Ancient meets modern when Pope Benedict XVI tweeked his first message last month - in Latin. Since that time, the Pope has amassed 2.5 million followers.

The Society Social Media Policy has been approved by the Board of Directors and is now available for download at http://www.sca.org/docs/pdf/SCASocialMediaPolicy.pdf.

Last week news outlets reported that militant Islamic rebels fleeing Timbuktu in Mali had torched a new library, destroying many of the city's famed ancient books. Preservationists and the Mali government are now reporting that many of the manuscripts were hidden in a safe house before the attack.

Notre Dame de Paris, on the River Seine, has seen over 8 centuries of history, from the Crusades to World War II. Now the city will fête the world's best-known church in a year-long celebration that will include recasting of its bells.

Duncan Bane fuar Bhathais has been placed on vigil by Their Majesties Tristan and Damiana of the Kingdom of Atenveldt to contemplate elevation to the Order of the Chivalry.

A restoration project completed on time is a rare happening. Even rarer is one completed 6 months early and under budget, but that is the case with work on the 12th century Torre Abbey in Torquay, Devon.

In a scholarly paper, an abstract of which was published recently at Medievalists.net, K.F. Werner examines techniques for forging Frankish swords from 700-1000 CE. Werner disputes the generally-accepted techniques.

The Roskilde 6, the largest Viking long ship ever found, is traveling to England, not to loot and pillage, but to educate, 1,000 years after it carried troops for King Canute of Denmark. The warship wil be displayed by the British Museum in 2014.

THLady Barbara Sterling reports that an album of photos from Tournament of Champions IV, which took place September 29, 2012 in the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann, are now available to view on the Travels with Lady Barbara website.

Her Excellency Countess Alys Katharine reports that Their Majesties Dag and AnneMarie offered elevation to the Order of the Chivalry to Master Calum MacDhaibhidh, Baron of the Cleftlands, at Their recent Regular Event: Gloriana's Frost Faire.

In the 14th century, the city of Myra near Demre, Turkey, disappeared under the silt of the Myros River. Now, 700 years later, the city, once an importance pilgrimage site of the Byzantine Empire, is re-remerging - building by building. (photo)

Andreas von Meissen reports that Count Lochlan Dunn was the winner of the January 12, 2013 Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Ansteorra. Count Lochlan Dunn was inspired in his endeavor by Countess Gwen verch Cynwrig de Insula Mona.

Bannthegn Lisabetta Bartholomea Zanca, Estrella War Promotions Emergency Deputy and Kingdom Seneschal Kingdom of Atenveldt, reports that incorrect information has been posted on the Estrella War Parking and RV page of the website, and offers corrections.

The result of the January 19, 2013 Coronet Tournet in the Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West, as reported by cell phone, was: Viscount Sir Kenric Maur defeated Cruscillius, 2 out of 3 in the final bout to take the Coronet.

So polish your armour, clean your shields, and sharpen your blades, it is again time for you all to meet on the field of training. The Incipient Shire of Veerförden invites you to join us in a celebration of the arts of combat.

In 1022 A.D., Emperor Basil II has returned triumphant from conquering much of Iberia and Armenia, and defeating the rebellious generals Nicephorus Xiphias and Nicephorus Phocas. with the Empire enjoying a rare time of peace, he wishes to celebrate his victories.

The Canton of Turmstadt, in the most ancient Barony of Knights Crossing, invites you to enjoy a weekend of period Arts, Crafts and Sciences in the beautiful franconian landscape! The Lords and Ladies of Turmstadt have prepared several classes to feed your hunger for knowledge. There will be room to work on your own projects and let others have a look over your shoulder.

Who built the 16th century water mill recently discovered in North York Moors National Park? Archaeologists are looking for the answer among official documents after unearthing the complex, complete with millstones and the outlines of watercourses.

Mordenvale presents a German Feast and Tourney, June 1, 2013 in Mayfield NSW.

New to the SCA? Far-away friends tell you about the SCA and you are wondering what they are so excited about? Long-time SCA member wanting to learn something new? This is the event for you!

For 35 years our great and marvelous lands have faced and defeated a mighty foe. Each time this demon dared to threaten us, we the people of Loch Salann looked among us for a mighty defender who would rid our lands of this beast. Each time, that call was answered.

We have wonderful news; Estrella War XXIX dates have been rolled back to February 26, 2013 through March 4, 2013! (and there was much rejoicing!)

Once again the chill winds of winter are blowing through the mountains and valleys of Black Diamond and thoughts turn to friends, family, and times gone past. Join us once again for day full of revelry and warmth of company and fighting.

Bright Hills is renowned for hospitality and we invite you to the party as we celebrate our birthday in courtly style! The year is 1560 and we witness the bright dawning of the golden age in old England as reflected in fair Atlantia.

Gulf Wars XXII will take place March 10-17, 2013 in Lumberton, Mississippi.

St. Cecilia at the Tower is a workshop for the purpose of helping musicians who play Medieval and Renaissance music to improve their craft.

To commemorate Val Day 40 in the Canton of Three Hills, Barony of Andelcrag, Baroness Alaina is enticing you to wear your best for court at St. Valentine's Day Massacre XL, Saturday February 9, 2013

Francesca di Pavia, Blue Iris Herald, reports that at Their Court at Caerthen Twelfth Night, Their Majesties Garick and Yasamin, King and Queen of the Outlands, offered elevation to the Peerage to two of Their subjects.

The Herald's Pointe is to provide an opportunity to meet with heralds without the distractions of other events. No need to rush between tournament bouts, etc. - just the heralds and you.

Come one, come all, to the eleventh Here Be Dragons weekend event. Plans for the weekend include all we have become accustomed to enjoy at Here Be Dragons, such as armoured combat, rapier combat, a feast, classes and socialising with a convivial crowd of people.