We do live in interesting times, and some of us, more than others.

Wes

Just another fight day – ‘if’ this was Vancouver!

THE COURIER (Warwick, UK) 28 May 12  Rain failed to stop May Day sword play on May Day

Rain failed to halt the efforts of The Knights of Middle England as they competed in the Spring Amateur Jousting Tournament.

And one has to admire the forethought that went into WMA enthusiasts raising money to support their local Air Ambulance!

A Knight for Modern Times

BBC (London, UK) 26 May 12  Comedian Don Maclean made Papal Knight

Elevating one to a modern Knighthood is not the sole prerogative of the British crown.  Englishman Don Maclean was recently invested as a Papal Knight of the within the Roman Catholic Church’s Pontifical Equestrian Order of Pope St Sylvester.

Maclean, who has also been given a sword and uniform, is now entitled to ride a horse into St Peter's Basilica in Rome   – and is obligated to protect his archbishop against any physical attack – during Mass!

Insert Our Usual Admonition here …

BURNLEY EXPRESS (UK) 28 May 12  Burglars steal 200-year-old swords in Burnley raid

Burglars stole three Napoleonic-era swords and nine other blades worth $4800.

Flying to Vancouver for VISS this Year?  Dress for the Occasion!

VIRGINIAN-PILOT (Norfolk, Virginia) 25 May 12  $325 in airline baggage fees? Surely you joust! (Lauren King)

Patrick Lambke of National Geographic Channel's “Knights of Mayhem” had a novel approach to getting 36 kilos/80 pounds of fighting kit shipped back home from an event.

Let’s see; will I use the backscatter X-ray or ask for, nay …‘demand’ a pat-down?

Oldies but Goodies.

FRANKFURTER RUNDSCHAU (Germany) 08 May 12  Eine kleine Sensation

Two ‘well preserved’ Hallstatt Iron Age swords have been discovered at a 2,500-year old gravesite and are now on display with related items within a Nidderau historical exhibition.

And Out of the Mouths (Hands actually) of Babes … or, More Goodies.

SCHWÄBISCHES TAGBLATT (Tübingen, Germany) 08 May 12  Erstklässler findet Schwerter (Sascha Geldermann)

While ‘exploring’ a pit excavation of a cemetery near their home, a pair of young brothers finds and brings home an uncovered six century ‘spathe’.  Subsequent investigation revealed two more.

Comment: We think our two young hero’s have a life-style that most of Us envy – they get to play in excavation pits … in old cemeteries – and they find swords!  Sweet!

Quote of the Quarter

BUZZ FOCUS (USA) 23 May 12  Hell Waits For Those Who Don’t Love A Woman With A Sword

This is NOT press, not WMA, nor is it western-sword related – but what it is, is the best sword article title for this quarter!