We seek him here, we seek him there,Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.

Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell?

That demmed, elusive Pimpernel.

Orczy, Baroness Emmuska. The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Tis slim pickings this week – even the Russians and Ukrainians seem to be quiet. It must be the heat.

You’ll forgive Us if We revert to the Archive and Snippets in lieu of ‘real’ WMA/.HEMA press – the lead item notwithstanding.

Polycarbonate Hilt Redux

LOS ANGELES TIMES (California) 09 July 12 Clang: Sci-fi author Neal Stephenson kickstarts video game career (Alex Pham)

Last month We reported on Mr. Neal Stephenson's initiative to design a ‘realistic’ sword fighting game (CLANG) and his efforts to engage the ‘Kickstarter’ on-line investment resource.

We’re pleased to report that he has succeeded in achieving at least his minimum financial “seed” requirement, and that We can all look forward to developments.

Congrats to Mr Stephenson, and a ‘BZ’ to all those that pledged their hard-earned money to give him this chance.

From the Archives:

THE OBSERVER (London, UK) 07 April 02 The cost of...... swords (Robin Barton)

Snippets:

THE INDEPENDENT (London, UK) 08 July 12 No one said it would be easy: when hacks get athletic

A nice, fluffy but entertaining Olympics-theme piece on fencing and archery.

GULF NEWS (Dubai, UAE) 28 June 12 The exhibition 'Chirping Swords' hinges two worlds — warfare and art

From the ‘size is important in all cultures’ file.