Professor,

Any tips on sound when it's raining outside? Sunday it's supposed to rain.

For rain, try to work under some cover, such as an EZ Up, or some tarps draped across C-stands. Make sure that your furry zeppelins are well sprayed with water repellent (and then brush them with a hair brush to remove clumping). A "rain hat" made from thistle like "hog hair" prevents pitter-patter, and can be worn over the zeppelin. Finally, a condom can be slipped over the mic itself to protect from seeping water.

You should always keep a few extra large plastic trash (or leaf) bags close to your cart and also near the camera tripod. At the first sign of raindrops, pull the bags over the mounted camera. Ditto, pull bags over any mics on boompoles, and cover (or bag) your mixer and recorder.