Finally an Aruban Newspaper Discussing the Possible pending Halt to the Economy

Finally a newspaper in Aruba is discussing the cold, hard, inevitable facts of what a decline in tourism means. A decline in tax revenue, increase in import tax and a government that is still spending at the status quo means trouble.

I think we predicted this as well when we began to see the bottom continually fall out of the tourism market. Rather remarkable that AM Digital is actually stating that there are various factors that could cause the Aruban economy to halt.

What is the cause and effect of a declining economy, loss of tax revenue and no change in government spending? Aruba  will find out. Less tax revenues result in a need to cut programs or risk an out of control debt. No wonder Aruba had been budgeting less for tourism.

(AM Digital:Â  click on article to enlarge)

Greta Van Susteren Answers Criticism About Natalee Holloway Shows. Why?

Greta Van Susteren, I am not sure why we would even have to say this to you … but why would you feel the need to answer criticism about your show and the coverage of Natalee Holloway? Who would complain about your coverage of Natalee Holloway, a missing teenager in Aruba, who symbolically represents all teenage girls who go on vacations and think they are safe and immune to real life dangers that exist in overstated safe island paradises.

Let us just say there is a big difference between criticism of one’s opinions and criticism of one’s content. One you have a right to, the other you do not.

I agree with Greta’s answer when it comes to those who wish to tell you what is important and what you should do and write on. The blogosphere is not all that much different from TV in that respect. Whether it be remote, key board or mouse; they are one in the same.

“They should take out the remote control if they don’t like it,” says the attorney-cum-broadcasting star with characteristic directness.

One wonders why people would criticize Greta for her coverage of Natalee Holloway. Is it the competition who fell to a distant second, or those that just feel the need to think they know more than a successful broadcaster? The make-up of Greta’s show would be a natural to cover such a story.

“On Natalee Holloway, we worked hard and fast in the beginning and we had all the sources and contacts — and being aggressive enables us to get the jump on other people.” (National Ledger)

For the most part Greta Van Susteren walked a fine balance between reporting, fact gathering, exclusives and ratings. That is what boosted her show, “On The Record” ahead of The O’Reilly Factor last summer. On The Record was must see TV for those that wanted information on the Natalee Holloway case. However, I will say she made a tactical error when she had the opportunity to interview Joran Van der Sloot, (interview 2 or 3) that cost her in the eyes of many. Not holding Joran’s feet, or sneakers as the case may be, to the fire was one. The other was stating “she was inclined to believe him“. It hardly seem possible especially coming from an attorney who was privy to so much inside information in the case due to her special relationship with Beth Twitty. Maybe it was just said in hopes of getting interview II?

 For those who wish to criticize Greta for her coverage of Natalee Holloway miss the big picture. Yes, I know this is a new flash to all you college journalism majors, but the media is about ratings. The media is not about altruistic stories that win Pulitzers. You will learn that when you graduate. That being said, the media is about ratings. What the media learned is that missing persons gather ratings. 

Read more

Aruban Investigation: Paulus Van der Sloot Pulling in the Favors

Paulus Van der Sloot and the never ending Favors.

(Hat Tip: Klaas, click on picture to enlarge)

When one has friends in high places, favors are not only a premium, they are a necessity. One never knows when they will need to call in their mark. After all is said and done, Paulus Van der Sloot awaits the judges decision in his civil law suit against Aruba for false imprisonment. A law suit where not only Paulus stands to gain financially, but his son Joran as well who is still a suspect the last time I looked.

Let us remember back to the 48 Hours – CBS – Saturday, 3/25/2006, interview with Gerold Dompig.  Dompig accuses the elder Van der Sloot of being knowing more and being involved.

Dompig says he believes Paulus van der Sloot does know more than he has been telling about the circumstances surrounding Holloway’s disappearance.

The exact quote from the interview was as follows:

Troy Roberts (CBS): Do you believe Paulus Van Der Sloot knows more than he has been telling?
Gerold Dompig: Yes I Do…

Not only is a suspect in Joran Van der Sloot somehow given the right by a judge to receive monies for damages, but also Paulus was given the right to sue when the chief of police thinks he is complicit in the crime.

Paulus, its good to know people in high places isn’t it?

Natalee Holloway Aruban Investigation: What ever Happened to the Evidence?

What has become of the evidence and how was it handled?

(Vanderbilt – ‘06)

Many have speculated that there is no evidence to convict the three primary suspects, Joran Van der Sloot, Deepak and Satish Kalpoe of a crime against Natalee Holloway. Maybe the problem is no one knows where the evidence is.

What ever happened to all the evidence that was found, turned over to the ALE and to Holland for forensic tests?

What has become of the computer hard drives of these three suspects? The cell phone records and text messaging evidence? Surely such evidence clearly points as to who called who, when and where and which stories match what has been provided in statements by the suspects.

What has become of all the evidence that has been discovered? Are we to believe that testing has ever been done and if so, if it believable? Is there information that the police are holding back? Why was it said that a suspect confessed and then was retracted? Can any of it be believed?

Add more to the list of evidence that should likely lead to the arrest and prosecution of the three suspects in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.

(Click on map to enlarge)

Bloody Mattress found: Sunday June 5, 2005

Painting of Rocks: June 10–11, 2005

Items found on June 14, 2005

  Charles Rafini, the Aruban teen who says he found the underwear and condoms in the brush, as well as duct tape and a string cut from a bikini or halter top, at a location commonly known to locals as a make-out spot, described the underwear he found as pink with flowers on them. He told FOX News on Wednesday that the location of the findings “is not too far” from the Marriott hotel. When Rafini hand-carried the articles to police, he said, “they told me, ‘nice job’ … and they will go figure out what’s going on.”

Duct Tape

Condom

Panties

String cut from Halter Top

Aruba Cops Search Dutch Suspect’s Home: June 15, 2005

Teen Suspects homes searched and cars removed: June 15, 2005

Snorkeling in shallow water and came across two bones that they took to the Aruban Police station: July 16, 2005

Natalee Holloway Investigation: What was Happening One Year Ago Today

July 26, 2005: Events taking place in the Natalee Holloway Investigation:

Texas Equusearch is Arriving on Aruba Today

Aruban Authorities are Draining a Pond

New witnesses in Aruba; Credible or Just another Story

Red is Going to Aruba with Texas Equusearch