SCOTT SIMON, host: This weekend much of Australia is gripped by the story of Brant Webb and Todd Russell and what they call their two-star hotel. They're in Tasmania in a four-by-four-foot cage that's 3,000 feet below the earth at the Beaconsfield gold mine. An earthquake in the Pacific Ocean trapped them in there on April 25. Drilling teams have worked (unintelligible) to send oxygen, food and water to the men, and I-Pods. Both men like country music. Their good humor is intact. Mr. Russell and Mr. Webb reportedly asked for a newspaper so they can begin to scan the classified ads and look for new jobs. Coming up, Billy Connolly brings his comedic title wave on a U.S. tour. Stay tuned.
Two Australian miners trapped underground are apparently managing to keep their sense of humor as they await rescue. They describe their surroundings as a "two-star hotel."