Globe /

NASA launches Artemis II first manned lunar mission in 50 years, Palantir summarizes Alex Karp’s book into 22-points on a tweet on X, while Tim Cook steps down as CEO of Apple re-introducing us to, Steve Jobs alumni, John Ternus.

‍North America /

‍ ‍U.S males no longer have to sign-up for military Selective Service System, as of Dec. 1st 2026 this will be automatic.
‍ ‍Mexico rolls out first step of registrationfor Universal Healthcare Service, to start January 1st, 2027.
‍ ‍Canadian Liberal party secure a majority government through party crosser’s and by-elections.‍ ‍

Europe /

Hungary elects Peter Mygar’s centre-right Tisza party, handfully ousting 16-year incumbent Victor Orbán; a Russian ally.
UK Parliament clears Bill to prevent children 17 years and younger from ever buying cigarettes – a smoke-free generation.
Russia and Afghanistan sign Military Cooperation deal, Russian drone attacks residential building in Galati, Romania.

Asia /

Taiwan’s Opposition leader Li-Wen, visits Beijing and President Xi to "promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation".
U.S. delegation of government and corporate CEOs visit China to smooth trade relations and Taiwan’s reunification.

Africa and Middle East /

War. As Iran is pummeled, IRGC leaders shut the Strait of Hormuz and set off oil prices and global inflation index.
The UAE has shocked the world by removing its membership from OPEC+, weakening the cartels grip on energy supplies.
Voices call for nuclear non-proliferation policy for Middle East, Israel needs transparency on their own capabilities.
Ebola outbreak spreads in DRC and Uganda, while communities attack treatment centers out of distrust.
South Africa drastically hit with fuel shortages, while local immigrants raise concerns of Xenophobic attacks.

South America /

President Noboa institutes a state of emergency and a curfew locking down 12M in efforts to quell “narco-terrorist violence”

SPORT & COMBAT

Going the Distance

(May 15th, 2026, Quebec City, Canada)

In 490 B.C.E, the Greek Pheidippides (Φιλιππίδης) was fighting at the Battle of Marathon when he noticed Persian ships heading to Athens to falsely claim victory and take over the capital. He ran 26-miles to beat them to the city, and before dying, he let the citizens know the Greeks had won.

A heroic story re-told by Robert Browing in 1879 and inspiring Michel Bréal to develop our modern understanding of the marathon race – one of the original sports include in 1896 Olympic Games. It was calculated the original route from Marathon along the south of Mount Pentelicus to Athens was referenced as the proposed distance. 25 years later, the distance of 41.195 Km (26.22 M) is defined as the official distance for road race runs, and even re-run in the 2004 Olympics in Greece.

Over the years, the modern marathon has gone through developments beyond a top-tier Olympic sport to a modern institution that draws in amateurs and professionals alike. Since its onset in 1896 when Spyridon Louis won the race in 2 hours and 58 minutes, inspired runners around the world focused on a time to beat. The years ticked on, footwear was designed, runners dedicated their training, and refined diet regiments allowed for marathoners to push further with the current record being held at 1 hour and 59 minutes by Kenya Sabastian Sawe.

Today, Marathon athletes and daring amateurs train to enhance their endurance to push through the 26-mile marker and win a medal in Boston (circa 1897) or in Tokyo. In 2006, the World Marathon Majors (WMM) began to coordinate amongst the major city circuits and devise a point-based system to declare a world marathon winner every year (split across a bi-annual season). Over the years sponsorship grew, prize packages now surpass $1M USD, and new cities join in as did inclusive groups like wheelchair marathons in 2016.

Ultramarathons have stepped up the run beyond the traditional race length to staged runs lasting 250 miles. Extreme runners risk death as they push themselves to run for days on little to no sleep. This May, at Cocodona 250, Rachel Entrekin broke the course record by running 250 miles in just 56 hours.

Tomorrow, marathon organizers plan to surpass the 800 recognized marathon runs each year, many monitored by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The subculture of die-hard runners and casual participants looking to check off a bucket list goal, are a perfect market for apparel, cuisine, and equipment retailers. A fixed audience with a goal, months in advance, actively discussing with their friends and family, and planning each day as they train to beat their personal goals. With a young generation focused on health and fitness, Marathons are a sport from our history finding roots in our future.

Prepperscape

Never Be Unready

(May 3rd 2026, Toronto, Canada)

Survivalist subculture is often grouped with conspiracy theorists, doomsayers, and Joe Rogan listeners. Fringe misfits sitting on the edge of society, not willing to participate, and waiting to watch the world burn. Instead, the idea of questioning a well-governed society can stark fear in the unprepared. Hence the caricature of the crazy prepper.

Survivalist’s, are indeed a spectrum of folk; from those preparing a short power outage to those fully focused on a 3-story underground bunker in Hawaii with food storage for 30 years.

The sub-culture rose up in the 20th Century when rural communities were dramatically migrating to urban societies. Followed by the Economic collapses in the 1930’s, the World Wars re-arose in the 1940’s, and an ominous presence of nuclear warfare looms over the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Cities are vulnerable in chaos, oppose to their strength in times of order. As infrastructure weakens and supply chains crumble, then citizens turn into competitors or worse yet, enemies.

Many activists, economists, and libertarians released outreach publications to provide ideas on protecting and preparing for a ‘shock’ effect. Some adopted pioneer skills, others prepared to move off the grid, and isolationists stocked their havens with toilet paper and supplies.

The 21st Century turned up the dial, starting in 2001. The world has witnessed its own events from terrorism, reactions to terrorism, climate events, economic crashes, cyber-attacks, and a global pandemic. In turn, the modern technically proficient survivalists have the ability of Amazon delivering their guns, solar generators, greenhouse stacks, and an AI plan for 3-day to 3-year planning itinerary at their fingertips.

Planning

Staying put - know your home. Identify exits. Set up alert positions.

Secure Water – 1 gallon / person / day for drinking and grey water for chores.

Long Term – cover windows with dark materials to hide light.

Temporary Movement - know your unit (group) and make sure you assign buddies.

External contacts – send one message with all location and operational detail.

Secure Fuel (Gas, Diesel, Propane, Oils, Wood, Paper)

Relocating – off-road vehicle, wool socks, and weaponry.

Know your routes - where you are going, multiple options, especially the back roads (+)

Equipment – Offline maps, regional farm guides, seeds, and tools to toil the land.

So, in today’s current climate what might you need in your stay-at-home shelter kit, or the Bug-Out-Bag (Bob), or in the worst case the Get-Out-Of-Dodge (Good) kit. The range of items extend from an extra grocery bag with to non-perishables and first-aid, to a seriously engineered kit fitted with all you’ll need to escape and set-up shop new for months on end.

‍Here is where the modern capitalist thrives; prey on anxiety and sell the solution. If you want to spend money on a bag or good kit, then podcasters and internet sites have exactly what you need.