Solar Eclipse 2017 shadows Barcelona's deadly manhunt

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Although August 21, 2017 was one of the most beautiful days of the year, it brought me a huge dilemma. I was not sure whether I should be fascinated by the total solar eclipse, or to follow the updates on the manhunt in the aftermath of the Barcelona massacre. The massacre killed 13 people and left at least 130 others injured (The Telegraph).

I guess being a journalist takes away the option of being a human and enjoying simple things in life.

Solar eclipse 2017: The pictures you have to see

The total solar eclipse that happened on August 21, 2017 was majestic, and it was one-of-a-kind, according to CNN. It was the first time in 99 years that a total solar eclipse crossed North America. Also, as NASA said,

Experiencing a total solar eclipse where you live happens about once in 375 years

I was pumped for the whole time leading up to the eclipse and followed the countdown on NASA’s official page. Even though as a Torontonian, I saw only 70% of it, thanks to the Internet I could witness the whole event in real time in America. It was truly something:

Nonetheless, my excitement was constantly interrupted by NYT’s notifications about manhunt in Barcelona. According to the Toronto Star, the driver was shot in local vineyards wearing a fake suicide belt.

Police now believe all 12 members of terror cell are in custody or dead, after Las Ramblas attacker Younes Abouyaaqoub was killed in Subirats

~The Guardian

Breaking news like this were truly joyous news, but it only reminded me that, as a journalist, I have less time to spend awing over simple things. It bothered me a little bit, but the picture of the total eclipse of the Sun reminded me that I have got to enjoy life in the moment. I can always catch up with other things later. It was fascinating to read how Toronto saw the eclipse and how some marketing strategists used the event to boost their products and businesses.

Solar Eclipse 2017: From Coast to Coast

Originally published in August 2017

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