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

That Slow Fade

As night-fall does not come at once; neither does oppression. It is in such a twilight that we must all be aware of that subtle change in the air - however slight - lest we become victims of the darkness.

His serene & sovereign lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Farewell Ms. Elizabeth Taylor

The world lost one of it's last true stars, when on March 23rd, 2011, the great Dame Elizabeth Taylor, after many years of ill health, lost her tenuous grip on this life, and left for the next.

Many words will be spoken of Ms. Taylor, many memories will be recalled, and while we never personally met this icon of the world, the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch nonetheless pays tribute to her for her contributions to the world of cinema, her humanitarianism, and her activism.

While our earliest memory of Elizabeth Taylor was from her portrayal of Cleopatra, our greatest memory was of an interview she gave with Larry King in which she discussed, among other topics, her jewelry, and in particular the Taylor-Burton diamond, and the even more famous Krupp Diamond.

In the interview, Ms. Taylor talked about how it was so wonderfully ironic that a diamond once owned by the German war criminal Alfried Krupp should end up on the finger of a nice Jewish girl, but it was her talk of the Taylor-Burton diamond that inspired our greatest respect.

In 1978, after her second divorce from Sir Richard Burton, Ms. Taylor sold the diamond at auction for $5,000,000.00 (nearly $17Million in today's dollars) and donated the proceeds to build a hospital in Botswana.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor, I salute you.

His serene & sovereign lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

On this joyous day, which celebrates all things Irish, I wish you all a happy day for "The wearin' O' The Green".

His Serene and Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

To The People of Japan

I was saddened, this morning, to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the earthquake which has struck North East Japan today.


I extend not only my own personal sympathies and condolences, but those of the entire Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch, to the families and friends of those who have been killed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

In the spirit of compassion and international peace and brotherhood, a donation shall be made to a worthy charity to aid the people of Japan.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

To The People of New Zealand

I have been utterly shocked and saddened by the news of this most recent earthquake in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.

I extend not only my own personal sympathies and condolences, but those of the entire Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch, to the families and friends of those who have been killed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My thoughts and prayers also go out to the emergency services and volunteer personnel who are assisting in the search and rescue efforts. May your efforts be rewarded with many rescued survivors and very few fatalities.

In the spirit of compassion and international peace and brotherhood, a donation shall be made to the New Zealand Red Cross.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch