1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,640 Good morning and a warm welcome to your show, Sunny Mornings in Boston. 2 00:00:06,640 --> 00:00:12,080 We're the daily podcast that gets you started on the right foot and always with a positive 3 00:00:12,080 --> 00:00:13,080 vibe. 4 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:17,520 I'm your host, Melissa, and it's Friday, February 2nd. 5 00:00:17,520 --> 00:00:22,160 You'll be interested to know, today is Groundhog Day. 6 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:30,840 137 years ago, in 1887, the first Groundhog Day was held in Ponsutani, Pennsylvania. 7 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:36,360 Originating from ancient Celtic and Christian festivals, it later evolved with German immigrants 8 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:40,600 in America, substituting the groundhog for the badger. 9 00:00:40,600 --> 00:00:46,680 The famed Ponsutani fill in Pennsylvania has become a major media event, although his predictions 10 00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:49,280 show less than 40% accuracy. 11 00:00:49,280 --> 00:00:54,880 That's about the same rate of flying safely in a Boeing 737 MAX. 12 00:00:54,880 --> 00:00:58,640 It's funny, but not funny. 13 00:00:58,640 --> 00:01:02,040 Now let's check out the weather in the Boston area. 14 00:01:02,040 --> 00:01:07,920 This morning it's mostly cloudy and feels like 31 degrees, with 4 mile per hour wind. 15 00:01:07,920 --> 00:01:15,680 Tonight, the sun will set at 4.59 p.m. and it will rise again tomorrow at 6.56 a.m. 16 00:01:15,680 --> 00:01:21,400 It looks like we're in for a mostly cloudy day with a high near 42 and west wind 5 to 17 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:23,200 9 mile per hour. 18 00:01:23,200 --> 00:01:30,320 Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low around 26 and north wind around 11 mile per hour. 19 00:01:30,320 --> 00:01:37,520 The first low tide Thursday will be at 10.30 a.m. with a high tide around 4.30 p.m. 20 00:01:37,520 --> 00:01:45,560 The nearshore buoy at Cape Cod Bay reads 40 degrees for the water temperature. 21 00:01:45,560 --> 00:01:51,800 Looking ahead in the weather, we'll see sunny skies on Saturday with a high near 36 degrees 22 00:01:51,800 --> 00:01:54,820 and a north wind around 11 mile per hour. 23 00:01:54,820 --> 00:01:58,280 The night will be mostly clear with a low around 25. 24 00:01:58,280 --> 00:02:03,120 This pattern of sunny days and mostly clear nights continues through Monday, with highs 25 00:02:03,120 --> 00:02:07,200 in the mid-30s and lows around 25 degrees. 26 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:11,320 From Tuesday to Wednesday, expect partly sunny days with highs in the mid-30s. 27 00:02:11,320 --> 00:02:17,120 Bonjour, food enthusiasts. 28 00:02:17,120 --> 00:02:22,800 This podcast is brought to you by Versailles Cafe and Pastries in Encinitas. 29 00:02:22,800 --> 00:02:29,200 Nestled on El Camino Real South, just north of Encinitas Boulevard, this cafe is a haven 30 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:32,000 for culinary delights. 31 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:37,560 Indulge in their amazing eggs Benedict or their gluten-free crepes. 32 00:02:37,560 --> 00:02:42,320 You can grab a panini for lunch or just breeze on through to get your morning coffee. 33 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:46,320 They are open every day from 8 to 5. 34 00:02:46,320 --> 00:02:49,760 So stop on by and don't forget to tell them. 35 00:02:49,760 --> 00:02:53,520 Sunny mornings send you. 36 00:02:53,520 --> 00:02:59,640 In top news, in a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at Stanford University, leading 37 00:02:59,640 --> 00:03:05,280 an international team, have shed light on why autoimmune diseases predominantly affect 38 00:03:05,280 --> 00:03:06,920 women. 39 00:03:06,920 --> 00:03:13,280 These diseases, which include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, impact around 80% of women among 40 00:03:13,280 --> 00:03:14,760 their sufferers. 41 00:03:14,760 --> 00:03:21,260 The key lies in a molecule called Zist, unique to women, which plays a crucial role in inactivating 42 00:03:21,260 --> 00:03:24,700 one of the two X chromosomes in females. 43 00:03:24,700 --> 00:03:31,560 This process, while essential, seems to inadvertently generate molecular complexes linked to autoimmune 44 00:03:31,560 --> 00:03:33,320 diseases. 45 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:38,560 This finding, detailed in the journal called Cell, could pave the way for earlier detection 46 00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:41,680 and more effective treatments of these conditions. 47 00:03:41,680 --> 00:03:47,160 Although it doesn't fully explain the occurrence of autoimmune diseases in men, it's a significant 48 00:03:47,160 --> 00:03:52,000 step in understanding these complex ailments. 49 00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:54,960 Now let's talk technology. 50 00:03:54,960 --> 00:04:01,400 Meta's Reality Labs, responsible for virtual and augmented reality technology, recorded 51 00:04:01,400 --> 00:04:08,200 a substantial operating loss of $4.65 billion in the fourth quarter. 52 00:04:08,200 --> 00:04:14,640 Despite generating over $1 billion in sales, this marks the unit's largest quarterly loss, 53 00:04:14,640 --> 00:04:20,440 contributing to a total loss of over $42 billion since 2020. 54 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:25,720 This heavy investment in the metaverse faces new competition as Apple launches its Vision 55 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:26,920 Pro headset. 56 00:04:26,920 --> 00:04:35,480 Meanwhile, the VR and air market experienced a 40% decline in sales in 2023. 57 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:41,000 Let us push into the metaverse with products like the Quest 3 VR headset, is part of a 58 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:53,960 broader strategy to pioneer what Mark Zuckerberg calls the next frontier after the mobile internet. 59 00:04:53,960 --> 00:05:00,480 And business news, US stocks rallied today, recovering from the year's worst sell-off. 60 00:05:00,480 --> 00:05:09,840 The S&P 500 climbed 1.2%, the Dow Jones rose nearly 1%, and the NASDAQ led with a 1.3% 61 00:05:09,840 --> 00:05:10,960 gain. 62 00:05:10,960 --> 00:05:15,840 This rebound comes as investors adjust to the Federal Reserve's rate plans and anticipate 63 00:05:15,840 --> 00:05:18,120 major tech earnings. 64 00:05:18,120 --> 00:05:23,080 Fed Chair Jerome Powell's recent comments suggest rate cuts are unlikely at the Fed's 65 00:05:23,080 --> 00:05:27,800 next meeting, shifting expectations to May. 66 00:05:27,800 --> 00:05:33,400 Tech giants Apple, Amazon, and Meta are poised to release earnings following Microsoft and 67 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:37,160 Alphabet's results that didn't meet investor expectations. 68 00:05:37,160 --> 00:05:42,480 Additionally, the job market state will be revealed in the upcoming Non-Farm Payrolls 69 00:05:42,480 --> 00:05:47,720 Report, adding another dimension to this week's financial narrative. 70 00:05:47,720 --> 00:06:03,920 In crypto, Bitcoin is up around 43,000, Ethereum is at 2,200, and Dogecoin is about 8 cents. 71 00:06:03,920 --> 00:06:05,880 Now on to sports. 72 00:06:05,880 --> 00:06:12,400 The 2024 NHL All-Star Game is hosted by the Toronto Maple Leafs this year, marking their 73 00:06:12,400 --> 00:06:15,600 first hosting since 2000. 74 00:06:15,600 --> 00:06:20,320 This event features a return to traditional skills competitions, contrasting the creative 75 00:06:20,320 --> 00:06:23,480 editions in previous years. 76 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:29,200 Competitions include shooting, skating, passing, breakaways, and stick handling. 77 00:06:29,200 --> 00:06:34,320 There is also a three-on-three tournament, which reintroduces the team selection by captains, 78 00:06:34,320 --> 00:06:38,120 a practice last seen in 2015. 79 00:06:38,120 --> 00:06:44,520 Viewers can catch the draft on ESPN2, the skills competition on ESPN, and the All-Star 80 00:06:44,520 --> 00:06:46,500 Game on ABC. 81 00:06:46,500 --> 00:06:50,720 For live streaming, ESPN Plus is the go-to. 82 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:54,200 And last night in Lakers at Celtics. 83 00:06:54,200 --> 00:07:02,320 Without their star duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers secured a surprising 114-105 84 00:07:02,320 --> 00:07:05,520 victory over the Boston Celtics. 85 00:07:05,520 --> 00:07:13,000 The Celtics, after a dominant 22-2 start at TD Garden, faced only their third home loss. 86 00:07:13,000 --> 00:07:19,360 Austin Reeves emerged as the unexpected hero for the Lakers, scoring 32 points and achieving 87 00:07:19,360 --> 00:07:23,560 a personal best with seven three-pointers. 88 00:07:23,560 --> 00:07:29,800 The Lakers defense effectively limited Celtic stars Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown. 89 00:07:29,800 --> 00:07:34,480 This big win is particularly meaningful for the Lakers, who are in the ninth spot in the 90 00:07:34,480 --> 00:07:39,880 Western Conference, as it comes during a critical six-game road stretch. 91 00:07:39,880 --> 00:07:44,480 The win, combined with their earlier success against the Golden State Warriors, offers 92 00:07:44,480 --> 00:07:50,880 hope for a team striving to improve their playoff chances. 93 00:07:50,880 --> 00:07:53,520 Moving on to a more local vibe. 94 00:07:53,520 --> 00:08:00,200 In our community spotlight on health and wellness, we are working with a national Pilates studio 95 00:08:00,200 --> 00:08:04,440 to bring you some free classes, so listen up. 96 00:08:04,440 --> 00:08:08,680 Check out Club Pilates with several locations in the Boston area. 97 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:14,800 Pilates presents a comprehensive wellness approach, cultivating strength, reducing tension, 98 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:18,080 and elevating mental well-being. 99 00:08:18,080 --> 00:08:21,280 Scientific research affirms its benefits. 100 00:08:21,280 --> 00:08:25,520 So now you can check out Club Pilates for a free class. 101 00:08:25,520 --> 00:08:31,840 With locations in Canton, Wellesley, Hingham, Brookline, and Framingham, just be sure to 102 00:08:31,840 --> 00:08:35,840 tell them Sunny Morning sent you by. 103 00:08:35,840 --> 00:08:40,560 And now, back to the show. 104 00:08:40,560 --> 00:08:42,400 In local news. 105 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:49,080 John Henry, the billionaire owner of Fenway Sports Group, has expanded his sports empire. 106 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:56,400 His consortium, Strategic Sports Group, inked a $3 billion partnership with a PGA Tour. 107 00:08:56,400 --> 00:09:02,800 This deal grants them a minority share in PG Day Tour enterprises, offering almost 200 108 00:09:02,800 --> 00:09:08,320 pro-golfer's, equity worth over $1.5 billion. 109 00:09:08,320 --> 00:09:14,240 The PGA Tour, known for its rivalry with Live Golf, has moved towards collaboration, ending 110 00:09:14,240 --> 00:09:16,320 pending litigation. 111 00:09:16,320 --> 00:09:23,360 Henry's net worth is estimated at $5.1 billion, and his portfolio includes the Boston Red 112 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:28,920 Sox, Liverpool Football Club, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and more. 113 00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:32,400 Maybe it's about time to find some new owners for the Sox. 114 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:37,440 There isn't a single sports fan in Boston who likes John Henry, and frankly it's just 115 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:39,200 time for him to go. 116 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:47,040 I'm sure Pittsburgh will welcome him with open arms. 117 00:09:47,040 --> 00:09:49,640 And in entertainment news. 118 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:54,320 Disney is set to enforce a ban on password sharing for its streaming services. 119 00:09:54,320 --> 00:09:59,140 Disney+, Vulo, and ESPN+. 120 00:09:59,140 --> 00:10:05,040 This move, announced in an email to Hulu's subscribers, will start on March 14. 121 00:10:05,040 --> 00:10:08,620 Violations could lead to account limitations or termination. 122 00:10:08,620 --> 00:10:14,320 This follows Netflix's successful crackdown on password sharing, which significantly increased 123 00:10:14,320 --> 00:10:16,440 its subscriber count. 124 00:10:16,440 --> 00:10:25,200 Disney, CEO Bob Iger, had previously indicated tackling password sharing as a 2024 priority. 125 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:30,080 Further details are expected in Disney's fiscal first quarter earnings call on February 126 00:10:30,080 --> 00:10:31,320 7. 127 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:33,440 Sorry for the lame news. 128 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:38,440 Well, alrighty folks, it's time for the quote of the day. 129 00:10:38,440 --> 00:10:42,520 And today our quote comes from Mark Twain. 130 00:10:42,520 --> 00:10:49,840 Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel which has crushed it. 131 00:10:49,840 --> 00:10:51,880 Deep. 132 00:10:51,880 --> 00:10:54,000 And that's a wrap for this week. 133 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:55,320 We did it. 134 00:10:55,320 --> 00:10:59,440 Keep an eye out tomorrow for a bonus episode. 135 00:10:59,440 --> 00:11:01,840 Have an amazing weekend, my good friends. 136 00:11:01,840 --> 00:11:05,200 We'll be back soon with another Sunny Mornings podcast. 137 00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:25,200 Thanks for tuning in.