Good morning and a warm welcome to your show, Sunny Mornings in Encinitas.
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 10th.
Welcome to your bonus episode.
Today we'll recap all the top news for the week with sports, local news, tech and science
news as well as business and entertainment news.
But first, let's check out the weather in the Encinitas area.
This morning it's mostly cloudy and 50 degrees with 4 mile per hour wind.
The sunset will take place at 5.29 p.m. and it will rise again tomorrow at 6.35 a.m.
It looks like we're in for a sunny day with a high near 58 and northeast wind 5 to 10
mile per hour.
Tonight, mostly clear with a low around 45 and northwest wind around 5 to 10 mile per
hour.
In the surf report, this weekend expect declining northwest swells with light to moderate west-northwest
wind turning onshore later.
Early Saturday, waves range from waist to shoulder high with some spots briefly larger.
Conditions smooth out with offshore wind in the morning, but surf size decreases throughout
the day.
Sunday sees a fading northwest swell with waist to chest high waves at winter spots.
A new long period west-northwest and northwest swell arrives peaking on Monday offering chest
to head high waves at best spots.
Tuesday wave sizes slightly decrease.
In Encinitas and North County, it's 2 to 3 feet and clean before 11, but will probably
be blown out in the afternoon.
The first high tide Saturday will be 6.5 feet around 9 a.m. with a minus 1.5 foot low tide
around 4 p.m.
The nearshore buoy at Scripps in La Jolla reads 58 degrees for the water temperature.
Looking ahead in the weather, we'll see sunny days with highs near 59 degrees and light
winds starting Sunday and continuing through Tuesday.
Nights will be mostly clear with lows gradually increasing to 49 degrees.
The Helen Woodward Animal Center administered the new canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody,
making him the first dog to receive this treatment at the center.
Unlike traditional treatments that manage symptoms, CPMA directly combats the virus.
Remarkably, Richard responded overnight, reducing the treatment time from a week to just 24
hours and slashing costs from thousands to $200 per vial.
This success signifies a significant advancement in treating this deadly canine illness.
That just warmed me right up.
If you want to see a picture of Richard, head over to our Instagram page.
Just search for Sunny Mornings Podcast.
In early 2025, San Diego will see the groundbreaking of Revel, a 40-story residential high-rise
near Peco Park.
This development, located at 611 Island Avenue, is set to offer 443 homes.
Designed by Carrier Johnson, the building integrates the historic 1869 Klauber-Weingenheim
Company building, currently occupied by ballpark storage.
The developers aims for a community-centric, environmentally conscious design focusing
on San Diego's climate action goals.
Unique features include on-site EV charging, reduced parking to encourage alternative transport,
secure bike storage, and a roofed-up terrace with a pool.
Art from local artists will be showcased, and the facilities will have a LEED Silver
Energy Certification.
The developer emphasizes the project's role in urbanizing and enhancing San Diego's
lifestyle.
This weekend in San Diego offers a rich tapestry of arts events.
Visual art fans can explore Bread and Salt in Logan Heights for the Barrio Art Crawl.
Highlights include Phil Belmont's new projection and Guadalupe Fidel's architectural works.
The La Jolla Symphony, conducted by Steven Schick, will perform at Mandeville Auditorium,
UC San Diego, featuring the Nie Commission and works by Takemitsu and Stravinsky.
Theater enthusiasts can enjoy The Age of Innocence at the Old Globe in Balboa Park, a Karen Zakarius
adaptation of Wharton's novel.
Birch Aquarium and La Jolla showcases Oriana Poindexter's Kelp Art Cyanotypes, blending
science and art.
UC San Diego's Music Center also hosts a unique musical evening, combining West African
dance with Blacktronica sounds on Friday the 9th at 7 p.m.
Cartify the Sea Lodge in San Diego recently showcased its new look after a multi-million
dollar renovation.
Part of a larger trend in the city's thriving hotel industry, this boutique hotel's makeover
includes a refreshed exterior, rooftop deck, and updated guest rooms.
Starting in 2023, San Diego saw a surge in hotel development, with numerous new constructions
and renovations being completed.
The city's hotel market was marked by significant investments, focusing on luxury, sustainability,
and modern amenities.
These developments, including the revitalization of this sea lodge, highlight the industry's
commitment to enhancing guest experiences in one of California's most popular travel
destinations, catering to the growing demand in both tourism and business sectors.
San Diego Opera has set to stage Mozart's classic opera Don Giovanni with a modern twist.
Directed by Kyle Lange, the production will see characters in contemporary attire and
settings.
It deviates from traditional presentations, featuring interactive elements like singers
moving around the audience and innovative use of projections.
This approach aims to attract new, younger audiences and adapt to reduced budgets in
the opera industry.
The story, rooted in the tale of Don Juan, explores themes of power and morality.
Lange, who recently settled in San Diego, brings a fresh perspective to this centuries-old
opera, emphasizing a more personal and immersive experience for viewers.
The opera is now open at the San Diego Civic Theater.
Now on to sports.
Super Bowl 58, airing on CBS and Paramount+, promises a spectacular viewing experience,
despite not being broadcast in 4K on Paramount+.
Set in Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium, the event will deploy an impressive array of technology,
including a record 24 cameras with 4K zoom extraction capability.
These high-tech cameras enable super slow-motion replace and crystal-clear zoomed images.
Additionally, CBS is introducing 20 cameras, embedded in end-zone pylons, featuring six
doing-cameras inside uprights for an unprecedented view of field goals and extra points.
Augmented reality cameras, totaling 23, will integrate graphics into CBS coverage and Nickelodeon's
SpongeBob SquarePants-themed broadcast.
In total, CBS will use 165 cameras, ensuring comprehensive coverage from multiple angles,
crucial for accurate play reviews.
Tiger Woods, the celebrated 15-time major champion, has officially announced his return
to the PGA Tour.
He will be participating in the Genesis Invitational next week, an event he hosts.
This marks his first PGA Tour appearance since withdrawing from the 2023 Masters Tournament.
Woods has undergone several surgical procedures since then, following a serious car crash
in 2021.
Despite concerns about his career's continuation, recent performances, including an 18th place
finish at the Hero World Challenge and a tie for fifth with his son Charlie at the PNC
Championship, have showcased his readiness to compete.
Riviera, where Woods will play, is a course he's familiar with but has never won at,
despite having a runner-up finish and three top tens there.
Husey El-Toubaix, star of the Houston Astros, has just signed a five-year extension worth
$125 million, ensuring he remains with the team through his age 39 season.
This deal marks a significant milestone in El-Toubaix's career, already notable for
his exceptional achievements.
Over 13 years, El-Toubaix has notched a 307 batting average, over 2,000 hits, 295 stolen
bases, and 209 home runs.
His impressive record includes eight All-Star appearances, six Silver Sluggers, three batting
titles, a Gold Glove, and an MVP.
In postseason performance, El-Toubaix stands out with 27 home runs and 89 runs scored,
ranking second all time.
This contract solidifies El-Toubaix's place in Astros history and underscores his potential
Hall of Fame trajectory.
Bobby Witt Jr., the Kansas City Royals' standout shortstop, has signed a groundbreaking 11-year
contract extension worth $288.7 million.
This deal, potentially extending to 14 years and almost $400 million, is the largest in
Royals history.
It reflects the team's commitment to building a competitive team around Witt, who delivered
a spectacular 30 home run and 49 stolen base season.
The contract includes player opt-outs and a no-trade clause, underscoring Witt's importance
to the franchise and its future ambitions.
In top news, in a notable shift, some economists are revising their 2024 economic forecast,
reducing their prediction of interest rate cuts from 9 to just 2.
This change is driven by the robust performance of the U.S. economy, defying earlier expectations
of a recession.
Recent data, including January's impressive job growth and strong GDP figures for the
end of 2023 and early 2024, have prompted this revision.
Some now anticipate a steady unemployment rate and suggest the Federal Reserve might
delay rate cuts to later in the year to avoid reigniting inflation.
Despite this optimistic outlook, some caution that economic risks remain, though a mild
recession is no longer the expected baseline for 2024 or 2025.
Learning to play the piano significantly alters brain activity, particularly in areas related
to memory, sensory processing, and movement.
This was revealed in a 26-week study by a team at the Nenke Institute of Experimental
Biology in Poland.
They observed 24 individuals learning piano, noting initial increases in brain activation
in regions like the cerebellum, parietal cortex, hippocampus, and basal ganglia.
However, as proficiency grew, this activity decreased, indicating optimization of neural
processes.
This change was especially noted in the motor cortices.
The study suggests that learning an instrument, like the piano, not only involves acquiring
the skills, but also involves complex, evolving brain activity patterns.
Dogs, known for their unwavering loyalty and companionship, also excel at reducing human
anxiety and improving mood.
Recent studies have highlighted the unique way dogs offer comfort and support, often
surpassing human interaction in stressful situations.
For instance, dog owners show smaller increases in blood pressure and heart rate during stress
tests when their pets are present, compared to those accompanied by a spouse or friend.
This calming effect is attributed to dogs' nonjudgmental support, their ability to read
human emotions accurately, and their consistent, unconditional love.
Additionally, speaking to dogs about emotional issues can be therapeutic, as they listen
without judgment or interruption.
This interaction not only provides a sense of purpose and security, but also helps in
emotional processing, offering a safe space for expression.
This canine-human bond, backed by psychological and physiological evidence, underscores the
unique and beneficial role dogs play in human well-being.
Dogs are raising concerns about nissen, a common antimicrobial preservative found in
foods like beer, cheese, and sauces.
Nissen, a natural product of bacteria, functions as an antibiotic, effectively controlling
foodborne diseases.
However, recent studies suggest it might also harm beneficial gut microbes.
These good bacteria play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and mental health.
Eliminating them can disturb gut balance and potentially allow harmful bacteria to proliferate.
Research shows both good and bad gut bacteria are susceptible to nissen's effects.
While these impacts seem reversible, with gut microbiome populations returning to normal
within days of nissen consumption, the broader implications on gut health are still under
investigation.
This finding is significant considering the widespread use of nissen in food preservation.
In other top news, the FIFA World Cup final in 2026 is set to be hosted in New York, triumphing
over Dallas and Los Angeles.
This highly anticipated event will take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, a venue
with a capacity of 82,500 and home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets.
Easily accessible from Manhattan, MetLife Stadium is a familiar venue for major events,
having hosted sold-out concerts and a Super Bowl.
New York Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy actively promoted MetLife Stadium,
highlighting the region's infrastructure and global appeal.
The U.S., along with Canada and Mexico, are co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament kicks off in Mexico City, with the U.S. and Canada hosting games in Los Angeles
and Toronto.
While Dallas lost the bid for the final, it will host nine games, including a semi-final
more than any other city.
The decision places New York at the forefront of the global sporting stage in July of 2026.
Now onto business news.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, speaking on CBS 60 Minutes, indicates that interest
rate cuts are on the horizon, but unlikely to occur in March.
Despite Wall Street's expectations, the Fed is seeking more confidence in inflation, moving
closer to its 2 percent, target before making such a move.
Since April 2021, the Fed has implemented aggressive interest rate hikes to combat inflation.
Now, with inflation rates easing and the U.S. economy showing strength, including significant
job growth and high consumer sentiment, a rate cut seems imminent later this year.
Powell emphasizes the importance of restoring price stability and the Fed's non-political
stance despite congressional pressures for early rate cuts.
The Fed also keeps a cautious eye on potential economic risks from geopolitical turmoil,
though Powell remains optimistic about the economy's trajectory towards a soft landing.
Now let's talk more tech and crypto.
In an intriguing court case, computer scientist Craig Wright claims he's the elusive Satoshi
Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin.
Wright has been asserting this since 2016, and the upcoming trial in the UK High Court
will scrutinize his claim.
The Crypto Open Patent Alliance, also known as COPPA, brought the case against Wright,
challenging his claim and the lawsuits he's filed asserting intellectual property rights
over Bitcoin.
COPPA aims to get a declaration that Wright isn't the Bitcoin white paper's author
and didn't write the original code, hoping to stop him from claiming otherwise.
This trial has far-reaching implications, potentially impacting Bitcoin's future development
and control.
Wright's credibility and the authenticity of his documents will be keyed focus areas,
with accusations of document forgery in the spotlight.
If Wright has declared Nakamoto, it could grant him significant control over Bitcoin,
potentially stifling its development.
The outcome could influence global perceptions and legal rulings regarding Bitcoin's authorship.
In the stock and crypto markets, Promptium, a new entrant in the cryptocurrency industry,
is taking a distinctive approach.
By seeking approval to operate as a special-purpose broker-dealer, an alternative trading platform,
for digital asset securities.
This strategy is in contrast to major crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken, which
are pushing for changes to existing regulations.
Promptium's plan to offer custodial services for Ether could compel the Securities and
Exchange Commission to reassess Ethereum's legal classification, possibly seeing it as
a security.
This potential reclassification stems from SEC Chair Gary Jensler's recent comments
suggesting that most cryptocurrencies, except Bitcoin, might be securities due to their
investment-focused nature.
This perspective differs from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's views, highlighting
a regulatory divide.
Palantir Technologies is capturing attention in the stock market.
The company recently surpassed its 50-day moving average, indicating a potential bullish
trend.
This technical milestone is significant, as it often signals a shift in market dynamics.
Over the past month, Palantir shares have risen by 33%, reinforcing investor confidence.
Furthermore, Palantir holds a Zaxx rank number 2 buy, hinting at its strong market position.
The positive trend is supported by upward revisions in earnings estimates for the current
fiscal year, with one estimate moving higher and none lower.
This combination of favorable earnings revisions and technical momentum suggests Palantir could
see further gains ahead.
Let's talk science.
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have potentially revolutionized electric vehicles
by extending their range.
Currently, EDs can travel about 435 miles on a single charge.
The new research published in Advanced Science suggests using a special gel could increase
this to 620 miles.
This breakthrough involves micro-silicon particles and gel polymer electrolytes.
Silicon, known for high energy storage, expands during charging, posing a challenge.
But the new approach uses micrometer-size silicon, with a gel electrolyte enhancing
battery stability and increasing energy density by 40%.
This innovation could make EVs even more attractive and environmentally friendly.
Scientists are on the cusp of a significant medical advancement by potentially breaching
the blood-brain barrier.
This barrier is a protective layer that filters substances from reaching the brain.
The University of Pennsylvania's research team has developed a groundbreaking model
using lipid nanoparticles to transport messenger nucleic acid through this barrier in mice.
This innovative approach could transform the treatment of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's,
seizures, brain cancer, and strokes.
The method involves crafting fat-soluble substances that can penetrate the barrier, carrying crucial
elements like proteins and antibodies.
Although in its early stages, this research signifies a major leap in targeted drug delivery,
potentially extending beyond brain treatments to address other protected areas of the body.
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, a groundbreaking project, has completed its mission.
Initially part of the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission, it was added in May 2018.
Designed to survive 30 days and fly five missions, Ingenuity exceeded expectations by lasting
nearly three years and completing 72 flights.
Its last flight occurred on January 18, 2024, after which damage to one of its rotors was
discovered.
This innovative craft, weighing about four pounds on Earth, required unique design solutions
due to Mars' thin atmosphere.
Ingenuity's successful mission has paved the way for future space exploration, marking
a significant achievement in interplanetary aviation.
After 141 years of debate, scientists from New York University have solved the reverse
sprinkler problem, a question that has intrigued physicists since 1883.
The question, originally posed by Austrian physicist Ernst Mach and later popularized
by Richard Feynman, asked, what direction would a water-sucking sprinkler spin?
Using custom-built sprinklers with ultra-low friction rotary bearings, the NYU team conducted
experiments to observe the fluid dynamics inside and outside the sprinkler.
They found that a reverse sprinkler spins counterclockwise, albeit 50 times slower than
a normal, water-ejecting sprinkler.
The research, published in Physics Review Letters, revealed that when water is sucked
in, the sprinkler acts like an inside-out rocket.
The water jets, instead of colliding head-on due to the curved arms of the sprinkler, cause
a slow counterclockwise rotation.
This study is more than just solving a long-standing physics puzzle.
It has practical implications for understanding sustainable energy sources, such as wind,
ocean waves, and river currents.
And in entertainment news, brandy-winning DJ, Tiësto has unexpectedly withdrawn from
his historic Super Bowl performance due to a family emergency.
Scheduled to be the first in-game DJ at the Super Bowl, he was set to play during warm-ups
and breaks at Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium.
Announcing his decision on social media, Tiësto emphasized that family comes first, despite
the difficulty of missing this significant event.
The NFL, collaborating closely with Tiësto, expressed understanding and looks forward
to future projects with him.
But there is still some good news.
This year's Super Bowl will feature Usher as the halftime headliner, with pre-king performances
by Reba McEntire, Post Malone, and Andra Day.
Jonathan Banks, known for his role in the original, 1984 Beverly Hills Cup, recently
shared his thoughts on the sequels of the franchise.
Despite the 1987 and 1994 sequels seeing declining critical reception and box office performance,
Banks admitted he hasn't watched them.
He praised the original film, directed by Martin Breast, for its originality but expressed
skepticism about the sequels.
Banks highlighted the tendency of the film industry to produce remakes and sequels, suggesting
the exploration of undiscovered gems.
The upcoming Beverly Hills Cup on Netflix revives the franchise, with Eddie Murphy returning
in the lead role, sparking curiosity about its potential to revitalize the series and
break its streak of negative sequel reviews.
In a groundbreaking move, Disney's ESPN, Fox Corporation, and Warner Bros. Discovery
are collaborating to launch a comprehensive sports streaming service.
This platform, set to debut in the fall, will feature a vast array of sports content, including
NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and FIFA World Cup games, as well as NASCAR, USC, and PGA Tour Golf.
Each company holds a one-third ownership in this venture.
The pricing and name of the service are yet to be announced.
This initiative represents a significant shift in the media landscape, with traditional broadcasters
adapting to the growing trend of streaming, challenging dominant players like Netflix,
Amazon, and Apple.
The new service aims to cater to the increasing number of consumers moving away from traditional
cable subscriptions, offering a diverse range of live sports events in one accessible location.
At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift surprised fans by announcing a new album, The Tortured
Poets Department, set to release on April 19th.
Contrary to expectations of her last album, Reputation, Taylor's version, Swift revealed
this entirely new project while accepting the Best Pop Vocal Album Award for Midnights.
The album consists of 16 songs, plus a bonus track titled The Manuscript.
Swift shared that she had kept this album a secret for two years.
Her Instagram bio now intriguingly states, All's fair in love and poetry.
And now, as promised, some movie suggestions, based on our favorites, with Jim Carrey.
In this exploration of Carrey's cinematic journey, we delve into five unique films,
starting with The Truman Show from 1998, which stands out for its insightful critique of
celebrity culture, featuring Truman Verbank, unknowingly the star of a massive TV show.
Then Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind from 2004 offers a poignant and imaginative
take on relationships, where Clementine erases memories of her ex-boyfriend.
Liar Liar, released in 1997, showcases Carrey's physical comedy as a dishonest lawyer whose
life spirals out of control.
And The Mask, 1994, combines Carrey's dynamic performance with a fantastical story of a
timid bank clerk who finds a magical mask.
Lastly, you know it, Dumb and Dumber, another great movie from Carrey in 1994.
With Harry and Lloyd, two friends lacking in wisdom but rich in friendship, their adventure
begins in Providence, embarking on a cross-country trip to Aspen, Colorado.
Their mission?
To return a briefcase full of money to Mary Swanson, its rightful owner, who Harry and
Lloyd find captivating.
The journey is anything but smooth, filled with comical mishaps.
Upon reaching Aspen, the duo discovers that the challenges involving Mary in the briefcase
are just the tip of the iceberg in their amusing escapade.
Dumb and Dumber never fails to cheer me up.
And that's a wrap for this morning.
Have an amazing weekend, my good friends.
Stay safe and enjoy yourself to the fullest.
We'll be back soon with another Sunny Mornings podcast.
Thanks for tuning in.