JONATHAN VAN BILSEN

by Jonathan van Bilsen Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting some fascinating people, but one encounter, in 2007, stands out as particularly memorable. It involved a legendary musician, a corporate event in San Diego, and a breakfast meeting that turned into an experience I would never forget. At the time, I was organizing a major corporate function, in San Diego, California. The organizers wanted a headline entertainer, someone whose name alone would create exci

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Mystery lovers are invited to step back in time and discover the secrets of Victorian-era Port Perry when local author Jonathan van Bilsen launches his latest novel, The Port Perry Affair, on Saturday, November 14th. The book launch will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Books Galore, 175 Perry Street, Port Perry. Readers will have an opportunity to meet Mr. van Bilsen and celebrate the release of his newest mystery, which brings the town's his

by Jonathan van Bilsen In the very early nineties, I had an opportunity to emcee an event in Orlando, Florida. I introduced the headlining act, who was none other than the famous country star, Dolly Parton, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago. Being quite nervous, my first task was to stand on a stage, in front of 2,000 people, all members of a large corporation, and welcome them. Surprisingly, it was easier than I expected. My days in radio had prepared me, somewhat, for p

by Jonathan van Bilsen September has always been one of my favourite months. The heat of summer begins to disappear, jackets make their annual return, and leaves slowly transform into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. There is a freshness to September, a feeling of change and anticipation. At least there used to be. Twenty-five years ago, on September 11th, 2001, that changed forever. It is difficult to believe a quarter of a century has passed since that terrible m

by Jonathan van Bilsen The internet has helped me research history, plan trips to far-flung corners of the globe, and settle countless debates over obscure trivia. Recently, I had a run-in with the one online expert, who always seems to know everything: Dr. Google. Like clockwork, I went for my routine physical. I dutifully endured the blood work, ECG, ultrasound, and the usual poking and prodding. A few days later, the doctor called with good news. Everything looked great. I

by Jonathan van Bilsen Summer gardens are glorious; vibrant flowers, freshly mowed grass, and everything lush and green. There is absolutely nothing negative about the season... except the weeding. Don't misunderstand me; I genuinely enjoy cutting the grass and general maintenance, but weeding? That's simply not my thing. It's tedious, back-breaking work which seems never-ending. For that reason, I'm always searching for new and improved ways to complete this chore as quickly

by Jonathan van Bilsen As a child, I was remarkably selective about anything which ventured near my mouth. If food looked unusual, smelled unfamiliar, or possessed a texture which suggested it might still be alive, I wanted no part of it. As the years passed, however, my culinary courage grew, or perhaps deteriorated, depending on one’s perspective. Travelling tends to do that. You become curious. You convince yourself, tasting local food somehow deepens cultural understandin

by Jonathan van Bilsen Visions of orange jumpsuits and rusty shackles ran through my head, as I confronted the policeman writing my parking ticket. I was innocent. I had parked in a perfectly legal spot and told him so, triumphantly pointing at the post clearly marked ‘Parking.’ He agreed and I was about to ask why he was ticketing me. I froze when he silently gestured toward a fire hydrant, tucked neatly behind someone’s hedge. Mouth open, I stared at the yellow cylinder, mo

by Jonathan van Bilsen I have stayed at Selsdon Park Hotel, in Surrey, more than once before, and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, steeped in history. The manor traces its roots back to around 800 AD, though the current structure reflects centuries of additions and alterations. Henry VIII acquired the estate because of its proximity, barely twenty minutes, to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Convenience, even in Tudor times, appears to have mattered. On my