Pursue your own personal passions and pleasures in life.
Month: July 2022
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Thoughts on Phnom Penh Cambodia: Travel VLOG ERIC KIM
EPIC MALL
EPIC COFFEE SHOP
PIZZA 4P’S (Phnom Penh, Cambodia) Travel Food VLOG // ERIC KIM
PODCAST
Thoughts on Phnomh Penh Cambodia – Travel VLOG ERIC KIM Life update from Phnom Penh >>
Very impressed with the city!
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Thoughts on Capitalism, Happiness, and Productivity
Just had a nice chat with my friend Jeffrey Lam. Thinking about the connection between capitalism, happiness and productivity. These are a few my thoughts:
The first thought is that perhaps the end goal isn’t happiness or productivity, but to maximize your impact on the world (move the world— Archimedes lever). Leverage.
Capitalism as the new world religion
Based on what I see, and what I observe, it is that capitalism and globalism which binds the world together. For example, I am very doubtful that there will ever be a World War III between China, and America, because the two economies are so intertwined. For example, even here in Cambodia Phnom Penh, which has a very strong Chinese influence, all of the luxury brands and text is still in English.
Also consider, an elite rich Chinese would still prefer to have Balenciaga sneakers, and an iPhone. Also Yeezy sneakers.
Russia is not even part of the equation.
Happiness is the carrot and stick
Also being here in Phnom Penh Cambodia, a thought is that everyone in the world desires to improve their mode of existence. Everyone wants to live a happier, more beautiful life.
Thus, the thought is that if one is more productive (something that we have control over) greater personal productivity will lead to greater money accumulation. And the general thought is at least in America, if you are rich enough, you could buy your personal independence. And then what Americans desire to do is use their money to buy a house, security, property, and then accumulate all these luxury goods, unto no end. However, for individuals who actually do make it this far, the biggest thing they deal with is ennui and boredom. They keep buying luxury goods and going to the mall, simply because they are bored. Then the goal becomes to buy more expensive watches, more luxury cars, more Lamborghinis, thinking that this will augment their happiness.
Why happiness is not the goal
My simple thought is that actually, happiness is a physiological thing, something that has to do more about your muscular health and strength, not your mind. Therefore, the simplest road towards personal happiness then is actually more physical; powerlifting is the simplest way to become happy.
For example, the peak of my personal happiness is when I achieve a new personal record in powerlifting. For example, I just deadlifted five plates with a trap bar, and it is one of the most satisfying things in my life.
It is impossible to be happy without great sleep, at least eight hours a night, and without sun, walking around, and good food.
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I LOVE TRAP BAR DEADLIFT!
I just deadlifted five plates for the first time in my life. With a trap bar. I love it!
Why? Superior leverage. Also, no need for a mixed grip. Having the neutral grip on both sides of the trap are on your left, and right hand is more optimal.
Also, being able to put your body in the center of the trap bar makes more sense, instead of having the barbell in front of your shins.
Therefore, the greatest upside is that you could lift more. Better force transfer.
Achieving the 5 plate deadlift — now I can die happy!! Perhaps one of the most personally meaningful achievements of my life.
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GLOBAL CAPITALISM
My personal thought is, I am not at all concerned about some sort of World War III between China and America, Russia. Instead, based on my own personal observations, it’s more about relentless capital and growth. For example, every individual just seeking a better mode of existence, building new condos, buildings, and creating new luxury malls.
Being here in Phnom Penh Cambodia, seems that all these new buildings are from foreign Chinese companies. And I don’t think it is a form of new, cultural imperialism, it is just a bunch of individuals trying to get richer, and have a more beautiful mode of life.
For example, I don’t think that rich Chinese people would prefer to have a Chinese phone over an iPhone. Also, rich Chinese and rich people like their luxury goods, luxury brands.
Therefore, my theory is that into the future, it will not be about countries versus other countries, would rather, rich oligarchs from all around the world, collaborating, to continue, promoting their own personal luxuries.
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SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
You’re very curious about something, you must witness it first by yourself.
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Life Update From Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hey what’s up streettogs this is ERIC KIM from the ERIC KIM STREET PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG — here are some life updates of mine currently reporting live from Phnom Penh Cambodia:
I love it here!
I really love Phnom Penh Cambodia. It is the first time I ever been here, and it might be my new favorite city. Why?
First of all, the city is up-and-coming. Why do I love this? It is very optimistic. It is a city ripe for development and becoming.
There is everything here
There are great indoor malls, like the Aeon supermarket mall, which I believe is a Japanese development. The other night we had all you could eat Japanese barbecue for only $13 a person.
Also, I forgot how much I love full body massages, Cindy and I were able to splurge and get a 90 minute full body traditional Khmer massage for only $30 USD!
Some quick thoughts
- The first interesting observation I’ve made is that it looks like Phnom Penh, and maybe Cambodia is starting to become a neo colony or a satellite city of China. Most of the new constructions I see around the city, are funded by Chinese companies. Also, a lot of the restaurants and stores I see are written both in Khmer and Chinese; I believe there are a lot of Chinese developers here. Even at the airport, one of the big advertisements were for the Chinese international bank.
- The second observation I’ve made is that for somebody who has first come to Phnom Penh, without any prior knowledge of Phnom Penh, it actually reminds me a lot of Vietnam. It reminds me of Hanoi, but less developed. But, the city of Phnom Penh on the up and up. I see tons of Lexus SUVs on the road, as well as Mercedes G wagons, land rovers, and Mercedes Maybach cars. Therefore, the rich Cambodians are very rich — or they may be the rich foreigners living here (Chinese, Japanese?). Lots of Toyota Priuses here too — perhaps from the initial Japanese investments here?
- One of the things that I love about being in Southeast Asia is money leverage. That when you are here, nothing feels off-limits, which is incredibly motivational. It feels that you could live more freely. Also, it simplifies your life.
- One thing that is very interesting about Cambodia is how they accept US dollars pretty much anywhere. They have their local currency, but it seems that they prefer US dollars. This makes it easier for Americans here, I just took a bunch of cash from an ATM at home and brought it here, and it has been very useful for giving us tips for massages, and other services.
- VISA and credit cards are pretty much accepted anywhere here. Which makes it very easy for being here, and tourism.
- My sense is that because Cambodia is mostly Buddhist, the culture is very welcoming, and open. Also, Korean stuff here is pretty popular, BTS, Korean pop music, Korean food, etc. Therefore me being a Korean American, and speaking Korean to locals, there are lots of local Cambodians who actually know how to speak Korean. Or they just do it for fun.
- When I was on a connecting flight from Seoul to Cambodia, I actually sat next to 20 something-year-old Cambodian guy, who didn’t know how to speak English, but knew how to speak Korean. I think there are lots of young Cambodians who go to Korea to either work, or study, or learn Korean.
On living the best life
It seems that all humans strive to improve their mode of existence, and their mode of living. Therefore, I truly do believe that as an American, or perhaps as a Westerner, you can actually live a superior mode of existence and living in southeast Asia, Phnom Penh, or any other up-and-coming developing economy.
I was surprised, even one of my passions which is powerlifting, they even have lots of powerlifting gyms here! Inside the AEON Japanese mall, or standalone gyms, complete with power racks for squats, and deadlifting platforms. It doesn’t seem that there is anything here which you cannot access. Also because it is not a Muslim country, you can get real American bacon here!
Also the Wi-Fi here is pretty good. You can pretty much get free and fast Wi-Fi anywhere. Which will make it ideal for tech workers, or if you could work remotely, or if you’re self-employed.
So then the simple thought is this: if you have the option, why live in America? Doesn’t it make more sense to live here?
Hopping around Asia
Because the flight here was so arduous, Cindy and I plan on spending some time here. For example, my upcoming Seoul Street Photography Workshop in South Korea, and we may or may or may not bounce to Vietnam before heading back to the states. It does seem that if you have a long flight to Asia or Southeast Asia, to extend your stay here makes sense.
Phnom Penh is great for photography
Another thing I have observed while being here is that Phnom Penh is really great for photography! Great for street photography, you have lots of monks walking around with umbrellas which is very picturesque, and also great for street photography, and the people are insanely friendly.
Also learning a few phrases and Khmer goes along way, to just say hello or thank you. Even Seneca is trying to learn how to say hello to strangers, and the locals love it!
Also the city architecture is very rich. Lots of great frescoes and decorations on the walls, lots of trees and plant life, and lots of urban things and development. Makes it for a very dynamic city.
Also a nice thing about Phnom Penh is that it is a proper busy city, kind of like the New York City for Cambodia. Which means you could live a pretty low-key like here, not many people hustling you for tuk-tuks or other touristy things, as I recall when I went to Angkor Wat almost a decade ago.
So what am I focused on?
While here, maybe see if I can hit up the gym a few times, spend most of my time exploring the city with Seneca, thinking, writing and blogging, and making photos.
Join me in Asia!
If you desire to go on the experience of a lifetime, come join me in Seoul South Korea, at my upcoming Discover Your Soul Photography Workshop >>>
Also, check out my upcoming workshops both in Downtown LA and Vancouver >>
All upcoming ERIC KIM EXPERIENCES >
So what does Cambodia look like?
See some of my Cambodia photos here, and also stay updated on the blog for upcoming photos and vlogs
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DNA VS CULTURE
When a Korean asks me — “Are you a Korean individual?†are they asking me “Is your DNA Korean?†or “Are you a citizen of the ROK?â€
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â€White†is Not a Racial Group
Nor is “black†or “yellowâ€.
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LEGS
Your legs and thighs as the biggest body part of yours.
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85% Good Enough Satisficing
If it is 85%, good enough, it is good enough.
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ANTI CONVENTIONS.
Conventions hold you back. Always think carte blanche.
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Coffee Intake
Don’t drink coffee when you’re tired. Only when you’re awake.
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FREE WILL?
Does “free will†even matter?
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Just Assume Your Kid is a Genius
Treat them like if they’re a genius.
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NO FRILLS.
Tesla Model 3, uber-base model, no frills or additions. White, no tint, black interior, aero rims, no autopilot. Single motor — fewer components is superior. Fewer components means less chance of things breaking or needing maintenance or fixing.
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Minimum Viable Device
iPad Pro.
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Minimum Viable Lift
Deadlift.
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SWITCH IT UP.
Perhaps the road to the greatest productivity is to just switch it up between your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook laptop.
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LESS.
Every new iteration, model and generation should have fewer and less options.
For example, every new operating system should have FEWER options. not more. Fewer options to customize, not more. Even advanced weight lifters — the more experiences you become, do fewer types of exercises.
With menus, always attempt to prune and reduce it to the insane bare minimum.
Apple should be REDUCING their product lineup, instead of bloating it with too many options.
TESLA — every new car and model should have LESS options (the great innovation of the YOKE steering without stalks on the Model S and Model X).
Cars — no stalks. Automatic without the ugly unaesthetic shifter.
New cameras should have FEWER buttons, dials and options.
In life, do less. But with more focus and force! For example, it seems that the minimum viable lift is the deadlift. If there is only one workout, or lift you could do for the rest your life, it is the deadlift. Why? It activates almost all of your muscles, and also it is the highest number weight, which is best to show off or augment your pride. I love squats, but they are supplemental. Same with floor bench press.
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DOUBLE DIPPING
Get the best of both worlds.
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Over the Air Updates (OTA)
Another reason why TESLA is the future — incredible over the air updates. Wished this were the same for camera firmware updates.
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Self Optimization
Optimize it for yourself, not for your end users.
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Insider Information
Share your own personal insider information.
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LIVING WITH NO LIMITS
One of the great things about being abroad, especially in developing economies as this; nothing feels off-limits. You can afford anything and everything!
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iPhone Microphone
Something nobody ever talks about is the importance of the microphone. For example, the next generation iPhone, or iPhone Pro should advertise that the microphone is superior.
For example, after using an iPhone 11 Pro, and then switching to the new iPhone SE, I have realized that the iPhone SE microphone is a lot worse. And a lot less accurate, especially when using voice dictation. Or when using “Hey Siri†to take notes.
This is why I prefer to do voice dictation on my iPad Pro, as the microphone seems to be much more accurate and superior.
Therefore, I no longer promote nor support the iPhone SE — the microphone sucks.
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Money Leverages
One of the great things about being abroad, in Southeast Asia, or in countries with developing economies is this; your ability to leverage your money a lot further.
For example, currently being here in Phnom Penh Cambodia, the ability to do a great 90 minute long massage for only $30 USD (insanely great). Or eat all you can eat Japanese grill barbecue, for only $13, beef included.
From a purely pragmatic perspective, if you have the option, it actually makes no sense to live in America, or to live stateside. Why? If you desire to move the world, you should live somewhere in which you can leverage your money more, live more freely.
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Developing Economies
Something I realized after being in Phnom Penh Cambodia, also living in Vietnam, in Saigon and Hanoi; life is far better when you live somewhere, or in a city with a developing economy, on the up and up.
Far more optimism for the future, more excitement, and also better money leverage for you! Nothing feels off limits.
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Essential Travel Photography
What are the most essential things while traveling and doing photography?
- Good clothes: Merino wool T-shirt (Outlier.nyc), good shorts (lululemon license to train — very breathable, light, robust, and has zippers in front and back pocket). Exofficio boxer briefs easy to clean everyday in the shower with shampoo or soap, and wring and hang dry.
- Travel light. Perhaps don’t bring your laptop— only iPad or iPhone to import and review and upload your photos.
- Ultimately, the goal is for you to walk as far as you can, with the least fatigue. When you’re out and about, don’t even bring a backpack or water. If you need water, just stop by the local convenience store.
- The best shoes for walking long distances are the most light shoes. Vibram 5 finger EL-X model.
- Lightest camera possible. Ricoh GR 3X
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Stale Photos, Fresh Photos
New, fresh photos is the goal:
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Why is my iPad Pro so much better than my MacBook Pro?
I am starting to hate my laptop.
Laptop is too slow, clunky, heavy, also inflexible. I cannot do a mobile standing desk with it and move my hips, like I can do with my iPad Pro.
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Why Traveling Will Help You Become More Creative
Ironically enough, having fewer choices and less optimal modes of doing things will make you more creative!
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Create Your Own YouTube
Videopress.com (plugin for WordPress.org, done through WordPress.com), part of their paid subscription model.
Then just host the videos on your own blog!
The problems with YouTube — less freedom!
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VLOG: How to Move the World with Photography
Read more: How to Move the World with Photography
VLOG: How to Move the World with Photography HOW TO MOVE THE WORLD WITH PHOTOGRAPHY -
How to Move the World with Photography
For myself, I personally desire to use photography as a form of leverage to change and move the world.
Naive is good
The world-weary say–
To attempt to change the world and move the world is vain.
I say —
Even if your photos can change the heart or soul of 1 other human being on planet earth, it is all worth it.
Lever it.
As I said prior in my ‘photography leverage‘ post, I believe that your #1 strength (photography) can indeed change and shift the world.
Why? Photos are a universal language. It don’t matter if you speak Korean, Khmer, Vietnamese, Spanish, English, etc — everyone can look at a photo and understand it. Even Seneca looks at books of photos with kids and can imitate and mimic the expressions of the kids in the photos.
Why photography?
Still in today’s hyper-modern world, I don’t know if people truly understand the power of photography.
Consider photography — the uber-immediate visual impact you get from photos. Also, imputing your soul into your photos. Whenever anyone looks at a photo by you, they can see you.
Pix or it didn’t happen
Also with photography, it is a form of proof. Shooting photos or videos (videos are just moving photos), you have better ‘proof’ of your existence, what you do, etc.
Perhaps everyone should strive to become an ‘influencer’
My funny heuristic:
If someone calls themselves an ‘influencer’, they are not influential.
But what does it mean to be ‘influential’? I think a more interesting idea:
Influential means things that flows out of you (flex).
Thus as a photographer, if images flow out of you, you are an ‘influential’ photographer. Once again, our rule:
If we publish one photo, or one thing, which even has a .00001% chance of influencing another human being on planet earth (out of 7+ billion), it is worth it.
What drives me?
What drives me and what drives you?
For me, I believe it is a hunger for adventure. Even photography is just a shortcut for adventure.
Currently here in Phnom Penh Cambodia, and I love it! It is like a low-key Hanoi– with lots of ‘up and coming’ developments, and the economy is on the up and up. To be able to witness these things firsthand, make photos is one of the greatest joys of existence.
I am glad I was born
As much as we may sometimes bemoan existence and the scars of our past, I believe —
I am (very) glad I was born.
Why? The joy of existence is being able to explore the world, have kids, make art, and also having the ability to impact and influence the lives of others.
For example the power of a blog, or an email newsletter. Being able to reach thousands of folks from all around the globe. I have started to realize more and more, the best way to maximize your reach as a photographer isn’t through social media, or even YouTube — it is through your own blog, your own podcast, your own email newsletter. The trifecta.
You are the full-stack human
Something else I believe in:
Don’t just pigeon-hole yourself into photography– share it all.
For example my passion for weight lifting (powerlifting, deadlifts, etc), my passion for muscles, and also meat. For me my whole blog is more of my personal soul and lifestyle, and my blog is simply a mind-stream and image-stream of my personal life.
I like the idea that with blogs, you can simply share your own life photo stream. You are the stream.
How to motivate your photography
To motivate means to move. To move physically or emotionally.
Making photos is pretty much all about leaving the house, going on mini-adventures, and photographing the journey along the way.
To better motivate your emotions in photography, I say simply photograph those whom you love. Photograph yourself (don’t you love yoruself?) your kids, your wife, your partner, your friends, anyone who you have an emotional connection with.
Like my friend Josh White said —
We will not care about all these photos of strangers we shoot at the end of our lives, it will be the photos that we shot of our loved ones.
Love on, shoot on!
ERICLevel up your photography
Learn how to make photos you are proud of at an ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE >>>
If this gave you any turbo thoughts, feel free to forward or share to a friend!
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ERIC KIM LIFESTYLE
Meat, beef ribs, kimchi, travel, weight lifting, blogging, turbo thinking.
