Good morning and a warm welcome to your show, Sunny Mornings in Boston.
I'm your host, Melissa, and it's Saturday, March 2nd.
Welcome to your bonus episode.
Coming up on today's show, we'll get right into the weather report, and then we'll jump
into the recap of all the best news from the week in sports, tech, business, cryptocurrency,
business, and entertainment.
Checking out the weather in the Boston area.
This morning it's mostly cloudy and feels like 29 degrees, with 7 mile per hour wind.
The sunset will take place at 5.35 p.m. and it will rise again tomorrow at 6.15 a.m.
It looks like we're in for showers, mainly after 2, with a high near 51 and wind for
6 to 9 mile per hour.
Chance of precipitation is 80 percent, with new rain amounts between a tenth and quarter
of an inch.
Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low around 44.
For all you beach runners out there, the first low tide Saturday will be just after 10 a.m.,
with a high tide at 4 p.m.
The nearshore buoy at Cape Cod Bay reads 39 degrees for the water temperature.
Checking ahead in the weather.
We'll see a chance of early morning showers on Sunday, then cloudy skies with a high near
52.
North wind will be 7 to 10 mile per hour.
Sunday night, expect mostly cloudy conditions with a low around 44.
Monday brings a slight chance of afternoon showers, with clouds, and a high near 49.
Monday night, showers may occur after 11 p.m.
Tuesday, another chance of showers under cloudy skies, with a high near 53 and a low of 45.
Wednesday, showers possible after 11 a.m. and mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Now here's the top local news from the week.
In local news, Boston's housing market is currently the hottest in the nation, outpacing
even San Francisco.
Data from Altos Research places the Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy Metro area at the top,
with a market action index score of 60.59, indicating a strong seller's market.
This keet is largely due to a severe lack of inventory, with active single-family listings
in the area significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Real estate agents like Dove Danzi and Nichol highly observe a return to aggressive buyer
tactics, such as paying over asking prices and waiving home inspections.
Interest rates, a key factor affecting the market, are leading to increased buyer activity
as they stabilize.
Despite this, the market isn't as frenzied as during the pandemic peak, with fewer multiple
offer situations.
The average median list price in the metro area has soared to $879,000, reflecting a
substantial increase over the past few years.
As spring approaches, agents anticipate a slight increase in inventory, but properties
in desirable locations are expected to continue selling rapidly.
Sparkle, a 10-week-old Chihuahua, was recently rescued and adopted after being found near
a busy highway in Boston.
A Good Samaritan from Pine Street Inn discovered the 3-pound black puppy wandering close to
Interstate 93 in Dorchester and intervened to prevent potential harm.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston then took Sparkle in, confirming her good health.
After being spayed, she was made available for adoption and quickly found a forever home.
The Animal Rescue League commended the Pine Street Inn resident and staff for their crucial
role in saving and securing a new home for Sparkle.
You can explore the rich biodiversity of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a treasure trove for winter
birdwatching enthusiasts.
Despite its modest size, this region boasts a variety of habitats, from the Mid-Cape's
restored wetlands at Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary to the dense forests of
Dennis' Indian Lands Conservation Area, home to classic New England birds.
The Lower Cape's barrier islands, including the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, offer
a haven for migratory shorebirds.
Meanwhile, the Outer Cape features habitats like the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
supporting hundreds of bird species.
Each area presents unique birdwatching opportunities, making Cape Cod a must-visit for those looking
to expand their horizons in the winter months.
Authorities have urged ships to slow down off the Cape Cod coast after spotting 31 endangered
North Atlantic right whales feeding near the surface, a rare sight observed by New England
aquarium scientists during an aerial survey.
This unusual feeding behavior, potentially linked to climate change, prompts concerns
as right whales, with a population of only 360, face threats from vessel strikes, fishing
gear entanglements, and climate impacts on their food supply.
In response, a voluntary slow zone has been extended to March 7th, requiring ships to
reduce speeds to protect these whales.
Past incidents, including a whale-named caterpillar who survived a ship strike, highlight the
dangers even from slow-moving vessels.
Here's what's going on in Boston this weekend.
Warren Wolf's vibrant jazz performance at Schuller's Jazz Club promises an evening
of musical brilliance with his mastery over the vibraphone.
Matt Front is set to dazzle at the crystal ballroom with his impressive array of celebrity
impressions showcasing a unique comedic talent.
The fall provides an intriguing look into New York's 1960s counterculture, screening
at the Harvard Film Archive for history enthusiasts.
Burnaby's performance at TD Garden marks a significant moment in global pop, celebrating
afro beats with a concert that promises to be unforgettable.
Mutoid Man's concert at the Sinclair brings a distinctive blend of metal and fun, offering
a lively alternative to the genre's typical seriousness.
The Museum of Fine Arts is hosting, winners, closing the Boston Festival of Films from
Iran with a touching narrative that explores the impact of cinema on the world.
Now onto sports.
Hootie Bellinger, once a star with the Dodgers, has reportedly signed a three-year, $80 million
deal with the Chicago Cubs.
This comes a year after the Dodgers decided against offering him arbitration.
Bellinger's journey saw highs and lows.
He was the 2019 National League MVP and 2017 Rookie of the Year, but his performance dipped
significantly in subsequent seasons due to injuries.
Despite these challenges, he had a remarkable resurgence with the Cubs in 2023, leading
to this lucrative contract.
The deal includes opt-out clauses after the first two years, offering flexibility.
Bellinger's agent, Scott Boris, attributes his earlier struggles to injuries, but is
optimistic about his client's future.
This contract represents a significant turn in Bellinger's career, highlighting his
potential as a valuable player in Major League Baseball.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, teams are closely analyzing the draft prospects.
Key quarterbacks like USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake May are in the
spotlight.
Wide receivers, including Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., are also drawing attention,
though it's been rumored he won't actually work out.
New head coaches in G&S, such as the Chargers' Jim Harbaugh, face scrutiny, and the future
of quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins is a hot topic.
Each team has unique priorities, with some focusing on upgrading specific positions like
wide receiver or quarterback, while others negotiate contracts or strategize for the
draft.
This event is crucial for shaping team rosters and strategies for the upcoming season, but
we are hearing rumblings that a lot of the so-called stars won't be showcasing their
talent.
The Chicago Bears, holding the number one overall pick in the NFL draft for the second
consecutive year, face a pivotal decision regarding quarterback Justin Fields' future
with the team.
General Manager Rand Pulse hinted at a potential trade of fields if the team opts for a quarterback
with their top pick, emphasizing the desire to treat fields fairly in the process.
With USC's Caleb Williams being a highly anticipated prospect, the Bears' strategy
remains under wraps.
Amidst speculation of trading the number one pick again, Pulse assures that any decision
will prioritize the Bears' best interest without succumbing to external pressures.
Fields, after a season of mixed performances and recent controversies over his social
media actions, seeks clarity on his position, which Pulse acknowledges promising ongoing
communication with fields representatives.
In a comprehensive NFL survey, the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings emerged as top NFL
teams, praised by players across various categories.
Conversely, the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders ranked at the bottom.
With over 1,700 players participating, the survey evaluated teams on aspects from facilities
to staff.
Despite the Chief's success on the field, their facilities, nutrition, and training
support were criticized.
The survey aims not to shame, but to encourage improvements.
Notably, the Jacksonville Jaguars made significant progress, climbing to fifth overall after
addressing previous criticisms, including facility conditions.
I guess it's true.
Everything good does come to an end.
The Philadelphia Phillies have discontinued their longstanding $1 hot dog night, a decision
driven by their commitment to ensuring a positive fan experience at Citizens Bank Park.
For over 25 years, this promotion was a fan favorite, offering affordable snacks during
games.
However, recent events, including fans throwing the hot dogs and other safety concerns, have
led to its cancellation.
In place of the dollar dogs, the Phillies will offer a two-for-one hot dog deal on select
dates in April.
This change reflects the organization's effort to manage crowds more effectively and maintain
a family-friendly environment.
What a bummer.
Now you'll have to buy two hot dogs at the same time, just so you can throw them.
In top news, the U.S. electric vehicle market is growing, not declining.
In the last quarter of 2023, EV sales increased by 40%, hitting over 1 million sales.
However, there are some challenges, include high prices, limited charging infrastructure,
and complex tax credits.
Also, most electric vehicles are pricey, which led Ford to cut prices for the Mach-E and
develop cheaper models.
The U.S. needs more fast chargers, currently having less than $40,000 against a requirement
of $182,000 by 2030.
Automakers are investing in expanding this network.
Tax credit rules for EVs are intricate, affecting consumer decisions.
But leasing has become popular, allowing broader access to tax credits.
Despite these issues, the EV market is actually on an upward trajectory.
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York has received a monumental $1 billion
donation from Dr. Ruth Gottsman, enabling the institution to offer free tuition to its
students.
Dr. Gottsman, a former faculty member and chair of the school's board for 55 years,
dedicated this gift to her late husband, David Sandy Gottsman, a notable investor in Berkshire
Hathaway.
This donation, the largest ever to a medical school in the U.S., is part of the Gottsman's
longstanding commitment to healthcare philanthropy.
Dr. Ruth Gottsman's impactful career at the college includes founding the adult literacy
program and the Emily Fisher Landa Center for the Treatment of Learning Disabilities.
This transformative gift aims to attract diverse, talented students, relieving them of the burden
of educational debt, which averages over $200,000 for medical graduates.
Starting this August, all students at the college will benefit from this free tuition.
Researchers have developed an app named MindEar, designed to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus,
a condition characterized by a persistent ringing in the ears.
In initial trials involving 30 participants, nearly two-thirds reported significant improvements.
MindEar incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, relaxation exercises,
and sound therapy, aiming to train the brain to ignore the bothersome noise of tinnitus.
The app's development is a response to the challenges of accessing traditional treatments,
which often require expensive and scarce psychological services.
With plans for larger trials, in collaboration with the University College of London Hospital,
MindEar represents a promising step towards accessible treatment for tinnitus sufferers.
The recent shakeup at Disney with Sean Bailey stepping down and David Greenbaum stepping
up reflects broader strategic shifts amid financial pressures and a creative stalemate.
Bailey's departure, after a successful tenure with blockbuster live-action remakes, points
to changing audience tastes and the challenges of refreshing Disney's cinematic offerings.
Greenbaum's promotion suggests a move towards leveraging strong filmmaker relationships
and possibly infusing Disney's slate with fresh, Arthouse-driven perspectives.
This transition comes as Disney navigates succession planning with CEO Bob Iger's
eventual departure looming, positioning Alan Bergman and other executives as potential
successors.
The reshuffle underlines Disney's quest to rejuvenate its film segment while balancing
traditional strengths with new creative directions.
Aging doesn't have to mean a steep decline in physical and mental health, according to
longevity-focused physician Dr. Peter Attia.
In his book Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity, the author explores how proactive
measures can significantly enhance life quality in later years.
He emphasizes training over mere exercise, advocating for a deliberate approach to maintaining
fitness across decades.
This concept is encapsulated in the centenarian decathlon, where individuals tailor their
fitness goals to life's practical challenges.
Thaati's Performance Center, 10 Squared, aims to equip people for these challenges
through focused training in strength, stability, and cardio.
However, Attia also highlights the importance of emotional health.
Underscoring that happiness and relationships are crucial at any age.
His work suggests that both physical and emotional well-being can flourish with age, provided
there's consistent effort towards them.
And business news, this week major retailers like Macy's, Urban Outfitters, Best Buy,
and TJX Report earnings amidst cautious market sentiments.
Shoppers have prioritized essentials over clothing and electronics due to higher grocery
and gas prices.
Macy's, facing leadership changes and takeover bids, reports on Tuesday.
Analysts are wary due to challenging mall traffic and evolving fashion relevance.
Urban Outfitters, also reporting Tuesday, grapples with price-sensitive younger customers
and is reinvigorating its brand appeal.
TJX reports Wednesday, potentially benefiting from a shift to off-price retailing amidst
economic pressures.
Best Buy, reporting Thursday, might see a demand uptick for electronics as consumers
replace aging devices.
These reports follow Walmart's indication of lower general merchandise prices impacting
retailer profits.
Additionally, results from Vizio, AMC Entertainment, Domino's, Papa John's, Dell, and Lowe's
are expected.
Paramount Global's Wednesday report is notable amid the streaming industry's spending cuts
and potential mergers and acquisition activity.
The Week also brings insights into cloud services demand with Salesforce, Snowflake, Okta, and
Workday reporting reflecting on employers' tech budgets and AI demand.
MicroStrategy, led by Michael Saylor, has further invested in Bitcoin, purchasing approximately
3,000 tokens for $155.4 million this February.
This acquisition, made with cash, boosts the company's total Bitcoin holdings to around
$193,000, valued at nearly $10 billion.
Saylor, who sees Bitcoin as an inflation hedge and a cash alternative, started this strategy
in 2020.
Since then, Bitcoin's value has surged by about 460%.
The recent purchase's average price was $5,180.00 per token compared to their overall
average holding cost of $31,500.
Despite market fluctuations, MicroStrategy shows no signs of selling, with Saylor commenting
on Bloomberg TV about the prudence of holding onto a winner.
Crestbrook Insurance Company, under Nationwide, is exiting the California home insurance market
by June 15, 2025, ceasing renewals for its wealthy clientele.
This decision reflects a broader strategy to streamline Nationwide's operations, focusing
on sustainability and competitive pricing across diverse customer needs.
Despite Crestbrook's departure affecting a small fraction of Nationwide's portfolio,
it underscores the insurance industry's ongoing adjustments to market dynamics.
The Nationwide shift aims to consolidate its personal insurance offerings under one brand,
targeting a broader range of affluent customers.
Michael Saylor, the chairman of MicroStrategy, experienced a significant increase in wealth,
gaining about $700 million due to a surge in both his company's stock and Bitcoin
prices over the last three days.
MicroStrategy, primarily valued for its substantial Bitcoin holdings, saw its shares rise by 40%.
Saylor, the company's largest shareholder with a 12% stake and a personal Bitcoin ownership
of 17,732 units, saw his combined holdings escalate to nearly $3 billion.
This financial boost coincides with Bitcoin reaching its highest value since November
2021, emphasizing Saylor's confidence in the digital currency as a solid investment
strategy.
Majorly Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association have finalized their merger, marking
a significant step for Professional Pickleball.
This unification ends months of negotiations and hostilities, creating a combined force
in the sport.
A substantial $75 million investment accompanies the merger, involving notable entities like
SC Holdings and other individual investors, such as Altilus and Tondunden.
While retaining their distinct brands, the leagues will operate under a new holding company,
aiming to streamline and enhance Professional Pickleball.
The merger promises a richer calendar of events and significantly increased payouts for players,
nearly 250% higher than last year.
However, amidst this advancement, players express concerns over unpaid earnings from
past tournaments.
This consolidation is poised to benefit players, fans, and sponsors, promising a more coherent
and exciting future for the sport.
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 science.
Scientists at the Technical University of Dortmund, in Germany, have achieved a significant
breakthrough in physics by creating a time crystal that lasted about 40 minutes, significantly
longer than previous ones which only lasted a few milliseconds.
Time crystals, a new state of matter, have atoms arranged in repeating patterns in time,
unlike traditional crystals which are arranged in space.
This particular time crystal was made using a semiconductor crystal of indium gallium
arsenide doped with silicon, cooled to 6 Kelvin, and then exposed to laser light.
This process resulted in nuclear spins that oscillated continuously for 40 minutes without
decaying, indicating the potential for even longer-lasting time crystals.
This discovery could revolutionize quantum computing, where time crystals might serve
as qubits.
This advancement not only challenges our current understanding of physics, but also opens up
new avenues for technological innovation.
And be sure to stay tuned tomorrow for an explanation of qubits.
Yesterday we had our minds blown talking about time crystals, and as promised, today we explain
what a qubit actually is.
Qbits or quantum bits are the fundamental units of quantum computing, similar to bits
in classical computing.
All of it is a binary unit that can be either 0 or 1.
A qubit differs significantly.
They can exist not only as 0 or 1, but also in a state of superposition, where it embodies
both values simultaneously.
This unique trait arises from quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement.
Qbits are made from quantum systems, such as electrons or photons, and have two distinct
states representing 0 and 1.
They're versatile, being able to undergo incompatible measurements and entangle with
other qubits.
This ability enables quantum computers to perform complex computations far beyond the
scope of classical computers.
Qubits come in various forms, including spin, trapped atoms and ions, photons, and superconducting
circuits, each with unique properties suited for different quantum technologies.
In a twist that rekindles interest in the unresolved saga of D.B.
Cooper, Rick McCoy III has stepped forward with a claim that could potentially solve
the decades-old mystery.
According to Rick, his father, Richard Floyd McCoy Jr., a Vietnam veteran and skilled
parachutist, was the infamous skyjacker known as D.B.
Cooper.
This assertion is grounded in a startling confession from Rick's mother, who purportedly
admitted to aiding her husband in the audacious 1971 hijacking, where Cooper parachuted into
the night with $200,000 and disappeared.
Richard McCoy Jr. was no stranger to the law, having been apprehended for a similar hijacking
in 1972, which quickly led to his capture.
This earlier crime ended in his escape from prison and death in a police confrontation
in 1974.
Rick McCoy's revelation introduces a familial dimension to the D.B.
Cooper case, implicating his mother as an accomplice and suggesting a deeper conspiracy.
The FBI, intrigued by this new lead, has reopened the investigation into Cooper's identity.
With Rick providing DNA evidence in an attempt to validate his claims, this development offers
a glimmer of hope in unraveling one of aviation history's most enduring mysteries.
Apple has decided to terminate its decade-long endeavor to create its own electric vehicle,
known as Project Titan, redirecting its focus towards generative artificial intelligence.
The move reflects a strategic pivot amid evolving industry challenges and competitive pressures,
particularly from Tesla's advancements.
While some Project Titan employees will transition to AI projects, many will not.
This shift underscores Apple's recalibration of priorities towards areas like AI, believed
to offer more immediate synergies with its core consumer electronics business.
The cancellation marks a significant shift from Apple's initial ambitions in autonomous
driving, highlighting the complexities of automotive manufacturing and the competitive
landscape.
Researchers at Armit University in Australia have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed
titanium they call metamaterial that could revolutionize the engineering field.
Inspired by the natural structures of plants and coral, this metamaterial addresses the
long-standing challenge of metal alloys cracking under pressure.
The team's innovative design features lattice-like structures with hollow struts enhanced by
a thin band to evenly distribute stress, avoiding weak points.
Utilizing advanced powderbed fusion technology, they created a material that outperforms traditional
alloys in strength and temperature resistance.
This new material not only withstands more weight, but also high temperatures, making
it ideal for aerospace engineering and potentially firefighting drones.
Its hollow structure is also seen as beneficial for human bone implants, promoting cell regrowth
and integration with the body.
Although not yet widely accessible, technological advancements may soon allow broader application
of this transformative metamaterial.
And in entertainment news, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav just announced a significant
shift in streaming strategy, confirming that HBO Max will be bundled with a new sports
streaming service launching this fall in partnership with Disney and Fox.
This move aligns with Zaslav's long-standing advocacy for bundling to simplify consumer
experiences and drive business growth.
The bundling strategy, reflecting a pivot back to traditional cable bundle benefits,
aims to streamline access to diverse content across multiple platforms.
Despite some controversial decisions, Zaslav's approach has led to profitability in the Warner
Bros. Discovery streaming segment, signaling potential future savings for consumers through
more integrated streaming services.
Kevin Costner, renowned for his roles in Westerns, is set to captivate audiences with his latest
project, Horizon, an American saga.
This ambitious cinematic endeavor, directed co-written and starring Costner, unfolds across
four separate movies.
The saga, set in the post-Civil War era, promises a fresh perspective on Westerns, moving away
from the conventional town-based narratives.
Costner describes this project as the biggest struggle of his career, both in ambition and
budget.
The star-studded cast includes Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Gina Malone, and more.
The story explores the tumultuous period of the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, delving into
the experiences of various families and individuals during this critical time in American history.
The first chapter of this epic tale is set to release in theaters on June 28th, followed
by the second chapter on August 16th.
Fans of Costner and Westerns alike eagerly await this groundbreaking series, but we are
all a little peeved that he bailed on the finale of Yellowstone, one of the best drama
series of the last 20 years.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor respond to director Doug Liman's boycott of the Roadhouse
remake amidst the film's release controversy.
Gyllenhaal, playing Dalton, acknowledges Liman's advocacy for theatrical releases, but emphasizes
Amazon's clarity on the film being streaming only.
He advocates for broad viewership in changing times, appreciating Liman's passion for cinema.
McGregor, playing Knox, also supports data releases but recognizes the business aspect,
expressing a wish to discuss the release plans with Amazon's CEO, Jeff Bezos.
The controversy stems from Liman's critique of Amazon's decision for a streaming release
over a theater release, despite prior discussions of a possible theatrical run.
Roadhouse is set to release on Amazon March 21st.
Sony Pictures has made a groundbreaking move by signing a deal with The Beatles and Apple
to create four interconnected films, each spotlighting a member of the iconic band.
Directed by Sam Mendes, the ambitious plan is to release all four movies in 2027.
This unprecedented project aims to bring The Beatles' story to the big screen in a way
that honors their legacy, exploring the individual journeys of the Fab Four.
The films are expected to start production in mid-2025 in the United Kingdom.
This strategy marks a bold approach in film distribution and storytelling, reflecting
Sony's commitment to innovation and the enduring appeal of The Beatles' music and cultural
impact.
Warner Brothers executives Michael DeLuca and Pam Addy are making bold moves, courting
big names like Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio, and eyeing Quentin Tarantino's next project.
In a strategic partnership with Tom Cruise, they discussed potential projects, including
a sequel to Edge of Tomorrow and Tarantino's The Movie Critic.
Their aggressive strategy includes attracting A-list directors and stars, underlined by
a non-exclusive deal with Cruise and a lucrative contract for DiCaprio's next film.
Warner Brothers is also granting unusual concessions, like copyright returns to directors, signaling
a willingness to spend, to secure top talent.
This approach is part of a broader strategy, potentially aimed at enhancing Warner Brothers'
value ahead of possible corporate sales or mergers.
Well, alrighty folks, it's time for the quote of the day.
And today, our quote comes from the always motivating Chuck Norris.
And Mr. Norris said, a lot of people give up just before they're about to make it.
And you never know when that next obstacle is going to be the last one.
Don't give up, we're almost there.
And that's a wrap for this morning.
Have an amazing day, my good friends.
Thanks for tuning in.