Dez Reads. Solo Dining Trends, Nationalizing Local Sports, Canada’s Critical Minerals Push, Boston Marathon’s New BQ Times, Survivor’s Evolution, and Lego’s Business Cards.

Please join me in welcoming a recent Dez hire, Nathaniel Beach, to Dez Reads; his take on the solo dining trend resonates deeply with me (much to my wife’s chagrin). Thanks for your submission, Nathaniel.

Additionally this week, our team writes about Lego’s brand enthusiasts, the evolution of the reality show Survivor (which has been on the air for 47 seasons, apparently), the collapse of the cable bundle, higher barriers to entry for Boston Marathon runners, and additional rare earths refining capacity in Canada.

I learned a lot this week; thanks, as always, for reading along with us.

Here we go.

Culture.

NYPost. Exclusive | Solo dining in NYC is hotter than ever — here's how to own the town as a table for one

Coming from the Midwest, we’re often known for our more laid-back and “go with the flow” disposition. So, when I first moved to DC for a Capitol Hill job, I was originally thrown for a loop by the high pace and “always on” mentality we generally operate under. Consequently, there are times I feel the need to disconnect and recharge. I’ve gotten into the habit of taking myself out on occasional “self-dates”, where I leave my phone at home and bring a book to a local restaurant and treat myself to the opportunity to think, read, and disengage with the goings-on in the world for a brief period of time.

When I first started solo dining, I didn’t think I was part of a growing trend; however, data suggests that I’m not alone (pun not intended). OpenTable reports that US solo dining reservations have steadily increased, with Washington, DC claiming the top spot for dining alone. The increase has been attributed to a cultural shift prioritizing self-care and willingness to enjoy your own company.

If you find yourself like me, with a stack of books waiting to be read, take some time to try out that local spot you’ve been passing by for weeks but haven’t found the time to try out. The texts and emails can wait until after a nice meal.

– Nathaniel Beach

Media.

Axios. Cable crisis could nationalize local sports 

Traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) have been in decline for years. While there was a time when cable bundles were the norm and local sports channels were a part of every standard package whether you watched sports or not, streaming is making the economics of these bundles more challenging as consumers want a more curated experience.   

Now leagues like the NBA and MLB are eyeing streaming solutions as the future of local sports broadcasting.  

But while large-market teams with dedicated fan bases are already exploring their own digital options, smaller-market teams may not have this luxury. This transition poses a potential risk for the teams that don’t have the largest viewership or the capital to support their own independent streaming service. Not only will this lead to fewer viewing options for their fans, but these teams could also experience blackouts entirely as the landscape shifts. 

Much of this depends on what happens next with Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy proceedings, but this all seems to be trending toward a national curated sports streaming service, which I am all for.  

– Mike Bova

Economy.

FT. Canada opens new critical minerals hub in push to end China’s dominance

Rare earth minerals are crucial to the modern economy, and demand will continue to outstrip supply unless additional extraction and refining capacity comes online soon. The fact that 60 percent of rare earth mining and 90 percent of refining currently takes place in China makes this an even more urgent strategic priority for the West.

Thankfully, our neighbors to the north are stepping up, as the newest rare earth processing facility will open in Saskatchewan, Canada this week. Refining rare earths is famously dirty and expensive – a key reason why the rest of the world seems content to allow this activity to happen out of sight in China. But America and its allies are coordinating more closely, with additional capacity being planned in Australia and the United States. This is a tricky equation to solve, but the economic and national security stakes are high enough that a very disorganized West is collaborating productively to balance the opportunity and risk of an increasingly rare earths-intensive global economy.

– Josh Culling

Sports.

RunOutside. After Record 2025 Boston Marathon Applications, BAA Updates ‘BQ’ Times for 2026

The Boston Marathon has always fascinated me as an aspiring, albeit slow, runner. Achieving a qualifying time has felt like a pipedream, especially since the previous standard already required women to maintain an 8-minute per-mile pace. It was a shock, therefore, to learn that they decided to reduce qualifying times by another five minutes this year due to exponential growth in qualified runners; Boston turning away 11,000 eligible applicants last year alone.

I’m amazed by the technological advancements in running. Carbon-plated shoes and optimized training plans have led to the obliteration of previous world records. Yet, I’m equally intrigued by the Boston Marathon's enduring appeal. On paper, it seems unlikely to attract such interest. It doesn’t meet world championship standards due to elevation changes, the weather can be unpredictable, and the course features grueling hills with minimal fan support for 75% of the race, which runs from the outskirts into the city center.

What makes the Boston Marathon so special may come down to tradition and shared enthusiasm. Popularity often stems from our collective belief in the event's significance rather than its objective merits. I would love to talk to the PR and marketing teams behind Boston’s rise. They’ve transformed what could be seen as mundane into an iconic experience that captivates so many.

– Maggie Johnston

Entertainment.

SLATE. I Miss the Old Survivor

I’ll admit it. I miss the old Survivor, too. The raw, unpredictable, no-comforts-allowed Survivor that had us glued to our screens as players fought for survival, both physically and socially. There’s something nostalgic about Jeff Probst yelling at contestants, showing little sympathy for the weak, and letting the elements be just as much of an obstacle as the challenges themselves. The grit is what made the show great. However, last night’s Season 47 premiere was lacking that grittiness we all know and love.

But here’s the thing: Survivor has always evolved. Sure, it’s not as cutthroat as it once was, and now we have more emotional tribal councils and supportive cheering from Jeff. But that doesn’t mean it’s lost its magic – it just reflects a different era of the game. Change is inevitable, and while I agree we don’t need to coddle players or turn Survivor into a wellness retreat, the core of the show – Outwit, Outplay, Outlast – remains.

The new seasons may have more comfort than survival, but I’m still here for it. The game can shift and morph, but as long as there are blindsides, alliances, and immunity idols, I’m all in. And let’s not forget, Survivor is about pain, but it’s also about the thrill of the game. I’ll ride with Jeff and this era of Survivor until his torch is snuffed. It’ll be a sad day when Jeff tallies his final votes.

– Mark Emerson

Business.

WSJ. Lego’s Business Cards Are Made of Lego—but Not for Long

Lego is a case study in the value of fostering a vibrant enthusiast community in support of your brand. Not all companies can do this, but the value of a robust and rabid fanbase does more than drive consistent sales – it creates a culture around a company and its products.

While this phenomenon is certainly not unique to Lego (Apple has seen the rise of an entire media ecosystem dedicated to covering its every move), the company is notable because it obsesses over the small, seemingly trivial details. I love the fact that employees carry small Lego avatars of themselves in lieu of business cards. It’s another unique detail for its hardcore enthusiasts to latch on to.

Companies don’t create subcultures around their products; consumers do. But feeding the community with unique, fun, and on-brand frivolities such as these is a great bet to keep your fans engaged.

– Josh Culling