An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, April 8, 2012.
Much like the handwritten letter, the art of the phone call is being lost. We don’t use the phone much anymore. When I say “we” I am talking about The Herd, but specifically I’m referring to people I know.
An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, March 11, 2012.
Whatever gene it is that drives people to reproduce is completely missing from me. Not the process that leads to it, mind you, but actually wanting offspring. I don’t get it.
I am the guy who, when handed a baby, holds it awkwardly at arms’ length like spent nuclear fuel. The sounds of children are nails on a chalkboard. I would rather get a colonoscopy than go to Chuck E Cheese. As horrible as it sounds, I am immune to Anne Geddes photos.
I know. I’m a monster.
An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, February 13, 2012.
I love America. From stem to stern and tip to toe, I heart this big cauldron of diversity, dysfunction and determination. I especially like Wisconsin. I’ve lived in different parts of the country – Chicago, Miami and a brief stint in New Orleans – but our great state keeps pulling me back. I was reminded why on a recent road trip to Florida.
An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, January 15, 2012
It was at our house on New Year’s Eve, sometime after the Basil-tinis started flowing but well before the ball dropped, when I was blinded by a bright flash. It went off inches from my face and was followed by a familiar whirring sound. After blinking the spots out of my retinas, I realized someone had just taken my picture. With a Polaroid instant camera.
An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, December 11, 2011
It was the summer of 2007 and we were on our way out for martinis, driving downtown, when we passed the majestic building at dusk. There was a for sale sign in the yard. I slowed down. “Wow, she’s gorgeous.”
An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, November 13, 2011
There is an old Wisconsin adage that says: If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. In today’s world the same can be said about almost anything, especially the workplace. The pace at which technology marches forward is dizzying and those who ignore it and are being left behind. For better or worse, the new economy rewards those who embrace change.
An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, October 16, 2011
Almost four years ago I wrote a column about moving to Kenosha, and while the piece wasn’t entirely flattering, I did try to accentuate the positive. I moved here for love and since then have settled in, despite my constructive bullet points.
This column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, September, 18, 2011.
After a challenging summer, we knew we had to get away before the weather changed. Something cheap and relatively close. Beth booked a trip down the mighty Wisconsin River from Sauk City to Spring Green, a 25 mile canoeing adventure over two days through the Driftless Area created during the last glacial period. All the provisions we would need had to fit inside a canoe, which meant Beth couldn’t bring a suitcase full of shoes.
An excerpt of this column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, August 21, 2011
I heard a great saying the other day: “Holding on to anger or resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” It is a wise testament to letting go and taking ownership of your feelings. My mom is fond of a similar phrase: “Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere.”
This can't be good.
This column originally appeared as a special to the Kenosha News, Sunday Mornings With Basil Willis, May, 29, 2011.
We were awakened Saturday morning at 1 am by pounding on the door and the phone ringing. Beth and I looked at each other, and without saying anything we both slipped out of bed. She quietly answered the call as I grabbed a weapon from the night stand and crept toward the stair case.
A Kenosha police dispatcher was calling; there was an officer at the door. I put the weapon away, quickly put on a robe and thought, “This can’t be good.”