There has to be some factor other than sheer population driving NY's total cc debt. 63 Billion is an insane number.

The best I can recommend is probably projectors. They seem to be the last bastion of non-smart/internet displays with large screen sizes.

With respect, there really aren't non-smart TVs. I searched when I upgraded and the best I could do was the LG C series which has webOS as it's platform but didn't require me to connect to the Internet to start using it. It let me skip all connection options after selecting the basic audio and picture display settings. The webOS is the default home screen if you start without having an active HDMI input but it mainly shows input options and other settings. The rest of the items are default apps which are non-functional with the home screen stating "Connect to Internet to access smart functions".

Not sure what you mean by "seek access through open wifi" but on my TV once I declined Internet connectivity it hasn't requested access after giving me a warning that firmware updates wouldnt be available through internet. I also have Raspberry Pi that works as an internal DNS and ad block for my home network and I haven't seen any pings from hardware other than the ones on my networks approved list (tracked by MAC address) The TV has a USB port so manual firmware update is possible if you want that. It has also never requested access for Bluetooth. I'm not aware of HDMI providing Internet connectivity so I can't make a statement there other than my TV hasn't requested anything of the sort. All of the connectivity goggles are off in the TVs settings.

Unfortunately the ship for non-smart home TVs sailed a long time ago. Especially if you want quality 4K panels. There might be a shot at some cheaper ones but those will have subpar panels. The downside has also become that most cheap TVs now depend on the "smart functions" (aka ad revenue) to subsidize the cost of their low prices.

I think you need valuable feedback even without doxxing yourself. I would remove that. Your hourly rate should not be based on the complexity of task. The total hours you quote them and the basis of the contract will be what is affected. A good starting place is at least 2x the rate you were getting paid before being laid off. You want to incorporate at least a little bit of the overhead costs that your previous employer was covering for which you are now responsible. This is coming from an engineer but contract work is more or less the same. Obviously if you really need the money you can let them negotiate you down to 1.5x. Keep in mind they will most likely be getting the best deal by going to a personal contractor like yourather than some firm or contracting agency. Agency or companies would build in the overhead cost most likely higher than your 2x rate. So really your "competition" is other in a similar position as yourself.

As an engineer with a firm I can tell you our lowest customer facing rate is 1.8x my actual hourly rate. Most of the time is 2.5x or higher.

It was disappointing to go through the saga of thinking I found a semi reliable podcast regarding health and current research, to finding some weak episodes, and finally arriving at the conclusion that his methodology is sloppy at best. The Dr Lustig episode was especially egregious. He let that guy make some of the most outlandish claims that I've heard. He made up statements about how FDA nutrition labels are required which was easily dismissible by a quick look at the FDA website. That was more or less the final nail in the coffin for me.

The biggest indicator to the scientific weakness of his podcast is the rate of release. It is not possible to do weekly releases on the complex topics he covers AND maintain the level of scientific scrutiny required to vet the referenced research or guest.

Important distinction

Most Nones believe in God or another higher power, but very few attend any kind of religious service.

Another option is rocket language. It seems to be a lot focused on developing conversational skills. It's is paid but not subscription which I'm a fan of. You just buy the language you want. The first few lessons of a language are free if you want to try it. I'm test running it right now to start my switch away from Duolingo

Buying a resistance band can be great to fill in the gaps between hotel gyms. Doesn't need to be anything fancy. Something portable that you can travel with to add resistance to bodyweight exercises. Only other tip is to superset your workout, mainly for the time benefit. I travel a good bit for work and it's amazing how I lose track of time and skip workouts due to time limitation.

Not exactly sure what it is but I'm just not big on Anya. I wish they had chosen someone else.

And gait recognition too now...https://youtu.be/R46cX0AjzT4?si=neUjyIYC-Pc6kL3M

Bingo. This is the right answer. People who have their whole identity wrapped around their religion or lack thereof won't be pleasant to be around for long. Life is short so enjoy the company of people who are religious if it doesn't get in the way of your friendship or relationship. I have no issues with religious people as long as it remains a personal tool they use to find their way through life and be a good person. There are great people out there, religious and secular, but the opposite also holds true. Don't let it be a variable that completely clouds your judgment of people.

Just out of curiosity, what android phone did you have before switching? I haven't hadany issues with Android Auto the few times I've used it in a rental car. My car is too old for it but it's going to be a variable in my next vehicle purchase which admittedly is very far away.

The fact that age of consent was 13 in a developed nation is a good reminder that as far as we've come, human kind as a whole still has a long way to go.