Ace of Spades HQ

October 13, 2010

Final Miner Rescued. 33 For 33
— DrewM

The last man up was the shift supervisor. He was in charge and wanted to be last up...once his men were safe.

Leadership.

Speaking of leadership...the President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, was quite the camera hog in all of this, staying on site for days on end and greeting each miner as they came up. Thing is, he earned it. He was leading.

By sad contrast, Obama stayed far away from the Gulf during the BP spill, as if to deny it, and made only a few brief appearances later.
Sadder still is what happens in China, where miners are routinely left for dead after mines collapse Â— a big reason more than 2,000 parish in such accidents each year.
"Lucky people who were born in Chile. ... If it was us, we would definitely have been buried alive and died," a Chinese wrote on the Internet, as quoted by the Christian Science Monitor.
Pinera is different. He focused on avoiding conflict and laying blame while the rescue was still on. He took accountability himself by firing incompetent inspectors on his own side, but didn't condemn business or shut down an entire industry, as Obama did with his Gulf moratorium, only now being lifted.
Pinera worked with local officials instead of bickering with them or throwing up bureaucratic obstacles because they belonged to the wrong party. Sadly, that's what Obama did with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who had to take matters into his own hands in building berms when Louisiana's coast was threatened by the April spill.
Chileans, by contrast, said the crisis united them as never before. That takes leadership, and it comes about only because Pinera believes in openness, free markets, transparency and putting himself last.
That, along with the bravery of the miners, the effectiveness of the tools and the remarkable organizational skills that were brought to bear, turned a horrible tragedy into perhaps the greatest rescue operation in history.

It was truly an international effort. Naturally from NASA to mining companies and a world class drill operator, the US was deeply involved.

Chileans have found a new hero in American Jeff Hart, the drill operator who has spent weeks drilling down to where 33 miners have been trapped deep underground for more than two months.
Rescuers finished drilling an escape shaft on Saturday for the men, jumping for joy as the drill pushed through the last inches (cm) of a nearly 2,050 foot-long (625-meter) shaft through which the miners will be hoisted to safety.
"There's an emotion there that I can't describe. It's an amazing thing," said Hart, 40, who government officials praised for his central role in the rescue.
"We finally got there, we fought all this time. We have an avenue now that we can actually rescue these miners ... There's nothing more important that I will ever do," Hart told Reuters in an interview at the mine.

Damn fine job by all.

Posted by: DrewM at 05:09 PM | Comments (280)
Post contains 501 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Glad they're all out of there and fine!

Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at October 13, 2010 05:11 PM (T2ENs)

2 Repeated from my post in the thread below:

Dear Chile, may we please trade presidents?

Damn, the man is a manly man and stood there all day with his lovely wife beside him. Jugears would have showed up for the first guy and the last, in between a few holes of golf, and a gourmet meal.

Sucks to be us right now.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:11 PM (UOM48)

3 As I said in the last thread, I'm as cynical a bastard as there is, but it's hard not to be genuinely moved by this. It's so refreshing and life-affirming, so Greatest Generation. No bullshit environmental impact studies, no minority contract set-asides- just do what it takes to get 'em the fuck out. Kudos

Posted by: Ombudsman at October 13, 2010 05:13 PM (c1oyg)

4 Great article, but I have to say "parish" does not mean "perish." I know, it's a nitpick, but it's the first thing idiots on the Left would jump on as some kind of flaw. Otherwise well done.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at October 13, 2010 05:14 PM (bvfVF)

5 Thankfully they are all right now. Except for that guy with the mistress on the side - his torment is just beginning. Silly fool.

Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at October 13, 2010 05:14 PM (wU5x6)

6 It's a miracle. I also don't ever ever want to hear there's nothing that mankind can't do if we put our minds to it.

Posted by: alexthechick at October 13, 2010 05:15 PM (bQ5xy)

7 Their president didn't hesitate to reach out for help for those miners. Barry McFuckwit would have let them die before he could have even managed to listen to advice and come up with a plan, let alone ask for help from other nations.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:15 PM (UOM48)

8 ...... turned a horrible tragedy into perhaps the greatest rescue operation in history.........Apollo 13 ranks there for me.....

Posted by: FU52 at October 13, 2010 05:16 PM (+x5lr)

The President of the United States of America should, in honor of the US contribution to this effort, be lowered into that mine and plant our flag.

(Sound of bolt cutter.)

Posted by: DougS at October 13, 2010 05:16 PM (xOWK3)

10 Truly remarkable.

So how's the guy with the mistress faring?

Posted by: Robert at October 13, 2010 05:16 PM (jYQ2v)

11 It is good to see that, if you do everything right, you can still have things come out right in the end. A bow and a tip of the hat to all involved!

Posted by: DarkLordOfTheIntarWebs at October 13, 2010 05:16 PM (aoLEL)

12 I can't wait to read the book. I'll have to learn, um, Chilean.

Posted by: USS Diversity at October 13, 2010 05:16 PM (u3Zi5)

13 Now that vacancies have opened up, can we lower all the Democrats into the mine on 11/3? I will even support using some stimulus money to widen the hole to accommodate Barney Frank (amongst others)...

Posted by: ParisParamus at October 13, 2010 05:17 PM (gMzAL)

14 Pinera/ Bolton 2012

Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 13, 2010 05:17 PM (A0VTZ)

Guys like jeff hart make me damn proud to be an American.

Fuckin' hero. Day in, day out, literally the eyes of the ENTIRE PLANET watching him, he makes one fucking mistake and EVERYONE DIES.

Fuckin' hero.

Posted by: Sir Elliot at October 13, 2010 05:17 PM (wMXoq)

16 "Uh, I can't drill the hole with a straw!"

Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 13, 2010 05:18 PM (A0VTZ)

17 Hold it down, guys. I'm ordering shrimp here.

Posted by: King Barry at October 13, 2010 05:19 PM (UOM48)

18 The president of Chile acted stupidly. The first thing he should have done is found someone's ass to kick.

Posted by: King Barry at October 13, 2010 05:20 PM (UOM48)

19 17 "Uh, I can't drill the hole with a straw!"

But I can. Integrity and all.

Posted by: Will Folks at October 13, 2010 05:21 PM (wU5x6)

20 Hannity: "The panic attack possibility didn't happen. THANK GOD."

yeah right. You dumb journalists would have LOVED it.

Posted by: arhooley at October 13, 2010 05:21 PM (n6Ugn)

21 Just saw the rescue capsule lift off with the first of the rescue workers coming up. That leaves five rescue workers in the hole. They should be up within the next 2 hours. (Here's hoping that nobody gets careless at the last moment.)

Posted by: stuiec at October 13, 2010 05:21 PM (fgCQL)

22 And once he'd punched his drill hole through, Jeff Hart walked away and said he'd done his job and that the moment now belonged to the miners and he didn't want to get in the way of their recognition.

Pure American Hero that is.

Posted by: Captain Ned at October 13, 2010 05:22 PM (P1/uX)

23 Hey guys, did you see me swat that fly?

Posted by: God Emperor Barky I The Magnificent at October 13, 2010 05:22 PM (3iXQh)

24 Jeff Hart: He did his job, came back here to Colorado specifically to avoid the camera -- news station interviewed him and he said "it's the miner's day in the sun, and I wanted them to have it".

Chilean president Sebastian Pinera -- made a public statement praising the USA's efforts and cooperation.

Good day for all concerned, I'd say. The world needed one.

Posted by: jwb7605 at October 13, 2010 05:22 PM (Qxe/p)

25 Damn. Their president is giving an awesome speech, no teleprompter in sight, and *gasp* mentioned God.

2012 can't get here soon enough.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:23 PM (UOM48)

26 How refreshing to listen to a politician who is proud to praise his country and its' citizens.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 05:23 PM (OwxBD)

27 28 - and God.

Posted by: gesc at October 13, 2010 05:23 PM (1CQY3)

28 Why would the Chinese care about a few miners?There are plenty more Chinese still around.Wasn't that Mao's line?

Posted by: steevy at October 13, 2010 05:24 PM (E/E8X)

29 Is there a feed somewhere with English subtitles? My Chilean's a little rusty...

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 05:24 PM (PuaGA)

30 I saw a link earlier to the guy with the mistress and wife. He asked for both to be there when he came up. Wifey was not happy. Not only that, you gotta see the photos of these two. Not good looking women. I don't know, maybe the mistress knows some kinky tricks or something, cause I'm not getting it. Oh, well, maybe she just has a great personality.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 13, 2010 05:24 PM (BgrgU)

31 Hey guys, did you see me swat that fly?

Posted by: God Emperor Barky I The Magnificent at October 13, 2010 09:22 PM (3iXQh

Beginner luck.

Posted by: Delta Smelt channeling Mr. Miyagi at October 13, 2010 05:25 PM (A0VTZ)

32 I had my staff form a prayer circle to keep the dark spirits away from the miners. Where's my ice cream?

Posted by: Michelle Antoinette at October 13, 2010 05:25 PM (UOM48)

So how's the guy with the mistress faring?

Heh. His wife stayed home today, so probably not too well. She did say she was glad he would be safe and it was God's miracle, but she didn't go to the mine.

Posted by: Annabelle at October 13, 2010 05:26 PM (pWgNR)

34 Sigh. I'm so envious of Chile and her president. What a manly, well-spoken, man.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:26 PM (UOM48)

35 "I'm proud to be President of all Chileans".
-Sebastian Pinera

Imagine Obama saying that about the US.

Posted by: DrewM. at October 13, 2010 05:26 PM (HicGG)

36 I saw a link earlier to the guy with the mistress and wife. He asked for both to be there when he came up. Wifey was not happy. Not only that, you gotta see the photos of these two. Not good looking women.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 13, 2010 09:24 PM (BgrgU)

Nah, dude hasn't had any in 70 days. Just trying to maximize the trim opportunities, threesomes, maybe

Posted by: Ombudsman at October 13, 2010 05:27 PM (c1oyg)

37 But the two Navy Medics are still own there right?

Posted by: curious at October 13, 2010 05:27 PM (p302b)

The Chilean President rocks!: he's got balls, knows how to respect ordinary people, respects private business, kicks ass when needed. At the very least he can come to America and give BamBam a few lessons on leadership. Viva El Presidente!

Come to think of it, perhaps he should move to the US and run for President here. BamBam is living proof that foreign birth is not an obstacle.

Posted by: Murph at October 13, 2010 05:28 PM (qStHi)

39 the mistress went to the mine to greet him, the wife stayed home and said he could talk to her lawyer. No joke.

http://tinyurl.com/2dknzdg

Posted by: arhooley at October 13, 2010 05:29 PM (n6Ugn)

40 Sigh. I'm so envious of Chile and her president. What a manly, well-spoken, man.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 09:26 PM (UOM4

Good heavens. How far have we sunk with our Preznit that we're looking to South America for leadership exemplars?

Posted by: Ombudsman at October 13, 2010 05:29 PM (c1oyg)

41 Chile is also one of the economically freest countries in the world. Milton Friedman himself personally was involved in constructing its pension system, which puts ours to shame.

Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2010 05:29 PM (BP6Z1)

42 Link to miner with wife and mistress story. Pretty funny.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 13, 2010 05:29 PM (BgrgU)

43 Obama would have played golf.

Posted by: Lemon Kitten at October 13, 2010 05:29 PM (0fzsA)

44 #44 They're bringing them up now.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 05:29 PM (OwxBD)

45 Pinera listed a bunch of world leaders he spoke to.

He didn't mention Obama. I can't imagine he'd forget that. Do not tell me Obama didn't place a call.

Posted by: DrewM. at October 13, 2010 05:30 PM (HicGG)

46 Not to sound gay or anything, but WTF - half of those miners looked like male models. What the hell do Chilean athletes look like?

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 05:30 PM (M+lbD)

47 So the wife stayed home and the mistress showed. That makes sense. The wife legally is entitled to everything he gets out of this as she is married to him....the mistress will have to create her own piece of the pie. Maybe the three can agree, for the sake of the money, to sell their story together. Otherwise the mistress will have to strike out on her own and try to pedal her own story, sans the miner and his wife....

This is going to be funny to watch.

Posted by: curious at October 13, 2010 05:30 PM (p302b)

48 Drew, I've wondered all day if Barry called. Sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:30 PM (UOM48)

49 He didn't mention Obama. I can't imagine he'd forget that. Do not tell me Obama didn't place a call.

Posted by: DrewM. at October 13, 2010 09:30 PM (HicGG)

Don't get me started

Posted by: Bust of Churchill at October 13, 2010 05:31 PM (c1oyg)

50 This was truly a miracle from God.

Posted by: curious at October 13, 2010 05:31 PM (p302b)

51 Did I just hear the Chilean president praise Israel for their help??

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 05:32 PM (OwxBD)

52 Retread@59 Yep. I believe he mentioned BiBi by name.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:32 PM (UOM48)

53 "it's the miners' day in the sun"

I see what you did there, Mr. Hart. Well done.

Posted by: DarkLordOfTheIntarWebs at October 13, 2010 05:33 PM (aoLEL)

54 Did I just hear the Chilean president praise Israel for their help??

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 09:32 PM (OwxBD)

No! Fatwaa!!!

Posted by: Hater of the Sons of Apes and Pigs at October 13, 2010 05:33 PM (c1oyg)

55 Tell me the journalists covering this weren't having the time of their lives.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at October 13, 2010 05:33 PM (mHQ7T)

56 I heard on Fox today the miners all lost on average 20 lbs. each.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:34 PM (UOM48)

57

I'll sue them if they didn't perform an environmental impact study before the rescue.

Posted by: Robert Kennedy Junior, Esquire at October 13, 2010 05:34 PM (7+pP9)

58 Do not tell me Obama didn't place a call.

--------------------------

Wouldn't surprise me. Barry doesn't like being shown up.

I mean, it would be petty even for him. But he always seems to surpass expectations in that department.

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 05:34 PM (M+lbD)

59 Tell me the journalists covering this weren't having the time of their lives.

It would be nice to cover a miracle and not a tragedy.

Posted by: alexthechick at October 13, 2010 05:34 PM (bQ5xy)

60 I can imagine some moonbat coming up with a plan to turn the mine into a weight loss/yoga studio, and charging huge sums to participate.

Wait.......hmm

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:35 PM (UOM48)

wow. Chile's president mentions Cameron and Bibi Netyanhu by name to thank them. No mention of Mr. "Whose A$$ to kick" .

I suspect this billionaire businessman knows an empty suit when he sees it, I figure he will thank the Americans who actually helped, but none for King Barry.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 05:36 PM (ACkhT)

62 i'm glad they are all alive, FNC go back to regular programming now.

Posted by: Shoey at October 13, 2010 05:36 PM (yCH89)

63 Of course we were a big help. Where the hell else are we gonna drill? We could turn Chile into swiss cheese if they'd like.

Posted by: t-bird at October 13, 2010 05:36 PM (FcR7P)

64 This was truly a miracle from God.

----------------------------

Or truly exceptional human beings.

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 05:37 PM (M+lbD)

65 Barry is probably pissed off at the attention this has gotten. And the fact that their president's approval ratings are through the roof, now.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:37 PM (UOM48)

66 Earlier today I heard some of the stories of the miners' faith. One of the miners said he saw Satan and God, and called out for God to save them. Gave me chills.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:38 PM (UOM48)

67 Obama was really interested in this when he heard there was a hole involved. He asked Gibsy what par on it is. When Gibsy explained it wasn't a golf hole, Obama lost interest.

Posted by: DrewM. at October 13, 2010 05:39 PM (HicGG)

68 Do not tell me Obama didn't place a call. I don't speak Chile.

Posted by: Barry O'Douche at October 13, 2010 05:39 PM (FcR7P)

69 I just read a very funny email from someone who said "well now I know where I'm going to go if this country goes to sh**" and someone said "you can't get in, they actually have immigration laws".....score one for the only serious conservative that I know!

Posted by: curious at October 13, 2010 05:39 PM (p302b)

70 Whaaa ... I was too busy to call ...

Posted by: JustGazingatmyEggStatute at October 13, 2010 05:39 PM (1CQY3)

71 My husband traveled in Chile several years ago. He loves the country.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:40 PM (UOM48)

72 Well, mining is very physical work. Plus I am sure these guys were consuming a lot less calories down there than they normally do. So I would imagine that a lot of them lost a little weight.

----------------------

That doesn't explain the thick, lustrous hair, straight white teeth, smooth skin...

This is just getting more gay, isn't it?

Look, all I'm saying is, picture an American miner. Right?

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 05:40 PM (M+lbD)

73 Nice to hear NASA can still contribute something besides lifting Muslims self-esteem.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 05:41 PM (OwxBD)

74 Must be spooky for the last guy out.

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 05:43 PM (M+lbD)

75 NASA did have a transgendered blah, blah, somethingo'other appreciation day recently. So there's that.

Posted by: dogfish at October 13, 2010 05:43 PM (Ncv/n)

The sad parts were: 1) by swatting the fly Soetoro lowered the average IQ in the room, and 2) the fly was, at least, a no-shit American. Not everyone in the room could say that.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 13, 2010 05:43 PM (XSGFP)

77 Geez, anyone see Michael Moore on CNN talking about this? God, the stupid....

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 05:47 PM (Z71Vg)

78 Call Chile? Oh, man, chili made with ground Kobe. That'd be sweet. Am I right? With a menthol chaser. Damn, now you got me hungry. Yeah, call in that chili.

Posted by: Barry O at October 13, 2010 05:48 PM (M+lbD)

79 Can you please update the post when the medics are out and everyone is safe....TIA

Posted by: curious at October 13, 2010 05:49 PM (p302b)

80 Just heard this president is a billionaire businessman, and one of the most conservative presidents the country has ever had.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 05:50 PM (ACkhT)

81 What great news.

Posted by: Terrye at October 13, 2010 05:50 PM (T0tnd)

82 @90 Yeah. I don't see it as "done" until *everyone* is out. And it has to be creepy as hell to be the last one waiting down in the mine. Creepy creepy creepy.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 05:50 PM (PuaGA)

83 Geez, anyone see Michael Moore on CNN talking about this?

------------------

Michael Moore? CNN?

No, I'm pretty sure you're the only one here who saw it.

Would you like to tell me where you're being held hostage so I can call the police?

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 05:51 PM (M+lbD)

84 curious - 1 of the medics are out, 4 are left.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 05:51 PM (ACkhT)

85 Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 09:51 PM (ACkhT)

They sent 5 very brave medics down there...wow....there has to be some kind of medal for these guys...

Posted by: curious at October 13, 2010 05:53 PM (p302b)

86 I agree with the last guy down feelings. Brrr. What was the name of the horror film with the women who went caving? Yikes.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:53 PM (UOM48)

this Chilean president can hog the camera all he wants, he acted like a leader, took advise and help from anyone and everyone who was offering it.

His first priority was those miners, not his ego.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 05:53 PM (ACkhT)

Interestingly I read that the total Gulf oil spill was only like 133 million gallons which sounds like a lot until you realize that's like 133 Olympic swimming pools.

Which in the perspective of the size of the Gulf amounts to next to nothing.

Posted by: Dave at October 13, 2010 05:53 PM (UMNUQ)

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 09:53 PM (UOM4

"The Decent", *shuddering*

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 05:53 PM (ACkhT)

90 Two of the five rescue workers now out.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 05:55 PM (OwxBD)

91 So proud of our fellow Americans who helped. Very proud!!! I suspect the Chilean president will thank them, and not Mr."I am the winner"

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 05:55 PM (ACkhT)

Would you like to tell me where you're being held hostage so I can call the police?

lol- my husband likes to torture himself by watching MSNBC and CNN. I told him I don't need anymore aggravation in my life.

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 05:55 PM (Z71Vg)

What was the name of the horror film with the women who went caving? Yikes.
The Descent.

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 05:56 PM (Z71Vg)

94 Anelem, I think they speak Spanish in Chile.

Posted by: Pelayo at October 13, 2010 05:56 PM (qxog2)

It's nice to hear though that there's a President SOMEWHERE who is willing to say something complimentary about the United States...

*See what i did there?*

Posted by: Dave at October 13, 2010 05:57 PM (UMNUQ)

96 #100 Yep. Oh, the second medic is up. (I'm imagining the last guy, looking around over his shoulder, and getting the hell in the tube.)

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 05:57 PM (UOM48)

97 @105:

You are correct.

Posted by: Captain Ned at October 13, 2010 05:57 PM (P1/uX)

98 Man, I would hate to be that last guy. Still praying....

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 05:58 PM (Z71Vg)

99 @105 Yeah, they do. Couldn't resist the "Austrian" spin-off snark, though.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 05:58 PM (PuaGA)

100 What if the last guy down there can't manage to properly secure the capsule door?

Posted by: Pelayo at October 13, 2010 06:00 PM (qxog2)

101 I agree, its going to be very creepy for the last guy left in the mine waiting for that tube to come back down. very creepy. hopefully it won't take too long for them to get that tube down there. I wonder if they need someone from outside the tube to latch it? wonder how that would work then.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 06:01 PM (ACkhT)

102 Am I the only one who hates it when the "medical and psychological professionals" start predicting doom and gloom for these guys lives? Maybe if you're living in the U.S. suburbs, or a New York high rise, you can't imagine coming out of a mine and getting your life back together. Sheesh. Not everyone (especially those miners) is a delicate, fragile flower. Our CiC, on the otherhand....

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:01 PM (UOM48)

103 2010 new arrivals!

Posted by: gg boots at October 13, 2010 06:01 PM (LExW5)

104 Maybe if the wife had let him do more spelunking when he got home from work he wouldn't have got a mistress...

Posted by: Dr Phil at October 13, 2010 06:01 PM (UMNUQ)

105 Can you imagine Barry in this situation?

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 06:01 PM (Z71Vg)

106 Nice to hear them thanking God. I think Chileans are a very devout Catholics.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 06:02 PM (ACkhT)

107 Can you imagine Barry in this situation?

You mean all alone down in the cave? Actually.........

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:02 PM (UOM48)

108 Do not tell me Obama didn't place a call.

He'd rather visit in person -- and by that I mean buzz Santiago in Air Force One.

Posted by: arhooley at October 13, 2010 06:03 PM (n6Ugn)

109

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 10:01 PM (UOM4

You must be watching Hannity. I was thinking the same thing. I have a feeling most of these guys are gonna be just fine.

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 06:03 PM (Z71Vg)

110 Pinera for President! Of the United States (since we no longer insist on American citizenship)!

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 13, 2010 06:03 PM (XSGFP)

111 Am I the only one who hates it when the "medical and psychological professionals" start predicting doom and gloom for these guys lives?

Holy crap NO. Honestly I think they're disappointed to see what good shape those guys are in.

Posted by: arhooley at October 13, 2010 06:04 PM (n6Ugn)

112 ok, never heard the Chilean national anthem, no offense to Chile's national anthem, very happy for all of them. But I think our national anthem is so much more beautiful.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 06:04 PM (ACkhT)

113 If our miners here in the U.S. broke out in patriotic song, the MSM would slam them for their stupidity and patriotism. And let's not forget, their thanks to God. Nothing drives the libtards crazier.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:05 PM (UOM48)

114 70 - Jane, maybe a health club, but I doubt Chile would let anyone build a mosque over the hole.

Posted by: AE at October 13, 2010 06:06 PM (kSfPT)

115

But I think our national anthem is so much more beautiful.

Agreed. But they sure did put their hearts and souls into it, didn't they?

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 06:06 PM (Z71Vg)

116

"Do not tell me Obama didn't place a call.

He'd rather visit in person -- and by that I mean buzz Santiago in Air Force One."

No, no, he sent an iPod with his speeches on it. The miners are effing glad they were stuck underground for two months. An iPod with The One's speeches on it - think of it!

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 13, 2010 06:06 PM (XSGFP)

117 What was the name of the horror film with the women who went caving?

There's an anal sex joke in there somewhere.

Posted by: Waterhouse at October 13, 2010 06:06 PM (3iXQh)

118 If our miners here in the U.S. broke out in patriotic song, the MSM would slam them for their stupidity and patriotism. And let's not forget, their thanks to God. Nothing drives the libtards crazier.

Well at least the Chileans sang in Spanish, thus showing their tolerance and open-mindedness.

Posted by: arhooley at October 13, 2010 06:07 PM (n6Ugn)

119 the president of chile thanked all sorts of presidents, the prime minister of england, even BIBI....BUT no mention of "the one"...LOL

Posted by: sara at October 13, 2010 06:07 PM (KzQRk)

120 Uh, oh. One of the rescuers held up a sign from the cave, Mission Accomplished, Chile.

Cue the moonbats.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:08 PM (UOM48)

121 #113 Amen!

I guess the talking head medical types need people to be pansies to keep themselves in jobs.

They've slightly toned down the doom and gloom predictions since last night, probably shamed by those miners looking so fit and happy. Though I heard one yapper claiming it was adrenaline and the miners would be in trouble when it wears off.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 06:08 PM (OwxBD)

122 well at least only 11 died it wasn't like there were thousands of dead that happened over many days/

Posted by: archie bunker at October 13, 2010 06:09 PM (0YS61)

123

"Agreed. But they sure did put their hearts and souls into it, didn't they? "

Yes, they sure did, they thanked God and then sang their national anthem with a lot of pride, and good for them!!

meanwhile in CA, some schools give students the option to sit out pledging their allegeience to the Flag, because the words "Under God" offends them, never mind these kids have no clue what any of this "controversy" is even about?

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 06:09 PM (ACkhT)

124 #124 even more unimaginable - their president actually led them in the national anthem. I can't imagine our 'can't place his hand over his heart' president doing that.

Posted by: some wench at October 13, 2010 06:09 PM (uJBct)

125 Eat a dick archie.

Posted by: awkward davies at October 13, 2010 06:11 PM (YCW1b)

126

just heard on Fox, one of those "evil corporations" UPS brought in the drill within 48 hours to Chile.

darn those evil corporations with their funneling of secret money!

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 06:11 PM (ACkhT)

127 Sara, I like to think that Mr, Penera has the same opinion of BHO as we Morons do.

Posted by: Pelayo at October 13, 2010 06:12 PM (qxog2)

128 Y'know, the more we talk about this, the more I really really wonder if non-conservatives are noticing the contrast. We're in a bit of an echo chamber (I'm watching Fox News while posting on Ace for God's sakes) but I do wonder if "moderates" and other persuasibles are thinking the same way about Obama vs an actual unabashedly patriotic national leader?

Posted by: arhooley at October 13, 2010 06:13 PM (n6Ugn)

129

"but I do wonder if "moderates" and other persuasibles are thinking the same way about Obama vs an actual unabashedly patriotic national leader?"

my socially liberal in-laws have already made the connection, they joked, that if Mr.Fraud was in charge, he would have been on the golf course.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 06:15 PM (ACkhT)

130 Contrast in leaders couldn't be any starker.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:16 PM (oCbCP)

131 lol- update from hubby who's still watching CNN. Now some "expert" is calling for an investigation into the mining disaster in Chile. God in Heaven...

Posted by: jewells45 at October 13, 2010 06:17 PM (Z71Vg)

132 Also cool is the fact that the cameras and people are still there for the rescue workers...classy, very classy.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:19 PM (oCbCP)

133 Nice to hear them thanking God. I think Chileans are a very devout Catholics.

Posted by: johnc_recent_EX-dem at October 13, 2010 10:02 PM (ACkhT)

Its like 95% Catholic in Latin America.

Posted by: Timbo at October 13, 2010 06:19 PM (ph9vn)

134 142 I've already heard on Fox that the mine will be closed permanently. I'm thinking the tort bar hasn't made the inroads there that they have here though. Thanks heavens.

Posted by: Hatchet Five at October 13, 2010 06:19 PM (F5+ta)

135 I've worked in Chile on a few resource projects and it is a wonderful place. Fairly efficient, not corrupt (in comparison to the rest of Latin America certainly, but probably also by world standards) and Chileans are very patriotic - food is great and the girls are pretty. You could do worse. It is like the US West Coast only backwards - the desert is in the north, Big Sur is in the middle and the Pacific Northwest and Alaska panhandle are in the south.

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2010 06:20 PM (btzPD)

136 Damn the spice! Save those men!

Posted by: duke leto atreides at October 13, 2010 06:21 PM (oLT/p)

137 143 Oh yeah. Nobody there will rest easy until the very last man is out of there. I think a lot of the video we are seeing is coming from Chilean TV; they sure as heck aren't going away from this story for a while.

Posted by: Hatchet Five at October 13, 2010 06:21 PM (F5+ta)

138 Only two guys left down there, soon to be just one....pray for the last one.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:23 PM (oCbCP)

139 I heard Greta say that one of the miners played on the Chilean olympic soccer team. Awesome.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:23 PM (UOM48)

140 How cool. Busloads of partiers are showing up to celebrate. Sure would be a nice time to be on vacay in Chile.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:24 PM (UOM48)

141 Greta is getting stupid. I'd stop watching but I'd like to hear that the last rescuer is out.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 06:27 PM (OwxBD)

142 It's amazing to me how smoothly this has gone. Let's hope it holds out a little longer.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 06:27 PM (PuaGA)

143 point on Fox about the first one down...how brave was that son of a bitch?

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:27 PM (oCbCP)

144 Jeebus, what's his name the reporter on Greta said the local media is no longer covering the rescue workers. *gulp*

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:30 PM (UOM48)

145 Spooky watching the second to last guy go and leaving the last one there. How does the last guy strap himself in?

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:31 PM (oCbCP)

146 Pfft. Chile, please. Pussy needed help.

Dutch offered me a boat, I was like, "Shit, I got this." I don't speak Dutchish, but he heard me. Know what I'm sayin'?

Ain't no oil spillin' now, is there?

You're welcome.

Posted by: Barry O at October 13, 2010 06:31 PM (M+lbD)

147 Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2010 09:29 PM (BP6Z1)

No wonder Obama ignored them. Not lefty enough.

I'm jealous of Chile: a president who loves his people and knows the national anthem!

Posted by: PJ at October 13, 2010 06:33 PM (GK2JE)

148 That Fox reporter is glorying in his Spanish fluency. Julie Banderas must have left that staff meeting royally pissed.

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 06:34 PM (M+lbD)

149 An even trade would be out of the question so can we trade O'Dumbo + a few billion dollars for the president of Chile?

Posted by: Scrapiron at October 13, 2010 06:34 PM (GkYyh)

150 I hear you PJ...I'm happy for the miners and the nation of Chile, but a tad sad for us.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:35 PM (oCbCP)

151 149 Only two guys left down there, soon to be just one....pray for the last one.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 10:23 PM (oCbCP)

Good grief.. I cant imagine being the last man down there.

Posted by: Timbo at October 13, 2010 06:35 PM (ph9vn)

152 #147 -

Nice reference!

Now you die.

Posted by: Baron Vladimir Harkonnen at October 13, 2010 06:36 PM (M+lbD)

153 Maybe we can start to focus on brave men like these instead of pansy asses like Brad Pitt.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:38 PM (oCbCP)

154 #164

But my name is not Inigo Montoya (or Leto Atreides).

Posted by: Captain Ned at October 13, 2010 06:38 PM (P1/uX)

155 #161 I don't know if Chile has a two term limit like us but if they do maybe we can get him to run for US president when he's done in Chile. As we now know, no birth certificate is required.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 06:38 PM (OwxBD)

156

"The miners acted stupidly..."

/Channeling President Genius

Posted by: Ernie McCracken at October 13, 2010 06:39 PM (FUEui)

157 When is the first sanctimonious earther going to start gnawing and wailing about this?

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:41 PM (oCbCP)

158 Tell ya what. If I were the last one in the mine, forget strapping in, I'd be clinging to the inside of that tube like Michelle on a hamburger. And I'd be screaming, "Get me out of here!!111!!" all the way to the surface.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:42 PM (UOM48)

159 LOL!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:43 PM (oCbCP)

160 I think Fox reported that the rescuers are mine employees, so they are probably not intimidated by being underground.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 06:46 PM (OwxBD)

161 Bravest person of the day: the first rescuer who volunteered to ride the tube down into the unknown. Seriously.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:46 PM (UOM48)

162 I cant wait to see the last guy out.

What a great story.

Posted by: Timbo at October 13, 2010 06:47 PM (ph9vn)

163 Ha. Greta says the last rescuer has to turn out the lights down below.

Posted by: Impressed at October 13, 2010 06:48 PM (Onw8c)

164 What about the mine?11!!??? Did they leave like trash and stuff in Earf???!!!111
Gaia weeps!11!!! Humans are mean!!!!11111!!

Posted by: Earth Firster at October 13, 2010 06:48 PM (UOM48)

165 I've worked in Chile on a few resource projects and it is a wonderful place. Fairly efficient, not corrupt (in comparison to the rest of Latin America certainly, but probably also by world standards)

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2010 10:20 PM (btzPD)

One of the first things I was told when I got to Chile was do not under any circumstance attempt to bribe or pay off cops. Apparently a lot of visitors figure that's the way it's done in S. America and give it a shot. I gather it works in other countries but several people made it clear it will land your ass in jail fast there.

As for it being efficient...yeah they are but in their own sort of way. Everything gets done and pretty much on time but I found most people were pretty laid back. It took awhile to get used to the idea they would deliver, even when it seemed like they were just yesing you to death.

Posted by: DrewM. at October 13, 2010 06:50 PM (HicGG)

166 He'll come out just about 24 hours after the first miner. What an amazing feat for the Chileans.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 06:50 PM (OwxBD)

167 You know what would suck big time? Hollywood decides to make a movie about this, and casts young lib douche actors like Benicio del Toro ("Che") to play heroic roles. And you know they will.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:51 PM (UOM48)

168 That capsule will have to stand in the town square!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:51 PM (oCbCP)

169 I really hope Fox cuts to the last rescuer coming up. That guy has to be the most relieved in the world to be out of that dark hole.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:54 PM (UOM48)

170

There are several dozen pairs of big brass clangers down there in Chile tonight.

Now President Pinera was all over that camera like white on rice--but he deserved to be there. He'd put his political capital on the line for something worthwhile and actually accomplished some good. ODumbo--not so much.

And after the last miner was out he and the miner lead a spirited singing of the Chilean national anthem. I doubt that ODumbo could get through the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner--and he would recoil in horror at some of the later verses. So warlike, so icky etc.

But the big thing was that after the last miner was shuffled off--and the guys were working to get the rescuers out, Pinera stepped up to the podium and started talking. He actually mentioned and thanked God! Who knew that a President of any country in the world could acknowledge that there may be someone greater than himself! Never going to happen on Obama's watch.

Posted by: Comanche Voter at October 13, 2010 06:54 PM (3ESDJ)

171 Barry would slip up and thank Allah.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 06:56 PM (UOM48)

172 Ya know, Barry can go down there and go into the mine and fly out...viola the 5th imam or whatever it is.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 06:57 PM (oCbCP)

173 #183 Nah, Barry would thank himself.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 06:58 PM (OwxBD)

174 177 DrewM: True dat. They are efficient, though as you say, in their own way. Certainly they take pride in being honest, in comparison to the Argentines (night and day). The highest - if inadvertent - compliment I have heard about the Chileans was from a lefty and wealthy American environmentalist. She said "I don't like Chile - too American." To which I replied "what, you mean you can't bribe the cops?"

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2010 06:58 PM (btzPD)

175 Shit fox cut away.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:00 PM (oCbCP)

176 cmon fox stay with it until the last rescuer is up, don;t make me watch cnn

Posted by: some wench at October 13, 2010 07:01 PM (uJBct)

177 They're still streaming, sans needless commenting

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:01 PM (PuaGA)

178 Sigh. Had to go to CNN.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:01 PM (UOM48)

179 CNN...I can't remember the last time I watched CNN...1999 in an airport maybe?

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:02 PM (oCbCP)

180 In other news, our kitteh just lept in the air and caught a winged insect. Good girl!

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:03 PM (UOM48)

181 Gag.. I had to go to CNN too.

Posted by: Timbo at October 13, 2010 07:04 PM (ph9vn)

182 I love the miners were all given Oakleys to wear. Our kid gave his dad an extra pair he didn't need. D'oh says they're the best sunglasses he's ever worn. The miners' look like the same style the Marines use.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:05 PM (UOM48)

183 Mine bat at the stink bugs, but won't eat em...smart kitties.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:05 PM (oCbCP)

184 I'm watching BBC, just saw the light!

Posted by: Tony at October 13, 2010 07:05 PM (GARYj)

185 Heh. I haven't been to CNN for so long I'm not sure my TV go there. Surely Fox will break in to a repeat of O'Reilly....

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 07:06 PM (n9+Pp)

186 Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2010 10:58 PM (btzPD)

I only met one guy who had anything remotely negative to say about the US. When he finished his BushMcHitler shit and left all the Chileans were embarrassed and made it quite clear he wasn't a Chilean, he was....Argentinean. It wasn't said with a lot of respect.

Posted by: DrewM. at October 13, 2010 07:06 PM (HicGG)

187 another handsome chilean, back above ground!

Posted by: some wench at October 13, 2010 07:06 PM (uJBct)

188 And Pinera is still there. Nice.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:07 PM (PuaGA)

189 OMG. The last rescue worker was the first one down. Jeebus. Hope his balls fit in the tube with him.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:07 PM (UOM48)

190 Those Chileans sure know how to put together some nice looking men...

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:08 PM (oCbCP)

191 DrewM. Must be why my lib in-laws love visiting Argentina so much. They feel right at home.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:08 PM (UOM48)

192 201-- Really? Good lord. One brave man.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:08 PM (PuaGA)

193 200 And Pinera is still there. Nice.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 11:07 PM (PuaGA)

Yeah.. WOW..

What a guy.

Posted by: Timbo at October 13, 2010 07:09 PM (ph9vn)

194 Sounds like there's still one below, 5 are up with capsule going back for 6th and final rescue worker.

Posted by: some wench at October 13, 2010 07:09 PM (uJBct)

195 If Pinera won't come here, can we sede and become part of Chile?

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:10 PM (oCbCP)

196 Jane: A few weeks ago, ours walked in the door with a dragonfly. Then a mouse.. Her eyes were as big as saucers... So now whenever we open the door, just a crack, we say "No mice!" and observe what she has or doesn't have in her mouth before we let her in.

Otherwise my wife would freak...

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2010 07:10 PM (btzPD)

197 *shudder* imagining being the last rescuer, turning off the lights, climbing into the cage....wait....what's that noise from the corner?! Cave goes dark, cage isn't coming quickly enough.....wet, panting, breathing approaching.....

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:11 PM (UOM48)

198 210 *shudder* imagining being the last rescuer, turning off the lights, climbing into the cage....wait....what's that noise from the corner?! Cave goes dark, cage isn't coming quickly enough.....wet, panting, breathing approaching.....

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 11:11 PM (UOM4

Ha... damn... that is some imagination.

Posted by: Timbo at October 13, 2010 07:13 PM (ph9vn)

199 "Cave goes dark, cage isn't coming quickly enough.....wet, panting, breathing approaching....."

Stink from the shit I left in my pants recoils the monster...all is well.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:13 PM (oCbCP)

200 Skookumchuk, fortunately, our two are house kittehs. However, they manage to find and torture the occasional lizard that slips into the screened porch.

Heh. Tonight they were on the porch, and one of them was going nuts doing her "fierce" growl. The nightly racoon was raiding the bird feeder.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:13 PM (UOM48)

201 Given what Pinera said to the shift supervisor about staying down until his men were safe I'd expect him (Pinera) to stay until the last rescuer is out. The man knows how to lead a team.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 07:14 PM (kxPq9)

202 Holy crap, is that vid on CNN of the last rescuer down in the cave waiting?

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:14 PM (UOM48)

203 Jeebus. I have goosebumps.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:15 PM (UOM48)

204 Darn...I wanted to see the last guy get in the capsule and the shot from the camera showing it going up. Fuck the equipment down there!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:16 PM (oCbCP)

205 #147 -
Nice reference!
Now you die.
Baron? Is that you, Baron? [cough, cough] Aaakh. Need better [cough, cough] dental plan...

Posted by: duke leto atreides at October 13, 2010 07:16 PM (oLT/p)

206 They're down in the hole with the last man out... the first medic in... what a hero... I hope the President is there to greet him at the top... don't disappoint me Pinero... you've been a rock star so far, don't diss this guy.

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 07:16 PM (NLUwe)

207 Shoot that is the last guy, I thought it was a rerun of something else.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:17 PM (oCbCP)

208 It would be funny as hell if that last guy radioed up, "There's something in here with me... Let me see if arrrghhhh!!!!!"

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:17 PM (M+lbD)

209 Yeah, I had to kill a lizard that somehow (cat?) got in our bedroom closet. It had crawled in to my wife's slippers. Not good. The tricky part was how to get it off the slippers and out in the open where I could smash it. It's nice being the hero. There are benefits...

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2010 07:18 PM (btzPD)

210 I'm glad they're keeping chatter up with him until the capsule gets there

Posted by: some wench at October 13, 2010 07:18 PM (uJBct)

211 This is more nerve wracking than waiting for Ace's appearance on Fox!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:18 PM (oCbCP)

212 Was Greta kidding when she said he had to turn the lights out? Please.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:18 PM (UOM48)

213

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:19 PM (M+lbD)

214 Yeah, Greta sometimes is a bit much.

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2010 07:19 PM (btzPD)

215 What if the guy arrived at the surface with a......face hugger? Had to go there.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:20 PM (UOM48)

216 Wow..just wow!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:20 PM (oCbCP)

217 Big man with BIG balls!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:21 PM (oCbCP)

218 As he casually strolls up to the cage......shit! He's taking a bow for the camera!! Balls of steel.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:21 PM (UOM48)

219 Go Manuel!!!

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 07:21 PM (NLUwe)

220 Jesus, this is excruciating!

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:22 PM (M+lbD)

221 Wish the damn thing would move faster!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:22 PM (oCbCP)

222

Barry O'Dimwit would be looking for ASSES TO KICK and he'd had his BOOT ON THE NECK of the mining company. Then he'd shut down all mining for 6 months, and go on vacation. When he came back, he'd blame gold and copper mines for all his troubles and he'd take over all student loans, the auto companies, insurance companies, banks and all studet loans.

But you get to keep your Doctor. For now.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:23 PM (C02p4)

223 He left without the camera. Barky would send him a bill for it.

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 07:24 PM (kxPq9)

224 Lights are still on. What if something just kinda scooted along the edge of the camera's view now... that was there all along. Yeah, I probably read too much horror.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:24 PM (PuaGA)

225 Well, I know thirty-some guys who are getting their balls drained this week.

Though in Manuel's case it might require the assistance of a hydraulic pump and a storage tank.

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:25 PM (M+lbD)

226 No, the camera was left there to lure Barky into the cave and then we can close it forever.

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 07:25 PM (NLUwe)

227 Meanwhile, crawling slowly, then gradually picking up speed, just keeping up with the cage....a creature. Buried for centuries, its yellow eyes glowing with hunger....its muscles ripple beneath coarse fur, its huge, razor like claws grab the sides of the tube eagerly. Its meal waits ahead....

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:25 PM (UOM48)

228 Meanwhile a guy walks up to the camera in the hole and says, "Hey, where'd everybody go?"

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:26 PM (M+lbD)

229 Meanwhile, crawling slowly, then gradually picking up speed, just keeping up with the cage....a creature. Buried for centuries, its yellow eyes glowing with hunger....its muscles ripple beneath coarse fur, its huge, razor like claws grab the sides of the tube eagerly. Its meal waits ahead.... Been reading any Steve Alton lately?

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:27 PM (PuaGA)

230 Dang Jane...you channeling Stephen King?

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:28 PM (oCbCP)

231 AngelEm, nope. Just my own crazy-assed mind.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:28 PM (UOM48)

232 Oh, yeah, something unseen and unspeakable definitely hitched a ride in some unsuspecting hosts.

Didn't everyone say how weirdly healthy most of them looked?

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:28 PM (M+lbD)

233 And when the last miner got to the top. Opie would be there SUCKING ON A SLURPEE.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:28 PM (C02p4)

234 Jane, you could write the sequel to this!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:29 PM (oCbCP)

235 By the way, the first/last rescuer guy.....he'll be popular with the ladies now.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:29 PM (UOM48)

236

The big question is. Was there ROMANCE down below.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:30 PM (C02p4)

237 Chile's president still there. (Hope there's no face hugger on the rescuer.)

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:31 PM (UOM48)

238 re romance: Don't ask, don't tell.

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 07:31 PM (NLUwe)

239 Wonder how much coffee the workers have had up there. Haven't Pinera and wife been there the entire time? They're probably hallucinating pajamas and mattresses by now.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:31 PM (PuaGA)

240 Horray!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:32 PM (oCbCP)

241 What a difference between Toonces and Moochelle and a real president and first lady. Moochelle would have been in a snit hours ago. Barry would have smoked a carton of cigs.

The last rescuer's up!!!!!

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:32 PM (UOM48)

242 He's out! No facehugger apparent.

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:33 PM (PuaGA)

243 Well done, Chile!

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 07:33 PM (kxPq9)

244 Goddammit, I wish I spoke Spanish (yeah, I said that already)

Posted by: AngelEm at October 13, 2010 07:34 PM (PuaGA)

245 Awesome... just awesome.

Way to go Chile!

Posted by: Timbo at October 13, 2010 07:35 PM (ph9vn)

246 Somewhere, deep in the bowels of the White House home theatre, Barry is sitting alone in the dark.

How the hell can I arrange a mining "disaster" to show those Chilean shits I can out-rescue their rescue? Where the hell is Rahm when I need him? All I need is a West Virginia mine and a few dozen crackers and I can pull this off. I'll be all presidential and stuff.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:35 PM (UOM48)

247 I'm going to print out a pic of the Chilean President and put it under my pillow, dreaming that one day we'll have a President like him. I soooooooooo fondly recall Bush standing on that pile of ruble. I can't imagine The Weak Won doing anything like that.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:35 PM (oCbCP)

248 The big question is. Was there ROMANCE down below.

-------------------

"DAY 46. We are desperate. And we are men. Men with needs. Carlos nominates Ramon - little Ramon, with the big eyes - to be our mujer de necessidad. We take a vote. The vote is 32 to 1. Ramon is very unhappy. We send a request topside for a dress, make-up, and a bottle of tequila. It is all for Ramon."

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:37 PM (M+lbD)

249

I am so FRACKIN glad the JERRY RIVERS wasn't the MAN ON THE SCENE, in Chile.

I would have barfed.

Geraldo speaks Spanglish you know.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:38 PM (C02p4)

250 Thank God!

Posted by: curious at October 13, 2010 07:40 PM (p302b)

251 I see now that the tension is gone, the thread has taken a turn towards creative writing.

Posted by: some wench at October 13, 2010 07:40 PM (uJBct)

252 Yay! Everyone is safe.

Posted by: Mayday at October 13, 2010 07:41 PM (TRgli)

253 Chee Chee Chee Lay Lay Lay

Posted by: Retread at October 13, 2010 07:41 PM (kxPq9)

254 GWB on the pile with his hard had and bullhorn among men and Pinero with a hard hat among men... then we have BO on his daughter's bike in his mommy jeans... sigh... yes, the jihadists are quaking in their boots.

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 07:42 PM (NLUwe)

255 Last words before the capsule first came down:

"What happened in the hole, stays in the hole."

Posted by: schizuki at October 13, 2010 07:42 PM (M+lbD)

256

Jane. Opie did have a mining disaster. I think 23 died???

I'm sure more REGULATION is his solution. More GOVERNMENT.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:43 PM (C02p4)

257 The last rescuer behaved stupidly. He didn't care enough about the environment to bother to turn out the lights in the cave. I wonder how much energy was expended to bring the miners up in the cage? Couldn't they have used solar energy or something?

Posted by: Barry the Awesome at October 13, 2010 07:43 PM (UOM48)

258 but...but...BO had a helmet on too!!!

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:43 PM (oCbCP)

259 Sadly, our enemies have been watching and sizing Barry up for too long. Wish we could move to Chile.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:45 PM (UOM48)

260

29 died this year at the WV disaster. Opie came to town and pretended to be aware of the 23RD PSALM.

Where would Opie know the 23rd Psalm from?? Jeremiah Wright????

Puhleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:46 PM (C02p4)

261 gus, Michelle's prayer circles have put up barriers to evil spirits....or something.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:47 PM (UOM48)

262 Hello. CNN has another "health professional" predicting alcoholism, panic attacks, etc., etc. Just imagine if most of these men are strong, courageous, and grateful to be home with their families.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 13, 2010 07:50 PM (UOM48)

263

"Under my plan, of a CAP and TRADE system, electricity rates would. (DRUM ROLL PLEASE) ..........NECESSARILY SKYROCKET.

That's our DIMWIT from KENYA. He loves mining.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:50 PM (C02p4)

264 Barry couldn't inspire a nat. Bush and now Pinera inspired nations.

Posted by: SJR2 at October 13, 2010 07:51 PM (oCbCP)

265 Watching the CNN feed. For a time there, I thought, Cool. No HQ experts pulling stupid out of their ass. Now A. C. is interviewing a U.S. mine union thug, who is telling El Presidente how to run his effing country.

Back to Cops, or Fox, or Daisy Duke. Yea. That's the ticket.

Posted by: Impressed at October 13, 2010 07:52 PM (Onw8c)

266

Jane, the WIDE HIDE said that nonsense here in Milwaukee today.

Last time she was here, she said "For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country".

3 hours and 75 miles later in MADISTAN she added "Really proud", obviously realizing she had stepped in it.

Obama then told us she was off limits to criticism. NONSENSE. Put yourself INTO THE GAME, take the punishment the game dishes out.

Michelle Obama is a piece of work.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:54 PM (C02p4)

267

Janice Joplin is re-writing the song.

69 days in the hole.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:55 PM (C02p4)

268

Yeah like 15 MILLLLLLLLLLLLLION UNEMPLOYED Americans doesn't create DEPRESSION/ALCOHOLISM and other maladies.

These dudes are MEN. Obama wouldn't have lasted a week. He would have pissed off one of the miners and would have made himself SHOVEL READY.

Posted by: gus at October 13, 2010 07:57 PM (C02p4)

269 Two days ago, I didn't know who the president of Chile was. Now I'm wishing he was the president of the place where the United States used to be.

Posted by: Impressed at October 13, 2010 08:03 PM (Onw8c)

270 Gus @ 281: Spot on. We have become a nation of p**sies. Special interest whores. Without any character, except Me, Me, Me.

Posted by: Impressed at October 13, 2010 08:06 PM (Onw8c)

271 > Chileans, by contrast, said the crisis united them as never before. That takes leadership, and it comes about only because Pinera believes in openness, free markets, transparency and putting himself last. "There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." -- Ronald Reagan

Posted by: The Chap in the Deerstalker Cap at October 13, 2010 08:12 PM (wb/re)

272 I have to say I really admire President Pinera. Chile's devastating earthquake hit a few days before he was sworn into office so he's been handling major crises from day one.

Would I like a guy like this in office here (or a woman equally strong!)? Oh hell yes!

Posted by: NunyaBizness at October 13, 2010 08:14 PM (t/bTi)

273 Imagine. A president of a country leading his countrymen in the national anthem... oh, the horror!! And yes, BO did wear a helmet on his girly bike... and he buckled it under his chin... these guys don't need no stinking buckles.

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 08:19 PM (NLUwe)

274 btw, Trader Joe's has an excellent Chilean wine for a mere $2.99!! I 'm loving this country more and more.

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 08:21 PM (NLUwe)

275 What a great combined effort that resulted in success. Watching the president of Chile with his wife showing true compassion and humility brought home the folly of our nation voting for a community organizer and expecting him to be anything more than just a community organizer. God bless the people of Chile, the miners, the rescuers, and their leaders.

Posted by: Buffalobob at October 13, 2010 08:26 PM (GwH6h)

276 Wow, Pinero just about thanked everyone who called him... even freakin' Chavez called... and Bibi, Cameron, but guess who never called...

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 08:30 PM (NLUwe)

277 I mean Pinera... oops.

Posted by: jules at October 13, 2010 08:38 PM (NLUwe)

278

What a testament to human courage and ingenuity. This incident shows the true meaning of "Yes We Can."

Congratulations and Godspeed to all involved.

Posted by: Syracuse1989 at October 14, 2010 03:11 AM (Q6ZUl)

279

Late as usual. Wasn't there a derogatory Democrat commercial a few years ago implying we shouldn't even dream of partially privatizing Social Security because those backward hacks in Chile had privatized their pension system, and God forbid, we surely don't want to follow THEIR example? I mean, CHILI? Really?

Seems like the Chileans may provide some pretty good examples on how to go about some things. It sometimes helps when you're capable of realizing there is a world beyond the boundaries of the latest West Side fusion restaurant.

Posted by: RM at October 14, 2010 04:13 AM (GkYyh)

280 Greg Hall, Fightin' Texas Aggies class of Nineteen Hunnert and Eighty-Two is the man who came up with the drilling plan and execution to get them out. Beat the Hell Outta Collapsed Mineshafts! Whoop!

Posted by: Phil Smith at October 14, 2010 09:27 AM (n+cpx)

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