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Full Version: The non-vacation, non-globe hopping, blue-collar eclipse
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https://www.theatlantic.com/science/arch...se/535554/

EXCERPT: [...] Many people who chase eclipses, known by the nickname “umbraphiles,” are professional scientists whose excursions are financed by their institutions. Others are single and childless, or empty nesters with grown children; these umbraphiles have sufficient disposable income for annual eclipse voyages. While eclipse vacations abroad might be feasible for professionals from the fashionable suburbs, they are unobtainable for those of modest means—working-class Americans and families from urban areas, like ours, who struggle to make ends meet. As much as my wife and I would like to provide our children with enriching experiences, the expense of global travel is out of the question. Like many single-income families, we can’t afford to fly, and our travel options are limited to road trips.

But at long last, totality is returning to the United States. The August 21, 2017 eclipse is the “blue-collar eclipse.” It’s the eclipse for the rest of us, those unable to globe-trot in search of the moon’s shadow. Instead of a fancy eclipse getaway in a faraway land, the path of totality is within a day’s drive for the majority of Americans. Plenty of financially struggling families may be able to scratch together enough money to give their kids an unforgettable experience....

MORE: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/arch...se/535554/
They're predicting a million visitors here in Oregon. Hotels on the coast all booked up. Camping grounds packed. The freeways clogged beyond passage. Mick Jagger in his leer jet. I'm hoping for a cloudy day just to spite them all. If not I'll just walk outside my apt and look at it/not look at it from there. That's good enough for me.
Well the 2 and a half minute collective orgasm is over with. Now they all trudge back to their cars dragging ice chests and lawn chairs looking forward to a 7 hour commute from Salem to Portland. Everyone interviewed swears it was worth it. I guess it was.
(Aug 22, 2017 09:40 PM)Magical Realist Wrote: [ -> ]Well the 2 and a half minute collective orgasm is over with. Now they all trudge back to their cars dragging ice chests and lawn chairs looking forward to a 7 hour commute from Salem to Portland. Everyone interviewed swears it was worth it. I guess it was.


The Vincent van Gogh school got its dose of religion.

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