This week We see more sword-history being debated, more examples of the juxtaposition of honour and modern sword-culture, and are (again) reminded that HEMA-WMA has no weaker sex.

Oh yes, ‘and if you read this item right now, We’ll link you to what could be the next Starfrit™ Handy-Dandy Bottle opener’!

Good for the Goose and Gander.

SELKIRK WEEKEND ADVERTISER (UK) 25 February 13 James sword plea

Right on the heels of the discovery of the remains of Richard III, a city in Scotland is hoping to be able to put the alleged sword, dagger and ring of James IV on display in time for the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden.

“After the battle, James’s body was taken to London, where it is said to have remained unburied for many years at Sheen Priory, before being lost – something Mr Gunn says should be rectified.

“If they can track down the remains of Richard III to under a car park in Leicester, surely it is time the remains of James IV were traced and repatriated to Scotland.”

Rah! Rah! Sarah!!

SUNDAY STAR-TIMES (Auckland, New Zealand) 17 February 13 Joust so you know, armour-plated sheilas do it too (Paul Easton)

Current Australian jousting champion and top-ranked female in the world, 43-year-old Sarah Hay continues to make headlines in the land underneath the down-under one.

There were no problems jousting with men, she said. "We all compete as equals. We all respect a good horse rider."

Of note to all my WEMA/HEMA gender-peers:

"It's OK, I've hit guys in the knackers before. It happens." she said.

Horse and rider … at 27-48 kph (17-30 mph) … wooden lance … knackers … that is all.

Snippets

READING EAGLE (Pennsylvania) 23 February 13 Donated swords will make point about Mohnton history

THE NEWS (Portsmouth, UK) 23 February 13 Naval officer honoured with ornamental sword

Looking for that not-quite traditional Easter outing?

CHRONICLE HERALD (Halifax, Nova Scotia) February 13 Designer blends ornament, armament (Elissa Barnard)

Angela Grace’s new jewelry is all about armour, with chain mail, shark’s teeth and a snake’s head.

In her Ancient Wounds series, she plays with the idea of armour “and the way people can decorate themselves in a way that makes up armour.”

Be You HEMA-WMA or SCA, Medieval or Renaissance or Victorian, Fighter or Scholar, male or female … your store of essential experience must include …

NPR (Washington, DC) 23 February 13 A Dramatic Way To Uncork The Bubbly: Use A Sword (Katherine Perry)