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Jonathan van Bilsen
May 25, 20232 min read
Pedaling Along
Exercising, one of the simplest tasks to initiate, is often the most difficult to stick with. Over the years, I have tried several...
10 views3 comments


Jonathan van Bilsen
May 25, 20233 min read
Todd McCarthy: Dealing with the Issues
I always look forward to interviewing politicians, especially if they are new to the political arena. This week, I had an opportunity to...
214 views5 comments


The Standard
May 19, 20232 min read
The Generosity is Overwhelming
Last week, I was once again asked to participate in McDonald’s McHappy Day, and I have to tell you it was a fantastic time. The weather...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
May 12, 20233 min read
A Stone’s Throw
Like millions of people around the world, and probably a number of you as well, I tuned in to watch the abridged version of the...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
May 3, 20232 min read
Look, I Can Fly!
Having flown more than 800 times, I have still only had the pleasure of sitting in the cockpit of a jetliner, a few times. In these...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Apr 27, 20232 min read
A Rose By Any Other Name
I was glancing through some notes I made many years ago, when collecting stamps, and noticed a reference to Tanganyika, an African...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Apr 21, 20234 min read
LUCY BLACK, Write it Down!
I am constantly intrigued to learn about people from our community and the fantastic accomplishments they have made during their life....
25 views3 comments


Jonathan van Bilsen
Apr 13, 20232 min read
What are the chances?
Sometimes, when forging through history, seemingly uneventful elements are discovered and often discarded. Occasionally, such components,...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Mar 29, 20232 min read
The World’s Largest Museum
I am planning a visit to Egypt for the end of this year, to coincide with the opening of the new Egyptian Museum. Also known as the Grand...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Mar 17, 20234 min read
Don Lovisa, President of Durham College
Education in today's world is certainly changing, and sitting down to chat with the president of Durham College, Don Lovisa, gave me a...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Mar 17, 20232 min read
Wow, a new house
Interest rates may continue to rise in an effort to curb inflation, and it seems to be helping. Costs have risen dramatically, and I...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Mar 9, 20232 min read
When Will It End
Winter is certainly not my favourite season. I must admit, I love waking up to a fresh blanket of snow outside, as it makes everything...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Mar 3, 20232 min read
Where did they all come from?
Those of you, who follow my column regularly, know I am sometimes fascinated by facts and stats. During a recent conversation, the topic...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Feb 24, 20232 min read
You Don't Say
I have always had a dislike for telephone answering machines. Once you leave a message, it is there. You cannot revise it, re-record it...
28 views6 comments


Jonathan van Bilsen
Feb 16, 20232 min read
It’s a Hap, Hap, Happy Day!
I have often wondered why people in certain parts of the planet are happier than others. I did some digging and discovered the secret of...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Feb 9, 20232 min read
Port Perry, 1949
Local theatre has always been something I have enjoyed. Not because it is a short drive home afterward but because the talent in our...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Feb 2, 20232 min read
Addressing the Haggis
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of becoming an honourary Scot at the annual Robert Burns supper held at the Port Perry Legion. The night...
21 views4 comments


Jonathan van Bilsen
Jan 26, 20232 min read
Stand up for Old People
Quite often, we pick up newspapers and magazines or turn on the television and hear about scammers taking advantage of seniors. How they...
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Jonathan van Bilsen
Jan 19, 20234 min read
It is The Law
Becoming a lawyer requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. The industry has long been dominated by men, and only recently are...
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The Standard
Jan 19, 20232 min read
Not Another Whodunit
Most people I talk with, have seen the film or read the book, The Orient Express. Who can forget Peter Ustinov jovially interviewing...
8 views3 comments
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