Doug Osborn

On my radio today . . . . . Animal Logic: Deborah Holland (songwriter/vocals), Stanley Clarke (bass) and Stewart Copeland (drums).

I'd contact DPA Microphones USA directly. Super helpful staff. Contact info is: DPA Microphones, Inc. 1500 Kansas Avenue, Unit 3A Longmont, CO 80501 USA Tel +1 303-485-1025 Fax +1 303-485-6470

If the solvents listed above don't do the trick, go to your local auto parts store and ask for 3M Adhesive Remover. It comes in a spray can and can remove the toughest residue.

Totally in agreement with Ken Robinson. But going beyond this being just an educational institution issue, creativity has to start at home with the parents modeling how they value the arts, creativity and originality. My wife and I have forgone a lot of the material things associated with the American Dream in order to expose our daughters to music, dance, theater, the arts, etc. Our family mantra has been "Don't let your classes and homework get in the way of your education." Don't get me wrong, I'm still dedicated to math and the sciences and appreciate the discipline they bring to honing one's problem solving skills. It's been a huge payoff from my perspective to see how creatively my daughters think and communicate as young women.

My wife got a free iPad through her job as a Speech Therapist (thanks again to the timely release of The King's Speech). The school district also provided her with a free Otter Box case as well, but it's not as robust as the Defender Series case. I'm not a believer in entitlement whatsoever, but I've got to admit you can't beat the price of free.

I've been fortunate in that I've never had any cable noise whatsoever with my Etymotic ER-4s. But I agree that they can be a pain on set if you're having to take them out every time you need to speak to the crew. But for backpacking--especially if you're counting ounces--they'd be my top pick.

Ditto on the Etymotic ER-4!!! Incredible ear phones! I've been using mine for 9 years in addition to Sennheiser HD 25-1 IIs, Sennheiser HD 280s and a Westone custom molded earbuds. Just be sure to pack a couple of extra sets of the Etymotic green ear filters and a filter changing tool. The ear filters can eventually become covered or clogged by ear wax and diminish perceived output. It only takes a couple of minutes to change out the filters.

Going into a high humidity environment I would pack either a Sennheiser 416, a Rode NTG-3, or both. If you're using SD/SDHC cards, give Hoodman cards a serious consideration. Cheap insurance in my book when you're 5 days in from the end of the road.

Obama's new job stimulus package: No hand left behind.

Whoa . . . is that a hand-me-down mixer from the Addams Family? Better check that Thing out!

Incredible cover of Voodoo Chile!

I just have to figure out how to get the smell out of all my gear, any suggestions? Here's an old school car detailing secret that works pretty well: get a few Bounce strips--or any brand fabric softener in strip form--and lay a few inside your audio bag, cart or cases. Then get several apples, quarter them up and lay the apples on top of the Bounce strips. Allow enough time for the apples to dry out and absorb as much of the odor as possible. Sounds weird, but it works on auto interiors and funky smelling backpacks and cases. For really severe odors in your audio bag, or anything made of fabric (definitely not for your electronic gear) try McNett MiraZyme Odor Eliminator. It's available at most backpacking/outdoor adventure vendors.

S/N is the Serial Number.

I've got to get one of those. It's on my short list for new gear. Too bad Remote Audio doesn't manufacture their own model.

I think we just located Debbie's soulmate. I think this guy can even make "cats on a rainbow" happen:

I shoot in the low 70's. If it gets any warmer I go indoors.

Sean, Loved the article. Glad you got to go and experience the Rwandan people. I've been fortunate enough to help produce several promotional pieces for Bishop John and Bridge to Rwanda. The story of Rwanda following the 1994 genocide is a testament to the world of how powerful forgiveness actually is. Looking forward to seeing the finished documentary. Doug

I used to also play for decades until I got into video production. My last kit was primarily a Yamaha Recording Custom, with an additional 20-inch TAMA gong bass drum and two snares: a Noble & Cooley snare and a SOTA African Padauk snare. I painted the extra pieces to match the Yamaha paint. Too many cymbals to count; I collected them since the 60's: Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian. I also got ahold of two Wuhan Chinese cymbals before they were officially sold in the USA. I was talking with one of the house drummers for the Blue Man Group in their original New York venue after a performance a few years ago. We were talking drums and I mentioned that I could have turned pro if it weren't for two things: rhythm and talent. My only claim to fame as a drummer is that a set of 13-inch Paiste 602 hi-hats I owned were used in a Stevie Nicks session in the 80's at Goodnight Audio in Dallas, Texas. My next and final set of drums will be a Noble Cooley kit with Sabian cymbals.

You are more than welcome! Clutch is Maryland's best kept secret.

Here's a production shot of my youngest daughter and me working on a short film, The Jester, that was shot and produced in Arkansas. Ed Lowry is in the foreground as the Jester. The film just debuted recently at the Little Rock Film Festival. The Facebook link is listed below. The Jester Film

For some strange reason Clutch gets me in the mood for work everyday: Vamonos! Vamonos! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx6FV2qR2TY

I switch off between an ARRI AS-3 Light Stand with a Matthews 2-1/2-inch Hollywood Grip Head or an Avenger C-Stand. Either way I use a K-Tek Boom Cradle and one or two Matthews BOA shot bags.

College/graduate school isn't for everybody and it does not guarantee a "ticket to success." I think that a large number of people who were successful going into college/graduate school will likely be successful after graduating. College didn't make them successful, but what it does do is open certain doors. That coupled with networking with friends and classmates during one's academic career should help contribute to their success. But college is by no means the only avenue to success. Trade schools, apprenticeships, and learning hands on from others can provide great training at a reduced financial investment, but you still need the drive to be successful as well as a stellar work ethic. I think the biggest benefit of any training you receive is that it will ultimately open certain doors for you. Beyond that, there's no guarantees. John's point is well taken that for the author of this particular article, the top entrepreneurs are such "out of the box" thinkers that cookie cutter college business degrees may prove to be more of a detriment to their style of thinking. But these guys are such visionaries and risk-takers they know what they want to go after with or without a college degree. To quote the great "theologian" Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory), "There's a thin line between being a visionary and being wrong, but you have to be a visionary to see it."

Ditto. Great people. I own both Portabrace and Petrol bags. It all comes down to personal preference. They're both great products. Each company has products that rise to the top in both quality and function. I try to find the "best of the best" from each company that will work for my particular needs.

I noticed the LowePro DryZone bag has been suggested but it's too small for your needs. Other possible options are the LowePro SuperTrekker AW II or it's smaller brother, the ProTrekker AW II. http://products.lowepro.com/product/Super-Trekker-AW-II,2050,14.htm http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Trekker-AW-II,2001,14.htm I own both of these packs and have used them extensively for photo and video shoots. The interiors have great padding and you can somewhat customize the size of each compartment for your particular gear. These are made primarily for photographers, but they work just as well for both video and audio gear. For a little extra protection the pack could be stuffed into a good size heavy duty duffel bag for the flight. When you get on location you then have the convenience of a backpack.