Official Condemnation

While at the gym today, working out on the treadmill, I witnessed an act of such heartless indifference, I feel it worthy of Official Condemnation by the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch.

I was in conversation with a woman who was on the treadmill to my immediate right. I often talk to people who are willing to engage in conversation while using the cardiovascular equipment as I find it helps the time seem to go by so much more quickly.

Everything was going well, and I and the woman I was talking to were enjoying the conversation, when all of a sudden, she lost her balance and fell off the machine.

My first action was to reach over and press the emergency stop button on her treadmill then get off mine and try to help her up. Another gym patron, two treadmills to our right also got off her machine to come over to offer assistance, but another woman, who was on the treadmill to the right of the woman who fell not only did nothing and kept right on with her fast pace walking, she actually gave the woman who fell and those of us who came to offer aide a dirty look and said to us 'Please stop bumping my machine! I'm trying to workout here!'.

I condemn this woman in the strongest sense that I can. I would also like to point out to her and any who might be in agreement with her that cardiovascular exercise is only effective for you when you have a heart to begin with.

I do not know who the woman was, and I can only hope and pray that I am never in a situation in which I might need help from her, but I still hope that if it came up that I would still offer help too her.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Message of Condolence to the People of Norway

I was very saddened to hear of the recent violence in the Kingdom of Norway. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this horrendous act of cowardice and hatred.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Message of Condolence to the Family of Betty Ford

I extend my deepest, and most sincere condolences to the family of Betty Ford, widow of former president of the United States of America, Gerald Ford.

Mrs. Ford accomplished much in her life and helped to end the stigma of drug dependency and show it for the recoverable illness it is, as well as a symbol of the early feminist movement.

Although I never met or knew Mrs. Ford personally, I do recall, as a very young child, seeing her on the news, doing what she could to support her husband as he assumed the office of president at a very difficult time in the history of the United States.

Again, I extend my condolences to her entire family.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

The Baron's Official Birthday Message

My friends, as one gets older, birthdays seem to come around quicker; they are therefore less obviously excuses for wider celebration than personal moments to count one's blessings. As Groucho Marx once said, "Anyone can get old - all you have to do is live long enough".

And there are in my view, many other anniversaries this year that are much more noteworthy and deserving of celebration. In particular, I hope you will bare with me as I single out one particular organisation that is very close to my heart. The 60th anniversary season of the Stockton Civic Theatre.

This year, the SCT has seen some particularly exceptional shows, and has had an exceptional collection of casts performing this year, especially, if I do say so myself, the production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic "Oklahoma". The actors, the scenery builders, the technical and stage crew, and of course our director should all be praised for contributing to a production that honored a landmark season, and I am very happy to draw attention to not just their achievement, but to everyone involved with every show for the 2010-2011 season, and to thank them for letting me in my own way to share in that joy.

As I count my blessings on my birthday, I am well aware of the value of the love and advice, strength and encouragement from my friends, my family of choice, from all of you.

Thank you all very much.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Spreading the Word to End the Word

I, and the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch have been deeply moved by the new public service announcement sponsored by the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign and to hereby declare a new law within all territories controlled by Our sovereign micronation.

"No derogatory words may be spoken within the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch under penalty of The Baron's extreme displeasure."

I hope you will take the time to view the PSA that so inspired me.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,
Wesley,
Baron of Nonsuch

To the People of Missouri

I have been deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the tornado that struck the city of Joplin , Missouri , a town just 16 miles from the birthplace of my late, much beloved, Grandmother Irene Rush-Gentry.

My heart and prayers go out to the victim’s, to their families, and to the men and women assisting with the rescue and clean-up efforts.

I encourage everyone and anyone reading this to contribute what you can, whether it be time or money, to the charity or relief organization of your choice that is helping to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,
Wesley
Baron of Nonsuch

To the People of Alabama and the American Southern States

I watch the news reports on television, and listen to news reports on the radio, and my heart goes out to the people of Alabama and the other American Southern states affected by the recent Tornadoes and other extreme weather.

The courage they are showing in this adversity is inspiring, but I know that they will need more than courage to recover from these recent tragedies.

Therefore, I would encourage everyone who can to give what you can of money or time to help the charity of your choice in their efforts to help the people affected by this most recent series of disasters.

I, and the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch, have made a donation to the American Red Cross, but there are many, very worthwhile charities and non-profits that are also assisting with the relief efforts. If you cannot donate money, donate blankets, clothing, or even time by helping with their efforts locally, so that the they will be able to divert more time and attention to where it is so desperately needed.

His serene & sovereign lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch