11 - 2025 - The Latremie Post

What insiders are predicting for the Red Sox in free agency this offseason

Boston is predicted to be in the mix for several of the top free agents this MLB offseason. Although free agency is officially underway, it might still be some time before the biggest names sign new contracts. The winter meetings won’t take place until December 7, which is typically when many top free agents begin to find new homes.

With plenty of time until then, numerous insiders and outlets have released their predictions for MLB free agency recently. Most seem to agree that the Red Sox will be among the more active teams this offseason.

### Boston’s Payroll Situation

Boston is in a strong position to spend this offseason. According to Red Sox Payroll, the team currently has roughly $219 million committed for next season. This places them about $25 million below the first luxury tax threshold and approximately $45 million under the second. This financial flexibility should allow the Red Sox to pursue key free agents.

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## Top Free Agent Targets and Predictions for the Red Sox

### Alex Bregman, 3B, Red Sox

**What they’re predicting:**
The Red Sox appear to be the favorite to re-sign Bregman, though not by a large margin. In an MLB.com survey of 46 voters, 43% believe Bregman will stay with Boston. Sports Illustrated also predicts Bregman will re-sign with the Red Sox. ESPN’s David Schoenfield and The Athletic list Boston among the best fits for him, though MLB Trade Rumors writers do not expect him to remain in Boston.

**Contract projections:**
– Six years, $171 million (The Athletic)
– Six years, $160 million (MLB Trade Rumors)

**What to know about Bregman:**
Bregman was arguably the Red Sox’s best hitter last season, posting a .273 batting average with an .821 OPS, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs over 114 games. However, he struggled late in the season, hitting just .187 with a .581 OPS in the final 27 games due to a quad injury earlier in the year.

Last offseason, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston after a slow free agency period. This year, teams like the Tigers, Cubs, and Astros have expressed interest. He officially opted out of his contract in November.

Ideally, the Red Sox would re-sign Bregman, but there are alternative options in free agency and within the system — including promising prospect Marcelo Mayer, who filled in for Bregman during his injury.

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### Kyle Schwarber, DH/OF, Phillies

**What they’re predicting:**
Boston is among the favorites to sign Schwarber, though they are not the strong favorite. Thirteen percent of MLB.com voters see Schwarber joining the Red Sox, second only to the Phillies. The Athletic lists Boston among the three best fits for him, alongside the Phillies and Reds. MLB Trade Rumors writers, however, do not predict the Red Sox will sign Schwarber.

**Contract projections:**
– Five years, $145 million (The Athletic)
– Five years, $135 million (MLB Trade Rumors)

**What to know about Schwarber:**
Schwarber, turning 33 in March, was one of the top sluggers in baseball last season. He led the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, while hitting .240 with a .928 OPS. Power was a missing element for the Red Sox offense in 2025, as they ranked just 15th in home runs.

Signing Schwarber would provide Boston with a stable, everyday designated hitter and a much-needed power bat following the trade of Rafael Devers.

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### Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets

**What they’re predicting:**
Alonso is also among the free-agent hitters the Red Sox might sign, though they are not the top favorite. Twenty-two percent of MLB.com voters see Alonso joining Boston, second only to the Mets. Two of four MLB Trade Rumors writers predict Alonso will sign with Boston. The Athletic lists the Red Sox among the three best fits for him (with the Mets and Phillies).

**Contract projections:**
– Five years, $140 million (The Athletic)
– Four years, $110 million (MLB Trade Rumors)

**What to know about Alonso:**
Like Schwarber, Alonso is a power hitter but bats right-handed. He has hit at least 30 home runs in every full season (except the COVID-shortened 2020). Last season, Alonso batted .272 with a .871 OPS, leading the NL in doubles (41) and posting 38 home runs and 126 RBIs.

Signing Alonso could address two needs for Boston: adding right-handed power and filling the first base position. With Triston Casas rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon, the team has yet to name a confirmed starting first baseman for 2026. Additionally, Alonso’s durability is a plus, missing just nine games across the last four seasons.

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### Munetaka Murakami, 3B, Japan

**What they’re predicting:**
Only a few MLB.com voters think Murakami will sign with Boston, and one of four MLB Trade Rumors writers predicts the same. The Athletic lists the Red Sox as one of Murakami’s best fits alongside the Cubs and Blue Jays.

**Contract projections:**
– Eight years, $158.5 million (The Athletic)
– Eight years, $160 million (MLB Trade Rumors)

**What to know about Murakami:**
The 25-year-old third baseman, dubbed the “Japanese Babe Ruth” for his power, was officially posted on Friday and has a 45-day window to sign with an MLB team. Murakami set the NPB single-season home run record with 56 in 2022 and has consistently hit 30+ home runs in full seasons.

Last year, he hit 22 home runs with a .273 average and 1.042 OPS in just 56 games. However, he has struggled with strikeouts and hitting fastballs over 93 mph. Murakami could be an option at third base if Boston loses Bregman, though some see him as a better fit at first base.

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### Dylan Cease, RHP, Padres

**What they’re predicting:**
A few MLB.com voters believe Cease will sign with Boston. Additionally, two of four MLB Trade Rumors writers foresee Cease joining the Red Sox.

**Contract projections:**
– Six years, $174 million (The Athletic)
– Six years, $189 million (MLB Trade Rumors)

**What to know about Cease:**
Cease, who turns 30 in December, is arguably the top pitcher available this offseason. Despite an 8-12 record and 4.55 ERA last season, he recorded 215 strikeouts over 168 innings in 32 starts. He finished in the top four of Cy Young award voting in three of the past four seasons with the White Sox.

Cease would bolster the Red Sox rotation and likely replace outgoing free agent Lucas Giolito.

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### Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros

**What they’re predicting:**
Some MLB.com voters predict Valdez will sign with Boston. The Athletic lists the Red Sox among Valdez’s three best fits, alongside the Orioles and Blue Jays.

**Contract projections:**
– Seven years, $196 million (The Athletic)
– Five years, $150 million (MLB Trade Rumors)

**What to know about Valdez:**
Valdez, who will turn 32 this November, posted a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA, 1.245 WHIP, and 187 strikeouts over 192 innings in 31 starts last season. Although his 2025 numbers could be described as a slight dip, he was a consistent top-10 AL Cy Young candidate in the three previous seasons.

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### Eugenio Suarez, 3B, Mariners

**What they’re predicting:**
A few MLB.com voters think Suarez will join Boston, and one MLB Trade Rumors writer predicts the same.

**Contract projections:**
– Three years, $69 million (The Athletic)
– Three years, $60 million (MLB Trade Rumors)

**What to know about Suarez:**
The 34-year-old slugger hit 49 home runs combined between the Diamondbacks and Mariners last season. However, his performance declined after the trade, hitting just .189 in Seattle. His batting average has also trended downward since 2020.

Boston was reportedly interested in Suarez before he was traded to Seattle and considered moving him to first base, making him a potential option regardless of the Bregman situation.

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## Other Notable Free Agent Predictions Involving the Red Sox

The Athletic lists Boston as a best fit for right-handed pitcher Michael King (Padres) and left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez (Phillies).

– **Michael King, RHP:** Age 30, two seasons with sub-3.50 ERA as a starter, projected $75-$80 million total contract.
– **Ranger Suarez, LHP:** Went 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA last season, projected six-year, $153 million deal.

Additionally, several MLB.com voters predict the Red Sox could sign:

– **J.T. Realmuto, C (Phillies):** Turning 35 in March, hit .257 with 12 homers in 134 games last season. Projected to sign a contract worth about $15 million per year.
– **Luis Arraez, Infielder (Padres):** One of baseball’s best hitters for average recently, hitting .292 in 2025. Projected to sign a two-year deal worth $24-$30 million.

—

With a strong payroll position and multiple roster needs, the Red Sox are shaping up to be a major player in this winter’s free agent market. Fans can expect a busy offseason as Boston looks to bolster its lineup and pitching staff ahead of the 2026 campaign.
https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2025/11/08/red-sox-mlb-free-agency-predictions-rumors/

Litecoin Shows Relative Strength vs. Bitcoin Amid Whale Accumulation and Rising On-Chain Metrics

**Litecoin Outperforms with +4.8% in November 2025 Amid Altcoin Downturns**

Litecoin (LTC) is making waves in November 2025 by outperforming most altcoins, rallying +4.8% despite a broader altcoin slump. Notably, whale wallets holding 100,000+ LTC have increased by 6% over the past three months, signaling strong accumulation by large investors. Meanwhile, daily on-chain volume hit a record $15.1 billion, coinciding with a 12% growth in DeFi Total Value Locked (TVL) to $2.1 million.

Discover why Litecoin’s rally is gaining momentum in 2025 through increased whale activity and on-chain surges. LTC recently broke key resistance at $102, setting the stage for potential further gains. Stay ahead of the crypto markets by exploring the fundamentals fueling Litecoin’s resurgence.

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### Why Is Litecoin Rallying in November 2025?

Litecoin’s rally is driven by robust on-chain metrics and strategic whale positioning amid a wider altcoin downturn. In contrast to Ethereum’s 10% decline in November 2025, LTC climbed 4.8%, highlighting its resilience. The momentum is even stronger against Bitcoin, with LTC up 11.83%, positioning it as a reliable hedge in uncertain market conditions.

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### What On-Chain Data Supports Litecoin’s Strength?

– **DeFi Growth:** Litecoin’s DeFi TVL rose 12% to $2.1 million, reflecting a $240,000 liquidity increase.
– **Record Transaction Volume:** Daily on-chain volume soared to a historic $15.1 billion, according to Santiment data, demonstrating heightened network activity.
– **Whale Accumulation:** The number of wallets holding over 100,000 LTC grew by 6% over the last three months, indicating increasing commitment from long-term holders.

Experts point out that this divergence from the typical hype cycle, marked by rising TVL, demonstrates substantial capital deployment underpinning sustained network utility. Simply put, Litecoin’s growth is not speculative but based on solid fundamentals.

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### Key Trends Highlighted

– Whale accumulation counteracts the prevailing market risk-off sentiment.
– DeFi expansion enhances network interoperability and liquidity.
– LTC’s gains stem from genuine on-chain activity and strong investor conviction.

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### Key Takeaways

– **Why is Litecoin showing strength in this cycle?**
Litecoin is decoupling from the wider altcoin market with an 11.83% gain versus Bitcoin, fueled by whale accumulation and acting as a risk-off hedge.

– **Is the rally backed by real on-chain activity?**
Yes. DeFi TVL jumped 12%, daily on-chain volume reached $15.1 billion, and whale wallets increased by 6%, signaling strong long-term capital locking.

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### Litecoin Breaking Away from the Altcoin Pack

After a 4.8% rally in November, LTC is among the few cryptocurrencies starting the month with a bullish stance. In the same period, Ethereum (ETH) experienced a 10% dip, suggesting no significant altcoin rotation is underway, making LTC’s relative strength particularly notable.

Bitcoin traders have also noted LTC’s robust momentum, with a gain of 11.83% against BTC. This performance provides LTC an edge as a preferred asset for hedging in risk-off environments.

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### DeFi’s Role in Litecoin’s Momentum

Litecoin’s DeFi ecosystem is thriving, with a solid 12% increase in TVL, totaling $2.1 million. This injection of $240,000 into LTC’s DeFi stack highlights expanding liquidity and growing on-chain usage.

Rising TVL is crucial as it signals deeper capital deployment and showcases that LTC’s gains come from authentic, long-term fund locking rather than short-term speculation.

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### Resistance Levels and Future Outlook

Litecoin is currently testing solid resistance around $108. Market moves at this price level appear more like a cooldown rather than a sell-off. A successful breakout here, even amid a risk-off market, could establish LTC as a formidable contender for Q4 2025.

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### Litecoin Tops $102 as Whales and Record Volume Drive the Run

Santiment’s on-chain metrics reveal why Litecoin’s bullish momentum could persist. Over the past three months, wallets holding 100,000+ LTC have increased by 6%, evidencing steady accumulation by major players. Simultaneously, daily on-chain volume set a new all-time high at $15.1 billion, reflecting extensive network utilization.

Together, these data points underscore that Litecoin’s ascent is anchored in real network participation, not hype-driven price pumps.

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### LTC Outperforms Peers in Q4 2025

Litecoin has limited its Q4 losses to just 7.5%. By comparison, Ethereum’s losses reached 17%, underscoring how whale accumulation and network expansion have bolstered LTC’s relative market strength. If this trend continues, overcoming the $102 resistance may be just the start.

Leading among top-cap altcoins, LTC’s momentum could place it among the biggest Q4 gainers — making it a must-watch asset for traders and investors alike.

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### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How does Litecoin’s whale accumulation impact its 2025 rally?**
A: The 6% increase in wallets holding over 100,000 LTC reflects strategic buying by large investors, which reduces available supply and supports price stability. This accumulation, combined with risk-off hedging behavior, has limited LTC’s Q4 drawdown to 7.5%, outperforming peers like Ethereum.

**Q: What makes Litecoin a strong hedge against altcoin volatility in 2025?**
A: Litecoin’s 11.83% gain against Bitcoin and a surge in daily on-chain volume to $15.1 billion demonstrate growing liquidity and network utility. A 12% rise in DeFi TVL also adds stability, positioning LTC like “digital silver” — a dependable hedge during turbulent market phases.

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### Conclusion

Litecoin is carving out a unique position in the crypto landscape in November 2025. With growing whale accumulation, record on-chain volume, and expanding DeFi activity, LTC is outperforming much of the altcoin market despite challenging conditions.

Breaking through resistance levels and sustained capital inflows suggest Litecoin’s gains are built on firm fundamentals. As the market progresses through Q4, LTC stands poised to be a compelling asset to watch — combining resilience, liquidity, and strategic investor interest.

Stay tuned to Litecoin’s journey as it potentially emerges as one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies by year-end 2025.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/litecoin-shows-relative-strength-vs-bitcoin-amid-whale-accumulation-and-rising-on-chain-metrics/

Italy beats Australia for second time in a row with 26-19 victory

**Italy Secures Back-to-Back Rugby Wins Over Australia with Help from Australian-Born Players**

*UDINE, Italy (AP)* — Italy had never beaten Australia in rugby until 2022. Now, the Azzurri have made it two wins in a row, thanks in part to two players with Australian ties who played key roles in their memorable 26-19 victory on Saturday.

Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane were the try-scorers for Italy. Lynagh, born in Italy, is the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, while Melbourne-born Ioane is the nephew of former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane. Their tries came after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii received a yellow card for the visitors.

Before their first win three years ago, Italy had lost 20 matches against Australia. This recent victory cements Italy’s rising prowess in the sport.

The Wallabies kicked off their overseas tour with a gritty 19-15 win over Japan, followed by a 25-7 loss to England at Twickenham last weekend.

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The match began with Italy taking an early lead. Paolo Garbisi opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a penalty after an Australian infringement. He quickly extended the lead four minutes later with another successful kick from a scrum penalty.

Australia improved after a sluggish start and was eventually rewarded in the 21st minute when Matt Faessler powered over the try line from a driving maul. However, Andrew Kellaway missed the conversion, his attempt going wide of the right post.

Australia took the lead in the 31st minute after sustained pressure, with Angus Bell forcing his way over the line just to the left of the posts. Kellaway successfully added the extras.

Italy stayed close, with Garbisi kicking a penalty just before halftime after the Wallabies were penalized inside their half, narrowing the gap to three points.

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Just after the break, Garbisi leveled the score again with another penalty following another Australian infringement. Shortly afterward, Carter Gordon marked his first Wallabies appearance in two years by scoring a try. He capitalized on a loose ball after Harry Wilson lost it in a tackle, evading defenders before grounding the ball. The TMO reviewed the play and confirmed there was no handling error. Kellaway converted the try.

However, the match’s momentum shifted in the 58th minute. Lynagh scored a crucial try in the right corner following sustained pressure by Italy. Suaalii’s yellow card for a high tackle on Garbisi during the buildup put Australia at a disadvantage, and Garbisi confidently added the extras.

Italy capitalized on the numerical advantage. They worked their way into the corner before passing the ball to Australian-born winger Monty Ioane, who scored by grounding the ball decisively. Garbisi converted once again, sealing Italy’s victory.

—

Italy’s back-to-back victories over Australia mark a significant milestone and highlight the impact of players with Australian heritage on their success.

*— AP Rugby*
https://mymotherlode.com/news/world/10161407/italy-beats-australia-for-second-time-in-a-row-with-26-19-victory.html

Chad Johnson fights back tears as he talks about Antonio Brown’s arrest for attempted murder

Chad Johnson could not hold back his emotions when talking about friend Antonio Brown’s arrest. The former Steelers and Buccaneers star receiver was arrested Thursday in Dubai and extradited to the U.S. on charges of attempted murder stemming from a shooting incident at a celebrity boxing event in Miami back in May.

Johnson, who has known Brown since high school, became emotional as he weighed in on the situation during the “Nightcap” podcast with co-host Shannon Sharpe.

“I tried to talk to him,” said the former receiver, fighting back tears at one point. “It hurt to see that it’s come to this point. I don’t know how things are going to turn out, but maybe this is something he might need, something to bring him back home and get him back on the right track. I just never wanted to bother him because he’s grown.

“This s-t just made me sad to see, for somebody that special, to understand all the obstacles and the sacrifices he went through to get to where [he was] at, and then just to let it go like that.”

**Warning: Adult language**

Brown, 37, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on Thursday. A date for transfer to Miami-Dade County has not yet been officially set. He had been at large since an arrest warrant was issued in June. Brown was overseas at the time and remained there on a $10,000 house arrest bond.

The four-time All-Pro, who remained active on social media while overseas, was taken into custody at Newark Airport in New Jersey and was awaiting transfer from Essex County jail, NBC6 Miami reported.

The May incident that led to Brown’s arrest was captured on a viral video in which he claimed he was jumped in an attempted robbery. The footage showed Brown, who was detained and released by police at the scene, allegedly getting into a physical altercation with men in a parking lot just before gunfire could be heard.

Witnesses at the scene identified Brown as the alleged shooter, according to the arrest warrant. Video obtained by Miami police showed Brown allegedly striking the victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, and obtaining a security officer’s gun before approaching the victim.

Since his arrest, Brown “handed over the keys to the socials and CTESPN to my team,” as he stated. He last played in the NFL during the 2021 season when he abruptly ran off the field mid-game during the Buccaneers’ contest against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.

The Super Bowl champion has since become a constant—and at times bizarre—presence on social media.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/08/sports/chad-johnson-fights-back-tears-as-he-talks-about-antonio-browns-arrest-for-attempted-murder/

Anthony Davis upgraded to questionable for tonight

**Injury Update: Mavs vs. Wizards**

Tim MacMahon reports that Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis, who has been targeting tonight’s game for his return after a calf strain, has been upgraded to questionable for the matchup against the Wizards.

Additionally, center Daniel Gafford is also listed as questionable due to a right ankle sprain. Gafford had to exit early during last night’s loss in Memphis.

Stay tuned for further updates as the game approaches.
https://www.hoopshype.com/story/sports/nba/rumors/2025/11/08/anthony-davis-upgraded-to-questionable-for-tonight/87169395007/

American Airlines CEO says the government shutdown is impacting holiday travel bookings: ‘Nobody wants to put up with hassle’

“Of course there’s an impact,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom told CNBC on Friday when asked about the government shutdown affecting holiday bookings. “Nobody wants to put up with hassle. And, again, we’re doing everything we can to make sure our customers know, but as we get into the busiest travel part of the year, this is something that we just can’t let happen.”

Thanksgiving is just 18 days away, with the December holidays quickly approaching. “This is frustrating. We don’t need to be in this position. We’ve got to get the government back open so we don’t have to cancel flights,” Isom emphasized.

On Friday, American Airlines canceled more than 200 out of 6,200 scheduled flights, he added. So far, the airline isn’t canceling any service to smaller markets, but Isom warned that flight cancellations will rise over time. He also pointed out the broader economic impact, given how many people work in travel-related industries.

As of August, the leisure and hospitality sector employed just over 17 million people out of a total of roughly 171 million in the U.S. labor force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This equates to about one in every ten jobs.

Flight cancellations are primarily due to a shortage of air traffic controllers during the government shutdown. These controllers are required to work without pay, but since they still must cover their expenses, many are calling out sick or taking on secondary jobs, creating a staffing crunch.

“Most of the controllers can navigate missing one paycheck, virtually none of them can navigate missing two paychecks,” Duffy told Fox News on Friday.

In response to staffing shortages, the FAA is incrementally reducing air traffic by up to 10% by next week. The agency began with a 4% reduction in flight operations at 40 major airports on Friday, which will increase to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and up to 10% by November 14.

On Friday alone, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines canceled flights totaling between 3.5% and about 4%. Overall, approximately 1,000 flights were canceled largely due to the government shutdown, with hundreds more expected this weekend, according to The Associated Press.

For context, last year November and December together saw over 1.37 million domestic flights, according to the Department of Transportation.

Isom told CNBC that as flight disruptions increase, so do the challenges for the entire industry. “Managing the industry becomes exponentially harder as you increase the level of cancellations.”
https://fortune.com/2025/11/08/american-airlines-ceo-government-shutdown-holiday-travel-bookings-thanksgiving-flight-cancellations/

Is The Bitcoin Price Bottom In? Latest On-Chain Data Suggests So

Opeyemi savors his attraction to the crypto market, which explains why he spends the better part of his day poring over different price charts. “Looking” is a rather simple way to describe analyzing and interpreting various price patterns and chart formations. However, it appears that’s not Opeyemi’s favorite part—in fact, far from it.

What truly keeps Opeyemi ticking is connecting what happens on a price chart to on-chain movements and blockchain activities. As he would say, “This emphasizes the intricacies of blockchain technology and the cryptocurrency market.” For Opeyemi, market insights are akin to the gospel, but he humbly recognizes himself only as a messenger.

When not clicking away at his keyboard, Opeyemi is most likely listening to music, playing games, reading a book, or scrolling through X. He likes to think he’s not loyal to any particular genre of music, and on many days, that’s true. However, the fast-rising Afrobeats genre is a staple in Opeyemi’s Spotify Daily Mix.

A voracious reader, Opeyemi enjoys a wide range of books—from science fiction and fantasy to historical and even romance. He believes authors like George R. R. Martin and J. K. Rowling are the greatest of all time, and his twice-through reading of the Harry Potter series is proof of that.

Though Opeyemi enjoys spending most of his time within the four walls of his home, he sometimes finds solace in the company of friends—whether at a bar, a restaurant, or on a stroll. In essence, Opeyemi’s ambivert nature (haha! Been searching for an opportunity to use the word to describe myself) makes him a social chameleon, able to quickly adapt to different settings.

Opeyemi recognizes the need for constant self-development to stay afloat in the competitive and ever-evolving crypto market. For this reason, he’s always in learning mode, ready to pick up even the slightest lesson from every situation.

Efficient and driven, Opeyemi likes to deliver everything required of him on time. He believes, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” Hence, you’ll always find him striving to be better.

Ultimately, Opeyemi is a good writer and an even better person, simply trying to shed light on the exciting phenomenon of cryptocurrency. He goes to bed each day with a smile of satisfaction, knowing he has done his bit—spreading the crypto gospel to the rest of the world.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/is-the-bitcoin-price-bottom-in-latest-on-chain-data-suggests-so/

Consultants and Artificial Intelligence: The Next Great Confidence Trick

Why Trust These Gold-Seeking Buffoons of Questionable Expertise?

Overpaid by gullible clients who ought to know better, consultancy firms are now cashing in on work done by non-humans—conventionally called “generative artificial intelligence.” Occupying some kind of purgatorial space of amoral pursuit, these vague, private-sector entities offer services that could (and should) just as easily be performed within government bodies or companies at a fraction of the cost.

Increasingly, a new confidence trick is taking hold: automation using large language models. But first, let’s consider why companies such as McKinsey, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group are the types that should be metaphorically tarred, feathered, and run out of town.

Opaque in their operations and hostile to accountability, the consultancy industry secures lucrative contracts with large corporations and governments that have a Teflon quality. Their selling point is external expertise of a singular quality—a promise that discourages the development of expertise within government officials or business employees.

The other side of the story offers a silly, rosy view from *The Economist*, which claims these companies “make available specialist knowledge that may not exist within some organisations, from deploying cloud computing to assessing climate change’s impact on supply chains.” By performing similar work for many clients, consultants supposedly spread productivity-enhancing practices.

Leaving aside the ghastly, mangled prose, the same paper admits that providing such advice can lead to a “self-protection racket.” For example, CEOs wanting to thin the ranks of employees can rely on favorable assessments from consultants to justify brutal layoffs—consultants are hardly going to recommend preserving jobs.

### The Impact of AI on the Consulting Industry: Two Contrasting Views

The emergence of AI and its effects on the consulting industry generate two main perspectives.

**First**, some insist that automated platforms such as ChatGPT will render traditional consultants obsolete. Travis Kalanick, cofounder of Uber, is a strong proponent of this view. Speaking to Peter Diamandis at the 2025 Abundance Summit, he said:
“If you’re a traditional consultant and you’re just doing the thing, you’re executing the thing, you’re probably in some trouble.”

This statement was qualified by an “operating principle involving the selection of the fittest”:
“If you’re the consultant that puts the things together that replaces the consultant, maybe you got some stuff.”

There is some truth here—junior consultants, tasked with the dreary work of research, modelling, and analysis, could become redundant. Meanwhile, the senior consultants (the “dim sharks” at the apex) dream of strategy roles, even as they coddle their clients with flattering emails automated by software.

**Second**, others see AI as a herald of efficiency, sharpening a consultant’s ostensible worth. Anshuman Sengar, senior partner at Kearney, praises the technology in an interview with the *Australian Financial Review*. Generative AI tools “save me up to 10 to 20 percent of my time.” Since he cannot attend every meeting or read every article, AI has “increased” the relevance of his coverage by generating crisp summaries of meetings and webinars.

Sengar notes accuracy isn’t an issue because “the input data is your own meeting.” To address sceptics who identify sloth in the industry, he emphasizes the care he takes in drafting emails using tools such as Copilot:
“I’m very thoughtful. If an email needs a high degree of EQ [emotional intelligence], and if I’m writing to a senior client, I would usually do it myself.”

The emphasis on “usually” is most reassuring—something clients hoodwinked by such firms would do well to heed.

### Agentic AI and the Cash Bonanza in Consulting

Across the consultancy field, agentic AI (software agents that complete menial tasks) is increasingly in use. In 2024, Boston Consulting Group earned a fifth of its revenue from AI-related work. IBM raked in over US$1 billion in sales commitments for consulting projects via its Watsonx system. After zero revenue from such tools in 2023, KPMG International received approximately US$650 million in business driven by generative AI.

The other big winners are companies that create generative AI itself. In May last year, PwC purchased over 100,000 licenses of OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise system—making it OpenAI’s largest customer.

Seeking consultancy-guided platform services is, in effect, an exercise in cerebral corrosion. Deloitte offers its Zora AI platform, powered by NVIDIA AI, boasting:
“Simplify enterprise operations, boost productivity and efficiency, and drive more confident decision making that unlocks business value, with the help of an ever-growing portfolio of specialized AI agents.”

This marketing babbles on about how these agents “augment your human workforce with extensive domain-specific intelligence, flexible technical architecture, and built-in transparency to autonomously execute and analyze complex business processes.”

Given such claims, the middle ground of snake-oil consultancy looks increasingly irrelevant—not that it should ever have been relevant to begin with. Why bother with Deloitte’s hack pretenses when the raw technology is available straight from NVIDIA?

### The Future of Consultancy: Here to Stay or Doomed?

Despite the criticism, a September article in the *Harvard Business Review* insists consultancy is here to stay, albeit “being fundamentally reshaped.” However, the tone suggests the reshaping is hardly for the better.

In conclusion, as consultancy firms ride the wave of generative AI, clients should be wary. What may appear as enhanced efficiency and expertise could, in fact, be little more than another confidence trick—one that continues to profit consultants at the expense of genuine value and accountability.
https://dissidentvoice.org/2025/11/consultants-and-artificial-intelligence-the-next-great-confidence-trick/

Jennifer Lawrence calls Emma Stone the “Muppet-head” leading the way on their Miss Piggy movie: “I’m the ideas guy”

As the merry band of anarchic performers turns 70, Hollywood may finally be coming around to the notion that we could all use far more of The Muppets.

Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone are developing an upcoming movie centred around the magnificent Miss Piggy, and they have their working relationship very clearly defined.

“Emma Stone is the Muppet-head. Also, Emma Stone is a shark,” Lawrence explained during an appearance on *The Tonight Show*. “I’m, just like, the ideas guy. So, I went to her to be like, ‘What do we do?’ So, now Cole [Escola] is writing it, and they’re perfect.”

The brainwave came to Lawrence during 2020 and 2021, when lockdowns were in effect and discussions around ‘cancel culture’ were bubbling up. Talking about these subjects with a friend led to a novel idea for something involving Kermit’s enduring partner.

“Miss Piggy is a feminist icon, and she said it would be so funny if Miss Piggy got canceled,” Lawrence remembers, before clarifying: “Now, that is not the plot, necessarily, but it got the wheels turning.”

That is a fascinating angle.

This will mark the first time Miss Piggy has headlined her own feature film in her 55 years and counting as part of the Muppets troupe. She made her debut in a Herb Alpert special in 1974, went on to have a small role in 1975’s *The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence* (actual title), before transitioning into the main cast for the first season of *The Muppet Show* in 1976.

She’s now an indelible part of the central cast, often seen as the boisterous partner and love interest of Kermit the Frog. Much as she desires the spotlight, her storylines have been largely subplots until now, and it seems Stone and Lawrence are ready to remedy that.

Both actors hope to appear in the picture.

It’s one of two Muppets-related projects currently underway. Seth Rogen is producing a mystery special for Disney+ as well, with an ear toward developing another ongoing variety show.

I’m cautiously optimistic on all fronts.
https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/movies/jennifer-lawrence-calls-emma-stone-the-muppet-head-leading-the-way-on-their-miss-piggy-movie-im-the-ideas-guy/

‘Pluribus’ Star Rhea Seehorn on Channeling Her Character’s Anger: ‘It’s This Special Quality That Makes Her Different’

After working as a lawyer trying to save Saul Goodman in Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould’s “Better Call Saul,” it’s now Rhea Seehorn’s turn to save the world in Apple TV’s new sci-fi drama, *Pluribus*.

In *Pluribus*, Seehorn plays Carol Sturka, an author who must save the world from happiness after an unexplained virus is unleashed. Having previously collaborated with Gilligan for seven years on *Better Call Saul*, Seehorn was approached with the opportunity to be the lead in *Pluribus*. Interestingly, the role was originally written for a male lead but was quickly changed to fit Seehorn.

“Vince [Gilligan] is always trying to write without preaching an answer. He does not tell the audience what to think, and he trusts the intelligence of fans,” Seehorn told *Variety* at the *Pluribus* premiere in Los Angeles.

She added, “I feel like for me as a woman specifically playing this role, one thing that I got really interested in was that a woman’s anger is seen as a detriment and having dire consequences. But then, it’s this special quality that makes her different. That was very interesting to me as somebody that suppresses my anger, and I really loved exploring somebody that is impulsive and reactive, and then dealing with the obstacle of being told there are dire consequences.”

Gilligan revealed on the red carpet, “I created *Pluribus* for Rhea Seehorn and because I wanted to work with her again. I was very selfish. I knew that she is such a wonderful actor that people would snap her right up and put her in a movie or a TV show, and I wouldn’t get to work with her for a while.”

During production, Gilligan reunited with previous writers, directors, cinematographers, and other crew members who worked on *Breaking Bad* to help bring the world of *Pluribus* to life.

“I like working with people I worked with before, and I like working with my crew behind the camera too,” he said. “I’ve worked with some of these people for almost 20 years, going back to the beginning of *Breaking Bad,* and they’re just a great bunch of people. To me, it’s like working with a family that you really get along well with.”

Actress Karolina Wydra, who plays Zosia in *Pluribus*, hopes that audiences will identify with and relate to her character as well as to Carol as they navigate a new world based on optimism.

“With Carol, she’s such a strong female character that is a reluctant hero, but she’s a hero who fights for something that she truly believes in. There’s an empowerment in that,” Wydra explained. “For Zosia, her kindness and her sereneness has something inside that is so stunning and beautiful.”

The first two episodes of *Pluribus* are now available to stream on Apple TV.
https://variety.com/2025/scene/news/pluribus-rhea-seehorn-vince-gilligan-apple-tv-1236570933/