Cover Art Release ~ Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper

Announcing the presentation of the cover art for my upcoming release, Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper.  The graphic artwork was created by
http://bloodsoakedgraphics.tumblr.com/
.

I am pleased to report part one of the four-part manuscript is currently with my editor. As this project has been a lifelong journey and the exploration of Jack the Ripper has taken me, time and again, to the arteries of the Whitechapel district in London and ultimately consummated on the streets of Chicago’s south side neighborhood in the Englewood neighborhood where Dr. H. H. Holmes built his infamous “Murder Castle.”

In my book, I ask one thing of the reader… consider the possibilities!  In London, we have a serial killer who is nothing more than an enigma – a faceless name.  History has preserved documents, which not only indicate the Ripper is likely to be a person with medical knowledge – a skilled physician, and the Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard propose the culprit is likely an American.  Dr. H. H. Holmes, a con man, a skilled physician, and a frequent visitor of London, attempts to sell articulated skeletons to colleges and universities in the London area during the time of the murders.  Is this coincidence?

In Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper, case file evidence will demonstrate, Dr. H. H. Holmes was the prime suspect who committed the Whitechapel crimes and has evaded suspicion (and the criminal justice system) for more than a century.

Below is the write-up on the back cover of the book.  It exemplifies and represents the very foundation and heart of Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper.

“Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper”

By Dane Ladwig

In 1888 in the East End of London, the heart of the Whitechapel district was crippled by the crimes of a fiendish murderer known as Jack the Ripper. Across the Ocean, in America, another monster was on the loose – Dr. H. H. Holmes…

The mystery of the unsolved Jack the Ripper murders would puzzle the world for the next century and the years ahead. Scotland Yard Detectives, Stockholm’s finest minds, criminologists and experts (or “Ripperologists”) from around the globe, all endeavored and failed to unravel the mysterious identity of the world’s most notorious serial killer.

After more than a century of conjecture and inconclusive theories, The Ripper’s identity is no less a mystery than it was at the time of the murders. Is it possible Scotland Yard investigators were correct after all? Could the notorious Ripper have been an American visiting London? Furthermore, is it possible the visiting Ripper was an American physician and a convicted serial killer?

In Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper, the unproven propositions regarding the possible identity of Jack the Ripper are considered and weighed against the facts. Theory and literature based on opinion and imagination are left aside as only the facts and reason are considered. The historian, student, Ripperologist, or simply those intrigued with perhaps the greatest of all unsolved mysteries, should add to their knowledge with what is revealed in this compelling account of Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper.

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“Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper” ~ “New World” Discoveries!

Galileo

 

In 1616 Galileo Galilei, Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, published in his Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems the Dialogue on the Ebb and Flow of the Sea, that the Copernican System discovered by Nicholas Copernicus (Copernicus a century prior to Galileo – actually stunned the scientific world), with theories, the earth was not the center of the universe.  Galileo proved the earth actually rotated on its axis and it rotated around the sun, dispelling centuries of belief in science.

Christopher Columbus

On the evening of August 3, 1492 another Italian, Christopher Columbus, set sail from Spain on a mission to acquire new possibilities in the South Seas for trade and barter on the behalf of the Spanish monarchy.  As three ships embarked for the open sea, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, onlookers observed the ships fading off into the horizon. The spectators from the 15^th Century assumed the three ships, like the many before them that never returned to port, fell off the edge of the earth.  When Columbus returned to Spain and reported he had discovered a “New World” and furthermore, the earth was not flat, it was in fact “pear shaped”.  Columbus was ridiculed and his sanity was in question for his remarkable statements.  However, the Spaniards were amazed and intrigued at his return on the 15^th of March in 1493, begging the question, why did Columbus not fall off the edge of the earth if he did indeed travel the distances he claimed to have sailed.

As recent as the mid 1800’s people continued to believe the earth was flat.  I suppose the most conclusive evidence of the earth’s shape came about on July 20, 1969 when Apollo 11 penetrated the earth’s atmosphere and global attention was directed at the media coverage of the most significant lunar mission in history.  We knew beyond a shadow of doubt through the images sent back to earth by Apollo 11, and previous space missions, the earth was indeed round and men actually walked on the surface of the Moon.  Nevertheless, doubters and skeptics questioned the authenticity of the proof of Apollo 11, and still do to this day, with mistrust in the mission’s authenticity.

Today we know the earth is not the center of the universe.  We also know the earth is not flat and you can travel in any direction and completely circle the earth.  Like those who mistrusted the judgment of explorers whose beliefs and theorems were doubted and scoffed at, and subsequently questioned, as they were unsuitable to popular thinking, there will be many who feel making a case for a century old crime is no more worthy of consideration than the Italian explorers whose sanity were in question for believing the world was not the center of the universe, or that the earth was not flat.

It is not without conviction and a dedication to explore the truth of Jack the Ripper and Dr. H. H. Holmes, that I make such bold statements.  I believe, like those many pioneers who precede me, one individual can make a difference.  It is my faithful commitment to present a case study of the crimes, which will establish a foundation reflecting the pretenses held regarding Jack the Ripper for the past 125 years, have been in in fact, held in err.  The historic account I present will reflect history itself has altered the account of Jack the Ripper over time to exclude such culprits as Dr. H. H. Holmes.

“Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper” ~ Coming Soon!

In addition, the evidence indicates, Herman Webster Mudgett a.k.a. Dr. Henry Howard (H. H.) Holmes has played a major role in the case of Jack the Ripper.  As has been demonstrated through Galileo and Columbus, history has been, and can be, rewritten.  As is the case with these monumental discoveries of yesteryear, and the case with regards to Dr. H. H. Holmes and his connection to Jack the Ripper, history may need time to adjust to the idea of maxims and factuality proven through evidence.

For now, we will continue on the journey of venturing into the High Seas setting our course for truth and revelation as we continue onward with due diligence in our quest of evidentiary truth in the case of “Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper.”

Dane Ladwig

http://www.daneladwig.com

Holmes Manuscript Update…

It is apparent from the search parameters people are using on both my website and my blog (yes, I can check them lol); the majority of inquiring minds wish to know what’s going on in my world with Dr. H. H. Holmes.

As many of you are aware, I have written a book titled Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration, and a great deal of my time is devoted to marketing, radio and newspaper interviews and such. In addition, I am writing Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper (forecasted for a fall 2013 release).

To pen such a monumental book, which will reveal facts about Herman Webster Mudgett a.k.a. Dr. H. H. Holmes and his many links to the infamous Jack the Ripper, which have never before been made public, is painstakingly difficult.

First, I must make sure the information is credible, and that includes case file information from the Holmes case and the open crime case of the Ripper. The people I am working with in the U.K. and home in the U.S. must be impeccable resources. Lastly, I must consider all possibilities before making the assumption Dr. H. H. Holmes is the principle candidate as the prime suspect in the Ripper slayings of 125 years ago.

To accomplish this enormous task, I have sought the assistance of experts from all over the globe. I am currently working with Scotland Yard, the London Metropolitan Police, the United Kingdom National Archives, the United States National Archives, the Gilmanton, New Hampshire Historic Society, Dartmouth College, the University of Michigan Medical School, and various experts and certified investigators in a unified and collaborative effort to expose the truth.

What has this benefited so far? Good question. I will share a misunderstanding people have had for several decades regarding Dr. H. H. Holmes. While Holmes was incarcerated, he documented his story. He told of a tale when he was a small boy living in Gilmanton, NH.

The sensationalized story passed on from Holmes was regarding his schoolmates, “hooligans”, who shoved him into a doctor’s office and frightened the boy Holmes/Herman Mudgett, by thrusting an articulated skeleton upon the terrorized child. This was only partially true.

My research has discovered the true story; the doctor’s identity, and a bond/relationship the doctor and Herman had throughout Herman’s life until the doctor’s unfortunate passing. Coincidentally, the doctor graduated Dartmouth College and mostly lectured at the University of Michigan Medical School. Herman Mudgett/Holmes attended Dartmouth for one year and graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School.

This is but a brief moment of the research I am conducting to bring Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper into the focus of speculation. Was Dr. H. H. Holmes coup de grâce, his most significant contribution to society and history, to be disregarded as the murderous Ripper for a century and a quarter, and go unnoticed… as a ghost in the night?

Just when I think I have Holmes figured out, someone sends me more information. When dealing with Holmes, I have learned there’s always a new angle, a new direction. To be the first to bring it together, I feel like Alfred Hitchcock on the set of a Hollywood blockbuster horror spectacle – only this one is real. This one really did happened!

Stay tuned as I bring you more and don’t forget to check out my website for more about my books and Dr. H. H. Holmes: www.daneladwig.com

Dane

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Independent Author calls for your support!

As an Independent Author and artist, the importance to help other artists advance and succeed as the large publishing houses attempt to suppress our artistic endeavors is ever-present. Independent Artists do not have the financial backing of the large corporations. Independent Artists produce and publish at their own expense, rarely recouping the cost they incur along the way. That is why I reach out to Independent Artists and purchase their works. I ask of you, to consider purchasing my book, Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration by Dane Ladwig, and help support an Independent Author!  What do people say about my book? Read on…

 

Critics Proclaim!

 

“A Book Like No Other”, “Absolutely Captivating”, “Amazing Storyteller”, “Descripting and Informative”, “Draws You In, Holds Your Attention And Grips Very Tight”, “Enthralling”, “Excellent Book”, “Interesting”, “I Was Utterly Captivated”, “Makes You Stop And Think; To Explore Your Own Beliefs In The Things Most Of Us Can’t See!”

(Amazon.com reviews)

 

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration by Dane Ladwig

 

Available at Amazon.com in Paperback and Kindle formats.

 

*Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit Noonan’s Syndrome Research and the Wounded Warriors Project.

Click This Link to Visit Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Dane%20Ladwig&sprefix=Dane%2B%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ADane%20Ladwig

 

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http://www.daneladwig.com

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You Want to Publish a Book: “Move on… and Keep Your Eye on the Prize”

It is difficult for an Independent Author to gain much acclaim for his or her work short of investing thousands of dollars. Hiring an editor, paying for proof reads, paying someone to transpose your manuscript to conform to “industry standards” to comply with various printing and electronic formats, and contracting a marketing team to endorse your work and legal representation to make sure you are doing everything within the confines of the IRS and the law, are all extremely costly.

Recently, I read an article estimating the cost of a self-published author reaching the (any) best-sellers list. The numbers were astronomical and exhausting. One such Indie author paid in excess of $75,000.00 to be listed on a best-sellers list for one day. That’s right, 24 hours. The cost of many homes in the southern regions of rural America are purchased for less than what the 24 hours this author paid to be listed as a “best-seller”.

However, the author was not paying for sales. The author paid for a prestigious moniker “best-seller”. As a result, the author can now attach the label of “Best Selling Author” to any future works. In addition, the author is in high demand lecturing across the globe and getting paid big money to talk about his theories.

Unfortunately, I choose to write a book in a niche where the money is sparse and the critical acclaim is reserved for Hollywood celebrities – the paranormal and the afterlife. I put out the bucks for the editor and the transpositions, the proof reads and the legal fees, but it’s a long shot as to whether I will recoup the money from my initial investment.

I doubt I’ll ever see a “Best-Sellers” list with my first book, but I just cannot justify buying my way into a popularity contest; my moral composition tells me it is wrong. That leaves me, and other Independent Authors like me, with little alternative.

There are the social network avenues and they will take you only so far until people begin to get annoyed with your pleading with them to buy your book and they “block” you. Then you have the option of “free” giveaways and you pray word of mouth will generate sales. Newspapers and radio interviews are a great alternative, but then they will begin to swallow every ounce of your time and energy chipping away any portion of the day you have devoted to your next project. Blogs and websites will only go so far as you cannot reach the masses.

Where does that leave the Indie Author? There are not too many more options. A very successful author and a close personal friend gave me some advice. He asked, “What’s the prize… What’s in it for you?” I answered, “I just want to offer something different, a different perspective… perhaps something which was not considered before they read my book. And like all writers I want to reach as many people as possible, not for fame or fortune, but for the gratification in knowing I made a difference.” He responded with a very profound and helpful statement, “Then move on… get to your next project. You want people to know your work… then get your work out there. Stop sweating the small sh*t… It will all come together as long as you work hard, pay attention to detail, and keep your eye on the prize!”

As Independent Authors, I think we need to remain focused on the big picture. Sure it would be nice if a million people would purchase our book the day it debuts, but that’s not realistic. We need to band together, promote one another (which in return aids in your sales as other Indie authors promote you), and remain fixed on the overall goal – educate, entertain and offer the reader escape from the everyday doldrums and concerns that engulf his or her world.

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Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration by Dane Ladwig can be purchased on

Amazon.com in Paperback and Kindle formats by clicking on the link below…

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration

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The Blessing of the Dream: A Published Author

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration by Dane Ladwig

Just a few weeks ago, I published my first book titled, Piercing the Veils of Death. To my surprise, my book received a warm welcome and earned exceptional reviews. Debut weekend over 500 copies of the paperback and Kindle sold through Amazon.com. Barnes and Noble contacted me to ask permission to place Piercing the Veils of Death on its shelves and make it available on the electronic Nook version. I was elated!

Yesterday, Amazon listed Piercing the Veils of Death in the category of New Releases in the UK as the #1 in Supernatural/Paranormal. Today, in the USA, Piercing the Veils of Death is listed at the #10 position following Anne Rice’s National Bestseller (in the #9 position) The Wolf Gift.

As an Independent Author, a successful first release is a dream come true. I would have never dreamed of making the A-list with such prolific writers as Anne Rice, and never in a million years would I have dreamed it would be possible within two weeks of releasing a book.

What is my secret? Hard work, determination and a devotion to presenting a unique idea! I spent nearly a year on the manuscript. I did not want to offer a fiction. Nor did I want to marry myself to a nonfiction. The idea of compiling a collection of unified experiences while still having the ability to present both a fictionalized anecdote along with including a compendium of quasi-memoirs and investigative research materials; all dealing with the human condition, that is what I was after – what turned me on!

It’s not all been a waltz on cloud nine! As an Independent, I am required to market my work. This equates to approximately 20-30 additional hours weekly in addition to the 40-50 a week I devote to my next writing project, Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper: An Historic Inquisition. Between marketing, mailing, radio, newspaper and media, and the occasional lecture and book signing/presentation, there is little time left for “me time”. Thus, scheduling wisely and remaining flexible is necessary.

I would like to present my book, Piercing the Veils of Death. I set out in Piercing the Veils of Death to journey through several realms of the hereafter. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pass through this life and have cognitive recall? To know where you are and who is in the room with you? Why are the Native American Indians “connected” to the Spirit realm? Do you know the difference between The City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt and the City of the Dead in New Orleans, LA? Do our pets go to heaven? Have you ever witnessed a pet grieve at a gravesite? Are pets and animals connected to the great beyond?

The fictional story in chapter one follows Stephen Allendale as he travels through the ever-frightening corridor of death. Clinging to his lifelong love, his wife Tracy, find out why Stephen and Tracy refuse to let go of one another’s love.

Piercing the Veils of Death interviews an established college professor whom chooses to act as a channel for the deceased. There are numerous other interviews, such as with Chicago’s premier ghost tour company owner. Interviews with paranormal investigators and psychic/mediums will keep your attention as you find out facts about what makes people tick in the paranormal community and keeps them chasing after the most elusive of all beings — the spirits of the deceased.

Much more than a book on the paranormal, Piercing the Veils of Death leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of the afterlife, the supernatural, superstitions and what may await in the great beyond.

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The reviews posted to Amazon have been encouraging (all 5 star reviews):

“Piercing the Veils of Death by Dane Ladwig is comprised of several stories as it pertains to the supernatural and metaphysical experiences that the author has encountered over the years. It is one thing to read about fictitious accounts of apparitional events, but entirely another to read true cases related to the hereafter.

I was utterly captivated by the stories presented in this book and I found it fascinating as well as I felt it gave me reassurance that there is more after this life. This is not a ghost story book nor a religious book, but about everyday lives, miracles, the transformation from this life to the next, the knowledge that there is hope and everlasting life.

I enjoyed this book immensely and thank you for sharing your stories.” (Amazon’s Top 10 True Crime Author RJ Parker)

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“Piercing the Veils of Death is by far one of the best books I have ever read about the supernatural and matters involving death and the implications death have on the living. I expected your run-of-the-mill paranormal fantasy spookster tale of haunted houses and famous landmarks we are so accustomed to reading about, it was refreshing to read true-life chronicles and get a peak inside the minds of many paranormal investigators and celebrities. I simply loved the way the author opened his book with his very own introduction to the gruesome account of his first “education” of the dead in a funeral home, and then moved on in chapter one to a fictional story of a husband and wife who were so in love in life they couldn’t/wouldn’t let go even in death. It is superb! I am looking forward to telling every one of my friends about this book, then reading it again!

Kudos to a literary masterpiece!” (Denise M. Pacini)

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“Having never purchased an E-book before, I’m glad this was my first, since I couldn’t seem to put it down. Sadly, I was late for a few things because I wouldn’t stop reading in time to go. Mr Ladwig has a fantastic way with words that draws you in, holds your attention and grips very tight. The descriptive & informative nature with which he tells a story, or shares knowledge is one of the best I’ve found. If you’re looking for a book that educates you, enthralls you, and at times, entertains you, THIS is that book. Thank You for a very good read!!” (DEstlock)

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“I really enjoyed this book, as it’s one of a kind its supernatural/paranormal genre. He’s a wonderful storyteller. I can’t wait to read more from this author!” (Samantha M. Jones)

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“Amazing story teller and fantastic stories. Had to finish it in one sitting, I can’t wait for his next book. He has such a wonderful feel for the subject.” (Silverhawk319)

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I hope you purchase a copy of my book and enjoy the journey. Currently Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble have Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration on sale for $7.00 (paperback) and $3.99 (Kindle and Nook).

A portion of the proceeds of the sale are donated to Noonan’s Syndrome Research.

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration is available free of charge to all enlisted military personnel who have given freely to protect my rights as an American!

Progress Report: Published, Selling and Amazon Feedback…

 

Two weeks ago, I released my first book, Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration by Dane Ladwig. To say the least these past couple of weeks have been surreal.

The first weekend my book was on Amazon, it sold over 500 copies. Because of the successful sales, Barnes and Noble contacted me and requested to place it available in their shelves nationwide. This is every Independent Authors dream come true.

You would think I would have been elated over this news, and in part, I was. Unfortunately, a few short days after my book hit the shelves, my best friend, “Butkis” my 10 year-old Lab, lost his fight against cancer.

“Butkis” 12/29/02 – 2/2/13

I know Butkis was waiting for me to finish my book before letting go; he was just that kind of friend!

My first wave of reviews came in on Amazon. I am pleased with the feedback. Here are a few…

5.0 out of 5 stars – ABSOLUTELY CAPTIVATING

“PIERCING THE VEILS OF DEATH by Dane Ladwig is comprised of several stories as it pertains to the supernatural and metaphysical experiences that the author has encountered over the years. I know the author and can verify the authenticity of his honest character. It is one thing to read about fictitious accounts of apparitional events, but entirely another to read true cases related to the hereafter.

I was utterly captivated by the stories Mr. Ladwig presented in this book and I found it fascinating as well as I felt it gave me reassurance that there is more after this life. This is not a ghost story book nor a religious book, but about everyday lives, miracles, the transformation from this life to the next, the knowledge that there is hope and everlasting life.

I enjoyed this book immensely and thank you Sir for sharing your stories.”

 

Award-winning Author, RJ Parker

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5.0 out of 5 stars – Recommending This Masterpiece to Everyone!

“Piercing the Veils of Death is by far one of the best books I have ever read about the supernatural and matters involving death and the implications death have on the living. I expected your run-of-the-mill paranormal fantasy spookster tale of haunted houses and famous landmarks we are so accustomed to reading about, it was refreshing to read true-life chronicles and get a peak inside the minds of many paranormal investigators and celebrities. I simply loved the way the author opened his book with his very own introduction to the gruesome account of his first “education” of the dead in a funeral home, and then moved on in chapter one to a fictional story of a husband and wife who were so in love in life they couldn’t/wouldn’t let go even in death. It is superb! I am looking forward to telling every one of my friends about this book, then reading it again!

Kudos to a literary masterpiece!”

By Denise M. Pacini -

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5.0 out of 5 stars – Fantastic book, but prepare for a lack of sleep. You won’t want to stop reading.

Having never purchased an E-book before, I’m glad this was my first, since I couldn’t seem to put it down, it was very convenient to have it on my phone, tablet, and desktop. Sadly, I was late for a few things because I wouldn’t stop reading in time to go. Mr Ladwig has a fantastic way with words that draws you in, holds your attention and grips very tight. The descriptive & informative nature with which he tells a story, or shares knowledge is one of the best I’ve found. If you’re looking for a book that educates you, enthralls you, and at times, entertains you, THIS is that book. Thank You for a very good read!!

By DEstlock -

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5.0 out of 5 stars – An enthralling read!

I really enjoyed this book, as it’s one of a kind its supernatural/paranormal genre. He’s a wonderful storyteller. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

By Samantha M. Jones

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Coincidentally, I received a mention in my city’s newspaper (below), and I have been invited to discuss my book before the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and City Business Officials annual meeting at an area Country Club later this month.

You can find my book by visiting www.daneladwig.com or Amazon and also Barnes and Noble. A portion of the proceeds benefit Noonan’s Syndrome Research. I gift free copies of my work to enlisted service men and woman and wounded warriors who proudly gave of their freedom that I might benefit freedom!

Also, coming 2013 ~ Have you ever wondered why Scotland Yard believed an American physician was behind the Jack the Ripper slayings why they never followed up on their hunch? Why would a doctor (H. H. Holmes) murder over 200 innocent victims and was he ever found guilty of his murderous crimes? These and many other important questions will be addressed in… Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper: An Historic Inquisition by Dane Ladwig.

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Dreamer ~ My Life in Retrospect

When I was a kid my mom would constantly yell at me, “Stop taking the family radio apart. Do you know what’ll happen if your dad finds out you took that thing apart again?” He never found out because I would put it back together before he would get home, and the wild thing is… the radio always worked when I reassembled it. I have always been a dreamer.

In grade school I was the one who never paid attention and always starred out the window. By the time I made it to Junior High School I became bored and resorted to the role of class clown and hallway bully. I never did my homework and I got bad grades, not because I didn’t know the stuff, but because I “didn’t pay attention”. Somehow I just knew the stuff they were teaching me in class and felt it was a waste of time. I was always interested in things like history and science. One year I entered the school’s Science Fair, I won second place, really ticked off the kids who studied. I have always been a dreamer.

The odds have always been against me. I dropped out of school well before graduation, so I lacked formal education. Based on the way my life was going, everyone was convinced I was headed for the morgue or the penitentiary. I came from a broken home and I lived on the streets. I was about to become another statistic on societies least favored citizens list. I resorted to everything negative and bad, and when I say everything, I do mean everything. When I was a kid, not a day passed by when I did not wish to depart this world; I imagined the next existence as a much nicer place. I have always been a dreamer.

As an adult I have worn many hats. I decided to take control of my education and I have been to Technical School for automobile mechanics, Theology training at a Bible College, and a private College for English and Philosophy degrees. I have worked in many fields along they way, but the ones which stand out in my life as the best and most rewarding were automobile mechanic, construction, a security guard protecting celebrities, working with Homeland Security on Presidential detail, working for a National Football Team, and now spending my life as an author. I have always been a dreamer.

I have met some really incredible and influential people in my lifetime; sports figures, actors, musicians, dignitaries and Heads of State from across the globe. The most inspiring of these people I have had the pleasure of knowing are some of the least famous; they are people stricken and inflicted with disabling conditions who refuse to allow life to dictate unacceptable terms — they are my hero’s and heroin’s. Like them, I too have a disability and I refuse to give in and accept nothingness as an existence. I have always been a dreamer.

I couldn’t tell you when the exact turning point was in my life, perhaps it was more of a culmination and a sort of process. Truth be told, I don’t think I would change a single thing about my life; every day and every nuance of my life made me who I am today. I harbor no bitterness, no resentments, only vague memories of a person I once was — a person I no longer recognize. I suppose, if I think about it real hard, the one constant has always been… I have always been a dreamer!

 

Dane Ladwig

 

http://www.daneladwig.com

Please help review my first video (3:15)

“You won’t believe your eyes,” that’s what one viewer said. I made the video and I have a difficult time with it. I posted this to my Facebook page and the comments just began to pour in,”… it is compelling”, “Sure does make a person think”, and “This is bound to turn a few heads!” Just a few of the comments. This is my first (crude) attempt at making a YouTube video. I do hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed this video you can follow Dane Ladwig at:http://www.daneladwig.com

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Interesting Facts

Just north of South Bend, Indiana in St. Joseph County a University proudly sits in an unincorporated community the University of’ Notre Dame du Lac or simply stated Notre Dame. The Catholic research university — Notre Dame — boasts one of the nation’s most spectacular sports programs to have ever existed. The “Fighting Irish” have once again made history. Having an undefeated season, the football team has shocked the country and earned themselves a trip to the Discover BCS National Championship (Mon, Jan 7, 2013).

As members of the NCAA Division 1 — Independent, Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish has eleven National Championships to their credit, seven Heisman Trophy winners, and sixty-two Alum in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Mascot

All-American Knute Rockne is an Alum of Notre Dame. Rockne later became one of Notre Dame’s most esteemed football coach’s ever 1914-1940. Rockne grew up in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood where he first played football as a child with the Logan Square Tigers. At the age of 22 Rockne had saved enough money to enroll in college, he chose to attend Notre Dame. Rockne graduated Notre Dame in 1914 with a degree in Chemistry and Pharmacy. In 1913, while on Notre Dame’s football team as an end (receiver), when the team beat Army at West Point by way of the Quarterback throwing to the receivers as opposed to a ground game (running plays), they shocked the nation winning 35-13. Rockne’s methods were now being considered as a new “standard” if teams expected to compete and win. Knute Rockne went on to have an impressive overall career high record of 105 wins, 12 ties, and 5 loses, 1 bowl game and 3 National Championships (1924, 1929–1930). Notre Dame and Knute Rockne revolutionized football forever.

Many other well-known individuals have graduated Notre Dame. The list is endless, but I will mention just a few. Joe Montana, Condoleezza Rice, Regis Philbin, Phil Donohue, Mike Golic, Jeff Samardzija, Jerome Bettis, Julius Jones, Brady Quinn, Paul Hornung, Ricky Watters, Tim Brown, Bob Golic, Joe Theismann, John Paxon, Carl Yastrzemski, Nicholas Sparks, Bronko Nagurski, Jack Snow, and so many more.

Millard Sheets mural The Word of Life as seen from the campus of Notre Dame

If you have ever been to Notre Dame or watched a game played at Notre Dame, you would not miss the enormous mosaic mural, which overshadows over the stadium. “Touchdown Jesus” as it has been deemed, is a mural of the resurrection depicted by artist Millard Sheets entitled The Word of Life, donated to Notre Dame and installed atop the Hesburgh Library building on campus. From the stadium, the up-stretched raised arms of Jesus resemble a referee signifying a touchdown, hence the moniker “Touchdown Jesus”.

“Touchdown Jesus” The Word of Life mosaic mural as seen from Notre Dame’s football stadium.

To add to the luster of Notre Dame’s rich history, the movie Rudy (1993) based on the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, whose life-long dream was to play football at Notre Dame, was shot on campus and actor Sean Astin portrayed Rudy.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish “Golden Domes”

The Fighting Irish have been scrutinized for their “golden domes” — the helmets they sport at every game. Many people view this as a pompous statement, a golden dome with real gold in the paint. It is said, every helmet has 23.9-karat gold flakes in their spray paint. In all fairness, the golden dome helmet is fashioned after the golden dome on Notre Dame’s main campus building. Paying homage to your Alma Mater by wearing a proud statement upon your head in the form of a golden dome does not sound pompous, if you ask me, it sounds respectful and traditionally rich.

The golden dome atop the main building on Notre Dame’s campus. The football helmet is fashioned after this golden dome!

The same can be said for Notre Dame’s fight song, the Notre Dame Victory March. Perhaps the most recognized fight song in Collegiate sports in America. Below is the song sung by the Fighting Irish and recognized by more college students across America than any other rally song in existence.

Rally sons of Notre Dame:
Sing her glory and sound her fame,
Raise her Gold and Blue
And cheer with voices true:
Rah, rah, for Notre Dame
We will fight in ev-ry game,
Strong of heart and true to her name
We will ne’er forget her
And will cheer her ever
Loyal to Notre Dame

Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons are marching
Onward to victory.

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This article has been presented to you by Author Dane Ladwig. You can visit Dane Ladwig’s website at: http://www.daneladwig.com