Jaycee Dugard Reappearance Gives McCann’s Fresh Hope

After 18 long years in captivity and giving birth to two children all alone, Jaycee Duggard is living proof that there is hope for all those with loved ones missing.

The news of Duggard’s incredible story has been welcomed dearly by the parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann. It has been over four years since Madeleine disappeared in Praya da Luz Portugal, but Kate and Gerry McCann have never given up hope of finding their beloved daughter. Even those who strongly believe that Madeleine may never come home cannot deny the McCann’s taking some hope from this amazing woman’s escape from hell.

There are similarities between the two cases, albeit Madeleine was a lot younger that Jaycee when she went missing.  During Jaycee’s first television interview with ABC News, she told the world of the terrible ordeal she was put through by evil monster Phillip Garrido. Miss Duggard was forced into giving birth at the tender age of fourteen, while having one hand handcuffed and being all alone in a dingy shed in Garrido’s back garden. In a way it was a blessing in disguise, as it gave the then innocent young girl hope and companionship during her 18 year ordeal.

"She was beautiful. I felt like I wasn't alone anymore," stated Miss Duggard.

 "(I) had somebody else who was mine and I wasn't alone and I knew I could never let anything happen to her."

 Jaycee Duggard’s nightmare ordeal finally came to an end in 2009, when Garrido opted to bring her and her daughters to a parole meeting, before being found out by police. Garrido has since been jailed for 431 years, with his wife Nancy also facing a life imprisonment behind bars. In this almost miracle-like story, has provided the McCann’s with fresh optimism and hope as they continue their worldwide search for Madeleine.

 “Once again this shows that children can sometimes disappear off the radar only to be found years later alive” stated the McCann’s.

 ''It emphasises that we should never assume that someone is not alive without any evidence to support this. We should never give up

 ''This case only makes us more determined to find Madeleine. She is out there somewhere and somebody knows where.''

 Dave Edgar, an Ulster detective leading the hunt for Madeleine, fears that she may have suffered a similar fate to that of Miss Duggard’s. Edgar strongly believes that Madeleine is also imprisoned somewhere. Edgar believes the reappearances of the Austrian cellar girls Natascha Kampush and Elisabeth Fritzl, provide evidence to his suspicions.

  “Maddie is most likely being held captive, possibly in an underground cellar, just like Natascha or Elisabeth, and could emerge at any time,” stated Edgar in an interview with the independent newspapers.

 Upon learning of Jaycee Duggard escape he stated; “This just supports my theory that Maddie is alive and imprisoned. 

When asked about his continued hope in finding Madeleine, he replied: “I don’t know. We could still be sitting here in 10 years.

 “If Maddie is being held, she may be being brought up to speak a different language and not even remember her own name or where she was from"

 “All we can do is try and keep public awareness high – and try and reach as much of that mountainous region outside the resort as we can.”

The search continues with fresh hope.

Further Phone Hacking Claims Signifies New Low for Journalism

Following the disgusting revelations that News of the World journalists and investigators hacked the voicemail of murder victim Milly Dower and the parents onf murdered school girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, it is now evident that family victims of the London 7/7 attack may also have been targeted. These fresh claims have placed further pressure on News of the World CEO Rebekah Brooks, to resign from the disgraced newspaper. The revelations that private investigator Glen Mulcaire not only invaded the privacy of Milly Dowler but also had the cheek to delete her messages and crucial evidence in her case, makes him guilty just like the man who murdered her. To think that voicemail messages were deleted to allow the NOTW (News of the World) to listen to messsages from the Dowler family, is sick beyond belief.  Every journalist wants a good story with the best information, but this method goes beyond belief. This sickening act gave the parents of Milly Dowler false hope in believing that there beloved daughter was still alive.

The sickening thought that similar phone hacking was evident during the Soham inquiry, where innocent school girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were brutally murdered, is frightening to say the least. The fact that the parents of these children had there voicemail and privacy hacked in the aftermath of this terrible attack, displays a lack of humanity and shows henius behavior of the highest calibre. Surely these journalists had enough to write about covering the sick and twisted actions of Ian Huntley without sinking to this level of fishing? The news that police are now to re-investigate all child abduction cases, provides evidence to further cases of hacking possibly being identified. The most high profile of these cases being the disappearance of Madeline McCann. What does it say for the image of journalism, when journalists are becoming part of the investigation and deleting evidence? For an extra headline, is this how far journalists will go? It appears so, after claims of phone hacking of the family victims of the 7/7 London terrorist attacks surfaced in the UK this morning. Several familys of the victims of the devastating attacks are believed to have been affected.

It has been evident for some time that phone hacking had been used by journalists to get information on; celebrities, public figures and even members of the royal family. The plea of innocence by Rebekah Brooks along with her firm stance against resignation, is farsical to say the least. In 2003 Brooks confessed to paying police for information, while she was also editor in 2007 when Glen Mulcaire anf Clive Goodman were jailed for hacking the phones of royal aids. In 2009 the Guardian reported that up to 3,000 celebrities and public figures including Boris Johnson and Sienna Miller were intercepted. When NOTW journalist Paul Mcluhan was asked whether he believed Brooks was aware phone hacking was being conducted he replied; "Of course she did". However, in her present role as NOTW chief executive under media baron Rupert Murdoch, Brooks denies any wrong doing. Not surpisingly she also possesses the full backing of Murdoch as he closeses in on his takeover of the remainder of BskyB he wishes to possess.

It is difficult to determine the outcome of this potentially drawn out case, but the immediate effects could see NOTW facing a boycott from companies and the public alike. Ford are the first company to have withdrawen its advertising from the newspaper, with Aer Lingus, Npower, Halifax, T-Mobile and Orange, all expected to review their positions with the organisation. The pressure on Brooks to resign is expected to escoalate, along with phone hacking scandals continuing to dominate the headlines. This will surely result in the unwillingness of Brooks to resign to be tested heavily. With numerous cases of child abductions and attacks to be reviewed, further incriminating evidence may be produced against not only the NOTW but also journalists across Britain. The acts undertaken by Andy Coulson, the former director of Communications for David Cameron and editor of the NOTW, will place further pressure on the British Government to act on this matter and possibly conduct an in-house investigation. The interference of an indivuals phone is an invasion of privacy, the interference of a murder inquiry is inhuman.

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Charlie Sheen's character to die in car crash?

Charlie Harper, the drunk womanising character played by real life drunk womaniser Charlie Sheen, is set to be killed off the hit tv show Two and a half men in a fatal car crash. The move comes as producers of the show want to ensure that Sheen cannot make a comeback in the sitcom. The producers will also want to put an end to the whole Charlie Sheen saga (if possible), while they have agreed to replace Sheen with Ashton Kutcher as the new lead role in the show. It is believed that Kutcher will buy Charlie Harper's old house, before embarking on a similar lifestyle to that of it's predecessor's.

As expected, rumours have been circulating the internet as to how Sheen will be killed off. The obvious choice would surely see the lifestyle of Charlie Harper contribute to his demise, and the producers of hit show will be licking their lips with the endless list of possible angles they could use. There is also a debate forming on the web as to whether 'Men' (Alan & Jake), who play Charlie's brother and nephew, should be the ones to kill off Charlie's character. Whatever the chosen outcome, a voilent end is expected to see the end of Charlie Harper on our televisions.

This does not however signify the end for Sheen, as he has reportedly signed a new deal for a new US television show. The controversial actor has reportedly inked a deal with Lionsgate Television to begin production on a  new similar television sitcom. Sheen is expected to play a 'Playboy' like character similar to that of Charlie Harper. Lionsgate are believed to have committed to 10 episodes with a possible further 90 should the show prove successful. Therefore, it looks as though 'Sheen Mania' doesnt appear to be going away anytime soon. Both shows should make for interesting television.



Remembering Michael Jackson: The Good from the Bad

"This life don't last forever".  These are the opening words of Michael Jackson's posthumous album 'Michael'. They represent an ironic beginning to an album that was just 50% completed by Jackson himself and which should have speerheading the career comeback he so desperately longed for. This time two years ago MJ fans around the world were anxiously waiting for the gloved one to make his long awaited comeback to the world. Jackson's fifty sell out shows in London sold out within hours and the stage was set for Michael Jackson to once again let his music and feet do the talking. Jackson had  been working hard on new material which would have been his first release in nearly ten years. However, hidden behind the hurting eyes of the king of pop, Jackson's health was detiriorating drastically and his life on earth ended similarly to his time here, in great sadness. Even the die hard Jackson fans must know deep down that something just wasn't right with this amazingly gifted man.

There are numerous factors that contributed to the meltdown of Michael Jackson spanning out over his lifetime. An abusive father, the implications of fame from a young age, perscription drug addiction, plastic surgery and claims of child molestation, affected the singer badly. These factors all played their part in the downfall of this once untouchable and god like man. Controversy seemed to follow Jackson wherever he went and at times was unfortunately his own doing. The fact that Jackson broke records left right and center and transformed the music industry time and time again, showed just how influencial his music was. The irresistable beats of Bille Jean, Thriller and Beat it, along with his sensational moonwalking, dancing and crotch grabbing, represent Michael Jackson at his finest. But then theres the other side to his story, his ever changing appearance, his terrible decision making and odd behavior and most notably the tag of child molestation he never really shook off.

I find it hard to believe that Jackson would hurt another human being, let alone a child. However, when a man goes on television and confessess to allowing children to sleep in his home, he is clearly being missinformed and miss advised. But maybe this is just is the case here, behind the moon walking, record breaking and crowd thrilling entertainer, was a man full of innocence who just never grew up or moved out of his bubble. The niavity and  vulnerabilities of this man are still evident today, as he continues to be milked dry for every penny he is worth. The posthumous album Michael, displays glimpses of what the world could have seen. The tracks Hollywood Tonight and Behind the Mask, show exciting similarities to the beats of Jackson classics of years gone by. This album should arguably have never seen the light of day especially in its unfinished state. But thats another story, the hard hitting debate at the moment is whether or not 'Doctor' Conrad Murray is to blame for the death of Michael Jackson. If Murray is guilty of anything he is guilty of drug dealing and not murder in my opinion. The fact is Jackson was addicted to perscription medication and Murray was his supplier, therefore he should be punished as all drug dealers are. He should also have his license removed and never given back. The sad and harsh reality is, there was no one there to simply step in and say; "Michael this is an intervention".

The arguments and opinions on Michael Jackson and his life will go on forever, as a lot of unanswered questions were buried with the king of pop two years ago. The harsh reality especially for his fans, is that he is most likely responsible for his own downfall, just like everyone else in this world. However, as Jackson mania is set to take over the world again even if only for 24 hours or so, there are plenty of positives to remember him by. First of all there is his notrious music collection - The Jackson 5 classics, Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, History, the list is endless. Record breaking tracks such as Billie Jean and Thriller, were recorded in the late 80's and still possess the power to steal the show on any dance floor. The irreplaceable balads of Man in Mirror, We are the world, Heal the World, You are not alone and Earth Song, show the side of Michael Jackson that captured the hearts of all his fans around the world. Then there is Jackson's charity work, in which he currently occupies the Guinness world record for the most money donated to charity by an individual. The world should remember the man who struck up friendships with Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, Bill Clinton and visited hospitals and sick children throughout the world. We should remember the man who yes opened his doors to sick children, but for the right reasons.

But most of all, we should remember a man who was never found guilty of any crime or wrong doing, only harming himself, leaving himself open to others and possibly not appreciating and believing in who he was and the way he looked. We should remember a loving father who left behind a family and three children who are still mourning him. Michael Jackson did so much in his life yet he suffered greatly. A lot of people argue that the world turned it's back on Michael Jackson and who knows maybe they are right. Does innocent until proven guilty not stand for someone who is perceived as weird by some? It is two years after his death and a lot of questions remain unanswered. Perhaps it is time to stop asking questions and just enjoy what he left behind, his music. Michael Jackson is arguably the greatest entertainer that ever lived, inspiring the likes of Usher, Justin Timerlake, Neyo, Will i am, Beyonce, Chris Bown etc. Love him or hate him, his music has touched millions of people around the world. His legacy will live on forever through his music and his fans. Theres and old saying that goes;  "its tough at the bottom but its even tougher at the top". This was certainly the case for King of Pop - Michael Jackson.

'In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to deam. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe' - (Michael Jackson 1958-2009).

 

Warning Signs? Amy Winehouse meltdown comes at ironic MJ anniversary and Court hearing dates.

The YouTube videos of Amy Winehouse's disastrous attemp at performing a concert in Belgrade, is the most uncomfortable footage I have watched in a long time. It remined me of how uneasy I felt watching the execution of Saddam Hussein in a dark and digny room somewhere in Iraq. There are similarities between these videos, in the sense that its tough to watch but the curiosity in you keeps you watching. The footage of Amy Winehouse clearly off her head on only god knows what, provides a clear picture of another gifted musician self destructing. This time two years ago the world eagerly and more so pessimisticly, awaited the comeback of the 'King of Pop' - Michael Jackson. This coming Saturday marks the two year anniversary that proved the pessimists right, as MJ fans around the world prepare to remember their fallen hero two years after his untimely death. Even those who never believed MJ would go through with his fifty sell out concerts in London would not have predicted his unexpected departure from this world.

As the court hearing goes on over whether or not Doctor Conrad Murray murdered Michael Jackson, surely the same faith is not already destined for Amy Winehouse? Ok, there is a substantial difference between the two cases. MJ was arguably the most gifted musician to grace the Earth, while Winehouse has not reached anywhere near the heights of Thriller, Bad etc.. However, they do have one thing in common; both were / are drug addicts. Yes I agree, as bad as MJ was he was nowhere near a heroin or craic cocaine addict. However, he did need a doctor to administer PROPOFOL, along with many other drugs so he could simply get a nights sleep ! The drug habbit of each performer is not the argument here, the fact that MJ was allowed to get away with his addiction for so long, and the fact that the exact same is happening Winehouse (even in front of 20,000 people), shows just how little the well being of high profile entertainters matters.

Elvis, Marlyn Monroe, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger - the list is endless.  These high profile self inflicted drug related deaths, are clear indications of what high profile celebrities are capable of. When Britney Spears opted for the bald look and when Charlie Sheen was rambling on about Tiger Blood and Warlocks, it looked like they too were on the slippery road of self destruction. Thankfully, it appears both (maybe not Sheen 100% yet) have been advised on to the straight and narrow road. The fact that Amy Winehouse was allowed to perform on stage in the cruel state she was in was disgusting, just as disgusting as how easy it was for MJ to be sedated every night with highly illegal prescription drugs. Expect to hear more opinions on this topic, as the fallout from Winehouse's embaressing concert continues and Michael Jackson mania and thriller resurface again for a while.