I am truly bewildered. Was in Madras a couple of months ago, and all the talk of eclipse was, I thought then, preposterous. Now Portland businesses are making contingency plans for employees. Have friends in Charleston, SC, with 1.5 minutes of full coverage, and it's just an excuse to drink a little more, a little earlier.

Is this a social media/regional/generational thing? Do people really think they need to be on the 100% line for some reason? Do people think they won't live to see the next one in 2024?

Yes, it's an unusual event, and creepy if you're a caveman. Otherwise, this strikes me as Chamber of Commerce hype cashing in on Facebook vanity. Seriously, I don't get it.

1: "Then you flew your Learjet up to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun." https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_So_Vain

2: Rooftop party: https://youtu.be/kkKJ3NJl8sM