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 Monday, February 19th.
You'll be interested to know, 146 years ago today, in 1878, Thomas Edison patented the
phonograph.
The phonograph, which records sound on tinfoil cylinders, was inspired by his telegraph and
telephone work.
Initially a novelty, it evolved with improvements like wax cylinders and floating stylus, mainly
used by experts.
The Edison-speaking phonograph company was formed in 1878.
Later, Edison's company introduced more user-friendly models, expanding its use in
entertainment and business, maintaining relevance despite emerging competing formats.
Now that I feel like I've learned something, let's check out the weather in the Boston
area.
This morning it's sunny and feels like 19 degrees, with 13 mph wind.
The sunset will take place at 5.20 pm and it will rise again tomorrow at 6.34 am.
It looks like we're in for a sunny day with a high near 38 and west wind 10 to 13 mph.
Tonight, clear with a low around 20 and west wind 7 to 9 mph.
The first high tide Monday will be just after 7 am with a low tide just after 1.30 pm.
The nearshore buoy at Cape Cod Bay reads 38 degrees for the water temperature.
Looking ahead in the weather, we'll see a sunny Tuesday with a high near 36 degrees,
followed by a clear night at 25.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny, reaching 41.
Expect partly sunny skies Thursday at a rainy Friday with highs around 44 to 46 degrees.
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 local news, Boston Pinnacle Properties is set to revitalize downtown Boston by converting
empty office space into 15 new apartments.
This innovative project, located at 281 Franklin Street, aims to transform the upper floors
of the building, which houses Mediterranean Grill Boston, and Dave's Instant Shoe Repair,
into 10 studios and 5 one-bedroom apartments.
It's the first under a pilot program converting vacant offices into residential spaces.
The Boston Planning and Development Agency will review the proposal in March.
The project, costing $1.6 million, includes income-restricted units aligning with inclusionary
zoning requirements.
This plan is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate downtown areas, adapting to
changes in workplace dynamics post-pandemic.
Now on to sports.
The Oakland Athletics potential relocation to Las Vegas is now shrouded in uncertainty.
ESPN reporter Jeff Besson, appearing on Pardon the Interruption, highlighted widespread doubts
about the Movespeed's ability, citing the Athletics' history of organizational miss-outs.
Critically, even Las Vegas mayor has expressed skepticism.
VAs known for their less-than-stellar management have struggled with simple tasks, raising
questions about their capacity to manage such a significant relocation.
This skepticism is rooted in a series of blunders, including a poorly received farewell gift
to Miguel Cabrera and subpar concession stand offerings, reflecting broader issues in fan
engagement and operational confidence.
The complexity of relocating a major sports team adds to the challenge, making the successful
execution of this move appear increasingly uncertain.
In other sports news, the NBA All-Star game was last night.
The East beat the West 2-11 to 1-86.
The Celtics get back to it on Thursday in a road game against the Bulls.
On Saturday in national hockey, the Celtics were hosting the Kings and lost 5-4 in a close
one that went to overtime.
The Bees are expected to make significant moves before the March 8th trade deadline.
General manager Don Sweeney, known for his bowl trades, faces challenges this season
due to limited salary cap space and a depleted prospect pool.
Key acquisitions in the past include Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazer, Hampus Lindholm, Nunez
Treorlov, and Tyler Bertusi.
Potential strategies could involve trading Jake DeBrus, a pending unrestricted free agent,
to gain draft picks or prospects, and targeting players like Noah Hanifin or Chris Tanev to
strengthen defense.
Another option is Alexander Carrier from Nashville for a third-pairing role.
Despite center being a prior concern, Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha have capably filled
top center roles, diminishing the need for high-profile center acquisitions.
We'll see.
Tonight the Bruins are at home taking on the stars.
In top news, scientists are exploring groundbreaking geoengineering techniques to combat climate
change as traditional methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are lagging.
These methods include spraying saltwater into clouds, injecting reflective particles into
the sky, and altering ocean chemistry.
These once-taboo approaches, now receiving funding and attention, aim to reflect sunlight
away from Earth or absorb atmospheric CO2.
For example, a project off Australia's coast seeks to brighten clouds in order to cool
the Great Barrier Reef's waters, while in Israel reflective particles are being tested
to cool the atmosphere.
In Massachusetts, researchers plan to reduce ocean acidity and absorb CO2 by adding sodium
hydroxide to seawater.
While these innovative experiments offer potential short-term climate solutions, they are met
with caution due to risks like altered rainfall patterns or harm to marine life.
The United Nations Environmental Assembly is debating the implications of such interventions,
underlining the delicate balance between innovative solutions and unforeseen consequences.
In business news, with record highs in the stock market, investors are debating the stock
values using various valuation models.
The S&P 500's recent performance raises questions about overvaluation.
Models like the price to earnings ratio, which is currently above its 10-year average, suggest
stocks may be expensive.
Other metrics like the price to book ratio and the equity risk premium also indicate
high valuations.
The price to earnings growth ratio and the cyclically adjusted price to earnings ratio
provide further insights.
These models, combined with economic conditions and company health, help investors gauge market
status.
Notably, tech stocks like Nvidia show high valuations, reflecting their growth potential.
Overall, these indicators suggest a cautious approach in a market that might be reaching
inflated levels.
And speaking of inflated, in crypto movement, Bitcoin is currently just over $52,000, Ethereum
is nearing $3,000, and Solana is $112.
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.
Let's talk tech.
Chinese automaker BYD is exploring Mexico as a potential base for exporting cars to
the U.S.
This move aims to bypass hefty U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles.
BYD's consideration of factory locations in Mexico aligns with a broader trend of Chinese
car industry expansion into North America.
If executed, this strategy would allow BYD to leverage Mexico's lower labor costs and
favorable trade agreements under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada deal.
The move reflects China's growing presence in the global electric vehicle market and
poses a competitive challenge to U.S. and other international automakers.
Despite potential political risks, this strategic shift illustrates the dynamic and increasingly
global nature of the EV industry.
And in entertainment news, at the 2024 Keeples Choice Awards, Lenny Kravitz, now 59, was
honored with the Music Icon Award.
In his acceptance speech, he reflected on his unique journey in the music industry.
Kravitz emphasized staying true to himself.
Despite industry pressures to conform, he turned down early offers that demanded he
change his musical style, which didn't fit conventional categories.
His success, a result of his authenticity and faith, spans over 35 years and includes
four Grammy wins.
Kravitz's mantra, Never Follow the Trends, highlights his commitment to originality.
He also expressed gratitude to his parents and performed a medley of hits, demonstrating
his enduring impact on music.
This recognition comes shortly after his nomination for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying
his status as a true icon in the music world.
Well alrighty folks, it's time for the quote of the day.
And today, our quote comes from Lenny himself.
The legendary frontman said,
I am not trying to change the world.
I am just offering my gift that God gave me.
And if somebody is moved by it, that's beautiful.
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.