Thanks for your perspective, I think you are spot on. After studying abroad in China 20 years ago the propaganda we have here is converging on being as overt as what I saw there. Hopefully enough Americans course correct before it gets worse.
Im old enough for pre you tube. No one taught me to cook. I stopped eating meat and dairy pre 18 years old and either had to learn myself or eat crap stuff.
I started with a few cook books and simple stuff. Made the same thing over and over again and refine it, like a stir fry. What I learned then translates to the next thing.
I try to learn a few “new” dishes or techniques every year and its built up over 20+ years…
I do yoga multiple times a week, use a rowing machine twice a week, and walk/hike my dogs.
Yoga is the best especially if you are sitting all day. And it’s a nice “third space” where you see the same people every class and make weak links with them that aren’t at home or at work.
It feels more like reddit now, but still is populated by a certain type of person that would seek out Lemmy. Mostly techy, left of center+, over age 30+, etc. I enjoy it.