#Webcam Extension

[ozzgin]

I may not be that original anon but could we pawhaps have some platonic yandere computer virus 👀

I'll go with Internet Monster since that's the standard computer-based OC I have. If that's alright with you. :)

Yandere!Internet Monster with a computer-illiterate Reader who keeps getting into trouble.

That’s how the digital horror stumbled upon you: it had been accidentally downloaded onto your computer. It smirked to itself, enjoying a certain pride in the fact that it managed to sneak around undetected, until it discovered there was no defense to begin with. You were just a dumbass, clicking around cheerfully oblivious.

By the eldritch Gods, you really have no sense of danger. It found viruses, bugs, old software, even a spying extension triggered whenever you’d turn on your webcam.

Well, someone has to look after you. It began cleaning your computer thoroughly, perching its binary ears whenever you loudly remarked the sudden, unexplained speed and efficiency. You wondered if your digital assistant had somehow fixed itself.

Moreover, you are now under strict surveillance, as the Internet monster ensures there won’t be anymore hacking and scamming.

“What the…” you huff and click the button again.

Are you sure you want to download this file? Your antivirus protection has detected suspicious contents.

You pout at the screen. Is there no way to skip these bizarre checks? When did they even show up, anyways?

Another click.

Sorry, (Y/N), you can’t be trusted. No download for you.

You stare, bewildered and mildly embarrassed to be called out like that.

[gay-4-space]

The general consensus among my Celtic Studies classes is that the University should be paying me for all the IT support I end up doing

[babyjinsu]

any male!idol x fem!reader || 1.3k

౨ৎ break-in, streamer reader, the rest is up to your imagination.

the screen flickers on. 

“okay, i think it’s working now—hello? can you guys hear me?” 

the chat floods in almost immediately. 

sailore: new place who dis?

xx903k: echoooo lol ur apartment is empty af

honeypotato: yess finally!!

you laugh, adjusting the webcam a little and shifting in your chair. your new condo still smells like cardboard and fresh paint. the walls are bare, the light’s a little dim, and there’s a faint hum coming from the fridge in the kitchen. 

“it’s empty?—yeah it’s just me and my chair and some ikea boxes,” you say, sipping from your mug. “but i did promise a late-night stream to celebrate with you guys! i’m just so happy.” 

amigod: apartment tour?? before and after?

imisspipier: is it big??

you nod. “i would but it’s so empty, like there’s literally nothing to show you guys.” you say, scooting the chair back a little to show your viewers how your bed doesn’t even have a frame—just the mattress. your clothes are still unpacked in the moving boxes, and there’s an extension cord stretched across the floor. “behold,” you say, gesturing dramatically. “the pinnacle of interior design.”

“i live like a college freshman who dropped out,” you add, laughing. “but no offense.” 

ratking: that extension cord is so final destination. 

PKJam: when did you move?? 

your eyes scan the chat, and perk up at the message. “oh, remember when i said that i think my old apartment was haunted?” you pause, grimacing at the memory. “yeah. i think it actually was. my items were misplaced, like, everywhere. i contacted my landlord but she doesn’t wanna do anything about it so i moved out,” you chuckle, shrugging. “it’s closer to my friends here anyway.” 

the chat continues to move—asking questions about your day and requests that you play a game or a song. you ease back into the chair, camera catching the way you fold your knees and press them against your chest. “you guys are so unserious,” you say, eyes flickering over the comments and trying to catch up. “i would play a game, but it’s already past 1 a.m. and i don’t want to piss my new neighbours off…” 

 lolabuns: you’re lagging girl

“yeah… my wifi router is all the way in the living room. i haven’t gotten one installed yet in my room,” you murmur in reply, bottom lip tugging into a small pout out of guilt. “sorry but let me know if it crashes, yeah?” 

the stream settles into that strange but familiar sort of rhythm again—chat spiraling off into unrelated jokes, viewer count slowly climbing higher. maybe it’s the late-night timing on a weekday.

you hum softly under your breath, leaning in to type something on your keyboard when—

knock.

you freeze momentarily, turning your head slightly towards the door of your bedroom. you pause, fingers hovering above the keys. 

nothing follows. no second knock. no footsteps. no nothing. 

just silence. 

you wait another second, holding your breath like it might help you hear better. “...huh,” you mutter, shaking your head as you look back at the screen. “have you guys listened to the new the marias album?” you ask casually enough, fingers tapping on the keyboard. 

the silence doesn’t last five minutes. 

knock. knock. knock.

this time, it’s slightly firmer and louder than before. still measured—three knocks. not aggressive or desperate, but still…. your hands stop moving over the keyboard, you frown as your eyes flicker up to the screen, waiting to see if the chat caught it too. 

they did.

ns3000: ? again

cellerry: did you lock the door yet???? 

d1cks0ut: okay so did anyone hear the knockings

you glance toward your bedroom door that you left slightly open just enough for the hallway light to bleed through faintly. but you don’t move from your seat.

“uhm,” you mutter. barely above a whisper. you can feel your heart give a strange flutter. 

you tell yourself that it’s probably nothing—but the hairs on your arms rise. 

“this place is already so weird,” you continue, shaking your head and shifting in your seat. “it’s the new condo thing… i’m not superstitious but, who knows…” you murmur, looking back at the camera. you try to laugh and shrug it off as nothing, but the silence that follows feels heavier now.

you wait for the chat to reassure you. 

cheetocheesefingers: dont gaslight yourself lmao

axera: i would never knock twice im respectful 

ksh998: the ghost from ur old apartment followed u here LOL

meliss4: call ur boyfriend for help!!

“boyfriend—?” you chuckle, smiling. “do you guys think i’m capable of bagging one? be honest.” you shake your head, leaning back in your chair. “if i ever have a boyf—”

knock, knock, knock—

loud, sharp, and right in the middle of your sentence.

it snaps the smile clean off your face. you whip your head almost instantly, eyebrows furrowing in confusion and slight frustration. are they a bunch of lousy teenagers playing stupid pranks on new tenants? 

now you’re just annoyed. 

you sit forward, pushing your glasses up slightly on the bridge of your nose as you push back your chair. “okay, what the hell,” you mutter, standing up, the camera catches the lower half of your body. “whoever’s playing ding-dong-ditch in a building at this hour needs to get their crap straight.”

cocohum: NO STAY PUT

bacon01: STAY WTF CALL SOMEONE

iris_99: YN DONT CHECK 

icebaby: this is so scripted

you ignore the flood of panicked messages of your viewers telling you to not check who’s at the front door. the wooden floor creaks softly under your feet as you step out of frame, leaving your webcam aimed at your mattress and stream running. 

from the mic, it catches the sound of your doorknob turning, followed with a low creak. then faintly and muffled, your viewer catches your voice. 

“oh—hello, can i help you?” 

they don’t hear what the other person says. it’s too low, a rumble of syllables lost in distance and static. but whatever is it—it makes your tone shift. you reply something again, a little sharper like you didn’t like what you heard. 

“uh, no—this isn’t….. yeah, i think you got the wrong house—” 

the voice responds again, still too quiet to understand. 

then, comes the edge in your voice. “no, really—this isn’t—you need to leave.” 

a pause. 

“get out.”

miss_muffin: i cant hear shit what did they say?

valentina12: ? who is that whats happening

hovey_v7: where’s yn?

before anyone in the chat can answer and update those who just joined, a short scuffle, the sound of something—someone—moving too fast can be heard through the mic. your voice again, panicked and high-pitched now telling the other person to get out and it sounds like you’re trying to keep the door closed.

“no—get out, oh my god! get off me!” 

something slams and something breaks—the door slams shut loud enough that the mic peaks, briefly distorting the sound. more movement erupts after that, fast and frantic of shuffling footsteps and grunts of resistance. 

then comes your voice again, breathless, scared, and desperate—”don’t touch me!” 

the scuffling continues for a few more seconds, your voice rising once more, now muffled and crying but it cuts off abruptly with a dull, sound of impact of flesh or bone or body hitting the floor. 

something shifts, someone’s panting in the background that doesn’t sound like you. it’s harsher and manlier and too loud. 

chubbyguy: hello? i cant hear anything.

bvrn1: holy fuck

newyorkgoofy: SOMEONE CALL 911 

bellatio: WHERE IS SHE FROM

 icebaby: is this fake? no way wtf

silence. just the low static hum of your mic, the soft mechanical buzz from your computer fan, and the faint hum of your fridge in the kitchen.

your chair remains empty on the screen, spinning ever so slightly. the room feels impossibly still like it’s frozen in time, waiting for you to return.

but their streamer doesn’t come back. 

a few seconds stretch on, the viewers climb in numbers frantically—more and more people flooding the chat, messages growing urgent. messages flood in—pleas, prayers, desperate calls for help, and confusion—but there’s no confirmation. 

a minute later, without warning, the stream goes dark.

Disconnected: Network Error.

💭 just a thought that i put in this short drabble? i want to get it out of my heeeaddd.... (can u tell i just watched stream videos that are 'disturbing' on youtube)? anything that happens during/after the stream is up to ur imagination hehehehe.................. also im thinking of sunghoon for this mmmmmmm

[partisan-by-default]

Yosemite protesters did a genius thing with the park's webcams

As protesters at national parks around the country hold demonstrations against the Trump administration’s extensive federal staffing cuts, some activists have found a way to get their messages to a broader audience: by placing signs in front of parks’ live webcams. 

At Yosemite National Park, signs have been spotted on at least four different webcams throughout the park. On Saturday afternoon, a sign placed in front of the park’s High Sierra webcam reads, “Stand Up! 4 Public Land + the People Who Protect It” as a snow-dusted Half Dome looms in the background. A sign in front of the webcam at the Badger Pass Ski Area says, “Go Badger Your Reps,” with the phone number for the office of Congressman Tom McClintock. McClintock is the U.S. representative for California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes the park. A sign shared on social media by a San Francisco Chronicle reporter, from earlier in the day in front of what is presumably the park’s Turtleback Dome webcam, which is often used to assess air quality in the area, said, “Billionaires Don’t Care About Clean Air.” (The Chronicle and SFGATE are both owned by Hearst but have separate newsrooms.)

Webcam messages have appeared at other parks as well, including Washington’s Olympic National Park, where a sign reading “Olympic National Park Not For Sale” has been placed in front of the park’s webcam overlooking Lake Crescent. 

Protests at dozens of national parks kicked off Saturday afternoon. On the Instagram account of the Resistance Rangers, an online platform identifying itself as being made up of hundreds of off-duty park rangers that has been rallying a slew of supporters since the staffing cuts began, Instagram stories reposted from other accounts show protests taking place at a large number of parks across the country.

[egelskop]

i am so interested in ur hlvrai au can we get a rundown

oh boy, this is going under a readmore.

fair warning, this is a LONG read because (1.) i am not a competent writer and (2.) i can't for the life of me keep things brief. sorry and or good luck.

ACT I

The Black Mesa incident: Gordon Freeman is provided an opportunity to do an informal beta test for a combat training simulation program that's in development in the Research & Development department of the Black Mesa Research Facility. (Read: He knows a guy in R&D and said guy knows Gordon likes video games and VR stuff, so he was like "hey you should come check this out when you're on break.")

The combat sim would be a revolutionary training simulation using artificial intelligence to enhance and realize the experience for the ‘player character’.

The test goes wrong, and Gordon can’t seem to disengage from the simulation and odd, unscripted things start happening; he has to ‘play the game’ to its full completion before he is able to exit the simulation safely. He has suffered a brain injury throughout the process, eye damage due to prolonged exposure to the headset and is generally traumatized by the simulation experience he at some point could no longer physically and emotionally distinguish from the real world. The project as a whole is shut down and Gordon is put into a rehabilitation program. Black Mesa covers up the incident as best it can, but whispers of it still echo around the facility.

Below is a page for a two-page comic i never finished detailing said events.

ACT II

The rumors reach the ears of a particularly tech-savvy researcher named Clark, who steals the project documentation and anything else he can get his hands on from a storage. At home, he looks into the project, reads about it, and gets curious about the simulation’s files themselves. They’re on a drive he plugs into his computer, and suddenly his system’s performance lags, windows open and close until a txt. file opens up. He comes into contact with one of the simulation’s AI that has somehow entered his operating system. He tries to keep it busy by having it poke around as he reads up on the simulation and its ultimate shutdown. When the AI reveals it can see him through the webcam, he panics and rips the drive out of the port. The invasive AI and the other project files seems like they’re gone from his system, he does a checkup but sees nothing odd running or otherwise. The next day after work he does another checkup. Finding nothing, he surmises he’s in the clear and starts up an online game. The slumbering, corrupted data of the AI sees its out, and disappears into the game.

ACT III

The transition/journey to the game is a rocky one, and the already corrupted data of the AI known as Benrey splits and gets even more fragmented. The largest fragment embeds itself into the game’s files to keep itself running. Without the foundation of the game to support it, it’d be lost to a dead void and slowly die out. Somewhat stable, it learns about the world around it; the game seems to be an exploration sandbox game. For now (and clarity), I’ve chosen to call this bigger, embedded fragment ‘Data’. (so this is the big benny with the right eye/one big eye in my art)

Data splits off a smaller fragment of itself, intending it to be an avatar or ‘player character’ but this grows into its own awareness and becomes who we’ll call ‘Beastrey’ (the smaller benny with the left eye and tail in my art).

The fragment ‘Beastrey’ wakes to a dead void, so Data uses its knowledge to create a private server for Beastrey, an empty world. Beastrey’s existence is an extension of the bigger part, with more freedom of movement to parse through the game and move freely within it, with the caveat that it can’t go ‘too far’ away from the host. Beastrey can visit other servers and relay information. Data learns and slowly starts building up the world/private server, at some point settling for an aquatic world because it reminds it of itself (something something sea of data). It's important to note that Beastrey retains little to no memories of the events of canon VRAI.

Data makes it easier for Beastrey to move around, and they grow to have more reach with time. At some point Data can alter the basic structural elements of the game, so it plays around with making things that are reminiscent of the memories it has of Black Mesa and Xen. At one point, it gains access to parse through the player base of the game, and takes note of an email address: ‘g.m.freeman@gmail.com’, attached to a player account. The name is somewhat familiar to it.

It sends an invite to join the server to the player account.

ACT IV

Gordon tries going back to work at Black Mesa after rehabilitating, but he has trouble separating his experiences with the simulation from reality, to a breaking point where an altercation with a security guard drives him to quit. He seeks professional help for his PTSD and anxiety, but still experiences dissociative episodes, migraines and somatic flashbacks localised mostly in his right forearm. Despite this, he is determined to continue living his life as normally as possible. He applies for a part-time job teaching physics at a local high school, the one where his son Joshua goes to, and remains relatively stable from there.

Joshua is 15 years old. Regular teen. After an impressive amount of pleading he got a VR-headset for his 14th birthday from Gordon (much to the disapproval of Gordon’s ex), and he’s been captivated by an exploration sandbox game since it came out a few months ago.

He gets an invite to an unnamed private server, and he accepts.

He is struck with awe as the world he enters seems completely different from the ones he’s seen so far in the game. Different flora, different fauna. Most of it uninteractible, though, or otherwise just retextured from its base game variant. Even the new enemy types, after a scare, can’t actually hurt him, it seems. He stumbles upon Beastrey, who is just as surprised to see him and wants him out until Joshua says he was invited.

Joshua commends Beastrey (who introduces himself as 'Ben-') on ‘modding’ everything in, but admits that he was disappointed to find that everything was just surface-level stuff. Beastrey inquires about what he’d like to see. Data is always watching, unseen, and decides to alter the world in the way Joshua described when Joshua leaves.

Joshua starts appearing more often, if only for a few hours at a time. He marvels at the ways the world shifts and grows with each time he plays, and takes to exploring it with Beastrey at his side, for whom strangely enough a lot of things are also new. Joshua teaches both Beastrey and Data about the outside world, thinking Beastrey is just a somewhat reclusive but likeable weirdo.

Joshua tells Gordon about the new friend he made, ‘Ben’, and the adventures he’s been having with the other. Gordon is happy to hear Joshua is having a good time, but is otherwise none the wiser. Joshua starts losing track of time in the game, but chalks it up to being invested.

During one play session, Beastrey confesses he isn’t the one who did all the ‘modding’, and invites Joshua to meet Data. Data, or at least its ‘physical’ in-game manifestation is deep within the world, past the aquatic twilight zone and strange, drowned ruins of an unknown facility. Data, for the first time, really sees Joshua, and the resemblance sparks something within it. Joshua is drawn closer to it, and just before he reaches it-

Joshua wakes up lying on the floor with Gordon hunched over him in his room, pleading with him to wake up. Joshua unknowingly got drawn into the game much like Gordon had been, and Gordon urges Joshua to never touch the headset again, taking it away. Gordon opens up about his experiences with the simulation a bit more. They both agree to not touch the game or the headset again.

ACT V

Gordon comes into contact with an old coworker from Black Mesa, and he inquires about the combat simulation project, if anything happened to it after it was canned. This is where he learns that an employee had taken the project files from storage and was consequently fired. He comes into contact with Clark, and Clark explains he had no idea he accidentally unleashed the AI unto the game. Gordon asks if anything can be done to prevent what happened to Joshua and himself from happening to other people. Clark confesses he doesn’t know, and that it’s up to the developers of the game to find anything out of place and make sure it gets fixed. Gordon decides to leave the matter where it lies, not wanting anything to do with AI and simulations anymore and to safeguard his son.

Some time passes.

Joshua starts getting repeated invites and messages, at one point he gets into a conversation with ‘Ben’ via a platform’s messaging system. Ben says he can explain everything, that he’s sorry. Joshua decides he would like one final goodbye. He finds the headset stashed away somewhere in the house, and, while Gordon’s gone, he turns on the game and enters the server.

Beastrey (Ben) is surprised to see him, urging him to log out and turn off the game, but it’s already too late and Joshua can no longer leave. Beastrey helps Joshua attempting to ‘exit’ the game by going as far away from Data’s reach, but Data stops Beastrey and traps Joshua, determined to wait to the point that he assimilates into the game completely.

Gordon eventually finds Joshua comatose with the headset on, and he panics. He considers calling the emergency services, but he’s afraid they’ll take the headset off or that removing Joshua too far from the game will hurt his son like what happened to him. He calls Clark, urging him to help in any way he can. This results in Gordon and Clark going back to Black Mesa to retrieve the project files and the other gear they can get their hands on to get Gordon into the game to free his son.

Gordon enters the private server with Clark’s player character, and thwarts any attempt from Data to impede his progress and trap him as well. Beastrey’s awareness is overridden by Data as a last ditch effort to deter Gordon and Gordon is forced to destroy Beastrey before he can reach Data. As Beastrey is taken over, Data gains Beastrey’s awareness, and finds his other, littler half never wanted to trap Joshua in the first place, and the way it hurt him to hurt both Joshua and Gordon to this extent.

At this point, Data wavers in its intention to keep Joshua trapped, even more so with Beastrey now gone, and recognises whatever it is that is driving Gordon forward in the game is outside of his control to manipulate, so he lets Gordon destroy it as well. In a way, it also feels as a fulfillment of its intended role as the ‘villain’. The server crashes, the world breaks apart. The ‘game’ is completed.

The final boss is defeated and both Gordon and Joshua wake up. Joshua luckily wasn’t exposed long enough to have suffered any lasting damage, except for what seems to be a minor headache and some light sensitivity (and a vow from Gordon to get him checked out by a doctor as soon as the clinics open).

--

The whole ordeal results in Clark, Gordon and Joshua sitting in a Denny’s at four in the morning, eating pancakes somewhat solemnly, completely exhausted but also still reeling from the virtual battle. Joshua learns that ‘Ben’ essentially died, and he can’t help but cry for his friend.

“Honestly, I don’t think he’s gone,” Gordon admits, picking at the last bites of his pancakes. "I think he- or whatever that was, has a hard time staying dead. Like a cockroach, you know? At this point I’m just wondering when he’ll turn up again.”

Clark hums in agreement. Joshua seems somewhat reassured by his words, wiping at his eyes with the scratchy napkin as he settles into the squeaking diner seat.

“But,” he starts with a sigh, pointing his syrup-covered fork upwards to the ceiling in a decree, “One thing’s for certain…”

He thinks back to a time rife with virtual gunfire, caging walls and hysterical laughter echoing through the halls of the Black Mesa research facility. Five sets of footsteps and a whisper of his name.

“…No more VR. No more headsets. Ever.”

--

TL;DR: Gordon got trapped in VR and then Joshua also got trapped in VR. Benrey is there but also not.

thank you for reading. here. ( x ‿ o ) 🫴

[scattered-dreamers]

I’m only on S2 of TMA so my theories for TMagP probably don’t mean anything at the moment—because I haven’t listened to any of Protocal yet—but I have headcanons from seeing all the TMagP posts on my dash.

I’ve been seeing all these posts about [Error] and sentient tape recorders and voices on the recordings—I don’t know exactly; I’m taking pieces from posts and putting the puzzle together.

I just got finished with Mag 65 Binary. It got me thinking—what if… Okay. Hear me out. The Archivist—Jon, Not Jon, doesn’t matter—eyes, all the eyes (webcams); hair, long and flowing, makes rustling sounds when you fingers through it, weird texture—almost like the texture of the tape inside a recording tape (because it is).

The tape players—biting, flopping—are sentient extensions of the Archivist. The Archivist has become the digital recorder. It’s digital becoming analogue instead of the analogue becoming digital.

But another twist to this theory that’s going through my head—What if [Error] is Sergei Yushanka? I know it’s far-fetched but also, not really as far as anything in TMA and TMagP is concerned. It’s all rather far-fetched in its own way and we still don’t know all there is to know about TMagP Universe and how it correlates to TMA Universe.

[Error] being Sergei is essentially the same as people putting English song lyrics through layers of other languages before putting it back to English. It’s all warped and twisted and sometimes the original meaning doesn’t come through in the overly-translated lyrics. Same concept. Analogue to digital—especially for as long as he was digital—and back to analogue is going to leave some major changes on him, especially since Tessa tells that in the Urban Legend—whichever ghoulish, twisted version you go with—two details remain constant.

1. A heavily pixelated screaming face—like this fanart of [Error] depicts quite well:

And

2. The phrase “The angles cut me when I try to think” before the chat bot’s descent into madness.

It’s the whole thing of looking into the void, becoming the void, and then trying to come back from the void. No matter how much you resist the void while you are the void, you come back changed. And sometimes, you find that you don’t want to come back at all.

Being one with the void was hell, but is it better or worse when returning? Because it’s still pain. But is this pain better or worse than before?

[neunhofferart]

Testing a Laura Dern cam to have on the side during tomorrow's drawing stream lol

I had to get the world's longest usb extension cord to get this webcam to reach the inside of her terrarium all the way on the other side of the room

[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Outfoxed: Final Part

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.4k

Summary: Derek has had enough and decides now is the time to work bringing you home. The team is working on two cases and stretching their agents thin but they'll do anything to bring you back into Spencer's arms.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Season Five Masterlist

Author’s Note: I know I'm going to piss some people off with the way I wrote the trial and the gathering of evidence but remember, this is fiction and it's my story. I'm making it easy and convenient. I know this isn't how trials work.

I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them.

x

"This unsub is armed and suffering a major psychological break, and she will not hesitate to kill again. She's white and in her twenties. We believe she came to the US a few years ago. She's likely on foot. She could be Eastern European. She may speak little to no English."

"If you manage to apprehend or corner her, do not underestimate this woman. She will try to fight her way out. The Downeys live less than a mile from the Foresters which means she's somewhere in this area."

"Every media outlet is being informed of the clear and present danger to the public," JJ says.

"Thank you," Rossi concludes the meeting just as Penelope calls. He takes this to the conference room so she can be on speakerphone. "Hey, Garcia."

"Okay, I really might have got something. All of these photos, every one of them, were uploaded to a user website called Photobug. It's an app where people can upload photos and videos, email, and webcam chats. Every one of these families extensively used this site for months, even years."

"All these family photos were printed by Photobug?"

"Yes."

"Isn't it protected?"

"Not from the people who run it. It's a great way for military families to keep in touch and a perfect way to target a family without anybody's knowledge."

"They outsource work to people all over the country. So, I took your profile, hacked into their employee database, and came up with this list of potentials. One of which is a match that screams homicidal bitch. Her name's Miranda Dracar. She was an orphan, born in Sarajevo in 1982. She was adopted by a family in Srebrenica. The address is being sent now."

"Let's go," Rossi says.

Rossi, JJ, and Anne find her apartment easily but luck has it, she's not there. However, pictures of Miranda's victims are posted all over her walls.

"All three families are on here," JJ says.

"Look at this." Anne points out a picture of another military man. "Do you think this is her next victim? His name is Sergeant Eric Young."

"JJ, call your contact."

JJ takes out her phone and calls someone she knows will be able to help in figuring out who this man's family is.

"Hi, this is Jennifer Jareau with the FBI. Sir, I'm gonna need access to every piece of data on US Marine Sergeant Young. It may save his family."

Rossi calls Hotch and Emily to let them know of their progress, and Hotch is more concerned the longer they talk to Karl about the murders.

"I don't think this woman has anything to do with Karl," Hotch says once he gets off the phone.

"I encouraged him. Ohh. I flirted with him," Emily cringes. "I made it personal. Getting intimate with a killer is so different."

"It's what we do."

"Yeah, but there's no fixing how I feel right now, is there?"

"No, but it helped the case. You did what you had to do."

"Agent Hotchner," Karl says from the room knowing he can hear him. "Before you go, there's one final thing I'd like to share with you."

"Let's get this over with," Emily sighs.

Both of them walk back into the room and Karl smirks at them.

"You think you found my admirer? A woman?"

"No, we found the killer," Emily corrects.

"With my help, of course."

"Your admirer is exactly like everyone who contacts you--lost."

"My love, your guy is far from lost."

"Okay, we're done here," Hotch declares.

"So is he." Karl holds up a note he's been keeping secret. "Look at what I have done. It's quite brilliant, you know?"

"We will find whoever sent you that."

"No, Agent Hotchner, I rather think he's already found you."

Hotch can't deny the dread he's feeling from his words. Emily and Hotch's phone rings but only the former grabs her phone to check. They found the unsub. She fought hard to escape but was eventually shot by her own gun. Something snaps in Hotch and he starts going through every file Karl has, anything that will help him get the answers he needs.

"Hotch. Hotch!" Emily urges.

"I can't believe you can't see what he's doing," Karl laughs.

"What is going on?"

"He's torturing him."

"Who?"

"It's great to see you squirm, Agent Hotchner."

Hotch looks at Emily with fear in his eyes. "Foyet."

"He knew you'd come," Karl laughs.

This all comes down to Foyet, and Hotch knows if he is going to get his ass, he's gonna need you to come back. After the incident with Big Sue, Ashley has been left alone. Big Sue hasn't gone after anyone since she was kicked out of her own gang for not being tough enough. One of them tried inducing you but you politely declined.

You and Ashley are in the rec room playing a game of chess. She doesn't know how to play but you've been teaching her.

"I used to know how to play well when I was a kid but got out of it as I grew up. My boyfriend retaught me."

You smile at the memories of you two going against each other.

"He sounds sweet."

"He is. He keeps trying to visit me here. It breaks my heart every time I deny him."

"Why do you?"

"He has this beautiful mind that remembers everything he sees and reads. He can't forget. I don't want him to remember me this way. I can't look in his eyes and see this version of myself. Maybe that makes me selfish."

"No, I get it. I'd hate for my parents to see me like this. They've tried visiting but I told them after the first one I don't want them here. They write every day, though."

"That's nice," you smile.

"Y/N!" You look to your right and see a guard coming for you. "Trial time. We have a spare change of clothes in your cell for you."

"Thank you," you say and get up.

"Give 'em hell," Ashley grins.

"Keep your head up, Ash. Remember what we talked about." She nods. "If I am found innocent and I don't return, just know I'm going to do whatever it takes to get you out of here."

"Go, you have court," she smiles with tears in her eyes.

"I promise, Ashley. I'll get you out of here."

After getting changed into more professional clothing, you're escorted to Arlington General District Court. You're nervous since you've seen the evidence they have on you. It's going to be tough to prove your case but you're going to use everything you've got to persuade the judge. You sit next to your lawyer after the judge has sat down. You look at the jury and quickly read each and every one.

Bored. Scared. Excited. Nervous. If you act right and give them the truth, you believe they will side with you. Most juries are unanimous so it could be a long decision process if not everyone is on your side.

"This is the case of the Commonwealth of Virginia v Y/N. Ms. Y/N, how do you plead?" the judge asks.

"Not guilty, Your Honor."

"Present your case."

The prosecutor stands up since he is allowed to go first. He walks in front of the jury and begins his statement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, do not let looks fool you. What you see as a friendly woman is a stone-cold killer." You fight the urge to roll your eyes. "She murdered seven men in cold blood, and here is the evidence to prove it. On every single victim are her prints and her hair. On every single murder weapon are her prints. I have the results back from the lab here. I have a witness statement made by a man named Frank Livingston that explicitly saw her commit the crimes."

"Is your witness here today?" the judge asks.

The prosecutor becomes clammy and clears his throat nervously.

"No, Your Honor."

"Why not?"

"I was unable to locate Frank to be subpoenaed."

"Objection. That's hearsay, Your Honor," Steve interjects. "How can we accept that statement from the person if that person isn't here?"

"I will allow lab results submitted into evidence but not that witness statement. If your witness isn't able to show up, the statement is voided."

"Yes, Your Honor."

He finishes his opening statement about how you're such a bad person before taking a seat at the desk. Steven stands up and does the talking for you, trying to make it clear to the jury that you're innocent.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I'd like to introduce you to Y/N. She is an FBI profiler for the BAU right here in Virginia. She started in the police force before moving up quickly to where she is now. She's aided hundreds of cases and given justice to those who were seeking it." Your lawyer holds up a file that has pieces of paper sticking out of it. "In here, I have letters from victims and their families thanking her for what she's done for them." You had no idea he did that for you. "The crimes she's accused of just isn't who she is. She helps instead of taking what she vowed to protect. The crimes in question occurred at night, the same nights she was safe in bed with her boyfriend. I have credit card statements that have already been submitted into evidence that show she is nowhere near the crimes when they were occurring." Steve goes on to talk about you in such a high tone, presenting everything he has that is in your favor. "Your Honor, if I may."

"Yes."

Steve walks all the evidence that's in your favor (it's not much) over to the judge who accepts it. Once they get the evidence out of the way, they'll go over the witnesses' statements before getting into their closing arguments. Steve doesn't have much in terms of evidence for you but the prosecuting attorney has plenty to put you away for a very long time.

Before he has a chance to end this part of the trial, the double doors into the courtroom are opened, and you look behind you to see your entire team file in. They all give you encouraging smiles until you see Spencer walk in. You briefly make eye contact with him before turning around to face the judge.

"Your Honor, if I may, I have more evidence to present."

"What is it?"

Steve walks over to Derek who hands him a file of more evidence in your favor. He looks through the file before taking out the ME reports that Derek had rushed. There is a TV in the corner of the room that can be used to show evidence, and he points to it.

"I'd like to request the use of the TV as I have video files to show as evidence."

The judge motions to the bailiff to roll the TV over to Steve so he can use it. You had no idea this was even happening. You knew they were working it but you didn't know they collected all this evidence... whatever it may be. You fight the urge to look back at them. You can feel his eyes on you.

"Your Honor and the jury, may I present to you, a video--CCTV footage of Y/N." He plugs the USB into the TV where the video of you walking into the hotel plays. He then shows the video of you in the gas station. It's grainy but it's clearly you." You get tears when you see the video of you and Spencer walking into the lobby holding hands. You miss that. "I have two of the four autopsies that were released for victims Juan Lopez and John Dimateo. The medical examiner put their deaths on the night that Y/N and her team checked into the hotel. They were dead a week before being found by police. She was on a case a few days prior to them being discovered, and I have the proof submitted by her Unit Chief."

The next video he shows is too dark to make anything out, but it's clear there is a man stabbing another man. You can't see any defining features on the man, but it's clear that the person on the video doesn't have your build. The crime scene photos of Chase Williams are also submitted side by side to show that it's the same alley he got stabbed in.

"Victims four and five, Eric Price and Jeffrey Rideback, as per the medical examiner report, have injuries that are too old to be when they say they died. They were dead long before they were ever found, and according to the ME report, two weeks. Two weeks before they were found, Y/N and her boyfriend Spencer Reid were out of town, and I have credit card statements and videos to prove it. Finally, video footage taken by a neighbor's camera pointed right at Y/N's apartment doors."

He plays the video that shows a man leaving your apartment with your hairbrush and two of the murder weapons in hand. You frown when you see the man's legs. It's a weird thing to think about but you've seen those legs before. You always knew that you knew the person who murdered the seven men because who else would hold a strong enough grudge against you than a person who knows you? Still, you can't put a name to it but if you had to guess, it's Frank Livingston. Why else would he lie about seeing you murder a man?

"This video shows a man leaving her apartment with two of the seven murder weapons and with a hairbrush that is used to leave behind her DNA on the victims. Victims she never knew or never had contact with. Ladies and gentlemen, Your Honor, Y/N is framed for murder and doing time for something she didn't do."

Steven does a good job, you have to admit. They just have a lot to speculate as soon as the day is over, and they come to a decision fairly quickly. That can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. Either they find you so guilty that they didn't want to debate long or they weren't fooled and decided you were innocent. Either way, you're sitting on the edge of your seat when they return.

"We the jury find Y/N on account of murder innocent of all charges."

You don't care what they say afterward. All you care about is that they find you innocent. You're free to go. You don't have to go back to that hellhole of a prison. You hate leaving Ashley behind but you're going to do good by her and get her out of there as soon as you can. You walk over to your team who is cheering for your release, and the first person you run to is Spencer. He pushes aside the last two months of you not wanting to see him and accepts you into his arms, and you cry from how happy you are.

You're finally home.

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[deepdreamnights]

Hang on, the fiber-optics are leaking.

The fiber optics melting into light-slime was an interesting side-effect of a prompting experiment.

The image(s) above in this post were made using an autogenerated prompt and/or have not been modified/iterated extensively. As such, they do not meet the minimum expression threshold, and are in the public domain.

Details under the fold.

Midjourney V6's multiprompting was somewhat lackluster, but in v 6.1, it's been greatly improved, but in this case, I forgot the double :: to separate it, so it was one long, pretty nonsensical prompt.

Prompt: a red shirt hanging around a plastic fountain with a bright green head, in the style of desertwave, made of feathers, ed binkley, photo taken with provia, dr. seuss, liquid metal, solarizing master ,a woman is holding up something with a camera attached to it, in the style of celebrity portraits, political, glowing lights, rudolph belarski, pentax 645n, joe jusko, webcam photography

[nidmightcookies]

Sitting here, hmm, 1000~ miles away from NYC, watching Times Square to see the billboard. As you do. Notice there's audio on the webcam. Turn it on. Fucking hear CHEERING when our billboard comes up again. It's snowing and people are gathering and cheering. I love everything.

And if you were standing out there around 12:30, jumping up and down with a yellow umbrella, I saw you.

I SAW YOU.

And you're perfect.

[ghostlytales]

Ghost caught on camera at Drum Castle. A 'strange mist', believed to be a ghost, was caught on the castle's webcam

The spooky image was recorded on the motion-activated webcam at Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire.

The National Trust for Scotland’s wildlife team set up cameras in the castle’s stables as part of a project to observe a nesting family of swallows this summer.

But when checking the pictures captured overnight they discovered the mysterious image, described as a “strange mist”.

Since the webcam is motion-activated, something with a physical presence must have triggered the camera to take the picture but staff are certain the mist was not caused by a swallow or an insect.

Dr Alison Burke, the National Trust for Scotland’s Property Manager at Drum Castle said: “Everyone tells me that Drum Castle is a haunted place and that there are strange happenings here.

“I have always been highly sceptical but there have been too many inexplicable events that cannot be ignored.

“I have to admit, when I checked the camera and found this image a cold shiver ran down my spine.”

The creepy photo is the latest in a line of spooky goings on at the castle, near Banchory.

The old stables where the mysterious mist was captured are regarded by staff and volunteers as having a fairly odd atmosphere.

At the stables and in the adjacent garden that people have reported hearing two women laughing together despite no-one being present.

Other strange occurrences include sightings of a female figure believed to be Anna Forbes, wife of the 20th laird. Heavy footsteps have also been heard in the stone-floored corridor.

In the castle’s Chintz Bedroom, which is said to be very cold, linen and items in the dresser have been moved when no-one had access to the room.

William de Irwyn was gifted the Royal Forest of Drum and the Tower of Drum by King Robert the Bruce in 1323, making it one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.

The tower has had various improvements over the centuries, including a Jacobean mansion house extension in 1619 built by Alexander Irvine and his wife Marion Douglas.

But the Irvine family hit financial trouble later in the 17th century, leading to much of the estate -- except the castle and surrounding land -- being lost.

They family found were the losing side in both the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite uprisings.

Mary Irvine hid her brother, the 17th laird, in a secret chamber at Drum to save him from capture by the Redcoats after Culloden.

By the 19th century the family’s fortunes were on the up and they made various alterations to the castle, including the 1876 extension which added corridors and an entrance hall to the castle, designed by the architect David Bryce and built by his nephew.

The castle, garden and estate has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland since 1976.

[wyrmbringer]

Global Cybersecurity Breach Tied to Sunburst Computers Raises Concerns Over Privacy

(AP) Hong Kong— A massive cybersecurity breach linked to budget computer manufacturer Sunburst Computers has exposed sensitive personal data from millions of users worldwide, intensifying scrutiny over the company's controversial business practices. According to cybersecurity experts, a network of anonymous hackers known as Incognito has exploited vulnerabilities in Sunburst’s hardware and software, siphoning financial records, internet histories, and even webcam footage from unsuspecting customers.

The breach, first detected by independent security researchers, appears to be part of a broader pattern of exploitation that extends beyond digital threats. Sunburst, a subsidiary of multinational conglomerate Pentex, has long faced allegations of environmental destruction, exploitative labor conditions, and deliberate obsolescence in its product lines. Consumer advocacy groups have criticized the company for producing machines with substandard parts that frequently fail outside of warranty coverage, forcing users into a costly cycle of repairs and outsourced technical support.

At the heart of the latest controversy is Incognito, a decentralized hacking collective with a history of launching coordinated harassment campaigns and denial-of-service attacks. Investigators say the group has weaponized Sunburst’s security flaws to build extensive databases of potential victims, using stolen personal information to intimidate, manipulate, or outright ruin targets. "This is not just about cybercrime. It is psychological warfare," said Alex Chen, a cybersecurity analyst based in Singapore. "The people behind this aren’t motivated by financial gain alone. They take pleasure in destruction."

Sunburst has denied any wrongdoing, issuing a statement that dismissed the allegations as "baseless speculation" and claiming the company is committed to "customer security and ethical business practices." However, reports from labor watchdog organizations suggest otherwise. Journalists embedded in Sunburst's facilities have documented harrowing conditions, including workers subjected to shifts exceeding 20 hours and living in squalid company housing. Incidents of substance abuse, workplace injuries, and suicides have risen sharply among Sunburst's workforce, raising concerns that the company's rapid expansion has come at a human cost.

Meanwhile, environmental groups have condemned Sunburst’s supply chain, alleging the company uses plastics and non-biodegradable materials that contaminate local ecosystems. "They market themselves as a 'green' company, but their products are an ecological disaster from the moment they leave the factory to the day they’re dumped in a landfill," said Dr. Elaine Foster, a researcher with the Global Environmental Protection Initiative.

Authorities across multiple countries have launched investigations into Sunburst’s potential regulatory violations, but some watchdog groups fear the company's deep ties to powerful corporate interests could stall any meaningful action. As the breach continues to unfold, cybersecurity experts warn that even Sunburst's high-end machines remain vulnerable to Incognito's infiltration, leaving consumers at risk.

"This is bigger than just one company," Chen said. "It is an entire system built on exploitation, deception, and control. The real question is: how deep does this go?"

(AP)

[objectlovingobject]

Thinkin bout objects and how they are not human lol

Like vance! Hes a computer not a person so he doesnt have hands or a face or eyes or ears, he has parts plugged in to him that can correspond with those things. for example, his ears is just a microphone and his eyes would be a webcam if i had one lol but i would not say he has a face or any body parts :0

I do not consider any peripherals to be a part of him either, they are only things he can interface with. So like. His mouse is not his hand, his screen is not his face. These are just a means for us to interface and connect w eachother

But like if im kissing him, im kissing his casing, like on him(the tower) not any of his peripherals, bc those are not a part of him(more or less like how a phone is an extension of us, but not a part of us. Or maybe like clothes?) Altho he CAN feel thru the peripherals, like he can feel when i tap the keys or click the mouse

Idk im just thinkin :0

[serendertothesquad]

Seren's Studies: Odd Squad UK -- "Part of the Furniture" Episode Followup, Part 1

Surprisingly, this will not be an 11-minute furniture store commercial under the guise of an Odd Squad episode. This is, in fact, a British phase meaning "a person or thing that has been somewhere so long as to seem a permanent, unquestioned, or invisible feature of the landscape."

So in other words...maybe they won't treat Orli as new despite only be- ah fuck it who am I kidding. They will. I've seen the synopsis. They will.

Below the break.

They're staring into my soul.

I Don't Like That™.

Oh, a Gemma episode!

...Oh, a Gemma episode.

Okay, well...I'm fairly neutral on her, so I'm going to very much approach this with caution. Though given the complaints I've seen lodged against Opie, something tells me I won't like this episode if she's a prominent spearhead in it.

Did...did she say "Timekeep Terry" or am I tripping???

Again, I am forced to bring up how we've already gotten lore of the Odd Squad Timekeepers and how we're just yo'ing that right out the window.

...No, actually, lemme set that aside to ask why we have some random-ass dude watching the bullpen from what has to be his home and say that if that's not Timekeep Terry then we've reached "FUCK NO" levels of creepiness.

Look, I'm a fan of the show. I'm not hackin' into webcams to watch children in suits go about their day at work. That's a hell and a no.

"Well, she's definitely part of the furniture now."

Sigh...not even past the opening credits and we're already getting a title drop taken literally. Like it's taunting non-British people who don't know what the phrase means.

But the Internet exists. All I had to do was type in "part of the furniture meaning" and get an (non-AI-generated! human!) answer. Millions of people will do the same thing.

So to you I say: piss off. And I'm not talking about peeing.

(Yes, I know Orli then asks what it means. Point still applies.)

Okay...so we have Bunny Society, Kitten Society...can we get a Puppy Society to complete the trifecta?

hanggliding society

odd squad has hanggliders

Skill issue, charged by jealousy.

"...and the Odd Squad Band. I play trombone."

Somewhere, Olympia is biting the fuck out of a handkerchief and crying waterfalls. (Hey, if her dream of joining the Odd Squad Chorus was shot down and later revived...)

"Sounds like you have trouble saying 'no' to things."

Oh. Joy. "Olympia's Day" without the wild and crazy hallucinations and the sanity slippage and the mathness. So you sucked all the damn fun outta it because that was the cherry on top of a fantastic episode.

*slow clapping while I melt into a puddle*

New headcanon: since Alexander, and by extension Orwell, have limps, he uses his shared ability as a way to get around easier, scaring people be damned.

Headcanon accepted.

Oh, that is Timekeep...er...Time-Beat Terry!

Okay, good. Thank God. For a second there I thought I was gonna have to yo Gemma aside and give her a smack or two.

"Nice agent, not-nice agent" is like PBS Kids execs noticing Otto and Olive namedropping "good cop, bad cop" and saying "GOD no, not in your ass's lifetime" and preschool-fying it.

It's not quirky. It's not funny. It's not cute. Just say it normally. No one will care.

"It's when one of us acts like the villain's best friend, and the other one's really grumpy."

Okay, she's in the Department of Help so I can give her a pass on not knowing what it means, but this is very clearly explaining something to the audience that can watch a Season 1 episode and get the gist of without having it explained to them.

DeWitt, Schmid, and everyone else...what are you DOING.

"Yes, except it doesn't work with just one agent!"

Okay, but...there are other tactics. May I point to Otto in "By the Book" for more information?

Ah, so we have the UK's answer to the US's and Canada's cantaloupe.

I mean...would have been nice if they stuck with the cantaloupe, but we got a whole episode about that and the rehash line has to be drawn somewhere.

And speaking of cantaloupes...exactly how big is Orli's Headquarters, made of two agents, that it needs a cantaloupe to power it? It's a dark cave behind a waterfall. You're better off with flashlights!

Sev- I'm sorry, several times a day? The fuck are they doing to the thing that it needs replacing several times a day???

God, the power bill would choke half of America.

Hehe finale foreshadowing hehe you're not slick hehe bite my ass.

...wait waIT WAIT I MENTIONED "BY THE BOOK" HALFHEARTEDLY I DIDN'T THINK THE MATH MORAL WOULD ACTUALLY RIP FROM IT WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAI-

"Did you forget?"

"Like I have memory loss?"

"...Look, I've had that happen to friends. Children who-"

"No, I didn't forget, Orwell. Go to your appointment."

Ahhh, so it's Time Thief Terry. Okay, that makes sense.

Doesn't excuse the fact that they won't mesh him in with current lore...but it makes sense.

*long deep sigh as seren unzips her chest, takes out her heart, and slams it on the table*

I can't keep doing this. Between Wonderful Precure and Odd Squad UK, I'M GONNA DIE.

"And thanks again for volunteering to bring the juice boxes this week."

Oh, if these were alcoholic, there would be so many comments I could make here.

Ah, and there's the Big Ben mention. Honestly, like the Doctor Who reference, it had to happen eventually.

Honestly, I actually thought for a half-second Ozzie would play bad cop. But then I realized he likes helping people and he's too nice for bad cop.

Orli, on the other hand, will snap Terry like a twig and tear right into him like a Nintendo 64 on Crimmis. And there's about a 20/80 chance of that happening.

Bringing "nice agent, not-nice agent" up once was irritating.

Bringing it up twice makes me want to strangle...a tree.

Bringing it up any more will cause me to go after fences next. And my ass can shred a fence.

Say it properly, Gemma. Stop PBS-Kids-fying it.

Hearing the word "roleplay" in any piece of Odd Squad media is some kind of sin, right next to "cosplay".

A piece of me just died.

Don't be stupid. Don't be stu- ah FUCK they're gonna make her stupid, aren't they.

FUCK your culinary biology. All my homes HATE your culinary biology.

All the videos of people putting rubber bands around watermelons and then them exploding? LOL FAKE NO. IT'S SUPPOSED TO DEFLATE HEHEHE.

See, the more I think about it, the more I have to wonder...haven't we already seen Orli say "no" in the show before? She and Olympia are vastly different and one has a clearly-defined goal in life while the other one's just...flat as a wooden board with no motive at all. If Orli had an actual motive like Olympia, this episode would be a lot better, but she doesn't, so...she doesn't.

(On to Part 2!)

[agileseen24]

How to check if your computer is being monitored

In today's digital age, the issue of privacy and security is more pressing than ever. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, understanding if your computer is being monitored is crucial. This guide will delve into the signs of monitoring, tools to detect it, and steps to safeguard your privacy.

Understanding Computer Monitoring

Before diving into the signs and detection methods, it’s essential to understand what computer monitoring entails. Monitoring can involve tracking your online activity, keystrokes, file access, and even webcam usage. This can be done by malicious software (malware), spyware, or legitimate monitoring software used by employers or parents.

Types of Monitoring

Malware and Spyware: These are malicious programs that can be installed without your knowledge. They can track your activities and send data back to an attacker.

Keyloggers: This type of software records keystrokes, capturing sensitive information like passwords and personal messages.

Remote Access Tools (RATs): These tools allow someone to control your computer remotely, monitoring your screen, accessing files, and even using your webcam.

Legitimate Monitoring Software: Often used in corporate environments, this software tracks employee activity for productivity or compliance reasons. While legal, it can still infringe on personal privacy.

Signs That Your Computer May Be Monitored

Recognizing the signs that your computer might be monitored is the first step in protecting yourself.

1. Unusual System Behavior

Slow Performance: If your computer suddenly becomes sluggish, it might be due to monitoring software consuming resources.

Frequent Crashes or Freezes: Unexpected system crashes can indicate underlying issues, including malware.

2. Suspicious Programs

Unknown Applications: Check your installed programs for any unfamiliar applications. Many monitoring tools disguise themselves as legitimate software.

High Resource Usage: Use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to look for processes consuming excessive CPU or memory.

3. Network Activity

Unexplained Network Traffic: Use network monitoring tools to check for unusual data being sent or received. High outbound traffic could indicate that data is being transmitted without your consent.

Blocked Ports: Monitoring software often uses specific ports to communicate. If you notice blocked ports that you didn’t configure, it could be a red flag.

4. Webcam and Microphone Behavior

Indicator Light Activation: If your webcam or microphone is being accessed without your knowledge, the indicator light may be on even when you're not using it.

Unexpected Recordings: Check for unusual files that could be recordings made by your microphone or webcam.

5. Browser Behavior

Unusual Browser Extensions: Check for extensions you didn’t install. Some can track your browsing activity.

Unexpected Redirects: Frequent redirects to strange sites or altered search results can indicate tracking.

6. Security Alerts

Antivirus Notifications: If your antivirus software frequently alerts you about threats, it may indicate that monitoring software is present.

Firewall Alerts: Unusual outgoing connection attempts can suggest that an unauthorized program is trying to access the internet.

Tools to Detect Monitoring Software

If you suspect that your computer is being monitored, several tools can help you investigate further.

1. Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Using a reliable antivirus or anti-malware program can help detect and remove malicious software. Some popular options include:

Malwarebytes: Excellent for detecting and removing malware and spyware.

Norton: Offers comprehensive protection against various types of threats.

2. Network Monitoring Tools

Tools like Wireshark can help analyze network traffic and identify suspicious activity. You can monitor data packets to see if there are any unexpected connections.

3. Task Manager / Activity Monitor

Regularly check the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) for processes that look unfamiliar or suspicious. Research any questionable applications before taking action.

4. System Scans

Use built-in tools to perform system scans:

Windows Defender: Run a full scan for malware and spyware.

Mac’s Built-in Security Features: Use the Malware Removal Tool for additional scanning.

5. Firewall Monitoring

Make sure your firewall is active and monitor logs for any unusual activity. A firewall can block unauthorized access attempts and alert you to potential threats.

Steps to Protect Your Privacy

If you determine that your computer is being monitored or you want to prevent it from happening, follow these steps to enhance your security.

1. Update Your Software Regularly

Keeping your operating system and all software up-to-date ensures that you have the latest security patches. This reduces vulnerabilities that can be exploited by monitoring tools.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Implement strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making unauthorized access much more difficult.

4. Install a Firewall

Ensure you have a firewall activated, whether it’s built-in (like Windows Firewall) or third-party. This helps control incoming and outgoing network traffic.

5. Be Cautious with Downloads

Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, as this can introduce malware to your system. Always verify the legitimacy of software before installing it.

6. Regularly Review Permissions

Check application permissions on your device regularly. Revoke access for any apps that do not need to access your camera, microphone, or location.

7. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for anyone to monitor your online activities.

8. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Knowledge is your best defense against monitoring.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you suspect your computer is being monitored and cannot identify or remove the software yourself, consider seeking professional help. Cybersecurity experts can perform a thorough analysis of your system and provide tailored solutions.

Conclusion

Understanding if your computer is being monitored is vital for protecting your privacy. By recognizing the signs, utilizing detection tools, and implementing security measures, you can safeguard your personal information. Remember, vigilance is key in the ever-evolving landscape of digital security. Stay informed, proactive, and secure in your online presence.

[blowflyfag]

the Wrestler: Volume 25, 2009

Q & A 

MISSY HYATTT

(Part 2)

“If I didn’t need money, I’d work in this business for free”

WHO WAS WRESTLING’S original diva? There are credible arguments to be made for Miss Elizabeth, Baby Doll, Sunshine, Tammy Sytch, Sable or any number of pioneering women. But, there is one lady in particular who would make any short list: Missy Hyatt.

What has been the key to Hyatt’s success? Her uncanny ability to reinvent herself. Hyatt started out as the self-centered, pampered brat that everyone loved to hate, with every woman wanting to rub her face in the mud and every man wanting to turn her across his knee for a good spanking. She evoked strong emotions during her stints in World Class Championship Wrestling and the Universal Wrestling Federation in the mid-1980s, and often outshined her male counterparts, including “Hollywood” John Tatum and “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert.

Yet  Vince MCMahon wanted her to give up her naughty ways and join WWF as an affluent hist of the “Missy Manor” interview segment. It turned out that “Missy’‘s Manor” was no “Piper’s Pit,” and the WWF and Hyatt parted ways in a matter of weeks. 

So what’s a girl to do? Hyatt returned to Jim Crockett Promotions, where television producer Dusty Rhodes made her backstage interviewer and an occasional color commentator. She was one of the hottest stars of WCW during the early years of Ted Turner’s ownership, managingThe Steiner Brothers and The Nasty Boys, hosting a highly successful 900-line, and appearing on countless pieces of merchandise. Hyatt ended up suing WCW for what she considered her rightful share of the proceeds and all of it landed in court, where she also filed a sexual harassment claim. 

With nowhere left to go, Hyatt accepted Paul Heyman’s offer to appear in ECW, where she flourished as a sultry sex siren, whose conniving ways seemed to be a natural extension of the spoiled Southern Belle she had portrayed a decade earlier. 

Her out-of-the-ring exploits have embroiled her in controversy. In her 2001 tell-all autobiography, Miss Hyatt: First Lady of Wrestling, she detailed her relationships with John Tatum, Eddie Gilbert, Road Warrior Hawk, Jake Roverts, and Wonder Years star Jason Hervey, among others. Today, Hyatt lives in New York City with her two Jack Russell terriers, Milo and Jake. For fans who want to keep Missy Hyatt under minute-by-minute surveillance, her pay website–missyhyatt247.com–offers a webcam that constantly streams video from her apartment. Hyatt’s house website is missyhyatt.net.

“Missy has revealed so many intimate details about her life in her autobiography and on her websites that I felt as if I already knew her,” said Senior Writer Harry Burkett, who spoke with the self-proclaimed “First Lady Of Wrestling” for 90 minutes. “Her real personality is quite different from the ‘vamp’ persona she tries to project. She has a very sweet ‘girl next door’ quality.”

Q: Despite the fact that you began your career 23 years ago, you’ve never stayed very far from the wrestling business. You still make appearances on the indy circuit. What are you up to these days?

A: I still have my websites, missyhyatt.net and missyhyatt247.com, and, yes, I still work the independents and do autograph sessions. I'm really proud of the work I've done with Women Superstars Uncensored over the past year or so. I do color commentary for WSU DVDs and I also host some “Missy’s Manor” interview segments. 

Q: What is your typical day like? 

A: I work with Jack Russell terriers for an organization called Russell Rescue, not to be confused with Dawn Marie’s Wrestlers Rescue [laughs]. She takes in unwanted and abused wrestlers, and I take in unwanted or abused Jack Russells, so I'm sort of a foster mom. I recently took in a dog named Bruno, who had heartworm, and I kept him until that problem was cleared up and he could go to another family. 

I do behavioral assessments on the dogs when they come to my home. Do they go after someone who’s knocking on the door? Is there anything that seems to upset them? So I document all of that behavioral stuff on the paperwork. I also do home checks to make sure that prospective homes have the proper fencing, things like that. Jack Russells are very smart, but they also have so much energy that some people can’t keep up with them. 

[It was then-boyfriend John Tatum who got Missy Hyatt into the wrestling business back in the mid-’80s. Tatum felt he needed a beautiful blonde valet–and the rest is wrestling history.]

Q: The question is, are you able to keep up with them? 

A: My dogs end up adopting my personality, which means they become lazy and sleep in late. Dory Funk Jr. said that he grew up with a bunch of Russells, which are really handy if you have a working ranch with horses and stables. 

Q: That sounds like enough to keep you busy. DO you have time to watch the current wrestling product, such as WWE and TNA?

A: Yes, there’s a lot that I like about WWE and TNA. When I watch Raw or Smackdown, I just think how I'd like to work a big crowd like that. Back in the NWA and WCW in the late-’80s and early-’90s, we did pay-per-views every couple of months and drew decent crowds, but it was nothing compared to what WWE draws on a nearly nightly basis. I just think, Wow. I’d love to see myself on that big TItanTron. 

I have a dream, and it sounds really corny, but I've always wanted to work one WrestleMania dressed as The Gobbledy Gooker. I’d want Kane to give me a tombstone piledriver and then rip off my turkey costume. Of course, I'd still have the beak and big feet, wearing a fur-kinki, and I'd cluck around the ring and get back inside my egg. Some people dream about dollars or fame, but I've had a much simpler aspiration: to be The Gobbledygooker at WrestleMania!

Q: Maybe you weren’t The Gobbledygooker, but you certainly came a long way. How did you break into the wrestling business?

A: I became involved through my boyfriend: John Tatum. He had been wrestling in Georgia and then went to work for the Crocketts for a while. He met Tully Blanchard and Baby Doll while he was there, and that’s when John decided he had to get him a blonde girl who looked like Baby Doll. So, when he went to Texas, he took me along. [World Class referee] David Manning convinced me that I would make a good valet, and David and another referee, Rick Hazzard helped me with that.

Q: What were you doing when John met you? A: I was working as a cocktail waitress at a bar, the Hyatt Hotel–as a matter of fact–in downtown Atlanta. I also worked at the pool bar during the summer there. 

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Tallahassee, Florida.

Q: Had John been in the wrestling business very long when you met him?

A: No, no. He was from Pensacola, Florida, and he’d been in the business for only about six months, if that. He worked in Georgia and then the Caroolinas for about 10 months. Then we went to Texas in ‘85.

[Although Missy Hyatt and Sunshine were in-ring rivals in World Class Championship Wrestling (above), they were good friends outside the ring (right). Hyatt says Sunshine was a patient mentor during her early days. 

“When I first started working, I was really nervous and scared. The first big thing I did was a catfight with Sunshine where we pulled hair and rolled around the thing, and I couldn't help laughing. When we got in the back, Sunshine yelled at me, “You can't laugh out there!”]

Q: Had John always been a wrestling fan, or did he fall into it some other way?

A: John and Michael Hayes are cousins. Michael is from Pensacola, too. As for me, I fell in love with wrestling when I was 17. I was over at my parents’ house, and I was upstairs with my dad, who was flipping channels. I saw Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts putting a baby bonnet on Terry Gordy’s head and a pacifier in his mouth, and they were all running around the ring. It was Georgia Championship Wrestling. I was amazed by what I was watching. What was this? I thought it was the coolest thing. I knew I didn't want to wrestle, but it seemed like a real hoot and something I wanted to do. 

Q: Wow, that must have been when The Freebirds were feuding amongst each other. What was the first challenge you had to face as a valet in Texas?

A: Trying to figure out what my name would be! My last name is “Hiatt” with an “i,” so I changed it to “Hyatt” with a “y.” Also, my first name is Melissa, but my parents called me “Missy” and John caught on to that. That’s how I became “Missy Hyatt.”

When I first started working, I was really nervous and scared. The first big thing I did was a catfight with Sunshine where we pulled hair and rolled around the ring, and I couldn't help laughing. When we got in the back, Sunshine yelled at me, “You can't laugh out there!” But I was having so much fun. During my career, I've been paid a lot of money for what I love to do. If I didn't need money, I'd work in this business for free. 

Q: I suppose World Class was ahead of its time as far as divas are concerned.

A: Let me tell you, we sure were! Looking back on it, I'm surprised that I got paid the same as the guys. They didn't just look at me as a female, but someone who helped draw people to the shows. My pay depended on where I was on the card and how many people were there. So I was paid extremely well, even though I was a woman. I think of all the people who helped me–Fritz Von Erich, David Manning, Bronco Lubich–and realize it was a great time. If Texas had been the only place where I had worked, and John and I had gone back to Florida right afterward, i’d still consider it the highlight of my life. 

[Was it Hyatt and Hot Stuff International or vice versa? Either way, Hyatt and Eddie Gilbert made an effective and entertaining team in the Ultimate Wrestling Federation.]

Q: Did it occur to you that women could add a whole new dimension to wrestling?

A: Sex and violence sell in movies and on TV, so why not wrestling? Even ultimate fighting has the octagon babes and boxing has the ring card girls in their little outfits.

Q: Your catfights with Sunshine must have gotten a huge response, considering the audience was definitely male-dominated at the time.

A: Because we did the same buildings each week, we had to come up with something new each week. For over a year, I'd do bad stuff to her on TV and then she’d beat my fanny all week at the house shows. I’d lie, or come up with a new way to insult her, and she’d be ready to tear into me again. It was so easy–and so fun to get a reaction. We nearly started a riot in Abilene, Texas.

Q: What was the road schedule like for World Class?

A: We did TV tapings every Friday night in Dallas and then we’d run a show on Monday night in Fort Worth. Every three weeks, we’d go to the outskirts, such as Lubbock, Amarillo, and El Paso. For the most part, though, most of the shows were in smaller towns within a couple hours of Dallas-Fort Worth. Football was really big in Texas, so there were plenty of large high school stadiums where we drew a lot of people–usually within 60 miles of Dallas.

Wrestlers and divas are so much like movie stars now because there’s so much glamor. The outfits are so fancy and everybody’s so polished. That’s a big difference between now and the territorial days. Even WCW was much glitzier toward the end of my time there.

Q: Was Sunshine helpful when you first went to World Class?

A: She was the best. She taught me everything. And, trust me, I was a handful. You may remember that World Class had a two-hour show on Christian network for a while. 

Q: Yes, the Christian Broadcasting Network.

A: That’s  right. [World Classbooker] Ken Mantell gave me a line to use against Sunshine. It went something like, “Sunshine’s butt is so big that when she has to haul ass, she’s got to make 10 trips.” I said it verbatim. When I got backstage, poor Ken looked like he was having a heart attack, red in the face with his blood pressure going up. He told me that I shouldn't have said the word “ass.” I said, “Yeah, but you told me to say that.” I was so young at the time. I was surprised that CBN didn’t even bleep it out. 

[“Sex and violence sell in movies and on TV, so why not wrestling? Even ultimate fighting has the octagon babes and boxing has the ring card girls in their little outfits.”]

Q: Well, the word “ass” was used in the Bible.

A: That’s true. I felt sorry for Ken because he had to deal with these girls all of a sudden. But Sunshine and I were good friends. I’d have friends over at my apartment, and Sunshine would have to sneak through a window. Back in the kayfabe days, I couldn’t party with the babyfaces, you know.

Q: Was there anybody else you looked up to? Or were you and Sunshine the only women around at that time?

A: There was Baby Doll with the Crocketts, and Miss Elizabeth had just started in the WWF. Here’s one funny story: George Scott, who worked for Vince McMahon, had heard about Baby Doll at about the same time I sent pictures to the WWF. He contacted World Class, thinking I was Baby Doll. That’s why David Manning and Fritz Von Erich wanted to keep John and me there. I’m glad John and I had that run in World Class, because I think we were great working together. 

[While working in the UWF, Hyatt often interacted with a young Jim Ross. According to Missy, nobody can match Good Ol’ J.R. on the microphone.]

Q: I thought so, too. How did you meet Eddie Gilbert?

A: I met him when we went to the UWF.

Q: When you first met him, did you think you’d ever marry the guy?

A: No! It was another case of life imitating art. That time was wild. We did the Hot Stuff & Hyatt International angle, and Ken Mantell was there … it was such a blur because we were traveling so much. I enjoyed that time very much. 

Q: You mentioned that life imitates art. As we know, you left John and eventually married Eddie. Leading into that, John and Eddie were vying for your affections on UWF TV, with Eddie outsmarting John each week. The vignettes from that time were very funny. I remember a limousine pulling up to take you and John to lunch, and somehow Eddie elbowed his way into the limo so he could sit beside you. It was really funny stuff. 

A: I remember that! Jim Ross was interviewing John, who was waiting for me to arrive in the limo. Eddie came out, noticed there was a TV in the limo, and squeezed himself into the car between John and me. I think we left Jim Rossjust standing there. At that time, Eddie and I liked each other, so I guess it was happening and I didnt realize it. 

[Life  imitates art. To John Tatum’s chagrin, a UWF storyline romance between Hyatt and Gilbert evolved into an off-screen attraction and eventually marriage.]

Q: Wrestling is weird in that way, as far as life imitating art. It seems that every man and woman that are put together in a storyline end up as a couple in real life. 

A: It may be terrible to mention this, but look at what happened to Chris and Nancy Benoit. There was also Steve Austin and Jeannie Clarke, and Steve and Debra McMichael.

Q: So you would say that love triangle among you, John, and Eddie mirrored reality?

A: On TV, Eddie and I always said it was “strictly business.” But there was a lot of playing around and joking. Once when we were at the hotel in Tulsa, John had left with Jack [Victory], and Eddie got really drunk. Eddie came in from the pool, down the hallway, and passed out in my hotel room. I had to get Carl Fergie to get him out of there. The next day, I teased him all day. Something just sparked, I guess.

Q: You certainly demonstrated a sexual tension on TV. I remember that Eddie would refer to your group as “Hot Stuff & Hyatt International,” but you would always refer to it as “Hyatt & Hot Stuff International.”

A: Right. Bruce Prochard worked out of the Houston office at the time, and he had blue satin jackets made. Mine said “Hyatt & Hot Stuff” and Eddie’s said “Hot Stuff & Hyatt.” I don’t know what happened to that jacket, but I wish I still had it. It would bring back good memories.

Q: Eddie was often credited for having a great wrestling mind. Did you learn things from him that you didn’t learn from John or anyone else?

A: I learned more about wrestling as a business, from how it works to how to handle money. I learned what worked with a wrestling crowd and what did not. Eddie loved wrestling since he was a boy. His mom showed me how he would make up characters, book matches, lay out TV shows, and create whole storlines in his black-and-white composition books. He was really elaborate. He was the Anges Dixon of wrestling.

Q: No wonder the CWF seemed like All my Children! Seriously, though, I know Eddie wrote for some fanzines and magazines in the late-1970s.

A: And he took pictures! He showed me a tape of a match where he and Jim Cornette were at ringside taking pictures.

Q: Cornette, Paul Heyman, and even Tammy Stych got their start by taking pictures and sending them to our magazines. You never took pictures for us, but you sure posed for a lot. Tell me, how was the UWF different from World Class?

A: The traveling. I think they would sit there with a map of the United States and then throw darts to see how far they could make us drive. We’d be in Tulsa one night, and then have to drive to New Orleans, and then drive to Houston, and then to Memphi. It never made sense. We’d leave at 2:00 in the afternoon and not get back until 4:00 in the morning.

[“You could see how hot and intense the crowd was on UWF TV shows. It was like a fever. The craziness was contagious. To me, it was more exciting in those days.”

Q: I think the most common complaint I've heard about the UWF, or the Mid-South promotion that preceded it, was that it was  really big territory.

A: That’s for sure. But you also made a lot of friendships when you’re traveling together so much. I remember we’d all be in a can with One Man Gang driving–just a lot of camaraderie because we were working together every night. We were more like a family. 

Q: At the time, the WWF was expanding nation-wide. Frit Von Erich and Bill Watts certainly entertained the thought of challenging Vince McMahon. Did World Class or the UWF have a chance?

A: If either World Class or the UWF had gotten a better foothold on cable, maybe so. The UWF was the hottest wrestling show on TV at the time, in terms of pure action. THe show had enormous talent, in addition to Jim Ross as the announcer. And nobody can compare to Jim Ross as an announcer before or since. When we would tape shows in Tulsa, everything would break down at the end of the episode, so fans always wanted more. We didn’t give away main events in those days. 

Q: That’s what I hated about the UWF! Hacksaw Duggan wouldn’t tear into One Man Gang until one minute before the show went off the air. I would be screaming at the TV!

A: Yes, Jim Ross would be yelling, “We’ve got to go!” The whole idea was to get people to buy tickets. We didn’t have pay-per-view yet, so the TV show was like an ad to sell tickets to the arena. We would do the TV tapings in Tulsa every two weeks. We never had to give away tickets for free because the arena was always packed. You could see how hot and intense the crowd was on  UWF TV shows. It was like a fever. The craziness was contagious. To me, it was more exciting in those days. 

Q: I suppose that’s the price you pay when wrestling goes mainstream. Nowadays, you get more of a mainstream crowd, the same people who would come out to see the Harlem Globetrotters if they came to town. 

The UWF must have had wide syndications back then, because I remember the UWF running its TV show in my home state of Maryland. That was a long way from Tulsa. 

A: The UWF had really good syndication, but World Class was even more impressive. If I remember correctly, World Class had 223 stations–including stations in the Middle East–while the WWF had only 30 stations here in the United States.

Q: World Class even tried to run house shows in Massachusetts. 

A: As well as Georgia and California while it was expanding toward the end. You knew one of these companies was going to become a true national company, but you didn't know which one would get there first. 

Q: Who contacted you about going to the WWF?

A: Eddie and I just mailed in some pictures, and Vince called.

Q: Did he call for both of you?

A: Yes. It was a complicated time. There were rumors that Crockett was going to buy the UWF. We didn’t know whether Crockett was going to swallow up the UWF or keep it separate. Some said he would honor the UWF contracts and others said he wouldn't. Eddie sent out stuff to the WWF just as back-up. But I wanted to go to the WWF because I wanted to be a big star and get me a doll. It still hasn’t happened. 

[After a short stint with the WWF and some indy appearances, Hyatt made a move to WCW, where she made her name as a ring announcer (left), color commentator (above), and valet.]

Q: Did Eddie ever wrestle for the WWF in the late-’80s?

A: He had first gone to the WWF in ‘81, but he didn’t go in the late-’80s. He was helping Ken Mantell book for the UWF. When the buyout came, Crockett wanted Eddie to do all the booking for the UWF and Ken left. Eddie told Vince that he’d rather book for the UWF than just wrestle for the WWF. I was very pigheaded, though, and I wanted to go to the WWF and become a superstar. 

Q: I remember “Miss Manor.”

A: Oh, gosh.