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    The Compendium Podcast: An Assembly of Fascinating and Intriguing Things

    We are that weekly variety podcast where each week we I tell Adam Cox everything he needs to know about a topic I think he will find both fascinating and intriguing. Stories from darker corners of true crime, to amazing historical events, giving you just enough information to stand you ground at any social gathering.

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    Episodes (50)

    Sixto Rodriguez: “Cold Fact”: The Man Who Inspired a Revolution

    Sixto Rodriguez: “Cold Fact”: The Man Who Inspired a Revolution

    Listen to the musical version of todays episode:
    Listen along with us as we explore this story alongside the music that made this story all the more incredible.

    In this episode of the Compendium, I’m thrusting Adam head first into the enigmatic world of Sixto Rodriguez. If you have never heard of this guy then your world is about to change. Rodrigues was the unsung hero whose music became the soundtrack for a revolution. His his journey from a Detroit musician to an icon in South Africa during the apartheid era is a story like no other! Today we unravel the mystery behind the man known as the Sugar Man. His album "Cold Fact" and its impact on the anti-apartheid movement, showing you first hand how music can transcend boundaries and ignite social change.

    Discovering Rodriguez's story is like piecing together a fascinating puzzle. From the streets of Detroit to the heart of South Africa, we trace his influence and the surprising revelation of his unknown fame. Weaving together the keywords of Rodriguez, apartheid South Africa, and folk rock, this episode is a tribute to the power of music and the spirit of resistance. Rodriguez's legacy, epitomized in the "Searching for Sugar Man" documentary, is a testament to the enduring impact of art in shaping history.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1.  "Searching for Sugar Man" - Documentary
    2.  "Cold Fact" - Album by Sixto Rodriguez
    3. "Coming From Reality" - Album by Sixto Rodriguez
    4. "The History of Apartheid in South Africa" - Educational Resource
    5. "The Power of Protest Music in Social Movements" - Article
    6. "Sixto Rodriguez: Biography and Discography" - Music Resource
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    The Great Emu War of 1932: Emus, Soldiers, and an Unexpected War

    The Great Emu War of 1932: Emus, Soldiers, and an Unexpected War

    In this episode of the Compendium, I’m telling Adam about the bizarre and hilarious story of The Great Emu War of 1932. Thats right, this was an actual war raged against the backdrop of Australia in the early 1930s, that saw the Australian military take on an unexpected foe: a large flock of emus that were wreaking havoc on Western Australia's farming communities during the Great Depression. 

    We'll dive into the tactics used, the challenges faced, and of course the hard lessons learned from trying to take on an unassuming enemy. You will find out how these incredibly witty and energetic birds managed to outmanoeuvre the military's efforts, leading to a story that is as amusing as it is insightful. 

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:
    1. "The Great Emu War of 1932” by Jordan Sillers
    2. "Emu War” - Wikipedia
    3. "Western Australia Makes War On Emus” - youtube

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    Cocaine Queen: The Rise and Fall of Griselda Blanco

    Cocaine Queen: The Rise and Fall of Griselda Blanco

    In this episode of the Compendium, we’re diving into the life and legacy of Griselda Blanco, a champion of the underworld and one of the most infamous female criminals of our time. Known as the Queen of Cocaine, her story intertwines with the Medellin Cartel and the notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar.

    Today Adam tells us how Griselda Blanco shaped the cocaine trade during its heyday and how a woman in a male-dominated underworld used ruthless tactics and strategic brilliance meant that this chick took zero prisoners, earning her a fearsome reputation. 

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:
    1. "Griselda Blanco" - Wikipedia
    2. "Griselda" – Netflix Series 2024
    3. "The True Story of Griselda Blanco" – by Kalia Richardson
    5. "Cocaine Economics: - by Peter S. Green
    6. "Michael Corleone Blanco (EP2) – The Sit Down" - Berners Round Table Podcast

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    Rudy Kurniawan: The Man Who Duped the Elite with Fake Fine Wines

    Rudy Kurniawan: The Man Who Duped the Elite with Fake Fine Wines

    In this episode of the Compendium, we're heading into the intoxicating and deceitful world of Rudy Kurniawan, the charasmatic mastermind behind one of the most sensational wine fraud stories in history.  Kyle tells Adam how Rudy managed to infiltrated the exclusive circle of wine collecting, charming the elites of the wine world before conning them out of millions of dollars. We will look into the intricate details of how Kurniawan executed this wine crime. Trust us, today is a fun one

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:
    1. "Sour Grapes" – Netflix Documentary
    2. "The great wine fraud" The Gaurdian by Ed Cumming
    3. "Con that shook the world of wine" The New Yorker by By Bianca Bosker
    4. "A Vintage Crime" Vanity fair by Michael Steinberger

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    Gypsy Rose Blanchard: The Chilling Reality Behind the Illusion

    Gypsy Rose Blanchard: The Chilling Reality Behind the Illusion

    In this episode of the Compendium, I tell Adam all about the chilling and complex story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. It’s a tale rooted in the deceptions of Munchausen's by Proxy that leads to the ultimate murder of Dee Dee Blanchard. We are shedding light on the harrowing effects of disability fraud and the hidden truths that often lie beneath the surface which reminds us that looks can be deceiving.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. "Mommy Dead and Dearest" - HBO Documentary
    2. "The Act" - HBO Miniseries
    3. "Gypsy's Revenge" - Investigation Discovery Special
    4. Mother Knows Best” - Dr. Phil (Part 1)
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    Dr. Donald Cline: Conceived in Deceit, the Infamous Fertility Scandal

    Dr. Donald Cline: Conceived in Deceit, the Infamous Fertility Scandal

    In this episode of the Compendium, Adam tells Kyle all about the fascinating yet slightly scandalous world of Dr. Donald Cline. Trust us, this isn’t your everyday story of a fertility doctor; it’s a riveting tale of hidden family secrets, artificial insemination ethics, and a sperm donor scandal that left everyone speechless. 

    And it all started when Jacoba a ordinary young woman, keen to understand more about her geneology stumbles upon a secret that had been hidden her DNA her entire life. A secret that only snowballed as she dared to venture deeper into. 

    Today we wade through the murky waters of fertility fraud with a touch of humor, because sometimes life’s complexities need a bit of light-heartedness.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. Our Father” - 2022 Netflix documentary
    2. Donald Cline” - Wikipedia
    3. Fertility Fraud” - Wikipedia
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    Lindy Chamberlain: The Dingo, the Baby, and a Nation's Shock

    Lindy Chamberlain: The Dingo, the Baby, and a Nation's Shock

    In this episode of the Compendium, we’re jumping into the heart-wrenching story of Lindy Chamberlain, a tale that captivated and divided a nation. It all started when the Chamberlain family went camping near Uluru in 1980, they never imagined that their trip would end in tragedy when their 9 week baby daughter Azaria would be taken and dragged into the night by a dingo.  

    Its a tragedy that led to one of Australia’s most infamous legal battles. And so this episode explores the intricate web of public opinion, media speculation, and the legal twists that followed. We will look at how politics, corruption and pride led to what has became known as the largest miscarriages of justice in Australian History. 

    We look at nuances of this wrongful conviction case, examining how cultural misunderstandings and forensic missteps painted a picture of guilt and deceit around the Chamberlain family. We will talk through how the Chamberlain family's fight for justice unfolded, where once again we question the role of media in shaping public perception.


    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. National Museum of Australia: Azaria Chamberlain Collection - An online archive of objects and documents related to the case.
    2. "A Cry in the Dark" - A film starring Meryl Streep, based on the Chamberlain story.
    3. Australian Law Reform Commission - Reports on the Chamberlain inquiry and its impact on legal reform.
    4. "The Dingo's Got My Baby" by Lindy Chamberlain - Lindy’s personal account of the ordeal.
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    Searching for Madeleine McCann: A Family's Heartbreak and Hope

    Searching for Madeleine McCann: A Family's Heartbreak and Hope

    In this episode of the Compendium, we delve into the heart-wrenching and globally captivating story of Madeleine McCann's disappearance. This case, a tapestry of mystery and media frenzy, has remained unsolved since that fateful night in May 2007 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. 

    Join us as I tell Adam about the intricate layers of this story, from the McCann family's holiday experience to the intense scrutiny and speculation that followed. We explore the initial police response, the global media coverage, and the ongoing quest for answers in one of the most high-profile unsolved mysteries of our time.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. Madeleine: Our daughter's disappearance and the continuing search for her- by Kate McCann
    2. “Praia da Luz: my return” - The telegraph
    3. “Leveson Inquiry” - .Gov.uk website
    4. Global Missing Children's Network– Resources and Support
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    Exploring Bigfoot: A Myth or Reality?

    Exploring Bigfoot: A Myth or Reality?

    In this episode of the Compendium, we’re on a journey through the dense forests of mystery and myth. Yup we’re tracking down Bigfoot. From hazy photographs to thrilling eyewitness accounts, we are going to sift through the intriguing puzzle pieces of Bigfoot sightings and the “evidence”. Is this creature a mere legend, or could there be truth lurking behind these tall tales? As we delve into the heart of cryptozoology, we explore various theories and stories surrounding this enigmatic being, challenging the boundaries between the known and the unknown.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. “Todays Shownotes” (videos & pictures)
    2. "Bigfoot encounters" by classics web
    3. “Melba Ketchum” the observer
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    DB Cooper: The Man, The Myth, The Unresolved Hijacking

    DB Cooper: The Man, The Myth, The Unresolved Hijacking

    In this episode of the Compendium, we sky dive head first into the high-flying escapades of the DB Cooper mystery. What is the only unsolved skyjacking in U.S. aviation history Sees me taking Adam right back to 1971, aboard Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305. I tell Adam how a seemingly ordinary polite guy was able hijack a plane and escape mid flight above the Oregon wilderness with a $200,000 and a single parachute in the dead of night. 

    We also takes a closer look at the various theories and suspects behind DB Cooper's real identity, piecing together the puzzle of this legendary figure who vanished into thin air. Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of this captivating story, exploring how a simple skyjacking turned into a legendary tale of intrigue and enduring mystery.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. "Skyjack: The Hunt for D. B. Cooper" by Geoffrey Gray.
    2. The DB Cooper page on the FBI's official website.
    3. "The Mystery of DB Cooper" - HBO Documentary.
    4. "DB Cooper: Where are you" - 2022 Netflix documentry
    5. "Into The Blast – The True Story of D.B. Cooper" by Skipp Porteous and Robert Blevins.

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    The Crazy Story of Tetris: From USSR blocks to USA Stardom

    The Crazy Story of Tetris: From USSR blocks to USA Stardom

    In this episode of the Compendium, buckle up for a wild ride with Tetris, the game that escaped the Iron Curtain and won the world! It’s Adam in the driver's seat for this one and it’s a block-dropping bonanza that takes us to Soviet Russia where it all began, to its global domination driven by the USA, up you read that correctly, an unlikely partnership between two opposing sides. It's a story filled with undercover deals, Cold War intrigue, and yes, those addictively annoying blocks.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:
    1. "The Tetris Effect" by Dan Ackerman - A lively dive into the game's fascinating backstory.
    2. Interviews with Alexey Pajitnov - Insights straight from the Tetris master himself.
    3. "From Russia with Love: The Journey of Tetris" - A captivating documentary on Tetris's origins.
    4. "Henk Rogers: Mastering the Game" - Get up close and personal with Tetris's key promoter.
    5. "Tetris - From the USSR to Today" - An article that pieces together Tetris's global impact.

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    Ariel Castro: Abducted in Plain Sight

    Ariel Castro: Abducted in Plain Sight

    In this episode of the Compendium we delve into a harrowing case of Ariel Castro. Today I will be telling Adam a story of a man who seemed ordinary but orchestrated one of the most notorious kidnapping cases in recent memory.

    Our focus today lies not just on the sinister acts of Castro but more importantly, on the remarkable journey of resilience and survival of his victims—Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus. Their stories of endurance and strength in the face of unimaginable adversity are not only a testament to the human spirit but also raise profound questions about the nature of justice and the human mind.

    This episode is not just about a tale of captivity. It's a narrative that challenges our understanding of human nature, of what it means to survive, and of justice itself. We promise to shed light on the darker corners of the human psyche and the indomitable strength of the human spirit


    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:_

    1. "Finding Me" by Michelle Knight – A memoir of survival and hope.
    2. "Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland" by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus.
    3. "The Lost Girls" by John Glatt – An in-depth account of the Ariel Castro kidnappings.
    4. "Captive: 308 Days in Cleveland" – A documentary featuring interviews with survivors.
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    A Christmas Catastrophe: The Santa Claus Bank Robbery Blunder

    A Christmas Catastrophe: The Santa Claus Bank Robbery Blunder

    In this episode, we're unwrapping a Christmas tale that's more shocking than charming - The Santa Clause Bank Robbery. We voyage back to Christmas, 1927 in Texas, a time of joy and celebration, When a bizarre story of how a jolly Santa Claus turned criminal mastermind orchestrated one of the most infamous bank heists in American crime history. It's a story filled with twists, turns, and a ho-ho-whole lot of drama.

    Join us, Kyle and Adam, as we dive into this tale about how this heist went down and the chaos it left in its wake. We're talking about everything from the meticulous planning to the wild getaway - trust us, it's like something straight out of a movie. If you thought your Christmas family gatherings were chaotic, wait until you hear about this historical Texas bank heist. So, grab your hot cocoa, settle in, and let’s get into the holiday spirit, Compendium style!

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:
    1. "When Santa Went Rogue: The 1927 Texas Bank Heist" - Book
    3. "Santa Claus Bank Robbery" - Wikipedia

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    The Enfield Poltergeist: Haunting on Green Street

    The Enfield Poltergeist: Haunting on Green Street

    In this episode of the Compendium, we delve into the chilling saga of 'The Enfield Poltergeist'. Set in a seemingly ordinary house in Enfield, North London in the late 1970s.  We explore the intense, real-life experiences of the Hodgson family, whose encounters with a poltergeist have made their story one of the most documented in paranormal history. We discuss some of the pictures and recordings presented and unravel some of the layers of this intriguing case.

    Together we question in a less than elloquent way the boundaries of reality and the supernatural. The Enfield Poltergeist not only challenges our understanding of the paranormal but also leaves us pondering how serious this case would be taken if it happened today. Join us as we piece together a story that continues to captivate and mystify.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. “Episode resources” All the pictures and videos we discussed in todays episode.
    2. "This House is Haunted" by Guy Lyon Playfair: This book provides an in-depth account of the Enfield Poltergeist case. Guy Lyon Playfair, a member of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), was directly involved in the investigation and spent over fourteen months supporting the Hodgson family. The book offers a comprehensive narrative of the haunting from Playfair's perspective​​​​​​​​.
    3. The Enfield Poltergeist Original Audio Recordings: These recordings capture the real voices and sounds from the Enfield Poltergeist case. Made inside the Hodgson's house as the events unfolded, they offer a direct auditory experience of the eerie occurrences that the family and investigators witnessed​​​​​​​​.
    4. "The Enfield Haunting" (TV Miniseries, 2015): This British drama series, starring Timothy Spall and Juliet Stevenson, is a dramatization of the Enfield Poltergeist. Directed by Kristoffer Nyholm, it is based on Guy Lyon Play
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    JT LeRoy: The Greatest Literary Hoax of All Time

    JT LeRoy: The Greatest Literary Hoax of All Time

    On this week’s episode of the Compendium, we dive into the wild world of JT Leroy, a name that took the literary scene by storm before turning it on its head. Join us as we pick apart how Laura Albert and Savannah Knoop spun the identity of a made-up boy-genius author, fooling the glitterati and bookworms alike. It’s a story packed with scandal and a hoax that has us questioning everything about identity in the arts.

    In our chat, today we're not just telling a story; we’re asking the big questions about what happens when the line between an author’s true self and their fiction gets blurry. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of the JT Leroy literary scandal explained, stirring up everything from gender identity debates to the shockwaves the hoax sent through pop culture. So, buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride through one of the juiciest literary hoaxes ever.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you're itching for even more, dig into these rad reads and watches:

    1. "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things" by JT Leroy
    2. "Girl Boy Girl: How I Became JT Leroy" by Savannah Knoop
    3. "Author: The JT Leroy Story" - Documentary
    4. "Sarah" by JT Leroy
    5. "The Cult of JT Leroy" by Marjorie Sturm
    6. Who is the Real JT LeRoy?” New York Magazine Article by  Stephen Beachy
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    Gunther’s Millions: The Unbelievable Story (and Scam) Behind the World's Richest Dog

    Gunther’s Millions: The Unbelievable Story (and Scam) Behind the World's Richest Dog

    In this episode of the Compendium, dive deep into the enigmatic tale of Gunther’s Millions, the legacy behind the world’s most affluent canine. From an unexpected dog inheritance to the mysterious German Countess and her association with the savvy businessman Maurizio Mian, we unravel the story piece by piece. We will uncover how a German Shepherd become the owner of two Italian football clubs, Madonna's Miami mansion, a pop group, reality TV show and even a sex cult!?

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. Gunther's Millions” Netflix documentary 2023
    2. Maurizio Mian” Wikipedia
    3. Is Gunther’s Millions a true story?” by Steven Ross
    4. "Wild Dog by The Gunther Group" - Youtube
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    The Execution of the Romanovs: From Russia's Throne to an Unthinkable Fate

    The Execution of the Romanovs: From Russia's Throne to an Unthinkable Fate

    In this episode of the Compendium, I tell Adam about the tragic Execution of the Romanovs, unveiling this dark chapter in Russian history. Who were the Romanovs, and what kind of ruler was Tsar Nicholas II? We also touch on how the wandering “Mad Monk” Rasputin managed to infiltrate and influence the highest seat in imperial Russia.

    We examine what sparked the Bolshevik takeover, their arrest, and execution. From this, whispers and myths began to circulate about the young princess Anastasia possibly escaping, with her descendants walking amongst us even today. In today's episode, we address the haunting question, "What happened to the Romanov family?" in the tumultuous aftermath of Imperial Russia.


    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. The Romanovs: The Final Chapter by Robert K. Massie.
    2. Rasputin: Faith, Power, and the Twilight of the Romanovs by Douglas Smith.
    4. Anastasia: the 1997 animated film by Don Bluth
    5. The Last Czars, Netflix docu drama 2019

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    Dolly Parton: The Legend Behind the Rhinestones

    Dolly Parton: The Legend Behind the Rhinestones

    On today's episode of The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating and Intriguing Things, while Adam takes a break this week, we take a look into the life of the ledgend; Dolly Parton with our guest for this week Lizzie Evans. Today I tell Lizzi about a pioneering spirit and an undeniable icon in the realm of country music. 

    From her early days in Tennessee to her groundbreaking hits like "Nine to Five," we explore how Dolly became a global sensation. Her collaborations with fellow artists like Kenny Rogers add another layer to her multifaceted career. 

    We also look at the less-talked-about aspects of her life, including her focus on mental health and philanthropy through ventures like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to her musical world, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovering the enigma that is Dolly Parton.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business autobiography
    2. Dolly Parton: Here I Am available on Netflix
    3. The Official Dolly Parton Website
    4. Songteller: My Life in Lyrics" by Dolly Parton for those interested in her songwriting process.
    5. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for her philanthropic efforts:

    6.Dolly Parton Delivers Commencement Address at the University of Tennessee 2009

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    The Loch Ness Monster Hoax: How a Man Named Marmaduke Fooled the World

    The Loch Ness Monster Hoax: How a Man Named Marmaduke Fooled the World

    In this episode of the Compendium, we delve deep into the murky waters of the Loch Ness Monster legend. As one of the most famous cryptids in history, the tale of Nessie has captivated many. But what if the entire story had a different twist? We explore how Marmaduke Weatherall played a pivotal role in one of the most sensational hoaxes associated with the monster. Journey with us as we sift through fake news, witness mysterious Nessie sightings, and uncover what the Natural History Museum discovered about those infamous prints. It's a tale of taxidermy, deceit, and the lengths one man would go to fool a world eager for mystery.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. "Loch Ness Monster: The Legendary Cryptid of Scotland" - A comprehensive historical overview.
    2. The Beast of Loch Ness: Birth of a Legend” - NOVA Online
    3. How scientists debunked the Loch Ness Monster” - Vox
    4. Loch Ness monster picture is a fake, photographer admits” - The guardian online
    5. Marmaduke Arundel "Duke" Wetherell” - Wikipedia
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    Jennifer Fairgate: The Woman with No Past

    Jennifer Fairgate: The Woman with No Past

    In this episode of the Compendium, we delve into one of the most intriguing cold cases involving unidentified women: the mysterious story of Jennifer Fairgate. She was found dead in an Oslo hotel in 1995, and her identity remains a puzzle to this day. We explore the true crime elements of her story, from the perplexing clues she left behind to the police investigation that followed her mysterious death.

    We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

    1. “Unsolved Mysteries Left A Few Jennifer Fairgate Details Out” - A Article that examins what the episode did not cover
    2. "Unsolved Mysteries: Jennifer Fairgate Episode" - A Netflix episode dedicated to this baffling story.
    3. "A Death in Oslo" - A podcast that also looks at the Jennifer Fairgate mystery.
    4. Jennifer Fairgate on Wikipedia - Short but sweet
    5. Jennifer Fairgate on Find a Grave - If you are interesting in where Jennifer rests
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