Impossible meat
There is a company in the USA that makes the so-called "Impossible meat" – a 100% plant-based alternative to ground beef that is claimed to be indistinguishable from real meat.
They state that their "Impossible meat":
- Looks, smells, and has the texture of real beef at all cooking stages, including raw
- Contains the same macro and micronutrients
- Is identical to beef in every possible way
Of course, I bought it and tested it as soon as I saw it in the grocery store.
And... yes, it's almost meat, not quite yet, but very close. If I didn’t know it wasn’t meat, I might be fooled. I also tested it on the most honest tester ever – my son. He wasn’t told it wasn’t meat and ate it confidently, completely sure it was beef.
The price of this meat is twice as high as regular beef mince. So, it's not impossible to completely replace meat with it, if that’s what you’re into.
(Russian)
There is a company in the USA that makes the so-called "Impossible meat" – a 100% plant-based alternative to ground beef that is claimed to be indistinguishable from real meat.
They state that their "Impossible meat":
- Looks, smells, and has the texture of real beef at all cooking stages, including raw
- Contains the same macro and micronutrients
- Is identical to beef in every possible way
Of course, I bought it and tested it as soon as I saw it in the grocery store.
And... yes, it's almost meat, not quite yet, but very close. If I didn’t know it wasn’t meat, I might be fooled. I also tested it on the most honest tester ever – my son. He wasn’t told it wasn’t meat and ate it confidently, completely sure it was beef.
The price of this meat is twice as high as regular beef mince. So, it's not impossible to completely replace meat with it, if that’s what you’re into.
(Russian)
🔥10👍4😨1🆒1
The best PC translator
I've tried many programs for translation on PC. None of them was perfect, except for one I discovered recently.
The name of the program is Lookupper.
It takes 1 minute to install and 1 second to learn how to use it. No setup is required. You just install it, and it works straight away, doing exactly what is needed without annoying bells and whistles.
How does it work? You hover the mouse cursor over a word and press a button (Ctrl+D by default). A small window with the translation pops up. That's it.
It works everywhere – in any document, software, interface, game, and even on pictures. You just point at a word, press a hotkey, and get a translation. Easy as.
Another great feature is that it provides both En-En and target language translations. English is richer than other languages, so it's always best to read the word's meaning in English for a deeper understanding. An example of such word is on the picture above.
(Russian)
I've tried many programs for translation on PC. None of them was perfect, except for one I discovered recently.
The name of the program is Lookupper.
It takes 1 minute to install and 1 second to learn how to use it. No setup is required. You just install it, and it works straight away, doing exactly what is needed without annoying bells and whistles.
How does it work? You hover the mouse cursor over a word and press a button (Ctrl+D by default). A small window with the translation pops up. That's it.
It works everywhere – in any document, software, interface, game, and even on pictures. You just point at a word, press a hotkey, and get a translation. Easy as.
Another great feature is that it provides both En-En and target language translations. English is richer than other languages, so it's always best to read the word's meaning in English for a deeper understanding. An example of such word is on the picture above.
(Russian)
👍6❤2🔥1
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VIEW IN TELEGRAM
A timelapse from a bus trip starting in North Auckland, where we lived back then, to Central Auckland.
It was winter (late May), but Auckland looks much the same in every season: blooming lemons, grapefruit, flowers, and green grass everywhere, all year round. It's just usually sunny.
(Russian)
It was winter (late May), but Auckland looks much the same in every season: blooming lemons, grapefruit, flowers, and green grass everywhere, all year round. It's just usually sunny.
(Russian)
❤9🔥6👍4🆒3
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VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Lost in translation
The Māori Party in the NZ Parliament performed a haka (a ceremonial dance) to protest against a proposal for equality of all New Zealanders. Sounds odd, doesn't it?
Here is the background:
The main document outlining relations between the British Crown and Māori, called the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840 and has two versions:
- English states Māori are to be governed by the British Crown.
- Māori states a partnership between the sides.
Basically, the parties signed different documents, which caused unfair treatment of Māori in the past. To fix the past, modern Māori have been granted privileges:
- Reserved parliamentary seats (7 out of 120).
- Subsidised healthcare, culture, and language.
- Financial and land compensation.
A week ago, the ACT party, proposed to make all NZ citizens equal and remove race-based privileges. The Māori Party answer is on the video.
It will take a few months for Parliament to discuss the issue and vote on it.
(Russian)
The Māori Party in the NZ Parliament performed a haka (a ceremonial dance) to protest against a proposal for equality of all New Zealanders. Sounds odd, doesn't it?
Here is the background:
The main document outlining relations between the British Crown and Māori, called the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840 and has two versions:
- English states Māori are to be governed by the British Crown.
- Māori states a partnership between the sides.
Basically, the parties signed different documents, which caused unfair treatment of Māori in the past. To fix the past, modern Māori have been granted privileges:
- Reserved parliamentary seats (7 out of 120).
- Subsidised healthcare, culture, and language.
- Financial and land compensation.
A week ago, the ACT party, proposed to make all NZ citizens equal and remove race-based privileges. The Māori Party answer is on the video.
It will take a few months for Parliament to discuss the issue and vote on it.
(Russian)
😁7🔥5👍3
Myth busters! Utilities prices! 🔥
There is a quite popular opinion in Russia that after you move to another country, you won’t see the expected income. Instead, you’ll be instantly ripped off by utility providers! Nothing will be left, and you’ll die starving.
Actually, this is not quite correct. In the picture above, behold my shocking statistics for Moscow and Auckland properties I’ve lived in during recent years!
(Continued in comments)
There is a quite popular opinion in Russia that after you move to another country, you won’t see the expected income. Instead, you’ll be instantly ripped off by utility providers! Nothing will be left, and you’ll die starving.
Actually, this is not quite correct. In the picture above, behold my shocking statistics for Moscow and Auckland properties I’ve lived in during recent years!
(Continued in comments)
🔥5👍3🆒2
5 Things I love about NZ culture
There are a few cultural traditions that I like in NZ way more than their counterparts in Russia. Here are they:
1. No tips. You are not expected to pay tips anywhere. Nobody stands nearby, silently expecting extra money. You simply pay the stated price, and that’s it. It’s very logical and convenient.
2. No long parties. If there is a birthday party at work, it’s usually quick – people celebrate, eat a piece of cake, drink a cup of tea, have a brief, relaxed chat, and then get back to work. Speeches are optional. No toasts by turns, no "come on, say something" stuff. If you want to speak, you do. If not, you don’t.
3. No heavy drinking. At larger parties, such as an all-evening barbecue, guests drink moderately – a glass of wine or a couple of beers. Nobody gets drunk; everyone stays mostly sober, maintaining a slightly tipsy state. Instead of drunken mumbling, people chat, play games, sing, or make music. Then, they simply get in their cars and drive home. In New Zealand, you can have a glass of wine before getting behind the wheel.
4. No handshakes. There's no strange ritual of shaking hands every time you meet someone - you just greet them, and that's enough. The problem with handshakes is that people's hands are not always dry or clean. Some people shake your hand with a wet or sticky palm, some shake firmly, others weakly, some are busy, and you interrupt them with your handshake, and some you have to reach out to. This unnecessary ritual persists in Russia simply because it's a tradition, and there is no real need in it. In NZ, there’s no such issue. So easy and convenient!
5. No you/thou. That’s a real gamechanger in communication! There is no division between casual "thou" and respectful "you" in English since 18th century. You address every single person on Earth with “you.” No awkwardness when transitioning from one form to another with someone – you just use the respectful form “you” for everybody. It’s super convenient.
(Russian)
There are a few cultural traditions that I like in NZ way more than their counterparts in Russia. Here are they:
1. No tips. You are not expected to pay tips anywhere. Nobody stands nearby, silently expecting extra money. You simply pay the stated price, and that’s it. It’s very logical and convenient.
2. No long parties. If there is a birthday party at work, it’s usually quick – people celebrate, eat a piece of cake, drink a cup of tea, have a brief, relaxed chat, and then get back to work. Speeches are optional. No toasts by turns, no "come on, say something" stuff. If you want to speak, you do. If not, you don’t.
3. No heavy drinking. At larger parties, such as an all-evening barbecue, guests drink moderately – a glass of wine or a couple of beers. Nobody gets drunk; everyone stays mostly sober, maintaining a slightly tipsy state. Instead of drunken mumbling, people chat, play games, sing, or make music. Then, they simply get in their cars and drive home. In New Zealand, you can have a glass of wine before getting behind the wheel.
4. No handshakes. There's no strange ritual of shaking hands every time you meet someone - you just greet them, and that's enough. The problem with handshakes is that people's hands are not always dry or clean. Some people shake your hand with a wet or sticky palm, some shake firmly, others weakly, some are busy, and you interrupt them with your handshake, and some you have to reach out to. This unnecessary ritual persists in Russia simply because it's a tradition, and there is no real need in it. In NZ, there’s no such issue. So easy and convenient!
5. No you/thou. That’s a real gamechanger in communication! There is no division between casual "thou" and respectful "you" in English since 18th century. You address every single person on Earth with “you.” No awkwardness when transitioning from one form to another with someone – you just use the respectful form “you” for everybody. It’s super convenient.
(Russian)
👍13❤3🔥2
Freedom
Another story from NZ that made world news recently.
On the right in the picture is a woman who changed her exterior to male by taking hormones and removing her breasts. After transitioning, she still wanted to have relationships with men and married one (on the left). Then they tried to have a baby, and after a few miscarriages (probably due to the hormone therapy), they succeeded.
As a result, they are a trans couple raising their own baby. They also turned their private life into a media story and created a TV show for NZ television.
If you are fearless enough, you can see more pictures of them on their Instagram.
Opinions on this fact are divided even in NZ. For instance, here is a conservative one.
My thoughts on this are …
(Continued in comments)
Another story from NZ that made world news recently.
On the right in the picture is a woman who changed her exterior to male by taking hormones and removing her breasts. After transitioning, she still wanted to have relationships with men and married one (on the left). Then they tried to have a baby, and after a few miscarriages (probably due to the hormone therapy), they succeeded.
As a result, they are a trans couple raising their own baby. They also turned their private life into a media story and created a TV show for NZ television.
If you are fearless enough, you can see more pictures of them on their Instagram.
Opinions on this fact are divided even in NZ. For instance, here is a conservative one.
My thoughts on this are …
(Continued in comments)
👍6🕊2🔥1👌1
Money
When we moved to NZ, 1 New Zealand Dollar was worth 50 Russian Rubles. It was a convenient figure for quick calculations – useful for comparing prices, taxes, and salaries.
The exchange rate is now 60 RUB per NZD. With the new rounded number, when I explain NZ salaries and prices to my Russian friends and family, the rouble figures will be 20% higher. My salary will appear larger to them, even though it has remained roughly the same in NZD.
I highly doubt that, had we stayed in Russia, our current salaries would have risen by 20% over the last 1.5 years. Of course, this doesn’t mean we’ve become richer in NZ. It simply means that everyone earning in roubles has become 20% poorer compared to those in currencies with slower devaluation.
I remember life in Russia well, constantly worrying not only about earning money but also about protecting it from government theft (aka inflation). It was a very unsettling feeling. I hope everyone escapes the sinking ship of rouble earnings asap.
(Russian)
When we moved to NZ, 1 New Zealand Dollar was worth 50 Russian Rubles. It was a convenient figure for quick calculations – useful for comparing prices, taxes, and salaries.
The exchange rate is now 60 RUB per NZD. With the new rounded number, when I explain NZ salaries and prices to my Russian friends and family, the rouble figures will be 20% higher. My salary will appear larger to them, even though it has remained roughly the same in NZD.
I highly doubt that, had we stayed in Russia, our current salaries would have risen by 20% over the last 1.5 years. Of course, this doesn’t mean we’ve become richer in NZ. It simply means that everyone earning in roubles has become 20% poorer compared to those in currencies with slower devaluation.
I remember life in Russia well, constantly worrying not only about earning money but also about protecting it from government theft (aka inflation). It was a very unsettling feeling. I hope everyone escapes the sinking ship of rouble earnings asap.
(Russian)
💯7👍5🔥2
On the banknote in the previous post, next to the image of Elizabeth II, is "The Beehive" building in Wellington. It houses the executive branch of the NZ government. The Office of the Prime Minister is located on the upper floors.
I photographed it during a recent trip to Wellington. There were no fences, no police, and no armed guards. People were relaxing on the lawns around it. It seems that New Zealand officials do not protect themselves from the public.
To support this, a story from one of my colleagues: a few years ago, she met former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her local grocery store. Jacinda was shopping with her baby, and the only difference from regular people was the presence of two bodyguards waiting for her at the entrance.
(Russian)
I photographed it during a recent trip to Wellington. There were no fences, no police, and no armed guards. People were relaxing on the lawns around it. It seems that New Zealand officials do not protect themselves from the public.
To support this, a story from one of my colleagues: a few years ago, she met former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her local grocery store. Jacinda was shopping with her baby, and the only difference from regular people was the presence of two bodyguards waiting for her at the entrance.
(Russian)
❤8👍4🔥1
YouTube
Проломили голову в Окленде
Всё самое страшное, что я видел за 1.5 года жизни в Новой Зеландии.
MP3-версия - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight/40
Телеграм канал (рус/англ) - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight
*Chapters*
00:00 Интро
01:32 Угоняют машины
03:39 Разбивают окна у машин
05:56 Проломили…
MP3-версия - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight/40
Телеграм канал (рус/англ) - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight
*Chapters*
00:00 Интро
01:32 Угоняют машины
03:39 Разбивают окна у машин
05:56 Проломили…
Crime in Auckland
A video where I walk and talk in Russian about the criminal activity I’ve seen in Auckland since we moved.
Just don’t get me wrong – Auckland is the best city. However, it’s always important to consider the full picture and take all perspectives into account. No place is ideal, and while New Zealand comes close to perfection, there’s always room for improvement.
(Russian)
A video where I walk and talk in Russian about the criminal activity I’ve seen in Auckland since we moved.
Just don’t get me wrong – Auckland is the best city. However, it’s always important to consider the full picture and take all perspectives into account. No place is ideal, and while New Zealand comes close to perfection, there’s always room for improvement.
(Russian)
✍4❤3😎2👍1
A couple of pictures of Auckland centre from the video above. They were taken within one hour. The weather in Auckland changes quickly – it can be sunny, windy, cloudy, rainy, and sunny again, all within a few minutes.
But it’s not always like this – such days occur once a week on average.
(Russian)
But it’s not always like this – such days occur once a week on average.
(Russian)
👍8❤🔥2🔥1
Check out this gorgeous 5 cm mantis we found near our house. They’re harmless – New Zealand has almost no dangerous species. I also had no intention of harming it.
It doesn’t look like a typical insect – it’s big, sturdy, and feels like more than just another bug.
(Russian)
It doesn’t look like a typical insect – it’s big, sturdy, and feels like more than just another bug.
(Russian)
😍7👍4👾4❤1🥴1
3 Things I don't like in NZ culture
I’ve already mentioned the cultural aspects I like in New Zealand. After that, I started thinking about a list of things I dislike. It turned out to be a challenge because I enjoy the New Zealand way of life and consider its society the best in the world. The best for me.
So, here’s a short list of what I dislike:
1. Chatting in work emails. NZ work culture is more casual than Russian or European. Everybody uses "Hi" instead of "Dear" in emails. Anyone using "Dear" (unless they’re a lawyer) draws attention. I like this informal style, but one thing I dislike is the habit of chatting in emails. People here too often send 5-10 emails discussing a single issue, containing just "thanks" or "looking forward to it." Substantial emails quickly get buried under tons of useless chatting, making it harder to find important information in the mess.
2. Facebook and WhatsApp. If you don’t know, these are legacy social platforms used by our ancestor-apes in prehistoric times. There was censorship, terrible interfaces, no privacy, and unusable settings. I was shocked to discover they are still popular in NZ. It’s painful and, frankly, a disgusting fact. However, there are positive signs – more people are using Telegram channels and chats, so, hopefully, this issue will be resolved soon.
3. Road rage and tailgating. Friendly and relaxed New Zealanders, for some strange reason, like to drive right at the speed limit no matter the conditions. It could be night, heavy rain, or serpentine roads – it doesn’t matter, they’ll stick to the limit. If you don't know every turn on the road and dare to drive 5 km/h under the limit, you’ll instantly have someone tailgating you, and you’ll feel the burning rays of their hatred on your back. It's a very uncomfortable feeling. I would prefer Kiwis to be as relaxed on the roads as they are in the rest of their lives.
That’s probably it – quite a short list. 🤷♂️
(Russian)
I’ve already mentioned the cultural aspects I like in New Zealand. After that, I started thinking about a list of things I dislike. It turned out to be a challenge because I enjoy the New Zealand way of life and consider its society the best in the world. The best for me.
So, here’s a short list of what I dislike:
1. Chatting in work emails. NZ work culture is more casual than Russian or European. Everybody uses "Hi" instead of "Dear" in emails. Anyone using "Dear" (unless they’re a lawyer) draws attention. I like this informal style, but one thing I dislike is the habit of chatting in emails. People here too often send 5-10 emails discussing a single issue, containing just "thanks" or "looking forward to it." Substantial emails quickly get buried under tons of useless chatting, making it harder to find important information in the mess.
2. Facebook and WhatsApp. If you don’t know, these are legacy social platforms used by our ancestor-apes in prehistoric times. There was censorship, terrible interfaces, no privacy, and unusable settings. I was shocked to discover they are still popular in NZ. It’s painful and, frankly, a disgusting fact. However, there are positive signs – more people are using Telegram channels and chats, so, hopefully, this issue will be resolved soon.
3. Road rage and tailgating. Friendly and relaxed New Zealanders, for some strange reason, like to drive right at the speed limit no matter the conditions. It could be night, heavy rain, or serpentine roads – it doesn’t matter, they’ll stick to the limit. If you don't know every turn on the road and dare to drive 5 km/h under the limit, you’ll instantly have someone tailgating you, and you’ll feel the burning rays of their hatred on your back. It's a very uncomfortable feeling. I would prefer Kiwis to be as relaxed on the roads as they are in the rest of their lives.
That’s probably it – quite a short list. 🤷♂️
(Russian)
👍9🔥3❤2
NZ Herald
'Disappointed': Social media companies slam Australia's under-16 ban
The crackdown on social media for youth has been approved by Australia's Parliament.
Australian restrictions
Alarming news from neighbouring Australia: a new law proposes restrictions on citizens under 16 using social networks. The law is being discussed and, if passed, will be implemented in one year. This attempt shows how governments try to control citizens, pretending to be a nanny.
Fortunately, Australians can influence politics, and hopefully, this law will be cancelled. The politicians trying to pass the law should be voted out of office, just as happened with the previous left-wing government in NZ, which had similar ideas, such as a complete smoking ban. Now they’re gone, and their smoking ban has followed them.
Restrictive laws are often broad and vague, making it easier for politicians to reshape them in the future based on what they want to restrict next. This law is similar - it’s even unclear what qualifies as a social network. For instance, will it include YouTube, Telegram, or chatting in online games? Nobody knows. Restrict first, define later.
Yes, that's a long way from what’s happening in Russia. But still, it would be better if Western countries moved towards freedom, not towards police states.
(Russian)
Alarming news from neighbouring Australia: a new law proposes restrictions on citizens under 16 using social networks. The law is being discussed and, if passed, will be implemented in one year. This attempt shows how governments try to control citizens, pretending to be a nanny.
Fortunately, Australians can influence politics, and hopefully, this law will be cancelled. The politicians trying to pass the law should be voted out of office, just as happened with the previous left-wing government in NZ, which had similar ideas, such as a complete smoking ban. Now they’re gone, and their smoking ban has followed them.
Restrictive laws are often broad and vague, making it easier for politicians to reshape them in the future based on what they want to restrict next. This law is similar - it’s even unclear what qualifies as a social network. For instance, will it include YouTube, Telegram, or chatting in online games? Nobody knows. Restrict first, define later.
Yes, that's a long way from what’s happening in Russia. But still, it would be better if Western countries moved towards freedom, not towards police states.
(Russian)
💯4🔥3👍2❤1
Audio
Audio version of the first video on the YouTube channel. Just to store them all here as well as on YouTube.
🔥4👌3👍1
YouTube
Вычисляем лучшую страну для иммиграции
Рациональная методика выбора идеального места для иммиграции. И называю лучшую страну для меня.
MP3 версия - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight/42
Таблица со всеми цифрами - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight/5
*Chapters*
00:00 Интро
01:39 Когда я решил уехать из…
MP3 версия - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight/42
Таблица со всеми цифрами - https://t.me/OutsidersInsight/5
*Chapters*
00:00 Интро
01:39 Когда я решил уехать из…
How to pick the best country? (video)
A video version of my post about choosing the best country and city. I’ll also upload MP3 versions of all YouTube videos here for those who prefer podcast-style content Telegram built-in player allows background listening on phones and will automatically play audio continuously.
(Russian)
A video version of my post about choosing the best country and city. I’ll also upload MP3 versions of all YouTube videos here for those who prefer podcast-style content Telegram built-in player allows background listening on phones and will automatically play audio continuously.
(Russian)
🔥7👍1
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Ecology
Auckland consistently ranks high in ecological ratings. I never paid much attention to this, thinking of ecology as just a nice bonus to the overall quality of a city.
In reality, it turned out to be much more noticeable than I expected. Here’s a list of differences I’ve noticed since moving to Auckland:
(Continued in comments)
Auckland consistently ranks high in ecological ratings. I never paid much attention to this, thinking of ecology as just a nice bonus to the overall quality of a city.
In reality, it turned out to be much more noticeable than I expected. Here’s a list of differences I’ve noticed since moving to Auckland:
(Continued in comments)
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