Hello all,

Well it's been a little bit since I updated everyone on how the project was going and so I figured while taking a break to go ahead and do so. So, I've been editing alot today and doing some minor tweaks to the story and many of you have stated an interest in Vex and how his story will progress.

Here's the update so far.

First and foremost, a big thank you to all my "Tweeters"...."Twitterers"... Whatever the socially acceptable term for the awesome feedback I have been receiving about the Faedlands as well as Vex. Thanks also to the great friends/family support though FB and the official page.

Vex is certainly central to the story and a majority of the story will revolve around him which I'm sure everyone kind of guessed. But also I wanted to share that there are actually 2 main stories that are going on within this book, And while Vex's story will most likely make up the bulk of things Reia (Vex's Twin sister for new readers) has quite an interesting story of her own going on and that will actually meld together to further the depth of Vex's story in an emotional sense.

Both characters stories were actually done separately for the sake of individuality, They are twins and in such a way some of their base personality is very similar as well as aspects of their physical forms but these are very different people with very different viewpoints. in that I wanted to develop them separately to begin with and now that their stories are finalized in terms of concept the challenge is to blend them together while maintaining a sense of fluidity and not leave a bunch of inconsistencies roaming around.

As well as Reia there are also a few other characters that lend some insight to the story through interaction (But to a much lesser extent) These characters while having smaller roles within the story all have a background concept that is almost equal in detail if not more so in points to Vex and Reia. Every big character you come across in this story has their own story in a sense. I felt that the only way to truly make them feel genuine is to do it this way. Whether they get their own story in the future is up for you (The reader) to decide.

I hope that everyone has been enjoying the site and these posts, I hope to hear from you all soon.

Also, I'm still in the process of looking for a cover artist to help with designs. I have been screening the stuff people have been sending in/recommending and I love it but I want to leave it open for now so that I can really get it right and be able to compare and pick the one best suited for the cover.

If you are or know an artist who is gifted in fantasy art I'd love to hear from you. Please write me a message and if possible a sample cover design at [email protected]


Thanks everyone hope to hear from you all soon :)


-Ryan

So I was messing around last night with a pen and a black marker.

Not unusual I guess as I messed around with different designs and finally came up with a tribal design that somewhat resembled a wing. I figured I'd go ahead and scan it and see how it came out.

Well it was jagged and overly pixelated which kind of bothered me.

Anyhow jump to this morning I got up and put the design through Photoshop and using the eraser brush sharpened the edges by magnifying the image and smoothing them with the brush. I then a piece of text i had made and used the color scheme to add some highlights.

Nothing professional but I found it to be interesting so I thought that I would share.

Okay, Been wanting to do this one for awhile now.

There have been sooo many books that I have read over the years that really have had a huge impact on my life. Too numerous to add them all in fact. But in spite of this I wanted to at least point out some of the ones that really took me to another world and made me want to become a writer myself. Here it goes.


Anne Rice: Memnoch the Devil

Okay for anyone who knows me this is the one that really hooked me into writing. I read the Vampire Chronicles when I was a teen (FACT: I had read the books long before I had ever seen "Interview with the Vampire")

Although I loved the other books in the series Memnoch was so different then any of the others that it caught my attention and didn't let go. Anne Rice has a style of writing that I love. She is gifted in writing from the first person (Something I do not do) and still creates a sense of atmosphere that is so hard to capture in first person and does this effortlessly.

The story is in many ways a retelling of the fall of Lucifer through to the Passion of Christ done in such a way that even questions non believers are generally stated as asking are accounted for. The Devil becomes an antihero in himself and his version of what happens and it is so expertly done that it makes you feel "Sympathy for the Devil" in many ways. It comes to a close that is such a twist that people argue about it's meaning still today.

An amazing piece of literature to say the least.


Sherrilyn Kenyon: Acheron

This was a book that hits real close to home.

A few years back a friend of mine approached me and without any explanation told me I should read this book. As of that point in my life I had little interest in most of the books coming out for the time. Plus, I have never been into the "Romance" book scene. She told me that she wanted me to read it because it reminded her of me. Of everything I have gone through in life.

Months passed by and I was browsing through the Borders (Awww.....) that was across the street from my house and saw a copy of Acheron. I was having some problems in life and thought that I might just check it out.

To anyone who might check into this book be warned, it is brutal.

There were many times that I found myself putting this book down. The writing was amazing and you really felt connected to the characters but at the same time that was what was so bad about it. While no where near the extent of suffering that Acheron goes through, His story had many elements that reflected deep within me of my own life. It was hard to read but I think because of the understanding of the character I was able to fully appreciate the way that he felt and that he ended up the hero in the end.

It was a testament to the philosophy that no matter what you go through in life, That doesn't mean it will always be that way. Or to put it more accurately by quoting from the book:

"The strongest steel must be forged in the fires of hell."





Edgar Allen Poe: The Raven


This one is pretty self explanatory.


Who honestly does not at least know OF this story.

The reason it makes it to my list is not for the content itself but for the style in which it is written. If you really pay attention to it, There is very little direct dialog in this story, instead it is a narrative that creates an atmosphere. This story is one that even in just a few lines you can vividly image and picture what is going on in the scene. Something incredibly hard to do. He wrote in a way that made you think and feel exactly what was going on in equal measure. One of the most brilliant writers ever to grace the Earth.



The Stories and Works of H.P. Lovecraft


H.P. Lovecraft as some of you know has been cited at the origin of modern Horror writing.

I Honestly could not think of a single Lovecraft story to add here as they are all simply amazing. He brought a unique, intelligence driven narrative played out through journal entries, adding a sense of atmosphere as if you were reading directly from a man that had done these things firsthand.

It's a very similar feeling you get when huddled around the fire at night while someone tells a ghost story. (Not a cheesy one but a good one.)





Anyhow, it's getting late here and I should probably get off for now. Look for a PT2 in the future ;)

Okay, this is one of those things where you notice it, talk about it with whoever is there, and then it lies dormant in your mind for a few days before you realize that you just have to tell the world about it... or... something like that.

Point is, A few days ago (Could have been a few weeks though given my memory) I was out and about, shopping like some people do. And I wandered over to the books section to see if there was anything that would catch my interest.

I came across a book entitled "The Wolf Gift" and while I can't be for sure what it is that really got my attention, The bright white cover with eyes that peered outward or the fact that the book was written by Anne Rice.

You see, I first got into reading Rice's work when I was a teen and loved the Vampire Chronicles. Even going so far as to state that her book Memnoch the Devil was one of the biggest influences on me to start writing myself. However, and this is where the name of this post comes from. I tend to wonder about where this book came from.

Most of you are at least somewhat aware of her bigger works like "Interview with the Vampire" or "Queen of the Damned" Some of you may even know of the Mayfair Witches or of Violin. These books represented Rice's peak in the literary world.

Sadly Stan Rice, Her husband, died from brain cancer in 2002,

The very next year Anne had herself many near fatal occurances that ultimately took her work in a new direction.

She returned to the Catholic church, Something I have no problems with from a spiritual perspective, But in this transitional period in her life she decided that the lives and worlds of her beloved characters were fit to bring to a close. But to the readers, there was no conclusion. While asked many times about the fates of her characters (Lestat in particular) she said that she felt the chronicles were "A complete work" but as for myself as a reader and fan, there was no true conclusion to either series which had blended together towards the end. I felt that there was no closure for the characters or for the reader.

In October 2005, while promoting her book, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, she announced in Newsweek that she would now use her life and talent of writing to glorify her belief in God       -Taken from Wikipedia

This was a turning point, while she did not come out and renounce her earlier works, she did the next best thing, she simply ended them and refused to write of them anymore.

She began writing Christian fiction beginning with "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt"

She has written many works in this genre, I have not personally read any of them but have decided that with the Vampire Chronicles finished, I would wish her the best and hope that she does the subject matter justice as she had with Lestat and the other Vampires.

So, now to present day, figuring this book to be another of these I still took the time to open the cover and read the synopsis inside. I was pretty surprised, This was a book set in ages past, as is her general theme, about WEREWOLVES!

Okay, so I'm a bit confused. Perhaps 'm a bit biased in this but it seems like there is a conflicting scenario here in my mind. She gave up the Vampire Chronicles and put them behind her to write Christian works (Again, no gripe from me) but without any such fanfare returns to the scene with a book about a werewolf in a setting that could have been right out of the Lestat books. I'm not sure what's going on or what to think of this. Some people may call her a sell out for this, Some may be excited that she's back to writing the scenarios that made her famous in the first place, and some may feel that she is losing hold of her faith.

As for me?

I'm not even going to take a guess.

I wish her all the success in the world and hopefully will be able to bring myself to read the book. I'm sure that it will live up to her high standards and yet it comes across a little bittersweet.

As always, feel free to sound of

Tonight I am officially beginning work on creating the cover for Faedlands.

I am looking for someone who has skill in creating Silhouette Art that would like to have their image added to the cover of the Faedlands when it is released.

Please send me an email at [email protected] with "Cover Art" as the subject.

Please include a sample of your work. Preferably an image that is fantasy related.

I will go through the entries and picked from them in the coming weeks.

I cannot compensate you for your work at this time but the artist of course will be acknowledged in the book and depending on the continuation of the series may be able to have more work displayed.

Thanks and have a great night :)

-Ryan

The changing of seasons come and go as but a dream, We do not still feel the sun’s embracing warmth in the dead of winter nor do we huddle to keep warm under the fiery gaze of summer’s reign.  But with the passing of each season comes new tales to be written, new works to be unveiled, but in a world where time is bound by the deepest of magicks, A new season is about to begin.

And this is where our story begins.








Chapter One

A soft breeze billows through the greenery of the tolyran trees, Their silken blue fronds  swaying gently in response. Majestic white falcons leap forth from the branches and take flight into the vast, violet tinged sky. Mountains in the distance are shrouded in an enveloping mist far beyond the reaches of the canopy. And far below, nestled within the heart of the forest itself, lies a small village of Fae, Creatures born from magic that have heralded in the stories of magick from realms beyond time and space, though no such tales have happened here in many passing of the cycles. It is said, that once the seasons had stopped, the everlasting cycle that transcends life and death, also ceased to be.


But time alas moved forward through the actions and lives of the fae. While at first they remained fearful of this change, many soon came to accept it. And as time passed memories began to fade. No one remembers what it truly was that caused the change within the world, nor does it matter to them. But as the people of this village are about to learn,


A single change is often the very thing that changes it all.



“Give it back!” Vex yelled, lunging forward. A young male pixie gracefully lifted himself up into the air, Dodging Vex easily. “Then come get it.” The pixie sneered and raised his arm outward, dangling the basket of Golden eggs that had taken Vex all morning to collect upon one finger. Vex growled deep within his throat and shifted his eyes to one of the pixies followers, a small goblin that stared hungrily upwards toward the swaying basket. As fast as he could manage Vex rushed forward a few steps and swung sideways and leaped for the Goblin, hoping to use its well being as leverage in return for the eggs.  It’s attention now frozen in a mix of horror and surprise, the Goblin braced for the impact as Vex reached forward to pull him downward by the small patch of messy moss green hair that lined it’s scaly green skin. But before he could reach his target a sharp pain shot through his side and branched out rapidly, paralyzing him from within. He slammed headfirst into the Goblin and they both tumbled for several feet finally landing sprawled out against the side of a nearby shed. Vex was the first to get to his feet. He glanced over towards the goblin to see the creature still grasping forward, trying to collect the stars that he was seeing before his eyes. Movement drew Vex back to the Pixie whose fingers crackled with the sound of spent electricity. His wings flickered with branches of electricity flowing throughout the thin membrane. Vex began to take a step forward, trying to shake the feeling of the remnant electricity coursing through him. The Pixie landed gracefully upon the ground, still holding the basket upon his fingertip as it rocked gently. “Nice try, Freak!”

The words cut deep within Vex, although he cared less about what this creature though or anyone else in the village for that matter, He also knew in his heart that he didn’t belong, and everyone had made that clear from day one. As a Fae without an affinity for magic, he was branded an outcast and was only welcome in the village because of his usefulness in doing the jobs that no one else wanted.

With clenched fists he stared defiantly ahead. Forcing himself to remain still even as the remnant electricity caused his muscles to ache and tremble. He was not going to stand down to a challenge. If he lacked magic, he would make up for it in speed and strength. Anticipating what was to come next, the Pixie hurled the basket forward through the air, Leaping back and sending out a blast of electrical energy that disintegrated it on contact, spraying the remains of the eggs in every direction. Vex raised his hand to shield himself but wasn’t quick enough as the egg splattered all along the side of his face. It’s metallic innards dripping from his chin.

The pixie didn’t make it out unscathed either, focusing all of his energy into the blast had sent him forcibly backwards, landing flat on his back and gasping for breath. Vex felt the eyes of the villigers upon him as the scene had broken the tranquility of the small village. Many looked on, a few even shaking their heads at Vex before heading inside. But no one stopped to ask if he was alright. Several creatures moved in forward to help the Pixie to his feet. He had only arrived a few days ago and no one even knew his name and yet people gathered to help him and invite him into their homes because he held power over the storms, Electricity and Wind magic that as Vex had just learned was quite powerful. But Vex received no such help. The only reason he had anywhere to call home was because of his twin sister Reia, A beautiful water sprite with a powerful gift and a gentle hand. She had been the only one to ever help Vex try and learn to use magic. She was the only one who never turned their back on him.


As Vex walked back to his small home he could hear Reia coming up behind him. His head down, he kept walking, knowing that she would have heard about the event already.  “Vex!”  She called after him and he finally stopped and turned to face her, his eyes scanning the ground, unable to meet hers. She approached him slowly and took in the ragged sight of him. His dark blue hair was ragged and caked with egg, his shirt frayed at the shoulder and a large scorched hole marred it’s side,  and the spider web like pattern of burnt skin underneath. When he finally looked up, his deep violet eyes were filled with pain that made her heart hurt for him. She reached out to touch the side of his face but he quickly turned away and began walking again. “Please, don’t… You wouldn’t want someone to see you being nice to me.” He looked back and saw the damage his words had brought. Her Lavender eyes shimmered, holding back tears. He hated to hurt her, after all she had done for him. Especially since his words were a lie. She didn’t care who saw them together, She treated him like he was her brother and didn’t care who saw while he was the one that stayed away, Not wanting people to judge her because they couldn’t stand him. He turned back and looked at her. She walked in closer to him and he reached forward to embrace her but quickly stopped. “What’s wrong?” She asked. He held up his hands, still stained with dirt and egg. “I don’t want to…” She walked forward and wrapped her arms around him, Her sky blue hair sticking to the side of his face as he felt all the more uncomfortable. She released him and took a step back, knowing that he hated people being in his personal space. “So, what happened today with the new kid?” Vex sighed and turned and they began walking again. “I was waiting for that.” Reia laughed softly and pressed further. “Do you want me to talk with him?” Vex held his breath for a moment so that he could think of a response that wouldn’t hurt her feelings. “I’m used to people like him, don’t worry about me.” She hurried ahead of him and stopped. “I’m your sister; it’s my job to worry about you.” Vex rolled his eyes and continued on.

“I need to change and run back over to the farm to collect more eggs. The new guy took mine and broke them all.” Reia giggled. “And let me guess, you couldn’t say please give them to me?” Vex let out an irritated sigh, “Do you really think that would have worked…” Reia shrugged and dropped the subject. “He seems nice enough to me, there has to be a reason that he did what he did.”

Vex couldn’t take it anymore. “Of course he’s nice to you. You’re not a freak like me! You can use magic and don’t have to do the things that everyone else is too lazy to!” Reia closed her eyes and thought for a moment. “Vex?” He turned around and kicked at a rock that was along the path. “I…I’m sorry, just had a rough day ya know? I’m tired and sore and have to hurry and get the eggs before Ms. Craggwhistle decides to send me to a shop.” Reia, clearly confused, didn’t know how to respond to the odd comment. “Why would she send you to a shop?”  Realizing that the odd faery’s threat didn’t make any sense Vex laughed and smiled at Reia, picking up the small rock he was kicking at and throwing it far into a nearby field. “I dunno, maybe she thinks she can send me in to be fixed or something.” Reia gave him a warning glare for talking badly of himself before continuing. “Well, not today, when I heard what happened I sent someone to collect and deliver the eggs for you.”  Vex would normally have been irritated by this but today it came as a relief. “Who’d you get to do that?” Reia turned sheepishly. “The new guy.”

Vex didn’t know whether to be upset or laugh. “Why ask me if you needed to talk to him if you already did?” She gave him a knowing look. “Because you would have said not to and that goes against my sisterly duties to protect said…You” She made a gesture with her finger pointing to Vex. “Thanks, sis.” Reia beamed. “Anytime, But right now we have to get to class.” Vex looked around. “Is it that late already?” Reia turned and began to walk back down the path towards the village. “Yep.”

Okay, a recent report from PhysOrg.com is stating that a Biologist has announced that there is no such thing as free will. Although that is what the headline officially states... It seems more of a hypothesis then an actual result to me. Here is the article:



Three different models explain the causal mechanism of free will and the flow of information between unconscious neural activity and conscious thought (GES = genes, environment, stochasticism). In A, the intuitive model, there is no causal component for will. Will influences conscious thought, which in turn influences unconscious neural activity to direct behavior. In B, a causal component of will is introduced: unconscious neural activity and GES. But now will loses its “freedom.” In C, the model that Cashmore advocates, will is dispensed with. Conscious thought is simply a reflection of, rather than an influence on, unconscious neural activity, which directs behavior. The dotted arrow 2 in C indicates a subservient role of conscious thought in directing behavior. Credit: Anthony Cashmore.(PhysOrg.com) -- When biologist Anthony Cashmore claims that the concept of free will is an illusion, he's not breaking any new ground. At least as far back as the ancient Greeks, people have wondered how humans seem to have the ability to make their own personal decisions in a manner lacking any causal component other than their desire to "will" something. But Cashmore, Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, says that many biologists today still cling to the idea of free will, and reject the idea that we are simply conscious machines, completely controlled by a combination of our chemistry and external environmental forces. In a recent study, Cashmore has argued that a belief in free will is akin to religious beliefs, since neither complies with the laws of the physical world. One of the basic premises of biology and biochemistry is that biological systems are nothing more than a bag of chemicals that obey chemical and physical laws. Generally, we have no problem with the “bag of chemicals” notion when it comes to bacteria, plants, and similar entities. So why is it so difficult to say the same about humans or other “higher level” species, when we’re all governed by the same laws?

No causal mechanism

As Cashmore explains, the human brain acts at both the conscious level as well as the unconscious. It’s our consciousness that makes us aware of our actions, giving us the sense that we control them, as well. But even without this awareness, our brains can still induce our bodies to act, and studies have indicated that consciousness is something that follows unconscious neural activity. Just because we are often aware of multiple paths to take, that doesn’t mean we actually get to choose one of them based on our own free will. As the ancient Greeks asked, by what mechanism would we be choosing? The physical world is made of causes and effects - “nothing comes from nothing” - but free will, by its very definition, has no physical cause. The Roman philosopher and poet Lucretius, in reference to this problem of free will, noted that the Greek philosophers concluded that atoms "randomly swerve" - the likely source of this movement being the numerous Greek gods.

Today, as researchers gain a better understanding of the molecular details underlying consciousness, some people think that we may discover a molecular mechanism responsible for free will - but Cashmore doesn’t think so. Such a discovery, he says, would require a new physical law that breaks the causal laws of nature. As it is, the only “wild card” that allows any room for maneuvering outside of genetics and one’s environment is the inherent uncertainty of the physical properties of matter, and even this stochastic element is beyond our conscious control. (However, it can help explain why identical twins growing up in the same environment are unique individuals.)

To put it simply, free will just doesn’t fit with how the physical world works. Cashmore compares a belief in free will to an earlier belief in vitalism - the belief that there are forces governing the biological world that are distinct from those governing the physical world. Vitalism was discarded more than 100 years ago, being replaced with evidence that biological systems obey the laws of chemistry and physics, not special biological laws for living things.

“I would like to convince biologists that a belief in free will is nothing other than a continuing belief in vitalism (or, as I say, a belief in magic),” Cashmore told PhysOrg.com.

Conscious Deception

It all seems quite rational, so why is our lack of free will so difficult to accept for many people? Cashmore explains that there are several compelling reasons that people have for believing in free will, not the least of which is that we have a constant awareness of making decisions that seem to be driven by our own volition. In addition, free will is a very useful concept when it comes to the justice system; we take responsibility for our criminal actions and accordingly, are eligible for personal punishment, which is deemed to be necessary for protecting society.

However, Cashmore argues that there are deeper explanations for why we think we have free will. He thinks that there must be a genetic basis for consciousness and the associated belief in free will. Consciousness has an evolutionary selective advantage: it provides us with the illusion of responsibility, which is beneficial for society, if not for individuals as well. In this sense, consciousness is our “preview function” that comforts us into thinking that we are in control of what we will (or at least may) do ahead of time. As Cashmore notes, the irony is that the very existence of these "free will genes" is predicated on their ability to con us into believing in free will and responsibility. However, in reality, all behavioral decisions are nothing more than a reflection of our genetic and environmental history.

“Whereas the impressions are that we are making ‘free’ conscious decisions, the reality is that consciousness is simply a state of awareness that reflects the input signals, and these are an unavoidable consequence of GES [genes, environment, and stochasticism],” Cashmore explained.

“Few neurobiologists would argue with the notion that consciousness influences behavior by acting through unconscious neural activity,” he said. “More controversial is the notion that consciousness plays a relatively minor role in governing our behavior. The conscious mind is conceivably more a mechanism of following unconscious neural activity than it is one of directing such activity. I find it interesting to compare this line of thinking with that of Freud, who created a controversy by suggesting that the unconscious mind played a role in our behavior. The way of thinking regarding these matters now has moved to the extent that some are questioning what role, if any, the conscious mind plays in directing behavior. Namely, Freud was right to an extent that was much greater than he realized.”

To summarize, Cashmore’s argument is that free will is an illusion derived from consciousness, but consciousness has an evolutionary advantage of conferring the illusion of responsibility. So what is the point of publicizing the fact that we have no free will, and letting everyone off the hook of individual responsibility? Cashmore says that, as researchers deepen their understanding of the molecular basis of human behavior, it will become increasingly difficult to entertain the fallacy of free will.

Can’t Be Held Responsible

Perhaps the most obvious impact of this paradigm shift will be on our judicial system, in which the notions of free will and responsibility form an integral component. Currently, in order to be found guilty, a criminal must be considered responsible for his actions; otherwise, he can be found not guilty by reason of insanity. Cashmore disagrees with these rules, noting that psychiatric research is finding its way more and more into the courts and causing time-wasting debates. (For example, is alcoholism a disease? Are sex crimes an addiction?)

“Where is the logic in debating an individual’s level of responsibility, when the reality is that none of us are biologically responsible for our actions?" he said.

Cashmore proposes a change, based on “the elimination of the illogical concept that individuals are in control of their behavior in a manner that is something other than a reflection of their genetic makeup and their environmental history.”

He says that psychiatrists and other experts on human behavior should not be involved in initial judicial proceedings. The jury should simply determine whether or not a defendant is guilty of committing a crime, and not be concerned with mental issues. Then, if the defendant is found guilty, a court-appointed panel of experts would advise on the most appropriate punishment and treatment. Cashmore argues that, even though individuals are not biologically responsible for their actions, in order to minimize criminal activity, people should still be held accountable, and be punished when necessary. Such punishment is rationalized on the grounds that it will serve as an incentive (an environmental influence) not to participate in criminal behavior.

“Here I introduce the practice of ‘I am sorry about this but I am going to have to beat you,’” Cashmore said. “This punishment is rationalized in the sense that it serves as a lesson to individuals not to break the law. So people would be held accountable for their actions, even though they are not ‘biologically responsible’ for such actions. This punishment may involve fines or placing people in prison. Such punishment should not reflect any sense of retribution, and given this I do not personally see how one could continue to impose the death penalty - the alleged effectiveness of such a penalty presumably being far outweighed by its unfairness. The exact way in which one balances the presumptive requirement for punishment, and the lack of biological responsibility, would indeed be difficult, and would require much discussion within the legal system and society as a whole.”

He said that tailoring punishment on an individual basis is presently done, at least to some extent.

“Why is it important to make a change? Because increasingly the legal system is being forced to confront the reality that people’s behavior is governed by nothing other than their biological history: their genes, their environment and a degree of stochasticism (if you wish, a degree of chance). The legal system is increasingly seen to be a farce, with lawyers spending endless time and money debating this nonsensical question of how responsible or not their clients are. Why nonsensical? Because no one is biologically responsible for their actions. As Francis Crick said, ‘Dream as we may, reality knocks relentlessly at the door.’ And as a result of the rapid and ongoing progress in neuroscience, the reality that individual behavior is governed by one’s genetic and environmental history is becoming increasingly apparent.”



Okay, as for my thoughts on this whole thing. I think that one thing this article really lacks in the grand scheme of things is in fact, the fact that they ONLY focus on the grand scheme of things. Sure, environmental constraints and genetics have a obvious effect on how we operate. Many research projects involving Genetic memory have proven that. However, People are set apart by their DNA, Their personality may very well be caused by fluctuating environmental situations leading the body to release different chemicals which in turn change the biology of the individual. I can see how these things make sense.

But, Here's a question.

If you put 10 people, all from similar backgrounds in one environment, not all of them are going to act exactly the same. In fact, none of them are going to be exactly the same. This is where the theory falls apart for me. While the biology may very well lead to a certain conclusion of "How free will operates" the truth is that every individual person goes through a unique set of occurrences through life meaning that no two people will process the same data the same way.

The reason this theory really bothers me is where it conflicts within the judicial system.

“Where is the logic in debating an individual’s level of responsibility, when the reality is that none of us are biologically responsible for our actions?"

That quote was in response to questions regarding crimes. I do not think that this is a responsible take on the subject at hand whatsoever. In fact as I was stating above, due to every human being having  different parameters of experiences and therefore thought processes, By assuming that the Biologists theory is correct, given the incalculable number of possible outcomes for every person alive, it still comes down to the fact that the individual, through his experiences and genetic composition, was led to do the act that put him behind bars. I think that this theory if put into effect should be used as a means of finding out whether or not the person in question was capable of what they are being charged with. Because in the end a crime was commited and someone has to take responsibility, If it was truly not our fault and no one should have consequences, then I would think that an emotion such as guilt should not exist within out mental capacity.

Just a thought. This article was very thought provoking and also somewhat naive in spec.

What is your take on this? Leave your comments in the section below.


-Ryan Smith.

Source: http://pda.physorg.com/_news186830615.html

Okay so it's been a few days since I've posted a blog so here we go.

A lot has been on my mind as of late. And as I walked out of my local Whole Foods store a young man approached me and began talking about OXFAM. I felt bad because in my current situation I'm not at a point where I can donate anything to this wonderful Cause. For all of you who do not know about OXFAM, put simply, OXFAM is a charity that strives to lessen the blow of famine and injustice in nations with high levels of poverty. And while over the years has grabbed it's share of controversy on whether they truly are a "Nuetral" organization, That is a matter of belief.

Currently they are driving a fundraiser for West Africa to help create irrigation canals, rice farms and other small (To us) features that would have a HUGE impact on moving the economy to a more stable, self supported state.

While I must take an unbiased approach on the Corporation as a whole,

Helping people is helping people, Period.


If you would like more information on the company or to show your support please visit:

http://www.oxfam.org

Thanks and have a great day!

                              Chapter notes Book 3 Mural template.

Lucifer led him down the long arching corridors. Azriel felt the eyes of the others transfixed on him as they walked. A tinge of discomfort pushed from the bowels of his stomach, working it’s way up into his throat as they walked the endless corridors of heaven. Azriel kept his head down as if trying to avoid any unwarranted conflict. Finally they came upon the grand hall. A place that he had never once dared to enter yet always heard stories about. This was the meeting hall for the Earthbound, Angels that left the sanctum of heaven for the world of men, to observe and to guide the fledgling race. But as Lucifer pulled aside the entryway, Azriel faced something that far surpassed what he ever could have imagined.

                An anamorphic mural covered the entire ceiling and much of the wall of this large room. Small figments of the mural swirled endlessly and blended, multiplying and fading. Lucifer seemed to have sensed Azriel’s astonishment and looked up as well yet said nothing. He continued to walk for a time, finally stopping and looking back over his shoulder to where Azriel sat watching the murals, softly urging him to move on. Azriel watched as the figures formed faces, so many different shapes and colors all in various forms of emotion. Lucifer kept his eyes forward and stayed quiet until they came to a wall on the far side of the room. He walked slowly to Azriel’s side and then looked back to the mural which now showed many points of light amidst the swirling forms.

                “What is this?” Azriel asked as his curiosity began to get the better of him. The urge to reach out and touch the moving wall swelled dangerously close behind. Lucifer stood quietly for a moment with his eyes searching through the images that came and went. “What do you think that it is Azriel?” Azriel glanced to Lucifer but he was still looking ahead, his eyes darting from image to image. Azriel tried to form a thought of what this could be but he just couldn’t make sense of it. “Umm… I don’t know.” Lucifer looked over and smiled. “Don’t strain yourself too much over it. To tell you the truth, I don’t know exactly myself. The only way that I think that I could help you better understand is by giving you my opinion of what I think it is and that by no means can stand alone as truth.” Azriel felt a bit confused by the declaration and blurted out his next question before he could stop himself. “What do you think that it is?” Lucifer’s face went cold, but quickly regained it’s normal composure. He almost smiled as he looked back at Azriel. “I forget how much we are alike at times.”

                “This mural was created before the humans came to be. It appeared in our hall one day and began to show many of us images of things to come.” Azriel held his excitement to a minimum at the declaration. “So it can tell the future?” Lucifer laughed, A light sweeping laugh that made even the lights within the room burn twice as bright. “Yes and no. We can see the lives of countless individuals, study every move that is made, and yet, we cannot know of our own destiny. I have… Tried to find myself many times during my time in this room but have yielded no such answer. Only the mist remains.” Azriel looked around turning a complete three-sixty before shrugging, showing that he had not understood all of what was said. “So…We can’t find ourselves on this?” Lucifer looked over and nodded. “You can find your place on the wall if you choose to look but you will not be able to see anything but a blurred mist. Honestly, and please do not tell anyone what I am about to tell you but… Sometimes I think that perhaps we are simply not on it. That the mist covers all of us and that it only exists to trick us into believing that we have a future.” Azriel felt an odd sensation at the thought. The muscles of Lucifer’s jaw clenched as he continued to stare off into the swirling mass. Azriel turned back toward the mural and concentrated on finding himself.

                Images began to swirl around violently, Lucifer raised an eyebrow and stepped closer and watched the forms begin to take shape. Forming a young feminine being that quickly dissolved away into a gray blur, as if that part of the picture wasn’t there. He looked back up to where Lucifer was standing looking almost surprised. “Do you know who that was?”  Lucifer nodded. “Azriel, You have taught me something today.” Azriel’s head swam from the words that filled him with pride but felt a bit confused nonetheless. “Perhaps we cannot see ourselves because we are not allowed to change our own fates, and perhaps the reason I cannot see you is for the fact that you are somehow connected to my own. If we were to know the fates of those closest to us then it would impact our own choices, changing our own fate in the process. I think that’s why he did it.”  Azriel ran a hand through his hair and scratched the back of his head. “You lost me.” Lucifer smiled and began to walk back towards the entryway with Azriel close behind. “Our Father keeps many secrets Azriel, I think that if given my existence to try and find them all I would still run out of time.” He smiled as he passed by some Angels that were entering the room. When they were out of range Azriel walked a bit closer and whispered. “Can I ask you about…” “Our Father?” Lucifer cut him off and stopped in his tracks. Azriel came to a sudden halt, almost stepping down on Lucifer’s foot.  Azriel hesitated to make eye contact with Lucifer. Even now his presence was almost too hard to stand and all too impossible to ignore. “What would you like to know?” Azriel knew it was a loaded question, there were too many questions and not enough time to ask them all in the limited time he was given. “Will I ever meet him?” Lucifer looked down and thought for a moment. “I believe that under the right circumstances that you may. But that is nothing to worry about for now. Most of us do not get the honor of being at his side.” Azriel sidestepped and redirected. “But… You have met him, you and Michael I mean?”  Lucifer smiled. “Of course, As have many others that you have yet to meet.” Azriel felt the strange desire to just forget the question and walk off with it but knew that Lucifer wouldn’t allow it to be dropped so easily. “I..Just… What is he like?” Lucifer turned and looked straight into Azriel’s eyes. Lucifer’s iris’s burned like white hot flames that made him hard to look at directly.  “He is our father, He is something more than you nor I could ever hope to aspire to. Even still, His love is absolute and I know for a fact that you are very important to him.” Azriel felt something within his heart warm at the thought and a euphoric daze encroached on his mind for a moment before he was pulled upright by Lucifer as his legs buckled. The newly arriving angels watched from their tables quietly but made no effort to move and dared not to speak. Lucifer pulled him to his feet and they left the room. He checked the halls to make sure that they were alone before he began again. “Azriel? Are you alright?” Azriel nodded, embarrassed at the fact that he was about to be carried out of the room.

                “Do you want to know what I see when I go to him?” Azriel leaned up against the cool marble and nodded, eagerly awaiting an answer to unasked questions. “I see… sadness in his eyes. I feel that something has been happening recently that has changed my course. Perhaps I am being a fool, but I cannot deny that which I have seen, nor what I have felt. I just pray that it is not so.” Azriel stood straight and asked bluntly. “Why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because it is like I have said. You are like me.”

© Ryan Smith 2012

Just a somewhat short note for you all.

After a MUCH needed full night's rest (Read previous post) I decided that although I am having such a great time responding to emails and chatting on Twitter that I need a bit more balance and my writing progress has been slowed because of biting off more then I can chew. So I'm just going to focus on Writing for the remainder of this weekend. You may see me on and posting from time to time and feel free to say hi (Or tell me to get back to work, That being the more helpful response)

Overall, I will not be updating this site for the next... I guess day and a half lol.

But Will be up and ready to try and finish up everything in one big swoop on Monday so Please check back from time to time as things will be getting filled up and fleshed out real soon.

Also I should note the the Nocturne portion of the site has been finished although there are still many areas that I want to fill in and hopefully will get around to soon.

As always you can reach me on Twitter and through my FB page from the drop down menu under Community.

Last but not least, Tomorrow may not be getting updates but it is however Getting another Poem added to the collection. Stay tuned for more updates and hope to hear from you all soon.

-Ryan