I had a similar problem with my last monitor (with a Windows PC.) It would randomly flicker vertical lines, and those lines would show a “ghost image” of something that was on screen when it started. I think it had to do with its variable refresh rate, as it often seemed to happen after gaming or tabbing from full screen to the desktop. But I could never find a reliable way to replicate the bug.

I could always temporarily fix it by running a “stuck pixel” video in full screen for 10-15 mins, like this: (seizure warning) https://youtu.be/-2eQhhMvi-U

It wasn’t really “stuck pixels” but it seemed to blast the problem away for some reason. Could’ve been coincidence though.

If it’s a variable refresh rate issue between the Mac and monitor, you could also try turning Adaptive Sync off if you don’t need it: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102144 And also disable it in your monitor’s onboard settings if you do turn it off or already have it off.

I went through a few different GPUs over the years with that same buggy monitor, including the GPU I have now. I since upgraded to a new monitor, and this one has not had any problems in the 6+ months of using.

So I’d hazard a guess that it’s the monitor. Try the pixel video if it happens again or messing with Adaptive Sync. If it doesn’t work, try other similar videos. Maybe it will help.

Is the pear tree included? Do I get one pear tree? 12 pear trees? No pear tree? This might be a dealbreaker, so take your time answering.

I love how Trump fans and big brain swing voters are trying to justify their vote for tariffs by making it about slavery and jobs. They never cared about slavery before. And it will not just affect gaming - it’s probably going to wreck all tech, appliances, reliable vehicles, everything on Amazon, SHEIN trash, etc.

FYI: Tax cuts for the rich + tariffs = it’s a fucking sales tax.

Manufacturers will not build factories in the US to avoid tariffs. They will downsize and hoard wealth for 4 years until a corporate-friendly Democrat is elected to undo just barely enough of the damage to avoid riots.

This is just a grift to shift more of the tax burden to the working class. Trump fans will gobble it up anyway.

I want off this ride.

I’ve been trying to find some excuses to be optimistic. Here’s a few potential silver linings:

1. If Trump/Project 2025 manages to accomplish their goal of tearing down the federal government, people will suffer immediately, including republicans, when they lose their Medicare, social security, access to healthcare, free education (daycare), prices go up, wages stay stagnant, unemployment and underemployment skyrocket, etc. This could open up a window in 2028 or 2032 where these programs need to be replaced, and it can be with non-halfassed universal systems like single-payer health insurance, UBI, etc. All the big brain swing voters might even be desperate and angry enough to actually pay attention and support them.

2. I hope 2024 demonstrated the importance of having primaries and participating in them. We might look forward to increased turnout in 2026 and 2028 primaries. If people want to nominate a left-leaning Democrat, primary turnout needs to be overwhelming. Unfortunately they might need to see centrists get wrecked a few more times. It’s possible that a third party rises out of this eventually, but more likely a progressive Democrat will eventually get a chance to run. In any case, sitting on your hands and whining about the system is not effective.

Do these help during the next 4 years? Not really, but go vote in the fucking primary in 2026 and nominate congressional candidates who want to talk about progressive policies. A little bit of hope goes a long way. Moderates don’t offer hope. 2016-2020 felt bearable because I thought Sanders would have a chance in 2020. I need some hope for 2028.

Also vote in your local elections in 2025 and 2027 too.

We can’t move on without a proper segue. How about politics+beans memes? I can’t imagine anyone would be unhappy with that.

Well I did say they are dumb AF.

Hope there will be a legitimate election in 2028, and show up to the fucking primary before it and in 2026.

I think Trump won because of the economy. Yes, he has a rabid base that really does want his fascism, but the voters who pushed him over the edge are ones suffering because inflation and the wealth gap that has just been allowed to increase unimpeded. Those voters don’t want fascism - they’re just dumb AF and don’t pay attention. They just voted for “change.”

These problems will only increase over the next 4 years, so there will be another opportunity defy the status quo in 2028. We had a chance and failed to do in 2016. We came closer in 2020. We didn’t have a real primary in 2024. When we get to 2028, it’s time to fucking do it.

Quick, someone quietly transfer OP to a different parish

We’re buying each other a new bed, I hope. The gift that keeps on giving. (The shit we have now is horrible.) You could go for something that enhances your home life together.

I used to go into Bed Bad and Beyond when I couldn’t think of anything, and walk out with a bag full of small things she wouldn’t normally go looking for herself. Neck warmers, fuzzy socks, bath bombs, candles, that sort of thing. If your trip is the big gift, you could do a basket (or stocking) of smaller cozy stuff.

Settings > General > Return to Clock

There are settings here for returning to the clock face. You can change them for individual apps. You probably want to find Pandora and check “return to app.”

If that doesn’t do what you want, consider making a modular face with a large “now playing” complication. Also check your live activities and Smart Stack settings - these are new.

You look like you were once an elf.

I almost made it to Best Buy checkout with a Logitech mouse that would’ve been perfect for my needs and preferences, but two Apple hitmen came out from nowhere, intercepted me, pointed a gun at my head, and frogmarched me back to the Apple section. Now I’m forced to use this fucking Magic Mouse. Fuck you Apple.

Sorry, but the answer we were looking for is “I’ll need to work on this over the weekend.” That’ll be all for today. We’ll call you.

Nomad Modern Leather (Horween) case.

I’ve used Apple’s leather and silicon cases and Otterbox cases. The Apple cases fell apart within 6 months. The Otterbox’s insides tore apart within a year. The Nomad is still perfectly fine after 2 years.

It’s expensive, like $70-80, but it’s not plastic. I’ve scratched and gouged the leather on it big time, thinking it was permanently disfigured, and it just buffs out on its own in a few days.

They make non-leather cases too, including a heavy duty one with 15-ft drop protection and lay-flat bumpers, but I can’t speak to their quality. Their charging cables and watch bands are excellent though, so I imagine their other products are also worth the premium price.

Edit: the MagSafe on my leather case is perfect.

I never had to see one IRL until yesterday, when I saw two in about 3 minutes. I was surprised at how much more dangerous and stupid they look in person.

I care a lot about audio and that’s why I don’t use spatial. Stereo all the way with a good pair of headphones, or better yet, a really nice stereo monitor setup.

Then again, audio is also a drop in the bucket of why I don’t care for COD games lately. The sound is often weird, and the hit marker sounds too much like a cash register, which reminds me what COD games are really about - in case I forgot about the clowns and gorillas running around for a moment.

I’m not saying he is the pigeon lady, but I’m not not saying he is or isn’t a pigeon lady.

The victim permanently lost her hearing in one ear

3 years actually seems pretty soft for permanently disabling someone. Imagine reliving this violent moment every time you hear something. I hope she can also sue the shit out of him.

Now includes real teeth!

It sued itself in its confusion!