Category Archives: general

general

Bitcoin Wobbles, Briefly Erasing 2025 Gains

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Good morning.

Bitcoin briefly erased its gains for 2025 before stabilizing, marking a volatile start to the year for the cryptocurrency.

Meanwhile, the UK government is set to outline a new crackdown on migrants, signaling stricter immigration policies ahead.

In the property market, sales of multi-million pound homes plunged in October, indicating a cooling trend among high-end real estate buyers.

Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-11-17/bitcoin-wobbles-briefly-erasing-2025-gains

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El único touchdown de Jalen Hurts lleva a Eagles a victoria 16-9 sobre Lions

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Por DAN GELSTON
FILADELFIA (AP)

Jalen Hurts anotó el único touchdown en un esfuerzo por lo demás débil de la ofensiva de los Eagles de Filadelfia, y fue suficiente para llevarlos a una victoria de 16-9 sobre los Lions de Detroit, quienes fallaron en todos sus intentos en cuarta oportunidad el domingo por la noche.

Los Eagles (8-2) son el único equipo en la División Este de la NFC con más de tres victorias y el segundo en la conferencia en alcanzar ocho triunfos, lo que los pone en contienda para obtener el primer puesto y ganar la ventaja de jugar en casa mientras los campeones del Super Bowl buscan repetir el título de la liga.

Hurts lanzó para solo 135 yardas, el actual Jugador Ofensivo del Año Saquon Barkley corrió para 83, y los ex receptores de 1.000 yardas A. J. Brown y DeVonta Smith se combinaron para nueve recepciones para 57 yardas. Sin embargo, esas dificultades no importaron mucho contra un equipo de Detroit que parecía feliz de intentar regalar el juego.

Los Lions, que entraron promediando 31,4 puntos por juego, no lograron convertir en cinco intentos de cuarta oportunidad y se fueron tres de 13 en tercer down.

El coach de los Lions, Dan Campbell, reemplazó al coordinador ofensivo John Morton como el encargado de las jugadas la semana pasada. Campbell no estaba listo para decir que era un cambio permanente, aunque volvió a llamar las jugadas contra los Eagles. Campbell no fue una gran mejora.

El notable fracaso de los Lions llegó al final del tercer cuarto mientras perdían 13-6, después de que Jared Goff conectara con Jahmyr Gibbs para una ganancia de 42 yardas que llevó el balón a la yarda 22 de los Eagles. Los Lions lograron un primer intento y gol en la yarda ocho, pero perdieron el balón en downs.

Los Eagles al menos aprovecharon su mejor oportunidad de anotar dentro de la yarda diez. Jake Elliott pateó goles de campo de 27 y 34 yardas en la primera mitad. Hizo uno de 49 yardas en el cuarto para una ventaja de 16-6.

Goff — quien completó 14 de 37 para 255 yardas — conectó con Jameson Williams para una anotación de 40 yardas que empató el juego a seis al final del segundo cuarto. Williams celebró saltando sobre el acolchado del poste de gol y abrazando el poste, lo que le valió una penalización de 15 yardas por conducta antideportiva.

En una noche ventosa en Filadelfia, esas yardas perdidas le costaron a los Lions cuando Jake Bates falló a la derecha en el punto extra de 48 yardas. Bates pateó un gol de campo de 54 yardas con 1:58 restantes.

___
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/17/el-nico-touchdown-de-jalen-hurts-lleva-a-eagles-a-victoria-16-9-sobre-lions/

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Husker Wrestling: Nebraska Starts Strong But Falls Flat Sunday at National Duals

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This weekend marked a historic moment for college wrestling as the inaugural National Duals Invitational unfolded in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event was a major step forward for the sport, showcasing 16 of the nation’s best teams in an exciting dual tournament and awarding over $1 million in payouts. Wrestling fans witnessed a new era for the sport, but for Nebraska, the weekend was bittersweet.

**Nebraska’s National Duals Recap**
Nebraska entered the weekend with high expectations after last season’s NCAA runner-up finish. The excitement was justified as the Huskers cruised through Saturday, defeating #8 Lehigh 35-7 and #11 Michigan 24-14 in the quarterfinals. Then came Sunday, and expectations were quickly tempered. Nebraska was dominated by #4 Ohio State in the semifinals, losing 33-3 and capturing just one match. In the third-place dual against #5 Oklahoma State—where $150,000 was on the line for third and $75,000 for fourth—the Huskers again struggled, losing 33-6.

Across the two days, Nebraska went 14-6 in individual matches on Saturday, but just 3-16 on Sunday. A team that looked threatening a week ago now faces questions. Still, early season setbacks are common in wrestling, and top teams like Ohio State, Iowa, and Oklahoma State simply looked sharper this weekend. These experiences can serve as a wake-up call, though that’s little comfort for the Huskers at the moment.

If you’ve followed Nebraska’s wrestling program for years, Sunday’s performance won’t surprise you. The team often faces early-season struggles, possibly due to their training cycle. Nebraska now stands 3-2 in duals this season, without any undefeated starters except for #8 Chance Lamer, who is currently ineligible to compete. With 19 days to regroup before their next competition, the Huskers have plenty to address.

**Weight-by-Weight Breakdown**

**125 Pounds**
Nebraska has a clear gap here. Kael Lauridsen (0-3, including one match at 133) and Alan Koehler (0-2) have yet to secure a dual win at 125. Both gained valuable experience this weekend, and will need to improve for the Huskers to compete at the highest level.

**133 Pounds**
#11 Jacob Van Dee won his sole match—a 10-0 major decision over Michigan’s Gauge Botero—while wrestling with a shoulder brace. Omar Ayoub filled in, going 1-1 with a major decision win and a loss to Ohio State’s #8 Ben Davino. In the final dual, Lauridsen bumped up to 133 but fell to Oklahoma State’s Ronnie Ramirez 9-3.

**141 Pounds**
#2 Brock Hardy had a roller-coaster weekend: two dominant wins on Saturday (a pin and a tech fall), but two losses on Sunday. He lost 4-1 to #1 Jesse Mendez and 13-2 by major decision to Oklahoma State freshman Sergio Vega. The Mendez loss isn’t worrying, but Hardy looked outmatched against Vega.

**149 Pounds**
Freshman Nikade Zinkin (redshirting but filling in until Lamer is eligible) went 1-3 but impressed. He won 5-1 over Lehigh, nearly took down #2 Lachlan McNeil (Michigan), had a cradle locked against Ohio State’s #10 Ethan Stiles before getting pinned, and narrowly lost to #4 Casey Swiderski (Oklahoma State) 7-6. Zinkin showed flashes of future star potential.

**157 Pounds**
#1 Antrell Taylor didn’t look himself, going 1-2. He lost by major decisions to #23 Logan Rozynski (Lehigh) and #9 Brandon Cannon (Ohio State), struggling to find offensive rhythm. Backup Dez Gartrell also saw time, including a match at 165, but fell to Oklahoma State’s Landon Robideau by tech fall.

**165 Pounds**
#18 LJ Araujo started strong with a pin over Lehigh’s #8 Max Brignola, but then sat out the Michigan dual and lost by major to Ohio State’s Paddy Gallagher. Araujo injured his hamstring, forcing Nebraska to forfeit 165 against Oklahoma State; Gartrell filled in at 157.

**174 Pounds**
#4 Christopher Minto shined on Saturday, winning a major decision and beating Michigan’s #8 Beau Mantanona in sudden victory. Sunday brought a 5-1 loss to Ohio State’s Carson Kharchla and a tough, controversial defeat to Oklahoma State’s Alex Facundo following an official review late in the match.

**184 Pounds**
Senior #6 Silas Allred delivered one of Nebraska’s best performances. He opened with a win over Lehigh, dropped a close bout to Michigan, and lost to Ohio State’s Dylan Fishback. Allred rebounded by defeating Oklahoma State’s #4 Zack Ryder in sudden victory, cementing himself as a top contender.

**197 Pounds**
#7 Camden McDanel had a solid run, finishing 3-1: a major over Lehigh, a sudden victory against Michigan, and Nebraska’s only win vs Ohio State. A close overtime loss to Oklahoma State’s Cody Merrill capped his weekend.

**Heavyweight**
The narrative here focused on returning star AJ Ferrari. After a narrow loss to Ohio State’s Nick Feldman, Ferrari bounced back with a 2-1 win over Oklahoma State’s Konner Doucet. He looked strong overall, but could benefit from a more aggressive offensive approach.

**Final Thoughts: There’s No Need to Panic**
For Nebraska wrestling fans, Sunday’s performance may feel discouraging, but it’s far from a crisis. The season is long, and setbacks are part of the sport. Nebraska’s coaching staff has time to regroup and address weaknesses. With nearly three weeks before their next event, expect adjustments and renewed focus.

Stay tuned—this team still has plenty of potential, and early adversity could fuel a stronger finish come March.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/husker-wrestling-nebraska-starts-strong-051003630.html

general

Monday November 17th – Open Thread

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †.
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/11/17/monday-november-17th-open-thread/

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XRP Price Continues Lower as Sellers Tighten Grip on Intraday Structure

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From a young age, Aayush exhibited a natural aptitude for deciphering complex systems and unraveling patterns. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity for understanding market dynamics, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to become one of the foremost authorities in the fields of Forex and crypto trading.

With a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Aayush honed his craft over the years, mastering the art of technical analysis and chart interpretation. As a software engineer, he harnesses the power of technology to optimize trading strategies and develop innovative solutions for navigating the volatile waters of financial markets. His background in software engineering has equipped him with a unique skill set, enabling him to leverage cutting-edge tools and algorithms to gain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving landscape.

In addition to his roles in finance and technology, Aayush serves as the director of a prestigious IT company, where he spearheads initiatives aimed at driving digital innovation and transformation. Under his visionary leadership, the company has flourished, cementing its position as a leader in the tech industry and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in software development and IT solutions.

Despite his demanding professional commitments, Aayush is a firm believer in the importance of work-life balance. An avid traveler and adventurer, he finds solace in exploring new destinations, immersing himself in different cultures, and forging lasting memories along the way. Whether he’s trekking through the Himalayas, diving in the azure waters of the Maldives, or experiencing the vibrant energy of bustling metropolises, Aayush embraces every opportunity to broaden his horizons and create unforgettable experiences.

Aayush’s journey to success is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and growth. His academic achievements are a testament to his dedication and passion for excellence, having completed his software engineering degree with honors and excelling in every department.

At his core, Aayush is driven by a profound passion for analyzing markets and uncovering profitable opportunities amidst volatility. Whether he’s poring over price charts, identifying key support and resistance levels, or providing insightful analysis to his clients and followers, Aayush’s unwavering dedication to his craft sets him apart as a true industry leader and a beacon of inspiration to aspiring traders around the globe.

In a world where uncertainty reigns supreme, Aayush Jindal stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path to financial success with his unparalleled expertise, unwavering integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for the markets.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/xrp-price-continues-lower-as-sellers-tighten-grip-on-intraday-structure/

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Lakers $5.95 million Rookie Salutes Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Classy Move After Referees Refuse Deny Him Game Ball

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LA Lakers rookie Adou Thiero received the game ball on Saturday, marking a memorable moment in his budding career.

Adding to the excitement, the presentation was made with the help of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, making the occasion even more special for Thiero.

This highlight not only celebrates Thiero’s achievements but also showcases the sportsmanship and camaraderie between players from different teams.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-lakers-5-95-million-rookie-salutes-giannis-antetokounmpo-s-classy-move-after-referees-refuse-deny-him-game-ball

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Coinbase’s New Payment Protocol Lets AI Agents Send Money Without Human Help – And It’s Already Processing Millions

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Machines Just Got Their Own Wallets

Coinbase has launched Payments MCP, a revolutionary system that enables AI agents to create crypto wallets, fund them, and send stablecoin payments using simple text commands—no API keys or complex setup required. AI agents are already using this technology to buy data, pay for computing power, and settle transactions worth millions of dollars.

The numbers speak for themselves. The x402 field’s market value surged from $178 million to $832 million in just three days in October 2025, supported by 44 projects. By September of this year, the protocol had processed 1.38 million transactions worth $1.48 million, involving over 72,500 buyers. These are real transactions happening right now with real money on the line.

x402 Turns a Forgotten Web Code into AI Payment Rails

The clever part? Coinbase built this system on a largely unused web standard from the 1990s. The protocol utilizes the HTTP 402: Payment Required status code, originally created decades ago but never implemented widely.

Erik Reppel, Coinbase’s head of engineering, explained, “Marc Andreessen and the team at Netscape explored it while discovering credit card systems” back in the ’90s, but now it finally has a real purpose.

Here’s how it works: When an AI agent tries to access a paid service, the server responds with a 402 code containing payment instructions. The agent reads these instructions, sends USDC stablecoins, and gains instant access—no signup forms, no waiting.

Coinbase and Cloudflare have announced the formation of the x402 Foundation to promote this as an industry standard. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince stated that x402 has the “likelihood to become a core protocol for agentic commerce.” With a company protecting half the internet backing this payment protocol, something big is indeed happening.

AI and Instant Payments Transform Online Entertainment

This technology is already having an impact on the online entertainment sector. For example, crypto-enabled online casinos demonstrate the power of combining AI with instant payments. Players enjoy amazing bonuses, massive game libraries, and withdrawals hitting their wallets within seconds. Gambling expert Matt Bastock rated the top choices on the casinobeats.com online casinos list, showcasing this new era.

AI Agents Can Now Buy Computing Power and Data Independently

The system supports AI models like Claude, Gemini, Codex, and Cherry Studio right out of the box. ChatGPT support is coming soon, pending some technical compatibility fixes.

What ensures safety? Users set spending limits for their AI agents. Reppel noted, “They have dedicated funds you explicitly give them, but they don’t have access to your main wallet. It’s impossible for an agent to rack up a credit card bill you’re responsible for.” For example, an agent might be allowed to spend ten cents freely but would need your approval for anything over a dollar.

Early adopters include Prixe, a stock price API enabling agents to create financial reports, as well as numerous image and video generation services. These agents chain services together—pulling market data, generating charts, writing analysis—all powered by automatic micropayments.

The efficiency gains are significant. Fintech startups report a 60-80% reduction in AI integration costs within the first year, saving between $400,000 and $640,000 annually.

The $30 Trillion Question: Who Pays When Machines Do Business?

Gartner estimates that the machine-to-machine economy could reach $30 trillion by 2030. By the end of this year, experts predict AI agents will execute 90% of all blockchain transactions.

Big players are betting on this future. In July 2025, CoreWeave, an AI data center company, acquired Core Scientific—the largest Bitcoin miner—for $9 billion, pivoting crypto mining infrastructure toward AI computing power.

However, challenges remain. Questions regarding security, responsibility, and standards persist. Who is liable if an AI agent sends funds to the wrong address? What happens if an agent’s wallet is hacked?

Security researchers uncovered vulnerabilities as recently as April 2025, where LLM-based attacks were used to manipulate agents.

As this technology advances, the industry faces critical decisions to safeguard the future of autonomous machine commerce.
https://usethebitcoin.com/crypto/coinbases-new-payment-protocol-lets-ai-agents-send-money-without-human-help-and-its-already-processing-millions/

general

Los Angeles Kings re-sign F Adrian Kempe to 8-year, $85 million contract, AP source says

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Forward Adrian Kempe has agreed to an eight-year, $85 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Kings, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

The individual spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because the Kings had not yet announced the deal with the 29-year-old Kempe, who would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. The contract extends through the 2033-34 season and carries an average annual value (AAV) of $10.625 million.

Kempe has been the Kings’ most dependable offensive player over the past four seasons. He earned an All-Star selection in 2022 and helped lead Los Angeles to four straight playoff appearances. The Swedish right wing has scored 200 goals and contributed 220 assists during his 10-year career, which he has spent entirely with the Kings. Los Angeles drafted him with the 29th overall pick in 2014.

During the 2022-23 season, Kempe scored a career-high 41 goals and has recorded four consecutive 25-goal seasons. This season, he leads the Kings with six goals and 13 assists in 19 games while playing extensively on special teams. Additionally, Kempe is named to Sweden’s initial roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Re-signing Kempe was a top priority for new Kings general manager Ken Holland, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a foundation of leadership and talent as longtime captain Anze Kopitar plans to retire next year. However, negotiations between the Kings and Kempe stretched from the summer into the current season, sparking speculation that he might enter free agency next year.

Instead, Kempe joins a growing list of notable players who were potential 2026 free agents but have recently re-signed with their teams. Connor McDavid, Martin Necas, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov have all committed to their respective organizations in the past two months.

The Kings, currently holding a 10-5-4 record, have rebounded from a slow start this season. They are on a six-game road trip and have won four consecutive games. Los Angeles is set to play against the Washington Capitals on Monday.

___
AP NHL
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/hockey-general-news/10195217/los-angeles-kings-re-sign-f-adrian-kempe-to-8-year-85-million-contract-ap-source-says.html

general

4 Possible finishes for Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Durpi on WWE RAW from Madison Square Garden

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Becky Lynch looks to put Maxxine Dupri in her rearview mirror when WWE RAW emanates from Madison Square Garden in New York. Dupri defeated The Man in their previous two meetings, grabbing victories by both countout and disqualification. Those losses caused Lynch to lash out, leading to the rubber match this week.

While the Alpha Babe has proven she can hang with the top stars in WWE, winning a singles title is another tall task. The next four finishes are possible when Becky Lynch defends the Women’s Intercontinental title against Maxxine Dupri on RAW.

### #4. Becky Lynch squashes Maxxine Dupri on RAW

While Dupri has shown she is worthy of competing with the top stars in WWE, she’s still not considered one of the top performers in the division. Her improvement is evident, but as most wrestlers love to claim, “There are levels to this.” Lynch is on another level than Dupri, and bookers could opt to have her run through her opponent on RAW.

It would end the feud and possibly open up her next storyline if someone saves Dupri from a post-match beatdown. Jade Cargill squashed B-Fab on SmackDown, so the same could play out on RAW.

### #3. Maxxine Dupri upsets Becky Lynch

Though highly unlikely, Maxxine Dupri could leave Madison Square Garden as the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion. She’s pushed Lynch to her limit twice, so that effort could pay off with a shocking victory over one of WWE’s top stars.

Such a result could force The Man to take some time off and come back with a more unhinged persona. Traditionally, Lynch has been an arrogant and delusional heel, but she can pull off almost any character, much like Alexa Bliss.

Portraying a darker character could eventually lead to another face turn in 2026. Dupri could then get a significant bump before dropping the title to a heel. Issues with referee Jessika Carr could also work in Dupri’s favor.

### #2. Becky Lynch cheats to win

Lynch hasn’t been afraid to bend the rules in the past, including in matches against Dupri and Lyra Valkyria. The problem has been that referees caught her in the act during her recent bouts with Dupri.

This time, things could change with Big Time Becks waiting for the referee to turn her back to cheat. She’ll do anything to keep the title, so blasting Dupri with the belt wouldn’t come as a shock.

This finish would also slightly protect the progress Dupri has made in the ring, maintaining her credibility despite the loss.

### #1. Lynch wins clean

This third match should be the final showdown between the two rivals. The most sensible finish would be for Lynch to definitively defeat the upstart Maxxine Dupri.

A clean victory would force others to recognize that Lynch doesn’t need to cheat to win. Dupri has displayed her resiliency, so The Man should be ready to pull out some new tricks in their third showdown.

While Dupri may have honed her craft over the last two years, Lynch has been working at it for 15 to 20 years. Experience counts for a lot, making a clean, definitive victory for Lynch on RAW a strong possibility.

—

As the tension builds heading into Madison Square Garden, WWE fans can expect an intense and potentially career-defining match for both Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri. Which finish will the WWE Universe witness? Stay tuned to RAW to find out!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/4-possible-finishes-becky-lynch-vs-maxxine-durpi-wwe-raw-madison-square-garden

general

FAA lifts order slashing flights, allowing commercial airlines to resume their regular schedules

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Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a.m. EST, the agency announced in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Citing safety concerns amid growing staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities during the government shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. This order, in place since November 7, affected thousands of flights across the country, impacting major hubs including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Initially, flight cuts started at 4% and later increased to 6%. However, on Friday, the FAA rolled back restrictions to a 3% reduction, attributing the change to continued improvements in air traffic controller staffing following the end of the record 43-day shutdown on November 12.

This weekend saw the lowest number of flight cancellations since the order took effect, falling well below the 3% cuts mandated by the FAA for Saturday and Sunday. Flight tracking website FlightAware reported 149 flights canceled on Sunday and 315 on Saturday.

According to the FAA statement, an agency safety team recommended rescinding the order after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.” The statement also acknowledged reports of non-compliance by carriers during the emergency order and noted that the agency is reviewing enforcement options, though it did not provide further details.

Flight cancellations peaked on November 9, when more than 2,900 flights were cut due to the FAA order, ongoing controller shortages, and severe weather conditions in parts of the country. Conditions improved throughout the following week as more controllers returned to work, encouraged by news that Congress was close to resolving the shutdown. This progress led the FAA to pause plans for further rate increases—the agency had initially targeted a 10% reduction in flights.

During the shutdown, air traffic controllers were among the federal employees required to work without pay, missing two paychecks amid the impasse. Secretary Duffy has not shared specific safety data prompting the flight restrictions but cited reports during the shutdown of planes getting too close in the air, increased runway incursions, and pilot concerns regarding controller responses.

Airline leaders have expressed optimism that operations will rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period now that the FAA has lifted its order.

—
Yamat reported from Las Vegas and Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.
https://whdh.com/news/faa-lifts-order-slashing-flights-allowing-commercial-airlines-to-resume-their-regular-schedules/