Madeleine McCann Is Sjanneke Hofstede And Ribeiro Is Columbo
THIS is the face of the girl they thought was Madeleine McCann, or Maddie, as the Mail’s front page rebrands the missing girl.
By way of a compare and contrast, the Express has its quotidian picture of Madeleine McCann on the front page. (Although it is expected to shift on the tenth anniversary of the Bouquet Revolution when Diana died, Elton sang and Britain’s top lip became soaked in tears and emotion.)
It is clear in an instant that Madeleine looks a bit like the Mail’s girl. But this new girl has a mole on her face, her eyes are dark brown and not marked by a dropping iris, her hair is blonder and her lips fuller.
And her name is not Madeleine McCann. Her name is Sjanneke Hofstede. She was the girl spotted by the child therapist who told the police and then posed for pictures in the Express. She was 100% sure Sjanneke was Madeleine.
The therapist wishes she’d have done more. Had only this expert walked over and seized the child she would have been the saviour. She would have been the child therapist who not only talked but did. She would have been the recipient of a massive reward. The therapist would have been wrestled to the ground by Sjanneke’s father, with whom she was having lunch, while his girlfriend, also present, dialled the authorities.
The Express makes no mention of this development. Doubtless it is still awaiting the results of DNA tests on the straw Sjanneke used to drink a strawberry milkshake before publishing the news. It will not jump to conclusions.
The Express focuses on the investigation. The Mail does hear “Portugal’s top policeman” Alipio Ribeiro answer critics that he has not deployed enough manpower to find the missing child. Says he: “I have always said that Poirot acted alone and was effective. This is not about numbers. Currently, it is not even about resources.”
We have always said that Poirot was Belgian, too overweight and a work of fiction. But we concede that if Ribeiro is to model himself on any crime fighter, better Poitot than, say, Spiderman or PC Plum from Balamory. Or Cracker.
But there is something of Lieutenant Columbo about Ribeiro’s investigation. He is waiting or the assumed kidnapper to slip up. He has a sense of who the criminal is, and then hounds them, all the time gathering evidence.
“Just one more thing…” says the Express. “MADELEINE - British suspect to be arrested in hours say police.”
Why let the papers know this unless the police want their man to make his move?
And this suspect is British. A Briton has been monitored for several weeks. Minds turn to Robert Murat, who, like Columbo, has a bad eye.
But before the denouement, the Express gathers all around. We are back to Poirot as it revisits the evidence and recaps the story so far. And then it revels all.
But not yet. Soon. Stay tuned…
Posted: 20th, August 2007 | In: Madeleine McCann Comments (205) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
Comments
September 8th, 2007 at 7:32 am
[...] Big Brother 8 Anorak - But we concede that if Ribeiro is to model himself on any crime fighter, better Poitot than, say, Spiderman or PC Plum from Balamory. Or Cracker . But there is something of Lieutenant Columbo about Ribeiro s investigation. He is waiting or the [...]
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:33 am
This young girl is far prettier and more saintly than Maddie; it’s hard to understand how this so called child therapist could get it so wrong.
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:25 am
My wife has been telling me about the forum. What is the physical address of this Anorak forum?
August 22nd, 2007 at 6:11 am
Pat wrote: I understand Maria feeling sympathy for the family because I do too.
Pat, bad news…….Maria is also gone! She handed in her letter of “resignation” Tuesday afternoon. Another one bites the dust!!
August 22nd, 2007 at 6:03 am
For now I am living by the light of the moon for the most part. It is good to have something to discuss. I don’t really feel up to hassles these days though NO.
August 22nd, 2007 at 6:01 am
I do understand people who have a hard time relating but there are more important areas to consider.
August 22nd, 2007 at 6:01 am
To be clear, I am able to overlook the mistake of the McCanns. Over and over again I have tried to move on from that topic but the topic just keeps coming back up as what to discuss over and over again. I moved past that a long time ago.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:58 am
Dizzy, air head, eccentric and more but never boring. Maybe I am getting old.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:56 am
Karalyn Spudgun is the first person to ever call me boring! Honestly.
Maybe I just come across that way online. I have been called a number of names over the years but this is the first time boring.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:49 am
Have you seen the Scotsman today? I am 1/4 Highlander Scottish - one of the last few Catholic Scots left in the world after John Knox tried to deplete them all to please what else? The Monarchy! But anyhooo all of that is academic - personally, I am a bit biased towards the Scots’ papers….but, here have a look - take a gander -they report, you decide! And braindead Mr. Sousa (no relation to Sammy I’m sure) says “The trail is going cold”…..what a bunch of bellowing blumket KEYSTONE COPS. I think we’re all being jerked around…what about you Pat? Hey, if they are calling you boring as you posted, why not change things aroud and call yourself “peppermint patty”? that may spice things up for you w/ Richard and the other blokes a bit….you just seemed a little down in the dumps today - waiting for someone to say something…just a suggestion. Don’t shoot the messenger! But do read below for the latest and greatest!!!
http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1330712007
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:34 am
This case has been strange in a number of ways. Maybe that is what grabs the attention of people. Then, waiting for some kind of answer to it all.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:32 am
Star Figure there were many families at the complex who didn’t feel comfortable leaving the children alone. It must be okay for people like that to disagree with the decisions that were made.
I understand Maria feeling sympathy for the family because I do too. At the same time the fact Maria is supposedly a lawyer she must objectively consider people are not necessarily mean to have opinions about neglect leaving a three year old at the time and two two year olds alone.
The McCanns made a mistake and they are having to deal with a lot of public scrutiny due to the media campaign which they urge to help find Madeleine. That is just the reality. I think life must be nightmare for them.
What you say about the pictures well I don’t know how to explain how they remain as composed as they do because I am not that type. I grew up around people who functioned methodically one cookie a day out of the cookie jar kind of thing people are just different and different ways to cope.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:20 am
NO I would not have been comfortable with the nightly routine. Maybe they had a false sense of security. Around here I can’t imagine but I assume they did feel safe in their space. When new info came around recently that the management went to them and suggested a baby service and Mrs. Fen reported a child crying in the McCan apartment while they were away got my attention. I don’t know if that info is true and I try to be fair. If the info is true I can’t imagine the McCanns knew the child had been crying a long time one night, about the burglaries, and continued the routine even if there was initially a false sense of security. The info is hard to sort
All I can think about a dead body in the apartment two hours is that was unlikely due to an intruder. I don’t yet want to believe stories about a dead body.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:16 am
Star Keep in mind the facts are hard to sort in this case for sure. The way I understand Mrs. Fen’s neice saw a man hanging around the McCann apartment matching the description of the man Ms. Tanner described. Also, supposedly or at least reportedly there was a family by the church who also saw the man matching the description.
Do you know how to find the Portugal news? Maybe there is something there. I have trouble on that search for some reason. For one thing I can’t read Spanish.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:08 am
I am looking forward to what happens when they get to the search and arrests….hopefully they are wrong as far as Maddie being dead (I guess they are back on that she died in the apartment) That also dont make much sense, if the dog got a hit off a dead body that had to be there for 2 hours, then the timing if off
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:04 am
Pat…I dont understand how Tanner friend saw a man with a child(that she is now sure was Maddie) and waited weeks to tell anyone…Apparently she knew where the Mccanns were staying and what Maddie looked like? Why did she not say anything?
Does Mrs Fren live there in that apartment all the time?
I still cant understand how the Mccanns thought it was safe to leave the kids in a unlocked apartment in a strange country while out having a good time.
And the crying, if that is true, what was that all about?
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:57 am
Pat…I dont understand the whole case. They keep telling us there will be some news SOON…..I also read the article that told of all the mistakes made on the night Maddie went missing. I believe the Mccanns act odd(i dont know what normal is when your child is missing, BUT i would be a wreck and in need a a mental hospital and would not be able to function) It just seems strange that someone could get in the apartment and get out with Maddie when they were being checked all the time. The Mccanns and friends story of that night seem to have too many inconsistencies, i noticed that right off. Also the blog and pics of the Mccanns seem like they are still on Holiday as the rest of the world worries about what happen to Maddie.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:48 am
One thought I have is that since the cracker team went to Portugal there have been many reports all heading in different directions. It is unclear if that is intentional or reinactments or some kind or just more began to surface. At this time there is no official word what the UK police think or did I miss something?
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:46 am
oh, I don’t understand how those sightings can be ignored until they are dismissed is what I meant.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:45 am
Star if you are still around I don’t understand if several people saw a man walking off with a child Ms. Tanner, the people by the church, and Mrs. Fen’s neice seeing a similar discription of a man hanging around the McCann’s apartment.
Basically I just have some time recently to devote while my mother is seriously ill and life sort of on hold as a result.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:42 am
Star you are easier to talk to like what I am use to anyway.
Yes, it is a worry that reports suggested new developments and then so far nothing. Maybe that explains why Mr. McCann didn’t indicate that on his blog, which appeared unusual at the time.
The only read recent news that had any new info was about Mrs. Fen and I had actually read some of that posted a while back on this site. Some of what I read in recent news about her info was new though.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:27 am
Sorry agree? lolololol
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:25 am
Also do you argue with youself? LOLOLOLOL
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:19 am
Am I male or female?
UK OR USA?
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:18 am
Pat…Not sure if he is still here or not. that is what he said and i asked if there was another place that was discussing Maddie and i dont think he answered. I dont mind hearing other people’s opinions or theories(considering the news KEEPS telling us that something is due to happen soon) i guess all message boards have people that come on to poke fun or name call instead of discussing the topic. Best thing is just ignore i have found.
This story is all over the place, Maddie is alive, Maddie is dead, the Mccanns and their friends are suspects and then they are not suspects. I still think they act a bit odd, sorta like they are on permanent Holiday as the world wonders what happen to lil Maddie.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:16 am
1. Karalyn Says:
August 21st, 2007 at 2:07 am
Spudgun - YOU ISthe lowest form of life. Begone bigot!
Everyone else - just ignore him. He wants to know what we’re doing on this fourm? What’s he doing here??? Trying to be the big man on campus? the big anonymous Bully?? Yeah, I am really %$#@@* in my boots. He’s a loser and a coward. Scum needs to be eradicated. Just ignore him and yell for a MODERATOR - to REMOVE the bottomfeeder - Pronto!
Back to Madeleine’s story….
As A ‘bottom feeder’ I think you lash out a little too much Carolyyn or Karlyn depending on gender?
“I am trying to be the big man on campus? the big anonymous Bully??”
Are you man or woman once again?
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:05 am
Star so you mean Paul isn’t coming to this site anymore? The fact is I don’t understand a lot of the contention here either. I was termed boring by Dogdump or whoever but I thought I was actually trying to find a topic with more substance than cuddle cat or a lot of talk about nothing.
I have noticed in the past few days a lot more fussy type and being somewhat of a regular I couldn’t figure out what happened. I haven’t been on in the earlier part of the days recently so maybe I missed something, even reading over the posts later somehow.
So what site did Paul go?
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:40 am
Pat…Paul didnt do anything, he just said this…
I’m off to debate Madeleine McCann on another site, where the moderator is fair, unbiased, and doesn’t make posts in his own name - he just moderates!”
I thought he knew another site, is all…
August 21st, 2007 at 9:20 pm
This is Tuesday. No new news so far.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Response to Star Star what did Paul do? I like Paul.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Paul…..where can we go to discuss this fairly…i mean we all have our own opinions of what happen and the McCanns. We should be able to voice those opinions.