It's another grand consequence of the twenty four hour news cycle and reality television, and, of course, a wonderful marketing opportunity for networks and their sponsors. I don't intend to sound this cynical, because it's wonderful that they were rescued, just as it's terrible that they work in conditions that could precipitate the original disaster. But the idea that white-collar workers should watch in breathless anticipatory communes in office buildings is pretty absurd. It was just a good network opportunity for the masses, because the rescue could be so soundly planned, right down to the day, the hour, and the sequence and biographical narrative of miner #5, miner #17, etc. I didn't watch any of it.

God. I would kill for a steak and cheese and a dark, dark beer right now.