My Diary – Leonardo Cardillo

Key Takeaways

What this article covers
This article is about smishing—text-message phishing—and the risks around one-time verification codes.

Core points in brief
Smishing blends “SMS” and “phishing.” Criminals send texts that look real to trick people into clicking links or sharing codes. Forwarding unwanted texts to your carrier’s spam service and ignoring unknown senders helps reduce risk. Reputable regulators publish clear steps for reporting and prevention.

Story & Details

A message that looks routine
“Dear customer, your verification code is 45851. This code expires in 2 minutes. Don’t share it with anyone.” Messages like this can be legitimate. They also can be bait. Attackers often copy the tone and layout of real brands and may tack on brief, stray characters or brand cues at the end. The goal is simple: get you to act fast.

What smishing is
Smishing is phishing delivered by text. Instead of email links, the hook arrives on your phone. A typical playbook: claim your account is locked, a package is waiting, or a payment failed. The text nudges you to tap a link or reply with a code. That tap can lead to a fake site that steals credentials, while a reply may hand over a login or payment authorization.

Why one-time codes are targeted
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes protect accounts. Smishers try to intercept them by triggering a real login event and then prompting you—through a convincing text—to share the code. If you hand over the digits, they can complete the login. Genuine services will never ask you to send a code back by text or chat.

What to do in the moment
Do not tap links in unexpected texts. If a brand is named, open its official site or app independently and check there. If the text urges you to reply, don’t. Report the message through your phone’s “report junk” option or forward it to your carrier’s spam-reporting number (many carriers accept 7726, which spells “SPAM”). Then delete the thread.

Why reporting helps
Carrier and regulator guidance stress that reports feed blocklists and investigations. Over time, this reduces the reach of smishing campaigns. Public agencies also track trends to warn consumers about new lures, from “How are you?” openers to fake overdue fines.

Conclusions

Simple habits, strong defense
Treat surprise texts like unknown doors: don’t open them. Go straight to the source—your bank’s app, your account’s official site, your package-tracking portal—and confirm there. Never share verification codes with anyone, and report suspicious messages through your device or carrier. Small steps, taken early, keep accounts and data out of harm’s way.

Sources

Clean, public guidance and one verified video
[1] Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Scam Glossary: definition and context for smishing: https://www.fcc.gov/scam-glossary
[2] Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer alerts on handling scam texts, including forwarding to 7726 and broader avoidance tips: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/dealing-spam-texts-emails-junk-mail
[3] FTC (official YouTube) – “How to Avoid a Scam” (public, institutional, educational): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8yPyzNJCu4
[4] Ofcom (UK communications regulator) – Reporting scam texts and the 7726 service: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/scam-calls-and-messages/tackling-scam-calls-and-texts

Appendix

Definitions
Smishing
A portmanteau of “SMS” and “phishing.” It refers to fraudulent text messages designed to trick recipients into clicking harmful links or disclosing information.

One-time verification code
A short-lived numeric or alphanumeric code used to confirm identity during login or transactions. Legitimate services never ask users to send these codes back by text or chat.

Spam reporting (7726)
A carrier pathway for reporting unwanted or fraudulent texts. The digits 7-7-2-6 spell “SPAM” on a keypad. Reports help providers and regulators disrupt campaigns.

Urgency cues
Language that pressures quick action—expirations, warnings, or threats. Smishing relies on urgency to override caution.

Brand impersonation
The practice of copying a real company’s tone and look to gain trust. Attackers may borrow names, logos, or sign-offs to appear authentic.

Soft identifiers in messages
Brief strings, characters, or sign-offs that mimic brand footers. These can appear in both real and fake texts and should not be treated as proof of legitimacy.

Key Takeaways

What this article is about

This article is about 7 Cups, the online emotional-support and therapy platform. It covers how the service works, why its therapist directory drew legal fire, and what has changed in 2025. [1][2][4]

Directory practices under fire

Reports and professional alerts say 7 Cups created large numbers of therapist profiles without consent and funneled inquiries into its own system. The outcry crystallized around the idea of a “ghost network.” [2][6][11]

Litigation status as of today

Multiple therapist suits have been consolidated in federal court in New York, with transfers from other districts and an amended complaint tying related cases together. Activity on the dockets continued through autumn 2025. The cases are ongoing. [7][8][9]

Contract changes that matter

7 Cups’ Terms of Service dated October 6, 2025 highlight binding arbitration and a class-action waiver, shaping where and how most disputes will be handled. [10]

The wider pattern

Research and enforcement involving other mental-health apps show recurring privacy risks and rising regulatory scrutiny—context that frames the stakes for 7 Cups. [3][12]

Story & Details

From peer listeners to a global brand

Founded in 2013, 7 Cups blends free, anonymous chats with trained volunteer “listeners” and paid therapy with licensed clinicians. Over time it added forums, group support, and structured self-help content, becoming a familiar name in digital mental health. [1][4]

How the directory controversy took shape

In 2025, clinicians and reporters documented that 7 Cups had created a vast directory of therapist profiles—many without the therapists’ knowledge or consent. A prominent contact path led users toward the platform rather than directly to the named professionals. The combination of scale and thin verification fueled claims that users were being misled and professionals’ identities were being leveraged without agreement. [2][6][11]

What therapists and associations did next

Professional groups warned members, urged them to search for unauthorized profiles, and offered steps to request removal or raise complaints with regulators. Their alerts emphasized the difference between volunteer peer support and licensed clinical care, arguing that a blurred presentation confuses the public. [6]

Where the lawsuits stand now

By May 2025, a lead case—Castro et al. v. 7 Cups of Tea, Co.—was on file in the Eastern District of New York. Through September and October, related suits from other courts were transferred and consolidated into the same proceeding, and an amended complaint joined additional plaintiffs and defendants. Docket entries in October and November show continuing motions and appearances. No final judgment has been issued. [7][8][9]

Contract fine print and forum control

Against that backdrop, 7 Cups updated its Terms of Service effective October 6, 2025. The document stresses binding individual arbitration and a waiver of class actions. If enforced, many disputes move from open court to private arbitration and must proceed case-by-case. This approach is common across consumer tech but contentious in health-adjacent services. [10]

Why a quick sale would be hard

Calls for a simple exit underestimate the realities of selling a company during active litigation: buyers discount price, demand indemnities and escrows, and weigh reputational risks. Investor approvals and mission continuity complicate timing. The legal and trust issues would follow any new owner until they are resolved. [7][8][9][10]

The bigger picture: privacy risk across apps

Independent studies and enforcement actions show that mental-health apps often share data more broadly than users expect. In 2023, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission finalized an order against BetterHelp, banning certain data uses and requiring payments to consumers—an action that signals how regulators now view the category. While this order did not involve 7 Cups, it sets the tone for the sector. [3][12]

A clear public explainer

For a concise overview of how mental-health app data can be exposed through commercial data markets, see this public-broadcast news segment that translates the risks for a general audience. [5]

Conclusions

A mission tested by design choices

7 Cups helped popularize fast, low-barrier support. The directory’s design and consent gaps, however, fractured trust with clinicians and triggered litigation. Rebuilding will require consent-based listings, plain referral paths, and stronger verification. [2][6][11]

What to watch next

Court consolidation means the core questions will be argued in one place. Parallel to the legal track, contract terms point disputes toward arbitration. The broader market remains under privacy scrutiny. For platforms near people’s most private moments, trust is not a feature—it is the product. [7][8][9][10][12]

Sources

[1] 7 Cups — overview and history. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_Cups
[2] Choosing Therapy: “The Ghost Network Behind 7 Cups.” https://www.choosingtherapy.com/7-cups-ghost-network/
[3] JAMA Network Open: “Assessment of the Data Sharing and Privacy Practices of Smartphone Apps for Depression and Smoking Cessation.” https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2730782
[4] 7 Cups — homepage. https://www.7cups.com/
[5] PBS NewsHour (YouTube): “Personal user data from mental health apps being sold, report finds.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZDb34d5XXc
[6] Clinical Social Work Association: “CSWA and PsiAN Response to Seven Cups’ Use of Mental Health Professionals’ Information.” https://www.clinicalsocialworkassociation.org/alerts/13490551
[7] PACERMonitor: Castro et al. v. 7 Cups of Tea, Co., 1:25-cv-02563 (E.D.N.Y.). https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/57970512/Castro_et_al_v_7_Cups_of_Tea%2C_Co
[8] Justia Dockets: Harb et al. v. 7 Cups of Tea, Co. et al., transfer and consolidation activity. https://dockets.justia.com/docket/new-york/nyedce/1%3A2025cv05356/536754
[9] CourtListener: Vorpahl v. 7 Cups of Tea, Co., transfer to E.D.N.Y., 1:25-cv-05296. https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71417651/vorpahl-v-7-cups-of-tea-co/
[10] 7 Cups — Terms of Service (effective October 6, 2025). https://www.7cups.com/Documents/TermsOfService/
[11] 7 Cups — Therapist Directory Information. https://www.7cups.com/Documents/TherapistDirectoryInformation
[12] Federal Trade Commission: “FTC Gives Final Approval to Order Banning BetterHelp from Sharing Sensitive Health Data for Advertising, Requiring It to Pay $7.8 Million.” https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/07/ftc-gives-final-approval-order-banning-betterhelp-sharing-sensitive-health-data-advertising

Appendix

Arbitration clause

A contract term that routes disputes to a private arbitrator rather than a public court. When enforced, it typically requires one-by-one claims.

Class-action waiver

Language in a contract that prevents people from joining group lawsuits, often pairing with arbitration to limit collective redress.

Digital mental-health platform

An online service offering peer support, therapy, or self-help tools through web and mobile channels, operating between consumer tech and healthcare.

Ghost network

A directory that appears full of clinicians but relies on scraped or unauthorized listings and contact flows that do not reach the named professionals.

Therapist directory

A searchable list of licensed professionals. It works when entries are consent-based, verified, and connect users to the clinician through clear, direct routes.

Key Takeaways

Subject: a Silverline-branded, black, blue-trimmed, multi-pocket apron. It carries a folding utility knife or compact multitool in a black sheath, a slim LED work light, and spare blades wrapped in paper. A question about the science of word origins led to “etymology,” and the word “apron” itself shows a classic shift: “a napron” became “an apron.”

Story & Details

The apron in short

The item is a work apron with many pockets. The trim is blue on black fabric. The label reads Silverline. The layout suits quick reach and light hand tools.

What sits in the pockets

One pocket holds a folding utility knife or a small multitool in a black sheath. Another pocket holds a slim LED work light. A small paper bundle carries spare blades. The rest of the pockets are open for drivers, pencils, or tape.

Simple setup that works

Keep heavy tools low and close to the body. Place the most used pieces in the middle row. Group by task: cutting with cutting, marking with marking, lighting at the edge. Cover sharp edges to protect the fabric. Do a short weekly reset: empty, wipe, and load again.

The science and the word

The science that studies where words come from is called etymology. The word “apron” shows a famous shift. English once had “a napron” from Old French “naperon” (a small cloth), from Latin “mappa” (a cloth or napkin). Over time, speakers heard “a napron” as “an apron.” This shift is known as rebracketing or metanalysis. The same pattern gave English “adder” from “a nadder,” and “nickname” from “an eke-name.” Major dictionaries and histories record this path.

A small device note

The words “Galaxy A15” also appear, pointing to a Samsung phone family that can add watermarks to pictures. This supports the idea that a recent mid-range phone captured the scene.

Conclusions

A compact apron can keep small tools calm and close. A few pockets, a simple layout, and a weekly reset are enough. The language story is similar. “Apron” carries its past in plain sight, a small reminder that tools and words both change shape with use.

Sources

[1] Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “apron”: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apron
[2] Etymonline, “apron”: https://www.etymonline.com/word/apron
[3] Merriam-Webster, “9 Words Formed by Mistakes” (rebracketing examples): https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/false-divisions-words-formed-by-mistake
[4] Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Etymology”: https://www.britannica.com/topic/etymology
[5] Silverline Tools — Welders Apron (brand context): https://www.silverlinetools.com/en-GB/Product/ProductDetail?ModelName=633505
[6] Samsung — Galaxy A15 5G (device family context): https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-a15-5g/
[7] YouTube (institutional) — BBC Learning English, “The history of the word ‘OK’”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ecnqWFDrs

Appendix

Adder (example)
An English snake name that once began with n- (“a nadder”) and later became “an adder,” an example of rebracketing.

Apron
A protective front garment with pockets. The modern English form arose when “a napron” was reheard as “an apron.”

Etymology
The study of word origins and how forms and meanings change over time.

LED work light
A small battery-powered lamp for close tasks. It fits into a pocket and gives bright, focused light.

Metanalysis (rebracketing)
A shift in how speakers divide sounds at word boundaries, such as “a napron” → “an apron.”

Multitool
A compact folding tool with several functions, often including pliers, small blades, and drivers.

Nickname (example)
Originally “an eke-name,” later heard as “a nickname,” another case of rebracketing.

Utility knife
A folding or retractable knife with replaceable blades for cutting common materials.

Key Takeaways

Clear subject. This article is about Ludus Standalone, the wireless mode of the Ludus virtual reality platform for safety and health training.

Wireless training. Standalone mode lets organisations run Ludus simulations on compatible headsets without a PC or cables. Trainers can carry one case of equipment, move between sites, and start sessions with little setup.

Richer control. Inside the platform, trainers can install and update simulations, set scenarios and risks, launch exercises, and review results, all while staying within the VR workflow.

Concrete use cases. Fire-extinguisher drills, fire-hose cabinet practice, first-aid scenarios and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) simulations are already available or announced for this mode, with real-time feedback and guided or unguided paths.

Real benefits. Standalone mode reduces hardware needs, cuts travel and PC costs, speeds up deployment, and gives learners more freedom of movement during training.

Story & Details

A platform built around safety

Ludus is a European virtual reality platform created to support trainers in occupational health and safety. Its catalogue focuses on realistic, high-risk situations: fire response, falls from height, emergency care and industrial hazards. The aim is simple and direct. People can practise dangerous tasks in a safe, controlled space, repeat them as needed, and learn from mistakes without real-world harm.

What Standalone mode actually does

The Standalone update means that many of these simulations now run directly on headset hardware. A trainer signs in on the device, opens the Ludus application from the headset menu, and can manage the training flow from there. No desktop computer sits in the corner of the room. No long cable links the learner to a tower. The headset itself becomes the main tool.

Once inside the platform, trainers can install, uninstall or update modules; choose which simulations to use; and decide how they should behave. They can launch a fire-extinguisher drill, for example, then restart it or end it as soon as the exercise is over. The same control applies to fire-hose cabinet training or basic first-aid modules, which are already listed as Standalone-ready.

Scenarios, variables and actions

The configuration layer is one of the quiet strengths of the system. Before a simulation starts, the trainer can pick guided or non-guided modes, adjust which risks appear, choose the exercise type, and select scenarios and elements. In practice, this might mean setting different fire locations, adding or removing obstacles, or changing how much support the learner receives on screen.

During training, the trainer can also act. They can trigger events inside the simulation, restart a scenario if a key step goes wrong, or move quickly from one exercise to another. The result feels less like a fixed script and more like a flexible lesson that follows the group in front of the headset.

Recent additions strengthen that feeling. The wireless CPR simulation, for example, uses hand detection so that compressions are tracked in real time. Learners can align a manikin or another object with the virtual patient and then receive instant feedback on depth and rhythm. Guided mode gives on-screen prompts; unguided mode lets them act without hints and see the consequences of their choices.

Why headsets matter here

In this context, the headset is more than a screen. It is a wearable device with built-in displays, lenses and sensors that track head movement and sometimes hands. In a tethered setup, the headset depends on a powerful PC to render the scene. In Standalone mode, the processor inside the headset runs the Ludus software directly.

That difference changes how and where training happens. A safety team can run a drill in a small meeting room, in a spare corner of a warehouse or at a remote site, as long as they have charged devices and the right simulations installed. The space no longer needs to host a full desktop rig. The headset becomes the mobile classroom.

Benefits felt on the ground

The formal list of advantages is easy to recognise in day-to-day work. With fewer equipment requirements, there are fewer points of failure. Portability means trainers can take sessions to multiple sites in one day. Ease of deployment comes from app-store-style installation and updates, which feel similar to using a smartphone.

Cost savings follow the same line. When sessions no longer require dedicated PCs and extra rooms, budgets can stretch further. Freedom of movement also matters. Without cables underfoot, learners can turn, step and reach more naturally while they practise.

Beyond a single company, public organisations are also watching this space. European workplace-safety bodies now discuss virtual reality as part of a wider move toward digital tools in prevention campaigns and training. Health agencies, including national and international centres for disease control, use headsets to teach correct use of protective equipment and safe work in specialised lab environments. These examples show that the shift to immersive training is not limited to one vendor or one sector; it is part of a broader change in how safety skills are learned and tested.

How organisations can move forward

For organisations that still rely on paper checklists, slide decks or one-off classroom drills, Standalone VR offers a concrete next step. Safety leaders can start by mapping the areas where practice is hard to stage in real life: fires, falls, confined spaces or medical emergencies. From there, they can match those needs to the modules already available in the Ludus catalogue.

The call to action in the official materials is straightforward. A short guide explains the benefits of Standalone mode. Direct contact options invite companies to ask for demonstrations, explore pricing and see how the system fits into existing training plans. Because everything runs on headsets, pilots can remain small at first and then scale up once results are clear.

Conclusions

A quiet shift with practical impact

Ludus Standalone does not change the core idea of safety training. People still need to learn, repeat and internalise good habits. What it changes is the friction. By placing full simulations inside untethered headsets, it removes the cables, towers and rooms that once limited where and how often training could occur.

For many teams, this will mean shorter, more regular sessions held closer to the real work. A forklift operator might practise hazards before a shift. A technician might rehearse emergency steps during a quiet hour. Trainers retain fine control over scenarios and actions, and learners move freely in a safe, virtual space.

The technology sits in service of a simple goal: safer people, better prepared, with tools that fit the rhythm of modern workplaces.

Selected References

[1] Ludus — “Standalone: Ludus introduces a wireless, PC-free mode in its platform.” https://www.ludusglobal.com/en/news/standalone-ludus-wireless-free-mode

[2] Ludus — “Realistic HSE training with VR that makes people care about safety in the workplace.” https://www.ludusglobal.com/en/

[3] Ludus — “New VR simulation from Ludus: wireless CPR training.” https://www.ludusglobal.com/en/news/new-vr-simulation-ludus-wireless-cpr-training

[4] European Agency for Safety and Health at Work — “VR training — Safe and healthy work in the digital age 2023–2025.” https://healthy-workplaces.osha.europa.eu/en/media-centre/news/vr-training

[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — “LabTrainingVR: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Edition” (course overview and public training materials). https://reach.cdc.gov/course/labtrainingvr-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-edition

[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — “LabTrainingVR: Personal Protective Equipment Edition” (public video). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikq5-AUDrFQ

Appendix

Headset. A wearable device with built-in screens, lenses and sensors that displays a virtual environment and tracks the user’s movements; in Standalone deployments, it runs the training software on its own.

Ludus. A European virtual reality platform focused on occupational health and safety training, offering simulations for fire response, emergency care and industrial risk scenarios.

Scenario actions. Specific events that trainers can trigger during a simulation, such as starting a fire, changing a tool or restarting an exercise, in order to adapt the drill in real time.

Scenario variables. Adjustable settings that define how a simulation behaves, including risk level, guidance style, environment and the presence or absence of particular hazards or tools.

Standalone mode. A way of running the Ludus platform directly on compatible headsets without a PC or cables, enabling portable, fast-to-deploy training sessions.

Virtual reality safety training. A method of teaching safety skills through immersive computer-generated environments, allowing learners to practise risky tasks repeatedly without exposure to real danger.

Key Takeaways

• Subject: a viral claim about a nameless scientist who fused flesh and machine, failed, and now lives forever in silent torment underground.
• Reality check: no reputable scientific or journalistic record supports this story; it matches the pattern of internet horror fiction known as creepypasta.
• What “immortal” means in real science: certain lab-grown cell lines (for example, HeLa) can divide indefinitely; that does not mean an undying person.
• Links that look official can still route to unknown destinations; use trusted tools to check safety before clicking.

Story & Details

How the story is framed

A dramatic block of text circulates online claiming a brilliant scientist “played God,” tested immortality on himself, and lost everything. His name is supposedly erased from records; only his body remains, sealed in an underground capsule. The post concludes with a shortened link on a Google-branded domain urging readers to “see more.”

Why it doesn’t hold up

Searches across credible science outlets and established newsrooms reveal no reports of a real person matching these claims. There is no date, country, lab, paper, researcher name, or verifiable trail—only melodramatic language and a share link. This is the hallmark of creepypasta: short, viral horror fiction that spreads as if true.

What science actually says about “immortality”

In biology, “immortal” typically describes cell lines that replicate indefinitely under specific conditions. The best-known example is HeLa, derived from Henrietta Lacks in the early 1950s. HeLa cells have been central to countless advances—from vaccine development to virology—yet they are cells in culture, not a living human kept alive forever. Institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins document this history in detail.

About that shortened link

The domain belongs to Google’s family of top-level domains, but a branded address does not guarantee that the destination is safe or worth your time. Opaque redirects are common in phishing and low-quality bait. Before opening unfamiliar links, use a trusted status checker; do not download files or sign in unless you are sure of the destination.

Conclusions

The capsule-bound “first immortal man” reads like a campfire tale updated for the feed. It lacks names, dates, provenance, and peer-reviewed evidence. Real science uses precise terms and leaves public trails—journals, institutional pages, and press coverage. If a claim this extraordinary were true, reliable sources would already be saturated with it. Treat the post as fiction, keep curiosity, and keep your click hygiene sharp.

Sources

[1] National Institutes of Health — “HeLa Cells: A Lasting Contribution to Biomedical Research.” https://osp.od.nih.gov/hela-cells/
[2] National Institutes of Health — “Significant Research Advances Enabled by HeLa Cells.” https://osp.od.nih.gov/hela-cells/significant-research-advances-enabled-by-hela-cells/
[3] Johns Hopkins Medicine — “The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks
[4] Johns Hopkins Medicine — “Frequently Asked Questions.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks/frequently-asked-questions
[5] IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) — Delegation record for .google. https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/google.html
[6] Google Transparency Report — Safe Browsing site status. https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing
[7] Library of Congress, American Folklife Center — Web Cultures Web Archive (on archiving online folklore). https://www.loc.gov/collections/web-cultures-web-archive/about-this-collection/
[8] YouTube (institutional channel: Johns Hopkins Medicine) — “Henrietta Lacks | Her Impact and Our Outreach.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPLSp7Tf3bw

Appendix

Creepypasta

A genre of short, shareable internet horror fiction that often mimics nonfiction style to feel plausible. It spreads virally without traditional sourcing.

Google-owned top-level domain

A domain ending such as “.google” that is operated by Google. Ownership says who runs the namespace, not whether any individual link is safe.

HeLa cells

An “immortal” human cell line derived from Henrietta Lacks in 1951. “Immortal” here means the cells can keep dividing in lab conditions, not that a person lives forever.

Safe Browsing

A Google-maintained system and public status page that flags known risky sites so users can check a URL before visiting.

Key Takeaways

Status today. New Fortress Energy has not filed for bankruptcy.
Pressure points. A missed interest payment triggered credit downgrades and a “Restricted Default” label from Fitch.
Debt lifeline. An amended letter-of-credit facility extends maturity to March 2026 and relaxes certain covenants.
Disclosure delays. The company asked for extra time to file its quarterly report while restructuring talks continue.

Story & Details

Where things stand. The U.S. liquefied natural gas company remains a going concern, yet it sits in the uncomfortable space between forbearance and formal court protection. Reporting shows heavy leverage, project execution issues, and expensive financing weighing on results. A recent quarterly loss underscored the strain as interest costs compound the problem [1].

What changed in the capital stack. On November 14, the firm executed an Eleventh Amendment to its letter-of-credit and reimbursement agreement. The move extends the maturity to March 31, 2026, grants a short covenant holiday, removes a minimum liquidity test for select quarters, tightens dividends and other payouts, and restricts payments on certain outstanding debt—specifically touching the November interest due on 12% senior secured notes due 2029 [2][3]. This buys time, not safety.

Signals from the ratings desk. After the missed mid-November interest payment, Fitch cut the issuer rating to “RD,” a designation used when a default on a specific obligation has occurred or is imminent. The action also pushed certain secured instruments deeper into distress territory, highlighting limited room for error as negotiations unfold [4]. S&P Global echoed the moment with its own downgrade to “SD” (selective default) on the notes in question [5].

Disclosure clock. As talks with lenders intensified, the company sought an extension for its third-quarter filing. Reuters reporting notes long-term debt in the multi-billion-dollar range and points to ongoing efforts to sell assets or bring in partners to stabilize liquidity and reduce risk [3][1]. None of this equals a court petition, but each step sketches the contours of a restructuring playbook.

Conclusions

New Fortress Energy is navigating a narrow channel. Covenant relief and maturity breathing room help; missed coupons and rating downgrades hurt. Unless out-of-court talks quickly yield binding agreements, a court-supervised process remains a live option. For now, the company stays out of court, and the next decisive signals will come from filings, forbearance updates, and creditor lock-ups.

Sources

[1] Reuters — “New Fortress posts quarterly loss as high interest costs deepen debt woes” (Nov. 21, 2025): https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/new-fortress-posts-quarterly-loss-high-interest-costs-deepen-debt-woes-2025-11-21/
[2] SEC — New Fortress Energy Form 8-K (filed Nov. 14, 2025): https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1749723/000174972325000145/nfe-20251114.htm
[3] Reuters — “New Fortress Energy seeks to delay quarterly filing amid debt restructuring talks” (Nov. 12, 2025): https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/new-fortress-energy-seeks-delay-quarterly-filing-amid-debt-restructuring-talks-2025-11-12/
[4] Fitch Ratings — “Fitch Downgrades New Fortress Energy’s IDR to ‘RD’ on Missed Interest Payment” (Nov. 20, 2025): https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-downgrades-new-fortress-energy-idr-to-rd-on-missed-interest-payment-20-11-2025
[5] S&P Global Ratings — “New Fortress Energy Inc. Downgraded To ‘SD’” (Nov. 18, 2025): https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/regulatory/article/-/view/type/HTML/id/3480829
[6] United States Courts — “Bankruptcy Basics — Part 2: Types of Bankruptcy” (YouTube, institutional channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXv-na6y8nE

Appendix

Bankruptcy. A court process that lets a debtor restructure or liquidate obligations under judicial oversight.

Chapter 11. A U.S. reorganization path that allows a company to keep operating while it negotiates a plan with creditors.

Covenant holiday. A temporary pause or loosening of financial tests in a credit agreement to avoid technical default.

Forbearance. An agreement in which creditors temporarily refrain from enforcing rights after a default or missed payment.

Issuer ratings (RD/SD). “Restricted Default” (Fitch) and “Selective Default” (S&P) indicate default on specific obligations while other debts may still be paid.

Letter-of-credit facility. A bank-backed arrangement that supports obligations; amending terms can extend maturities and adjust covenants.

Liquidity. Cash and committed credit available to meet near-term needs without selling core assets at a loss.

Senior secured notes. Bonds backed by collateral and priority claims; missing an interest payment can trigger downgrades and negotiations.

Key Takeaways

The product

This article is about a stainless-steel spider strainer used to lift food from hot oil or boiling water.

Late hours

Action and Marskramer in Appingedam list 21:00 closing on select evenings; GAMMA keeps 21:00 on weekdays.

Best chance

Marskramer focuses on home and kitchen goods, so it is the strongest bet for a proper spider strainer.

Quick tip

Call the store to confirm stock before you go.

Story & Details

What a spider strainer is

A spider strainer has a shallow wire-mesh bowl and a long handle. It drains fast and keeps hands away from heat. It is handy for fries, dumplings, and blanched vegetables. Simple tool, big safety gain.

Where to go this evening

Action (Koningstraat 32) lists evening hours until 21:00 on Thursdays and Fridays on its official store page [1].
Marskramer (Dijkstraat 42) extends to 21:00 on Fridays according to its branch page [2].
GAMMA (Farmsumerweg 130) shows 09:00–21:00 on weekdays on the chain’s site [3].
These are reliable, public pages. Hours can shift for events or holidays, so check on the day.

Likely availability

Marskramer is a household specialist and the most likely to stock a stainless-steel spider strainer.
Action is a broad discount retailer; simple strainers appear at times, but stock varies by branch.
GAMMA is a DIY chain; it may have basic kitchen tools, yet selection is less certain.

A short plan that works

If it is Friday evening, start at Marskramer for focus and choice. If needed, stop by Action next.
On other weekdays, GAMMA’s long hours can fit a busy schedule. A quick call avoids a wasted trip.

Conclusions

The bottom line

To buy a spider strainer late in Appingedam, aim first for Marskramer. Use Action and GAMMA for extra flexibility. Confirm stock, then go. Clear, fast, and practical.

Sources

Store hours and locations

[1] Action Appingedam — official store page: https://www.action.com/nl-nl/winkels/appingedam-koningstraat/
[2] Marskramer Appingedam — official store page: https://www.marskramer.nl/vestigingen/appingedam/
[3] GAMMA Appingedam — official store page: https://www.gamma.nl/bouwmarkten/appingedam

One useful video (institutional, public)

[4] America’s Test Kitchen — “The Best Spider Skimmers for Cooking and Frying”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nNXWC8rIv8

Appendix

Action

A Dutch discount chain with a wide mix of household goods. The Appingedam branch lists 21:00 closing on Thursdays and Fridays.

GAMMA

A Netherlands DIY and home-improvement chain. The Appingedam store keeps weekday hours to 21:00.

Marskramer

A home and kitchen specialist chain. The Appingedam shop is the best local bet for a quality spider strainer.

Spider strainer

A round wire-mesh skimmer on a long handle for lifting and draining food from hot oil or boiling water.

Key Takeaways

What this piece is about
Living in Zwanenburg while working in Amsterdam: how it feels, and where to grab coffee or a reliable desk.

Why the location works
Quiet streets, short hops to the city, and enough local spots to break up the day.

Where to set up
Five nearby cafés for light work and three workspace options for focus days, plus one official video that helps with daily travel planning.

Story & Details

The place
Zwanenburg sits between Amsterdam and Haarlem. It feels like a village: low houses, small gardens, and a friendly main street. Shops and parks are close by. The canal and open views keep the pace slow while the rail line keeps the city close [1].

The daily rhythm
Many residents commute to Amsterdam. The rail network ties Zwanenburg to the capital in minutes. Planning is simple: the national rail app and planner show real-time options and door-to-door routes. Commuting becomes a routine, not a puzzle [2][3].

Cafés for a change of scene
Scratch Cafe is a cosy bakery-style stop for a morning session. Café De Buren is more social and suits quick meetings or idea jams. TIO’s is a small, calm room for an hour of email. Just over the canal, CoffeeJeep in Halfweg offers specialty coffee in a bright setting, good when you want to move but not travel far. Big Bread Kitchen in Halfweg adds space, steady food options, and a lunch-plus-laptop vibe [4][6].

Workspaces when focus matters
On heavier days, beyond Republica Campus in Amsterdam-Noord delivers a full coworking setup with desks, meeting rooms, and a creative scene. Closer to home, the lounge at Hotel Zwanenburg works as a quiet corner if you are a guest or a paying customer. In nearby Lijnden, business-park hubs provide practical desks and small offices with easy parking—useful when you want structure without heading into the city [7][8].

A simple travel helper
An official rail video explains the core app features at a glance. It is public, global, and easy to watch. It makes day-to-day planning smoother and reduces the friction of moving between village and city [5].

Conclusions

A balanced setup
Zwanenburg gives calm streets and quick city access. With a handful of good cafés and several workspace choices, the area supports both light and deep work. The result is a steady rhythm: quiet at home, culture and meetings within reach.

A working week that breathes
Start local, switch to a focus desk when needed, and ride the rail for city time. It is simple and it works.

Selected References

[1] Municipality of Haarlemmermeer — official site: https://haarlemmermeergemeente.nl
[2] NS (Dutch Railways) — Travelling with NS (official guide): https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/travelling-with-ns
[3] NS — Journey Planner (official): https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/
[4] CoffeeJeep — official site: http://coffeejeep.nl
[5] NS — “De NS-app kan meer dan je denkt” (official video, public and unrestricted): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHkejPFscO0
[6] Big Bread Kitchen Halfweg — official site: https://www.bigbreadhalfweg.nl
[7] beyond Republica Campus — official workspace info: https://www.wearebeyond.work
[8] Hotel Zwanenburg — official site: http://www.hotelzwanenburg.nl

Appendix

Café
A small, informal venue serving coffee, pastries, or light meals; suitable for short laptop sessions or meetings.

Commuter town
A residential place where many people travel daily to work or study in a nearby city.

Coworking space
A shared workplace offering desks, Wi-Fi, and meeting rooms, typically paid by day pass or membership.

Flex desk
A non-assigned seat available on a first-come basis within a coworking area.

Lijnden
A nearby business-park area with flexible offices and easy road access, used by freelancers and small firms.

Randstad
The urban belt that links major Dutch cities and surrounding towns, including Amsterdam and Haarlem.

Zwanenburg
A quiet village in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, close to Amsterdam and Haarlem, known for residential streets and straightforward transport links.

Key Takeaways

What this piece is about

This article is about Lebara verification codes. It explains what they are, when to use them, and when to treat them as a warning.

Why the code matters

A Lebara code is a one-time password that can confirm a login or a change to an account. Lebara states it will never call and ask for passwords or one-time codes. [1]

When it is safe to use

If a code arrives right after you start a login, password reset, or number change inside an official Lebara app or website, using it there is normal. If a code appears out of the blue, do not enter it anywhere. Use the official site or app to check your account. [1][2][3]

Habits that reduce risk

Strong, unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regular updates make accounts harder to break. European guidance highlights these as “cyber hygiene” basics. [4][5][6]

Report suspicious texts

Forward scam texts to 7726 so networks can investigate and block senders. National portals also accept phishing reports. [3][2][7]

Story & Details

The message and its meaning

A typical security text greets the customer, shows a numeric code, says it expires in two minutes, and warns not to share it. It also suggests getting in touch if it feels wrong. Short expiry shrinks the window for abuse. The “do not share” line is vital: treat the code like a password. Public guidance from Lebara repeats that it will not call to ask for your passwords or any one-time codes. [1]

When the timing fits

There are moments when a code is expected: setting up the MyLebara app, starting a password reset, or confirming a change. In these cases, type the digits only into the official app or site already open. If no code arrives, check your registered contact details, then use the published help pages and numbers. [2]

When the timing clashes

If a code lands without any action from you, pause. It could be a mistyped number by someone else, or it could mean someone has your password and is blocked by the code step. Do not enter the code. Open the official app or site yourself, sign in, review activity, and change your password to a strong unique one if needed. Report the text if it looks like a scam. [3][7][2]

How criminals exploit trust

Fraudsters copy real texts and build fake pages. Some call and ask for a code “to stop a payment.” Genuine staff do not need your one-time password on a call. The safe move is to end contact and use official channels you look up yourself. Public campaigns teach a simple habit: stop, challenge, protect. [3][8]

Quiet defences that help every day

Use unique passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication. Keep phones and apps updated to close security holes. These steps raise the bar, even if a single code leaks. [4][6][5]

One clear explainer to share

A short public video from the national Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign shows how a brief pause—stop, challenge, protect—prevents people from giving away codes under pressure. [9]

Conclusions

Pause first

A verification code is powerful because it is short-lived and tied to a key step. If the timing makes sense, use it only in the official place where you started. If the timing does not, leave it unused and check your account yourself.

Let simple habits carry the load

Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, updates, and quick reporting form a safety net. With these in place, a single code becomes one checkpoint inside a sturdier daily routine.

Sources

[1] Lebara — Safety information about your account. https://www.lebara.com.au/support/account-security/
[2] GOV.UK — Avoid and report internet scams and phishing (includes 7726). https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing
[3] UK National Cyber Security Centre — Phishing collection and “report a scam text” (7726). https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
[4] ENISA — Cyber Hygiene overview. https://www.enisa.europa.eu/topics/cyber-hygiene
[5] ENISA — Cyber Hygiene in the Health Sector (general best practices apply widely). https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/cyber-hygiene-in-the-health-sector
[6] ENISA — Do’s and Don’ts of cyber-hygiene. https://www.enisa.europa.eu/press-office/press-and-media/dos-and-donts-of-cyber-hygiene
[7] Northern Ireland Cyber Security Centre — Report a scam text (7726). https://www.nicybersecuritycentre.gov.uk/report-scam-text-message
[8] Take Five to Stop Fraud — Official site. https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
[9] YouTube — “Take Five to Stop Fraud: Stop, Challenge and Protect” (Take Five to Stop Fraud channel). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2CfIOTWpTg

Appendix

Authentication code

A short code used to prove that the person completing a step is the right account holder. It is time-limited and should never be shared.

Cyber security awareness

A daily habit of spotting risky messages and links and choosing safe actions, such as ignoring unknown links and checking contact details on official sites.

Lebara

A mobile brand that uses codes, passwords, and other checks to help customers keep control of their accounts.

Multi-factor authentication

An extra layer of security beyond a password, such as a code or a hardware token, that makes unauthorised access much harder.

One-time password

A code that works once, usually for only a few minutes, to finish a login or confirm a change.

Reporting suspicious messages

Forwarding suspect texts to 7726 and using national portals to report phishing so networks and authorities can investigate and block senders.

Smishing

Fraud by text message that tries to trick people into sharing personal data, security codes, or money.

Key Takeaways

The brief. The product is a tool carrier that does not hang from the neck or the waist, yet holds many tools in many pockets and keeps them easy to grab under a fold-over or strap-down flap.
The fit. A tool roll matches this design better than a worn apron because it organizes tools in stitched pockets, closes with a flap and straps, and stays off the body.
Why it works. Reducing on-body load can ease strain risks, while a roll keeps layout predictable and access quick when open.
What to check. Look for dense pocket layouts, a full-width top flap, firm strap hardware, tough fabric like waxed canvas or heavy nylon, and a carry handle or D-rings to hang nearby during work.

Story & Details

From apron to roll. Traditional aprons rely on neck and waist suspension. That is exactly what we want to avoid. A tool roll solves the problem because it lives on the bench or hangs near the bench, not on the body. It opens flat to show every pocket, then folds its flap over the tool heads and straps shut for transport.

Pockets that actually organize. Good rolls use pocket arrays that separate pliers, chisels, drivers, and layout tools so edges do not clash. Narrow pockets prevent rattling; a few wider bays accept bulkier hand tools. Elastic keepers or zip pouches help with small parts. The more predictable the layout, the faster the grab.

The flap and straps. The top flap is the key feature. It blankets sharp ends so nothing slips out when the roll is closed, and it also acts like a dust cover between tasks. Two straps—usually side or center—lock down the bundle. Metal buckles are durable; quick-release hardware speeds packing at the end of a shift.

Materials that take a beating. Waxed canvas and high-denier nylon strike a balance between abrasion resistance and flexibility. Heavy stitching at stress points, bound edges, and bar tacks on pocket mouths extend life. If the roll rides in a toolbox or vehicle, reinforce corners matter more than aesthetic touches.

Working posture and load. Keeping tools off the body trims static load on the shoulders and lower back. Ergonomic and manual-handling guidance consistently steers workers to reduce carried weight and keep only what is needed within easy reach. A benchtop roll with a flap honors that idea while preserving fast access when it is open [2][3].

Set-up in the shop. Hang the open roll by its handle or D-rings at eye or chest level on a peg or French cleat. Group by task: cutting, fastening, measuring. Label the inside flap edge if pockets are deep. When moving between stations, fold the flap down, cinch the straps, and carry the roll like a portfolio.

Conclusions

A fold-over tool roll is the cleanest answer when the goal is multi-pocket organization without any neck or waist suspension. It keeps tools visible when open, secure when closed, and off the body all day. Choose a roll with a full-cover flap, firm straps, reinforced stitching, and pocket sizes that match your kit. Set it at arm’s reach, not on your shoulders, and let the layout do the work.

Selected References

[1] This Old House: “How to Organize Tool Storage Drawers” (public YouTube video from a reputable journalistic channel) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWg2bRGy6qU
[2] U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Ergonomics FAQs — https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/faqs
[3] U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Manual handling at work — https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/manual-handling/index.htm
[4] Family Handyman: Tool storage tips and hacks — https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/tool-storage-tips-hacks/
[5] Popular Mechanics: What to consider in rolling tool storage — https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/g36214100/best-rolling-tool-box/

Appendix

Apron (tool apron). A wearable tool organizer supported by straps at the neck and waist; not suitable here because the requirement is a carrier that does not hang from the body.

Fold-over flap. A cover sewn to the top of a tool roll that folds down over tool heads to prevent spill-out and dust, then secures under straps.

Multi-pocket organizer. Any carrier with many stitched or modular pockets that separate tools so edges do not collide, improving visibility and speed.

Tool roll. A flexible sheet with pocket rows that opens flat for access and closes by folding a flap and strapping into a compact bundle; designed to sit on a surface or hang nearby, not to be worn.

Wear-free carry. A setup that removes tool weight from the neck and waist, reducing static load and encouraging neutral posture while keeping tools within reach.