Rain, rain go away. No, seriously, go away.

Rain can cause a lot of problems with our coverage. It can ruin a big rivalry football game tonight, leaving us devoid of images of the action for next week's paper. It can cancel schools events, leaving gaps in coverage. It can knock out our Internet connection for a few hours, which is sort of like the end of the world when you spend your day constantly checking e-mails, confirming information and trying to send pages to the press. So here's hoping we have a few dry days ahead.

Each week I do the Athlete of the Week feature at each high school, and the students give thoughtful answers our questions. Occasionally, there is the standout answer that you remember for awhile. I got one of my favorites this week about a favorite sports memory, one that involves a mechanical chicken. It's right up there with a Cedar Ridge athlete who looks up to Batman. Be on the lookout for that.

There's still plenty going on despite the weather, though I would check ahead to ensure some of these don't get rained out:

• Cedar Ridge hosts Orange in football tonight at 7:30 p.m. One thing I have noticed from athlete interviews is Cedar Ridge athletes of mention their goals as the following: Have a good season, make the playoffs, make all-conference, beat Orange in anything they can. I don't hear as much from Orange athletes about beating Cedar Ridge. Is the rivalry not mutual?

• Handmade Parade puppet workshop, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 200 Spring Valley Road in Carrboro. This out-of-town event is tied into the Arts Council's annual parade. In a few issues, I'll have a story about how they've scrapped and clawed to get this event together, even though organizers have no idea what puppets people will bring until the day of the event. For more about upcoming workshops, see www.hillsboroughartscouncil.org/handmade_parade.html

• Auditions for "Smoke on the Mountain," Saturday and Sunday. The Orange Community Players are looking especially for those with musical talent for this November production. Auditions will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, at First Baptist Church, 201 W. King St. There are roles for four men ages 17 to 50 years old and three women ages 17 to 50 years old, as well as openings for the tech crew and for a stage manager. For more information, call director Wayne Leonard at 383-7589 or visit www.ocpnc.com.

Stay dry.