Pride of the Chileans

October 14, 2010

That question this morning from the beaming manager of my parking garage, a Chilean American who was wearing his pride just about everywhere after the incredible rescue of 33 miners ended last night.

Patricio is about the sweetest guy I know anyway; he brightens the day for everyone he sees. But greeting him today was more infectious than usual - seeing him so ecstatic and filled with excitement over his country and his countrymen.

I knew he played soccer in Chile and so I asked him if he knew Franklin Lobo, one of the rescued miners. Lobo was a professional soccer player in the 80s and 90s, and was part of the Chile national squad at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Patricio said he did know him - and talked of Lobo's soccer prowess when he a young man.

The sparkle will fade from this story - that's just what happens. But for 24 hours the world watched as the improbable became reality. We'll have the latest on these miners as they prepare for release from the hospital, tonight at 11.

Also at 11, Lee Goldberg is tracking a wet and wild storm that's heading to our area. 24 hours of it - half wet, half wild, with strong winds.

And - an eye exam on your cell phone? That's what some researchers have now come up with in the latest incredible high-tech app.

And did you see the interview the Washington Post did with the man who was shot by then-Vice President Cheney during a hunting trip nearly five years ago?

It's must-read stuff. (CLICK TO READ IT)

The takeaways: Harry Whittington, now 82, still has 30 pieces of birdshot embedded in his body; his injuries were "more dire than previously disclosed" and he suffered a mild heart attack and a collapsed lung; he "barely knew" Mr. Cheney, despite reports that they were old friends and hunting buddies; and, most incredible, Mr. Cheney has yet to apologize for the accident. No I'm sorry. Nothing. Nada.

We'll also have any breaking news of the night, plus Scott Clark with the night's sports. I hope you can join Liz Cho and me, tonight at 11.

BILL RITTER

Click here to send a comment.

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.