Total Eclipse of 4/8/2024
April 10th, 2023 at 4:41:59 AM
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Right now the Super 8 at 1320 South Jack Kulgten Frwy in Waco has rooms for $83.30 on 4/7 and $71.54 on 4/8.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 10th, 2023 at 7:03:49 PM
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Our plan is to stay in Dallas area where I booked a luxury home swimming pool, game room, massage chairs, etc. for our three families (10 people) for 3 nights that's $375/night per family when all the cleaning fees, service fees, and taxes are included.
Previously as a backup, I booked three rooms at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, which is an above average hotel in a so-so area of downtown, and that's $358/night for each room (and I just called the hotel and there's a $40/night resort fee that's not included with hotels.com). So $398/night! So I'll cancel that booking.
We originally wanted to stay in Austin, but for a comperable house, the rental cost is way more like $2,000/night per family!
Previously as a backup, I booked three rooms at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, which is an above average hotel in a so-so area of downtown, and that's $358/night for each room (and I just called the hotel and there's a $40/night resort fee that's not included with hotels.com). So $398/night! So I'll cancel that booking.
We originally wanted to stay in Austin, but for a comperable house, the rental cost is way more like $2,000/night per family!
April 11th, 2023 at 5:59:56 AM
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Quote: smoothgrhOur plan is to stay in Dallas area where ...
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Here are some totality duration times in various major cities:
Source: https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/april-8-2024
Waco isn't listed, but should be close to the maximum of 4:27. The 2017 eclipse was about 2:30, if I remember correctly.
Dallas is not bad at 3:47. For most, probably worth about 45 seconds of totality for the convenience.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 11th, 2023 at 7:19:50 AM
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The National Eclipse website has a lot of good information, including a city list page that shows the start time and duration for all? US cities in the path.
Indeed, the duration in Waco shows as 4:11.
Indeed, the duration in Waco shows as 4:11.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
April 11th, 2023 at 8:26:10 AM
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The length of the totality varies with the distance from the centerline of the eclipse. If you are on the center line, then you have the longest duration in the moon's shadow. The width of the totality is up to 124 miles wide, so use r=62 in the formula for the length of the chord and set x = distance in miles from the center line. Your time in totality is reduced by this ratio:
Length of chord / diameter = (√ (r^2 x^2)) / r
If you are off by a few miles, this ratio is still very near unity. Once you get 60 miles from the center line, you are only getting a brief stay in totality.
Length of chord / diameter = (√ (r^2 x^2)) / r
If you are off by a few miles, this ratio is still very near unity. Once you get 60 miles from the center line, you are only getting a brief stay in totality.
Gambling is a math contest where the score is tracked in dollars. Try not to get a negative score.
April 11th, 2023 at 9:37:09 AM
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Quote: JoemanThe National Eclipse website has a lot of good information, including a city list page that shows the start time and duration for all? US cities in the path.
Indeed, the duration in Waco shows as 4:11.
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Just looking at the Ohio list, Upper Sandusky (different from Sandusky) was unlisted, despite being almost exactly centered on the path.
(The lodgings only seem to accept bookings 11 months out, although I may be using nonoptimal indices.)
May the cards fall in your favor.
April 11th, 2023 at 11:03:47 AM
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If you trust the app developer, the free app Totality enables you to pin a point on a map, and it gives that spot's exact details about the eclipse partial start time, totality start time, totality length, etc.
It also has info on other eclipses, including the 2017 eclipse and future partial eclipses (but not the 2045 total eclipse).
(In my previous post, I didn't make a parallel comparison about Austin house rentals. A comparable house would be $667/night per family for the three families in Austin compared to $375/night in Dallas.)
It also has info on other eclipses, including the 2017 eclipse and future partial eclipses (but not the 2045 total eclipse).
(In my previous post, I didn't make a parallel comparison about Austin house rentals. A comparable house would be $667/night per family for the three families in Austin compared to $375/night in Dallas.)
April 11th, 2023 at 12:14:01 PM
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Currently I am able to book Hilton properties for Apr 7-8, 2024, but the latest dates I can book on Marriott's website is Mar 30-31. According to their website:Quote: DieterThe lodgings only seem to accept bookings 11 months out, although I may be using nonoptimal indices.
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Quote: Marriot websiteYou can redeem your Marriott Bonvoy® Points to make an Award Reservation or book a paid Reservation as early as 50-Weeks prior to arrival.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
April 11th, 2023 at 12:50:06 PM
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Quote: JoemanThe National Eclipse website has a lot of good information, including a city list page that shows the start time and duration for all? US cities in the path.
Indeed, the duration in Waco shows as 4:11.
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The interactive map that's on nationaleclipse.com is the same map that the Totality app uses for its data.
April 11th, 2023 at 5:47:13 PM
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Quote: MentalLength of chord / diameter = (√ (r^2 x^2)) / r
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Thanks. I was just wondering if there was a formula for this.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 11th, 2023 at 8:18:55 PM
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Quote: ThatDonGuyAt the moment, NASA has three "primary group viewing areas" planned; Kerrville, TX, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.
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What is (or where can I find info on) "primary group viewing area"?
April 12th, 2023 at 4:46:40 PM
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Quote: IndyJeffreyQuote: ThatDonGuyAt the moment, NASA has three "primary group viewing areas" planned; Kerrville, TX, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.
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What is (or where can I find info on) "primary group viewing area"?
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I think they are still in the early planning stages.
This site has all of the information that I know of so far.
April 12th, 2023 at 5:09:33 PM
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Last edited by: MichaelBluejay on Apr 12, 2023
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April 12th, 2023 at 5:19:40 PM
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List of how long the eclipse lasts in each city.
and
Solar eclipse history in the U.S. I remember one as a kid in the mid-to-late 1970s in Denton, Texas, but it must have just been a partial one, because it's not on the list at that site.
and
Solar eclipse history in the U.S. I remember one as a kid in the mid-to-late 1970s in Denton, Texas, but it must have just been a partial one, because it's not on the list at that site.
Presidential Election tracker: https://michaelbluejay.com/election
April 12th, 2023 at 5:35:49 PM
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Quote: MichaelBluejaySolar eclipse history in the U.S.[/urlI remember one as a kid in the mid-to-late 1970s in Denton, Texas, but it must have just been a partial one, because it's not on the list at that site.
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I didn't really remember too much commotion about the 1979 one. I do remember that the 1970 one got pretty much the same amount of network TV coverage as the moon landings, and I vaguely remember hearing that it would be the last total solar eclipse visible in the USA in the 20th century, which is why the 1979 one surprised me. I think there was one in 1991 where the path of totality just missed Hawaii.
April 12th, 2023 at 8:04:31 PM
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I knew someone who went to Minot ND for the Feb 1979 eclipse. Temperatures were extremely cold, due to a high pressure ridge that resulted in clear conditions, but he saw it.
I saw the July 1991 eclipse on a cruise ship off the coast of the island of Hawaii. Totality lasted 430. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins was on the ship with us. The eclipse crossed the big island, but no one on land really saw it due to cloud cover. Other friends travelled to the Cabo San Lucas area in Baja MX, where they experienced nearly 7 minutes of totality; nearly the longest possible.
I saw the Aug 2017 eclipse from a public park community celebration in Washington MO.
I have a condo rented (3 bedrooms at $200 per night) for my family near Hot Springs AR for the upcoming Apr 2024 eclipse. With Oaklawn race track/casino and Hot Springs National Park nearby, there will be other activities available that weekend. (Maybe even the Arkansas Derby on Apr 6) It should be about a 20 mile drive to the center line from where were staying.
I saw the July 1991 eclipse on a cruise ship off the coast of the island of Hawaii. Totality lasted 430. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins was on the ship with us. The eclipse crossed the big island, but no one on land really saw it due to cloud cover. Other friends travelled to the Cabo San Lucas area in Baja MX, where they experienced nearly 7 minutes of totality; nearly the longest possible.
I saw the Aug 2017 eclipse from a public park community celebration in Washington MO.
I have a condo rented (3 bedrooms at $200 per night) for my family near Hot Springs AR for the upcoming Apr 2024 eclipse. With Oaklawn race track/casino and Hot Springs National Park nearby, there will be other activities available that weekend. (Maybe even the Arkansas Derby on Apr 6) It should be about a 20 mile drive to the center line from where were staying.
April 12th, 2023 at 9:30:50 PM
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Quote: MichaelBluejaySolar eclipse history in the U.S. I remember one as a kid in the mid-to-late 1970s in Denton, Texas, but it must have just been a partial one, because it's not on the list at that site.
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That's a good web site. I'm sure the one in Texas was just a partial and I would have heard about it otherwise. My father was an eclipse buff and spoke about the 1979 eclipse in Washington for decades afterward.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 12th, 2023 at 9:36:03 PM
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My father watched the 79 eclipse from a plane, which followed the path for hundreds of miles. I think he had about half an hour of totality as the plane was chasing it.
The 91 eclipse is a bit of a sore subject with me. I was a low-level civil servant at the time. I would have had to go to Cabo San Lucas or Hawaii to see it. I believe my father went to Cabo. I was hoping he would invite me, but he never did, despite me dropping plenty of hints showing interest. He was probably trying to teach me a lesson about having to work for such luxuries. He never had such conviction about hard work with my younger brothers.
The 99 eclipse is also a bit of a sore subject. I was doing better financially at the time, but was a recent husband and father. Mrs. Wizard was not keen on me going to Europe by myself for that one, leaving her alone with a two-year-old. She had a good point, but I don't think appreciated how important it was for me to see it.
Now I'm trying to make up for lost time.
The 91 eclipse is a bit of a sore subject with me. I was a low-level civil servant at the time. I would have had to go to Cabo San Lucas or Hawaii to see it. I believe my father went to Cabo. I was hoping he would invite me, but he never did, despite me dropping plenty of hints showing interest. He was probably trying to teach me a lesson about having to work for such luxuries. He never had such conviction about hard work with my younger brothers.
The 99 eclipse is also a bit of a sore subject. I was doing better financially at the time, but was a recent husband and father. Mrs. Wizard was not keen on me going to Europe by myself for that one, leaving her alone with a two-year-old. She had a good point, but I don't think appreciated how important it was for me to see it.
Now I'm trying to make up for lost time.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 13th, 2023 at 5:31:38 PM
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There is this. As Wizard predicted its popularity.
April 17th, 2023 at 7:59:11 PM
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It's not too early to think about the total eclipse of 8/2/27. Looks like a good spot in the totality band would be Gibraltar.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 18th, 2023 at 6:53:57 AM
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Quote: WizardIt's not too early to think about the total eclipse of 8/2/27. Looks like a good spot in the totality band would be Gibraltar.
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Im in. On honeymoon in January, 1985. Went to south of Spain and Morocco. There was some hoo hah going on between Spain and England and Gibraltar that prevented us from crossing from Cadiz to Gibraltar. So despite being right there, we could see it but couldnt go there.
April 18th, 2023 at 7:01:11 AM
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My son climbed the Rock when he was in the Navy. He was jumped by macaques.Quote: SOOPOOIm in. On honeymoon in January, 1985. Went to south of Spain and Morocco. There was some hoo hah going on between Spain and England and Gibraltar that prevented us from crossing from Cadiz to Gibraltar. So despite being right there, we could see it but couldnt go there.
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We will be docking at Cadiz in two weeks and picking up a rental car for one day. We were considering driving to Ronda and seeing Gibraltar on the way back to port. What would you recommend for a day trip from Cadiz?
Gambling is a math contest where the score is tracked in dollars. Try not to get a negative score.
April 18th, 2023 at 2:30:18 PM
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Quote: MentalMy son climbed the Rock when he was in the Navy. He was jumped by macaques.Quote: SOOPOOIm in. On honeymoon in January, 1985. Went to south of Spain and Morocco. There was some hoo hah going on between Spain and England and Gibraltar that prevented us from crossing from Cadiz to Gibraltar. So despite being right there, we could see it but couldnt go there.
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We will be docking at Cadiz in two weeks and picking up a rental car for one day. We were considering driving to Ronda and seeing Gibraltar on the way back to port. What would you recommend for a day trip from Cadiz?
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I thought the drive to Ronda was one of the most interesting/beautiful Ive ever done. I doubt much has changed since 1985!
Of course Id go to Gibraltar if you havent been there.
The one day trip I remember loving was a town called Nerja. They have great cave hikes that are quite easy to do.
Depending on how much time you have the 3 cities is a great trip in and of itself. (Grenada, Cordoba, Seville). Edit . I see you only have one day.
April 24th, 2023 at 12:43:24 PM
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Marriott hotels now are accepting reservations through the entire week of the eclipse.
I booked a backup hotel: the Westin Downtown Dallas $459/night with taxes and fees! It's pricey, but other hotels cost nearly as much and aren't as nice. I'll cancel this anyway unless the Airbnb somehow falls through.
I booked a backup hotel: the Westin Downtown Dallas $459/night with taxes and fees! It's pricey, but other hotels cost nearly as much and aren't as nice. I'll cancel this anyway unless the Airbnb somehow falls through.
October 8th, 2023 at 2:01:44 PM
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https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/eclipse
October 08, 2023 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Racing Capital of the World Is Destination for Unrivaled Experience within Path of Totality
Tickets to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com and at the IMS Ticket Office.
General admission tickets are $15 per person and include gate admission April 8, infield parking and a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses The Greatest Spectacles. Kids 18 and under are admitted free with a paying adult and will receive a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses.
Three-day camping packages (April 6-9) in Lot 2 are available starting at $125. April 6 marks 50 days until the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, so fans can enjoy a countdown weekend at IMS while gearing up for a full day of racing and space fun.
The Total Solar Eclipse is a unique opportunity to explore the connections between motorsports and space, and theres no better place to celebrate both than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. As we count down to the Month of May, gathering at IMS to witness this rare moment over the Yard of Bricks will provide another opportunity to create lifelong memories at the Speedway.
Six months from today, a total solar eclipse, known as the "Great North American Eclipse," will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states. When the total solar eclipse crosses North America, Indianapolis will be located in the center of the Path of Totality. For three minutes and 46 seconds, Indianapolis will experience darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.
This is the first time in 819 years that a Total Solar Eclipse has been visible in Indianapolis, and it will be another 129 years before it occurs again.
IMS will host one of several NASA broadcast sites across the nation. NASA experts will be on hand to answer questions about the scientific phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. Educational STEM opportunities, exclusive merchandise and programming centered around racing and space discovery will be available throughout the day.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and for more information on event details.
October 08, 2023 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Racing Capital of the World Is Destination for Unrivaled Experience within Path of Totality
Tickets to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com and at the IMS Ticket Office.
General admission tickets are $15 per person and include gate admission April 8, infield parking and a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses The Greatest Spectacles. Kids 18 and under are admitted free with a paying adult and will receive a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses.
Three-day camping packages (April 6-9) in Lot 2 are available starting at $125. April 6 marks 50 days until the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, so fans can enjoy a countdown weekend at IMS while gearing up for a full day of racing and space fun.
The Total Solar Eclipse is a unique opportunity to explore the connections between motorsports and space, and theres no better place to celebrate both than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. As we count down to the Month of May, gathering at IMS to witness this rare moment over the Yard of Bricks will provide another opportunity to create lifelong memories at the Speedway.
Six months from today, a total solar eclipse, known as the "Great North American Eclipse," will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states. When the total solar eclipse crosses North America, Indianapolis will be located in the center of the Path of Totality. For three minutes and 46 seconds, Indianapolis will experience darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.
This is the first time in 819 years that a Total Solar Eclipse has been visible in Indianapolis, and it will be another 129 years before it occurs again.
IMS will host one of several NASA broadcast sites across the nation. NASA experts will be on hand to answer questions about the scientific phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. Educational STEM opportunities, exclusive merchandise and programming centered around racing and space discovery will be available throughout the day.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and for more information on event details.
October 13th, 2023 at 7:46:53 PM
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I knew it! I %$#@ing knew it!!!
I made a reservation through Air B&B for a place in Waco TX. This reservation was made in March 2022. The price was very reasonable. Probably what they charge normally.
Then, today, the reservation gets cancelled. A comment left by the host named Genetra was, "Poor Airbnb customer service practices towards hosts, removing listing. Home is no longer available for short term stays."
To that I say that we had a deal. The way I do business is your word is your bond. If you make a deal, you stick with it, even if you wish you could get out of it. While the host may blame Air B&B for this, I suspect they realized they could get a lot more for those dates and made up an excuse to get out of the deal.
It would seem I have found another listing in Waco, but it would not surprise me if this one falls through too.
You may recall I also have four rooms at a local Super 8, but those have all been promised to friends.
I have made a complaint about this with Air B&B. Let's see if I get more than an auto-generated reply.
I made a reservation through Air B&B for a place in Waco TX. This reservation was made in March 2022. The price was very reasonable. Probably what they charge normally.
Then, today, the reservation gets cancelled. A comment left by the host named Genetra was, "Poor Airbnb customer service practices towards hosts, removing listing. Home is no longer available for short term stays."
To that I say that we had a deal. The way I do business is your word is your bond. If you make a deal, you stick with it, even if you wish you could get out of it. While the host may blame Air B&B for this, I suspect they realized they could get a lot more for those dates and made up an excuse to get out of the deal.
It would seem I have found another listing in Waco, but it would not surprise me if this one falls through too.
You may recall I also have four rooms at a local Super 8, but those have all been promised to friends.
I have made a complaint about this with Air B&B. Let's see if I get more than an auto-generated reply.
Last edited by: Wizard on Oct 13, 2023
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
October 13th, 2023 at 8:38:53 PM
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Im headed to San Antonio in the AM to witness the annular eclipse.
October 14th, 2023 at 9:14:56 AM
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Ill see 89% from my backyard in Austin.
Not worth it to go to San Antonio or Kerrville to see it perfectly centered.
Not worth it to go to San Antonio or Kerrville to see it perfectly centered.
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things."
-- Isaac Newton
October 14th, 2023 at 4:04:14 PM
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I was on a hike today and was unfortunately in the shade through most of the annular eclipse. When we finally saw the sun, it was almost over, but did see the sun about 20% eclipsed.
In case anyone is wondering, I complained to Air B&B about the host who cancelled my reservation. This is what they said.
In case anyone is wondering, I complained to Air B&B about the host who cancelled my reservation. This is what they said.
Quote: Air B&B
Hi Michael,
This is Akera from Airbnb support and I hope all is well!
I am sorry that you experienced such an inconvenience when the Host proceeded to cancel the reservation.
I reassure you we have repercussions for Host who proceed with cancellations against guest without any extenuating circumstances.
Keep in mind as well, while the full refund that was issued for the reservation is immediate on our side, it may take 5-15 business days to show up in your account due to processing time between banks. Here are more details on refund timeframe:https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1967
We always want to hear from our community. If youd like to give us feedback on this issue or your experience, you can do so at:
airbnb.com/help/feedback
Best regards,
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
October 16th, 2023 at 2:10:04 AM
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Those who are occasional members of the Caesars Rewards program should check their comps for rooms at Harrahs Metropolis. It is within the path of totality in southern Illinois and comp rooms are widely available, if youve never stayed there but have comps at locals or Vegas. Room nights are going for $400 a night on the open market.
October 16th, 2023 at 2:50:02 AM
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I didn't know about the recent one until the night before. The local groceries had $1 viewing glasses but they were all sold out, I called dozens of them. The next morning I called one Harbor Freight about a welding helmet, they were all sold out of the cheapest one ($40). The other HF had them, though, so I raced to get one, for my father-in-law, because he might have tried to look at it without protection otherwise. And now we have it on hand for the April 2024 eclipse.
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October 16th, 2023 at 6:11:16 PM
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You may want to double-check the shade # of the helmet. A #12 shade is the recommended minimum for solar viewing. Most welding helmet filters are not that dark. Scroll down to the last paragraph on this page.Quote: MichaelBluejayI didn't know about the recent one until the night before. The local groceries had $1 viewing glasses but they were all sold out, I called dozens of them. The next morning I called one Harbor Freight about a welding helmet, they were all sold out of the cheapest one ($40). The other HF had them, though, so I raced to get one, for my father-in-law, because he might have tried to look at it without protection otherwise. And now we have it on hand for the April 2024 eclipse.
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"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
October 16th, 2023 at 8:09:02 PM
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Quote: MichaelBluejayI didn't know about the recent one until the night before. The local groceries had $1 viewing glasses but they were all sold out, I called dozens of them. The next morning I called one Harbor Freight about a welding helmet, they were all sold out of the cheapest one ($40). The other HF had them, though, so I raced to get one, for my father-in-law, because he might have tried to look at it without protection otherwise. And now we have it on hand for the April 2024 eclipse.
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Interestingly I stopped by Lowe's today, they had several dozen glasses available as well as books on the eclipse. No discount, like you might normally find after an event is over, so I guess they may put the display away for the holidays and bring it back out for spring. This is an area with 70% coverage for the annular eclipse and 55% for the total one, so folks will see something, although not as much as being in the path obviously.
October 16th, 2023 at 9:31:39 PM
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Thanks, I knew, it's 13. The problems are that it's auto-sensing, and sometimes the auto-sense turns off and you get smacked with a bright light for a split second, and worse, at the near-totality, the darkening wouldn't kick in at all. I don't know whether more expensive helmets have a more reliable sensor for the first problem. A manually-adjusted (or constant-13) helmet would be best, but I just grabbed the cheapest one at Harbor Freight. Fortunately a son's friend came over and had glasses so my father-in-law (and I) could still see the totality.Quote: JoemanYou may want to double-check the shade # of the helmet. A #12 shade is the recommended minimum for solar viewing. Most welding helmet filters are not that dark. Scroll down to the last paragraph on this page.
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October 18th, 2023 at 9:00:38 AM
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those who never go to Diversity Tomorrow will not know the not-usual-thing to look for during the eclipse
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
October 18th, 2023 at 10:01:14 AM
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I was surprised to see this past Saturday that a gas station I stopped by sold eclipse glasses, and that they were only $3.
However, I wouldn't buy them from a gas station. The AAS also says to not buy from Amazon sellers. Here's their list of approved suppliers: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters
Here's NASA's safety glasses demo site: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14395/
However, I wouldn't buy them from a gas station. The AAS also says to not buy from Amazon sellers. Here's their list of approved suppliers: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters
Here's NASA's safety glasses demo site: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14395/
October 18th, 2023 at 7:51:13 PM
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Quote: smoothgrhThe AAS also says to not buy from Amazon sellers. Here's their list of approved suppliers: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters
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I am not Amazon's biggest fan, but you can find many of the items from the 'approved suppliers' list on Amazon. For example Celestron EclipSmart -- which look good to me no matter where you buy them.
October 19th, 2023 at 1:13:15 AM
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Amazon has a big problem with counterfeit goods, though. Google it.
Presidential Election tracker: https://michaelbluejay.com/election
October 19th, 2023 at 5:19:49 AM
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nobody 'bit' but looking again I don't blame yaQuote: odiousgambitthose who never go to Diversity Tomorrow will not know the not-usual-thing to look for during the eclipse
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Here's what I was hinting at,
Quote:The comet during the total eclipse on April 8
On April 8, 2024, at 16:38 GMT, the observers from the USA, Canada, and Mexico will experience a total solar eclipse. That's a great sight on its own, but even better the Pons-Brooks comet may show up in the darkened sky. It will be located 27º from the Sun and close to bright Jupiter, which will also appear at that moment.
it sounds like binoculars might be enough
https://starwalk.space/en/news/pons-brooks-comet-2024#the-comet-during-the-total-eclipse-on-april-8
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
December 9th, 2023 at 4:03:32 AM
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Butler University is ramping up their events:
https://www.butler.edu/eclipse-2024/
https://www.butler.edu/arts-sciences/holcomb-observatory/eclipse-2024/
"
https://www.butler.edu/eclipse-2024/
https://www.butler.edu/arts-sciences/holcomb-observatory/eclipse-2024/
"
January 29th, 2024 at 10:25:39 PM
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OK, I gotta take the mother-in-law to a casino during our eclipse stay in Dallas would that be the WinStar World Casino? It's a 74-minute drive from where we're staying.
I also see that the Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant is a 77-minute drive, but what say you, forum members?
(Casino Chip of the Day trip reports are 10 years old!)
EDIT: Choctaw Casino looks like it has better options for the kids tagging along I almost forgot about them!
I also see that the Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant is a 77-minute drive, but what say you, forum members?
(Casino Chip of the Day trip reports are 10 years old!)
EDIT: Choctaw Casino looks like it has better options for the kids tagging along I almost forgot about them!
Last edited by: smoothgrh on Jan 29, 2024
January 30th, 2024 at 1:09:56 AM
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Quote: smoothgrhOK, I gotta take the mother-in-law to a casino during our eclipse stay in Dallas would that be the WinStar World Casino? It's a 74-minute drive from where we're staying.
I also see that the Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant is a 77-minute drive, but what say you, forum members?
(Casino Chip of the Day trip reports are 10 years old!)
EDIT: Choctaw Casino looks like it has better options for the kids tagging along I almost forgot about them!
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I believe Durant has done some serious remodeling since the CCotD entry. I want to say it started about 7 years ago.
My recollection is that there is some nontrivial road construction going on along US75. Expect minor delays. (I rarely have business taking me on I-35 along the Dallas - OKC stretch, so... no idea.)
Choctaw Grant is farther away, a smaller property, but in the totality path (if that's important to you).
I would expect to do a bit more walking at Winstar. (I don't think I want to walk that far.)
I would probably go with Durant, unless I wanted something specific about Winstar. I acknowledge biases that may not apply to your decision process.
I expect there is a Buc-ees along any of the routes, and dispensaries near the border along any highway.
Good luck!
May the cards fall in your favor.
January 30th, 2024 at 5:19:09 AM
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Winstar is the biggest casino in the world. Since Texas basically does not have any casinos and Winstar is close to the border they flood the casino, especially on weekends. Like Dieter said lots of walking. I also agree that Durant is a good option. Very clean casino and it s big as well. I would also choose Durant but both are stocked with games.
50-50-90 Rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there is a 90% probability you'll get it wrong
January 30th, 2024 at 11:44:52 AM
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Thanks for the insights, Dieter and vegas!
It's possible that the kids could just stay at the house. In that case, I'd like to visit the WinStar because it's the World's Biggest Casino.
But then, it might be too overwhelming for the mom-in-law, who can't walk as far as she used to. In that case, maybe the Choctaw Durant casino would be better.
Our rental house is in the path of totality, and I haven't even planned where we will see it. At the house, or closer to the central line of maximum totality?
OOOH, I just thought of something: should we view the eclipse on The Grassy Knoll???
It's possible that the kids could just stay at the house. In that case, I'd like to visit the WinStar because it's the World's Biggest Casino.
But then, it might be too overwhelming for the mom-in-law, who can't walk as far as she used to. In that case, maybe the Choctaw Durant casino would be better.
Our rental house is in the path of totality, and I haven't even planned where we will see it. At the house, or closer to the central line of maximum totality?
OOOH, I just thought of something: should we view the eclipse on The Grassy Knoll???
January 30th, 2024 at 3:31:40 PM
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We like Choctaw Durant much better than Winstar. The new section at Choctaw is nice, big, clean and non-smoking. And it is much less crowded than Winstar, which we only go to for an occasional concert but never to gamble
January 30th, 2024 at 4:02:32 PM
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I stopped going to WinStar after casinos opened back up from COVID. I'm a big VP player and the maintenance on the machines at WinStar was poor with buttons not working regularly. Choctaw Durant is clean, open and with properly maintained machines.
January 30th, 2024 at 9:24:22 PM
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Thanks to all your info, I think Choctaw Durant will likely be our destination.
Sounds as if nobody goes to WinStar anymore it's too crowded!
Sounds as if nobody goes to WinStar anymore it's too crowded!
February 1st, 2024 at 12:58:28 PM
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I have four rooms April 7-9 at the Super 8 in Waco TX. In case anyone drops out, I am forming an interest list? About $100 per night. PM me if interested.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 1st, 2024 at 3:31:30 PM
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After many eclipses in a short time frame the past few years, the next one isn't for 2 decades?
Holy moons not aligning :)
Holy moons not aligning :)
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
February 1st, 2024 at 4:41:36 PM
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Quote: 100xOddsAfter many eclipses in a short time frame the past few years, the next one isn't for 2 decades?
Holy moons not aligning :)
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This map shows total and annular eclipses from 2021 to 2030. The total ones are in the brighter shade of yellow.
Source: Solar Eclipses from 2021 to 2030
It looks like the most convenient ones are:
Aug 2, 2027 -- Northern Africa
July 22, 2028 -- Australia
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
