Individuals now have access to professional recording tools and are discovering a natural resource right in their own back yard.

Take, for example, Abraham Ingle (right), who I met last night at a gallery show. He created Neighborhood Diaries.

In late 2008 I began recording the location-based memories of Portlanders, and weaving them into free, interactive audio tours. The results are over eight hours of memories.

I encourage you to take part in interviewing (listening to) somebody. Through the act of listening, we offer ourselves an opportunity to witness the many unifying characteristics of our shared humanity.

Ingle got a host of Portland bands to donate music to create a soundtrack. You can download all of his audio tours on the Apple