The northern hemisphere calendar says winter, but the season is definitely hot in the U.S. midcontinent region, where two plays are on their way to becoming a part of exploration and industry legend: the prolific Barnett Shale and the promising Arkoma Basin’s shale-gas play.

Cover graphic design by Rusty Johnson; photo of a rig working the Barnett Shale near Fort Worth by Landry Brogdon.

Officer candidates for 2006-07 service... ballots to be distributed soon.

A proposal to add an international vice president position to the AAPG Executive Committee will be considered in April by the House of Delegates.

The annual meeting in Houston is just around the corner. Big savings will be made by registrants who beat the February 17 deadline.

Longtime AAPG supporter Marta Weeks presents a $10 million gift from her late husband, L. Austin Weeks, to the AAPG Foundation  --  the largest gift in AAPG’s history.

The next big thing? Explorers are scrambling to grab leases in the Arkoma Basin’s shale-gas play.

Still going strong: The Barnett Shale continues merrily on its prolific ways, thanks in part to the Texas-sized success there of horizontal drilling.

Is the work station killing geology? Well, of course not  ... but one successful geologist says there are some red flags  that shouldn’t be ignored.

Success in the international exploration arena often demands cooperation. And consideration. And trust. You get the picture  --  as has the seismic service industry.

You can’t go home again? Don’t tell that to Charles “Chip”Groat, the former head of the U.S. Geological Survey who is returning to his roots  --  but with a new purpose.

Houston Geological Society started the year by honoring four geo-legends.

AAPG opens an office in Washington, D.C. and this month the EXPLORER invites its director to speak ... often ... in the Washington Watch.

Foundation Update: New endowments received for Digital Products Fund and new Named Grants announced.

February sees the end of one tour while three more Distinguished Lecturers of AAPG start their tours around North America.

STANDING ARTICLES:

President's Column: Geological Voices Need to Be Heard

Director's Corner: Courses Reflect New Strategic Model

Division Column -- EMD: 'Unconventional' Aspects EMD Has Active Houston Program

Geophysical Corner: Depth Registration Has Pitfalls

Washington Watch: AAPG Is Pursuing Role in Energy Act

Regions and Sections: Pacific Section