Good morning and a warm welcome to your show, Sunny Mornings in Boston.
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 Wednesday, January 31st.
You'll be interested to know.
Today is National Hot Chocolate Day.
This cherished drink symbolizes cozy memories for everyone, bringing warmth and comfort.
Whether it's a snowy day or a quiet moment indoors, grab your favorite mug and join the
celebration.
Now let's check out the weather in the Boston area.
This morning it's mostly cloudy and feels like 25 degrees, with 3 mile per hour wind.
Tonight the sun will set at 4.56 p.m. and it will rise again tomorrow at 6.58 a.m.
It looks like we're in for mostly clouds today, with a high near 35 in calm wind around
6 mile per hour.
Tonight partly cloudy, with a low around 30 in southwest wind around 7 mile per hour.
The first low tide Wednesday will be at 8.50 a.m. with a high tide around 3 p.m.
The nearshore buoy at Cape Cod Bay reads 39 degrees for the water temperature.
Looking ahead in the weather, we'll see a mostly cloudy Thursday with highs near 43
degrees in light wind, followed by a chilly night with a slight chance of showers.
Friday remains cloudy with a high near 42 degrees.
The weekend brings sunny days with highs in the upper 30s and clear cold nights with lows
in the mid-20s.
Bonjour, food enthusiasts!
This podcast is brought to you by Versailles Cafe and Pastries in Encinitas.
Nestled on El Camino Real South, just north of Encinitas Boulevard, this cafe is a haven
for culinary delights.
Indulge in their amazing Eggs Benedict or their gluten-free crepes.
You can grab a panini for lunch or just breeze on through to get your morning coffee.
They are open every day from 8 to 5.
So stop on by and don't forget to tell them.
Sunny mornings send you!
In top news, well folks, it's almost the end of dry January and sometimes it extends
beyond just one month, influencing a reevaluation of alcohol use.
A reduction in alcohol consumption, even slightly, has immediate and long-lasting health benefits.
According to scientists from the University of New Mexico, alcohol impacts almost every
organ system.
Reducing alcohol can lead to improved sleep, mood, mental clarity, and energy.
Alcohol, while a sedative, disrupts sleep patterns and can lead to weightfulness in the latter
part of the night.
Over time, less alcohol intake can improve overall health, potentially aiding in weight
loss, as alcohol is high in calories but low in nutrients.
It also suppresses the immune system, so reducing intake could boost immune responses.
Additionally, alcohol is a known carcinogen breaking down into acetaldehyde, which damages
DNA and increases cancer risk.
Now let's talk science.
Archaeologists recently made a groundbreaking discovery in Central Europe, uncovering a
Bronze Age civilization previously unknown.
This complex network of over 100 sites, connected by a vast societal landscape, was revealed
through satellite imagery.
These findings, including some of the largest structures of that era, have significantly
altered our understanding of Bronze Age societies.
Notably, this civilization, centered around the Carpathian Basin and the Tisza River,
featured large megaforts enclosed by extensive ditches.
Ground surveys and excavations suggest these sites thrived between 1600 and 1450 BC, before
being abandoned around 1200.
This discovery challenges existing theories about European prehistory, suggesting a cohesive,
advanced society rather than competing chiefdoms.
It also sheds light on the region's role in the broader European context during a pivotal
historical period.
In business news, Alphabet and Microsoft exceeded earnings expectations, yet their stocks fell
in extended trading.
Alphabet's revenue grew 13% to $86 billion, while Microsoft's increased 18% to $62 billion.
Despite surpassing cloud business forecasts, Alphabet's ad revenue slightly missed targets.
Investors' high expectations, fueled by the company's strong AI developments and cost
cutting, including job cuts, led to disappointment.
Analysts note unrealistic market expectations for advertising growth.
Looking ahead, Microsoft forecasts a modest next quarter, with the market now focusing
on upcoming reports from Amazon, Apple, and Meta.
In crypto, Bitcoin is around $4,300.
Ethereum is at $2,300, and Solana is $100.
Now on to sports.
Jim Harbaugh has been signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as their head coach on a five-year,
$80 million contract.
This follows the Chargers' underwhelming 5-in-12 season and the dismissal of Brandon
Staley.
Harbaugh, with a notable coaching record including a national championship at Michigan, is expected
to bring stability and experience to the team.
His arrival is particularly significant for quarterback Justin Herbert, as the Chargers
aim to strengthen their presence in the Los Angeles market.
In a thrilling season series tiebreaker, the Celtics narrowly defeated the Pacers 129-124.
The C's showcased an explosive first half, scoring a season-high 81 points.
However, Indiana fought back, erasing a 20-point deficit and briefly leading in the third quarter.
Key performances from Jason Tatum, Jalen Brown, and Derek White, who contributed significantly
to the Celtics' scoring, helped secure the win.
Notably, Derek White continued his impressive form, especially with his shooting accuracy
and clutch plays.
Christophe Porzingis returned from injury with a double-double for Boston, while Pacers'
Tyrese Halliburton played limited minutes due to a previous injury.
Despite dominating in scoring, the Celtics struggled with rebounding, allowing the Pacers
significant second-chance points.
Next up, the Celtics are at home to play the Lakers tomorrow night.
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 Boston 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 Canton, Wellesley, Hingham, Brookline, and Framingham, just be sure to
tell them Sunny Morning sent you by.
And now, back to the show.
In local news, downtown Boston's latest public art installation, featuring two massive inflatable
clown heads, has sparked a mix of intrigue and unease.
Part of the downtown Boston Business Improvement District's winter-active walkable art experience,
these clowns are wedged between buildings in Harlem Place Alley.
Created by artist Max Stryker, the clowns are designed to appear shocked and alarmed,
drawing varied reactions from the public.
Some find the installation creepy, with comparisons to the work of Junji Ito, a Japanese horror
manga artist.
Despite some criticisms, the exhibit has garnered attention and engagement.
The clowns are one of 16 exhibits, and will be on display until April 14, a week before
the Boston Marathon.
This exhibition, featuring eight artists and design teams from Canada, England, and the
U.S., aims to animate and illuminate Boston's streets, adding to the city's vibrant cultural
scene.
And in entertainment news, Guy Ritchie's latest film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,
presents a unique twist on World War II storytelling.
Set against the war's backdrop, it follows surgeon Gus March Phillips, played by Henry
Cavill, who is recruited into Britain's Special Operations Executive.
The Special Operations Executive focuses on irregular warfare, and March Phillips, known
for his rule-breaking approach, is chosen to lead a risky mission.
The movie's trailer reveals his assembled team of unconventional fighters, played by
Isa Gonzales, Babs Olusemukun, Alan Ripson, Henry Golding, and Alex Pettyfer.
These characters bring a blend of madness and skill to their task of creatively combating
Nazis.
The film, with its action-packed and whimsical approach, is set to be released in theaters
on April 19, promising a fresh take on the genre.
Well, alrighty folks, it's time for the quote of the day.
And today, our quote comes from British writer Vivian Green.
Vivian said,
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
So go get your ponchos and your dancing shoes, cuz it's gonna be a wet one, y'all.
And that's a wrap for this morning.
Remember to stay tuned tomorrow for more news and updates.
Have an amazing day, my good friends.