or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources

Consider the source called “sound”.  On July and August I will span the range of sound volume.

The Dour Festival in July is five days of music – techno, hip hop, and God knows what else.  It will be loud!

Here’s what the Internet says

At most festivals, the volume ranges between 95 and 103 dB.  If you’re new to decibels, let’s start with the basic level of 80 dB.  This is a sound level at which your ears can safely listen for 8 hours without the risk of hearing damage.  Every additional 3 dB halves that time.  So, for example, at 95 dB, your ears are safe for about 15 minutes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting exposure to 100 decibels to 20 minutes per day to avoid hearing damage.

I just bought a pair of high-tech earplugs.  The brochure mentions terms such as “linear attenuation” and “advanced filtration technology”.  You might say it sounds good to me.

If Dour’s sound level is 100 decibels, these earplugs will reduce it by 19, down to 81.  So … safe.  Plus apparently the sound quality stays high.

Yay!

And now the contrast: In August I’ll be at a nine-day silent retreat at the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts, USA.

My detailed sound research has revealed this analysis …

Decibel level 0

Yay again!