The martial arts of western Europe are gaining popularity in the United States. Practices and conferences where participants wield swords, pikes and daggers, and quote from medieval and renaissance sources, are cropping up all over. Elizabeth Weise of USA Today has the story.

At final Court of the Kingdom Arts and Sciences competition on March 16th, Their Royal Majesties Cedric Rolfsson and Elizabeth Owles placed Her Ladyship Ursula Georges, Loyall Pursuivant Herald, on vigil to enter the Order of the Laurel.

Publishers of a new book by Senator John McCain claim that the American presidential candidate is a descendant of Scotland's great hero, Robert the Bruce, a claim that historians call "baloney."

At Atenveldt's Crown Tournament, March 1, 2008, Their Royal Majesties Eduard II & Asa II, tapped Lord Aelfred Lionstar of Ravenspur and Lord Timothy Blackwell for Knighthood.

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A day of classes and sharing for heralds and scribes. There will be Herald's and Scribe's reference libraries, an active Herald's Point, and Roundtable discussions for both Heralds and Scribes. Also: general-interest classes, childcare, Lunch Tavern and Feast.

Website: www.midrealm.org/oakford/event.htm Location:
St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 905 East Perkins Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870

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Madoc ab Owain Geyned was possibly one the 13 children of Owain Gweyned, who died in 1170. During this time the children all waged war on each other to determine who would lead the people. Madoc and his brother, Rhirid, sailed from Llandrillo during this time. Where did they go?

The goal of the event is too have the seasoned fighters to fight the young youthful fighters; and also to celebrate the Birthday Viscountess Gwenllhain Rhiannon of Dragon Keep, MSCA, OP, and her first combat Authorization. Also the seasoned fighters will be fighting the young youthful fighters. Birthday Cake will be there. Location:
Barony of Stonemarche (Swanzey, New Hampshire)

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If you do anything with fiber, or want to learn, or just want to sit and chat, come on over. Knitting, nalbinding, sprang, lucet braiding, finger loop braiding, inkle weaving, tablet weaving, loom weaving, embroidery, spinning, whatever.

DATE: 18 May 2008
TIME: 11:00 - whenever.

BRING: Any project you want to work on or get help on, or just your curiosity. Bring along your favorite books about your craft. And if you Location:
Frederick, Maryland

Their Majesties Sven and Jovi of the Kingdom of Drachenwald have announced the names of the participants and their consorts for the upcoming Crown Tournament. The Tournament will take place April 11-13, 2008 in the Shire of Turmstadt, Bavaria, Germany.

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And the Ram line continues……. COME ONE AND ALL!!!! The Shire of Northover invites you to join the Celebration at Gleann Abhann’s 6th Coronation and witness the ascension of Prince William and Princess Onora

April 11-13, 2008
King’s Arrow Ranch
Lumberton Mississippi

Please do not miss this historic event

BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED in ON BOARD Fees*

*The Shire of Troll Fen will be doing a Location:
Shire of Northover (Lumberton, Mississippi)

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Oakeshott Institute Master Armorers Residency will present five days of hot-metal forging demonstrations as well as demonstrations of chivalric practices by two armorers from the Minneapolis-based Oakeshott Institute.

Opportunities to try on armor and handle other forged pieces. A tented outdoor program.

http://www.lywam.o Location:
Wausau, Wisconsin

An odd advertisement appeared March 18, 2008 in the London Daily Telegraph. Titled "The Ancient & Noble Order of The Knights Templar," the ad announced that the Order "would petition the Pope to 'restore the Order with the duties, rights and privileges appropriate to the 21st century and beyond.'"

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A call goes out across the Endless Hills for warriors to gather together again to fight for the glory of battle. Our Year End Tournament is April 26th, 2008. The event will be held at Moon Lake Park, 196 Moon Lake Road, Hunlock Creek Pa. 18621. The day’s activities include heavy weapon and fencing tournaments, mock wood’s battles, thrown weapons, archery, children’s events and an A&S competition. Location:
Moon Lake Park, 196 Moon Lake Road, Hunlock Creek Pa. 18621

Brigit the Chaste reports that she has posted an album of photos from the recent White Shield event in the Kingdom of the West.

As far as we know, the man arrested in Akron, Ohio on Tuesday for using a sword to rob a Video Time rental store is not associated with the SCA. Police say 19 year old Jessie Bailey used a "family heirloom" sword to rob US$168 from the cashier.

Forget the conquest of England! Who has the couch? The Simpsons take on the Bayeux Tapestry for the opening gag.

Vatican City has announced that the venerable Shroud of Turin has been turned pink when it was accidentally washed with a red shirt. "Simply because the shroud has been given a slight pinkish tint does not in any way diminish its sanctity," Vatican spokesman Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo said during a press conference held to address the spiritual repercussions of the shroud's staining.

Officials in the Middle Kingdom confirmed today that selected, experienced fighters will soon be testing "probability-driven combat simulation" using equipment that departs radically from traditional SCA armour and weapon standards.