WORKOUTS in!
Morning:
30 min bike (reading Chinese)
Squat, Bench, finishing arms
Afternoon:
6.44km in 41.33
-20 minutes of slam ball work
China going to space, this is cool.
https://www.wsj.com/science/space-astronomy/with-dreams-of-a-lunar-outpost-china-takes-new-risks-in-space-race-with-u-s-e7d485ce?mod=itp_wsj,djemITP_h
BIG COMMENT on the language vlog! I’ll need to respond with a video because the comment did bring up a lot of issues.
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BIG COMMENT on the Language Vlog!
@robintan502 • 2 hours ago
Chill bro, your beard is a novelty, they are gawking of course, but not out of any sort of xenophobia, belligerence or to antagonize you, but instead its very likely out of curiosity and wanting to get to know more about you or your story or your experience. After all, to the common folk, you are a novelty, and most Chinese wants to "expand their horizons, expand out of their country and make their mark in the wider world", they are mostly a bunch hooked to learning and engaging. Hence, a smile and a nihao, instead of responding with frown or a snide would work wonders with your engagement with the local folks, and expand your horizons with the Chinese locals.
As for your why the Xinjiang authorities look at you with some degree of suspicion, for one, look at what the Western media is doing with its hate and influence campaign, can't deny that. Second I do find your demeanor a wee bit belligerent and contentious , I detect a small but not insignificant undercurrent of disdain or displeasure with the Chinese people or perhaps its the Chinese authorities for which you harbour the negative feelings.
There will be nasty behaviour (i.e. banter) any where, the local Chinese included, especially if direct competition is involved. But it does go a long way with most Chinese people by just ignoring the nasty and the clumsy, but instead engage them, and use that curiosity they have for you to build the ties you could have and really experience the culture, instead of fighting it.
New to your channel, maybe I don't know you very well. My comments are just based on this video. Just my fifty cents. Maybe 10 years made you as bitter and cold as the Beijingnese with life haha.
All the best you. Feels like you're currently doing well in Beijing.
I have yet to respond, but I think the best response is to do another video. He brings up a lot of important points and also touches on my character a little bit, so I guess I gotta answer.
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Language vlog is doing well as I’ve had a big increase in subscribers as of late.
And worked on one of the “short stories” written by Pu Songling, thinking I might make it into an audiobook for this Halloween.
New visa, work, and business? Just idea’ing.
Donate to the show! PayPal link below!
https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA
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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com
And on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4
Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com
Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog
Have a good Wednesday!
00:00 Introduction and Daily Routine
01:07 Thoughts on Podcasting and Platforms
02:16 Workout Details and Fitness Routine
05:42 China's Space Program and Technological Advancements
12:25 Responding to a Comment on the Language Vlog
19:23 Reflections on Cultural Engagement and Expat Life
28:00 Language Vlog Growth and Future Plans
30:17 Concluding Remarks and Call to Action
