Latest / Sunny Mornings Boston / Weekend Weather and Weekly News Recap

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Weekend Weather and Weekly News Recap · Sunny Mornings Boston

• 0:00
  Good morning and a warm welcome to your show, Sunny Mornings in Boston.
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  I'm your host Melissa, and it's Saturday, February 24th.
• 0:13
  Welcome to your bonus episode.
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  Coming up on today's show, we'll get right into the weather outlook.
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  Then we'll jump into the recap of all the best news from the week in sports, tech, science,
• 0:26
  and entertainment.
• 0:28
  So here we go.
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  This morning it's partly cloudy and feels like 27 degrees, with 13 mile per hour wind.
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  The sunset will take place at 5.27 p.m. and it will rise again tomorrow at 6.26 a.m.
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  It looks like we're in for a mostly cloudy mid-morning, then a gradual clearing with
• 0:49
  a high near 36.
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  Northwest wind will be 11 to 15 mile per hour, with gusts as high as 25.
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  Tonight clear with a low around 17 and northwest wind of 7 to 14 mile per hour, with gusts
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  as high as 25.
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  For all you beach runners out there, the first high tide Saturday will be just after 11 a.m.,
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  with a low tide at 5.30 p.m.
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  The nearshore buoy at Cape Cod Bay reads 39 degrees for the water temperature.
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  Looking ahead in the weather, we'll see a sunny Sunday with a high near 38 and northwest
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  wind of 6 to 9 mile per hour.
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  Sunday night turns mostly cloudy with a low around 29 and wind at 13 to 17 mile per hour.
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  Monday brings mostly sunny skies with a high near 51 and west wind of 14 to 17 mile per
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  hour.
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  The night will be partly cloudy with a low around 31.
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  Now here's the top local news from the week.
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  Boston Pinnacle Properties is set to revitalize downtown Boston by converting empty office
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  space into 15 new apartments.
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  This innovative project, located at 281 Franklin Street, aims to transform the upper floors
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  of the building, which houses Mediterranean Grill Boston, and Dave's Instant Shoe Repair,
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  into 10 studios and five one-bedroom apartments.
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  It's the first under a pilot program converting vacant offices into residential spaces.
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  The Boston Planning and Development Agency will review the proposal in March.
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  The project, costing $1.6 million, includes income-restricted units aligning with inclusionary
• 2:48
  zoning requirements.
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  This plan is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate downtown areas, adapting to
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  changes in workplace dynamics post-pandemic.
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  TD Garden is introducing a new bag policy with advanced AI screening technology.
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  Starting immediately, only small bags measuring no more than 6 by 4 by 1.5 inches will be
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  permitted, with exceptions for diaper bags and medical necessities.
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  For oversized bags, mobile lockers on Legends Way are available for storage, opening two
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  hours before events and closing 90 minutes after.
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  This change aims to enhance security and streamline entry.
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  The Garden is also replacing metal detectors with AI-based tools from Evolve technology.
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  Guests are required to remove mobile devices from pockets and have tickets ready for a
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  smoother, quicker entry experience.
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  Glenn Thornborough, president of TD Garden and COO of The Bruins, emphasizes the commitment
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  to guest safety and an improved entry process.
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  In the Boston metro area, home vacancies reached a 20-year low, with just 0.4% of homes vacant
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  and for sale at the end of 2023.
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  This figure indicates a tight housing market, as reported by Axios.
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  For much of the last decade, vacancies in greater Boston have remained under 1%.
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  Although homeowner vacancies increased slightly between 2020 and 2022, home sale prices continue
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  to soar.
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  Rental vacancies also declined in 2022.
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  In response to low inventory, U.S. homebuilders are increasing new construction.
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  Nationally, homeowner vacancies were at a near-record low of 0.9% in the fourth quarter.
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  However, experts emphasize the need for a diverse mix of housing to address the housing
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  shortage.
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  In greater Boston, permits for new housing rose over the past decade, but the housing
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  stock is still limited and costly.
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  Some suburbs like Newton and Dedham have permitted fewer new constructions, resisting state efforts
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  to increase multifamily housing near train stops.
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  Bedford stands out, having permitted the most new housing in Massachusetts.
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  Meanwhile, Boston and other major cities are considering converting old office spaces into
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  housing, with tax incentives for developers pursuing such projects.
• 5:35
  A sanctuary cat cafe, set to open next month in Beacon Hill, is on everyone's radar.
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  This unique cafe combines a love for books and cats, offering guests a chance to sip
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  locally sourced drinks, enjoy baked goods, and relax with friendly felines.
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  Located at 80 Charles Street, it will be Boston's only cat cafe, featuring a micro bookstore
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  where you can reserve a spot to read with a cat by your side.
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  Sanctuary aims to create an inclusive space, evident in thoughtful design choices.
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  The cafe will open in phases, starting with the cafe and bookstore, followed by the cat
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  lounge.
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  Yaw opportunities are available, with more positions opening soon.
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  Stay up to date on progress and job openings through Sanctuary's newsletter and Instagram.
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  At Buxton School in Massachusetts, a unique policy bans smartphones and replaces them
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  with basic dumb phones.
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  This decision, made two years ago, aims to minimize classroom disruptions and improve
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  student engagement.
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  Teachers noticed that smartphones were detracting from learning and social interactions.
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  Students initially resisted, but gradually saw the benefits, like enhanced communication
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  during meals.
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  The school maintains internet access, ensuring connectivity.
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  Nationwide, over 75% of US schools restrict non-academic phone use, reflecting a growing
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  trend to limit digital distractions in education.
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  Buxton's approach represents a blend of traditional and modern educational methods.
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  Now on to sports.
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  The Oakland Athletics potential relocation to Las Vegas is now shrouded in uncertainty.
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  ESPN reporter Jeff Besson, appearing on Pardon the Interruption, highlighted widespread doubts
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  about the Movespeed's ability, citing the Athletics' history of organizational miss-outs.
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  Critically, even Las Vegas mayor has expressed skepticism.
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  The Hayes, known for their less-than-stellar management, have struggled with simple tasks,
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  raising questions about their capacity to manage such a significant relocation.
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  This skepticism is rooted in a series of blunders, including a poorly received farewell gift
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  to Miguel Cabrera and subpar concession stand offerings, reflecting broader issues in fan
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  engagement and operational confidence.
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  The complexity of relocating a major sports team adds to the challenge, making the successful
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  execution of this move appear increasingly uncertain.
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  In a new MLB Network special, managers Joe Madden of the Chicago Cubs and Terry Francona
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  of the Cleveland Indians revisit the iconic 2016 World Series Game 7.
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  Hosted by Bob Costas and Tom Verducci, the program airs Thursday at 8 Eastern.
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  This game, known for its historical significance due to long-standing championship droughts
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  of both teams, is analyzed for its dramatic twists.
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  He moments discussed include Dexter Fowler's leadoff home run, Kluber's fatigue from pitching
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  on short rest, and strategic insights from both managers.
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  The broadcast highlights pivotal plays like John Lester's relief occurrence, Andrew Miller's
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  pitching, and David Ross' crucial home run.
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  Special attention is given to Rajai Davis' game-tying homer in the eighth inning.
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  The special also covers the final innings, rain delay strategies, and post-game reflections,
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  providing a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of this unforgettable game.
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  I'll be tuning into that one.
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  The College Football Playoff has adopted a new 5-plus-7 format for its 12-team expanded
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  playoff.
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  This system includes five automatic qualifying spots for the highest ranked conference champions
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  and seven at-large spots.
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  The shift from the original 6-plus-6 model occurred after the Pac-12 was reduced to two
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  members.
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  The College Football Board of Managers, which includes a university president from each
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  of the 10 FBS leagues, and Notre Dame unanimously supported this change.
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  The Pac-12, despite falling short of the membership minimum for an automatic berth, benefits
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  from increased at-large spots.
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  The expanded playoff begins next season with the four highest ranked conference champions
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  receiving buys into the quarterfinals.
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  First round games will start the third week of December, competing with the NFL.
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  Quarterfinals are scheduled for New Years, with semifinals in mid-January to avoid clashing
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  with the NFL's wild-card weekend.
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  The championship game is set for January 20, 2025.
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  This format will be in place for at least the next two years.
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  In 1980, at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, a momentous event unfolded in the
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  world of sports.
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  The U.S. Olympic hockey team, composed of young, talented college players, faced the
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  formidable Soviet Union team, unbeaten in the Olympics since 1964.
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  Despite the odds in the Soviets' previous 10-3 victory over the U.S., the American team,
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  their coach Per Brooks, triumphed in a game that came to be known as the Miracle on Ice.
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  This victory was more than just a sports win.
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  It was a significant morale boost for America, then grappling with the Iran hostage crisis
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  and other political turmoil.
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  The game symbolized a triumph of determination and spirit, etching itself as a pivotal moment
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  in sports history.
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  Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic achieved a remarkable feat, recording a triple-double
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  against every NBA team except his own.
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  This accomplishment places him in an elite group, with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook,
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  who have triple-doubles against every team, including their own.
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  Jokic's latest performance against the Washington Wizards, featuring 14 points, 16 rebounds,
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  and 12 assists solidified this record.
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  While Jokic could technically join James and Westbrook by leaving Denver, such a move isn't
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  anticipated.
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  His consistent ability to make history is a testament to his extraordinary talent and
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  impact on the game.
• 12:50
  In top news, scientists are exploring groundbreaking geoengineering techniques to combat climate
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  change, as traditional methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are lagging.
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  These methods include spraying saltwater into clouds, injecting reflective particles into
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  the sky, and altering ocean chemistry.
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  These once-taboo approaches, now receiving funding and attention, aim to reflect sunlight
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  away from Earth or absorb atmospheric CO2.
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  For example, a project off Australia's coast seeks to brighten clouds in order to cool
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  the Great Barrier Reef's waters, while in Israel reflective particles are being tested
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  to cool the atmosphere.
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  In Massachusetts, researchers plan to reduce ocean acidity and absorb CO2 by adding sodium
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  hydroxide to seawater.
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  While these innovative experiments offer potential short-term climate solutions, they are met
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  with caution due to risks like altered rainfall patterns or harm to marine life.
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  The United Nations Environmental Assembly is debating the implications of such interventions,
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  underlining the delicate balance between innovative solutions and unforeseen consequences.
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  The World Health Organization declared in 2023 that no amount of alcohol is safe for
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  health, challenging the notion that moderate drinking can be beneficial.
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  This statement, reinforced by research in the Lancet Public Health Report, categorizes
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  alcohol as a group 1 carcinogen, emphasizing its toxic and dependency-inducing nature.
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  Studies highlight increased cancer risks even with minimal alcohol consumption.
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  Additionally, University of Oxford researchers in 2021 linked any alcohol intake to reduced
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  brain function.
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  In 2022, data from over 300,000 individuals indicated that light drinking elevates the
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  risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease.
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  It is important to note the perceived heart health benefits in light drinkers were attributed
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  to healthier lifestyles, not alcohol consumption.
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  Dr. Juergen Rems suggests that while no alcohol is risk-free, the health risks escalate with
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  higher consumption.
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  This growing evidence suggests re-evaluating our drinking habits, with an emphasis on reducing
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  alcohol intake for better health.
• 15:32
  Have you ever heard of aptanems?
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  It's when your name eerily aligns with your career.
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  Like Frank Fish, a marine biologist or Carla Dove, who leads the Feather Identification
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  Lab at the Smithsonian, handling all things avian.
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  Greg Pond, an aquatic biologist, echoes this unique coincidence, his surname mirroring
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  his water-focused career.
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  These are not isolated instances, but part of a fascinating pattern where names can curiously
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  link to professions.
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  This phenomenon extends to other areas too, like Betsy Weatherhead, an atmospheric scientist,
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  and Jay Sukchung, a blue crab researcher.
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  Their names unexpectedly have become significant parts of their professional identity, sometimes
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  even influencing opportunities.
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  While some might see these names as mere coincidences, studies suggest there might be subtle psychological
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  influences at play, with people possibly gravitating towards careers that reflect their names.
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  In a world where names often blend into the background, for these individuals, their names
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  stand out, adding a memorable twist to their professional journeys.
• 16:50
  Nielsen's latest report reveals YouTube as the top TV streaming service in the U.S.
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  for 12 consecutive months, capturing 8.6% of television screen viewing.
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  Netflix follows closely with just about 8%.
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  This dominance is further highlighted by viewers consuming over 1 billion hours of YouTube
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  content daily on TVs.
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  Particularly, Gen Z shows a strong preference for user-generated content, with 61% favoring
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  it over traditional TV shows.
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  YouTube creators are also experiencing a significant increase in TV viewership, with top YouTubers
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  seeing a more than 400% rise in watch time on TVs.
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  This trend benefits family-friendly YouTubers, especially considering children's high usage
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  of TikTok.
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  While YouTube leads in the living room, TikTok remains dominant on mobile devices, even competing
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  with longer video formats.
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  YouTube's recent achievements include reaching over 100 million subscribers for YouTube Music
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  and YouTube Premium, over 8 million subscribers for YouTube TV, and surpassing 70 billion daily
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  views on YouTube shorts.
• 18:15
  Zone 2 workouts, a low-intensity training favored by elite athletes, are gaining popularity.
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  These exercises, done at a level where you can talk but with slight effort, enhance mitochondrial
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  efficiency, crucial for energy production and health.
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  This method, highlighted in recent books and podcasts, aligns with our evolutionary history
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  of prolonged, moderate activity.
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  Zone 2 training, which can range from a relaxed jog to an easy bike ride, doesn't just improve
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  athletic performance but also offers significant health benefits.
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  It's part of a balanced fitness routine that should include diverse workouts, like strength
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  and high-intensity training.
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  The method is effective for fat burning and has potential implications for longevity and
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  preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
• 19:15
  And business news, with record highs in the stock market, investors are debating the stock
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  values using various valuation models.
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  The S&P 500's recent performance raises questions about overvaluation.
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  Models like the price to earnings ratio, which is currently above its 10-year average, suggest
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  stocks may be expensive.
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  Other metrics like the price to book ratio and the equity risk premium also indicate
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  high valuations.
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  The price to earnings growth ratio and the cyclically adjusted price to earnings ratio
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  provide further insights.
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  These models, combined with economic conditions and company health, help investors gauge market
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  status.
• 20:01
  Notably, tech stocks like Nvidia show high valuations, reflecting their growth potential.
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  Overall, these indicators suggest a cautious approach in a market that might be reaching
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  inflated levels.
• 20:16
  Capital One is set to acquire Discover Financial Services in a landmark $35.3 billion all-stock
• 20:24
  deal, forming a major global payments entity.
• 20:28
  This move positions them as the sixth-largest U.S. bank, directly competing with G.P. Morgan
• 20:34
  Chase and Citigroup.
• 20:37
  The transaction offers Discover shareholders a premium of about 27% over the recent closing
• 20:43
  price, with Capital One shareholders owning 60% of the new company.
• 20:49
  The merger, expected to close by late 2024, aims to leverage scale and investment for
• 20:55
  competitive advantage.
• 20:56
  However, it faces intense regulatory scrutiny under the Biden administration's focus on
• 21:02
  boosting competition, including a 2021 executive order on bank mergers.
• 21:09
  Experts predict significant pushback, especially considering heightened regulatory attention
• 21:14
  on bank consolidation and credit card fees.
• 21:18
  In the finance world, cash remains king.
• 21:22
  Despite expectations of its decline, cash is holding strong, with investors pouring $128
• 21:29
  billion into U.S. money market funds since the year's start.
• 21:35
  Corporate treasurers are also holding onto cash, with a record $4.4 trillion in reserves
• 21:41
  by the third quarter's end.
• 21:43
  This surge in cash holdings contrasts, sharply, with earlier predictions.
• 21:48
  The cash would lose appeal once the Federal Reserve started cutting interest rates.
• 21:53
  However, with policy-easing expectations dialed back, cash remains attractive, especially
• 21:59
  in money market funds, offering returns of 4% or more.
• 22:05
  This trend isn't just a fleeting phenomenon.
• 22:08
  It's a reflection of a broader shift in financial attitudes post-pandemic, with more people
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  recognizing the value of liquidity and safety in cash holdings.
• 22:19
  Investors and corporations alike are reevaluating their strategies, keeping cash in the spotlight
• 22:25
  for 2024.
• 22:27
  In the recent Industrial Sector update, Wheels Up Experience, a private jet charter business,
• 22:34
  emerged as the week's top gainer, soaring 80%, despite a year-to-date stock slump of
• 22:40
  69%.
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  This contrasts with FedEx, which experienced an almost 12% decline following second quarter
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  results that missed estimates.
• 22:52
  The Industrial Select Sector and the Spider S&P 500 ETFs continued their upward trend,
• 22:59
  with respective gains of 0.1% and 0.92%.
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  Rocket Lab USA, an aerospace company, also saw notable growth, up 18%, following a significant
• 23:13
  government contract.
• 23:15
  The sector's top performers showed more than 11% gains each, with 3 out of 5 stocks
• 23:21
  in the green here to date.
• 23:24
  The performance of these companies highlights the dynamic nature of the Industrial Sector
• 23:29
  amidst varying economic conditions.
• 23:32
  Nvidia, a leading artificial intelligence chip manufacturer, forecast a remarkable threefold
• 23:39
  surge in its quarterly revenue, far exceeding market expectations.
• 23:45
  This surge, driving Nvidia's shares up 10%, is fueled by strong demand for its data center
• 23:51
  chips and GPUs.
• 23:55
  The company's AI chips are increasingly sought after, with major clients like Microsoft.
• 24:01
  Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, Nvidia's growth highlights the significant
• 24:06
  corporate investment in AI technology.
• 24:10
  The company's market capitalization soared by over $129 billion, benefiting the entire
• 24:18
  AI hardware sector.
• 24:20
  Nvidia anticipates a first quarter revenue growth of 233%, surpassing Wall Street's
• 24:28
  expectations.
• 24:30
  The company's largest revenue segment, the data center, grew by 409% to $18.4 billion.
• 24:39
  Despite supply chain challenges, Nvidia continues to see robust demand, with expectations of
• 24:45
  further growth as supply constraints ease.
• 24:49
  This performance solidifies Nvidia's position as a central player in the AI industry.
• 24:56
  Moving on to a more local vibe, in our community spotlight on health and wellness, we are working
• 25:03
  with a national Pilates studio to bring you some free classes, so listen up.
• 25:10
  Check out Club Pilates with several locations in the Boston area.
• 25:14
  Pilates presents a comprehensive wellness approach, cultivating strength, reducing tension,
• 25:20
  and elevating mental well-being.
• 25:23
  Integrated research affirms its benefits.
• 25:27
  So now you can check out Club Pilates for a free class.
• 25:31
  With locations in Canton, Wellesley, Hingham, Brookline, and Framingham, just be sure to
• 25:37
  tell them Sunny Morning sent you by.
• 25:41
  And now back to the show.
• 25:46
  Let's talk tech.
• 25:48
  Chinese automaker BYD is exploring Mexico as a potential base for exporting cars to
• 25:54
  the U.S.
• 25:56
  This move aims to bypass hefty U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles.
• 26:01
  BYD's consideration of factory locations in Mexico aligns with a broader trend of Chinese
• 26:08
  car industry expansion into North America.
• 26:11
  If executed, this strategy would allow BYD to leverage Mexico's lower labor costs and
• 26:18
  favorable trade agreements under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada deal.
• 26:23
  The move reflects China's growing presence in the global electric vehicle market and
• 26:27
  poses a competitive challenge to U.S. and other international automakers.
• 26:33
  Despite potential political risks, this strategic shift illustrates the dynamic and increasingly
• 26:39
  global nature of the EV industry.
• 26:43
  Apple's iOS 18 is poised to be a groundbreaking update, focusing heavily on AI advancements.
• 26:51
  Bloomberg reports it as one of Apple's biggest iOS updates, featuring a new large-language
• 26:57
  model system named Apple GPT.
• 27:01
  This system is built on the Ajax framework, a foundation for Apple's machine learning
• 27:06
  project since 2022.
• 27:08
  Additionally, iOS 17 has leveraged OpenAI's chat GPT, hinting at enhanced AI capabilities
• 27:16
  in Siri and Messages.
• 27:19
  Rumored features include a smarter Siri AI-generated Apple Music playlist and AI integration in
• 27:26
  pages, keynote, and numbers for content creation.
• 27:32
  Apple's continued AI endeavors include Hexed Command photo editing and AI-generated animations
• 27:39
  in KeyFramer.
• 27:41
  CEO Tim Cook teased future AI product announcements, underscoring Apple's commitment to AI innovation.
• 27:51
  At just four months old, babies in bilingual homes display unique brain patterns, setting
• 27:56
  them apart from their monolingual peers.
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  A study led by Boria Blanco at the University of Cambridge revealed that when exposed to
• 28:05
  speech, these bilingual infants show broader and more extensive brain activation.
• 28:12
  This study used functional near-inferred spectroscopy to track changes in cerebral blood flow, highlighting
• 28:19
  differences in brain activation between infants raised in monolingual Spanish homes and those
• 28:25
  exposed to both Spanish and Basque.
• 28:29
  The bilingual babies not only had activations in the usual speech processing areas of the
• 28:35
  brain's left hemisphere, but also in the right hemisphere's corresponding areas.
• 28:41
  Interestingly, these infants reacted similarly to forward and backward speech, unlike monolingual
• 28:47
  infants who showed more interest in backward speech, possibly because it was more novel.
• 28:54
  This early brain development in bilingual infants suggests they might be better equipped
• 28:59
  to differentiate between languages from a young age, a skill that could have long-term
• 29:04
  linguistic benefits.
• 29:07
  The study underscores the profound impact early language exposure has on the developing
• 29:12
  brain.
• 29:14
  Skyrise has introduced the world's first production fly-by-wire helicopter, the Skyrise
• 29:20
  One, revolutionizing helicopter control systems.
• 29:25
  This innovative helicopter is operated using a single joystick and a pair of touchscreens,
• 29:31
  simplifying the traditional controls.
• 29:35
  The underlying technology, SkyOS, automates various functions, translating pilot inputs
• 29:41
  and environmental conditions into seamless four-axis flight.
• 29:48
  Key features include a swipe-to-start procedure, auto-pickup, and set-down capabilities, and
• 29:54
  a fully automated auto-rotation for emergencies.
• 29:59
  Skyrise CEO Dr. Mark Groton highlights the groundbreaking nature of this technology,
• 30:05
  making helicopter operation easier and potentially safer.
• 30:10
  The Skyrise One aims to improve safety in an industry where fatal accidents are frequent.
• 30:16
  It is certified for instrument flight rules, with a triple-redundant fly-by-wire system
• 30:21
  ensuring stability and safety.
• 30:25
  Interestingly, the system is adaptable to other aircraft, making it a versatile technological
• 30:31
  advancement.
• 30:33
  Priced at $1.8 million with a 2,500 refundable reservation, the Skyrise One offers advanced
• 30:41
  features compared to traditional helicopters.
• 30:45
  This could represent a significant step forward in aviation safety and accessibility.
• 30:52
  NASA is launching an extraordinary opportunity for citizen volunteers, a year-long mission
• 30:58
  in a simulated Mars habitat.
• 31:02
  This mission, set to begin in spring 2025, aims to prepare for real Martian exploration.
• 31:09
  Residents will reside in Marsdune Alpha, a 1,700 square foot, 3D printed habitat at Johnson
• 31:16
  Space Center in Houston.
• 31:19
  The experience will mimic a Mars surface mission, complete with resource limitations, equipment
• 31:24
  failures, and communication delays.
• 31:28
  Volunteers will engage in activities like simulated spacewalks, robotic operations,
• 31:33
  and habitat maintenance.
• 31:37
  Residents must be healthy, non-smoking U.S. citizens or permanent residents, age 30 to
• 31:42
  55, proficient in English, with a STEM master's degree or equivalent experience.
• 31:49
  Compensation details are provided with the application, which has a deadline on April
• 31:54
  2.
• 31:56
  This mission is a pivotal step in NASA's journey towards the first human journey to
• 32:00
  Mars.
• 32:01
  And in entertainment news, at the 2024 Keeples Choice Awards, Lenny Kravitz, now 59, was
• 32:14
  honored with the Music Icon Award.
• 32:16
  In his acceptance speech, he reflected on his unique journey in the music industry.
• 32:23
  Kravitz emphasized staying true to himself.
• 32:26
  Despite industry pressures to conform, he turned down early offers that demanded he
• 32:32
  change his musical style, which didn't fit conventional categories.
• 32:37
  His success, a result of his authenticity and faith, spans over 35 years and includes
• 32:43
  four Grammy wins.
• 32:45
  Kravitz's mantra, Never Follow the Trends, highlights his commitment to originality.
• 32:52
  He also expressed gratitude to his parents and performed a medley of hits, demonstrating
• 32:57
  his enduring impact on music.
• 33:01
  This recognition comes shortly after his nomination for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying
• 33:08
  his status as a true icon in the music world.
• 33:13
  The Abyss, now streaming on Netflix, is a unique Swedish disaster movie set in Corona.
• 33:22
  Directed by Richard Holm, known for Nordic noir, the film intertwines imminent geological
• 33:27
  disaster with a deep dive into family dynamics.
• 33:32
  It stars Tuva Novotny as Frigga, a security manager at a mine who's balancing her challenging
• 33:38
  job, complex love life, and parenting.
• 33:43
  The story unfolds with a focus on her family's struggles amidst local protests and personal
• 33:49
  turmoil, delivering a narrative that blends catastrophe with the intricacies of suburban
• 33:54
  life.
• 33:56
  Sounds interesting.
• 33:59
  Matt Damon, celebrated for his role as Jason Bourne, is keen on joining a potential new
• 34:05
  Bourne movie.
• 34:07
  Reports emerged in November about a possible new installment, with Edward Berger acclaimed
• 34:13
  for the movie, All Quiet on the Western Front, rumored to direct.
• 34:18
  On the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Damon confirmed Berger's involvement and expressed
• 34:24
  enthusiasm about working with him.
• 34:27
  However, Damon, now 53, acknowledged the challenges of playing the action-packed role at his age,
• 34:34
  hinting at a possible future recast.
• 34:38
  The Bourne series, based on Robert Ludlum's novels, has seen Damon star in four of its
• 34:43
  five films.
• 34:44
  The new project, still in early stages at Universal, has no confirmed cast, but Damon
• 34:51
  is a likely first choice.
• 34:53
  Damon's recent works include Oppenheimer, Drive Away Dolls, and a forthcoming project
• 35:00
  with Ben Affleck.
• 35:03
  Rod Stewart, known for kids like Maggie Mae and Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, has sold his song
• 35:09
  catalog, including publishing and recorded music rights, along with some name and likeness
• 35:15
  rights.
• 35:17
  The deal, nearly $100 million, was with Irving Azoff's Iconic Artist Group.
• 35:24
  This sale comes amidst a surge in music rights investments, with Iconic raising over $1 billion
• 35:31
  for future catalog investments.
• 35:34
  Stewart's extensive catalog covers his solo career and time with Faces and the Jeff Beck
• 35:41
  Group.
• 35:43
  Currently Stewart, at 79, is on a world tour and releasing his 30-second studio album,
• 35:50
  Swing Fever.
• 35:53
  This transaction is part of a broader trend, where music catalogs are increasingly viewed
• 35:57
  as valuable assets.
• 36:00
  Iconic, joining a competitive market in 2021, focuses on managing and enhancing value in
• 36:07
  these catalogs, including leveraging opportunities, like Linda Ronstadt's Song Resurgence from
• 36:14
  HBO's The Last of Us.
• 36:17
  The market, previously reaching multiples of 20 times annual earnings, includes major
• 36:23
  artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen selling their catalogs.
• 36:29
  Stewart, previously in talks with Hypnosis, chose Iconic for his catalog, ensuring his
• 36:35
  likes works management aligns with his vision.
• 36:40
  Tyler Perry has paused his $800 million studio expansion in Atlanta, attributing his decision
• 36:47
  to concerns over the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly open
• 36:53
  AI's text-to-video tool Sora.
• 36:57
  In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Perry emphasized the need for regulatory measures
• 37:03
  to manage AI's impact on the industry.
• 37:07
  While he acknowledges AI's potential benefits, as seen in his use of the technology in two
• 37:13
  upcoming films, he expresses worry about the job losses it could cause across various sectors
• 37:19
  in the filmmaking industry, from actors to technical crews.
• 37:24
  Perry hopes for a balance where technological advancements and human labor could exist,
• 37:30
  underlining the need for compassion and consideration for those who have built their careers in
• 37:34
  the industry.
• 37:37
  This decision comes amidst Perry's expanding collaboration with Netflix, highlighting his
• 37:42
  cautious approach towards AI's growing influence in Hollywood.
• 37:47
  And that's a wrap for this morning.
• 37:49
  Have an amazing day, my good friends.
• 37:52
  Thanks for tuning in.