h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

('twas rather direct... remember the thing about writing things like they were questions to avoid potential defamatory doodahs? )

I just read the Kate McCann interview she gave back in August to the Independent Newspaper

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/crime/article2836182.ece

Two things I found really strange. The first is that she says that before she gave birth to Madeline she thought she was a boy, "based on instinct". Now I've never had children so I don't quite know what she means, but like anyone I'm prone to the odd irrational instinct. But what I find odd is that given the position she is in, she actually admits as a GP, to it. Anyway that's not such a big deal maybe. But what's more strange is that when she talks about the evening when the children were left alone she says of Madeline,

' I never thought for one second that she'd walked out. I knew someone had been in the apartment because of the way it had been left.

But I knew she wouldn't do that anyway. There wasn't a shadow of a doubt in my mind she'd been taken.'

Now that suggests Madeline could actually get out, (I won't say whether that means the appartment was left unlocked, because she doesn't actually say that!!!), but her mother somehow *knew* she wouldn't do that anyway. How did she know Madeline wouldn't wander off. Absolutely no evidence is given to back any of this up. She somehow *knew* someone had been in the appartment. How exactly?

It's pretty common for women to have a feeling that they know the gender of their unborn child. Even women who are 'meant' to be rational (not that I think doctors are any more rational than any other group in society).

Yes but my point is that it is surprising that she would admit to it in such an interview given that people already viewed the McCann's behaviour as weirdly irrational in leaving their children alone. Or was their PR adviser at this stage so incompetant? No wonder that Lib Dem woman got the push.

Oh and I almost forgot the most important point. Madeline was a *girl*

Hey welcome back Kea Your input is most definitely welcome on this thread. Crikey I've been out tonight discussing this case with people. I don't know; it's just so darned addictive. As I said a way back, like a complicated game. I think I need therapy!!

That's a very interesting link, thank you Fanny.

These people spend a lot of time talking about themselves, don't they? Mommy instinct was wrong though. When I was pregnant, each of my children visited me in a dream and introduced themselves to me.


Rhys Jones' parents on TV yesterday, appealing for information about their son's killer. I just have to look at them and it's something about them that touches my soul, their dignity, their courage, their pain.

I saw Mrs McCann on the front page of every newspaper yesterday and gritted my teeth.


Oh and by the way, the ex-BBC guy, the new PR man? The last job he applied for was PR man to Prince William. He was turned down. I'd love to know why. Are CVs available on the 'net?

"Having received a reply which is described as confidential and copyright etc., he is happy to divulge what they had to say"

http://postmanpatel.blogspot.com/2007/05/clarence-mitchell-journo-with-right-cv.html

Mitchell was a BBC journalist who covered the deaths of Princess Diana and Michael Hutchence.

Team McCann: http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2172934,00.html

One of seven directors of the Find Madeleine Fund, Gerry McCann's brother John McCann has taken indefinite leave of absence from his job as a medical rep for the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in order to administrate the £1m fund from his Glasgow sitting room.

Esther McVey, 39, has been friends with Kate McCann since they went to school together and is a board member and spokesperson for the Find Madeleine Fund. A former television personality - she appeared on GMTV and in programmes such as 5's Company, The Heaven and Earth Show, Shopping City and Channel 4's Nothing But The Truth with Ann Widdecombe - McVey now runs a PR firm in Liverpool, and hopes to become a Tory MP at the next general election.

Angus McBride, 42, is particularly experienced in defending the reputations of celebrities, or accidental celebrities, such as the McCanns. He represented the actor Chris Langham, who has just been jailed for downloading child porn.

I need a shower.

Does anyone know of there are any other jobs going linked to the fund? I'm more than happy to help out!

I wonder how many detectives £1m could pay for?

Yes, I can see what you are saying. Howver, looking at this objectively, for this is Hootoo!, the parents of Rhys Jones *know* Rhys is dead...there is no uncertainty in their minds that he is dead, the only uncertainty is who did it and why(nutter kid gun...).

The McCanns, at the present moment they have no idea whether their daughter is dead or alive...a parent would assume that she would still be alive...they are doing everything in their power to try and find her...hence the saturation media coverage etc. Putting oneself in their position wouldn't you not try and do similar?

Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible...

After that post, R 3dots, I think you might be well be in the running to be signed up by Team McCann.

I must say it's a relief not to have heard anything from them on news I watch or listen to for a couple of days.

If they paid me I would happily spout that stuff every second of the day...it seems to be earning various people the interest from the £1million...

This post has been removed.

This post has been removed.

Post 496 was mine. A humorous spoof application to join the Team. But apparently very actionable. Well yes it probably was technically. But in the UK making jokes, even about really serious things is a highly valued part of our culture. And long may it continue.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7008042.stm

"Fellow Irish comedian Sean Hughes also apologised after making a joke around the McCanns' visit to Pope Benedict.'

How completely ridiculous!

To quote Stephen Fry: 'You are offended? So f***ing what?'

Post 497 was mine, it was a hypothetical take on the mystery of her disappearance, involving a

I'm sorry if anyone was offended,