Every now and then, certain food trends will take hold of the zeitgeist, and as fleeting as they are, there's a reason why chefs avoid this particular cuisine.

Jones' name appears in House Judiciary Committee's new Arctic Frost document dump.

Watch The X22 Report On Video 2 videos found Ep 3762b – The Autopen Is Just The Beginning, No Escape, Something Big Is Going To Happen In 2026 Ep 3762a – Bill Gates Panics, Trump’s Economic Plan Is Working, People Are Waking Up pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture The green new scam is finished and now Bill Gates is backtracking letting everyone know that the world is not coming to an end, plus he is being investigated. Canada trapped in Trump’s tariff world. Trump is bringing in more manufactures which translate into jobs. The people are now seeing the tariffs are not hurting the economy. Gold is going to bounce back. The [DS] is in trouble, Biden/Obama autopen is exposed and it shows that Biden was not running the country. This is what happens when you rig an election and install a puppet administration. The [DS] went against the will of the people. Something big is coming in 2026, the OBBB comes into effect and everything is about to change. Deportation is going to surge, taxes are going to be lowered and everything is going to be setup for the next phase of the plan.   Economy Oh???? pic.twitter.com/4tkOd1Va9D — Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) October 28, 2025 BREAKING: Senate Judiciary is investigating the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for funneling millions of dollars to Chinese PLA fronts in violation of IRS rules against charities funding foreign governments under Foundation's 501(c)(3) nonprofit charterhttps://t.co/jmeLnlZEuT — Paul Sperry (@paulsperry_) October 28, 2025   Canada Likely to Take Chinese EV Production as Offset to Lost U.S. Trade As a result of President Trump asserting tariffs against imported autos, the large auto companies are abandoning plans to build or expand auto manufacturing in Canada. The Canadians are angry, and the professional political class in Canada is doing everything they can to continue ramping up opposition to Donald Trump. With increased tariffs against Canada, and with the likely dissolution of the USMCA (CUSMA) coming in the near future, the Canadian govt of Mark Carney has been traveling the world to find alternative markets for their goods and services. The main targets for new Canadian economic and trade relations are the U.K, EU and China. In a deal to expand the trade relationship with China, the Canadian government of Mark Carney is now proposing to drop tariffs against Chinese EVs in a deal to sell more pork and canola oil. That’s correct, in essence Canada will take the EV auto business abandoned by Mexico. This was Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s grand plan as he attended the ASEAN summit in Malaysia. Keep in mind, as we have outlined all along during Trump’s trade reset, the USMCA is going to be abandoned in favor of two bilateral free trade agreements; one with Mexico and one with Canada. As outlined in the Mexican decision to cancel EV investment, Mexico is aligning for a favorable trade relationship with President Trump and the USA. Canada may benefit in the short term from sales of pork and canola to Beijing, while simultaneously gaining Chinese investment in cobalt mining and auto development for EVs. But those EVs will never be permitted to cross the border into the USA and any effort to enhance Chinese EV sales in Canada will only disconnect them more from trade with Donald Trump and the USA. Source: theconservativetreehouse.com I’m afraid Amazon’s 30,000 job cuts are just the beginning. Leaked documents reveal the company’s robotics team plans to automate 75% of operations potentially replacing 600,000 warehouse workers by 2033. Amazon is already drafting PR strategies to brace for the backlash. pic.twitter.com/dQEXBSWrHb — StockMarket.News (@_Investinq) October 27, 2025   UPS has cut around 48,000 jobs in 2025 so far, including management, operations, and high-profile roles, through a mix of layoffs and buyouts. This exceeds initial expectations of 20,000–34,000 cuts. Reasons:   Loss of Major Client: Reduced business from Amazon, which shifted more volume to its own delivery network. Cost-Cutting for Profitability: Focus on trimming less profitable segments amid falling package volumes post-pandemic. Amazon Layoffs Scale: Amazon is cutting about 14,000–30,000 corporate jobs in 2025, with more expected in 2026—the largest since 2022. Reasons: AI and Automation Push: CEO Andy Jassy is reducing bureaucracy to fund heavy investments in generative AI and robotics, which could replace up to 600,000 roles by 2033. Layoffs target HR, devices, services, and operations to “make the company leaner.”  Ongoing efforts to lower employee costs while scaling AI infrastructure.  This has been a historic earnings season: So far, 69.0% of US companies have beaten revenue expectations in Q3 2025, the highest since 69.1% in Q4 2021. This marks a significant improvement from 53.3% a year ago. This is also on track to be the 5th strongest quarter in at… pic.twitter.com/R4bPPftNtj — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) October 28, 2025  at least 13 years. By comparison, the record during this period was 83.1%. However, all eyes are on the Magnificent 7 stocks which are set to report this week, including Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft. Collectively, they reflect ~25% of the S&P 500 market’s cap. Big tech is on deck. The number one thing that artificially inflates the price of groceries is the food stamp program. The federal government is subsidizing groceries for 40 million people which obviously drives up the cost. That's why the increase in the cost of groceries tracks exactly with the… — Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) October 28, 2025   increase in the number of people on food stamps. So as a functional, contributing, working American, you’re getting scammed twice. Once when the government steals from your paycheck and gives it to EBT recipients, and again when you go to the grocery store. You’re paying twice so that morbidly obese people can buy Doritos on your dime. Infuriating.  A 2023 peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Public Economics analyzed U.S. retail scanner data (2.6 million products from 20,000+ stores, 2006–2015) and found a 1% increase in per-capita SNAP benefits raises overall grocery prices by 0.08%. Effects are stronger (up to 0.12%) in high-participation counties (>20% of population) or concentrated markets (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index >2,500). Sales rise too, but only after adjusting for prices, confirming demand-driven effects.   The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), a conservative think tank, applied this elasticity to post-2021 data (Dec. 2019–Mar. 2023), estimating SNAP expansions accounted for 15%+ of the 23–24% rise in food-at-home prices (e.g., eggs +54%, margarine +59%). Per-capita SNAP spending nearly doubled (+90%), with 55% from permanent hikes. They project $250 billion in extra taxpayer costs through 2033, partly due to these inflationary feedbacks. FGA’s model draws on USDA enrollment data, BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the Leung-Seo elasticity.  SNAP costs have risen 488% since 2000 (adjusted for inflation), peaking at $119 billion in 2022 amid pandemic expansions. Enrollment hit 43 million in 2023, correlating with food CPI spikes (e.g., +13% in 2022).  SNAP costs taxpayers $145 billion a year. Recipients spend TWICE what the average worker does on groceries. That’s not “helping the poor.” It’s rewarding people who abuse the system. US Consumer Sentiment Slips For 3rd Straight Month In October But Tariff-Fears Fade “Consumers’ write-in responses were led by references to prices and inflation, which continued to be the main topic influencing consumers’ views of the economy. References to tariffs declined further this month but remained elevated.” However, Consumer assessments of their Family’s Current Financial Situation improved in October after dropping in September. Source: zerohedge.com New ADP Employment Report Signals Rebound In Labor Market   The latest data shows an average gain of 14,250 private-sector jobs in the four weeks ending Oct. 11, 2025…   Signaling a bounce back in the labor market after two straight months of jobs losses. Source: zerohedge.com JUST IN – U.S. announces $490bn investment deals with Japan, which include nuclear reactors, large scale power equipment, construction and engineering services. pic.twitter.com/oooolf60W1 — Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 28, 2025 JUST IN – Trump says "Toyota is going to be putting auto plants all over the U.S. to the tune of over $10bn." — Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 28, 2025 BREAKING: The Experts proven wrong ONCE AGAIN as GE Appliances' $3.5 BILLION investment in USA manufacturing just sparked the launch of an American rail line in Louisville, which will transport goods nationwide It's being launched by two top rail companies Norfolk Southern… pic.twitter.com/i66Dra4QYC — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 27, 2025   and Union Pacific. GE is using it! Trump was right again! Manufacturing is officially re-shoring! Gold is down -10% over the past 6 days. The past 10 times this happened, gold rallied every time over the next 2 months. When bounce? $GLD pic.twitter.com/B6WtiOZqQI — Subu Trade (@SubuTrade) October 28, 2025 Political/Rights Here’s how the hustle works: -Illegal aliens come in, drop an anchor baby-Whole family gets SNAP-Rent assistance, Medicaid, you name it-Parents work cash jobs-Sell SNAP for cash-Send money back home to build a retirement home https://t.co/qa9esDtZKC — Douglass Mackey (@DougMackeyCase) October 28, 2025 How do they send the money back, they don’t need a bank they can use western union MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. This is just the beginning. The Trump Administration is on pace to shatter historic records and deport nearly 600,000 illegal aliens by the end of President Trump’s first year since returning to office. We will not stop until EVERY ILLEGAL ALIEN has… pic.twitter.com/NA8RDfgqke — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) October 28, 2025   remigrated back home. CBP Announces New Exit Photo Process for Noncitizens, Leftists Triggered  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a new biometric exit policy that will require photographing all noncitizens leaving the country beginning December 26, 2025. The rule expands facial-recognition tracking beyond entry points to include departures, covering visa holders, permanent residents, temporary workers, and even children. The system is designed to strengthen national security and help identify visa overstays, but liberals, Democrats, and civil rights advocates are calling it racial profiling and a serious privacy concern. Set to take effect in December, CBP expects full implementation at every airport and seaport within three to five years. The new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) exit-photo policy will apply to all non-U.S. citizens, including legal permanent residents, visa holders, and foreign nationals entering or leaving the United States.   ing, “Yes, this is exactly what I voted for.” It is not a waste of money. It is a necessary expense for national security. Source: thegatewaypundit.com BREAKING: MASSIVE ICE overhaul underway and MULTIPLE ICE chiefs removed in major cities nationwide to surge deportations! "Some of their replacements will be…hand-selected by Border Commander GREG BOVINO, whose aggressive tactics have elevated him." Border Patrol is… pic.twitter.com/LHn62Obl8U — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 28, 2025  The public is going to be shocked in 2026 as the funding from the Big Beautiful Bill hit, and the logistics are in place for mass removal.   this is why it will drive deportations upward, particularly accelerating in 2026:Key Funding Provisions in the OBBBThe bill allocates over $170 billion in new spending specifically for immigration and border security—far exceeding prior budgets—creating an unprecedented “slush fund” for enforcement activities. This includes: $45 billion for ICE detention expansion: Funds the construction and operation of new facilities to hold hundreds of thousands more people, addressing current capacity constraints that have limited removals. $30 billion for ICE enforcement and removal operations: Covers personnel hiring (e.g., thousands of new agents), transportation (charter flights and buses for deportations), and technology for tracking and apprehending individuals nationwide. Additional billions for Border Patrol and interior enforcement: Supports raids, surveillance, and expedited processing to prioritize “mass removal” of undocumented immigrants, including those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).   These funds are largely unaccountable, bypassing traditional oversight to allow rapid deployment for Trump’s deportation goals. How This Translates to Higher Deportation Numbers   Pre-OBBB, ICE’s FY2024 budget was about $8.5 billion, supporting roughly 140,000 deportations annually. The OBBB’s infusion multiplies this capacity by over 20x in targeted areas, enabling “surge” arrests and removals—officials have already signaled plans to hit 1 million+ deportations per year by mid-2026.   Much of the funding becomes fully available in FY2026 (starting October 2025), with time needed to build infrastructure and hire staff. Early implementation has yielded 260,000+ arrests and 200,000 deportations since January 2025, but experts predict a “shock” 5-10x increase once systems are in place.  The bill pairs enforcement dollars with cuts to benefits (e.g., health care, nutrition aid, tax credits for immigrants), incentivizing self-deportations while easing legal hurdles for removals. This targets an estimated 11-20 million undocumented individuals, per administration estimates.   NEW: Federal records reveal Jeffrey Epstein was jailed with Clinton Foundation donor and Hillary confidante Huma Abedin's cousin Omar Amanat pic.twitter.com/ie6Jn8Mx2d — Paul Sperry (@paulsperry_) October 27, 2025 They were both detained at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Manhattan during Epstein’s 2019 incarceration—Amanat had been there since December 2017 on securities fraud charges before being transferred to Brooklyn. However, Amanat’s cellmate was Joshua Schulte, a former CIA employee convicted of leaking classified information, not Epstein. Federal records, including a recently unsealed FBI affidavit, highlight MCC’s security failures, such as contraband smuggling involving Amanat and Schulte, but make no mention of Epstein sharing a cell with Amanat. The phrasing “jailed with” in some reports likely refers to the shared facility rather than a specific cell assignment. Epstein’s actual cellmate was Nicholas Tartaglione, a former police officer facing murder charges. DOGE Geopolitical U.S. AIR FORCE TO VENEZUELA: “WE SEE YOU” Two American B-1B Lancer bombers just flew from South Dakota to the Caribbean, circling south of the Dominican Republic like they’re looking for trouble. This is the second time in a week they’ve made this flight. It’s a loud… https://t.co/BLNC2j024O pic.twitter.com/Cp1LVFeTby — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 27, 2025  message to Venezuela: “We can reach you. Fast.” These things don’t carry warning shots – they carry 75,000 pounds of “we’re serious.”   Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out three lethal kinetic strikes on four vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations (DTO) trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific. The four vessels were known by our intelligence… pic.twitter.com/UhoFlZ3jPG — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 28, 2025  apparatus, transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics. Eight male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessels during the first strike. Four male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the second strike. Three male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the third strike. A total of 14 narco-terrorists were killed during the three strikes, with one survivor. All strikes were in international waters with no U.S. forces harmed. Regarding the survivor, USSOUTHCOM immediately initiated Search and Rescue (SAR) standard protocols; Mexican SAR authorities accepted the case and assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue. The Department has spent over TWO DECADES defending other homelands. Now, we’re defending our own. These narco-terrorists have killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda, and they will be treated the same. We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them. War/Peace Zelensky Declares Expansion Of Long-Range Attacks On Russian Oil Refineries   Days after urging European allies in Britain that Ukraine urgently needs sufficient long-range weapons to change the course of the war, President Zelensky has declared Monday that he intends to expand strikes against Russian refineries. After a meeting with his staff Zelensky indicated, “We reviewed the effectiveness of our long-range strikes over a defined period and the results achieved. Russian oil refining is already paying a tangible price for the war—and will pay even more. We set tasks to expand the geography for the use of our long-range capabilities.” This makes clear it’s no secret how Kiev would use Tomahawks missiles if it received Washington’s approval to get them; however, President Trump has appeared to resist so far. Source: zerohedge.com "Russia is ready to give security guarantees that it will not attack NATO countries" — Russia's FM Sergey Lavrov “Russia has no intention of attacking any NATO country. Moscow is ready to enshrine this in security guarantees" However, Lavrov pointed out that NATO's expansion… pic.twitter.com/Jfgr3wIVJs — Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) October 28, 2025 doesn’t stop for a minute and that Moscow believes the West is preparing Europe for a war  13 Anonymous ID: Eka5Om1K No.147181801 Oct 29 2017 23:34:36 (EST) Now think about the timing of POTUS traveling to China/SK. I’ve said too much. God bless, Patriots. Medical/False Flags BREAKING: I’m suing Big Pharma manufacturers for deceptively marketing Tylenol to pregnant mothers despite the known dangers to unborn children. By holding Big Pharma accountable for poisoning our people, we will help Make America Healthy Again. pic.twitter.com/wyInVBdZlj — Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) October 28, 2025 [DS] Agenda He got caught lying. pic.twitter.com/NPT4g4inPE — I Love America News (@ILA_NewsX) October 28, 2025 That’s not true either. He clearly just makes stuff up for effect. Classic drama kid nonsense. https://t.co/PZFNgcZGCT — Sean Davis (@seanmdav) October 28, 2025 My aunt had a similar story. She stopped taking the subway after 9/11 because two muslims flew a plane into her office and killed her. https://t.co/iN0o5VLRqG — SoVeryIsraeli (@soveryisraeli) October 25, 2025   Screw your aunt, and screw you, too. pic.twitter.com/0WFSY4SnmQ — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 28, 2025   Zohran Mamdani’s Democrat Socialists of America signed onto a statement calling to release Elias Rodriguez, the terrorist who executed two Jews in Washington DC last spring. pic.twitter.com/x5Vf9hwTbL — Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) October 26, 2025 NYC was 97% White in 1920.It was 85% White in 1960.It’s 32% White today. https://t.co/g6Fec3NCFS pic.twitter.com/1PSFHNjCPu — Because We Live Here (@BWLH_) October 27, 2025 Unpopular opinion: The election of Mamdani won't really make things worse in New York City, and is probably for the best. The state of politics & government is already at rock bottom; weak, ineffectual Mayor Adams only obscures it. Situation needs to bottom out. No Cuomo — Ron Coleman (@RonColeman) October 28, 2025 Nicolle Wallace: No one calls Trump Hitler*.....*Except every day on my show pic.twitter.com/QjI6KklYsU — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) October 27, 2025   Democrat strategy: Do a bad thing. Do it often and hard. Deny it ever happened. Wait for the inevitable compilation video showing it did happen. Double down, calling Trump Hitler twice as often while denying it twice as hard. https://t.co/ZT8ddHQxeU — Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) October 28, 2025 Update: The Indiana trans teen who was caught making plans for a Valentine's Day 2025 school mass shooting has agreed to plead guilty. Trinity Shockley, who used the trans name "Dex," is among a large and growing number of trans people who plan or commit mass atrocities. https://t.co/bJhtT1sPWN pic.twitter.com/sgrEJYlGZ1 — Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) October 27, 2025   President Trump’s Plan Well this is strange. @KarenBassLA said the park was a safe haven but just approved a $2.3 million dollar fence to make the park safe….https://t.co/b1VJ9ZvUYi https://t.co/JPz2OBE3bm pic.twitter.com/sVFe4WfhGN — Rosie Memos (@almostjingo) October 27, 2025   able to breathe. The video was recorded by his partner, also an illegal migrant. VIDEO EVIDENCE. On October 23, Border Patrol Agents conducted enforcement operations near 27th and Whipple Ave. A large crowd of 75- 100 rioters surrounded law enforcement who set up a perimeter after agents were boxed in by a large box truck. Rioters then shot at agents with… https://t.co/GYH7IOaa7u pic.twitter.com/Qshy2GW2nJ — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) October 28, 2025  with commercial artillery shell fireworks.   A Border Patrol transport van carrying illegal aliens attempting to get to the safety of the perimeter was then attacked. Border Patrol agents were able to secure the van and get it into the perimeter. The mob of rioters grew more hostile and violent, advancing toward agents and began throwing rocks and other objects at agents, including one that struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head.   Border Patrol agents repeated multiple warnings to back up and that chemical agents would be deployed if warnings were ignored. Riot control measures were deployed, including by Chief Bovino, and arrests were made. Agents properly used their training. The use of chemical munitions was conducted in full accordance with CBP policy and was necessary to ensure the safety of both law enforcement and the public. Trump: "We're sending in our National Guard and if we need more than the National Guard we'll send more than the National Guard, because we're gonna have safe cities … whether people like that or not, that's what we're doing." pic.twitter.com/atMSlnL8zr — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 28, 2025 We are deeming Biden's executive actions NULL and VOID. Read the full report on our investigation of 'The Biden Autopen Presidency": https://t.co/JYSXv3oEpu — Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) October 28, 2025 “The findings reveal that as President Biden’s condition deteriorated, his aides exercised presidential authority and facilitated executive actions without his direct authorization, including misusing the autopen and failing to properly document decision-making processes.” SHOCK: Top Biden Aide Squirms as He Admits to Financial Incentive to Cover Up Biden’s Cognitive Decline, Says He Was Promised $4 Million Bonus For 2024 Election Win (VIDEO)  The House Oversight Committee on Tuesday released a video interview with a top Biden aide essentially admitting he was incentivized to cover up Biden’s cognitive decline because he was promised a massive payday for a 2024 White House win. The Oversight Committee, chaired by James Comer, opened an investigation into the autopen scandal earlier this year and subpoenaed several Biden aides for documents and testimony. The Committee called in several Biden aides as part of its investigation into Joe Biden’s cognitive decline. Top Biden aide Mike Donilon told the House Oversight Committee over the summer that he was promised a $4 million bonus if Joe Biden won the 2024 election. It was previously reported that Donilon was paid a $4 million salary for his 2024 election work, but an additional $4 million bonus was revealed during his testimony. Over the summer, Axios reported on Donilon’s testimony, where he admitted to the multi-million-dollar bonus. Source: thegatewaypundit.com BREAKING: U.S. House Oversight Committee deems ALL President Biden executive actions "NULL AND VOID," including pardons, performed by White House staff and signed by an autopen The Committee demands an IMMEDIATE investigation by AG Pam Bondi "We are calling on the U.S.… pic.twitter.com/iiWUStSyZQ — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 28, 2025  Department of Justice to conduct a thorough review of these executive actions and scrutinize key Biden aides who took the Fifth to hide their participation in the cover-up.” “The D.C. Board of Medicine must also review the actions taken by President Biden’s physician to hide his true condition. We have provided Americans with transparency about the Biden Autopen Presidency, and now there must be accountability,” Rep. Comer says MAKE IT HAPPEN! If pardons are null and void… Evidence Liz Cheney broke the law. 18 U.S. Code § 1512 – Tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. Up to 20 years imprisonment. Liz’s pardon is no longer fraudulently protecting her. It’s past time the Jan 6 conspirators face justice. pic.twitter.com/JXrBvxr9TI — C3 (@C_3C_3) October 28, 2025 all those who were pardoned are going to be null and void.  My team has already initiated a review of the Biden administration’s reported use of autopen for pardons.@RepJamesComer’s new information is extremely helpful, and his leadership on this issue is invaluable. We’ll continue working with @GOPoversight to deliver accountability… — Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) October 28, 2025  for the American people JUST IN: President Trump has CNN losing their MINDS after confirming he'd be eligible to serve a 3rd term as president – they're now saying Trump is a "despot" and a "threat" to the nation "We have to take this quite seriously! It's a THREAT!" "There are nightmare… pic.twitter.com/RDTrpq5s1v — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 27, 2025  scenarios! What kind of country do we have?!” It sounds like a good plan to have Trump as VP and then have the President step down, But once again I believe Trump wants the people to decide in a way that allows him to actually be voted in for a 4th term. Once the evidence comes out that the elections were rigged and they overthrough the government and the duly elected president, the [DS] when against the  peoples will, they are the dictators and they didn’t care what the people wanted. The people are going to be angry they will want sometype of remedy. We have laws in place and the SC cannot overrule the constitution, the only way is the people.  These were the number of illegals given Social Security numbers during the Biden Admin. 270,425 in 2021 590,193 in 2022 964,163 in 2023 2,095,247 in 2024 DOGE caught them. These are just the ones they caught. You think they didn’t vote? This is treason. This is theft. — C3 (@C_3C_3) October 27, 2025 UPDATE Nearly all Republican attorneys general are urging the Supreme Court to back President Trump's push to end birthright citizenship. In an amicus brief, they argued the 14th Amendment wasn't meant for children of illegal or temporary residents, and that the policy… — Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) October 28, 2025     fuels illegal immigration harming their states. When the SC rules in favor of Trump the [DS] cheating system goes down the drain. Piece by piece Trump is making sure he gets the SC ruling to protect the country in the future. He is having congress codify his EO into law. This is not just about a 4 year election, this is about making sure we protect the country from the DS in the future, we need to make it so they never infiltrate again https://t.co/29bUzNnSMy pic.twitter.com/HZcEJhnzkD — Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) October 27, 2025 2112 Q !!mG7VJxZNCI ID: 27e1fa No.2925189 Sep 7 2018 16:34:10 (EST) Anonymous ID: 05fed1 No.2925016 Sep 7 2018 16:19:26 (EST) The JC tweet about standing tall over the last 8 months [actuvate sleeper cells] I think he was saying “in 8 months” to activate. That would be September >>2925016 Do you believe in coincidences? NYT “Anon” source? “Sleeper Cells” Q   The Democrats just voted keep the government closed for a thirteenth time. pic.twitter.com/ejsP5kkHMv — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 28, 2025 National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels: "The message is simple: end the shutdown TODAY. There is no excuse that these hardworking men and women are showing up to do this job and to not ever know when they're going to get paid again." pic.twitter.com/rDp4QusQC2 — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 28, 2025   DEMOCRAT BACKFIRE: The Government Shutdown Has Awakened the Public About How Many People Are on Food Stamps   Newsmax host @RobFinnertyUSA just said what no one in mainstream media will admit about SNAP. He tore the mask off the entire food stamps program…and what he revealed will infuriate taxpayers. It’s far worse than anyone realized. “There are 42 million people in this country… pic.twitter.com/TlgBzzwZDx — Overton (@overton_news) October 28, 2025 He tore the mask off the entire food stamps program…and what he revealed will infuriate taxpayers. It’s far worse than anyone realized. “There are 42 million people in this country that need food stamps on a weekly basis.” “And we’re saying ‘people’ deliberately instead of Americans because most of the people that are on food stamps aren’t even from this country.” “45% of Afghanistan immigrants are on food stamps.” “42% of Somali immigrants, 34% of every immigrant from Iraq, 23% of Haitians.” “59% of ALL illegal aliens are collecting food stamps, meaning that most of the people getting food stamps from the U.S. Government and the U.S. Taxpayer are not even Americans.” “Think about that.” “And we didn’t know about any of this before the government shutdown started.” “But thanks to Democrats, we can confirm tonight that millions of Joe Biden, illegal aliens, people who crossed the border when Joe was president, are now collecting food stamps from a program funded by hardworking American taxpayers.” SNAP costs taxpayers $145 billion a year. Recipients spend TWICE what the average worker does on groceries. That’s not “helping the poor.” It’s rewarding people who abuse the system. A shutdown is the wrong word. It’s a taxpayer holiday. For the first time, the machine that burns your money is on pause. The real crisis is when it turns back on. — Thomas Antony (@ItsThomAnt) October 28, 2025   FBI Director, Patel must use government aircraft for all air travel due to security protocols, per executive branch guidelines and the Federal Travel Regulation. For personal portions of trips—like the reported visit to his girlfriend in Nashville—he is obligated to reimburse at the fair market value of a comparable commercial flight. This was affirmed in his May 2025 congressional testimony, where he stated he would comply, and an FBI spokesperson reiterated that “all ethical guidelines are followed rigorously.”  Based on executive branch policies, the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), and agency-specific guidelines (such as those from the Department of Justice and Department of Defense), certain high-level U.S. government officials are designated as “required use” travelers. These individuals must use government aircraft for all air travel—official, personal, or otherwise—primarily due to security protocols, the need for 24/7 secure communications, and protection against threats. This ensures continuous access to classified systems and protection, even on non-official trips (with reimbursement required for personal travel at commercial coach fare rates).The designation is made by the President (for agency heads) or agency heads (for others), per OMB Circular A-126 and FTR § 301-10.261. Not all senior officials fall into this category; many (e.g., other Cabinet secretaries) are authorized to use government aircraft for official travel but can opt for commercial options for personal trips.Here’s a list of key positions explicitly designated as required-use travelers: Position Agency/Branch Key Rationale Notes President of the United States Executive Office Highest security and communications needs Uses specially configured aircraft (e.g., VC-25A, “Air Force One”). Applies to all travel. Vice President of the United States Executive Office Equivalent security and communications requirements Primarily uses C-32 or similar aircraft. Applies to all travel. Attorney General Department of Justice Protection of succession line (7th in order) and secure DOJ communications Long-standing policy; must use for all travel, including personal (reimburses at coach fare). Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Department of Justice Ongoing threats to role and need for secure FBI systems Policy updated in 2011 to require for all travel, including personal; previously discretionary for non-official. Secretary of Defense Department of Defense National security leadership and continuous secure DoD communications Designated by President; applies to official and unofficial travel. Deputy Secretary of Defense Department of Defense Backup to SecDef with equivalent security needs Designated by SecDef; applies to official and unofficial travel. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Department of Defense Military command authority and secure strategic communications Designated by SecDef; applies to official and unofficial travel. Yes, individuals in the positions designated as “required-use” travelers (e.g., President, Vice President, Attorney General, FBI Director, Secretary of Defense, etc., as outlined in the prior response) must reimburse the government for the personal portion of any travel on government aircraft. This is mandated by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) at 41 CFR § 301-70.804 and OMB Circular A-126, to ensure taxpayer funds are not used for non-official purposes.Key distinctions: Official Travel: No reimbursement required. The government covers all costs. Personal Travel: Reimbursement is required for the “excess” cost attributable to personal activities. Specifically: Travelers must pay the equivalent of the full coach fare (economy class) for the flights they would have taken commercially if not deviating for personal reasons. For an entirely personal trip, this means reimbursing the full coach fare for the entire itinerary. For mixed official-personal trips, it’s prorated: Reimburse the coach fare only for the personal segments or deviations (e.g., if a side trip for vacation extends the route, reimburse the added coach fare cost). Political Travel: Treated similarly to personal, with reimbursement of the excess coach fare for political portions, unless overridden by specific laws (e.g., campaign finance rules). Exceptions: No reimbursement if travel is authorized under certain statutes (e.g., 10 U.S.C. § 2648 for remote locations without commercial service) or for dependents in isolated postings.  Payment Process: Reimbursement is calculated based on the lowest available unrestricted coach fare at the time of booking (not first-class). It’s collected via payroll deduction or direct payment before/after travel. Why Coach Fare?: This reflects the “fair market value” of commercial travel, though actual government aircraft costs are much higher (e.g., $200,000+ per hour for Air Force One). The policy balances security needs with fiscal responsibility. Enforcement: Agencies (e.g., DOJ for AG/FBI Director, DoD for SecDef) track and report usage annually to OMB/GSA. Non-compliance can lead to audits or penalties.

by Ron Paul, Ron Paul Institute: According to several recent news reports, the two major Trump foreign policy shifts last week are the handiwork of Marco Rubio, the President’s Secretary of State and (acting) National Security Advisor. As with all neocon plans, they will be big on promises and small on delivery. First up, according […]

by Lipton Matthews, SHTF Plan: Lawrence Mead’s Political Breakdown (2025) is not a book of partisan skirmishing or quick diagnoses. It is instead a cultural meditation on why the United States, a society that once seemed uniquely dynamic, confident, and cohesive, now struggles to maintain the very norms that powered its rise. For Mead, the story of […]

from Stephen Gardner: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

  William Marshal is renowned in history as the greatest knight of all time. But what makes him deserving of this title? Are his accomplishments truly as legendary and heroic as they seem? Read on and decide for yourself if William Marshal was truly the greatest knight ever.   Early Life Matilda of England, from the Gospels of Henry the Lion, 1188. Source: Helmarshausen Benedictine monastery   William Marshal was born in 1146 or 1147, sources are unsure which date is correct. His name is synonymous with words such as bravery, chivalry, and honesty and he became the ideal model of a knight in Medieval England.   William’s life spanned the reign of six kings of England, and he personally served five of them. The primary source for information on William Marshal comes from L’Histoire de Guillaume le Marechal, a contemporary source by an unknown author penned shortly after Marshal died in 1219.   William was the younger son of John Marshal, a loyal defender of Matilda, the previous king, Henry I‘s only legitimate child. As such, she was the rightful heir to the English Crown. William Marshal was born in a time of great turmoil for England; a civil war had been raging for 20 years between Matilda and her cousin, Stephen, who had taken the crown of England from her. It was known as the Anarchy and left England in a state of duress.   King Stephen, who stole the English crown from his cousin, Matilda, 1597-1618. Source: The National Portrait Gallery, London   How the author of Marshal’s tale starts the knight’s story indicates how the rest of Marshal’s life would go. The author brings us to the middle of a siege where Marshal’s father, John, is defending a castle in the name of Matilda while King Stephen, her treacherous cousin, is attacking.   During the castle’s siege, young William escaped and found himself captured by King Stephen’s men. Hoping to use the young child as leverage, King Stephen threatened to catapult young William into the air and at the castle walls if John did not surrender. To this, William’s father responded coldly, “I have anvil and hammers enough to make more and better sons!” Wow… thanks, Dad! Lucky for William, King Stephen liked the young boy’s enthusiastic curiosity and decided to spare him. William remained a prisoner of King Stephen for months until the Treaty of Wallingford was signed, effectively ending the Anarchy and allowing young William to return home.   Young Adulthood and Training Chateau de Tancarville, Seine-Maritime, France. Source: Wikimedia Commons   William was the youngest of four sons and faced an uncertain future, as he would not inherit any land or titles from his father. After King Stephen’s imprisonment, William began living with William de Tancarville, a powerful knight from Normandy. Under Tancarville’s patronage, William learned the ways of a knight and participated in numerous tournaments across Europe and England, continually improving his skills.   Tournaments, which were mock battles organized by noblemen, provided young knights with valuable training and also served as social events where they could form alliances and seek patronage. These gatherings featured feasts, pageantry, and an emphasis on promoting chivalry, making them much more than mere battles.   In 1166, Marshal was knighted, and in 1170, he began serving in the court of Henry II. Soon, he was appointed a tutor to Henry “the Young King,” Henry II’s son and heir. This began a friendship between the two young men, characterized by mutual respect, admiration, and loyalty. Their bond was further strengthened through tournaments where they fought together, with Marshal consistently proving his absolute loyalty in protecting his friend. Both men gained reputations as fierce warriors, but it was Marshal who stood out among the young king’s squad.   Jousting Knights, 12-1500. Source: The British Library   Marshal’s loyalty would often be proven throughout his friendship with Henry. The author of Marshal’s biography tells of a story involving a few jealous knights in the Young King’s service. This story threatened to destroy the friendship between the Young King and Marshal and ruin Marshal’s reputation for life. The jealous knights told Henry that Marshal had an affair with his wife, Margaret. At first, Henry did not believe the slanderous accusations, but if you hear something enough times—you’ll start to believe it.   Instead of hopelessly defending himself, Marshal left the young king’s service for a time, knowing that he’d be unable to prove his innocence as the jealous knights were persistent in their attempt at ruining Marshal’s reputation.   Thankfully, in due time, the Young King came to his senses and called back his friend and mentor to his side. Their friendship lasted for the next few years, with Marshal’s loyalty being tested as the Young King went to war against his father. Marshal used his diplomatic nuance to navigate between supporting the Young King and not directly opposing King Henry II. Talk about walking a tightrope! Henry II, 1597-1618. Source: The National Portrait Gallery, London   Unfortunately, the friendship between Marshal and Henry was not meant to last. The Young King died of dysentery in 1183, at the age of 20. Marshal was at the Young King’s deathbed, holding onto his hand and listening to his dear friend’s last words and wishes.   If there is a quality that stood out about William Marshal, it was his unwavering loyalty to the English crown and the Plantagenets that ruled the realm. This was again proven when Marshal promised the Young King Henry on his deathbed that he, Marshal, would take up the cross on his behalf and head to the Holy Land to protect it against the infidels.   This was not something to be taken lightly. Taking the cross for the Holy Land was a serious commitment. Many people perished just on the journey to Jerusalem, not to mention the casualties upon arriving. William Marshal’s decision to take Henry the Young King’s cross speaks volumes about Marshal’s character and determination. It further enhanced his reputation for chivalry and loyalty.   The Next Three Kings Henry II with his sons, 1301-40. Source: The British Library   King Henry II died in 1189, and his son, Richard, became the next king of England. When Henry II was slowly dying, William Marshal was still in his service, fighting against Henry’s son, Richard. The story goes that, during the late 1180s, while Richard was rebelling against his father, Marshal came across Richard and Phillip II of France attempting to besiege Henry II’s castle of Chinon.   Once Marshal recognized Richard on horseback attempting to charge toward him, Marshal also charged with his lance and pointed directly at Richard at top speed. Marshal galloped toward Richard and, instead of striking Richard straight on, purposely lowered his lance so as to not give Richard a fatal blow. Once the two knights came face-to-face, Richard said, “I thought you were about to kill me!” To which Marshal replied, “Sire, if I wanted to kill you, I would have.” Marshal demonstrated remarkable restraint and respect for Richard as a prince and possible future king of England.   Despite this episode, Marshal served a vital role throughout Richard’s reign as king. While Richard was away fighting the Third Crusade, Marshal was entrusted with the governance of England along with a council of regents. Marshal provided stability to the country during unrest while the king was away. This was particularly true when Richard’s younger brother, John, attempted to grab power. Once Richard returned, Marshal assisted him in regaining power from his brother and the other rebellious nobles. Marshal’s actions during this period only contributed to his already impressive legacy as a knight and statesman.   Richard Lionheart, by Mary Joseph Blondel, 1841. Source: Wikimedia Commons   When Henry II’s youngest son, John, came to the throne, William Marshal again found himself at the royal court. John, not Richard the Lionheart’s nephew, Arthur of Brittany, was named Richard’s successor. This was in part due to the support from John’s mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Marshal.   When Marshal voiced his support for the youngest OG Plantangent, the archbishop of Canterbury was recorded telling Marshal, “You’ll never regret a decision more so than this.” Those were pretty strong words of warning coming from England’s most senior holy man. So strong was Marshal’s sense of loyalty to the crown and the royal family that regardless of the archbishop’s words of warning, William’s support of John as the next king did not waver.   John’s reign was chaotic and unstable; it ended with the signing of one of the most critical documents in Western history, the Magna Carta, and a possible invasion by France. King John was a vengeful man who demanded complete loyalty and servitude from his barons. Throughout John’s reign, Marshal walked a tight line, trying his best not to upset the temperamental, insecure king. There were even times when the Marshal left the kingdom for Ireland to avoid John’s wrath. However, once the Magna Carta was negotiated between the barons and King John, William Marshal, ever loyal to the crown, acted as an in-between for the barons and John throughout the document’s signing.   Magna Carta, 1215. Source: The British Library   King John died in 1216. He left behind a nine-year-old heir, who would become Henry III. King John died amid a civil war after deliberately going against the outlines of the Magna Carta that promised a fairer government. Thus, Marshal was again caught between his loyalty to the crown and to the barons of whom he was a part.   His loyalty to the crown outweighed everything, and at 70 years old, William Marshal found himself strapped into his battle armor atop his horse and charging into the melee to help preserve the kingdom for young Henry III.   Death Effigy of William Marshal in Temple Church, London. Source: Wikimedia Commons   William Marshal died on May 14th, 1219. He was around 72 years old and knew that his death was fast approaching. On his deathbed, Marshal summoned his children and close friends to his bedside, instructing his children to remain loyal to the crown and to continue to serve Henry III. Marshal’s last wish was to be buried in Temple Church as a member of the Knights Templar.   The death of William Marshal marked the end of one of the most extraordinary lives of the Middle Ages. His life spanned the service of five English kings. It was a true rags-to-riches story that started with Marshal as a lowly younger son who advanced to become one of the most respected and wealthy knights of his age. Marshal is still revered as the pinnacle of knightly behavior and a model knight.

  Since the 2019 fire, people across the spectrum of religious practices as well as influential faith organizations, have come to the forefront to talk about the need to conserve Notre-Dame de Paris. How many know that the site that holds the legendary crown of thorns the Bible claims was placed on the head of Christianity’s dying savior and was also a holy place for pagans of old? There is something about Notre-Dame, something perhaps in the French land that lies beneath it, that has drawn people to worship there since before the advent of Christianity.   Druids and the Early Spiritual Landscape An Old Druid, from Observations upon Caesar’s Commentaries, by Samuel Clarke, 1712. Source: The British Museum   Before the Roman invasion, France was known as Gaul and primarily populated by families of subsistence farmers. There were some quasi-urban centers where the population gathered, as people had long sensed that there is strength in numbers. These places were led, both administratively and spiritually, by druids. And, in places like the site of Notre-Dame Cathedral, druids led the people to worship the deities that would make fields fallow and rains plentiful for life-sustaining seedlings. These Gaulish priests and their followers participated in rituals that frequently focused on natural elements like springs and groves.   Then, the Romans invaded, despite the violent pushback of the less militarily organized Gaulish people. The conquerors named the city they built here Lutetia, referencing the swampy quality of the land. These Roman forces not only established cities with temples for the gods they brought with them from home but also introduced a number of deities who meshed into an amalgamation of Roman/Gaulish figures unique to the area. A famous column from Lutetia, now Paris, shows both Roman and Celtic gods, illustrating the blend of religious practices during this era.   From Pagan Worship to Roman Temples: The Early History of Notre-Dame Bust of Jupiter, 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art   As the Roman Empire expanded, so did its influence on the spiritual and cultural landscape of the conquered people it meant to integrate. Beneath what is now Notre-Dame, the foundations of a Roman temple to Jupiter still bolster the more modern structure. It is believed that this temple of the Roman patriarchal deity was the center of religious life in Lutetia.   However, the Roman provinces were also where Christianity began to spread. The descendants of people who followed the ways of the land-loving druids and perhaps visited columned Roman temples were now converting to Christianity. In those early years, Christians who came to proselytize in Gaul were often martyred. Their deaths led to eventual sainthood. With the conversion of the entire empire under the reformed Constantine, many temples were refashioned into churches.   As this happened Lutetia morphed more and more into urban Paris. The local martyr, St. Denis, played a significant if somewhat mythical role in this transformation. According to the Parisian locals, after being beheaded on Montmartre, St. Denis carried his severed head for a miraculous stretch before collapsing at the site that would later become a basilica in his honor. This story, still repeated to this day, underscores the burgeoning Christian presence and the blending of Roman and early Christian spiritual practices.   First a Woman, Then Another Black Madonna of Częstochowa, 1382. Source: Wikimedia Commons   One example of the magnificent blend of the early modern era and prehistory is the veneration of both St. Brigid and the Black Madonnas. They both serve as examples of the intersection between pagan and Christian traditions. Originally a pagan fire goddess, Brigid was associated with healing, poetry, and smithcraft. As Christianity spread, she, much like the gradual morphing of Notre-Dame’s site itself, transformed into a Christian icon. The once solidly pagan figure of female strength then became a powerful symbol of the blending of pagan and Christian beliefs by converts unwilling to forsake all of their closely held mythos. Saint Brigid’s Day, celebrated on February 1st, marks this transition and continues to be a significant cultural event, particularly in Ireland and France, specifically in Paris.   The veneration of Black Madonnas further illustrates the persistence of pagan rituals within Christian contexts. These statues, often found in places once sacred to ancient goddess worship, represent a blend of pre-Christian and Christian beliefs.   One such Dark Madonna, also known as Our Lady of Good Deliverance, has been celebrated for centuries and is believed to offer protection and resilience to those who call out to her, particularly to those standing up to abusers. It is thought that she once adorned The Basilica and Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, the church that predated the building of Notre-Dame de Paris by approximately six centuries.   This early basilica and home to Our Lady of Good Deliverance was torn down around the mid-1100s when construction began on the cathedral’s foundations. The original was lost, but a replica of Our Lady was created in the 14th century and can still be visited today at a fellow Parisian church, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Thomas of Villeneuve. Our Lady came to be in this place after being taken from her pedestal and hidden away in a private home during La Terreur.   The Dark Madonna of Toulouse, photo by Didier Descouens. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The symbolism of the fiery goddess as a protectress is deeply rooted in these traditions. Saint Brigid, for example, was revered for her ability to provide solace and empowerment. Similarly, praying to the Black Madonna was believed to help people confront and overcome their challenges. This protective aspect of pagan goddesses carried over into Christian veneration—despite a lack of females depicted in positions of authority—demonstrating how these ancient beliefs were adapted and preserved within a new religious framework.   In England and France, the continued veneration of Black Madonnas and the incorporation of pagan elements into church services and religious festivals highlight the enduring influence of these ancient traditions. As in the case of Our Lady of Good Deliverance, to whom many prisoners of the revolutionary mobs prayed, beliefs may shift but often find a new home with the faithful.   Overall, the transition from paganism to Christianity in Western Europe was not a simple replacement of one set of beliefs with another. This would have been too sudden and nearly impossible to enforce. Instead, it was a complex process of adaptation and integration, where ancient practices and symbols were reinterpreted by both those in power and the believers themselves. The enduring presence of figures like Saint Brigid and the Black Madonnas in religious life today serves as a reminder of the deep and lasting connections between these two spiritual traditions. So many participating may not even know that they’re one in a line stretching back to prehistory, of people praying to a woman for just outcomes and safeguarding.   Eugène Viollet-Le-Duc: The Architect Who Reshaped Notre-Dame de Paris Eugène Viollet-Le-Duc, 1879. Source: Picryl   This wasn’t to be the last of France’s transitions of belief. The cathedral itself had a before and after a period that was distinctly separated by the ravages of the Reign of Terror. Prior to this event, the cathedral library boasted between 10,000 and 12,000 volumes, evidence of its importance and the dedication of those who contributed to its growth. Although approximately 300 manuscripts were sold to the king by the mid-18th century, the library’s remaining volumes included illuminated missals made for notable bishops like Pierre d’Orgemont and Gérard de Montaigu, several liturgical manuscripts from earlier eras, the only known copy of the first edition of the Shepherds’ Calendar, and works by Charles Perrault.   The French Revolution didn’t just spell an end to the monarchy. By the mid-19th century, Notre-Dame de Paris was left in a state of disrepair entirely intentionally. The ravages of social upheaval had left scars: statues of the kings of Israel had been beheaded much like St. Denis. The cathedral’s bells that once called people to service had been melted into cannons. Acid rain had eroded the artistry of the stonework. Gargoyles and other imposing statuary that once adorned the church had diminished to rather sorry blobs of masonry.   Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, a young man in his 30s, was chosen in 1844 to manage the restoration project. Eugène believed he could not only restore the cathedral but improve upon it. His vision and dedication breathed new life into the crumbling structure. He achieved this despite peers calling him bourgeois and arrogant. Viollet-le-Duc did restore Notre-Dame’s Gothic grandeur but allowed his dreams of modernization to inform some of the details. He accomplished his goal of being both innovative and committed to historical accuracy.   Notre-Dame: A Symbol of Resilience and Faith Notre Dame de Paris, by Raluca Dumitrache. Source: Unsplash   As of today, Notre-Dame stands as a symbol of resilience. Until the fire in the cathedral’s roof, it was the home of one of Christianity’s most revered relics—the crown of thorns said to have been worn by Jesus during the Crucifixion. This priceless relic was saved from the flames and now awaits Notre-Dame’s restoration in the Louvre. This cathedral, with its gothic arches and smoke-stained but majestic presence, has witnessed centuries of change, turmoil, and renewal.   The 2019 fire that ravaged the ancient site caused an outpouring of support. Calls for its restoration came from all corners of the globe, highlighting the reverence for this iconic spiritual home of both people alive today and those who came long before. Notre-Dame, a sanctuary for druids, Romans, and Parisians alike continues on as a testament to human history and cultural heritage.   And, best and perhaps most macabre of all, many of those who came before us are still there. After the devastating fire, preventive archaeology led to the discovery of two lead sarcophagi buried where the cathedral’s transept intersects its nave. One set of remains was determined to be a high-ranking priest. The other is believed to belong to a knight from the 15th century, nicknamed “Le Cavalier” by researchers since his bones show he probably lived much of his life astride a horse.   Gallery of Kings, Notre-Dame de Paris. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The sarcophagi were carefully opened and analyzed at the Toulouse University Hospital, revealing fascinating details about their occupants. The knight’s skull, elongated due to a headband worn since infancy, was buried in a flower crown. The presence of embalming plants indicated a high-status individual but one who suffered from a chronic illness and oral disease. These findings provide a glimpse into the lives and deaths of the individuals who were part of Notre-Dame’s long and storied history.

  Members of the Ottoman royal family were expected to be on their best behavior. This included acting piously, honorably, and justly. Yet not all Ottoman sultans and princes cared to live up to this image. Some shirked their responsibilities due to drug and alcohol addictions. Others abused the harem system and spent most of their time with concubines.   Ottoman Sultans and Alcohol Intoxicated man drinking wine, miniature by Levni, ca. 1732. Source: LiteraTurk Catalogue   Amongst the Ottoman rulers, there were both those who shunned alcohol and those who drank it to excess. Islamic law, one of many types of Ottoman law, banned alcohol consumption. While this was enforced on Muslims, non-Muslim populations were free to consume the substance. These laws did not prevent ordinary people, least of all the Ottoman ruling class, from enjoying a sneaky glass of wine. Bayezid I (d. 1402) enjoyed having poetry gatherings where wine was drunk. Mehmet II (d. 1476), known as the conqueror of Constantinople, was also said to have enjoyed the drink.   Some princes, like the sons of Bayezid II, went to extremes that worried their parents. Bayezid received word of his son’s alcohol and opium addiction which, according to his mother, was the outcome of corrupted courtiers and advisors. This could cause serious damage to not only a prince’s reputation but also that of the Sultan, who was supposed to have provided him with discipline and training.   Perhaps the most famous of the alcohol-drinking sultans was Selim II (d. 1574), also known as “Selim the Sot” due to his love of drink. Although Selim’s father, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, had outlawed alcohol and placed hefty fines on those who broke the law, his son was a heavy drinker. Selim allowed taverns to sell alcohol, contrary to previous laws. He died in 1574 after—in a drunken state—slipping on wet marble in the bathroom and hitting his head.   Drugs Imaginary depiction of an Ottoman opium seller, by Francis William Topham, ca. 1850. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Since time immemorial, human beings have consumed substances that alter brain chemistry. The Ottomans were no exception to this rule. Afyon, or opium, was the most accessible drug in medieval Turkey, although hashish, a powdered form of Cannabis, was also used. These drugs were written about in different kinds of literary works, including Sufi poetry, biographies, and medical treatises.   The poppy flowers that produced opium were grown primarily in the Western Anatolian city of Afyon, which translates to “opium.” They were used in salves, balms, and other medicines for pain relief, especially before the development of morphine in the 19th century. However, many, including Prince Bayezid II, enjoyed the substance for recreational purposes. Bayezid’s addiction to the substance was the source of hostility between the prince and his stricter father, Mehmed II.   The use of drugs carried a negative image that the sultans often wanted to shed after they came to power. Murad IV (d. 1640), for instance, took a hardline stance against opium use later in his life, although some sources say that he used it as a prince. It was also said that upon finding out that his chief physician Emir Celebi used the substance, Sultan Murad forced the latter to ingest all the opium he carried on him. Emir Celebi went into a coma and died later that night.   Women and Womanizing Miniature of an erotic scene between a man and woman, painted by Abdullah Bukhari, ca. 1740. Source: Fine Art America   The harem was an institution harkening back to both Islamic and Byzantine royal palaces. It was in essence the “women’s quarters” of the palace, a place where queens, daughters, concubines, and other female servants lived and/or worked. The Ottoman harem emerged around the 15th century, a time when decreased visibility in the public sphere began to be equated with high status.   Enslaved girls who were brought to the Ottoman court were generally taught in the palace school. They continued their servant duties unless they were particularly beautiful and caught the eye of the sultan. She would then become his concubine or even his wife. Concubines were subject to the whims of the sultan, who could ignore, banish or even sentence them to death at his will. However, some concubines rose to become the most powerful women in the empire.   A life-size portrait of Sultan Murad III (1574-1595), attributed to a Spanish artist, 17th century. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Many sultans abused the harem system. Murad III (d. 1595) purportedly had 100 children. He initially took Safiye Sultan (who would become the powerful queen mother) as his only concubine. Over a decade later, his mother and sister attempted to decrease Safiye’s influence by gifting him other concubines. On his death, Murad left seven pregnant concubines. Although concubines were a normal part of the royal court, the sheer number of Murad’s women raised eyebrows.   Likewise, Ibrahim the Mad (d. 1648) spent many hours in the imperial harem. He was particularly fond of obese women. He was said to have searched for the most overweight woman in all of Istanbul. Things took a turn for the worse when Ibrahim desired Perihan Hanim, wife of Grand Vizier Ipsir Mustafa Pasa. Ibrahim ordered a statesman, named Varvari Ali Pasa, to bring the vizier’s wife to the capital city. Naturally, Varvar Ali Pasa was outraged and began a rebellion. He was ultimately killed for his rebellion, although (luckily) Perihan Hanim was safe from the “mad” sultan.   Unruly and Rebellious Ottoman Princes Sehzade, or heir to the throne, ca. 1809. Source: Victoria and Albert Museum   The Ottoman political system was in many ways influenced by its Turkic heritage. One example is through the rules of succession. Unlike in contemporary European courts, every male member of the Ottoman royal family had a right to the throne, similar to the medieval Mongol system. Primogeniture, or the transferral of power from father to eldest son, was unheard of in medieval Turkey. Instead, the most charismatic, skillful candidate gained the backing of powerful viziers and soldiers and was expected to win power against his rivals, be they his brothers or uncles.   Princes, who were often given administrative and military duties around the empire, often clashed with their fathers. In the 1370s, Sultan Murad’s son Savci Bey rebelled against his father’s rule. The Byzantine prince Andronikos and Savci planned to oust their own fathers from the throne and vowed to support each other in this endeavor. Unluckily for the princes, their fathers caught wind of the plan and horrifically punished their sons. Both princes were blinded and thus lost all support for their kingship. Murad eventually had Savci executed for his rebellion.   Another unruly prince was Selim the Grim who consistently disobeyed his father Sultan Bayezid’s orders. Selim, who believed his father was too lenient towards their Safavid Persian foes, marched with his army and decimated Persian troops in eastern Turkey. By securing the border, he won the support of the janissaries, the elite soldiers loyal only to the sultan. Due to this, Selim was able to remove his father from power and declare himself sultan in 1512.