n one episode of the series Black Mirror, a world is depicted where everyone has gadgets that allow them to rate each other – not on social media, but in real life. Smile at a passerby, yield to someone, help a neighbor – they give you five stars. Be rude, insult, or deceive – they give you one star. …
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Our hospitality is well known far beyond the borders of our country. It originated back in the times when we were nomads and lived separately from other families for long periods throughout the year. In such circumstances, a rare traveler who reached a nomad’s camp seemed like a small miracle. He brought news from nearby areas or even distant lands …
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It’s well known that “tois” (celebrations) are an integral part of Kazakh national culture. This tradition dates back to ancient times, when nomads used major life events — such as weddings, childbirth, and so on — as long-awaited opportunities to reunite with relatives and friends, to socialize and strengthen ties.
However, over time, “tois” have taken on a different meaning. …
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Recently, I have noticed such a phenomenon: at Russian-speaking business events, entrepreneurs from Russia often address unfamiliar people as “ты” (informal “you”). Participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries experience cultural shock from this. In these countries, it is customary to address unfamiliar people, even younger ones, as “Вы” (formal “you”). Furthermore, after getting acquainted, even older individuals …
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When I first joined social media, I gained many real and virtual friends. The number of them gradually increased. But at one point, I started noticing that some of them were unfollowing me or even turning into haters, people who hated me and constantly criticized me. The most surprising thing was that among them were my friends and acquaintances from …
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Recently, for the first time in many years, I received a reprimand.
In one establishment, I tried to pass through a narrow corridor from which a woman was exiting. The woman looked at me with a displeased expression and said to me, “Sir, where are you rushing to? Let me calmly exit.”
In that moment, I caught myself thinking that …
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Praying to God is useless. No one will send rain from the sky…
Droughts and floods will still periodically occur on our land.
But what is not useless, and what is in our hands, is being prepared for emergencies. Therefore, instead of praying, we should demand from the authorities the allocation of funds for maintaining security systems, such as space …
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I’ve noticed an interesting pattern: the flexibility of a person’s body is directly related to the flexibility of their character.
For example, I have a friend who seems like he swallowed a stick. He has a slim and straight body, but it’s difficult for him to bend, lean, or twist: his torso seems to be frozen. His character is the …
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In our society, situations periodically arise when one or another public figure stands up for a participant in the trial or, conversely, “runs over” him. At this time, voices are heard that citizens do not have the right to discuss trials before the court’s decision (verdict), as well as after.
I don’t agree with that.
The right to discuss the …
Read moreWhen you carry one stone in one place every day, no one notices it.
Then comes the day when you stand on top of a mountain of your stones.
Everyone is jealous of you and wants to take your place.
But few people want to wear one stone every day.
