The Sill - podcast cover

The Sill

Peter Noce & Harry Posnerwww.thesillpodcast.com
From Canada, with Peter Noce, a media producer and technology trainer/tutor and Harry Posner, a writer, author and former Poet Laureate; sharing our interests and passions with you, on 'The Sill'. The original concept of our podcast was to explore areas relating to Art and Technology, evolving into a virtually ‘no limits’ conversation. Neither of us are experts, nor profess to be. We are on the same level as the listener, offering up ideas and thoughts that come from our life experiences, inviting listeners to eavesdrop on what we hope is an enjoyable and interesting dialogue. We discuss artificial intelligence, the power of poetry in the digital age, explore the worlds of tea and coffee, aging, death and dying, and interview a range of fascinating people. The whole point is to both educate and entertain, and to re-enliven the art of conversation.
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Episodes

TSP108 - The Undefinable Spirit: Stefan Wiesen - Painting the world green.

Dufferin - Caledon federal Green Party candidate Stefan Wiesen says, quote, “We must take a holistic approach to build a modern state that leaves nobody behind.” His obvious passion and commitment for the environment and people is evident in his clear-headed and grounded approach to the issues we all face. Duration - 35:21 VoxBox: On YouTube, 2 clips from ‘This Hour Has 22 minutes’ Music Credit: Louie Armstrong - Wonderful World

Sep 30, 201935 min

TSP107 - Time Trek: The Yo-Yo - Spinnin’ wheel got to go round.

Surprisingly, the modern toy called the Yo-yo has a long venerable history. From ancient China, to Napoleon’s France, to Richard Nixon at the Grand Ole Opry, this toy for all ages continues to fascinate and entertain. Duration - 22:03 VoxBox: On YouTube, Doctor Lucky Meisenheimer - Inside The World’s Biggest YoYo Collection Music Credit: Blood, Sweat & Tears - Spinning Wheel

Sep 16, 201922 min

TSP106 - The Undefinable Spirit: Michael McCreary - Punching up, never down.

Brampton born and Orangeville raised Michael McCreary is an ‘aspie’ of a different colour. With a mind as agile as a whippet, Michael navigates his life with humour and humility, bestowing on us a deeper understanding of what it means to be autistic. Michael McCreary: https://www.aspiecomic.com Duration - 35:48 VoxBox: Compilation of Michael McCreary bits and clips Music Credit: Isley Brothers - It’s Your Thing

Sep 02, 201936 min

TSP105 - PH Factor: Freezing footprints.

The impulse to archive has been aided and abetted by the exponential advance in recording technologies, which begs the question: What have we sacrificed in pursuit of our never ending desire to preserve memories? Duration - 24:06 VoxBox: YouTube segment with comedian Norm MacDonald on the Evolution of Photography Music Credit: Fastball - G.O.D. (Good Old Days)

Aug 19, 201924 min

TSP104 - Digging Words: CONSERVATISM - Trapped in amber.

The nature of conservatism is more complicated than current polarized thinking would suggest. From its political beginnings after the French Revolution to populist America and Britain, the impulse to remain true to inherited tradition is both a stabilizing force and one prone to ossification. Duration - 35:19 VoxBox: Rowan Atkinson - excerpt from Conservative Conference on YouTube Music Credit: The Kinks - Well Respected Man

Aug 05, 201935 min

TSP103 - Transcendent Tunes: Woody and Arlo on the ‘rails’.

Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land Is Your Land’ and his son, Arlo Guthrie’s ‘City Of New Orleans (written by the under appreciated Steve Goodman) can be considered anthems of a nation. The first being a response to the status quo - ‘God Bless America’ and the second an homage to life on the rails. Duration - 33:02 VoxBox: Compilation of various artists performing ‘This Land Is Your Land’ and the ‘City Of New Orleans’ Music Credit: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - This Land Is Your Land & Arlo Gut...

Jul 22, 201933 min

TSP102 - Time Trek: Encoding, foreboding?

Starting with Morse code in the mid 19th century the beginnings of encoding technology eventually evolved into the ubiquitous use of barcodes today. This mini revolution has ramifications well beyond retail convenience and routine record keeping. Duration - 24:44 VoxBox: YouTube segment with comedian James May rambling about barcodes and supermarkets Music Credit: The Five Americans - Western Union

Jul 08, 201925 min

TSP101 - The Undefinable Spirit: Andrea Bird - Dancing on the curve of life.

Accomplished artist Andrea Bird connects art to love and death. Her theme of ‘holding loosely’ infuses Andrea’s work and positive world view. Andrea Bird: http://andreabird.com Duration - 30:22 VoxBox: William Shatner - from the CD ‘Has Been’ Music Credit: Belle Starr - This Must Be The Place

Jun 24, 201930 min

TSP100 - PH Factor: The little ‘cast’ that could!

Our special celebratory milestone moment where we reminisce across 2 years of podcasting and what led up to it. Our conversation includes podcast excerpts, special moments, joys and challenges along the way. Duration - 38:13 VoxBox: Compilation of interview snippets from our ‘Undefinable Spirit’ series of podcasts Music Credit: John Denver - The Little Engine That Could

Jun 10, 201938 min

TSP099 - Transcendent Tunes: Yesterday, it was scrambled eggs.

A Lennon/McCartney classic covered by more artists than any other song in music history. A simple sentiment turned musical treasure, cherished by young and old. Duration - 21:06 VoxBox: Youtube audio segment of video with Paul McCartney in live performance singing Yesterday, spliced together with another Youtube audio segment of Daffy Duck’s partial version of Yesterday Music Credit: Beatles - Yesterday

Jun 04, 201921 min

TSP098 - Time Trek: Optics, near and far.

Man’s quest to explore beyond the limits of the senses led to the evolution of optical theory and eventual development of telescopic and microscopic devices. Enhancing our vision, both outer and inner, profoundly changed our perspective of our universes, large and small. Duration - 26:41 VoxBox: Youtube segment on the ‘Life of Galileo Brecht’ Music Credit: Joni Mitchell - Woodstock

May 27, 201927 min

TSP097 - Digging Words: PORTMANTEAU - Two’s company.

Packing more into less is the basis for the creation of portmanteau words. From motel to hazmet to liger and beyond, these linguistically blended words, pro or con, have become part of our lexicon. Duration - 28:31 VoxBox: Youtube segment featuring Norm Crosby on the Dean Martin Show Music Credit: Men At Work - People Just Love To Play With Words

May 20, 201929 min

TSP096 - The Undefinable Spirit: Drew Marshall, a red letter agnostic theist.

Inveterate seeker, Drew Marshall talks about his quest for truth on God, life, death, and faith. Among other self discoveries made during his journey, which has included living in Australia, the deserts of Israel and walking the El Camino trail in Spain, he talks to us how ‘doubt’ can be an integral and useful tool in discovering your spiritual path. Duration - 26:05 VoxBox: Youtube segment with Rowan Atkinson telling the ‘Gospel of John’ Music Credit: Bruce Cockburn - The Soul Of A Man...

May 13, 201926 min

TSP095 - Transcendent Tunes: Cole Porter’s Begin The Beguine.

A signature of the big band era, Begin The Beguine, exemplifies the versatility of Swing music. The lyrics embody the joy of a sudden but temporary love, the melody of which was made famous by one of the greatest big band leaders, Artie Shaw. Duration - 21:06 VoxBox: various artists' renditions of Begin The Beguine, featuring Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mario Lanza, Ella Fitzgerald, Eve Becke, Pete Townsend and Juglio Iglesias. Music Credit: Artie Shaw - Begin The Beguine....

May 06, 201921 min

TSP094 - PH Factor: Notre Dame, the unmaking of history.

The tragic fire at Notre Dame de Paris on the 15th of April, 2019, sparked a slew of social, political, and religious reactions. 850 years of history gone up in flames, provides the backdrop for a lively discussion about this historic event. Duration - 29:32 VoxBox: Harry Posner quoting Victor Hugo and Youtube audio segment from the movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame Music Credit: Edith Piaf - Notre Dame de Paris

Apr 29, 201930 min

TSP093 - Time Trek: Podcasting, birth and beckoning.

15 years into the podcasting evolution has seen an exponential rise in both programming and popularity, not the least of which is due to the rise and constant upgrading of smartphone technology, as well as corporate interest and acquisitions. Duration - 27:38 VoxBox: Youtube segment from Saturday Night Live (SNL) radio interview with Alec Baldwin - Schweddy balls. Music Credit: David Foster - You’re The Voice

Apr 22, 201928 min

TSP092 - Digging Words: BUT - Au Contraire.

One of the unsung workhorses of the English language, the word ‘but’ is frequently overused. 'But', this seemingly insignificant three letter word packs a whole lot of punch. Duration - 20:55 VoxBox: Harry Posner - Ode To But Music Credit: Lewcinda Williams - Everything But The Truth

Apr 15, 201921 min

TSP091 - The Undefinable Spirit: Donna McCaw, Elora’s creative dynamo.

Teacher, actor, traveler, activist Donna McCaw shares her passion for creativity, community, and the simple joys of having fun. From poetry to saving our water, she demonstrates compassion and a love for life. Donna McCaw: http://donnamccaw.com Duration - 24:56 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Fry and Laurie sketches Music Credit: George Jones - Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair

Apr 08, 201925 min

TSP090 - PH Factor: What’s up with DST?

The pros and cons of Daylight Saving Time have been the subject of an ongoing debate since the late 19th century. There’s validity on both sides of the argument, despite the lack of general agreement as to its efficacy. Duration: 23:45 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - George Carlin on ‘Time’ Music Credit: Bill Hayley & His Comets - (We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock

Apr 01, 201924 min

TSP089 - Transcendent Tunes: Hey kids, it’s twinkle time.

For millennia, lullabies have lulled children into slumber land. From ancient Egypt to modern day, tunes like Twinkle,Twinkle, Little Star and their relative importance often goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Duration: 22:41 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Various artists and performers. Music Credit: Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star HIghlights: History and significance of lullabies Origins and variations of the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" Importance of lullab...

Mar 25, 201923 min

TSP088 - Time Trek: Ikebana - Time for reflection.

The birth of Ikebana, or the Japanese art of flower arranging, dates back to the 7th century. Combining the mindfulness of the Buddhist traditions with Shinto’s connection to nature, this refined art form can offer the West unexpected insights into the essence of life. Duration - 29:17 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Kung Fu episode Music Credit: Kingston Trio - Where Have All The Flowers Gone

Mar 18, 201929 min

TSP087 - Digging Words: SYMBIOSIS - You scratch my back…

From the simple notion of mutual dependence the idea of symbiosis has expanded to include a variety of relationship dynamics, that surrounds us at every turn. Running the gamut from parasitism to mutualism, symbiosis encompasses more than the obvious benevolence. Duration: 26:13 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Elvis Presley, Ted Talk & Cheers segments Music Credit: James Brown - It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s, World

Mar 11, 201926 min

TSP086 - The Undefinable Spirit: The bassoon takes a bow, with Nadina Mackie.

Solo bassoonist, Nadina Mackie is the most widely recorded Canadian bassoonist in history, with 17 new works for solo bassoon and orchestra written for her in the last decade. Nadina intimately describes her journey. Nadina Mackie: https://nadinamackie.com Duration: 37:49 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - March 2014 - Trumpet virtuoso Guy Few and bassoonist Nadina Mackie. The Canadian duo stopped by the Classic 107 studio to talk with host Bill Richardson. Music Credit: Nadina Mackie and Guy...

Mar 04, 201938 min

TSP085 - PH Factor: Lines That Blind - Why should I trust you?

Can you trust what you can’t see? The ideas of trust and respect have become nebulous concepts in a world of promises and betrayal. Duration: 28:23 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Esther Perel - Once a Cheater, Always a Cheater? Music Credit: Beyonce - Trust In Me

Feb 25, 201928 min

TSP084 - Transcendent Tunes: Jolson rocks.

‘Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody’, a transcendent tune from a transcendent performer. Russian born singer Al Jolson rocked the world with his African-American inspired jazz singing style. Spanning five decades of musical and audio evolution, as the “greatest entertainer” of his day, he left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Duration: 28:49 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Al Jolson, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr., Jerry Lewis & Aretha Franklin Music Credit: Al Jol...

Feb 18, 201929 min

TSP083 - Time Trek: Degeneracy trumps Fascism.

Out of the ashes of the Wiemar Republic, Hitler’s National Socialist Party rose to absolute power, and immediately set out to cleanse the nation, of all “anti-Aryan” culture. The Degenerate Art Show of 1937, exemplified this highly calculated program. Duration: 27:34 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Doug Stanhope on nationalism & Ursonate - Kurt Schwitters - ARTE Creative Music Credit: Dogcatmouse Singers - Der Kommisar

Feb 11, 201928 min

TSP082 - Digging Words: BRAGGADOCIO - Bigger, yet often smaller, than life.

First used in 1590, the word ‘Braggadocio’ has come to represent the epitome of human vanity. Our history and our modern world is replete with examples of this rarely used and archaic word. Duration: 27:29 VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Muhammad Ali clips, The Braggarts Dilemma & Donald Trump clips. Music Credit: Carly Simon - You’re So Vain

Feb 04, 201928 min

TSP081 - The Undefinable Spirit: Re-imagining Architecture with Robert Arnone.

President and owner, Robert Arnone, of R.H. Carter Architects shares the often unseen inner workings of the Architectural world. Spanning a 30 year career, he describes how the ‘doing of architecture’ has, and is evolving. R.H. Carter & Associates: https://www.rhcarter.com Duration: 46:28 VoxBox: Audio segment from YouTube - Monty Python - Architecture Comedy Sketch Music Credit: Bruce Springsteen - 10th Avenue Freeze Out & The National - Blood Buzz Ohio...

Jan 28, 201946 min

TSP080 - Transcendent Tunes: Led Zeppelin’s celestial climb.

One of the greatest rock bands of all time creating one of the most, some would say, earth shattering and lasting songs in music history. A timeless and evocative tune, shared and enjoyed by generation after generation. Duration: 27:20 VoxBox: Audio segment from YouTube - Robert Plant on Writing Led Zeppelin's ‘Stairway To Heaven’ (Radio.com Minimation). The podcast opening features a BBC segment with Jimmy Page on how Stairway To Heaven was written. Music Credit: Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heav...

Jan 21, 201927 min

TSP079 - Time Trek: Spanning the Ages.

Arcing back through time, we explore the architectural and social impact of ‘the arch’ over the centuries, on our civilizations, and its symbolic resonance. Duration: 22:46 VoxBox: Audio segment from YouTube - Ancient History: Rome If You Want To, The Pantheon (EP2) - Drive Thru History Music Credit: Licensed & Royalty Free by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Crossing the Chasm

Jan 14, 201923 min
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