Random Thoughts Above The Noise

Random Thoughts February 2025

While the National scene seems to have immersed itself in political rhetoric, and discourse, I have been trying to think of other things to keep my consciousness engaged in Sanity.

Photo: Long Beach Writers Group (Calvin Harris)

Thoughts lately have been about art and writing and how it shapes us as a culture and as people living in that culture.

In that progression of thought, I recently restarted reading “The Bible” as part of the Prosperos High Watch Reading List entries. Actually, I purchased a new bible which turns out to be a really slow read due to the many authors and copious notes by the translators. It is a new revised version, well worth the read by the Society of Biblical Literature, which draws from academic disciplines and faith commitments in critical investigations from a wide range of geographical regions all with the goal to advance scholarly research and to foster public understanding of the Bible and it influence. I tip my hat to all those who put in the time and effort to get this 2023 edition published by HarperCollins Publishers with a focus on integrity and accuracy in University use. Thanks goes also to Dr. Dan McClellan, a Bible scholar and Podcaster (Data Over Dogma) for alerting me to this scholarly translation.

Speaking on the subject of books, one thing I find most is people new to speaking and teaching struggling with is the oldest form of instruction which is Storytelling. We all know it is a vital skill that can get your ideas across to people, communicate your vision, and or inspire commitment. Two books that I have picked up at the beginning of the year to help me upgrade my skills in this are Paul Smith’s “Lead With A Story”, and Rob Biesenbach’s “Unleash the Power of Storytelling”.

Photo: Calvin Harris at Writer's Festival, Rancho Mirage Library

The monthly Salon Calvin video and conversation series will look into the past as it retells itself in the present and future. This year we will be looking at a few plays by William Shakespeare, plays that are found on the Prosperos High Watch Reading List. The Salon wants to bring a deeper sense of understanding to Shakespeare writings. In line with that goal those people that would want to read one of Shakespeare play either before or after the Salon in updated English with the original text side by side, I would suggest SJ HILLS Translations. He is currently working on the next release in the Shakespeare Translated Series, 'Julius Caesar', due to be published in 2025, making it the seventh book in the series. Books by him SJ HILLS. The books now in print and for sale through book sellers like Amazon and others are - Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, Midsummer's Dream, Othello, Twelfth Night, and King Lear are the other Translated titles.

Our own story is much, much more powerful than we have been told and thought it to be. Our species story is unknown to the youth and then has to recycle into replication. What we call the progression of Civilization is anything but, unless we can be Conscious of what we have gained, know the ills of what we have done, and make amends or face retribution for being indifferent... History shows the way… One answer takes growing and building community around what we have learned from stories past down to us from the past into the future.

I suggest that if you want to shake up your belief system, renew your goals for yourself, the community, and the human race that you “Read.“ We are not bound and tied to systems that wreak havoc. It can and will be undone. The world needs new vision by understanding where the old broke down and not repeating mistakes. We are seeing the new emerge now on the streets, in the writings and songs of story that establishes a new vision especially as community is coming together.

With all of that said, I am deeply grateful for your personal efforts forward growth and freedom.

Aloha Blessings

Calvin

President of the Prosperos Mentors Association