2025.10.12 – How to Recognize and Safely Handle a Feedback Survey Email from an Online Health Company

Understanding the Message

Receiving an email that asks for your opinion about a healthcare service can be positive when real—but risky when fake. One such message from Treated, a digital health provider owned by Webcare Group Limited, invited people to fill out a short anonymous survey. It explained that answers would help improve their services and included company details, pharmacy information, and an unsubscribe link.

Those are normal signs of a legitimate customer-care message. Yet phishing emails often copy the same structure and tone. Knowing how to tell the difference can help you stay safe online.

What the Email Is Trying to Do

The message uses friendly, respectful language. It asks recipients to share whether their medication worked, how easy it was to get treatment, and what could be better next time. It highlights that:

  • Participation is voluntary and anonymous.
  • Feedback is collected only for service improvement.
  • No personal data or payment details are requested.
  • Recipients can opt out of future messages at any time.

It also lists both Treated’s UK registration and its Dutch pharmacy partner, Apotheek Life B.V, which adds credibility. However, even such details can be imitated, so verification remains essential.

How to Check If It’s Real

Before clicking any link or sharing information, take a few minutes to confirm the message’s authenticity.

  • Check the sender’s address. Real Treated emails come from a domain that ends with treated.com. If you see extra words, numbers, or spelling changes, delete it.
  • Hover over the links (don’t click). Make sure they lead to treated.com or another verified Treated subdomain.
  • Look for the same survey on Treated’s official site. Access the site directly by typing the address yourself.
  • Read reviews from other users. See if customers on platforms like Trustpilot mention receiving similar feedback requests.

If the message passes all these checks, it is probably genuine.

Evidence from Public Sources

  • Treated’s Service Reviews page explains that the company invites users to share experiences and publishes results online. (treated.com)
  • Trustpilot features thousands of comments describing real customer interactions. (trustpilot.com)
  • Reviews.io lists more than 1,900 reviews with an average score above four out of five. (reviews.io)
  • Scamadviser currently rates the treated.com domain as safe. (scamadviser.com)
  • YouTube hosts independent video reviews, such as “Treated.com Honest Review – Watch Before Using.” (youtube.com)

These public references confirm that Treated is a legitimate company that collects customer feedback, though they cannot prove that every individual email is genuine.

Language Note

A line in Dutch appearing in the original message—“Opinions, we would gladly receive yours” (translated from Dutch)—was simply a friendly opening sentence inviting the reader to share thoughts.

Abbreviations Explained

  • SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): technology that encrypts communication between browser and server.
  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator): the web address that points to an online location.
  • YouTube: a global video-sharing platform where companies and reviewers post public content.

Staying Safe

Legitimate feedback emails generally:

  • Come from a verifiable company domain.
  • Avoid urgent or threatening language.
  • Offer clear unsubscribe options.
  • Never request personal or financial data.

If any element feels wrong—such as odd spelling, pressure to click, or unfamiliar links—delete the message immediately. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website instead of following links from the email.

Final Thoughts

This type of message from Treated looks consistent with authentic survey invitations: polite tone, transparent purpose, and traceable company information. Still, the safest approach is always to verify the sender before acting. Careful checking takes only a minute and can protect your personal information while allowing you to give genuine feedback when you choose.

Sources

2025.10.12 – How Flooding and Price Surges Hit Poza Rica: Reality, Claims and Questions (as of 12 October 2025, 17:20 CEST)

Key Points

  • Heavy rains caused the Cazones River in Poza Rica to overflow, flooding parts of the city near major retail stores and transport hubs.
  • After the rains eased, the river receded and cleanup operations began, though some looting was reported near flooded commercial areas.
  • Local media published testimonies that staples, especially eggs, doubled in price in some neighborhoods.
  • Independent verification confirms flooding and recovery but does not confirm those price rises in official data.
  • Pre-existing inflation in agricultural goods and market disruption make such spikes plausible, though their scale is unverified.

Flood Impact in Poza Rica

Between October 6 and 9, 2025, the region around Poza Rica, Veracruz, experienced intense rainfall. The Cazones River overflowed, inundating streets near large retailers such as Chedraui, Walmart, and Sam’s, as well as bus terminals. Heavy rains triggered floods and landslides across Mexico (source: AP News).

By October 12 (17:20 CEST, Netherlands time), floodwaters had largely receded and cleanup efforts were underway (source: Reuters). Authorities still treated the situation as an emergency due to infrastructure damage, casualties in nearby areas, and ongoing rescue operations (source: AP News).

Images and reports documented looting in damaged shops around Poza Rica, with people removing goods from flooded stores (source: AP News).

Reports of Rising Prices

Local news outlets shared testimonies that prices of essential goods increased sharply after the flooding. For example, Diario de Xalapa (OEM network) quoted that egg prices jumped from 60 to 120 Mexican pesos per kilogram (translated from Spanish).

Other mentions in those sources suggested increases in milk and beans as well, though these were less consistently documented.

These reports, while not official, align with expected consequences of supply chain disruption such as loss of inventory, transport interruptions, and opportunistic pricing in affected areas.

The Broader Inflation Picture

Even before the floods, Mexico was experiencing upward pressure on food and agricultural product prices. In April 2025, agro-product prices rose approximately 1.6 percent, contributing to national inflation of 3.93 percent (source: AP News).

Thus, any flood-related price jumps would have been layered on top of existing inflation trends, not entirely new phenomena.

Why Official Data Is Still Missing

A search of governmental and consumer protection sources, including Profeco (Federal Consumer Protection Agency) and INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), did not yield any public bulletins confirming price surges in Poza Rica directly tied to the disaster.

Official communications focused on:

  • Emergency relief, evacuation, and infrastructure repairs
  • Health, sanitation, and restoration of utilities
  • Advisories for citizens to use Profeco’s “Quién es Quién en los Precios” (Who’s Who in Prices) tool to compare store rates and report suspected overpricing

The lack of published confirmation does not disprove local claims, but it means they remain unverified by official audit or investigation.

Final Reflections

  • The flood in Poza Rica, caused by the overflow of the Cazones River, is well documented and verified by multiple news agencies.
  • Reports of doubling prices for eggs and hikes for other staples are plausible and circulated by local press, but remain anecdotal without official validation.
  • Given Mexico’s inflation and the typical disruptions caused by natural disasters, temporary spikes in perishable goods are credible.
  • As recovery continues, authorities should monitor and publish price data so affected populations can verify whether they are paying fair rates.

Sources

2025.10.12 – Riga Mini Supermarket (Vlaardingen): An Eastern Europe Sweet Store Near Spijkenisse

While exploring authentic Eastern European markets and food shops, a person named Raimonds, connected with companies such as InAxtion, Oranjegroep, OrangeJobs, Actemium, and Air Products, mentioned a hidden store located in Vlaardingen called Riga Mini Supermarket.
That recommendation immediately caught my attention, as I’ve long been fascinated by shops that bring genuine cookies, sweets, and candies from Russia and the heart of Eastern Europe into the Netherlands.

This store, also known as Riga Market Vlaardingen or Mini Market Riga, has quickly become one of the most interesting destinations on my list of cultural and culinary discoveries.

I previously mentioned this place in my post Amsterdam Central Station, Ferry, Parking, Museums, and Riga Market Vlaardingen, where I wrote that “the store brands itself as Riga Mini Supermarket and specializes in Eastern European food.”

📍 Location, Contact, and Opening Hours

🍫 Inside the Store: Cookies, Sweets, and Candies from Russia and Eastern Europe

Even before visiting, I analyzed photos and assortments from similar Eastern Europe markets.
Here’s a detailed description of the cookies, sweets, and candies that this kind of store typically offers — matching what can be seen in the reference photo.

ADUGS Chocolate Gift Boxes

Elegant boxed assortments of chocolates resembling small wicker baskets.
Originally from Russia or Baltic producers, these chocolates have a creamy, slightly buttery filling wrapped in a smooth milk or dark shell. Their packaging, decorated with a woven-basket design and Cyrillic lettering, gives a nostalgic touch reminiscent of traditional Russian gifts.

Gerard Pałeczki Kremowe (Poland)

Slim cookie sticks filled with sweet vanilla or cocoa cream. Crisp outside, creamy inside — perfect for coffee breaks or as a topping over ice cream.

Covrig cu Susan (Romania)

Sesame-covered pretzel rings, balancing sweetness and saltiness. Crunchy, nutty, and perfect with yogurt or soft cheese.

Arsenal and Other Transparent-Bag Treats

Mixed selections of sweets and candies: butter cookies, caramels, honey drops, fruit jellies, and nougats. Labels in Russian, Romanian, or Polish make every package feel like a piece of Eastern Europe.

🧾 Product Inventory (Living List)

This list compiles what’s visible in my photo, what appears on social posts or business directories, and what’s typically found in Baltic and Eastern European grocery shops in the Netherlands.

Confirmed items

  • ADUGS boxed chocolates
  • Gerard Pałeczki Kremowe cookies
  • Covrig cu susan pretzel rings
  • “Arsenal” assorted candies
  • Cēsu Alus (Latvian beer)
  • Products labeled in Baltic languages shown on Facebook – Mini Markt Riga

Typical or probable products

  • Wafers and layered cookies (Poland, Lithuania)
  • Honey drops, fruit jellies, and caramel toffees
  • Rye breads and rusks (Latvian or Lithuanian style)
  • Multifloral honey jars from Latvia
  • Canned fish and sprats in oil (a Riga classic)
  • Pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, and beet salads
  • Dairy products: kefir, curd cheese, Baltic-style yogurt
  • Holiday chocolates and gingerbread (seasonal)
  • Traditional soft drinks such as kvas or flavored mineral waters

Note:
The shop is officially listed as Riga Market Vlaardingen / Mini Market Riga with a storefront at Veerplein 99, phone +31 6 83849191, and a registered address at Fransenstraat 29.
According to the Dutch NVWA inspection register, “Mini Market Riga” at Fransenstraat 29 is compliant (“Voldoet”) as of January 31, 2025.

🚗 Why It’s Worth the Trip from Spijkenisse

Vlaardingen is just a short drive from Spijkenisse, and Veerplein 99 lies at the heart of a pleasant pedestrian zone filled with cafés and small shops.
Riga Mini Supermarket stands out for offering:

  • A curated selection of Eastern European sweets and candies unavailable in mainstream Dutch chains.
  • Authentic Russian and Baltic brands with Cyrillic labels.
  • Ideal gift options such as ADUGS chocolates and Gerard cream cookies.
  • A glimpse into the culinary and cultural traditions of Eastern Europe.

🧭 Visiting Tips

  • Call before visiting: +31 6 83849191
  • If the shop isn’t visible at Veerplein 99, check Fransenstraat 29, listed as its business address.
  • Focus on cookies, sweets, candies, chocolates, and snacks from Russia and Eastern Europe.
  • Don’t miss the Baltic beers and honey — they’re local favorites.

🏙️ About the Name “Riga”

The word “Riga” refers to the capital city of Latvia, one of the three Baltic countries in Northern Europe.
Founded in 1201, Riga is one of the oldest trading ports on the Baltic Sea and a key cultural center connecting Western Europe and Russia.

Its name likely derives from the river Rīdziņa or from the old German word “riegen” (“to irrigate” or “channel”), referring to its ancient waterways and trade routes.
In popular culture, “Riga” evokes the spirit of craftsmanship, authenticity, and the rich flavors of the Baltic region — which is why many stores abroad use the name to highlight Eastern European heritage and culinary tradition.

🌍 Baltic vs Balkan: Understanding the Difference

It’s common to confuse Baltic countries with Balkan ones, but they belong to entirely different regions of Europe.

The Baltic Countries

  • Estonia 🇪🇪
  • Latvia 🇱🇻
  • Lithuania 🇱🇹

These three countries border the Baltic Sea, which gives the region its name.
They are located in Northern Europe and share strong historical ties with Germany, Sweden, and Russia.
Their cultures blend northern and eastern European influences, and typical products include rye bread, honey, sprats, dairy, and Baltic sweets.

Croatia and the Balkan Region

Croatia 🇭🇷 is not a Baltic country.
It lies in Southeastern Europe, along the Adriatic Sea, and is part of the Balkans.
Culturally and geographically, it belongs to the Mediterranean world, influenced by Italy, Hungary, and the former Yugoslav states.
Croatia’s cuisine centers on olive oil, wine, seafood, and cured meats — very different from the northern Baltic food culture.

Key distinctions

  • The Baltic region = Northern Europe, along the Baltic Sea.
  • The Balkans = Southeastern Europe, along the Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
  • Baltic identity = Northern, Slavic, and Germanic influences.
  • Balkan identity = Southern, Mediterranean, and Slavic traditions.

So when you see the name “Riga” or a reference to “Baltic” products, it represents Northern Eastern Europe, not the Balkan South.

Appendix: Mentioned Companies

  • Actemium — Part of VINCI Energies; industrial engineering, maintenance, and automation across Europe.
  • InAxtion — Dutch technical recruitment agency connecting skilled electricians and mechanics with industrial projects.
  • Oranjegroep — Netherlands-based staffing company specializing in construction and industrial workforce placement.
  • OrangeJobs — Dutch recruitment agency focused on technical, logistics, and production professionals for international clients.
  • Air Products — Global industrial gases supplier operating in the Netherlands, providing oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen to industries.

2025.10.12 – The Beauty of Balkan Names: From Evangelina to Danina

Names carry stories — echoes of language, geography, and family.
While exploring the sound and soul of Balkan names, I found myself fascinated by how a single name like Evangelina can branch into so many local variations — each revealing the deep cultural layers of the region.

🌿 The Origin of Evangelina

The name Evangelina comes from the ancient Greek Ευαγγελίνα (Euangelina), derived from eu-angelion, meaning “good news.”
Its root is shared with Evangelos (the bearer of good news) and angelos (messenger, angel).

This name spread across the Orthodox Christian world — from Greece to Bulgaria, Serbia, and Macedonia — adapting to each local language and sound.
In the Balkans, names of Greek origin often take on Slavic or regional endings, creating new and beautiful forms.

🇧🇬 Balkan Variants of Evangelina

Here are some of the names that echo the rhythm or spirit of Evangelina across the Balkans:

  • Evangelia (Ευαγγελία) – the original Greek form.
  • Vangelia / Vanghelia – used in Bulgaria and Macedonia; famously the name of the mystic Baba Vanga (Vangelia Pandeva).
  • Vangelina – a gentle variant common in parts of Greece and Serbia.
  • Vangjelina – the Albanian form, blending Greek and Albanian phonetics.
  • Evgenia / Jevgenija – a related name meaning “well-born,” popular in Serbia and Bulgaria.
  • Angelina / Angjelina – sharing the same Greek root angelos, “messenger.”

All of these carry the melodic softness of Evangelina, yet each one adapts to its own national soundscape — a hallmark of Balkan linguistic richness.

🎶 The Sound of Danin and Elina

Later, I reflected on two names that also belong beautifully to this region: Danin and Elina.

Danin is a short, solid masculine name that feels distinctly Croatian or Dalmatian.
It may derive from Danilo or the Slavic root dan, meaning “day.”

Elina, on the other hand, is soft and luminous — a name used across Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, and Croatia.
It comes from Helene (Eleni, Jelena), meaning “light” or “torch.”
The combination Danin & Elina doesn’t form a perfect rhyme, but it flows musically — both names share the gentle n sound and the same bright vowel rhythm.

Together, they sound like father and daughter — solid and bright, a balanced pair:

Danin and Elina — strength and light.

💫 The Perfection of Danina

But then comes Danina — the perfect complement to Danin.

Where Elina is poetic, Danina is logical, natural, and classically Balkan.
The suffix –ina is a common feminine form in South Slavic languages.
Just as Marin → Marina or Dragan → Dragana, so too Danin → Danina.

It creates a direct, familial link — as if Danina were the daughter, or feminine reflection, of Danin himself.

In Serbo-Croatian, “Danina” could even be understood as “belonging to Danin” or “of Danin.”

Phonetically, the harmony is undeniable:
Danin ends with the bright “in,” and Danina extends it with a soft feminine echo, “ina.”
It’s a pair made for literature, song, or family legend.

🌸 Symbolism and Meaning

If Danin indeed comes from dan (“day”), then Danina could mean:

“Daughter of the day,” or “born of light.”

It ties naturally back to Elina and Evangelina, all of which share bright, luminous roots in meaning — “day,” “light,” “good news.”
Across the Balkans, such symbolism isn’t accidental; names often carry wishes, blessings, or spiritual hopes.

🇭🇷 Cultural Authenticity

In Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria, names like Danina, Marina, Darina, and Dragana feel timeless.
They belong to a poetic tradition — feminine, strong, melodic, and often inspired by nature or virtue.

So, in a Croatian or Serbian context, a family with names like Danin and Danina would sound perfectly natural — both linguistically and culturally.
It would even feel symbolic: the father’s name reflected in the daughter’s.

🌍 Names Across the Balkans (2020–2025 Trends)

In recent years, the following women’s names have remained popular in the region:

  • Serbia: Jelena, Milica, Sofija, Ana, Jovana
  • Croatia: Marija, Lucija, Ana, Lara, Elena
  • Bulgaria: Viktoria, Maria, Sofia, Elena, Aleksandra
  • Albania: Elina, Arlinda, Vangjelina, Dea, Anisa
  • Macedonia: Elena, Milena, Angelina, Vangelija

These trends show how Elina, Angelina, and Vangelina are still actively used — especially in regions that blend Orthodox, Catholic, and Mediterranean influences.

🕊️ Summary

  • Evangelina – Greek origin; “bearer of good news.”
  • Vangelia / Vangelina – Balkan and Slavic variants.
  • Elina – “light,” “torch,” used across Greece, Croatia, and Bulgaria.
  • Danin – masculine Croatian or Dalmatian name; from dan, “day.”
  • Danina – perfect feminine counterpart; “belonging to Danin” or “daughter of the day.”

Together, Danin and Danina create one of the most harmonious name pairs in the Balkan linguistic landscape — simple, meaningful, and full of light.

✍️ Final Reflection

Names like Evangelina, Elina, Danin, and Danina are more than words — they are living bridges between cultures.
They carry the cadence of the Adriatic and the Balkans, the mingling of Greek, Slavic, and Latin influences.
They speak of light, family, and tradition — and the continuity of sound that keeps history alive.

Some names tell stories. Others become them.

2025.10.12 – When Poza Rica Faced Flood and Contamination: Verified Reports on the Suspension of Water Supply, Storm Raymond, and the Community’s Fight to Recover

Key Takeaways

  • During October 2025, extreme rainfall from Tropical Storms Raymond and Priscilla caused catastrophic flooding in Poza Rica, Veracruz, submerging large parts of the city.
  • The Cazones River, which had already suffered a hydrocarbon spill in September 2025, overflowed again, worsening contamination.
  • The CAEV (Comisión de Agua del Estado de Veracruz / Water Commission of the State of Veracruz) confirmed a temporary suspension of potable water service due to oil traces and turbidity beyond safe limits.
  • PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos) is responsible for cleaning up the hydrocarbon spill that entered the Santa María stream, one of the river’s tributaries.
  • ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) suspended intercity bus routes as flooding cut off roads across northern Veracruz.
  • As of 12 October 2025, 10:41 a.m. (Netherlands time), floodwaters were receding, power restoration had begun, and water service remained restricted in several neighborhoods.

Story & Details

The Flood in Poza Rica

The flooding in Poza Rica was described by residents as unprecedented. Streets, markets, and homes vanished beneath brown water after the Cazones River burst its banks.
Images from verified local videos show rescue boats navigating between rooftops and submerged vehicles.
The Central de Abastos (Wholesale Market District) and low-lying areas near Arroyo Garibaldi were among the worst hit.
ADO (Autobuses de Oriente), the main intercity transport line, halted services on its northern Veracruz routes, including Poza Rica, Papantla, Tuxpan, and Tampico.
Major media such as Associated Press, Reuters, and El País confirmed between 28 and 41 fatalities, depending on the source.
The CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) began restoring electrical service once floodwaters started to drop.

The Hydrocarbon Spill and Its Consequences

One month earlier, in September 2025, a hydrocarbon leak from a PEMEX pipeline contaminated the Santa María stream, which flows into the Cazones River.
This led CAEV to suspend the city’s water supply due to the risk of poisoning. The contamination left oil traces visible in the water and a strong odor across parts of the city.
CAEV’s measurements recorded turbidity levels of around 2,900 ppm (parts per million)—far above the treatment plant’s safety limit.
Distribution of potable water was temporarily handled through tanker trucks and portable purification systems.

When the Floods Returned

When Storm Raymond hit in early October 2025, the situation worsened.
The massive floodwaters reactivated and spread residual oil from the September spill, while also introducing new contaminants from urban runoff.
As a result, CAEV kept the supply suspension in effect across several sectors of Poza Rica.
According to La Opinión de Poza Rica, operations would only resume after PEMEX completes the full cleanup of the contaminated tributary.
This overlap between industrial pollution and climate-driven flooding created a compound emergency that affected drinking water safety, transportation, and public health.

Community Response and Human Solidarity

The people of Poza Rica responded with resilience.
The DIF (National System for Integral Family Development) coordinated shelters and collection centers for food, clothes, and hygiene supplies.
Civic groups, churches, and volunteers worked side by side to deliver bottled water and cleaning materials.
Local media praised the collaboration between residents, emergency workers, and oil industry employees who joined cleanup operations.
Despite deep losses, these acts of solidarity helped the city endure one of its hardest crises in years.

How the Flood and Spill Are Connected

Though the oil contamination and the floods originated separately, their effects became interlinked.

  • The September hydrocarbon spill deposited oil residues in the riverbed and soil.
  • The October floodwaters then redistributed these residues, aggravating pollution and forcing renewed suspension of potable water service.
    Thus, the flooding didn’t cause the contamination, but it amplified its impact—making recovery slower and more complex.

Entities & Roles Index

  • CAEV (Comisión de Agua del Estado de Veracruz): State water authority responsible for suspension and monitoring of potable water service.
  • PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos): National oil company leading cleanup after the hydrocarbon spill in the Santa María stream.
  • ADO (Autobuses de Oriente): Intercity bus company; suspended operations due to flooding.
  • CFE (Federal Electricity Commission): Restored power to critical infrastructure after the storm.
  • DIF (National System for Integral Family Development): Managed aid distribution and family shelters.
  • Cazones River / Santa María Stream: Waterways central to both flooding and contamination.
  • Poza Rica and Álamo: Municipalities most heavily affected.
  • Major media (Associated Press, Reuters, El País, Infobae, La Opinión, Diario de Xalapa): Verified reporting sources.

Chronology (Europe/Amsterdam Time)

  • September 2025: Hydrocarbon spill from PEMEX contaminates the Santa María stream and Cazones River; CAEV suspends potable water service.
  • 10 October 2025 (evening, Netherlands): Storm Raymond brings torrential rains; flooding begins, ADO suspends routes.
  • 11–12 October 2025: Relief operations intensify; partial power restoration; water service still suspended in contaminated sectors.
  • 12 October 2025, 10:41 a.m. (Netherlands time): Situation verified—partial recovery, ongoing monitoring, PEMEX cleanup pending completion.

Conclusions

The disaster that struck Poza Rica in 2025 was both environmental and human.
The flood, fueled by tropical storms, collided with the aftermath of industrial pollution from a hydrocarbon spill.
This dual crisis revealed the vulnerability of water systems to both human negligence and extreme weather.
While authorities work to restore full service, the true recovery lies in the city’s collective resilience—the thousands of ordinary citizens who shared food, water, and hope in the middle of chaos.

Sources

Appendix

Translation — “Central de Abastos” (translated from Spanish)

“Wholesale Market District / Central Supply Market.” Refers to a major commercial area severely flooded during the storm.

Definition — ADO (Autobuses de Oriente)

Mexican intercity bus company that temporarily suspended routes for safety during the floods.

Definition — CFE (Federal Electricity Commission)

National electric utility company responsible for restoring power to affected areas after the storm.

Definition — DIF (National System for Integral Family Development)

Public welfare organization coordinating shelters and humanitarian aid for affected families.

Definition — CAEV (Comisión de Agua del Estado de Veracruz)

State-level water authority responsible for potable water distribution, treatment, and emergency response during contamination and floods.

Definition — PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos)

Mexico’s national oil company, responsible for cleaning up the hydrocarbon spill that contaminated the Santa María stream.

2025.10.12 – How Poza Rica Faced the Floods: Verified Accounts, ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) Route Suspensions, and the Chain of Solidarity

Key Takeaways

  • Unprecedented rains from Tropical Storms Raymond and Priscilla caused the Cazones River to overflow, flooding Poza Rica, Veracruz.
  • ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) suspended its main intercity routes across northern Veracruz and nearby Gulf cities for safety.
  • Eyewitness descriptions of flooded homes, stranded families, and community relief align with independent reports from major media.
  • Death toll estimates range between 28 and 41 as of 12 October 2025 at 10:41 a.m. Netherlands time.
  • Communities are still calling for essential donations: clothing, shoes, hygiene supplies, cleaning products, nonperishable food, and bottled water.

Story & Details

Voices from Poza Rica (translated from Spanish)

Residents described waking up to water covering streets and markets after the Cazones River broke its banks.
Entire neighborhoods disappeared under brown water, cars drifted into trees, and people climbed onto roofs to wait for rescue.
The Central de Abastos (Wholesale Market District), Arroyo Garibaldi, and the lower downtown areas were among the most affected.
Neighbors shared appeals for help, asking for dry clothes, food, and basic supplies to be brought to nearby parishes and community centers.
Volunteers and oil workers joined rescue brigades to help those trapped in their homes.

What Verification Shows

Major outlets including Associated Press, Reuters, El País, Infobae, and NMÁS confirm these scenes.
Heavy rainfall from Raymond and Priscilla inundated more than fifty municipalities across Veracruz.
In Poza Rica, the Cazones River rose more than four meters above its normal level.
Power and water systems failed, and bridges were temporarily closed.
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) began restoring power as flood levels receded.
ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) announced temporary route suspensions affecting Poza Rica, Papantla, Tuxpan, Cerro Azul, Naranjos, Martínez de la Torre, Tantoyuca, and Tampico.
By late 11 October 2025 (Mexico) / early 12 October 2025 (Netherlands), cleanup efforts began while residents counted losses.

Differences Among Reports

Media outlets differ slightly on figures but describe the same catastrophe:

  • Fatalities: between 28 (Reuters) and 41 (Associated Press).
  • Affected municipalities: between 40 and 55, all naming Poza Rica and Álamo as hardest hit.
    The differences reflect timing of publication rather than contradiction.

Human Response and Recovery

Citizens formed spontaneous aid networks.
They collected clothes, food, and medicine, and delivered them to the DIF (National System for Integral Family Development) centers and parishes.
Public announcements urged donors to prioritize hygiene and cleaning supplies as contamination spread.
Authorities asked travelers to verify ADO schedules and official road updates before departing, since several highways remained unsafe.
The CFE gradually restored electricity in hospitals and key shelters.
Many volunteers continue to clear mud and debris, showing the community’s resilience.

Entities & Roles Index

  • ADO (Autobuses de Oriente): intercity bus company; suspended operations during flooding.
  • CFE (Federal Electricity Commission): national utility leading electricity restoration.
  • DIF (National System for Integral Family Development): welfare organization managing shelters and aid collection.
  • Cazones River / Arroyo Garibaldi: waterways responsible for overflow and flooding.
  • Poza Rica and Álamo, Veracruz: municipalities most affected.
  • National and international media: Associated Press, Reuters, El País, Infobae, NMÁS, El Universal — verified information sources.

Chronology (Europe/Amsterdam Time)

  • 10 October 2025: Flooding begins in Poza Rica; ADO suspends routes. (Netherlands: evening 10 October / early 11 October)
  • 11 October 2025: River levels start falling; first official fatality counts appear. (Netherlands: 11 – 12 October)
  • 12 October 2025 at 10:41 a.m. (Netherlands time): Updated and verified situation; relief operations ongoing.

Conclusions

The flooding of Poza Rica stands as one of Veracruz’s most destructive weather events in years.
The Cazones River overflow, intensified by Tropical Storms Raymond and Priscilla, devastated homes and infrastructure, isolating neighborhoods and prompting national rescue efforts.
Despite discrepancies in casualty totals, every reliable outlet confirms the magnitude of loss and solidarity that followed.
Recovery remains slow, but the social fabric of the region—neighbors feeding each other, rebuilding side by side—has become its strongest defense against despair.

Sources

Appendix

Translation — “Central de Abastos” (translated from Spanish)

“Wholesale Market District / Central Supply Market.”
Meaning: Commercial area that suffered severe flooding.

Definition — ADO (Autobuses de Oriente)

Mexican intercity bus company that temporarily halted services for safety during the storm.

Definition — CFE (Federal Electricity Commission)

National electric utility responsible for restoring power after the floods.

Definition — DIF (National System for Integral Family Development)

Public welfare institution coordinating shelters and aid distribution for affected families.

2025.10.12 – How Discipline, Culture, and Structure Interact: From Viral Motivation to the Science of Success

Key Takeaways

  • A viral Facebook post claimed that “poverty is not the problem, but lack of discipline,” attributing success to three habits: organization, cleanliness, and punctuality.
  • The post featured Yokoi Kenji Díaz, a Colombian–Japanese motivational speaker known for comparing Japanese discipline with Latin American creativity.
  • Scientific research partly supports these ideas—discipline improves focus, reliability, and performance—but evidence also shows that poverty is shaped by structural inequalities and psychological effects of scarcity.
  • Cultural examples like Japan’s punctuality reveal that collective order is not the same as productivity; systems and policies matter.
  • Real progress combines personal discipline with equitable structures that allow people to apply their effort effectively.

Story & Details

The Viral Message

On 12 October 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam), a Facebook link led to a post from Mentalidad Millonaria featuring five images of a suited man under the word DISCIPLINA.
The text, translated from Spanish, read:

“Poverty is not the problem, but the lack of discipline.”

It expanded into three principles:

  • Organization – “Each thing must have its place. Order saves time and mental energy.”
  • Cleanliness – “Eliminate. Let go.” Every unnecessary object is described as an energetic debt.
  • Punctuality – “Discipline turned into time.” Respect for time is respect for others.

The post contrasted Japanese “habitual discipline” with Latin American disorganization, concluding that talent is secondary to consistent habits.

Yokoi Kenji Díaz: Cultural Interpreter and Public Figure

Yokoi Kenji Díaz was born in Bogotá, Colombia, to a Japanese father and Colombian mother. According to his official site, he spent his early years in Latin America before moving to Yokohama, Japan.
He became a translator, social worker, and eventually a motivational speaker blending cross-cultural insights. His talks stress the value of discipline, humility, and social responsibility.

Kenji’s philosophy gained wide reach through videos and books such as Llorar, reír, vivir (“Cry, Laugh, Live”). His short speeches often go viral, sometimes misquoted or taken out of context.
He has commented publicly that not all phrases circulating under his name are his exact words.

Two live videos illustrate his communication style:

These verified clips show his balance of humor and reflection when addressing personal growth and cultural identity.

Scientific Analysis: Where Motivation Meets Evidence

Is poverty mainly caused by lack of discipline?

Empirical research disagrees with this absolute claim.

  • Behavioral economics: Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo’s Poor Economics (2011) shows that limited access to education, healthcare, and credit—rather than character—explains most poverty persistence.
  • Cognitive science: Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir’s Scarcity (2013) demonstrates that financial stress reduces cognitive capacity by about 13 IQ points, weakening planning and self-control.
  • Psychology: While studies like Walter Mischel’s marshmallow test and Angela Duckworth’s “grit” research link discipline to performance, they do not imply that systemic poverty is a matter of personal fault.

Conclusion: Discipline improves outcomes within enabling contexts; structural constraints can nullify individual effort.

The Three Habits and Their Evidence

Organization
Research in cognitive neuroscience (McMains & Kastner, 2011) finds that cluttered environments divide attention and raise stress, while organized settings improve focus. Order supports clarity, though not wealth in itself.

Cleanliness
Environmental psychology (Steg et al., 2013) correlates cleanliness with well-being and perceived control. The benefit is emotional and cognitive, not directly financial.

Punctuality
Personality studies (Roberts et al., 2009) show that conscientiousness—including punctuality—predicts academic and career success, reliability, and even longevity. Punctuality is discipline externalized.

Cultural Comparisons: Japan as Model and Myth

Japan’s social discipline—punctual trains, orderly public behavior—represents collective coordination. Yet according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, Japan’s productivity per hour is below Germany’s or the Netherlands’.
This highlights that discipline alone does not guarantee efficiency. Institutional design, technology, and labor culture all influence outcomes.

“Inherited Poverty Habits” Reinterpreted

The post criticized saving old clothes or buying cheap goods “because we are poor.”
Behavioral economics interprets these as rational adaptations to scarcity: people facing uncertainty often choose immediate utility over long-term optimization.
Such habits reflect context, not moral deficiency.

Integrating Inspiration and Structural Reality

Motivational messages can spark change but risk oversimplification. A nuanced view—where emotional inspiration meets empirical evidence—shows that:

  • Personal discipline magnifies opportunity, but opportunity must exist.
  • Organization and punctuality create conditions for success, not success itself.
  • Cleanliness contributes to psychological balance, fostering readiness for action.
  • Culture influences habits, yet social systems determine their effectiveness.

True transformation emerges from both inner order and outer fairness.

Linguistic and Conceptual Clarifications

Discipline

A consistent ability to regulate behavior toward goals through self-control and perseverance.

Organization

The intentional arrangement of physical or mental elements for clarity and efficiency.

Cleanliness

The condition of being free from disorder or dirt, valued for its cognitive and emotional benefits.

Punctuality

Timely and reliable conduct that honors agreed times and reflects conscientiousness.

Conclusions

The viral message correctly identifies discipline as a personal strength, but overstates its reach.
Scientific evidence shows that poverty cannot be reduced to character traits; it is shaped by opportunity, access, and policy.
However, cultivating order, cleanliness, and punctuality remains worthwhile—they enhance mental health, trust, and reliability.
When social systems reward these efforts fairly, discipline becomes a bridge from motivation to tangible well-being.

Sources

All links verified and live on 12 October 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam).

2025.10.12 – How the Moon, the Cloud, and a Brave Hunter Gave Us Mate: The Verified Guaraní Legend and Its Living Meaning

Key Takeaways

  • A viral Instagram reel from @expo.mate retells the Guaraní myth of the Moon (Yasy), the Cloud (Araí), and a hunter who saves them from a jaguar.
  • Scholars confirm this story as part of authentic Guaraní oral tradition, though not a verifiable historical event.
  • The yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis) was already used by Guaraní peoples long before European arrival.
  • Variants of the legend feature different divine figures, such as Caá-Yarîi, the spirit of the yerba, or later Christianized versions.
  • The myth endures as a symbol of gratitude, friendship, and harmony with nature, echoed in modern media.

Cultural Origins and the Instagram Reel

The widely viewed Instagram reel by @expo.mate (published March 31, date unspecified) dramatizes the Guaraní tale known as The Legend of Mate.
It narrates how the Moon and the Cloud descend to Earth, face danger from a jaguar, and are saved by a Guaraní hunter. In gratitude, they gift him the sacred plant of mate, teaching him how to prepare and share it.
The reel closes with an invitation to share the story with a “mate-loving friend.”
This retelling, though modern and stylized, preserves the essential spirit of the original oral tradition.

Folklore and Historical Grounding

Historical Evidence

Archaeological and ethnographic studies confirm that Guaraní communities consumed Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) well before European contact.
Jesuit chronicler Antonio Ruiz de Montoya documented the term caá (“herb”) and its ritual use in his Tesoro de la lengua guaraní (1639).
These accounts demonstrate the plant’s cultural importance but make no mention of celestial beings or origin myths.

Mythic Evidence

The story of the Moon, the Cloud, and the hunter appears in numerous oral and written versions collected across Paraguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil.
It belongs to the symbolic corpus of Guaraní cosmology, where natural elements are often linked to moral virtues and divine gratitude.
In these myths, mate represents solidarity and hospitality—a divine reward for compassion.

Main Variants in Scholarship

Variant A – Yasy & Araí and the Hunter
This version matches the Instagram reel. The Moon and the Cloud descend, are attacked by a jaguar, and are rescued by a hunter. As thanks, they gift the plant.
(Source: “The Role of Yerba Mate in the Guaraní Culture” — yerbamateonoiru.com.py)

Variant B – Caá-Yarîi, Spirit of the Yerba
In León Cadogan’s Ayvu Rapyta (1948), the divine giver is Caá-Yarîi, the plant’s spirit. The myth emphasizes the sacred nature of the herb rather than celestial descent.

Variant C – Syncretic Christian Forms
Later tellings merge the myth with Christian motifs, replacing divine women with missionary figures like Pa’i Shume (Saint Thomas). These emerged during colonial evangelization.

Each version shares the moral structure of compassion rewarded by nature’s generosity.

The Legend Retold (Most Widely Accepted Form)

Long ago, Yasy (the Moon) and Araí (the Cloud) descended from the sky to admire the forests of Earth. In the shadows, a jaguar waited to attack.
A Guaraní hunter, courageous and kind, defended the divine visitors, risking his life.
That night, Yasy and Araí appeared to him in a dream. To thank him, they offered a green plant with fragrant leaves, teaching him how to dry, crush, and brew it.
“This drink,” they said, “will unite people in friendship and remind them of courage and kindness.”
The hunter shared the infusion with his kin. The Guaraní called the plant ka’a, and the drink mate.
Since then, to drink mate has meant to share trust and warmth under the same moon that once descended to Earth.

Linguistic and Cultural Notes

ka’a (translated from Guaraní)

Refers to the yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis). Still used in Guaraní and ethnobotanical research.

yaguareté (translated from Guaraní/Spanish)

Means jaguar, the great feline of the South American forests, a recurrent figure in Guaraní mythology.

mate (translated from Quechua)

From mati, meaning “gourd” or “cup.” By extension, the word now refers to the infusion itself.

Timeline of the Tradition

  • Before the 16th century: Guaraní peoples drink ka’a as a ritual and everyday beverage.
  • 1639: Montoya records caá in colonial Jesuit writings.
  • 1948–1992: Cadogan and Félix de Guarania publish collected myths preserving the celestial versions.
  • 21st century: The legend spreads online through platforms like Instagram and YouTube, reimagined for global audiences.
  • 12 October 2025 (Amsterdam time): Contemporary documentation and verification of the legend’s sources.

Enduring Symbolism

The Guaraní legend of mate continues to live because it fuses spirituality with daily life.
It links the generosity of nature with moral virtue: kindness, bravery, and community.
The ritual of sharing mate embodies the same message the Moon gave the hunter—that warmth and generosity create unity among people.

Sources

All links are active and verified as of 12 October 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam time).

2025.10.12 – Mexico’s Offshore Oil Moment in 2025: Pemex’s Mixed Contracts, Active Firms, Price Outlook, and Comparative Rating

Key Takeaways

  • Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos) in 2025 has begun signing mixed contracts with private firms under a new legal framework, but most sources confirm 11 deals signed, not 17.
  • Offshore in Mexico currently operates with around 13 active rigs, with participation from national firms (CP Latina, Cotemar, Marinsa, Grupo R, Perforadora México) and international ones (Valaris, Borr Drilling, Paratus / SeaMex, ENI).
  • The Brent oil price is about USD 62–65 per barrel, and WTI is around USD 61.8.
  • On a 1–10 scale (10 = Mexico’s offshore golden era around 2004–2006; 1 = collapse in 2020), the score today is 4/10: moderate revival signals, but constrained by debt, slow execution, and payment delays.

Introduction to the Present Landscape

Over the course of 2025, the Mexican oil sector has shifted toward hybrid public–private collaboration. Pemex, under a fresh legal regime, is mobilizing mixed development contracts (joint public–private exploration/extraction) to counteract declining production and chronic underinvestment. Meanwhile, local and global offshore players are jockeying for field contracts despite financial stress and delays in payments. This dynamic shapes the current “offshore moment” in Mexico.

Mixed Contract Framework and Status

  • On 22 April 2025, Pemex’s Board approved Guidelines for Mixed Development Schemes (Agreement CA-025/2025), formally published in the Official Gazette (DOF) on 29 April. Under these rules, Pemex must retain at least 40% participation, and private partners may be selected via competitive bidding, restricted invitation, or in exceptional cases, direct awards.
    (Norton Rose Fulbright analysis)
  • By early September 2025, Pemex reported signing its first 11 mixed contracts under that new legal framework. These represent the initial phase toward a goal of 21 contracts over the year. (Reuters via TradingView)
  • Pemex projects that these contracts could bring in US$8+ billion in capital, and target adding some 70,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude production. (Reuters / Mexico Business News)
  • In the auctions for the next wave, 14 firms expressed interest in 6 of the contracts. Notably, Grupo Carso (associated with Carlos Slim) is engaged particularly with the Ixachi field, bidding ~US$5 billion for its stake. (Mexico Business News)
  • However, many contracts are still in stages of negotiation. No universal confirmation exists that 17 contracts are fully executed—some reports note that only the first 11 are firm, and the rest remain under allocation or evaluation.
  • Analysts raise transparency concerns and contest optimistic projections, pointing to inconsistent public disclosures. (Mexicobusiness, EnergyIntel)

Active Offshore Firms & Their Roles

Here is a rundown of key entities operating in offshore (or near-offshore) in Mexico in 2025:

  • Pemex: State operator and principal executor of mixed contracts.
  • Valaris plc: International rig operator; e.g. Valaris 117 jack-up contracted in Mexican waters under ENI’s projects.
  • Borr Drilling Ltd.: International; operates multiple jack-ups in the Gulf of Mexico contracted to Pemex fields.
  • Paratus Energy / SeaMex: Foreign (e.g. Bermuda-based) shallow-water contractors under Pemex agreements.
  • Perforadora México (Grupo México / Pemsa): Mexican; their rigs have experienced suspensions due to delayed Pemex payments.
  • CP Latina (Constructora y Perforadora Latina): Mexican; offers drilling and maintenance services.
  • Grupo R, Cotemar, Marinsa, Diavaz: Mexican service/logistics companies in support roles.
  • ENI (Italy): Private operator of certain concession areas, using rigs from contractors like Valaris.

These firms vary by nationality: national ones focus more on services and localized contracting, while international firms supply rigs, technical capacity, and capital.

Offshore Rig Activity & Oil Price

  • Rig count: In August 2025, Mexico had 13 active offshore rigs (Baker Hughes international rig count data).
  • Oil price (recent):
  • Brent: USD 62–65 per barrel
  • WTI: USD ~61.8 per barrel
  • The moderate price environment supports reactivation, but margins are tight given debt service and capital constraints.

Historical Benchmark & Current Scoring

  • Peak era (10/10): ~2004 to 2006—especially during Cantarell’s peak (≈2.1 million bpd), robust investment and platform deployment.
  • Lowest era (1/10): 2020—global oil crash amid COVID-19, massive cuts in output, severe financial losses for Pemex.
  • 2025 rating: 4/10
  • Strengths: Legal framework now allows mixed contracts; private interest; some capital inflows.
  • Weaknesses: Delays in contract finalization, Pemex’s heavy indebtedness, large overdue payments to service companies, selective rig utilization.

Why the 4/10?

  • Only a minority of projected contracts are fully executed.
  • Rig utilization is moderate, not expansive.
  • Strong dependence on external investment and continued government support.
  • Structural risks remain: governance, regulatory shifts, contracting transparency, and enforcement.

Additional Translation / Definition

If the Spanish term “zona” appears in other discourse:

  • Definition: “Zone” or “area,” e.g. designated region.
  • Origin: Borrowed from Spanish “zona.”
  • Acceptance: Used in professional/industry reports to refer to blocks or concession zones.

Live Video Source (YouTube)

One verified video providing background on Pemex’s first mixed contracts:
“Pemex firma primeros contratos mixtos para elevar producción”

Sources

2025.10.12 – How It Feels (Sort Of) When Dads “Give Birth”: Behind the Labor Simulator Challenge

Key Takeaways

  • A video shows men using a labor pain simulator to mimic childbirth contractions.
  • Electrodes on the lower abdomen and lower back deliver controlled electrical pulses.
  • The design is progressive, supervised, and meant to build empathy and awareness.
  • Though entertaining, such experiences carry real physical discomfort and require safety care.
  • This format can be adapted into educational workshops for prenatal or empathy training.

What the Video Presents

A social media post (by OkChicas) shows men lying in beds wearing blue clothes, visibly connected to wires and electrodes. Their reactions evolve from playful to pained. The caption reads:

“It’s time for dads to experience what childbirth is like. Get ready for the screams and the pain 😱😈😂” (translated from Spanish)

The video mixes humor with reflection, inviting viewers to consider the intensity of childbirth from a new perspective.

Mechanism of the Simulator

The device used is a labor pain simulator, typically employing Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) (or a variant of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS). Electrodes are stuck on:

  • The lower abdomen (to simulate uterine contractions)
  • The lower back (to mimic lower-back pressure often felt during labor)

A control unit sends rhythmic electrical pulses of increasing strength. A trained facilitator adjusts the intensity, ensuring safety and allowing participants to stop. The aim is to simulate—but not recreate fully—labor sensations.

Physical Sensations & Safety Considerations

Participants often report:

  • A gentle tingling or cramp at lower levels
  • Intensifying spasms, muscle tension, and breathing strain
  • Audible reactions: groans, shouts, facial traces of pain

Safety is essential. Individuals with heart problems, epilepsy, pacemakers, or implants should avoid these simulations. The supervising person must monitor vital signs and stop at any sign of risk.

Staged Phases of the Simulation

The simulation unfolds in stages:

  • Phase 1 (Mild): Soft pressure, light tension, often met with laughter.
  • Phase 2 (Moderate): Stronger contractions, more discomfort, tension rises.
  • Phase 3 (Intense/Expulsive): Peak stimulation, frequent reactions, voices strain.

In the referenced video, participants move from calm to audible distress, reflecting these stages.

Emotional & Educational Design

The setting is clinical: pillows, white bedding, medical-like room, posters. Participants wear uniform blues. This aesthetic heightens immersion.

The intended effect goes beyond entertainment:

  • Cultivates empathy toward birthing individuals
  • Promotes shared understanding of physical experience
  • Challenges assumptions about pain and gender

Onlookers often report surprise at how intense even a simulated contraction can feel.

Toward a Structured Educational Version

To make it a workshop or class rather than a stunt:

  • Use gradual ramping of intensity
  • Teach breathing, relaxation, and coping techniques
  • Offer debrief and guided reflection
  • Limit peak intensity to maintain safety

This can transform a viral trick into a meaningful learning tool.

Translations & Technical Terms

“It’s time for dads … get ready for the screams and pain 😱😈😂”

Spanish original: “¡Es tiempo de que los papás experimenten lo que es un parto! Prepárense para los gritos y el dolor 😱😈😂” (translated).

EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)

Method sending controlled electric pulses to muscles, causing contractions.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Technique that passes low-voltage electrical currents across the skin to modulate nerve signals and pain.

Labor pain simulator

Device using EMS or TENS to reproduce contraction-like muscle sensations.

Supporting Video Examples

These are real, active videos illustrating similar simulations.

Sources

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