Good morning and a warm welcome to your show, Sunny Mornings in San Diego.
We're the daily podcast that gets you started on the right foot and always with a positive
vibe.
I'm your host, Melissa, and it's Saturday, February 17th.
Welcome to your bonus episode.
In this episode, we'll recap all the best news from the week with local news, top sports
news, tech and science news, as well as business and entertainment.
We'll also cover the weather and surf report for this weekend.
Here we go.
Let's start with the weather in the San Diego area.
This morning it's mostly cloudy skies and 53 degrees with just about no wind.
The sunset will take place at 5.35 p.m. and it will rise again tomorrow at 6.28 a.m.
It looks like we're in for a partly sunny day with a high near 64 and light northwest
wind 5 to 10 mile per hour in the afternoon.
Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low around 51.
In the surf report, we start with fun waves that is significant west and west-northwest
swell builds later.
The morning will mirror Friday's conditions, but by evening expect a notable increase in
size.
Morning offshore wind leads to clean conditions turning onshore.
Expect head high plus at good spots and 2 to 3 feet overhead at key winter breaks by
sundown.
Sunday sees the swell peak with just a head high waves larger at prime winter spots and
heads up next week looks stormy and will likely affect surf conditions.
Saturday in Pacific Beach and South San Diego it's looking good and clean at 2 to 4 feet
anytime before 10 a.m. with a 2-foot outgoing mid-tide at 8 a.m.
Get out there early on Saturday morning because it's going to be blown out later in the
day and it's the same deal for Sunday with 12 to 14 foot waves blasting through for dawn
patrol.
Air temps for the morning surf are around 55 degrees with some fog.
The first low tide Saturday will be 0 foot just before 1130 a.m. with a 3-foot high tide
just before 7 p.m.
The nearshore buoy at Scripps and La Jolla reads 60 degrees for the water temperature.
Looking ahead in the weather we'll see a mostly sunny Sunday with highs around 65 degrees
turning cloudy at night with lows in the mid-50s.
Washington's first day and the following days will be mostly cloudy with occasional
showers and temperatures consistently in the low to mid-60s.
Now let's check out the local news.
In San Diego a bill has been introduced to address the surge in e-bike usage and related
collisions.
This bill, a revival of the previous AB 530, focuses on creating educational and licensing
requirements for e-bike riders.
It bans children under 12 from riding e-bikes while those 12 and older must undergo an online
course and a written test, also requiring a state ID for those without a driver's
license.
This move seeks to establish consistent regulations across various communities following a rise
in e-bike related accidents.
The proposal reflects an urgent call for improved road safety and responsible e-bike usage.
San Diego small businesses and nonprofits can apply for flood recovery funds due to
the January 22nd flood.
The application period ends on February 27th, so act swiftly.
The Emergency Response and Resilience Grant, with a $370,000 budget, offers up to $2,500
for small businesses and $5,000 for those in low-income areas.
Eligibility requires proof of storm impact, a city business tax certificate, and a staff
size of 12 or fewer.
Funds can cover uninsured replacements, employee wages, and insurance deductibles.
San Diego is investing $21 million in a new Bell firefighting helicopter, enhancing its
aerial firefighting capabilities.
This purchase, necessary to meet the needs of an ever-changing environment, brings the
city's fleet to three.
The new addition offers greater water capacity, crucial for effective firefighting.
It follows the 2018 acquisition of a Sikorsky firehawk, renowned for its high water capacity.
The city also plans to construct a new hangar at Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport, addressing
the need for indoor storage and to reduce maintenance and downtime.
This move underlines the increasing importance of aerial firefighting in combating these climate
change-related disasters, which are creating faster-moving and more intense fires.
The U.S. Navy is significantly investing in unmanned ships, as highlighted by the Chief
of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti.
These autonomous surface vessels, currently undergoing tests in San Diego and other ports,
are slated to become a vital part of the Navy's future fleet.
Expected to take about 15 years to fully develop, these robotic vehicles aim to complement,
not replace, manned warships.
The Navy's Unmanned Vessel Program, established in 2022 in San Diego, has been testing ships
like the Sea Hunter for surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially anti-submarine tests.
This initiative aligns with the broader strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific region, where the
U.S. Marines are also testing new landing vehicles at Camp Pendleton to enhance island
and shoreline operations.
San Diego remains a pivotal hub for these military advancements with local warships
like the USS Roosevelt actively engaging in the Pacific, reflecting the growing military
focus on this geopolitically critical region.
San Diego's reggae scene thrives due to its deep roots and diverse influences and
its taking over the national festival circuit.
Artists like Ka-Bong and C.G.
Como highlight this genre's popularity and positive vibe in Southern California.
The region's Polynesian community and artists from island nations contribute significantly.
National bands like Boostive and Stick Figure, featuring members with varied ethnic backgrounds,
embrace reggae's unifying spirit.
This diversity is celebrated at events like CaliFest, showcasing San Diego's dynamic
reggae talent and its influence on other music genres.
The scene's growth is a testament to its authentic, community-focused nature.
Now on to sports.
Manny Machado is intensifying his training following off-season surgery for tennis elbow.
Currently in spring training, Machado's primary concern is building arm strength for
the upcoming season.
Despite a challenging year marked by his first injury list appearance in nine years, at a
lower OPS, Machado remains focused and optimistic.
The Pondrays, after missing last season's postseason, have undergone significant changes,
including trading Juan Soto to the Yankees and losing key players like Josh Hader and
Blake Snell.
Machado, alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. and others, is confident in the team's potential,
emphasizing the need for collective performance improvement.
The Pondrays are still seeking to strengthen their roster, with general manager A.J.
Preller exploring trade options, especially in the outfield.
Come along with me and jump in my time machine back to February 15th, 1978.
The joke's on you, Leon Spinks said.
The man upstairs made it come true.
The boxer from St. Louis was speaking to reporters after one of the most stunning sports upsets
in history.
He just snatched away Muhammad Ali's World Heavyweight Boxing Crown Wednesday night at
the Hilton Pavilion.
In the capital of gambling, there had been no official odds posted on such a possibility.
It would have been tantamount to Poland beating Germany in World War II, or to the cost of
living receding.
Besides divine providence, Spinks had an indomitable spirit, furiously flying fists and absolute
confidence.
Muhammad Ali had been a champion for all ages.
This was the 20th title defense for the 36-year-old Ali.
Think of it, Muhammad Ali, an ex-champion, again.
You're still my champion, Spinks said to Ali in the press conference after the nationally
televised match.
It was a press conference to remember because Ali, the people's choice, instead of sulking
because the championship had been lost, Ali magnanimously gave Spinks the credit he deserved.
The 24-year-old challenger seemed almost sorry he'd put an old man out to pasture.
I'm glad for you because you did what I did, said Ali, referring to his startling upset
of then-champion Sonny Liston in 1964.
You proved the people all wrong, Ali said.
I wasn't robbed, he said of the split decision.
He landed some of the best punches I've ever been hit with.
Spinks, a refugee from the trouble-infested Prud Eigo housing development, had begun boxing
when he was 14 years old, just to stop neighborhood bullies from messing over me.
He said.
But last night, he was on the offense all night long, while Ali seemed content to lie
on the ropes for the early rounds, as was his famous rope-a-dope custom.
Spinks who fights as if a red blanket is being waved in his face piled up points with a relentless
assault to Ali's shoulders, head, and kidneys.
After six rounds, Spinks became world champion after only seven professional bouts to become
the fastest heavyweight in history.
This article was written in 1978 by the great Hall of Fame baseball writer, Rick Hummel,
of the Post-Dispatch.
Caitlin Clark has made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer for Division I
women's basketball.
In a game against Michigan, Clark scored the record-breaking point early in the first quarter
with a long three-pointer, elevating her total to 3,521.
This achievement places her third in the all-time NCAA scoring list for both men and women.
Beyond her scoring prowess, Clark is also known for her all-around skills, being the
first Division I player with over 3,000 points, 900 assists, and 800 rebounds.
Her impact extends beyond the court, significantly boosting attendance at games and contributing
to the growth of women's basketball.
This remarkable feat underscores Clark's exceptional talent and influence in the sport.
In Top News
In Tarps, Sweden, archaeologists discovered an ancient stone burial chamber from around
3,500 BC, making it one of Scandinavia's oldest.
The site revealed a peculiar finding.
All skulls, and most large bones, were missing from the remains, which is an unusual deviation
from typical burial patterns.
This absence has baffled researchers, who initially thought the site's significance lay in its
age and construction.
The chamber contained remains from infants to elderly individuals, with no signs of violent
death.
Investigations continue, focusing on DNA analysis, to uncover possible causes of death.
The researchers suspect ritual practices might explain the missing bones, but the mystery
remains unsolved.
Recent research reveals a significant overdiagnosis of melanoma in the US.
Recent concerns about the implications of unnecessary cancer diagnoses.
Over 80,000 Americans annually are told they have melanoma, a six-fold increase from 40
years ago.
However, this rise is attributed more to overdiagnosis than to environmental risks or detection improvements.
The study, focusing on white individuals more prone to melanoma, found 65% of white women
and 50% of white men are overdiagnosed.
The majority of these cases involve stage zero cancers, which are unlikely to cause
health problems.
Overdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments and long-term psychological impacts.
Scientists suggest a need for better standards in diagnosing melanoma and caution against
routine full-body checks without symptoms.
The USDA has announced a nationwide recall of certain charcuterie meats by Fratelli Beretta
USA due to potential under-processing in foodborne pathogens.
Affected packages are sold under brands like Appleton Farms, Dietz & Watson, and Hublix.
They have been distributed to stores including Aldi, Costco, and Sam's Club.
This follows a previous recall for salmonella contamination.
Consumers and businesses are advised to dispose of or return the products.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may include, but are not limited to, prolonged dehydration,
sleeping in an empty bathtub, and death.
Let's talk about something healthy today.
A recent study reveals Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art, outperforms aerobic exercises
in reducing blood pressure for individuals with pre-hypertension.
Pre-hypertension is a condition where blood pressure is elevated, but not high enough,
to be classified as hypertension, signaling potential heart disease risk.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved 342 adults with pre-hypertension,
averaging 49 years old.
They were divided into two groups, one doing aerobic exercises, like jogging, and the other
practicing Tai Chi.
Both groups had hour-long sessions four times a week.
After a year, the Tai Chi group showed greater blood pressure reduction, with 22% achieving
normal blood pressure levels, compared to 16% in the aerobic group.
Tai Chi, described as meditation in motion, activates the parasympathetic nervous system,
promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
Besides lowering blood pressure, Tai Chi is also known for enhancing balance, reducing
fall risks, and improving mental health among older adults.
Blood pressure practice is key in maximizing these health benefits.
NIT scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the behavior of heat in superfluid
quantum gas, observing for the first time the phenomenon known as second sound.
Unlike typical materials where heat spreads out, in superfluid quantum gases, heat moves
in waves.
This was visualized using a novel thermography technique that tracks temperature changes
via radio frequencies.
This research, important for materials science and astronomy, could shed light on high-temperature
superconductors and the physics of neutron stars.
The findings offering new insights into the unique properties of superfluids were recently
published in the Journal of Science.
And business news, this week at TechCrunch Mobility Conference, major updates abound.
Uber achieves a full year profit, a first for its operations.
In electric vehicles, Ford's secretive low-cost EV project in California and Fiskars Woes
take center stage.
Also, Joby Aviation plans to launch their air taxi services in Dubai by 2026.
Finally, the EV landscape sees dynamic movements with Arrival, electric delivery vans facing
financial challenges in the UK, and Rydian, set to unveil a new, more affordable SUV.
In a significant crypto development, Bitcoin surpassed $50,000 for the first time since
December 2021, triggering a rally in crypto-related stocks and funds.
This surge is partly due to robust demand for new-spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, has experienced a 13% rise in the past week and an 11% increase
this year, building on a 150% gain in 2023.
Despite this, it's still about 28% below its peak from November 2021.
Riding spot Bitcoin ETFs like Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust
saw gains around 5.6%, while Bitcoin futures like ProShares Bitcoin Strategy also climbed.
Shares in Coinbase and MicroStrategy rose significantly, reflecting broader market optimism.
Experts attribute the rally to increased spot market demand, and some investors viewing
Bitcoin as a safe haven amid global uncertainties.
However, its price volatility remains a concern.
Future predictions are optimistic, with expectations of Bitcoin reaching up to $160,000 by end
of 2024 and potentially $350,000 by mid-2025.
Intuitive Machines, a space startup, experienced a perplexing 7% drop in their stock following
the SpaceX delay.
Originally, the SpaceX launch was set for Tuesday, but they encountered an issue with
fueling while the rocket was on the launch pad.
The new launch is rescheduled for today.
This minor delay in their moon landing mission seems to have disproportionately affected
their market value, wiping out over $30 million.
The market's short-term reaction to a mere two-day postponement raises questions, especially
considering SpaceX's strong track record of successful launches, having conducted nearly
100 in 2023 and 11 this year.
While SpaceX, valued at about $175 billion, isn't publicly traded, it's recognized
as a leading aerospace and defense entity.
The impact of this brief delay on Intuitive Machines stock highlights the often unpredictable
nature of stock market responses.
Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic indicates that interest rate cuts anticipated by investors
may not occur until at least the third quarter of 2024.
This revised timeline is earlier than his initial forecast, prompted by faster-than-expected
inflation slowdown.
Bostic anticipates two rate cuts in 2024, but emphasizes caution, prioritizing true
signals of inflation decline over volatility.
Despite the easing of inflation in January, it remains above expectations, with consumer
prices up 3.1% year-over-year.
The Fed's main focus is bringing inflation down to its 2% target.
Bostic stresses the need for a cautious approach to rate cuts to avoid reigniting inflation,
and advises against relying on past economic patterns to predict current monetary policy
impacts, highlighting the uniqueness of current economic conditions.
Moving on to a more local vibe.
In our community spotlight on health and wellness, we are working with a national Pilates studio
to bring you some free classes, so listen up.
Check out Club Pilates, with several locations in the San Diego area.
Pilates presents a comprehensive wellness approach, cultivating strength, reducing tension,
and elevating mental well-being.
Scientific research affirms its benefits.
So now you can check out Club Pilates for a free class, with locations in Encinitas,
Solana Beach, Oceanside, La Jolla, and more.
Just be sure to tell them Sunny Morning sent you by.
And now back to the show.
Let's talk tech.
The latest iPhone software update, still in beta testing, introduces a significant update
for Apple Cash users.
It now allows the generation of a virtual card number, enabling payments even in places
where Apple Pay isn't accepted.
This feature addresses a major limitation of Apple's payment service, now making it
more versatile.
Users can easily set up this virtual card through a simple two-step process in the Wallet
app.
The virtual card includes an expiration date and security code, while maintaining a separate
number for Apple Pay transactions.
This enhancement offers greater convenience, especially since there are still numerous
locations that don't support Apple Pay.
Additionally, it eliminates the need for transferring money to a bank, which could incur a fee for
instant transfers.
In a significant move, Google has rebranded its AI offerings under a single name Gemini.
This change sees the previous barred chatbot and duet AI features integrated into Google
Workspace all unified as Gemini.
Notably, Google has also launched Gemini Ultra 1.0, a more advanced version of its language
model.
Gemini, blending the roles of an assistant, chatbot, and search engine, is now accessible
via a dedicated Android app, replacing Google Assistant in some functions.
However, there's no iOS app yet.
iPhone users can access Gemini through the Google app.
Gemini's introduction marks a shift in Google's focus, indicating a strong commitment to
AI, as it competes with other leading AI developers.
For enhanced features, users can subscribe to Gemini Advanced, part of Google's $20
per month Google One AI Premium plan, which also includes 2 terabytes of Google Drive
storage.
Last night's SpaceX launch could mark a historic moment in U.S. space travel, being the first
return to the moon since 1972.
Created privately and crafted by intuitive machines, the mission aims to deliver scientific
instruments to the moon's south pole.
This is crucial for SpaceX and Elon Musk's vision of making humanity multiplanetary with
Mars as a key target.
Although SpaceX has excelled in satellite deployment and astronaut transportation, planetary
travel is a new frontier.
The mission success, hinging on today's launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, could
pave the way for future interplanetary travel.
However, risks remain, as highlighted by recent propulsion issues in similar missions.
SpaceX has made specific technical adjustments for this launch, acknowledging the challenges,
but remaining hopeful for a successful mission.
A groundbreaking experiment on the International Space Station involves MIRA, a compact surgical
robot performing a simulated surgery.
Weighing just 2 pounds, MIRA is significantly lighter than existing robotic surgery technologies.
Developed by Virtual Incision Corporation, it's a product of 20 years of work by Shane
Faradar and his team.
The experiment, funded by a NASA grant to the University of Nebraska, aims to explore
the feasibility of remote surgery in space, which could be vital for long missions to
the moon or Mars.
Interestingly, this technology also holds immense potential for remote areas on Earth,
like rural regions or war zones, where access to surgeons is limited.
In the U.S. alone, about one-third of counties lack a surgeon, with a projected shortfall
of up to 30,000 surgeons in the next decade.
MIRA's space mission is a step towards realizing the broader vision of remote surgery, potentially
revolutionizing medical care in both extraterrestrial and terrestrial settings.
Apple's latest tvOS beta code hints at the development of two new HomePod devices with
screens, one nearing production.
The code reveals a new tvOS device, code named Z314, featuring an A15 processor, a significant
upgrade from the current HomePod's S7, and Mini's S5 processors.
This implies enhanced capabilities beyond audio, likely supporting a display.
Previous leaks showed Apple testing tvOS on the iPad Mini, aligning with rumors of a larger
display HomePod.
The lineup may include a model similar to the current generation and a more versatile
one akin to Amazon's Echo Show.
Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a 7-inch model launch in early 2024, marking
a step in Apple's revamped smart home strategy.
And in entertainment news…
In this year's Super Bowl, country music icon Reba McIntyre was set to sing the national
anthem, sparking interest in prop bets on the performance's duration.
The over-under was set to 90.5 seconds.
Historically, McIntyre's renditions are notably brief, influenced by her distinctive
yodeling style.
Yodeling, a vocal technique involving rapid, flexible shifts between chest and head voice,
often leads to quicker song interpretations.
McIntyre's past anthem times, like 72 seconds in 1974 and 66 seconds in 1985, exemplify
this trend.
However, as she has matured, her times have slightly lengthened due to a mix of increased
vocal control and decreased physical vocal agility.
Interestingly, McIntyre's rhythm has been inconsistent in past performances, primarily
due to her singing a cappella.
This variability might influence her upcoming Super Bowl performance time.
In the end, you should have bet the over, because Reba went 95 seconds.
And if he did go with the over, then winner-winner chicken dinner.
Gloria Gaynor, I Will Survive, a new documentary by Betsy Schechter, explores the life of
disco icon Gloria Gaynor.
The film, getting a one-night theatrical release, dowels into Gaynor's journey as she transitions
from her 70s disco fame to a gospel artist.
It reveals her struggles with personal and professional adversity, transforming her hit
I Will Survive into a broader anthem of empowerment.
The documentary also touches on Gaynor's past challenges, including her relationship
with ex-husband Linwood Simon and a persistent spinal injury.
While focusing on her gospel career and the making of her Grammy-winning album Testimony,
the film has been critiqued for its intimate approach, lacking broader industry perspectives.
However, it celebrates Gaynor's resilience and musical legacy, underscoring her impact
on the disco genre and her personal growth.
This summer, Santana and Counting Crows are embarking on the Oneness Tour, a 29-show journey
across 28 North American cities.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Santana's Supernatural album, the tour kicks off in
Toronto and concludes with performances in San Diego and Phoenix.
Pearl's Santana, a rock and roll hall of fame inductee, and 2013 Kennedy Center honoree,
continues to inspire.
Fans can buy tickets through various presales and VIP packages, promising a unique concert
experience.
The tour features notable stops, including Red Rocks Amphitheater and the iconic Footprint
Center in Phoenix.
Marvel's Fantastic Four is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025 with an exciting cast announcement
that's sure to delight fans.
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Eben Moss-Backratch, and Joseph Quinn have been officially cast
as the iconic superhero team.
Pascal steps into the role of Mr. Fantastic, Kirby as the Invisible Woman, Quinn as the
Human Torch, and Moss-Backratch as The Thing.
The film, directed by Matt Schachman, known for his work on Marvel's One Division, starts
filming this summer.
This release marks a decade since the 2015 reboot, which faced harsh criticism.
The screenplay penned by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer brings to life the
first characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby for Marvel Comics.
The anticipation is high for this new adaptation, hoping to redeem the Fantastic Four's cinematic
legacy.
Dune, Part II, is receiving high praise in its initial reactions, drawing favorable comparisons
to iconic films like The Empire Strikes Back and The Lord of the Rings.
Critics are particularly impressed, with Zendaya's performance as Chani, which is described as
central to the movie.
Austin Butler's portrayal of the new antagonist, Fade Ratha, is also being highlighted as a
standout, transformative performance.
The film, directed by Denis Villanueva, continues the story of Timothy Chalamets, Paula Treaties,
and features a mix of returning—and new—cast members.
The sequel's battle sequences and visual storytelling are being likened to the works
of Peter Jackson, George Lucas, and David Lean, suggesting a cinematic experience on
par with some of the most celebrated sci-fi and fantasy epics.
Dune, Part II, is set to release in theaters on March 1st, further expanding the ambitious
adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic novel.
Well, alrighty folks, it's time for the quote of the day.
And today, our quote comes from the author, William W. Perky.
You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching.
Love like you'll never be hurt.
Sing like there's nobody listening.
And live like it's heaven on earth.
And that's a wrap for this morning.
Have an amazing day, my good friends.
Thanks for tuning in.