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The quiet city

The Atlantic takes a look on the coronavirus pandemic on air and noise pollution, and talks to a public-health researcher at Boston University, who now gets her exercise while carrying a decibel meter:

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the acoustic environment in Kenmore Square, a busy intersection near campus, is usually about 90 decibels during rush hour. Yesterday, Walker’s rush-hour readings were just under 68 decibels.

H/t Brad N.

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Comments

Hopefully we can keep things quieter even when this all passes.

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Not trying to be snarky.

I like going to ordinary restaurants where the food is good and the waitresses know your name.
I like pumping my own gas (not allowed in New Jersey).
I like stopping into random bars to catch a few minutes of a Red Sox game.
I liked the squeal of the old Orange Line, but, hey, whatever.
I like to hear the first motorcycle of spring.
I like loud noises.

Ya, I can get my fill of chainsaw noise, but unlike the playground kids, I don't like forty five degree wind driven rain.

I want the proverbial 'hustle and bustle' of the city.

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...comes from cars. None of the things you listed significantly contributes to the noise level in the square.

...except motorcycles. Fuck those things.

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Mother Nature Strikes Back

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A lot of people who really liked it here have had to go. If you think humanity is such a burden you are welcome to leave the planet any time. You will not be missed.

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YOU will not be missed. You really won't.

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I live under a flight path... man without much air traffic, its been awfully quiet around here in Chelsea

Although they are still jack hammering away at the Tobin. I went to walk to the FedEx box by Market Basket earlier in the day and with the noise from the jack hammering and empty streets, I felt like I was on the set of The Langoliers ...

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Honestly I find it a bit strange too! In somerville so I'm used to some.. background noise. I saw a helicopter circling yesterday late afternoon, the way the traffic ones sometimes do if something bad is happening on 93N, and it was SO loud. Also saw a plane taking off from Logan and it freaked me out, seemed too low!

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The Quiet City

Like a title from an unknown film noir, starring George Raft, Ann Sheridan, Frank McHugh and Arthur Kennedy along with the supporting cast from Warner Brothers. Classic Black and White with all those great camera angles and low lighting scenes.

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Are you referring to City for Conquest, with James Cagney, Ann Sheridan and Arthur Kennedy?

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Before the Rat closed the needle on the decibel meter would spin around eleven times and fly right off.

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BU is behind the pandemic specifically so they finish off their destruction of Kenmore Sq.

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And the Rat was underground.

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The pandemic proves that most vehicle trips are unnecessary. The cleaner air and less noise pollution from cars is a silver lining of the virus.

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Also, you are an asshole.

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People are inside. But they're getting sick of it and it's only been 1-2 weeks.

It's peaceful out, precisely because nobody can go out and enjoy it.

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because their parents can't work.

Abusers will be locked at home with their abusers for months.

People will will lose their homes, their savings and many will lose their lives.

I'm sorry the 'bike messenger as a career' is a thing of the past and I understand your frustration but it's really time to move on. Because Kozmo isn't walking through that door, Kinopio.

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Public transit is also unnecessary. Are you really this stupid or is it just an act?

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Gonna Anti-car @ScottB

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