2025.10.25 – How to Read New Fortress Energy’s 2025 Storm—bankruptcy rumors, Nasdaq notices, SEC delays, CCC-level ratings, Jamaica sale, restructuring signals, and what “D (Default)” really means (Europe/Amsterdam, October 25, 2025)

Key Takeaways

  • As of October 25, 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam), New Fortress Energy (NFE, New Fortress Energy Inc.) has no public bankruptcy filing. The record points to late SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) reports, Nasdaq (The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC) notices, deep losses, a major asset sale, credit ratings at CCC, and active creditor talks.
  • Credit ratings: Fitch Ratings cut NFE’s IDR (Issuer Default Rating) to CCC on June 5, 2025; S&P Global Ratings (S&P) lowered NFE to CCC/Negative on July 14, 2025.
  • Below CCC: In the S&P/Fitch scales the descent is CCC → CC → C → D (Default). S&P also uses SD (Selective Default); Fitch uses RD (Restricted Default) when only some obligations have defaulted.
  • Default risk at CCC/C: S&P’s long-run one-year averages (1981–2024) show ≈27.9% default for U.S. CCC/C issuers and ≈26.3% for European CCC/C issuers; “default” includes bankruptcies and distressed exchanges.
  • Jamaica sale: NFE closed its Jamaica assets sale to Excelerate Energy (EE, Excelerate Energy Inc.) for about $1.055–$1.06 billion on May 14, 2025.
  • Filing windows: Nasdaq noticed non-compliance on May 27, 2025; a later notice was disclosed August 22, 2025. Windows included a 60-day plan and, if accepted, a path to cure by November 11, 2025.
  • Restructuring signals: In September–October 2025, Bloomberg Law reported creditor NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) and a debt-swap proposal delivered on October 10, 2025 at 7:20 PM UTC (9:20 PM in the Netherlands).

Story & Details

Bankruptcy status vs. market fear

No Chapter 11 or analogous court petition appears in public dockets or major wire services through October 25, 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam). The pattern instead is classic pre-restructuring distress: delayed SEC reports, Nasdaq compliance notices, ratings at CCC, a large asset sale, and organized creditor negotiations.

Nasdaq notices and the filing windows

  • May 27, 2025: Reuters reported Nasdaq non-compliance after NFE delayed its Form 10-Q. The exchange allowed 60 days to submit a plan; if accepted, NFE could regain compliance by November 11, 2025 by filing the overdue report.
  • August 22, 2025: NFE’s investor site disclosed another Nasdaq notice tied to the Q2 2025 delay (company post time not specified publicly).
    Timelines can appear different because listing rules create overlapping plan and cure windows; this article uses the most conservative reading from the published notices and reports. When specific hours are reported, Netherlands equivalents are shown.

Earnings pressure and the Jamaica sale

  • May 14, 2025: NFE closed the Jamaica transaction with Excelerate Energy for about $1.055–$1.06 billion and, the same day, reported a first-quarter 2025 net loss (Reuters coverage and the company’s release align on direction and drivers).
  • September 5–6, 2025: NFE posted second-quarter 2025 results showing a much larger net loss driven by non-cash items and impairments. Results and coverage are available via the investor site and Reuters.

SEC filings (selected milestones)

  • May 13, 2025: NT 10-Q (Notification of Late Filing under SEC Rule 12b-25) for Q1.
  • August 12, 2025: NT 10-Q for Q2 (company filings index).
  • September 5, 2025: Q2 2025 results posted; the related Form 10-Q is listed on EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval).

Ratings pressure and what sits below CCC

  • Fitch Ratings downgraded NFE’s IDR to CCC on June 5, 2025, citing elevated execution and liquidity risks.
  • S&P Global Ratings lowered NFE to CCC/Negative on July 14, 2025 (noted in S&P’s public regulatory brief).
  • Below CCC: CC → C → D (Default). S&P may assign SD (Selective Default) when the issuer has defaulted on some obligations; Fitch may assign RD (Restricted Default) after a distressed exchange or missed payment on a material obligation while the company continues operating.

What “D (Default)” means and implies

  • S&P (S&P Global Ratings):
  • D (Default at the issuer or issue level): failure to pay one or more financial obligations on original terms beyond any stated grace period, and S&P does not expect full, immediate repayment.
  • SD (Selective Default): the issuer has defaulted on specific obligations (for example, a distressed exchange) while continuing to pay others.
  • Fitch (Fitch Ratings):
  • D (Default): broad, uncured payment default at the issuer or specific issue.
  • RD (Restricted Default): the issuer has experienced an uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a material obligation but has not entered formal winding-up and continues operating.
  • Moody’s (Moody’s Ratings):
  • On the long-term issuer scale the floor is C (often associated with default-like situations).
  • PDR (Probability of Default Rating) can display D-PD when failure to pay (beyond grace) has occurred; instrument-level ratings can be C while in default.
  • Common triggers: non-payment of interest or principal (after grace), distressed exchange (creditor receives less NPV than promised), bankruptcy/insolvency filings, or acceleration declared by creditors and not cured.
  • Practical consequences:
  • Cross-default/cross-acceleration clauses can make other debts immediately due.
  • Securities can trade flat (no accrued interest) at deep discounts.
  • Liquidity tightens: lenders may suspend lines, demand collateral, or enforce guarantees.
  • CDS (Credit Default Swap): an ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association) Determinations Committee may declare a Credit Event (e.g., Failure to Pay or Restructuring), triggering an auction to settle CDS positions.
  • Listing rules: shares risk suspension or delisting if disclosures lapse or a bankruptcy process begins.
  • Operations and suppliers: tougher payment terms; need for DIP (Debtor-in-Possession) financing in court scenarios.
  • Capital structure outcomes: equity faces heavy dilution or cancellation; recoveries hinge on seniority and collateral (senior secured typically recover more than subordinated).

How risky is “CCC/C” historically?

  • S&P’s long-run one-year average CCC/C → Default rates (1981–2024):
  • United States: ≈27.9%.
  • Europe: ≈26.3%.
    Because “default” includes bankruptcy and distressed exchanges, not every “D” involves a court petition; many are out-of-court restructurings.

Restructuring signals

  • September 12, 2025: Bloomberg Law reported advisers to creditor groups signing NDAs as talks began.
  • September 24, 2025: Bloomberg Law reported more creditors preparing for confidential discussions.
  • October 10, 2025 at 7:20 PM UTC (9:20 PM in the Netherlands): Bloomberg Law reported delivery of a debt-swap proposal to creditor advisers.

Entities & Roles Index

  • New Fortress Energy (NFE, New Fortress Energy Inc.) — U.S. LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) developer/operator.
  • Nasdaq (The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC) — Listing venue issuing non-compliance notices for late filings.
  • SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) — U.S. regulator receiving 10-Q (Quarterly Report) and NT 10-Q (Late Filing Notice).
  • S&P Global Ratings (S&P) and Fitch Ratings — Credit rating agencies; CCC-level actions in mid-2025.
  • Excelerate Energy (EE, Excelerate Energy Inc.) — Buyer of NFE’s Jamaica assets.
  • Reuters / Bloomberg Law — Reported notices, results, creditor organizing, and the debt-swap report.
  • ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association) — Oversees standardized CDS credit-event/auction process.

Chronology (selected)

  • March 27, 2025: Jamaica sale announced (press release).
  • May 13, 2025: NFE delays quarterly report; files NT 10-Q (Q1).
  • May 14, 2025: Jamaica sale closes; Q1 2025 loss reported.
  • May 27, 2025: Reuters notes Nasdaq non-compliance and the 60-day plan; potential cure by November 11, 2025 if the plan is accepted.
  • June 5, 2025: Fitch cuts NFE to CCC.
  • July 14, 2025: S&P cuts NFE to CCC/Negative.
  • August 12, 2025: NT 10-Q (Q2).
  • August 22, 2025: Nasdaq notice disclosed on NFE’s investor site.
  • September 5–6, 2025: Q2 2025 results posted and covered.
  • September 12 and September 24, 2025: Bloomberg Law: NDAs and confidential talks.
  • October 10, 2025: Debt-swap proposal reported delivered.
  • October 25, 2025: Status checkpoint: no public bankruptcy filing.

Conclusions

  • Through October 25, 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam) there is no formal bankruptcy filing for NFE.
  • Financial stress remains very high: late filings, Nasdaq warnings, heavy losses, CCC ratings, a large asset sale, and active restructuring discussions.
  • “D (Default)” is a formal label with material consequences (cross-default, CDS auctions, delisting risk, liquidity squeeze). CCC/C statistics place the risk in context while not predicting any single outcome.

Sources

2025.10.25 – How to Make a Messy Room Immaculate in One Hour: Controlled-Area Cleaning with Clear Homes and Gentle Gamification

Key Takeaways

  • Short, winnable rounds reduce overwhelm and create steady progress.
  • A one-square-meter “Base of Operations” unlocks momentum when surfaces are scarce.
  • Clear homes for categories (clothes, tech/cables, cleaning supplies) prevent re-clutter.
  • Timers and rotating visual cues keep attention anchored to the next small task.
  • Gentle gamification (cards, points, quick challenges) sustains motivation without complexity.

Story & Details

The controlled-area method

Start where space is tight and surfaces are occupied. The controlled-area method creates progress by conquering a small, repeatable footprint.

Guiding principles

  • Make space to make space: open one square meter on the floor beside the bed to serve as a Base of Operations.
  • Work only the next visible patch; avoid scattering effort across the room.
  • Assign a durable home to each category before moving on.

Step-by-step

  • Base of Operations
    Open approximately one square meter. Do not sort yet; just clear enough to expose clean floor.
  • Sort into three steady categories
    Clothes and fabrics; technology and cables; cleaning products and cloths. Place each category in its own container or defined corner.
  • Give every category a home
    Clothes to a bin or wardrobe zone; technology and cables to a transparent box or drawer insert with a label; cleaning products to a compact cart near actual use.
  • Lock in resets
    End each round with a one-minute return-to-home sweep so categories do not leak back onto the floor.
  • Timebox rounds
    Use a 10–20-minute timer per round. In the Netherlands, set the timer to local time; keep the one-hour cap visible.
  • Optional inspirations
    Borrow the clarity of 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) from lean methods and the focus bursts of the Pomodoro Technique (time-boxed intervals with short breaks).

Results to aim for in one hour

  • A clear Base of Operations and at least two fully assigned category homes.
  • Visible floor lanes, a made bed, and cleared horizontal surfaces.
  • A five-minute closing sweep to return every stray item to its home.

Conclusions

Order grows fastest when effort is narrowed to a small, repeatable footprint. A clear Base of Operations, three steadfast categories, and labeled homes prevent backsliding. Time-boxed rounds, light gamification, and brief resets make the work feel finishable. One focused hour can shift a room from scattered to composed—and establish habits that keep it that way.

Sources

2025.10.25 – How Long Are Your Arm Segments? A Clear Guide from Fingertip to Shoulder and from Elbow to Fingertip

Key Takeaways

  • Estimates for adult humans:
  • Fingertip to shoulder: about 60–70 cm for average-height individuals (with possible variation to 50–80 cm depending on body size).
  • Elbow to fingertip: about 35–45 cm for average-height adults (with variation depending on height and limb length).
  • Proportional rules:
  • Fingertip-to-shoulder ≈ 38–40% of total height.
  • Elbow-to-fingertip ≈ 23–25% of total height.
  • These are approximations — individual variation is normal.

What Are We Talking About?

This guide covers two specific human body-measurements:

  1. The distance from the tip of the longest finger (usually the middle finger) to the shoulder.
  2. The distance from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger.

The values given are based on general adult populations and are meant for rough estimation rather than precise clinical use.

Fingertip to Shoulder Length

This section deals with the span from the longest finger’s tip up to the shoulder.

General Adult Range

  • For many adults, this length falls between 60 cm and 70 cm.
  • In taller individuals with longer arms it may reach 75–80 cm.
  • In shorter individuals or those with shorter arm proportions it may be closer to 50–60 cm.

Proportional Rule

A useful heuristic:

Fingertip-to-shoulder length ≈ 0.38–0.40 × (person’s total height)

Examples:

  • Height = 1.70 m → 0.39 × 170 cm ≈ 66 cm.
  • Height = 1.60 m → 0.39 × 160 cm ≈ 62 cm.

Practical Use & Notes

  • Good for general self-measurement or ergonomic considerations (e.g., desk height, reach).
  • Variation arises from shoulder height, arm length, torso length, and finger length.
  • Not a precise clinical measurement — use as approximate guideline.

Variant Considerations

  • Taller adults (e.g., above ~1.85 m): distance may exceed the upper bound slightly (e.g., ~80 cm).
  • Shorter adults or adolescents ( distance may fall below ~60 cm, possibly around ~50 cm.

Elbow to Fingertip Length

This section covers the lower arm plus hand — from the elbow joint to the tip of the longest finger.

General Adult Range

  • For many adults, the length is about 35 cm to 45 cm.
  • For average-height people (roughly 1.65–1.75 m) it’s often around 38–40 cm.
  • Taller persons may approach 45 cm; shorter persons may be closer to 33–36 cm.

Proportional Rule

A rough heuristic:

Elbow-to-fingertip length ≈ 0.23–0.25 × (person’s total height)

Examples:

  • Height = 1.70 m → 0.24 × 170 cm ≈ 41 cm.
  • Height = 1.60 m → 0.24 × 160 cm ≈ 38 cm.

Practical Use & Notes

  • Useful for measuring reach when the upper arm is fixed (e.g., working at a table, armrest design).
  • Variation depends on forearm length, hand size, finger length, and elbow-shoulder geometry.
  • Again: approximate rule, not a precision medical measurement.

Variant Considerations

  • Tall adults: may see lengths approaching ~45 cm or slightly higher.
  • Shorter adults/adolescents: may have lengths around ~33–36 cm or slightly lower.

Putting It Together

When planning for design (ergonomics), tailoring, sports equipment, or simply understanding your own body dimensions:

  • Measure your height, then multiply by the relevant factor (0.38 or 0.24) to estimate each segment.
  • Use actual measurement (tape measure) to refine.
  • Remember individual variation is normal — these are helpful guidelines, not rigid rules.

Definitions & Translations

Longest finger

The finger of the hand with the greatest length—typically the middle finger.

Fingertip to shoulder distance

The straight-line measurement from the tip of the longest finger (hand fully extended) to the point of the shoulder (where the arm joins).

Elbow to fingertip distance

The straight-line measurement from the elbow joint (specified anatomical landmark) to the tip of the longest finger.

Anthropometry

The scientific measurement of the size, shape, and proportions of the human body. From Greek anthropos (human) + metron (measure). Widely accepted in ergonomics, anatomy, biomechanics.

Variant

A different case or version of the estimate that accounts for personal variation (height, limb length differences, population differences).

Conclusions

  • For adults of average height: fingertip-to-shoulder is roughly 60–70 cm and elbow-to-fingertip roughly 35–45 cm.
  • The proportional rules (≈38–40% of height and ≈23–25% of height) provide handy quick estimates.
  • Use these as starting points — measure yourself for more accurate results.
  • The values help with ergonomic planning, tailoring, sports equipment sizing, and general self-understanding of body proportions.

Sources

2025.10.25 – How to Live Authentically Each Day With Daily Affirmations: Presence, Growth, and Self-Trust

Why These Affirmations Matter

Daily affirmations are short, values-based statements that help shift attention from threat and self-criticism toward possibility and strength. Research using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) has associated self-affirmation with activity in brain regions linked to reward and self-related processing, including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). With consistent practice, the brain’s capacity to change, often called neuroplasticity, supports more supportive thought patterns and greater resilience (see Sources).

The 11 Affirmations

  1. I do not let yesterday spoil today.
  2. I live true to me, not to others’ opinions.
  3. Time heals.
  4. I aim to be better than yesterday’s me.
  5. It is okay not to know yet — I will get there.
  6. My happiness is my choice.
  7. Life is short; I enjoy each moment.
  8. I do not chase — I attract what is mine.
  9. I do not need to prove anything; surviving shows enough.
  10. I speak kindly, listen first, honor effort, and keep promises.
  11. I act with honesty and bring calm and trust.

Why This Practice Works

  • Focus shifts toward values and strengths, reducing the pull of negative self-talk.
  • Repetition builds new mental habits through neuroplasticity, softening harsh inner narratives.
  • Clear statements make daily choices more intentional and aligned with personal values.
  • Research links self-affirmation with reward and self-processing networks in the brain (for example, vmPFC, expanded above).

Final Reflection

Authentic living is not perfection. It is steady alignment: choosing words and actions that match what matters most, letting today be new, and allowing time to do its healing work. These affirmations are simple on the surface and powerful in their daily use.

Sources

2025.10.19 – How to Read SupportGroups.com Today: Leadership, “Hidden” Ownership, and the SaaS Backbone Behind the Mental-Health Community

Key Takeaways

  • SupportGroups.com presents itself as a free, large-scale peer-support platform for mental health with daily live sessions and an AI coach.
  • Public listings and site pages associate leadership with Rachel Corbett (Chief Executive Officer).
  • Legal identity is presented on site pages as SupportGroups LLC with an address in Camarillo, Ventura County, California (United States).
  • WHOIS privacy on the domain fuels the perception of a “hidden” owner; this is common and not proof of wrongdoing.
  • A related domain, SupportGroupz.com, showcases tiered plans as Software as a Service (SaaS), and credits Medical Intelligence Learning Labs, Inc. (Milli) as the technology provider.
  • Unknowns remain: verified state filing details for SupportGroups LLC (for example, entity number), headcount, CEO age, marital status, and number of children.

Service Invitation and What the Platform Promises

A re-engagement email described free access to community discussion forums (anxiety, depression and mood disorders, relationship issues, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder), live support group sessions hosted by professionals and peers, and a 24/7 AI coach via video-style conversation (translated from Spanish marketing copy). The public site reiterates a mission to make therapy, support, and personal growth affordable and accessible, while highlighting “over 350,000 members.” The site runs under HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), uses a long-standing domain, and is referenced by external wellness resources. WHOIS privacy is enabled.

Ownership, Address, and Why the Registrant Looks “Hidden”

  • Site legal pages name SupportGroups LLC and give a Camarillo (Ventura County) address.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing places the business in Ventura, California and names Rachel Corbett as CEO.
  • A search in open state databases did not immediately surface a filing that cleanly matches “SupportGroups LLC” with those details, suggesting a registration under a variant name or in a different state such as Delaware. WHOIS privacy conceals the registrant information; many firms use this as a standard practice.

Leadership: Rachel Corbett

Public materials identify Rachel Corbett as Chief Executive Officer. Interviews and profiles state a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with credentials CADC-II (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Level II) and ICADC (International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor). Public posts indicate parenting, but no verified sources disclose the exact number of children, marital status, or age. Professional focus described in interviews includes wellness education, community workshops, and advocacy.

Membership and Access

Marketing and on-site copy emphasize free registration, forums, and live sessions. A formal pricing grid is not shown on the consumer domain. The separate domain SupportGroupz.com shows structured tiers (for example, Free, Basic, Premium, Business) oriented to organizations and coaches, indicating a professional SaaS layer distinct from the consumer community.

How the SaaS Fits: The SupportGroupz.com ↔ Milli Link

SupportGroupz.com presents itself as virtual support-group software with tiered plans. Pages indicate it is “Powered by Medical Intelligence Learning Labs, Inc.” (Milli). Milli’s own site describes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) health coach and platform focused on guided adherence and care navigation. This supports a reasonable mapping: SupportGroups.com serves end users (Business-to-Consumer, B2C), while SupportGroupz.com is the Business-to-Business (B2B) SaaS used by providers to run groups, with Milli as the technology backbone.

Safety Notes for Using Online Peer Support

  • Peer support can reduce isolation and complement care, but it does not replace professional therapy—especially for complex conditions.
  • Moderation quality, privacy controls, and community norms vary; prudent sharing and strong personal account security are recommended.
  • WHOIS privacy and limited corporate filings are not, by themselves, evidence of risk; they do reduce transparency and warrant thoughtful scrutiny.

Variants (Areas with Uncertainty or Multiple Plausible Interpretations)

  • Corporate registration details: state of incorporation for SupportGroups LLC not confirmed via public, free databases; could be Delaware or a name variant.
  • Pricing structure on the consumer site: free access is clear, but no official consumer paid tiers are displayed; organizational tiers exist on SupportGroupz.com.
  • Leadership descriptors: some public materials emphasize “founder and CEO,” others primarily “CEO,” with no public share-ownership breakdown.
  • Personal details of the CEO: age, marital status, and number of children are not verified in public records consulted.

Entities & Roles Index

  • SupportGroups.com / SupportGroups LLC — consumer-facing mental-health peer-support community.
  • SupportGroupz.com — virtual support-group software delivered as SaaS to organizations and coaches.
  • Medical Intelligence Learning Labs, Inc. (Milli) — technology provider credited by SupportGroupz.com; offers an AI health-coach platform.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) — public business listing confirming location and leadership role.

Chronology (Europe/Amsterdam)

  • Early October 2025 — Re-engagement email highlights free forums, daily live sessions, and an AI coach.
  • 19 October 2025 — Consolidated review of ownership signals, leadership profile, and SaaS linkage.

Acronym & Term Subsections (kept separate on purpose)

SaaS (Software as a Service)

Plain-English meaning: software delivered over the internet as a subscription; no local installation required.
Origin/borrowing: English business/technology term.
Professional acceptance: standard in information technology and cloud computing.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Plain-English meaning: computer systems performing tasks that typically require human intelligence (for example, language understanding).
Origin/borrowing: English technical term.
Professional acceptance: mainstream across software, healthcare, and research fields.

B2B (Business-to-Business)

Plain-English meaning: products or services provided by one business to another.
Origin/borrowing: English commercial shorthand.
Professional acceptance: standard market descriptor.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer)

Plain-English meaning: products or services delivered directly from a business to individual consumers.
Origin/borrowing: English commercial shorthand.
Professional acceptance: standard market descriptor.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

Plain-English meaning: encrypted web protocol providing secure data transfer between browser and website.
Origin/borrowing: English technical standard.
Professional acceptance: universal web security standard.

CADC-II (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Level II)

Plain-English meaning: advanced credential for substance-use counseling.
Origin/borrowing: English professional certification.
Professional acceptance: widely recognized in addiction-counseling practice.

ICADC (International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor)

Plain-English meaning: international credential for substance-use counseling.
Origin/borrowing: English professional certification.
Professional acceptance: widely recognized across jurisdictions.

DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder)

Plain-English meaning: trauma-related mental-health condition involving two or more distinct identity states.
Origin/borrowing: English clinical terminology; formerly Multiple Personality Disorder.
Professional acceptance: recognized in DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).

Conclusions

SupportGroups.com appears to be a functioning consumer platform run under the name SupportGroups LLC and fronted publicly by a CEO, Rachel Corbett. The product story extends to SupportGroupz.com, a SaaS layer “Powered by” Milli (Medical Intelligence Learning Labs, Inc.), which fits a B2C community atop a B2B software backbone. Important transparency gaps remain—state filing details, headcount, and CEO personal data—and should be acknowledged when evaluating trust and depth of due diligence. For individuals seeking support, the platform may be useful as one component of a broader care plan that includes professional clinical services.

Sources

Appendix (brief translated snippets and terms)

  • “Having a kid on my own was a massive decision” (translated from English): public LinkedIn post suggesting parenthood without specifying details.
  • “Try the New SupportGroups.com – For FREE” (translated from English): promotional line indicating free access.
  • “Powered by Medical Intelligence Learning Labs, Inc.” (translated from English): credit line on SupportGroupz.com linking the SaaS to Milli.

2025.10.19 – How Low Crime Closed Dutch Prisons, Quiet Generosity Lifted a Star, and Other Verified Curiosities: Underground Cities, Royal Everydayness, Crystal-Clear Lakes, Unpaid Volvos, Mirror Exhibits, a Champion’s Self-Defense, and the Devon Owl Mix-up

Key Takeaways

  • Since 2014, the Netherlands has shut 23 prisons amid falling incarceration; several sites were repurposed, including for refugee housing.
  • In the 1990s, Denzel Washington quietly funded summer theatre studies at Oxford for young actors; Chadwick Boseman later thanked him publicly at the AFI (American Film Institute) tribute in 2019.
  • In 1963, a Turkish homeowner broke through a wall and rediscovered Derinkuyu, a vast underground city that could shelter up to 20,000 people.
  • In 2009, artist Stephen Wiltshire memorised the New York City (NYC) skyline after a short helicopter flight and drew it by hand; videos document his NYC panoramas from observation.
  • Princess Diana often sidestepped royal protocol—riding public transport and queueing with William and Harry, including at a British theme park.
  • Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua), New Zealand, is the clearest natural freshwater measured on Earth, with ~70–81 metres horizontal visibility.
  • In 1974, North Korea received 1,000 Volvo 144 sedans from Sweden and never paid; Sweden’s export credit agency still duns the debt.
  • In 1963, the Bronx Zoo displayed “The Most Dangerous Animal in the World” — a mirror — to confront visitors with humanity’s impact.
  • In New York, two muggers tried to rob ex-heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey (then in his seventies); he floored them — an incident he relayed to the press in 1971.
  • In 1996 in Devon, England, two neighbours spent months hooting at “owls,” later realising they’d been imitating each other.

Story & Details

The Netherlands and the quiet closure of prisons

Falling incarceration led the Netherlands to close 23 prisons since 2014, with some sites converted for uses such as temporary asylum centres and housing. The country has remained among Europe’s lowest for imprisonment rates through the late 2010s, an outcome linked in reporting to sentencing trends and alternatives to custody.
Variants: Later reports (2015–2025) discuss additional closures and capacity swings; counts vary by time window, but the “23 since 2014” figure is well documented.

Denzel Washington’s early help and Chadwick Boseman’s public thanks

In the 1990s, Denzel Washington helped fund Oxford summer theatre training for a cohort of young actors. Chadwick Boseman was one beneficiary, later offering an emotional, public thank-you during the 2019 AFI celebration of Washington’s career. Multiple videos capture Boseman’s tribute and the surrounding ceremony.

Derinkuyu: a city behind a basement wall

During 1963 renovations in Cappadocia, Turkey, a homeowner breached a wall and followed a tunnel into Derinkuyu, a multi-level underground city descending tens of metres. Archaeological synthesis places its intense use in Byzantine periods, though earlier phases predate that era. Capacity estimates commonly cite 20,000 people, including space for livestock and stores.

Stephen Wiltshire and the NYC panorama from memory

In 2009, artist Stephen Wiltshire took a brief helicopter survey of NYC and produced a large-scale, pen-and-ink skyline from memory. Filmed projects also show him drawing Manhattan panoramas after limited observation from vantage points such as the Empire State Building.

Princess Diana’s everydayness: public transport and queues

Accounts from former protection staff and press features recount Princess Diana occasionally riding the London Underground and buses with her sons, and queueing at parks rather than using preferential access. Video from a Thorpe Park visit underscores this informal approach to public life.

Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua), New Zealand: seeing through water

Field measurements (2010–2011) at Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua) in New Zealand’s Nelson Lakes National Park recorded horizontal visibility above 70 metres, reaching a high reading around 81 metres, approaching the ~80 m theoretical visibility of distilled water.
Variants: A popular misstatement claims “80,000 metres” visibility; empirical studies support ~70–81 m.

The 1,000 unpaid Volvos in North Korea

In 1974, Sweden delivered ~1,000 Volvo 144 sedans to North Korea as part of a broader trade package. No payment ever arrived. Sweden’s EKN (Export Credit Agency) indemnified Volvo and continues to send regular debt reminders; coverage as recent as 2023 reiterates the outstanding balance and occasional sightings of the cars.

“The Most Dangerous Animal in the World,” Bronx Zoo, 1963

On April 26, 1963, the Bronx Zoo unveiled a mirror behind bars titled “The Most Dangerous Animal in the World,” prompting visitors to confront their reflection — a commentary on human threats to nature. Contemporary and retrospective coverage documents its message and later echoes at other zoos.

Jack Dempsey fends off muggers

Press recollections and biographical summaries report that by 1971, Jack Dempsey told reporters he’d been accosted by two muggers a few years earlier near his Broadway restaurant and knocked them both out.
Variants: The exact incident year is imprecise across sources; accounts consistently place it in his seventies.

The Devon owl mix-up

British outlets in July 1997 reported that Neil Simmons, an amateur owl breeder in Devon, had spent months hooting nightly to attract owls—only to learn his neighbour had been replying in kind. The revelation came via a chance conversation between their spouses.

Variants

  • Dutch prison closures: Figures differ by timeframe. Credible reporting confirms 23 closures since 2014; other pieces discuss different totals over longer spans or subsequent policy shifts.
  • Jack Dempsey incident date: The 1971 press mention frames it as “a few years earlier,” so the exact year is not fixed.
  • Blue Lake visibility: Empirical studies show ~70–81 m; the “80,000 m” figure is not supported by measurements.

Entities & Roles Index

  • Denzel Washington — Actor; funded Oxford summer theatre studies for young performers.
  • Chadwick Boseman — Actor (deceased); publicly thanked Washington at AFI in 2019.
  • Derinkuyu — Ancient underground city in Cappadocia, Turkey; rediscovered 1963.
  • Stephen Wiltshire — Artist; documented for large-scale city panoramas from brief observation.
  • Princess Diana — British royal noted for informal, public-facing choices (Tube, queues).
  • Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua) — New Zealand lake with world-leading freshwater clarity.
  • North Korea — Recipient of 1,000 Volvo 144 sedans; payment long overdue.
  • Bronx Zoo — Site of the 1963 mirror exhibit on human impact.
  • Jack Dempsey — Former heavyweight champion; resisted a mugging attempt successfully.
  • Devon neighbours — Participants in the 1996–1997 owl-call misunderstanding.

Chronology

  • 26 April 1963: Bronx Zoo mirror exhibit opens (New York, United States).
  • 1963: Derinkuyu rediscovered during home renovations (Cappadocia, Turkey).
  • 1996–1997: Devon owl hooting misunderstanding reported in July 1997 (England).
  • 1992: Princess Diana and sons at Thorpe Park (United Kingdom).
  • 1990s: Denzel Washington funds Oxford summer theatre studies (United Kingdom).
  • 2009: Stephen Wiltshire completes NYC panorama from memory (United States).
  • 2010–2011: Blue Lake visibility measured above 70 m, peaking ~81 m (New Zealand).
  • 2014–present: Netherlands closes 23 prisons (Netherlands).
  • 2019: Chadwick Boseman’s AFI tribute to Denzel Washington (United States).
  • 1974 → present: North Korea’s unpaid Volvo debt (Sweden/North Korea).
  • 1971 press mention: Dempsey recounts flooring two muggers (United States).

Conclusions

A set of disparate, well-sourced curiosities converges on one theme: ordinary decisions and chance moments can reveal outsized truths. National policy choices ripple into unexpected infrastructure shifts; a private act of generosity alters cultural history; a renovation opens an ancient world; an artist’s memory stretches human possibility; informality humanises royalty; an alpine lake clarifies the physics of water; a decades-old invoice becomes diplomatic shorthand; a mirror reframes our species; a septuagenarian’s reflexes outpace crime; and two neighbours laugh across a hedge. Each is small on its own, but together they map a world that is stranger, kinder, and more interesting than it first appears.

Sources

Definitions & Translations

AFI (American Film Institute)

A U.S. cultural organisation that honours film artistry and preserves cinema heritage; organiser of the AFI Life Achievement Award.

NYC (New York City)

The most populous city in the United States; context here is Manhattan skylines and the Bronx Zoo.

Rotomairewhenua (translated from Māori)

Māori name for Blue Lake in New Zealand’s Nelson Lakes National Park; the lake is considered culturally significant.

“The Most Dangerous Animal in the World” (exhibit title)

A 1963 Bronx Zoo display using a mirror to suggest that humans pose the greatest danger to other species and ecosystems.

Appendix (Translations & Short Quotes)

  • “The Most Dangerous Animal in the World” — 1963 Bronx Zoo mirror exhibit title.
  • “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington” — sentiment from Boseman’s AFI remarks (translated/paraphrased to maintain English cohesion).
  • “Tube” — colloquial British English for the London Underground rapid transit system.
  • “Visibility above 70 metres” — Blue Lake measurements from 2010–2011 fieldwork.

2025.10.19 – Why Food Can Come Back Up Into Your Mouth While Sleeping — What’s Happening and How to Address It

Key Takeaways

  • When food or stomach contents come back into the mouth during sleep, it is commonly caused by acid reflux, or its chronic form known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • This issue is more likely when you lie down too soon after eating, when meals are heavy or fatty, or when certain habits and foods trigger reflux.
  • Anatomical or physiological issues such as a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or a hiatal hernia add risk.
  • If you experience chest discomfort, choking during sleep, constant regurgitation or difficulty swallowing, you should seek medical advice.
  • Many cases improve with practical adjustments: elevate the bed’s head, avoid late heavy dinners, reduce trigger foods, and adopt better posture and timing.

How and Why It Happens

When you lie down, gravity stops helping keep stomach contents in place. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally opens to let food into the stomach and closes to prevent back-flow, may not work properly. As a result, acid or partially digested food travels upward (reflux). If this happens frequently, it is diagnosed as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). According to trusted sources, the LES failing to close fully allows acid to invade the esophagus.
At night or while lying flat, the issue worsens because saliva production and swallowing decrease—two natural defenses—while the stomach remains full.

Main Contributing Factors

Trigger Foods and Habits

  • Eating large meals or rich/greasy foods shortly before bed
  • Consuming chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, mint, spicy or tomato-based foods
  • Lying down within two or three hours of dinner
  • Wearing tight clothing around the abdomen, increasing pressure on the stomach
  • Smoking or heavy alcohol use further weaken the LES

Anatomical or Physiological Risk Factors

  • Hiatal hernia: when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and weakens the reflux barrier
  • Overweight or obesity: extra abdominal pressure forces stomach contents upward
  • Certain medications, delayed stomach emptying, or other digestive slow-down issues also raise risk

Signs That You Should See a Doctor

Medical evaluation is recommended if you experience:

  • Persistent or severe heartburn (burning chest pain that may wake you)
  • Regurgitation of food, sour liquid or acid reaching the throat or mouth
  • Repeated waking at night due to choking or coughing of stomach contents
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or feeling like something is stuck in the throat
  • Hoarseness, chronic cough, tooth erosion, or unexplained weight loss
    Tests might include upper endoscopy, esophageal pH monitoring or manometry. If untreated, GERD may lead to complications such as esophagitis, narrowing of the esophagus, or even Barrett’s esophagus.

Lifestyle Adjustments That Can Help

Here are practical steps to reduce the chance of food or acid rising into the mouth while sleeping:

  • Wait at least two to three hours after your last meal before lying down
  • Eat earlier in the evening and choose lighter meals rather than heavy, high-fat dinners
  • Elevate the head of your bed by about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) or use a wedge pillow so your stomach stays lower than your esophagus
  • Sleep on your left side when possible – this position may reduce reflux episodes
  • Avoid bedtime consumption of trigger foods/beverages: alcohol, coffee, chocolate, mint, large fatty meals
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent abdominal pressure
  • Maintain a healthy body weight, quit smoking, and reduce alcohol use

Glossary of Key Terms

Regurgitation

Definition: The backward flow of stomach contents (food or liquid) into the esophagus or mouth.
Origin/borrowing status: From Latin regurgitare, “to flood back”.
Professional acceptance: Widely used in gastroenterology to describe upward return of stomach contents (e.g., in GERD).

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

Definition: The ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that opens to allow food into the stomach and closes to stop back-flow.
Origin: Standard anatomical terminology.
Professional acceptance: A central structure in reflux physiology and its malfunction.

Hiatal Hernia

Definition: A condition where the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, weakening the normal barrier against reflux.
Origin: From New Latin hiatus (gap) + hernia (rupture or protrusion).
Professional acceptance: A recognized risk factor for reflux and GERD.

Example Scenario

Picture this: you finish dinner at 10:00 pm (22:00 Netherlands time) and lie down by 10:30 pm (22:30 Netherlands time) on a flat mattress. The meal was heavy and fatty. Because your stomach is still digesting and you are lying flat, the LES may relax and allow stomach contents to creep upward. You wake with a bitter taste or feel like food is in your throat.
Alternatively: if you eat at 7:00 pm (19:00 Netherlands time), wait until 9:30 pm (21:30 Netherlands time) to lie down, elevate the bed head and avoid trigger foods, the chance of reflux is much lower.

Conclusion

When food or stomach contents return into your mouth during sleep, it is typically a sign of reflux—often the result of a combination of timing, posture, meal size, and LES weakness. The good news is that many cases improve significantly with simple changes in eating habits, sleep posture, and lifestyle. If symptoms become frequent, severe, include choking, burning pain or difficulty swallowing, professional medical evaluation is essential. Recognising triggers and making mindful changes puts you on the path to more peaceful nights and better digestive comfort.

Sources

2025.10.19 – How Brains Paint Color, How Minds Weather Psychosis, and How Institutions Respond: Illusions, Deaf-Blind Cases, Academia, Courts, and Cocaine-in-Class Headlines

Key Takeaways

  • A Coca-Cola–shaped image built only from light blue, black, and white can look red through spatial color mixing and expectation.
  • Bottom-up sensory coding and top-down memory/context jointly shape conscious color reports; strong expectations can tilt perceived hue labels.
  • People blind from birth dream richly without images; dreams feature touch, sound, motion, smell, taste, and emotion.
  • Deaf signers can experience psychosis in the “format” of their language (e.g., internally “signed” messages).
  • Ultra-rare case reports document schizophrenia in individuals who are both deaf and blind; hallucinations appear via tactile/proprioceptive channels.
  • Public records show academics disciplined after crises or suspected intoxication; the exact trio “psychotic break during class → immediate firing for paranoid schizophrenia” is rarely verified.
  • Judges have been sanctioned or removed for intoxication while presiding.
  • A Vermont substitute teacher was cited for cocaine possession in a classroom after “unusual behavior” was reported; no toxicology test proved intoxication at that moment.
  • In machine-learning terms, an “AI hallucination” is a fluent but unsupported claim; careful grounding and corrections are essential.

Story & Details

Why a non-red picture can look vividly red

Fine stripes of light blue, black, and white fall below spatial resolution, so early visual mechanisms integrate them into a warm code that the mind interprets as “red.” Recognizing the can silhouette strengthens expectation, amplifying the impression of red despite the absence of red pixels.

If the can had always been yellow

Two forces would still coexist. Bottom-up integration would keep producing a warm bias from the same micro-pattern. Strong cultural learning that “the can is yellow” could nudge labeling—and even subtle hue judgments—toward yellow.

Cross-cultural labeling

Early sensory mechanisms are shared, yet languages carve color space differently. Communities without a fixed “Coca-Cola is red” association may describe the same warm tint with broader terms spanning red, brown, or orange. The percept occurs; the chosen label varies.

Dreaming without sight

Congenitally blind people do not dream in pictures. Their dreams center on sound, touch, movement, smell, taste, and emotion. Those who lost sight after a period of vision can retain visual imagery in dreams, often diminishing over time. Visual cortex is repurposed for nonvisual tasks.

Deafness and psychosis: how “voices” can be signed

Deaf signers may experience internally seen or felt sign movements, visual presences, or kinaesthetic language. Delusional themes (persecution, reference, control) mirror those of hearing populations but unfold in visual-spatial terms. Competent assessment requires signed-language expertise.

Language networks for signed language

Broca’s area (speech-language production region in the inferior frontal gyrus) supports sequencing and grammar for signing as well as speech.
Wernicke’s area (language comprehension region in posterior temporal cortex) supports meaning for signed as well as spoken language. Imaging consistently shows classic language networks engaged by signed languages, alongside visual-parietal systems for space and motion.

Deaf-blind schizophrenia: rare but real

Case literature describes paranoid schizophrenia in deaf-blind adults (for example, congenital rubella or Usher syndrome). Without sight or sound, hallucinations are reported as tactile messages or intrusive bodily sensations. Diagnosis requires tactile communication specialists and longitudinal evaluation.

Academia and psychosis: what records do—and don’t—show

A fully documented sequence—psychotic break during class, specifically labeled paranoid schizophrenia, followed by immediate firing—is hard to confirm in public sources. Related, well-sourced items include:

  • Angela Bryant (Ohio State University): an abrupt resignation email during a manic episode with psychosis in November 2020; the university accepted the resignation; public coverage later noted rehiring in August 2022.
  • Daniel Mashburn (Tarrant County College): reports in January 2018 described an unusual astronomy lecture delivered in the dark with face covered; campus police found no weapon; suspension followed, and a campus official later confirmed he was no longer employed that term.
  • Teaching while intoxicated (selected): Iowa State University (late November 2017 morning) public-intoxication arrest after class; Texas Christian University (2024–2025) bond filings referencing appearing to class intoxicated; Coastal Carolina University (August 2025) on-campus DUI arrest after reports of possible classroom intoxication.

Intoxication on the bench

New York (1982–1983): Judge Raymond E. Aldrich, Jr. was removed after findings that he presided while under the influence of alcohol on two dates; the appellate opinion outlines standards and evidence.
Baltimore (1860): archival materials document removal proceedings for Judge Henry Stump, including allegations of drunkenness and unjudicial conduct.

Cocaine in a classroom: Vermont substitute teacher case

Barre Town, Vermont — 1 October 2025, 10:49 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (16:49 in the Netherlands): staff called police after a student reported “unusual behavior.” The substitute admitted to staff that cocaine was in a jacket inside the classroom. A K-9 alerted on the jacket and a backpack; a presumptive field test was positive. She was cited for possession and reckless endangerment, removed from school employment, and on 9 October 2025 entered a not-guilty plea in Washington County Court. No hallway or body-camera footage has been released publicly; most districts do not record inside classrooms. No toxicology test was performed, so intoxication at that moment remains unproven in records.

Elyn Saks: scholarship, marriage, and life with schizophrenia

Elyn R. Saks, Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC; University of Southern California), has chronic schizophrenia and sustained an academic career through antipsychotic treatment (notably clozapine), intensive psychotherapy, and structured routines. USC coverage notes her marriage to artist Will Vinet. Her widely viewed TED talk offers a firsthand account of living with schizophrenia.

AI hallucination (machine-learning sense)

In machine learning, an AI hallucination is a fluent statement that lacks source support. One earlier phrasing attributed a self-report to the Vermont teacher; sources describe observers noting “unusual behavior” and an admission of possession, not a self-report of altered state.

Translations and Technical Terms

Spatial color mixing

Perceived color emerging from fine alternation of differently colored elements that the visual system integrates over space; established in vision science.

Bottom-up processing

Sensory-driven encoding from receptors and early cortex that feeds forward to higher systems; a standard concept in cognitive neuroscience.

Top-down processing

Expectation-driven modulation from memory, context, and task goals that shapes perception; widely accepted in cognitive neuroscience.

American Sign Language (ASL; American Sign Language)

A natural visual-gestural language of Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada; not a manually coded form of English.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI; functional magnetic resonance imaging)

A noninvasive method mapping brain activity via blood-oxygenation changes (BOLD signal); widely used in neuroscience.

Positron emission tomography (PET; positron emission tomography)

A tracer-based imaging technique measuring metabolic activity in tissues, including the brain.

AI hallucination (machine-learning use)

A generated claim that is plausible yet unsupported by evidence; distinct from human sensory hallucination.

Sources

2025.10.19 – How Much of Poza Rica Was Flooded? Understanding the October 2025 Veracruz Disaster and Its Human Toll

Key Takeaways

  • In early October 2025, torrential rains linked to Tropical Storm Raymond caused the Río Cazones to overflow, flooding much of Poza Rica de Hidalgo, Veracruz.
  • There is still no official percentage of the flooded area published as of 19 October 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam time).
  • Based on cross-checked media reports, satellite observations, and topographic logic, roughly 17 % of the municipality’s total area—around 10.9 km² out of 64 km²—was inundated at the height of the event.
  • Because the flooded corridors include the city’s densest neighborhoods, approximately 40 % of residents were directly affected.
  • Emergency response continues amid public criticism of delayed warnings and infrastructure failures.

What Happened and Why

Between 6 and 10 October 2025, relentless rain swept across northern Veracruz. The Río Cazones, running through Poza Rica, exceeded its banks on 10 October (≈ 02:00 Amsterdam time). Streets disappeared beneath water depths surpassing four metres in places.
Witnesses described entire blocks submerged and vehicles stacked by the current. The flooding followed the topographical path of the river, striking particularly low districts—Las Granjas, Palma Sola, Ignacio de la Llave, Morelos, and 27 de Septiembre.

Despite widespread damage, authorities have not released precise measurements of the flooded area. Civil Protection officials confirmed that assessments remain underway. Journalists from Associated Press and Infobae referred to “large parts of Poza Rica under water” (translated from Spanish), indicating extensive—but not total—urban inundation.

Topographic modelling and local maps suggest an affected belt roughly one to two kilometres wide running the river’s length. Converted to municipal scale, this equals about 17 % of the total area. If only the built-up urban zone (~27 km²) is considered, the share rises to 30–35 %—a devastating proportion in human terms.

Human Impact and Ongoing Recovery

Even after the waters began to recede, thousands of families remained displaced. Shelters operated in schools and community centres. Many streets stayed coated with mud and debris a week later.
Officials acknowledged that early-warning systems malfunctioned: the national water commission (CONAGUA – National Water Commission of Mexico) issued alerts around 16:00 local time (23:00 Amsterdam time) on 9 October, but municipal shelter activation came hours later—too late to prevent widespread damage.

Residents criticised the lack of coordination and the vulnerability of drainage infrastructure. Relief brigades from the Mexican Army (SEDENA – Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional) and volunteers delivered food, cleaning supplies, and medical aid. Businesses along downtown avenues faced severe losses, while rural outskirts struggled with contaminated wells.

By mid-October, local media reported partial restoration of power and transport, yet cleanup operations were still intense. Authorities warned of health risks from stagnant water and sewage contamination.

Summary of Key Facts

  • Main event date: 10 October 2025 (≈ 02:00 Amsterdam time).
  • Approximate flooded area: 17 % of municipal land (≈ 10.9 km² of 64 km²).
  • Urban-only variant: 30–35 % of built-up area.
  • Estimated affected population: ≈ 40 % of city residents.
  • Maximum water depth: Over 4 metres in certain districts.
  • Primary cause: Overflow of the Río Cazones after extreme rain from Tropical Storm Raymond.
  • Secondary factors: Poor drainage maintenance and delayed alert activation.
  • Current status (19 October 2025, Amsterdam time): Clean-up and sanitation continue; damage assessment ongoing.

Why These Numbers Matter

The 17 % figure may appear modest, but it masks a human crisis: the flooded tracts correspond to the most populated “low zones” of Poza Rica. Urban exposure magnified losses, showing that vulnerability depends less on land percentage than on who lives within those boundaries.
This flood illustrates the urgent need for transparent early-warning systems, sustainable drainage planning, and urban development that respects natural floodplains. Quantifying area is important—but understanding which areas and who occupy them is what defines the real cost.

Sources

Closing Thoughts

Poza Rica’s flood of October 2025 is a reminder that statistics alone cannot capture human suffering. Behind the 17 % figure lie stories of families displaced, schools turned into shelters, and infrastructure stretched to its limit.
Effective prevention will depend on investing in reliable warning networks, preserving flood-plain “zones,” and aligning urban growth with the geography that sustains—and sometimes threatens—it. The lesson is clear: measuring water depth matters, but measuring preparedness matters more.

2025.10.19 – How SPIE Nederland Anchors Technical Services in Amsterdam and the Noordzeekanaal Area (2025)

Key Takeaways

SPIE Nederland, part of the European SPIE Group, plays a central role in the Netherlands’ technical services landscape.
From its two main Amsterdam offices, the company delivers energy, infrastructure, building, and industrial solutions that align with national sustainability and smart-city goals.
Its most visible 2025 project is the ten-year Noordzeekanaal maintenance contract awarded by Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch national water authority).
SPIE also provides long-term maintenance for Amsterdam’s municipal buildings, ensuring energy efficiency and safety across the city.
All information is current as of 19 October 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam time).

SPIE Nederland’s Presence in Amsterdam and Nearby Cities

SPIE Nederland operates several offices in the Netherlands, with a strong concentration in and around Amsterdam.

  • Amsterdam (Vaalmuiden 1, 1046 BV) – main technical hub for infrastructure and energy operations.
  • Amsterdam (Naritaweg 134-140, 1043 CA) – administrative and project-coordination center.
  • Utrecht (Kobaltweg 59, 3542 CE) – supporting regional and national projects.

These offices allow SPIE Nederland to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams for infrastructure, energy transition, and smart-building services throughout the Randstad metropolitan area.

Service Lines and Technical Competencies

SPIE Nederland integrates several complementary disciplines:

  • Energy and Networks – design, construction, and maintenance of high- and medium-voltage systems, substations, and smart-grid installations.
  • Infrastructure and Mobility – public lighting, intelligent traffic-control systems, tunnel and bridge maintenance, and sustainable mobility infrastructure.
  • Smart Buildings and Facility Management – technical building management (BMS), climate control, predictive maintenance, and digital monitoring systems.
  • Industry Services – process engineering, industrial automation, and maintenance for manufacturing and energy plants.
  • Telecommunications Networks – development and upkeep of fibre-optic and mobile-network infrastructures.

Each discipline supports SPIE’s broader European mission: enabling energy efficiency, technological reliability, and environmental responsibility.

Notable Projects in the Region

Noordzeekanaal Maintenance Contract

In September 2025, Rijkswaterstaat confirmed SPIE Nederland and BAM Infra Nederland as partners in the SAEM consortium to execute a ten-year basic maintenance contract for the Noordzeekanaal area.
The project covers assets from IJmuiden’s sea locks to the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, ensuring safe navigation, flood protection, and efficient water-management systems.
SPIE’s contribution includes electrical, control, and mechanical maintenance—supported by data-driven asset monitoring and sustainability upgrades.
The realisation phase began on 1 September 2025, and continues actively through week 45 (3–9 November 2025).

Municipal Building Maintenance & Sustainability Works

Alongside national infrastructure, SPIE Nederland manages mechanical and electrical maintenance for 27 buildings owned by the Municipality of Amsterdam.
This long-term contract focuses on preventive maintenance, energy optimization, and the integration of smart-building technology.
The scope includes civic offices, the city archives, and official residences.
Throughout 2025, these works remain part of Amsterdam’s strategy to meet its municipal sustainability targets.

Conclusions

SPIE Nederland’s presence in Amsterdam reflects the company’s broader European role as a provider of multi-technical expertise.
With its headquarters near the city’s industrial districts, its active infrastructure projects, and its role in national sustainability programs, SPIE continues to strengthen its Dutch footprint.
During week 45 of 2025, SPIE is simultaneously operating in long-term contracts for both the Noordzeekanaal and Amsterdam’s public buildings—two pillars of its technical engagement in the region.
Together, these illustrate how SPIE Nederland links engineering precision with sustainable urban progress.

Sources

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