I just got back from Walmart and it was a strange but unsurprising experience.
They had the entrance roped off with caution tape and a line formed with people 6 ft. apart heading into the store. They would only let people enter one at a time. You had to wait one minute so the person could get far enough ahead of you to keep the social distancing.
You were met inside by an employee with gloves on and he would give you a buggy. Each buggy was washed and disinfected after each use. I've got to say that was the cleanest buggy I've ever used at a grocery store.
They still didn't have any hand sanitizer, alcohol, disinfectant wipes or toilet paper. Even the items they did have were rationed. The meat section was about 20% of what it usually is.
Welcome to the new normal. The checkout lady asked how I was and I said "I'm socially distant, but that's nothing new." At least I gave her a little laugh.
Haha, good one Bob. It's been the same for me too. I left LA 8 days ago and did pretty much the exact same things all you guys are describing. Lots of wipes, sanitizer, paper towels. No mask or gloves though. I haven't needed to go shopping again yet but I will in a few more days, maybe next Monday. I really think with all the precautions everybody is taking plus smaller crowds everywhere the chances of catching anything is really low but I certainly haven't been walking around assuming that. Oh no, I'm as paranoid as all of us here. None of us want to get this until there is good medicine available to handle it. If this subsides to no worse than a bad cold or flu, fine I can live with that. I agree with Notes, lung damage or even dying is certainly a concern so we need some good drugs that stops it from getting that far. I'm seeing more and more stories about research that sounds promising but it's not there yet. Once that happens we can start getting back to normal.
As a gigging musician though not full time, I fear the entire summer season is pretty much over. I have a recurring gig at the Catalina Yacht Club every 4th of July but that involves taking a very crowded boat to the island and then there are big cruise ships that anchor a few hundred yards out and hundreds if not thousands take water taxi's into Avalon. That gig has always included 2 or 3 smaller gigs around town and I'll make $600-700 for the week and stay with a friend. Last year I was there 5 days. Somehow I doubt that's going to happen this year.
Here's a very interesting article I just found. It's about what I've been discussing with friends the "California Mystery". We get over 1 million visitors from China per year and it's been going for many years. There is still no huge spike in cases.
This is a fairly detailed article quoting many health professionals and the main point I get from it is the notion that COVID 19 was actually spreading starting last fall. He quotes Italian sources about that. This goes to the point that China has been lying to us all along not only about their true numbers of cases but when it actually started. No proof yet but very interesting none the less.
I’m listening to today’s installment of the White House COVID 19 press conference and the Treasury Secretary said that the SBA loans will be loans that turn into grants. He specifically pointed out that the loans were also available to businesses that are sole proprietorships. I assume that includes musicians.
Getting Zoom Bombed may not be totally eliminated, but at least they are going to focus on security for a bit longer, according to the article. That hole in the article was pretty major, but hopefully the report is true.
Having your meeting disrupted (even if it's embarrassing) is much less of a problem than a compromised computer. If you have used Zoom in the last few days, may want to run a scan just to be sure you're clean.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
The goal isn't to prevent the wearer from getting COVID-19. Rather, the goal is to help reduce transmission from asymptomatic carriers. Someone infected with the Coronavirus may not present symptoms for up to 14 days. During that time, they could be unknowingly infecting other people.
But there are a number of reasons for suggesting not wearing masks in public:
Prevent hoarding medical-grade masks needed by health professionals;
Not much medical evidence to show that it's effective;
May cause people to feel safe so they don't take other actions, like cleaning hands
But given how widespread the disease is, even methods that may have relatively small levels of effectiveness are worth reconsidering.
My son lives in Sweden where they are taking a more reserved approach to the virus. People are still working and going out to gatherings of less than 50 people. They are not having large increases in the virus. Actually my son did get it and had a fever, fatigue and body aches. No lung issues, didn't go to the hospital or need a ventilator. I do understand that the elderly or people with underlying health issues might need hospitalization as with any bad flu.
....Yesterday I left my house for the first time in over a week. We went grocery shopping for perishables. It's like living in a Sci-Fi movie. The enemy is invisible and could be anywhere (cue theremin music).
People wearing masks, keeping their distance, wearing mostly blue or purple gloves, spraying shopping carts, looking at each other with suspicious eyes.....
Insights and incites by Notes
So true and the way you tell it is so descriptive. I heard somewhere that hospital workers are calling the virus "the beast".
Your nurse practitioner sounds like they were just making unnecessary work for themselves. If it makes you feel any better, I'm like you. When I go out where people are, which is rare, I sanitise my hands every opportunity, keep the 6 feet or so distance between people and am very mindful of everything I touch.
When I get home, it's wash and change, also. I'm aiming to hang around on Earth a while yet so I'm doing all I can to keep covid-19 at bay.
I saw a woman yesterday who was wearing rubber gloves. I haven't gone that far yet because I don't have any open wounds on my hand. Fortunately the virus doesn't penetrate skin. If I had a cut on my hand, though, I'd definitely get out the latex gloves!
Where safety is concerned, it's much better to err on the side of caution, I think.
It's great to see you in the forums, again! It's not the same when you're not here.
Noel
It's great to see you in the forums, again! It's not the same when you're not here.
[Quote ]It's great to see you in the forums, again! It's not the same when you're not here.
You are dearly loved 'round these here parts, Josie. We need your logical mind during this unprecedented crisis. [/quote]
Virtual hugs to you Don. I don't know how logical but I'm hooked on dark chocolate m&m's. It seems the crisis has brought out an intense need for chocolate. Stay safe.
My son lives in Sweden where they are taking a more reserved approach to the virus. People are still working and going out to gatherings of less than 50 people. They are not having large increases in the virus. Actually my son did get it and had a fever, fatigue and body aches. No lung issues, didn't go to the hospital or need a ventilator. I do understand that the elderly or people with underlying health issues might need hospitalization as with any bad flu.
Lucky he was able to get tested and you are blessed he got through it with no serious complications. That must be a great relief to you. Maybe his antibodies can help us all someday with a vaccine.
This series of videos seems most appropriate in these times of coronavirus, 2019-nCoV.
On May 8 in 2007, 90-something year old cook and great grandmother, Clara, created a Youtube channel dedicated to teaching people recipes and meals from the Great Depression.
Learn how to make simple, yet delicious dishes while listening to stories from the Great Depression.
Clara passed away on Nov 29 in 2013 at 98 years old. Her legacy remains on Youtube.
I offer my sincere condolences. I was saddened to read this. I sincerely hope that your two late friends are now resting peacefully and that your sick friends pull through.
This is marvelous, Noel. I've watched Clara before and unfortunately forgotten about the skills she brought to more modern day living.
Wonderful people like her can give us great encouragement. There have been tough times before, and lessons in humility and resilience like she has delivered can help us all.
Trev
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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