World scholars are breathing a sigh of relief as news reached them that more than 80 percent of the precious manuscripts from Timbuktu were smuggled to safety. Many were driven by car and truck to the Malian capital of Bamako.

Many list subscribers have read about the recent passing of former Laurel Queen of Arms, Magistra Jaelle of Armida. Friends and associates of Magistra Jaelle are attempting to create a festschrift in her honor.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, in Los Angeles, California is playing host to an exhibit celebrating the "eventful lives" of medieval manuscripts with Untold Stories: Collecting and Transforming Medieval Manuscripts from February 26–May 12, 2013.

Lady Cicilia Violi, a graduate student from the Savannah College of Art and Design, is seeking information from re-enactors who work and play in the living history world.

The Annual IMR Postgraduate Conference at the University of Nottingham in England is calling for papers to be presented at its conference to be held July 5, 2013. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2013

Hillary Greenslade reports that the class schedule for Gulf Wars 2013 is now available to view - and print - online. The schedule is in Adobe Acrobat™ (PDF) format.

Looking for alternative housing? A truly authentic yurt - or yurta - is available to purchase on eBay for a mere US$39,900.00. The yurt is constructed of felt and birch and weighs about 350 kg (770 lbs), but good news: shipping is free.

Greetings and salutations to all musicians, actors, bards, jugglers, and others within the Performing Arts: At the Sable & Gules Theater area, we offer the opportunity for anyone interested in presenting performances and providing classes in the Performing Arts.

The Higgins Armory Museum, much beloved of SCAdians, will be closing at the end of the year. The museum houses one of the biggest collections of arms and armor in the United States.

A grad student visiting Fort Vancouver, Washington (USA) in 1982 noticed some bricks at the fort that didn't look like the others. Analysis later revealed that these bricks were made in Roman England.

Erik Kwakkel, a medieval book historian at Leiden University and master tweeter on the subject of paleography and codicology, offers a 4-minute instroduction on how medieval script changed throughout the Middle Ages.

A previously unknown medieval village has been unearthed near Selkirk, Scotland.  The site was found during costruction of a water main.

What is the Society for Creative Anachronism really all about? A reporter from WQED television's OnQ recently attended Agincourt, an event hosted by Pittsburgh's local chapter, to find out.

16th century Wymering Manor, in Portsmouth, England, has had a varied history, from a family home to a residence for a Catholic religious order, but few dispute that it is now home to as many as 20 ghosts. The ghosts, however, may be the saving grace for the battered building which requires nearly UK£2m.

Forensic analysis of the heart of Richard I of England, the Lionheart, have revelaed traces mint, myrtle, and frankincense, indicating the heart was embalmed. The heart was probably wrapped in linen.

Craig Wood stars as The Games Maestro (The GM) in an online, musical series following the adventures of a D&D dungeon-master. The hilarious series has now been funded. The pilot is online, with future episodes coming soon.

Early in the 5th century, the Romans departed from Britain, leaving behind roads, artifacts, walls, and something else. A new DNA study shows that up to 4 million British men carry Italian genetics, and of that, one million probably originate with the Romans.

Mistress Amelia van Hemessen is requesting volunteers to help with the stage and performances at the upcoming Gulf Wars.

A minor automobile accident has damaged the entrance and corner post of Curson Lodge, Ipswich's "finest" Tudor house. The building dates to 1480 and was a guesthouse of the Curson House estate owned by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

Have questions about how to dress your hair or wear a headdress English-style? Tufts University can help with its website entitled Jewels, Hair and Accessories of the Middle Ages.

Historians continue to debate over the authenticity of a mummifed head found in the attic of a tax collector. Some believe it is the remains of "good King Henri" (Henry IV of France, murdered in 1610), while others believe the claim is "rubbish."

A video features the amazing skill of Danish archer Lars Andersen who uses historic techniques to shoot arrows at incredible speeds. The technique involves holding multiple arrows in the archer's hand.

Most people believe that identify theft is a modern concept, but the Renaissance also had its share of frauds and pretenders. In a new book Renaissance Impostors and Proofs of Identity, author Miriam Eliav-Feldon of Tel Aviv University's Department of History looks at men and women of the time who played loosely with the rules of identity.

Brita reports that she has created an album of photos from Tourney of Love which took place February 16, 2013 in the Barony of Endewearde, East Kingdom. The photos are available to view on Shutterfly.

A web site offers a wide-ranging virtual tour of the area, from the town and abbey to the inhabitants, crafts, daily life, and archeology from the 4th century through the Middle Ages and up to today.

The Richard III Society has submitted a proposed tomb to hold the recently-identified remains of King Richard III. While no site was specified for it, the "limestone monument would blend modern and medieval style decorations to reflect the king's life." (photo)

On March 3, 2013, Vikings will sail onto television screens in a "nine-part drama series from Michael Hirst, creator of The Tudors." The series will focus on the exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok and his followers, complete with "dynamic displays of superherolike derring-do and physical stamina."

Atli of Bordermarch reports that he has posted a video of A&S entries and commentaries from Kingdom A&S which took place recently in the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

Excavations of a grave in the Caucasus mountains in Russia have revealed a man buried with gold, armor, and weapons. The burial dates to between 400 BCE and 200 CE.

Wide cracks with water seepage have appeared in the walls and ceiling of the 13th century Cologne Cathedral in Germany, damage many feel has been casued by vibrations from a new subway station being constructed next to the cathedral.