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  Among surviving examples of ancient Egyptian literature, the poem The Tale of Sinuhe stands out for its suspense, action, and complexity. In addition, many copies of the poem survive, attesting to its popularity in the ancient world. So what happens in this epic poem, and what does it tell us about ancient Egypt?   What Is The Tale of Sinuhe? Photograph of Edmund Purdom as Sinuhe for the film Sinuhe the Egyptian, by Frank Powolny, 1954. Source: Wikimedia Commons   While ancient Egypt had a sophisticated culture spanning millennia, little of its rich literary tradition survives today, often only in fragments. But around two dozen copies of The Tale of Sinuhe survive, produced over about 750 years, suggesting that the Egyptians were still reading the poem several hundred years after it was composed.   Written in verse, The Tale of Sinuhe is an autobiographical work that follows the life of Sinuhe, who is said to have served at the court of the Pharaoh Amenemhat I (died c. 1962 BCE), the founder of the 12th dynasty. The earliest surviving copies of the poem date to the reign of Amenemhat III (died c. 1814 BCE), the sixth pharaoh of that dynasty.   Following the classic three-act structure, the story relates how Sinuhe was forced to flee Egypt. He established a successful life abroad but sorely missed his home. After a time, the pharaoh asks him to return and take up a place at court. This allows Sinuhe to fulfil his dream of being buried according to traditional customs in his homeland. The story inspired both an acclaimed novel by Finnish writer Mika Waltari and a 1954 epic movie directed by Michael Curtiz.   Act 1: Escape From Egypt Relief of Amenemhat I, Egyptian, 12th Dynasty, c. 1971-1926 BCE. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art   At the beginning of the first act, we are put in the sandals of Sinuhe, a high official in the court of Amenemhat I during the 30th year of his reign. Sinuhe was returning from battle with his armies when he learned that the pharaoh had been killed in a coup. His reaction to the news was to flee Egypt, going eastward.   Sinuhe crossed the Red Sea on a cargo boat without a rudder. Once in Asia, he hid in the bushes so nobody would recognize him. While Sinuhe is afraid, it is unclear whether he feared retaliation from the rebels or being accused of complicity in the attack against Amenemhat. Whatever the reason, he crossed the wall that marked the easternmost boundary of Egypt at night, evading the armed guards.   He then crossed mountains and deserts, travelling farther away from his homeland, until he succumbed to exhaustion and dehydration. Nearly dead, a Syrian took pity on him and gave him water and milk and nursed him back to health. Sinuhe then spent a year and a half in Byblos and other towns, until a local ruler named Amunenshi learned of his reputation and invited him to join his court. Although this was certainly a downgrade from being part of the pharaoh’s court, he gladly took the job.   The Pharaoh was considered the representative of the divine on earth, responsible for maintaining Ma’at, or divine order. The unending line of pharaohs was considered essential to Egypt’s prosperity. Learn more about the Egyptian Pharaohs.   Act 2: Life in Asia Leaders of the Aamu of Shu, facsimile of a painting from the 12th dynasty Tomb of Khnumhotep, by Norman de Garis Davies, 1931. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art   Amunenshi greatly respected the pharaoh and took pride in having Sinuhe in his household. He gave Sinuhe important responsibilities, including overseeing the education of his children. He also gave Sinuhe his daughter in marriage and let him choose a plot of land to build his household. According to Sinuhe, the land he received was fertile with figs, grapes, honey, “wine more abundant than water,” barley, wheat, and cattle.   Despite his foreign origins, Sinuhe became very powerful in his own right. He and his sons became clan leaders and respected members of the Syrian elite. All travellers, Egyptian and other foreigners, were welcome in his home. However, anyone who tried to make trouble in the land was hunted down. Amunenshi continued to send Sinuhe on missions. He proved himself in combat and as a commander in Syria and the surrounding regions.   Sinuhe fled Egypt via the Levant, traveling through Palestine and Lebanon before settling in southern Syria in an area the Egyptians called Upper Retjenu.   Once, Sinuhe was challenged to combat by the leader of another tribe. His wealth and role at Amunenshi’s court were bound to cause jealousy among other clansmen. The combat was set for sunrise. Sinuhe managed to dodge or deflect his opponent’s dagger blows and blade strikes. Sinuhe fought with bow and arrow, soon felling his enemy with an arrow lodged in his throat. He then pillaged his opponent’s village, becoming even richer and more prestigious.   Act 3: Thebes Calling Relief depicting King Senusret I embraced by Ptah, Egyptian, 12th Dynasty, c. 1971-1926 BCE. Source: Egyptian Museum, Cairo   When Sinuhe was at the peak of his career in Asia and had everything a man could want, he still felt empty inside. Aware that he was growing old, he knew that if he stayed in Syria, he would be buried according to the local custom, draped in a sheepskin, instead of properly mummified according to Egyptian tradition. Sinuhe knew that without the proper funerary rites, he would not live eternally in the Duat, the Egyptian afterlife. He frequently discussed his homesickness with Amunenshi, but the ruler insisted that Sinuhe stay at his side.   However, Sinuhe’s success in Asia was so great that even the new Egyptian pharaoh, Senusret I, had heard of him. He sent a servant to tell Sinuhe that he was safe from accusation and prosecution and could return to the Egyptian court at Thebes. The pharaoh promised that Sinuhe would have a job and would be awarded a tomb and a proper Egyptian burial.   Sinuhe was humbled to receive this message. He returned home and served the pharaoh for the rest of his life.   Did you know that both Amenemhat I and his son Senusret I had pyramids? But the pyramids of the Middle Kingdom were made from less durable materials and did not survive as well as those of the Old Kingdom. Learn more.   Did Sinuhe Really Exist? Limestone Ostracon with a fragment of The Tale of Sinuhe, Egyptian, 19th Dynasty, c. 1295-1186 BCE. Source: British Museum, London   Egyptologists question whether this is a historical account or a work of fiction. It does start with a well-attested historical fact, the assassination of Amenemhat I. Therefore, it is possible that Sinuhe was a celebrity of sorts who gained fame during his lifetime.   While possible, there is no other proof that he lived at this time. No tomb of Sinuhe has ever been found, and there are no corroborating references to Sinuhe outside of the poem. There are also no sources mentioning Amunenshi; however, this was probably an Egyptianized version of his Syrian name that would have been spelled differently in local documents.   Consequently, the current consensus is that the tale is a work of historical fiction, with a genuine historical setting but a fictional protagonist. This was not uncommon in Egyptian literature, especially during the Middle Kingdom. Other popular themes were mythical and supernatural topics, as exemplified in the story of The Shipwrecked Sailor.   The “Shipwrecked Sailor” is the story of the sole survivor of a shipwreck who meets an enormous snake on a deserted island. The last of its kind, the snake tells the sailor many secrets, which the sailor takes back to Egypt and tells the pharaoh.   What Can the Tale of Sinuhe Teach Us? Scene from the Tomb of Sennedjem, Egyptian, 19th Dynasty, c. 1295-1186 BCE. Source: Nile Magazine   The poem reveals information about the political organization of small communities in Asia during the early part of the 2nd millennium BCE. They were ruled by local leaders, who intermarried in political alliances and maintained their position through strength. Leaders needed to own cattle, win combats, successfully raid other villages, and equitably distribute the spoils of war among their people. There was a hierarchy among the rulers, as shown by Sinuhe’s submission to Amunenshi, a more powerful regional chief.   The poem also reveals the chaos that could ensue when the line of pharaohs was broken, as it was temporarily with the assassination of Amenemhat I. He was later succeeded by his son and co-ruler Sensuret I. Sinuhe immediately felt his position threatened and took the dramatic decision to go into voluntary exile from his homeland for decades.   The story underscores the importance of funerary rites and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. Nothing was more important to Sinuhe than following the proper procedures to ensure his passage into the afterlife. It was not just a matter of dying in his homeland but also of receiving the proper funerary rites to live eternally in the Egyptian afterlife.   Do you know the story of Osiris? He was killed by his brother Set and reanimated by his sister Isis, who then created the Duat, the Egyptian underworld, for him to live in, creating the afterlife for all Egyptians.  

  After saving the nation in the War of 1812 and enjoying the relative prosperity of the following Era of Good Feelings, Americans began to face internal tensions again during the early 1830s under Southern populist president Andrew Jackson. The Northeast was industrializing, while the South remained mostly agrarian and reliant on slave labor. Southern states began fearing loss of political power. This was acutely felt regarding tariffs—taxes on imports—because the South more heavily relied on imported goods than the pro-manufacturing North. The South, bound by federal law, was upset at having to charge these tariffs on imports. What would happen if a southern state decided to reject federal law and not collect Congressionally-mandated tariffs?   Setting the Stage: The Articles of Confederation An image of a 1777 printing of the Articles of Confederation, which was ratified in 1781 as the United States’ first governing charter. Source: Library of Congress   The United States was created on July 4, 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This famous document, however, provided no framework of government and simply proclaimed that the US was an independent nation from Great Britain. The work of government was established five years later with the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, which was created during the American Revolutionary War while true independence was still in jeopardy. During its writing in 1777, it was likely that Britain would still squash the independence movement with military force.   Fearful of allowing a tyrannical leader similar to King George III of Britain to rise, the Articles did not allow for a chief executive of the United States. A small Congress existed, but virtually all representatives—one from each state—had to approve a bill for it to become law. This Congress had almost no money to work with, as states could not be compelled to provide tax revenue to the tiny central government. For better or worse, almost all governing power rested within each individual state. Within five years, the new nation was on the verge of collapse as states could not work together or manage internal crises.   Setting the Stage: The Constitution of 1787 An image of the framers of the Constitution of 1787 meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that summer to create a new national charter. Source: National Park Service   After Shays’ Rebellion almost tore the nation apart, George Washington and many other Founding Fathers agreed that the Articles of Confederation needed to be reformed to provide more power to the central government. Delegates from the states met in Philadelphia during the following summer to revise the Articles, working in Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence had been signed eleven years earlier. Quickly, they decided to scrap the Articles of Confederation altogether and craft a new constitution. This was a radical undertaking, and convention chair George Washington demanded complete secrecy to avoid public pressure.   By autumn, the new Constitution of 1787 had been unveiled to the public, and many were displeased and suspicious. The Constitution created the position of chief executive, known as the president, and gave additional power in a new bicameral Congress to states with larger populations. This Congress and president could pass federal laws that applied to all states much more easily than under the Articles, which raised concerns that smaller states could be forced to adopt federal laws with which they disagreed. Could a Congress dominated by more populous northern states inflict unpopular laws on southern states?   The South and Tariffs An image of a tariff stamp, which was used to indicate that a tax had been paid to import that product. Source: Mises Institute   In addition to Indian affairs, another hot political topic circa 1830 was tariffs, or taxes on imports. During this era, tariffs were the largest source of tax revenue for the federal government, which would not be able to levy income taxes until the passage of the 16th Amendment in 1913. Tariffs were controversial in the 1820s, as they are still today. States with varying economies and industries were affected differently by tariffs, creating a growing political divide during that decade. States with industries benefited from tariffs limiting the import of competing foreign goods.   The South had little industry and was mostly agrarian. Thus, it saw little benefit from tariffs. On the contrary, the South had to pay higher prices for imported goods due to the tariffs. Since the South had little industry, it relied proportionally more on imported goods from Europe than did the North. Many Southerners disliked the “American System” economic plan proposed by US Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky, which they saw as using tariffs to enrich the North and West at the expense of their own region.   The Tariff of Abominations (Tariff of 1828) A map showing strong southern resistance to the Tariff of 1828, also known as the Tariff of Abominations. Source: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)   The tariff issue came to a head in 1828 with Congress’ passage of a high tariff known as the Tariff of Abominations. Tariffs were supported by incumbent president John Quincy Adams, a Northerner whose base of support lay in manufacturing states in New England. While the high tariff on imported goods from Europe would benefit New England factories, it would hurt other industries. The South was outraged because the lower demand for European cloth in the North meant that Europe had less demand for cotton, the South’s major export.   Vice President John C. Calhoun, a Southerner, publicly criticized the tariff. In a political oddity, Adams’ vice president, Calhoun, was chosen as the running mate of Adams’ opponent, Andrew Jackson, making him the only vice president to serve under two separate presidents. Calhoun’s public dislike of the 1828 tariff meant opponents of the tariff had a new presidential candidate to vote for: Southerner Andrew Jackson. As a North Carolinian by birth and a former US Senator from Tennessee, Jackson was thought to be a firm supporter of Southern causes.   The Rise of Jacksonian Democracy A painting of US President Andrew Jackson (1829-1837), whose brand of populist politics created an era known as “Jacksonian Democracy.” Source: Society for US Intellectual History   Early US presidents had considerably less power than modern chief executives… until the rise of Southern populist figure Andrew Jackson, a hero from the War of 1812. Jackson disliked the elites in Congress and the federal courts; he believed that more political power should rest with the will of the voters. Jackson’s distrust of Congress was likely intensified by the House of Representatives choosing his rival, John Quincy Adams, as president in the 1824 election despite Jackson winning more popular votes and electoral votes. Four years later, Jackson returned to run for president again, bolstered by lower- and middle-class men demanding populist reforms.   Jackson won the presidential election of 1828 in a landslide. He quickly exercised unprecedented power for a chief executive and accused his predecessors of running a lax and wasteful bureaucracy. In regard to Indian policies, Jackson quickly showed himself to be a supporter of states’ rights and refused to honor federal government agreements to protect Native Americans in the South. Many Southerners felt that Jackson, an enslaver, was an overall proponent of states’ rights and could be counted on to quash Congress’ actions that were unpopular with them. Would Jackson’s support for the South be put to the test?   Would a Southerner Like Jackson Betray the South? A historical marker in North Carolina giving some information about the early career of future US President Andrew Jackson. Source: State of North Carolina   As the first US president from the South, Jackson’s loyalties were tested. He was not sympathetic to Congress or the courts, but would his own position as chief executive of the United States prevent him from caving to Southern demands? He disagreed that Native American tribes should be treated as sovereign states, which was the policy of his presidential predecessors. In 1830, he urged the creation of what would become the Indian Removal Act, which he signed into law on May 28. This led to the infamous Trail of Tears, in which Native Americans in the South were forcibly relocated to Oklahoma Territory eight years later.   Those looking for a signal of Jackson’s support for the South may have found it in the president’s controversial response to the US Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia (1832). The Court ruled in favor of the Cherokee Nation, finding that the state of Georgia was wrong to annex the Cherokee lands, which were part of a sovereign state with a constitutional government (Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, 1831). Jackson ignored the Supreme Court decision and did not force Georgia to stop its annexation of Cherokee territory, becoming the first US president to ignore a direct Supreme Court ruling.   1832-33: Jackson vs. South Carolina A pamphlet detailing the governor of South Carolina’s opposition to the Tariff of 1828 and exploring nullification. Source: Library of Congress   Perhaps emboldened by Jackson’s refusal to enforce Worcester v. Georgia, plus the presence of anti-tariff vice president John C. Calhoun, the South was particularly incensed in 1832 when Congress passed tariff reform that was seen as insufficient. South Carolina had been dropping hints that it might nullify (refuse to enact) federal tariffs ever since the passage of the Tariff of Abominations four years prior and was upset that Congress did not seem to take its anger seriously. When Jackson was re-elected that fall, South Carolina announced it would not collect the tariffs beginning on February 1, 1833.   An 1832 pamphlet praising US President Andrew Jackson as a hero and criticizing the “nullifiers” who were violating federal law. Source: Ashland University   South Carolina’s Ordinance of Nullification was a serious threat to the power and authority of the central government. If a state was allowed to nullify a federal law with which it disagreed, what would hold the union together? Any state could theoretically nullify any federal law or executive order, making the central government moot. To ward off threats of force, the Ordinance of Nullification also stated that South Carolina would secede from the union if Congress put forth any punitive actions. All eyes turned to President Andrew Jackson, whose authority as chief executive was being directly challenged.   Decision Time: Central Government Power Asserted Andrew Jackson’s response to the Nullification Crisis was issued on December 11, 1832, and rejected South Carolina’s efforts. Source: Library of Congress   Jackson’s southern sympathies were not strong enough to sway his role as chief executive and commander-in-chief. The president swiftly responded to South Carolina’s Ordinance of Nullification by ordering preparation for war. A militia was prepared to invade the state if necessary and prevent secession—and collect the tariffs—by force of arms. Publicly, Jackson denounced South Carolina’s attempt at nullification and asked Congress to give him the okay to use his presidential powers to preserve the union.   On March 2, 1833, Congress approved the Force Bill of 1833, which allowed the Jackson administration to use force to collect the tariffs. Violence was ultimately averted thanks to some diplomacy by Senator Henry Clay, who passed the Compromise Tariff of 1833 on the same day. Tariffs would be reduced to an acceptable 20 percent, which was agreeable to Senator Clay, Vice President Calhoun, and President Jackson, as well as the government of South Carolina. This is sometimes known as the Compromise of 1833, and it preserved the union without the need to implement the Force Bill. Jackson received praise for thwarting nullification and asserting central government power.   Looming Struggle: The Civil War A January 1861 document revealing that the same anti-establishment feelings that led to the Nullification Crisis were strong in the South thirty years later. Source: Virginia Humanities   Despite Jackson’s decisive political victory over South Carolina, southern disdain for northern politics continued. A divisive new political issue arose beginning in the 1840s: slavery. While slavery had always been contentious, with northern states being predominantly free states and southern states predominantly slave states, public criticism of slavery as an institution intensified after the 1830s. The Second Great Awakening religious movement moved debates over slavery from the halls of Congress to the streets of the nation. Again, the South felt threatened.   In 1861, almost thirty years after the Nullification Crisis, South Carolina again took political action against the Union. This time, it moved straight to secession and formally seceded from the United States. A few months later, soldiers affiliated with the new Confederate States of America fired on and captured the United States military fort located at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. This action began the deadly American Civil War, which raged for four years. This time, the Union was preserved by force of arms at the cost of over one million casualties. By 1865, the federal government had shown that states could not nullify or secede, putting the issue to rest.   Nullification Issues Today: Immigration and Crime A map of the US southern border with Mexico, where high rates of illegal immigration in recent years has led to conflict between some of these states and the central government. Source: NPR   Although states have not attempted nullification or secession since 1865, they have not accepted unpopular federal laws or executive orders quietly. The Civil Rights Movement, especially, saw southern states publicly criticize the actions of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the president. Fortunately, decisive action by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957 showed that states would be made to comply with Supreme Court rulings. This answered the question of whether presidents would use force against state attempts to nullify Supreme Court decisions.   Today, states still publicly criticize federal policies, particularly concerning issues like immigration and criminal justice. Immigration policy is a federal issue, meaning states cannot create their own policies. This has led to states protesting immigration laws and threatening to enact their own enforcements, with conservative southern states desiring stricter restrictions on immigration. Some conservative states also disagree with federal policies on illegal drugs and other aspects of criminal justice, viewing them as too lenient. This is somewhat different from the Nullification Crisis, however, as the states are attempting to be more strict on an existing policy rather than less strict. Hopefully, the Supreme Court, rather than military force, will decide these debates.

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The Three Groups Trump Should Focus on To Prepare for GOP To Win in 2026, with Chamath From All-In

1961 DKW (Hummel) 115 (lot R619) So many lots have been added to the roster for Mecum’s annual motorcycle auction, which returns to the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 27-31, 2026, that a fourth day was added to the schedule. Motorcycles are being added daily, and we’ve highlighted some standout American, British, Japanese, and racing motorcycles in previous posts. Mecum’s motorcycle auction is a must-attend event for any gearhead, but if you can’t be there in person, you can bid online or by phone – just fill out the registration form at Mecum.com. 1880 Humber Penny Farthing High-Wheel Bicycle (lot N34) All of the nearly 600-plus motorcycles up for auction in January are unique or special in some way. There are hundreds of vintage motorcycles going back to the early 1900s, and there are even three penny farthing high-wheel bicycles from the 1800s – one from 1860 and two from 1880. While not motorized cycles, penny farthings are an important part of two-wheeled history that ultimately brought us the two-wheeled motorcycles we all know and love. Go to Mecum.com, click on the Buy drop-down menu at the top, select Motorcycles, and scroll down and click on the Las Vegas Motorcycles tab. You’ll find stock bikes, custom bikes, streetbikes, racebikes, prototypes, replicas, originals, and everything in between. Scrolling through the lots, some rare and unusual motorcycles caught our eye. Let’s take a look at them in chronological order. 1914 Jefferson Racer 1914 Jefferson Racer (lot R508) Antique motorcycles are the most highly coveted and command the highest prices at auction, like the 1915 Cyclone V-Twin that sold for a record-breaking $1.32 million at the 2025 Mecum auction. This 1914 Jefferson Racer (lot R508) is also an American-made V-Twin (61ci) and is a year older than the Cyclone. This comprehensively restored machine is a beauty, but only the bidding will tell whether it’s a six-figure bike. 1938 Vincent HRD Rapide 1938 Vincent HRD Rapide (lot R761) Vincents, produced in Britain between 1928 and 1955, are always highly sought after and fetch premium prices. This 1938 Vincent HRD Rapide (lot R761), one of three Vincents currently listed on Mecum’s Las Vegas auction website, is an early model. It’s powered by a 998cc V-Twin and has a top speed of 110 mph. This Vincent is part of the Maurice Candy Collection. According to Mecum, “Racer and builder Maurice Candy left behind a legacy of good memories and wonderful racing bikes, including this remarkable collection that encompasses a pair of coveted Vincent-HRD models and more.” 1948 Ariel Square Four with Watsonian Sidecar 1948 Ariel Square Four with Watsonian Sidecar (lot R791) British manufacturer Ariel pioneered the square-Four engine configuration in 1931, courtesy of legendary designer Edward Turner. It had two counter-rotating crankshafts and a centrally located camshaft that operated eight overhead valves. This 1948 Ariel Square Four with Watsonian Sidecar (lot R791) has a 997cc 4-cylinder engine, a 4-speed transmission, and a magneto ignition. Britain is known for its rainy weather, and the green Watsonian sidecar protects the passenger with an enclosed cabin. But the pilot – and the dog or cat in the rooftop pet carrier – must brave the elements. 1948 Brockhouse Corgi 1948 Brockhouse Corgi (lot W185) Also from the U.K. and 1948 is this Brockhouse Corgi (lot W185), named after the breed of Welsh herding dog favored by Queen Elizabeth II. This odd-looking conveyance is a civilian version of the 98cc Welbike, a scooter designed to be dropped by parachute to support airborne troops during World War II. This Corgi is part of the David Silver Collection: “This wildly eclectic roundup includes motorbikes, purpose-built race bikes, sport bikes and more from manufacturers all over the world and spans from the very beginning of bicycle production to the modern motoring age.” 1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide Captain America Replica 1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide Captain America Replica (lot R786) The Captain America bike, ridden by Wyatt (Peter Fonda) in the 1969 cult classic film Easy Rider, is the most iconic chopper ever built. One of the originals was crashed during filming (near the end of the film, when Wyatt is shot while riding it), and two “prop” bikes were stolen. There are various Captain America replicas – there’s one in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Alabama, for example. This one, a 1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide Captain America Replica (lot R786) built by Jack Kepler, is being auctioned with no reserve as part of the Casey’s Collection of Classics, which includes 11 American-made V-Twins: 10 Harleys and one Indian. 1961 DKW (Hummel) 115 1961 DKW (Hummel) 115 (lot R619) DKW was a German car and motorcycle manufacturer that operated from 1916 until 1966. Known as the Hummel (German for “bumblebee”), this 1961 DKW 115 (lot R619) is a masterpiece of Art Deco design. Powered by an air-cooled 49cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine with a 3-speed manual transmission, the 115 has swooping, Jetsons-esque body panels that exemplify the futurism of the post-WWII era. Mocked by the European press as the “tin banana,” this Candy Apple Red example brings a smile to our face. (If red isn’t your color, there’s also a blue one up for auction.) 1968 Honda CB750 Prototype 1968 Honda CB750 Prototype (lot R750) The Honda CB750 was a transformational, paradigm-shifting motorcycle, so much so that Motorcyclist declared it the “Motorcycle of the Century.” They were sold by the thousands, but up for auction in January is an exceedingly rare example – a one-of-a-kind 1968 Honda CB750 Prototype (lot R750), the very first CB750 sent to American Honda for testing and marketing efforts. You’d think that bike would be preserved at the American Honda Collection Hall in Torrance, California, but for the right price you can own this singular piece of motorcycle history. 1972 Honda Double 450 Salt Flat Racer 1972 Honda Double 450 Salt Flat Racer (lot N527) Built by racer and fabricator Boris “Bob” Guynes, this 1972 Honda Double 450 Salt Flat Racer (lot N527) is a land speed racer known as the Salt Shaker VII. Powered by a pair of 450cc parallel-Twin engines, nearly everything on this extra-long bike is custom-made, including its twin torpedo-shaped gas tanks made from repurposed gas cylinders. If you’ve ever wanted to run a bike on the Bonneville Salt Flats, this one is ready for glory. It’s being auctioned with no reserve. 1973 Husqvarna Super Cycle 450 CR 3-Wheeler 1973 Husqvarna Super Cycle 450 CR 3-Wheeler (lot N404) We’ve seen lots of trike conversions over the years, typically on Gold Wings and other touring bikes, but this is the first dirtbike trike we’ve ever seen. This 1973 Husqvarna Super Cycle 450 CR 3-Wheeler (lot N404) has a “rare Super-Cycle 3 wheeler conversion kit” that includes two balloon tires out back like the ones on old Honda ATCs. This Husky trike is part of the Lucas Family Motocross Collection, a “curated assemblage of mostly vintage and rarely seen motocross bikes showcases the heritage of off-road motorcycling with Husqvarnas, Yamahas, a Kawasaki and one modern special-edition Suzuki.” 1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane 1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane (lot N410) Things were groovy in the early ’70s. Craig Vetter launched his Windjammer fairing in late 1973, the first issue of Rider was published in the summer of 1974, and the Honda GL1000 Gold Wing debuted that fall as a 1975 model. Vetter, a rising star designer, collaborated with Triumph on a limited-production factory custom called the X75 Hurricane (only 1,175 were produced). It featured swooping fiberglass bodywork with an elongated fuel tank that flowed down and back to the side panels and seat in a single piece, which was painted in bright orange with a yellow accent stripe. The Hurricane’s air-cooled 740cc Triple had individual header pipes that went under the bike and emerged on the right side, ending in a stacked trio of megaphone exhausts. This 1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane (lot N410) is in original, unrestored condition and is being sold with no reserve. 1978 Van Veen OCR1000 1978 Van Veen OCR1000 (lot R727) Van Veen was a short-lived Dutch manufacturer founded by Henk van Veen. In 1974, Van Veen completed a prototype of the OCR1000 that used 996cc Comotor (a joint venture between NSU and Citroën) 624 twin-rotor Wankel engine, which was originally designed to power the Citroën GS automobile. Production of the OCR1000 began in 1978 and ended in 1981. Only 38 examples were built. This 1978 Van Veen OCR1000 (lot R727) used to be part of Sam Costanzo’s Rotary Recycle collection in Cleveland, Ohio. 2000 Bimota SB8R 2000 Bimota SB8R (lot R259) Bimota is an Italian manufacturer founded in 1973 by Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini (the company name combines the first two letters of the founders’ last names). Bimota is known for its chassis design, and many of its motorcycles have been powered by engines made by Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and others. Every Bimota is special, and there are three up for auction in January. This 2000 Bimota SB8R (lot R259), one of 150 built for World Superbike homologation, is powered by a liquid-cooled 996cc V-Twin from the Suzuki TL1000. It has a twin-spar aluminum frame with carbon-fiber reinforcements, carbon-fiber bodywork, Brembo brakes, a Paoli fork, and Öhlins rear shock and steering damper. 2012 Custom Twin-Turbo Trike 2012 Custom Twin Turbo Trike (lot N291) When too much is not enough, consider this 2012 Custom Twin-Turbo Trike (lot N291), which is built around a 1985 Corvette 4-bolt main 383 fuel-injected stroker V-8 engine with twin T-4 turbochargers that’s rated at 600 rear-wheel horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. Known as “Justified,” this trike is said to be a multiple award winner. It’s certainly an attention-getter, and it will blow the wheels off your neighbor’s Polaris Slingshot. 2016 Confederate P-51 Combat Fighter 2016 Confederate P51 Combat Fighter (lot R765) Confederates have always been special machines. From the early Hellcat to the Wraith, every model was hand-built, unique, and polarizing, not to mention raw, powerful, and loud. This 2016 Confederate P-51 Combat Fighter (lot R765), named after the legendary World War II-era P-51 Mustang fighter plane, is No. 12 of 31 P-51 Combat Fighters finished in the machined billet aluminum “Blonde” style for 2016 and one of 61 total P-51s produced that year. It’s powered by a 132ci S&S X-Wedge V-Twin and has a monocoque body made from aerospace-grade 6061 aluminum. This example is part of the Arizona Motorcycle Collection: “A range of marques and eras appear in this attractive collection of street and superbikes, from a 1934 Indian Sport Scout and a 1964 MV Agusta Germano Turismo to a pair of early examples from Kawasaki’s Z series.” There are many more rare and unusual motorcycles up for auction in January. Go to Mecum.com to check out all the auction listings and register to bid. If you can, plan to attend the auction in person. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. The post 2026 Mecum Auction Preview: Rare and Unusual appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) will not challenge Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) for his seat, opting instead to run for re-election in the House. “Hearing from so many people from throughout our Commonwealth encouraging me to run for the United States Senate was deeply humbling and a testament to the strength of our movement,” Pressley said in a statement. “It would be an honor to serve the whole Commonwealth—but with our daughter in her last year at home before college and a district that has been in the crosshairs of this White House, I am certain that the Massachusetts 7th is where I belong in this moment,” she continued. It is the honor of my professional life to be your Congresswoman and I’m running for re-election pic.twitter.com/dds5zExpx1 — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) December 2, 2025 Fox News has more: Pressley also told The Boston Globe she was not closing the door on a future Senate run. “I’m not closing the door to a Senate run down the line,” she told the outlet. Her decision not to enter the race this cycle avoids a potentially awkward matchup between the two progressives. Markey has long been aligned with the party’s left flank. The race already features Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., who has sought to draw a generational contrast with the 79-year-old senator. A Suffolk University–Boston Globe poll released before Thanksgiving also showed Markey leading Moulton 45% to 22% among likely Democratic primary voters. But when Pressley was included in a hypothetical matchup, she narrowly edged Markey 35% to 34%, with Moulton falling to 16%. “At a joint press conference headlined by Senator Ed Markey and Representative Ayanna Pressley this fall, one thing was obvious: there was no way the two were going to be running against each other next year, writes James Pindell,” The Boston Globe stated. At a joint press conference headlined by Senator Ed Markey and Representative Ayanna Pressley this fall, one thing was obvious: there was no way the two were going to be running against each other next year, writes James Pindell. https://t.co/XxipKF3EWN — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) December 2, 2025 POLITICO shared additional comments: In a statement responding to Pressley’s announcement, Moulton called her “a powerful advocate for justice and opportunity in Massachusetts,” and Markey described the Squad member as “a champion for the 7th Congressional District, for Massachusetts, and for our nation.” “I share her commitment to the fight against authoritarianism, to take back the House and the Senate in 2026, and I am deeply grateful for her continued partnership,” Markey said.

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has filed paperwork to run for Governor of Minnesota, The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. According to the outlet, the “Mike Lindell for Governor committee was registered with the state’s Campaign Finance Board on Wednesday.” Lindell told the outlet he “isn’t 100% yet” on his decision. He intends to announce his decision at a press conference next week. “I am going to announce either way on Dec. 11,” Lindell told the outlet. JUST IN: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell files paperwork to run for Minnesota governor The Mike Lindell for Governor committee was registered with the state’s Campaign Finance Board on Wednesday. In an interview Wednesday morning, Lindell told the Minnesota Star Tribune that his run… — InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) December 3, 2025 More from The Minnesota Star Tribune: Lindell’s possible entrance into the race would shake up what’s become a crowded field of Republicans who are seeking to challenge DFL Gov. Tim Walz. His close proximity to President Donald Trump and prominence in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement could make him a top contender for the GOP nomination, despite concerns about his electability and promotion of debunked election fraud theories. Lindell told the Star Tribune in October that he had polled hypothetical matchups against Walz and other Republicans running for governor. “If there was someone to win, it would be me,” Lindell said of the GOP field. Other prominent GOP candidates for governor include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, 2022 nominee Scott Jensen, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, businessman Kendall Qualls and attorney Chris Madel. In another interview, Lindell said he’s “98 percent sure” he will enter the race. BREAKING: Mike Lindell Files Paperwork To Run For Minnesota Governor pic.twitter.com/VYSOwoUjTh — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 3, 2025 MPR News shared further: Lindell would make a dozen Republicans trying to unseat Democratic Gov. Tim Walz in 2026. The race to choose a nominee could spill into an August primary if a state convention endorsement doesn’t clear the field in May. An aide to Lindell said the paperwork was filed in anticipation of a formal announcement soon. Lindell said it would happen as soon as Dec. 11. Lindell said he has reestablished residency in Minnesota after living in Texas for a short time. Democrats didn’t wait on an announcement formality to take a swipe, saying Lindell would make the race more chaotic and called him a “sleazy businessman” with an extreme agenda. “His entrance into the race is a bitter pill-ow for Minnesota Republicans to swallow,” Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Izzi Levy said in a written statement.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said she filed a discharge petition to force a vote on banning stock trading in Congress. “Both Republican @SpeakerJohnson and @RepJeffries have acknowledged that insider trading in Congress is a serious problem and must be stopped, and have signaled support to stop the corrupt process of insider trading via individual stock trades, but political games have already started to play out behind the scenes so I couldn’t wait any longer,” Luna wrote. “I look forward to working with every faction, every caucus, and every Member, Republican and Democrat, to deliver this win for the American people,” she continued. It is done. I just filed a discharge petition to force a vote to ban stock trading in Congress. Both Republican @SpeakerJohnson and @RepJeffries have acknowledged that insider trading in Congress is a serious problem and must be stopped, and have signaled support to stop the… pic.twitter.com/FFMx8WSVDd — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) December 2, 2025 Roll Call shared more: The discharge petition sets up yet another showdown between rank-and-file Republicans and their leadership. Last month, the House voted in favor of a bill that would compel the Justice Department to release certain files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after a discharge effort led by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. That push succeeded despite the open opposition of President Donald Trump and Johnson (though Trump officially changed his position days before the measure was set to pass). And earlier this year, Luna led a separate discharge petition aimed at allowing proxy voting for recent parents, though Johnson cut a deal with her and quashed the effort. Luna’s stock trading push, if successful, would bring to the floor a consensus proposal introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, forcing members to go on the record on an issue that has broad public support. The perception that members are trading on inside information they glean from their jobs — which is already illegal, according to a rarely enforced 2012 federal law that also established stock reporting requirements — hurts the public’s confidence in Congress, advocates of the proposal say. Burchett and Luna were the only signatories as of Tuesday afternoon. If the petition reaches 218 signatures, House leadership will be forced to bring the bill to a vote on the House floor. “@SpeakerJohnson said he believes members of Congress should be able to own stocks. He said said that the institution should clamp down on insider trading,” Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman said. “So there’s probably a way to do that that still allows for lawful conduct by members,” Johnson said, according to Sherman. “You don’t want another deterrence for good people running for office,” he added. According to Sherman, Johnson said Luna “gets anxious and wants things to happen quicker.” NEWS in @PunchbowlNews Midday:@SpeakerJohnson said he believes members of Congress should be able to own stocks. He said said that the institution should clamp down on insider trading. "So there’s probably a way to do that that still allows for lawful conduct by members. …… — Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) December 3, 2025 “I would say the term is more frustrated lol. Anxious is what happens when you get nervous. I’m not nervous. I’m pissed lol. Either which way I’m all ears for a solution. The insider trading is really bad and even the speaker knows it. I like Mike. Mike is a good guy. I hope he backs me on this one,” Luna commented. I would say the term is more frustrated lol. Anxious is what happens when you get nervous. I’m not nervous. I’m pissed lol. Either which way I’m all ears for a solution. The insider trading is really bad and even the speaker knows it. I like Mike. Mike is a good guy. I hope he… https://t.co/kg2rSlqO6e — Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) December 3, 2025 POLITICO noted: Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who is working on the effort with Luna, agreed many Republicans are “tired” of GOP leaders pushing off the legislation. It’s just the latest internal GOP fight Johnson has to deal with. At the same time Luna and Burchett formally launched their discharge petition effort Tuesday afternoon, Johnson faced a revolt among his members on the House floor over a procedural move involving legislation to regulate name, image and likeness compensation in college sports.

A scene from Disney’s Christmas comedy series The Santa Clauses (streaming on Disney+) has gone viral after viewers noticed something disturbing: a group of children dressed as elves march in holding large letter signs that [...] The post Disney Kids Christmas Special Forces Child Actors to Hold ‘We Love You Satan’ Signs appeared first on The People's Voice.