Sir Alan Bates and The Worst Miscarriage of Justice in British History (Part One)

In November, 2003, the UK Post Office terminated Alan Bates, the sub-postmaster of a tiny Welsh outpost of the firm. More than two decades later, Bates would be chiefly responsible for exposing the UK Post Office scandal, the worst miscarriage of justice in British history.

Sir Alan Bates
Jo Hamilton, signing her memoir
Jo Hamilton’s post office and shop
Lee Castleton
Seema Misra
Fujitsu UK Headquarters
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Sir Alan Bates and The Worst Miscarriage of Justice in British History (Part Two)

In November, 2003, the UK Post Office terminated Alan Bates, the sub-postmaster of a tiny Welsh outpost of the firm. More than two decades later, Bates would be chiefly responsible for exposing the UK Post Office scandal, the worst miscarriage of justice in British history.

Paula Vennells, CEO, UK Post Office
Sir James Arbuthnot
Whistleblower Richard Roll
Sir Peter Fraser, the Iron Judge
Sir Wyn Williams
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Sir Alan Bates, and The Worst Miscarriage of Justice in British History (Book and Music Information)

The book used to compose this podcast was:

“The Great Post Office Scandal,” by Nick Wallis.

The music used in the intros of this podcast included: “Pavane Opus 50,” composed originally by Gabriel Faure and interpreted here by “Golden Cut Reborn,” and,

the outros featured: “Angel Lover,” by “The Rising.”

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The Creators of the Wizard of Oz (Part One)

According to the Library of Congress, the Wizard of Oz is the most viewed film in the history of motion pictures.  Hear this repeat performance about its creation.

The main characters of the Wizard of Oz
1939 publicity photo of Toto (aka Terry) and Judy Garland
Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow
Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion
Louis B. Mayer, CEO of MGM
L. Frank Baum
Original edition of the book, with illustrations by W. W. Denslow
Ozcot, the site a block away from Hollywood Boulevard, the structure demolished in the fifties.
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The Creators of the Wizard of Oz (Part Two)

According to the Library of Congress, the Wizard of Oz is the most viewed film in the history of motion pictures. Hear a repeat performance of this popular episode.

One of the pairs of the Ruby Slippers used during the Wizard of Oz
An early moment of Judy Garland after she is transformed into Technicolor.
Billie Burke with Dorothy
1970 reunion photo of surviving cast members Bolger, Hamilton and Haley
Last surviving Munchkin Jerry Maren, member of the Lollipop Guild, who passed away in 2019
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Malcolm X: A Pilgrimage to Reinvention (Part One)

Malcolm X’s legacy is one of personal growth and transformation, unacceptable to some of his formerly devoted followers.

Malcolm Little, 15 years old
Mug shot after Massachusetts arrest
Elijah Muhammad
Betty Shabazz, later in life
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Malcolm X: A Pilgrimage to Reinvention (Part Two)

Malcolm X’s legacy is one of personal growth and transformation, unacceptable to some of his formerly devoted followers.

Malcolm X with Cassius X, aka Cassius Clay, shortly after Cassius won the heavyweight title but before he broke with Malcolm and was renamed Muhammad Ali.
Malcolm X with Saudi Crown Prince Faisal
Malcolm X being interviewed by NY media
Malcolm X being led out of the Audubon Ballroom, February 21, 1965
Malcolm and Betty’s grave, Ferncliff Cemetery, Westchester County, NY
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Malcolm X: A Pilgrimage of Reinvention (Book and Music Information)

The books used in this podcast included:

“Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention,” by Manning Marable, and,

“The Death and Life of Malcolm X,” by Peter Goldman.

The intro music in this podcast featured:  “Don’t Fret,” by Quincas Moreira.  The outro music was, “House of the Gipsies,” by Oracion.

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Jim Morrison: When the Music’s Over (Part One)

In June, 1965, recent UCLA film school graduate Jim Morrison, jobless and homeless, was residing on a Venice Beach rooftop.  Within two years, the Doors song “Light My Fire,” was the #1 song in the US. Four years later, Morrison was found dead in a Paris bathtub, aged 27.

Jim Morrison’s father, Admiral “Steve” Morrison.
Jim Morrison with his father on the USS Bon Homme Richard
Joel Brodsky photo for first Elektra album release
Pamela Courson
Doors on the Ed Sullivan Show, singing “Light My Fire”
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Jim Morrison: When the Music’s Over (Part Two)

In June, 1965, recent UCLA film school graduate Jim Morrison, jobless and homeless, was residing on a Venice Beach rooftop.  Within two years, the Doors song “Light My Fire,” was the #1 song in the US. Four years later, Morrison was found dead in a Paris bathtub, aged 27.

Jim’s habitual room in the now closed Alta Cienega Motel
Room 32 and partial interior covered by subsequent guest graffiti
Cover from Doors’ album Morrison Hotel, this downtown LA abandoned location was recently destroyed by fire set by transients.
Miami mug shot taken after obscenity arrest in 1970
Plaque marking Jim’s spot at the bar of Barney’s Beanery
Initial bust on Morrison’s grave at Pere Lachaise cemetery
Morrison’s grave today.
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Of Some Very Famous People You've Never Really Heard Of…In Less Than An Hour.