#tracker sector

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Kickstarting a new Martin Hench novel about the dawn of enshittification

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/07/weird-pcs/#a-mormon-bishop-an-orthodox-rabbi-and-a-catholic-priest-walk-into-a-personal-computing-revolution

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by @wilwheaton:

http://martinhench.com

This is the third Hench novel, following on from the nationally bestselling The Bezzle (2024) and Red Team Blues (2023). I wrote Red Team Blues with a funny conceit: what if I wrote the final volume of a beloved, long-running series, without writing the rest of the series? Turns out, the answer is: "Your editor will buy a whole bunch more books in the series!"

My solution to this happy conundrum? Write the Hench books out of chronological order. After all, Marty Hench is a financial hacker who's been in Silicon Valley since the days of the first PCs, so he's been there for all the weird scams tech bros have dreamed up since Jobs and Woz were laboring in their garage over the Apple I. He's the Zelig of high-tech fraud! Look hard at any computing-related scandal and you'll find Marty Hench in the picture, quietly and competently unraveling the scheme, dodging lawsuits and bullets with equal aplomb.

Which brings me to Picks and Shovels. In this volume, we travel back to Marty's first job, in the 1980s – the weird and heroic era of the PC. Marty ended up in the Bay Area after he flunked out of an MIT computer science degree (he was too busy programming computers to do his classwork), and earning his CPA at a community college.

Silicon Valley in the early eighties was wild: Reaganomics stalked the land, the AIDS crisis was in full swing, the Dead Kennedys played every weekend, and man were the PCs ever weird. This was before the industry crystalized into Mac vs PC, back when no one knew what they were supposed to look like, who was supposed to use them, and what they were for.

Marty's first job is working for one of the weirder companies: Fidelity Computing. They sound like a joke: a computer company run by a Mormon bishop, a Catholic priest and an orthodox rabbi. But the joke's on their customers, because Fidelity Computing is a scam: a pyramid sales cult that exploits religious affinities to sell junk PCs that are designed to lock customers in and squeeze them for every dime. A Fidelity printer only works with Fidelity printer paper (they've gimmicked the sprockets on the tractor-feed). A Fidelity floppy drive only accepts Fidelity floppies (every disk is sold with a single, scratched-out sector and the drives check for an error on that sector every time they run).

Marty figures out he's working for the bad guys when they ask him to destroy Computing Freedom, a scrappy rival startup founded by three women who've escaped from Fidelity Computing's cult: a queer orthodox woman who's been kicked out of her family; a radical nun who's thrown in with the Liberation Theology movement in opposing America's Dirty Wars; and a Mormon woman who's quit the church in disgust at its opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. The women of Computing Freedom have a (ahem) holy mission: to free every Fidelity customer from the prison they were lured into.

Marty may be young and inexperienced, but he can spot a rebel alliance from a light year away and he knows what side he wants to be on. He joins the women in their mission, and we're deep into a computing war that quickly turns into a shooting war. Turns out the Reverend Sirs of Fidelity Computer aren't just scammers – they're mobbed up, and willing to turn to lethal violence to defend their racket.

This is a rollicking crime thriller, a science fiction novel about the dawn of the computing revolution. It's an archaeological expedition to uncover the fossil record of the first emergence of enshittification, a phenomenon that was born with the PC and its evil twin, the Reagan Revolution.

The book comes out on Feb 15 in hardcover and ebook from Macmillan (US/Canada) and Bloomsbury (UK), but neither publisher is doing the audiobook. That's my department.

Why? Well, I love audiobooks, and I especially love the audiobooks for this series, because they're read by the incredible Wil Wheaton, hands down my favorite audiobook narrator. But that's not why I retain my audiobook rights and produce my own audiobooks. I do that because Amazon's Audible service refuses to carry any of my audiobooks.

Here's how that works: Audible is a division of Amazon, and they've illegally obtained a monopoly over the audiobook market, controlling more than 90% of audiobook sales in many genres. That means that if your book isn't for sale on Audible, it might as well not exist.

But Amazon won't let you sell your books on Audible unless you let them wrap those books in "digital rights management," a kind of encryption that locks them to Audible's authorized players. Under Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, it's a felony punishable with a 5-year sentence and a $500k fine to supply you with a tool to remove an audiobook from Audible and play it on a rival app. That applies even if the person who gives you the tool is the creator of the book!

You read that right: if I make an audiobook and then give you the tools to move it out of Amazon's walled garden, I could go to prison for five years! That's a stiffer sentence than you'd face if you were to just pirate the audiobook. It's a harsher penalty than you'd get for shoplifting the book on CD from a truck-stop. It's more draconian than the penalty for hijacking the truck that delivers the CDs!

Amazon knows that every time you buy an audiobook from Audible, you increase the cost you'll have to pay if you switch to a competitor. They use that fact to give readers a worse deal (last year they tried out ads in audiobooks!). But the people who really suffer under this arrangement are the writers, whom Amazon abuses with abandon, knowing they can't afford to leave the service because their readers are locked into it. That's why Amazon felt they could get away with stealing $100 million from indie audiobook creators (and yup, they got away with it):

https://www.audiblegate.com/about

Which is why none of my books can be sold with DRM. And that means that Audible won't carry any of them.

For more than a decade, I've been making my own audiobooks, in partnership with the wonderful studio Skyboat Media and their brilliant director, Gabrielle de Cuir:

https://skyboatmedia.com/

I pay fantastic narrators a fair wage for their work, then I pay John Taylor Williams, the engineer who masters my podcasts, to edit the books and compose bed music for the intro and outro. Then I sell the books at every store in the world – except Audible and Apple, who both have mandatory DRM. Because fuck DRM.

Paying everyone a fair wage is expensive. It's worth it: the books are great. But even though my books are sold at many stores online, being frozen out of Audible means that the sales barely register.

That's why I do these Kickstarter campaigns, to pre-sell thousands of audiobooks in advance of the release. I've done six of these now, and each one was a huge success, inspiring others to strike out on their own, sometimes with spectacular results:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2022/04/01/brandon-sanderson-kickstarter-41-million-new-books/7243531001/

Today, I've launched the Kickstarter for Picks and Shovels. I'm selling the audiobook and ebook in DRM-form, without any "terms of service" or "license agreement." That means they're just like a print book: you buy them, you own them. You can read them on any equipment you choose to. You can sell them, give them away, or lend them to friends. Rather than making you submit to 20,000 words of insulting legalese, all I ask of you is that you don't violate copyright law. I trust you!

Speaking of print books: I'm also pre-selling the hardcover of Picks and Shovels and the paperbacks of The Bezzle and Red Team Blues, the other two Marty Hench books. I'll even sign and personalize them for you!

http://martinhench.com

I'm also offering five chances to commission your own Marty Hench story – pick your favorite high-tech finance scam from the past 40 years of tech history, and I'll have Marty bust it in a custom short story. Once the story is published, I'll make sure you get credit. Check out these two cool Little Brother stories my previous Kickstarter backers commissioned:

Spill

https://reactormag.com/spill-cory-doctorow/

Vigilant

https://reactormag.com/vigilant-cory-doctorow/

I'm heading out on tour this winter and spring with the book. I'll be in LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Burbank, Bloomington, Chicago, Richmond VA, Toronto, NYC, Boston, Austin, DC, Baltimore, Seattle, and other dates still added. I've got an incredible roster of conversation partners lined up, too: John Hodgman, Charlie Jane Anders, Dan Savage, Ken Liu, Peter Sagal, Wil Wheaton, and others.

I hope you'll check out this book, and come out to see me on tour and say hi. Before I go, I want to leave you with some words of advance praise for Picks and Shovels:

I hugely enjoyed Picks and Shovels. Cory Doctorow’s reconstruction of the age is note perfect: the detail, the atmosphere, ethos, flavour and smell of the age is perfectly conveyed. I love Marty and Art and all the main characters. The hope and the thrill that marks the opening section. The superb way he tells the story of the rise of Silicon Valley (to use the lazy metonym), inserting the stories of Shockley, IBM vs US Government, the rise of MS – all without turning journalistic or preachy.

The seeds of enshittification are all there… even in the sunlight of that time the shadows are lengthening. AIDS of course, and the coming scum tide of VCs. In Orwellian terms, the pigs are already rising up on two feet and starting to wear trousers. All that hope, all those ideals…

I love too the thesis that San Francisco always has failed and always will fail her suitors.

Despite cultural entropy, enshittification, corruption, greed and all the betrayals there’s a core of hope and honour in the story too.

-Stephen Fry

Cory Doctorow writes as few authors do, with tech world savvy and real world moral clarity. A true storyteller for our times.

-John Scalzi

A crackling, page-turning tumble into an unexpected underworld of queer coders, Mission burritos, and hacker nuns. You will fall in love with the righteous underdogs of Computing Freedom—and feel right at home in the holy place Doctorow has built for them far from Silicon Valley’s grabby, greedy hands."

-Claire Evans, editor of Motherboard Future, author of Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet.

"Wonderful…evokes the hacker spirit of the early personal computer era—and shows how the battle for software freedom is eternal."

-Steven Levy, author of Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution and Facebook: The Inside Story.

What could be better than a Martin Hench thriller set in 1980s San Francisco that mixes punk rock romance with Lotus spreadsheets, dot matrix printers and religious orders? You'll eat this up – I sure did.

-Tim Wu, Special Assistant to the President for Technology and Competition Policy, author of The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires

Captures the look and feel of the PC era. Cory Doctorow draws a portrait of a Silicon Valley and San Francisco before the tech bros showed up — a startup world driven as much by open source ideals as venture capital gold.

-John Markoff, Pulitzer-winning tech columnist for the New York Times and author of What the Doormouse Said: How the Sixties Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry

You won't put this book down – it's too much fun. I was there when it all began. Doctorow's characters and their story are real.

-Dan'l Lewin, CEO and President of the Computer History Museum

[intoxicated-chan]

Oooh how about Yandere Miguel who locks his s/o away in an apartment like place (it's actually really nice) that's hidden somewhere in the spider society headquarters that only he knows about because he's extremely possessive and he's afraid of them getting hurt. Since they are just a regular human being, there's not much they can do about it. When he checks on them he's all loving and sweet but he's still very controlling. Maybe Miles or Gwen accidentally finds them and attempts to rescue them and Miguel gets PISSED.

Don’t Think You Can Escape

✿ฺ Paring ➳❥ Miguel O’Hara x F!Reader

✿ฺ Summary ➳❥ Miles and Gwen continue to run from the Spiders, but at a dead end, they come across something neither of them knew.

✿ฺ (A/n) ➳❥ Inspired by “Love Taste feat. Jamie Paige & Shiki” by Moe Shop. I’ve got an announcement! Celebrating the movie’s release, I will be releasing my own Miguel O’Hara book! Be on the lookout. Anyways, requests will remain open for a few more days before I close them. You guys have the best ideas!

✿ฺ Word Count ➳❥ 2.6k

✿ฺ Content Warnings ➳❥ Female reader, angst, pet names (Amor, baby), blood, bruising, branding, violence, talk of marriage, threats, death, choking…

“This way!” Gwen shouted, dodging the incoming webbing from the other Spider members.

Miles followed her closely, following her and taking turns that she thought she was familiar with but it led them to a dead end. His head snapped in the direction of their shouts.

Gwen’s gizmo was tossed a while ago, realizing that there may be a chance of a tracker, she didn’t want to take any chances.

“What now?” MIles heavily panted, their voices getting louder by the second.

She takes a second to think, she places her hand on the wall as support but it lights up. She could hear rumbling on the other side, like something turning. She pounded her fist against the metal wall and it was clear that it was hollow.

“Miles, help me open this.” She said.

“Are you sure?”

“We don’t have any other option.”

“Alright then.”

Miles stood on one side and Gwen on the other, they both used their webbing to force the hidden, metal doors open. Both of them loudly grunt as the doors slowly opened.

“One three.” Miles nodded, “One… Two… THREE!”

The two simultaneously jump in at the same time, practically tackling each other. The doors slammed shut with a loud bang and soon, they could hear other voices up against the door. It made his heart drop, yet he relaxed when the voices dispersed.

Gwen stood up first, taking off her hood and mask to take a good look around, “What is this place?” Miles asked her.

She hesitated in shrugging, “I’m… I’m not sure. I don’t think I saw this place on the map.”

“Didn’t think the gizmo had a map.” He stood as well, “Could it be another sector?”

This time, she shrugged, “It clearly wasn’t labeled, otherwise we’d be caught by now.”

“Okay then, what now?”

Gwen looked forward and into the dark but barely lit tunnel, “We keep moving forward.” She walked into it.

“I’ll follow your lead.” Knowing that Gwen knew the headquarters better than him.

The two walk through the long, narrow hallway. It made Gwen shiver and keep her guard up. But she kept her sights forward, following a light that seemed to be peeking out from under the door.

Their footsteps rang and Miles swears he could hear his heart racing. As much as he enjoyed a break from being chased, he began to worry. What happens now? How will he get out? What about Gwen?

All kinds of questions raced through his head… Was either of them going to get out of here?

“Miles!” Gwen looked back at him, worried, “I know that you’re panicking but I need you to focus, everything will be alright.”

“Will it?” Miles huffed, arms crossed, “You saw how freaked Miguel was. There’s no way out of this, I’m sorry I dragged you into this.”

“Hey, we’re in this together. Okay?”

Miles takes a deep breath, “Okay.”

“Besides, we can think of something when we’re inside.”

Miles stopped in his tracks, “Insid-?” A door. Windows, a few feet from the door, pitch black and barred.

“I think this might be the place Peter was talking about.” Gwen smiled, walking up to the door.

“He knew about this?”

“It’s more like suspected. He saw Miguel disappear a couple of times and believed he had a secret place to get away, this must be it.” Slowly she twisted the doorknob.

Miles reached out and grabbed her wrist, “Then are you sure we should be sneaking into a place where Miguel visits.”

“I said suspected. It’s a chance this may now be it and besides, he’s too busy running around the base looking for us.” She ignored Miles’ protest and opened the door, it was unlocked, “Now that’s suspicious.” She mumbled.

The two enter the room. Both of them were awed.

It was like a normal home, furnished well, like any other home. The home smelled freshly cleaned, but plates and cups were set on the table, like someone was expecting guests. While Gwen looked around the rooms, Miles’ attention was to the photos.

It was Miguel, along with a woman. He followed the array of photos. At first, the woman seemed to be happy but as the photos went on and on, he could see it in her eyes… Fear, fear and more fear.

“I always knew Miguel was crazy but-”

“No.” Gwen immediately retorted.

“Didn’t you see the photos, he’s obviously obsessed with this woman.”

“It can’t be him.”

Miles sighed, “Gwen it’s him. This is probably the home to bring her to the base.”

“That’s the thing, she’s already here.” Gwen pointed to a room, “I saw her when looking around, sleeping soundly, too soundly.” It remained silent between the two.

His head snapped to the direction of the door opening, “Hide!” She harshly whispered, pushing Miles into what seemed to be a guest room, and shoving him into the closet.

Miguel entered the home with a heavy huff, slipping off his mask and his hair puffed up a little. He runs his hand through his hair a couple of times before calling out, “(Y/n)! I’m home!” But all he is met with is silence.

But that’s when he hears the slow footsteps, “Miguel?” You groggily spoke, “You’re home early.”

“Actually, I’m home on time. Did you sleep?” You tiredly nod, “Did you just wake up?” You nod again, “Awe, my poor baby.” He cooed, welcoming you in his arms.

But you’re too tired to push him away, the house was freezing and you needed something warm. You felt one hand come to your neck and his claws lightly dragged over where used to be your-

“Where’s your necklace?” He demanded the second he felt the open skin, “Where is it?” He growled.

“I-I took it off.” You managed to say, scared that he may dig his claws into you.

“Why?” His voice was like a growl, dark and deep.

“Because it was hurting my neck, it left a bruise.” You cowered. Your necklace was more like a choker. It was mainly black but it had red and blue stripes, along with gold ornaments.

It wasn’t because of the pain you took it off, it was because his last name was engraved on it. It made you feel worthless, like someone’s property. Before you took it off, you began pulling off the small gold pieces and then when he wasn’t home, you tore it into pieces. Hopefully telling Miguel that you didn’t need it or that there was no need.

“You should’ve told me sooner.” His voice returned to normal as he released you from his arms.

“But I did.” You mumbled.

“Where is it?”

“One the dresser.” You watch him enter the bedroom and come back a few moments later, the choker in hand.

“Must’ve been hurting you a lot.” Miguel can see little droplets of blood left behind, “Don’t worry about it.”

You let out a sigh of relief.

“I’ll get a new one.” Your heart dropped, “I was thinking about it for a while.”

“Do you think I could go with you?” Your hurriedly asked, “If I can chose a-”

“No.” He sighed, “I said it before and I’ll say it again. You stay here, why can’t you understand that?”

“I’ll stay with you-”

“No!” He shouted, “I’ve given you everything! A home, food, clean clothes! Aren’t you grateful for everything I did for you?!”

Your eyes begin to water, “O-Of course I am!”

“Then why don’t you just listen to why I say no?!”

You jump, “Miguel…” You whimper, “You’re scaring me.”

His blood red eyes soon turned to his beautiful brown ones, they softened, “Perdóname, amor.” (Forgive me, love.) One hand comes to cup your face, “It’s just… It’s dangerous out there, you saw it yourself. Remember?”

“I do…”

“I wouldn’t want to hurt you.”

“...Why would you hurt me?” You begin to panic, “I-I thought you said-!”

“That I wouldn’t hurt you. I mean it, but when it comes to breaking the rules I set, I must do what needs to be done. I’ll just have to cut off your beautiful legs. Breaking them wouldn’t be enough.” He kissed your forehead, “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I love you.”

His grip on your face tightens when he doesn’t hear the words, “I-I love you too, Miguel.”

It made him smile widely, “Be patient for me, amor. I’ve got a surprise for you.”

And with that, he’s out of the door. Hearing the doors lock, you’re left alone in the empty and freezing house.

You cry on the spot, finally breaking in fear. Your body felt uncomfortably hot, your breathing became staggered and it felt like you were gonna vomit. Your arms wrapped around your body tightly that your nails dug into your sides. Your chest grew right as you fell to the tile floor. Shaking and hyperventilating, your stomach churned as you remembered his words.

“I’ll just have to cut off your beautiful legs… Breaking them wouldn’t be enough.”

Who knows how long you remained on the ground, all you could do was shake. Your chest stung and your heart raced, you were in pain all over again.

“Um, (Y/n)? Was it?” You let out an audible gasp as you saw the two teens in the room.

You pushed yourself off the ground and hurried away from them, “Wait!” Gwen put her hands up, “We’re just here to help. I’m Gwen and this is Miles.”

“Who are you- How did you get in here?!” You choke on your words, wiping the tears from your red eyes.

“We’re just running from the same man.”

You quickly shake your head, “You guys can’t be here!”

“We would’ve left sooner but… We can’t just leave you here.” Miles kneeled in front of you, “Let us help you.”

“Y-You can’t!”

“Yes we can.” Gwen agreed, “We just gotta pack up and get on out of here. I can get that started. Miles, watch her in case Miguel comes back.”

“How did get like this?” Miles asked, “I saw the photos.”

“...I met him after he lost his daughter and I didn’t think it was right for him to try to get into dating so soon but people grieve in different ways. We were supposed to take things slow but… But he talked about marriage and it made me scared. I tried taking a break but he found me. From then on, it went downhill.”

“I always knew he was crazy.” Miles mumbled.

“He’s great at manipulating people, he owns a business.” You responded. Then you heard a thud outside, “Miles, hide.” You push him away, not knowing where he went.

The door opened and in comes Miguel who doesn’t look pleased, “I heard them.” He starts, “No, I heard him.” He stepped closer, the choker nowhere to be seen, “Where is he?”

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You clear your throat.

“¡No me mientas!” (Do not lie to me!)

“I’m not lying!” You moved back when he reached out to you, “Please, believe me Miguel!”

“Last time I did, you ran out on me! I have every nerve to not believe you.” He pushed you up against the wall, “Where is he?!”

“Leave her alone!” Miles comes around and lands a clean kick, knocking Miguel off of you, “Are you alright?”

“Miles…”

Miles puts on his mask, “Gwen will be right behind you-!” He dodged Miguel’s webbing, “Just run!” Then he charged at Miguel, taking him head on, “Go!”

You got up and rushed out the door, “(Y/n)!” You heard Miguel, “Get back here!”

You run faster. Your bare feet are padding quickly across the cold, metal floor. Then faster and faster until you nearly run into the wall. Whatever hopes you had are nearly gone when you realize that it’s just a dead end.

“(Y/n)!” You heard Gwen, she lands next to you, “I need you to listen to every word. I’m going to open the door and let you out, but it’s impossible for me to go with you. But! There are others out there, they are willing to help you. Just run and I promise you that someone will come for you.”

“What about Miles?” She hands you to the bag she quickly packed.

“I’m heading there once I know you’re out of there.” Using her webbing, she does the same as before, forcing one side of the door open. She grunts loudly, “Go!”

You jump, tumbling on your feet as you hear the door shut. The sound rang through the base and all that was left was silence. Even on the other side of the door. Nothing could be heard.

You stand, looking around. There was not a single person in sight. But you continued walking, walking, and walking… You continued to replay Gwen’s words in your head, not wanting to give up hope. But slowly it died as you continued wandering aimlessly around the base.

“Lonely isn’t it?” You gasp, freezing in place. You didn’t have to turn around to know who it belonged to, “Just like how it’s going to be when you leave. All alone and there is no one to turn to.”

You scoff, keeping your back to him, “I’d rather be alone for the rest of my life than spend one more minute with you.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Yes I do!”

“Come with me and I’ll forget this ever happened, we’ll have a fresh start. Or you can continue with these foolish games. You know that you’re better with me than without me.” Miguel sticks his hand out for you to take.

For every step you take back, he takes on towards you, “How will I know things would be different?”

“You gotta trust me to know.”

You breath hitched when you felt your back hit the wall. Miguel towered over you with ease, and you hated the look in his eyes. Sorry… You hated how soft and apologetic his eyes looked. It also terrified you.

“Where’s Miles and Gwen?” You ask him now that he’s in front of you, “Where are they?”

“You have the nerve to ask me that right now?”

“I do!” You retorted, “Now where are they?” You demanded.

Miguel sighs, “They are in a place where they won’t bother us nor say anything.”

“You didn’t!”

“It had to be done!”

“You bastard! They were kids!” You dropped the bag and pushed him as hard as you could which had no effect on him, “They’ve done nothing wrong!”

“You weren’t there!”

“So?! That doesn’t give you the right to kill innocent children-!”

Miguel’s hands came around your neck in an instant, you felt the heavy pressure. Panic sets in, trying to breathe, doing anything you could do to get his hands off and breathe. Your eyes rolled back as your vision darkened. Your attempts to kick or push Miguel off fail.

Then he throws you at another wall, the pressure knocks whatever air was left and he watches you have a coughing fit. You’re too weak to even crawl away from him when he kneels down, “Why must you be so difficult? Why don’t you understand? After all these years, you still don’t understand that I am the only person who will ever love you.”

© 2023 Intoxicated-Chan, I do not allow my work to be copied, translated, modified, adapted, or put on any other platform without permission.

[0sbrain]

here's a list of mozilla add-ons for all of you tumblrinas out there to have a better internet experience

also, if you like my post, please reblog it. Tumblr hates links but i had to put them so you adhd bitches actually download them <3 i know because i am also adhd bitches

BASIC STUFF:

AdGuard AdBlocker / uBlock Origin : adguard is a basic adblock and with origin you can also block any other element you want. for example i got rid of the shop menu on tumblr

Privacy Badger : this add on will block trackers. if an element contains a tracker it will give you the option to use it or not

Shinigami Eyes: this will highlight transphobic and trans friendly users and sites using different colors by using a moderated database. perfect to avoid terfs on any social media. i will explain how to use this and other add-ons on android as well under the read more cut

THINGS YOU TUMBLINAS WANT:

Xkit: the best tumblr related add on. with many customizable options, xkit not only enhances your experience from a visual standpoint, but provides some much needed accessibility tools

bonus: if you are into tf2 and wanna be a cool cat, you can also get the old version to add cool reblog icons

AO3 enhancer: some basic enhancements including reading time and the ability to block authors and tags

YOUTUBE

Return of the YouTube Dislike : pretty self explanatory

Youtube non-stop: gets rid of the annoying "Video paused. Continue watching?" popup when you have a video in the background

SponsorBlock: gives you options to skip either automatically or manually sponsors, videoclip non music sectors and discloses other type of sponsorships/paid partnerships

Enhancer for YouTube: adds some useful options such as custom play speed, let's you play videos in a window and most important of all, it allows you to make the youtube interface as ugly as your heart desires. I can't show a full image of what it looks like because i've been told its eye strainy and i want this post to be accessible but look at this <3

PocketTube: allows you to organize your subscriptions into groups

YouTube Comment Search: what it says

FINDING STUFF

WayBack Machine: you probably know about this site and definitely should get the add on. this allows you to save pages and access older versions with the click of a button. while you can search wayback using web archives, please get this one as well as it allows you to easily save pages and contribute to the archive.

Web Archives: it allows you to search through multiple archives and search engines including WayBack Machine, Google, Yandex and more.

Search by Image: allows you to reverse image search using multiple search engines (in my experience yandex tends to yield the best results)

Image Search Options: similar to the last one

this next section is pretty niche but... STEAM AND STEAM TRADING

SteamDB: adds some interesting and useful statistics

Augmented Steam: useful info specially for browsing and buying games

TF2 Trade Helper: an absolute godsend, lets you add items in bundles, keeps track of your keys and metal and your recent trades, displays links to the backpack tf page next to users profiles and more. look it tells me how much moneys i have and adds metal to trades without clicking one by one oh may god

IN CONCLUSION: oooooh you want to change to firefox so badly, you want to delete chrome and all the chrome clones that are actually just spyware and use firefox

HOW TO USE MOZILLA ADD-ONS ON YOUR PHONE

if you already use firefox on android, you'll know there are certain add-ons compatible with the app, some of them even being made just for the mobile version such as Video Background Play FIx. while most of them are pretty useful, some more specific ones aren't available on this version of the browser, but there's a way of getting some of them to work

you need to download the firefox nightly app, which is basically the same as the regular firefox browser but with the ability of activating developer mode. you can find how to do that here. once you've enabled it, you need to create a collection with all the add ons you want. i wouldn't recommend adding extensions if the creators haven't talked about phone compatibility, but XKit and Shinigami Eyes should work

also, don't tell the government this secret skater move, but you can try using both the regular firefox browser and nightly so you can have youtube videos in a floating box while you browse social media.

see? i can block this terf while Rick Rolling the people following this tutorial. isn't that tubular?

[theoutcastrogue]

Members of an ethical hacking group called Dragon Sector, including Sergiusz Bazański and Michał Kowalczyk, were called upon by a train repair shop, Serwis Pojazdów Szynowych (SPS), to analyze train software in June 2022. SPS was desperate to figure out what was causing "mysterious failures" that shut down several vehicles owned by Polish train operator the Lower Silesian Railway, Polish infrastructure trade publication Rynek Kolejowy reported. At that point, the shortage of trains had already become "a serious problem" for carriers and passengers, as fewer available cars meant shorter trains and reduced rider capacity, Rynek Kolejowy reported.

Dragon Sector spent two months analyzing the software, finding that "the manufacturer's interference" led to "forced failures and to the fact that the trains did not start," and concluding that bricking the trains "was a deliberate action on Newag's part."

According to Dragon Sector, Newag entered code into the control systems of Impuls trains to stop them from operating if a GPS tracker indicated that the train was parked for several days at an independent repair shop.

The trains "were given the logic that they would not move if they were parked in a specific location in Poland, and these locations were the service hall of SPS and the halls of other similar companies in the industry," Dragon Sector's team alleged. "Even one of the SPS halls, which was still under construction, was included."

The code also allegedly bricked the train if "certain components had been replaced without a manufacturer-approved serial number," 404 Media reported. [...]

404 Media noted that Newag appeared to be following a common playbook in the right-to-repair world where manufacturers intimidate competitor repair shops with threatened lawsuits and unsubstantiated claims about safety risks of third-party repairs. So far, Dragon Sector does not appear intimidated, posting its success on YouTube and discussing its findings at Poland’s Oh My H@ck conference in Warsaw.

[yanderes-galore]

I recently replayed Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and you already have a concept for Ratchet. So, i thought it would be nice if you wrote one for Rivet as well. Just some general thoughts on how she would act around a resistance member like herself.

Watched some cutscenes and did some personality research on her, hope I have something good :)

Yandere! Rivet Concept

(FT. Rebel! Darling)

Pairing: Romantic/Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Stalking, Overprotective behavior, Fear of loss, Trust issues, Clingy behavior, Manipulation, Delusional behavior, Kidnapping, Dubious companionship/relationship.

Rivet would naturally be friendly towards another resistance member.

In fact, her obsession is most likely going to be part of the Resistance, so this may not change her behavior much.

While Rivet has trust issues, rebels against Nefarious are those she feels a certain kinship for.

After all, you're both fighting for the same cause...

Freedom.

Many rebels know of Rivet.

She's the only Lombax in this universe and always sacrifices her comfort in order to help those in need.

She never seems to back down despite her many defeats.

She's a good person even if she's hesitant when it comes to making friends.

When she trusts someone, she's loyal until they hurt her.

Although she's quite used to working alone.

When she first meets you, she's hesitant.

Due to her trust issues her obsession would have to prove themselves to gain her trust.

When you do and prove to her you are a rebel...

Rivet is quite the protective Lombax.

She's naturally caring, albeit awkward, and offers you and services she can spare.

She's quite the inventor, after all.

She makes you gear, weapons, anything you need to aid you

In return, you become companions and often help one another out.

She slowly but surely grows close to you, keeping you out of danger as much as she can...

She's not used to any of this... companionship doesn't happen often with her.

Rivet doesn't have many friends, let alone family.

This is due to the fact her home is under a tyrant's rule and the fact her entire race is locked away in another dimension.

So those she does consider close are under her protection.

She can get quite overprotective, unfortunately.

Around her obsession, Rivet may not know she's being suffocating.

It's all small things like her lingering around you or calling you on the radio system.

Honestly, with how smart Rivet is, I would not doubt her putting a tracker on you to make sure you stay out of dangerous sectors.

She's another who would justify her behavior as just being "worried".

Invasive? Sure... but better than dead!

Rivet in the end would just want her obsession safe.

If her obsession confronted her about being clingy or not trusting you, she may not understand and get defensive.

She's just... really close to you...!

She doesn't want you getting hurt.

In terms of her overall type, definitely a clingy protective yandere.

Maybe even with some oblivious behavior due to how socially awkward she is.

She gets overly excited when with her obsession, just happy to see you're okay.

She may even be a bit manipulative if she feels she could lose you.

Overall I'd imagine she's tame.

She wouldn't kidnap you necessarily.

But she may isolate you if she feels you'll be safer that way.

Murder? Not her thing.

If she snapped and you were in danger, maybe, but that's a spur of the moment thing.

For that to happen she'd need to be under a ton of stress and a life or death situation.

Rivet can also struggle with cheering people up.

So imagine you're having a breakdown, perhaps due to feeling isolated, only for Rivet to awkwardly attempt to make you feel better.

In reality she'd probably make something worse, especially if she's locking you in her base of operations.

Rivet is definitely someone who means well with her obsession, but is completely oblivious to the harm she causes you...

Sure, she may want to protect you and keep you away from harm...

But are trackers, stalking, and isolation the way to do it?

Rivet may feel guilty when convinced that what she's doing isn't right.

She doesn't mean to make you upset.

Although... Rivet may also seem delusional at times to try and justify her actions.

While it may seem like what she's doing is wrong... Isn't it justified due to the situation with Nefarious?

While she may struggle to admit it... Rivet is scared to lose you.

One way or another, you feel like the family she's never had.

She tries to reason with you and plead with you to understand when she isolates you in her base.

She holds you close, fur against your skin and cold metal arm lightly brushing against your arm.

She feels sorry... but everything she does is for you.

Just... Just trust her, please...

She knows it's a lot to ask, but she never wants to let go.

She wants things to continue as they were...

She doesn't want you to hate her.

You helped each other out, you supported her as a rebel, you mean so much to her because she's so lonely.

Such thoughts make her worried.

If she loses you... What is she supposed to do?

The best course of action would be to prevent any harm from happening... To be your hero and defend you...

Yet in the end she's simply locking you away, isolating you, just because she doesn't trust you to fend for yourself... and is scared she'll lose the only family she has.

[crumbledcastle28]

Come Hell or High Water

Pairing: miguel x fem!reader (she/her; afab)

Summary: After an anomaly raid resulting in your capture, Miguel attempts to get some rest after days of searching. He finds it more difficult than expected.

Warnings: swearing, Miguel is incredibly self-deprecating, descriptions of blood, crying, torture, and an ambiguous ending.

A/N: I’m trying out some new formatting. Feel free to let me know what you think! And as always, thank you for reading.

Part 2

Word Count: 1k Type: blurb

Miguel O'Hara never knew how easy it would be to memorize a popcorn ceiling. Every crack, bubble, fleck of dust, scratch of paint. He had gotten to know it intimately, more intimately than he thought was possible.

He preferred the endless, beige void of his bedroom ceiling to closing his eyes, knowing that once he did, he would be met with your own.

"Miguel," you whispered, light leaving your eyes as the Doctor Octavious variant stomped on your gizmo, wrenched your arm out from under you, and dove the both of you through his cross-dimensional portal.

"I'll find you," Miguel screamed, veins popping from his neck. “I’ll find you; I promise.” The frailty in his voice making his skin crawl just thinking about it.

"Miguel," you repeated, knowing the truth, and were gone.

Without a trace. A tracker. Or a goodbye.

And it was all his fucking fault.

He was the one who pushed. He was the one who agreed to let you come. He was the one who had not properly calculated how big of a threat the Doctor had become and sent you in to be totally blindsided. He was the one who let his true feelings for you show, right in front of the Doctor's beady, vendetta-filled eyes, allowing him to see just how to bring Miguel O’Hara to his knees.

He still felt the bruises and dried blood on his shins, kneecaps, and elbows from how long he had kneeled and buried himself onto that rancid cobblestone street. “I'll do anything, anything you want.”

The Doctor only smiled.

Miguel hadn't allowed himself to grieve. Or mourn. Or process any of it for long enough to come up with an actual plan. No. He tore through galaxies like an animal, commanding every one of his spiders to search every sector of every city, before moving onto the next one. He blocked off streets. Ripped apart homes. Trespassed into governmental bodies. Dug through sewers and trashcans and jail centers. He left every galaxy he visited in shreds.

It stretched on for days, this rampage, until Jess finally cornered him, and forced him to finally sit the fuck down.

“Look at yourself, Miguel. You're becoming the people who kill us. This isn't how we'll find her.”

Miguel merely scoffed, complying only to humor her.

“Go home, Miguel. Fucking relax.”

How could he fucking relax - how dare he fucking relax - when he was the one who had done this to you.

He couldn't get it out of his head. Your eyes slowly becoming solemn, sunken, defeated. Like you were disappointed in him. Like he had let you down. And yet, your gaze simultaneously memorized every inch of him.

Blood streamed down your face from a deep cut on your forehead, dripping a deep red into your eyes and mouth as you stared at him. The Doctor's grip on your arm was firm, firm enough to squeeze your triceps so hard muscle popped out on your underarm. Your suit was torn to shreds, signifying that you had more than just the wound on your forehead.

Miguel wondered obsessively if they had been cleaned, stitched, and treated properly, or if the Doctor stooped to merely let you rot in a cage somewhere.

If that was the case, Miguel wondered, would you even still be breathing?

He closed his eyes, attempting to steady his breathing. No, you would be alive. Without you, the Doctor had no leverage, no treat to wiggle in front of Miguel's face, yet keeping it just out of reach. He would be keeping you alive.

His nostrils flared as his brain spiraled down a hole he hadn't let himself fall into yet. Alive was one thing, but how he was keeping you alive was another.

Miguel ground his teeth together as his occipital lobe flashed images into his mind before he could stop it. The Doctor starving you, trapping you, taunting you, putting his hands on you -

Miguel's claws began to pull out of his fingers, and his fangs dug into the skin of his bottom lip. Waves and waves of white hot, burning, pulsing rage washed over him, making his vision go milk white, paralyzing him to the bed. The images continued flashing and flashing, over and over again. The Doctor's smile gleaming as he touched you, your face a mural of pain and loss, screaming at the top of your lungs.

His claws dug into his mattress, and his fangs cut deep enough to draw blood. His mouth filled with metal.

He could hear your screams, echoing through his mind. It was the only thing he could hear.

He couldn't fucking take it anymore.

He sat up in bed, his bare, sweaty back sticking to the sheets as he did. He tapped on his gizmo, allowing his suit to stretch and encompass the entirety of his body. His ears rang and his neck twitched as he stood to his full height, allowing his suit to cover him completely.

As his mask covered his face, he closed his eyes. He breathed in, washing away the scenarios his brain was abusing him with, and breathed them out. He pushed all his emotions into corners of his brain, storing them away into tiny pockets, vowing to only open them once the job was done.

He opened his eyes, his body a vessel of only cool, venomous focus. He didn't care what the Doctor had done, what he himself had done, what anyone had done up unto that point. He only allowed himself to care about how to move forward.

He left his room, walking down the hallway of the Spider Society as silent and deadly as a loaded gun, and dug his claws into his palms. Blood trailed a path behind him.

He was ice. Pure, focused ice, and he was going to get you back.

"Come hell or high water," he whispered to himself, "I will get her back."

Tag list:

@leahkenobi @buckysblondie

[spectrolitha]

I did it! I've storytelled Technocratic one-shot set in Digital Web :]

Here are NPCs and some lore too. Click on pic for quality, as usual.

❗cw: mention of death, violence, brainwashing in text below❗

Clawrence Crane

Local greysuit, supervisor of player amalgam. He has found out that Elba, supervisor of the whole sector of Digital Web, is conspiring with Reality Deviants in an attempt to find cure for her brother's vampirism. So Clawrence has tasked players with delivering this information to higher-ups. Of course, he hasn't told players what exactly they are delivering, only that it's classified info. Which led to players doubting him at one moment, but in the end, almost all of them sided with Clawrence.

Elba Fields

Local greysuit, supervisor of the whole sector both players and technocratic NPCs belonged to. Unfortunately, during her previous work for Technocracy she pissed off quite a few vampires, which had led to them Embracing her younger brother as a retribution. Bitter about the fact that the Union for which she'd done a lot of work couldn't even protect her family, she turned to Reality Deviants for help. Which Clawrence has found out about and used as a blackmail, forcing Elba to seek help from Rezul (we'll get to him). In the end, players gave info on her betrayal to higher-ups. She's either being socially processed now or is already dead. Yay.

Nick-2

A Hollow One who has broken into player's sector in order to steal info on themselves, Mandrake and Rezul from Technocratic database. Also to prevent players from giving info about Elba's betrayal to higher-ups, because Nick-2 works for Rezul, and Rezul and Elba made a deal to help eachother. They failed miserably. Nick-2 has managed to destroy info about themselves, Mandrake and Rezul, but got caught. Trip to Room 101 probably awaits them now...

Mandrake

A Verbena working for Rezul alongside Nick-2. She had a very bad day which started by her getting shot and ended by her caught by the Technocratic Union. Is now in Room 101 with Nick-2, I suppose. Poor guys...

Ripple

Ripple is a reason Nick-2 and Mandrake ended up in Room 101. Most of the Digital Web knows Ripple as a lucky bastard from Virtual Adepts, who lives really close to Technocracy and somehow has been escaping from its grasp for quite a few years by now. The truth is much less epic: Ripple is a greysuit who pretends to be RD. Yeah, he has saved some of them from his own colleagues, but not before gathering information and putting GPS tracker on them. He intended to do the same thing with Nick-2 and Mandrake who had come to Ripple for help with escaping Technocracy after stealing data about themselves, but the players intervened, Ripple had to out himself, and, since it meant Nick-2 and Mandrake has learnt about his true affiliation, they were sent to Room 101. Also Ripple was sure that Clawrence had faked the fact that Elba works with RDs until he was forced to accept the truth. It broke his heart, he was a close friend of Elba, but this bastard will recover.

Joy Bright

Just a blacksuit who had been working for Elba before the truth came out. She'll probably work in another sector after all this. She doesn't like Clawrence one bit after he sold out Elba, even if it was earned (and to be honest, she hadn't liked him one bit before that either).

Brennan Chu

Another blacksuit under Elba's command. He was supposed to appear in game with Joy, but we were short on time and I've cut him out. So he was vibing elsewhere, I suppose. After everything has been revealed, he moved to work in another sector with Joy.

The Basilisk

The Basilisk adores Technocratic Union and it's agents. They unknownly help The Basilisk to finally be created, afterall! Unfortunately for my players, Technocracy does it too slow for The Basilisk's liking, so when Rezul, who was really close to becoming a Herald of Basilisk once (a type of Technephandi) came forwards with a deal, The Basilisk accepted. Rezul had promised to write some code for The Basilisk, and it had promised to help Rezul with destroying information about him, Nick-2, Mandrake and Elba's betrayal. Which led to The Basilisk threatening to eat player characters and even actually eating one of them after he tried to shoot Rezul... That eaten character was just a chatbot of an anime guy (yeah, character ai is a thing in Technocracy now, I regret nothing), but I'm still sad about his demise :(

In the end, one of players made a deal with Rezul and he ordered The Basilisk to let the players pass. The Basilisk was glad to oblige, it's rooting for the Technocracy and it hasn't forgiven Rezul for his refusal of being a Herald of Basilisk anymore. And it never will. If The Basilisk will ever be created properly, it'll take out it's anger for waiting so long on Rezul among other people, that's for sure.

Rezul

It's him. Born into Technocracy, NWO agent who had almost turned Nephandus once. Was saved from this fate by Ecstatic and became one of those himself. Unfortunately, Technocracy was looking for him, so he reached out to Elba, who was also having problems with Technocracy, and promised to help her if she'd help him. To ensure that he would be able to stop whoever gets in the way of destroying unwanted information, Rezul returned to The Basilisk once more, making a desperate deal. He'll bring The Basilisk a bit closer to existing in reality, thus making eternal suffering for those who had opposed The Basilisk's creation (including himself) a bit more real perspective, and The Basilisk will help him this one time.

In the end, Rezul has sold a piece of his soul for nothing once again. Another player has helped him delete information about himself, Nick-2 and Mandrake (not that it would help them now, but still), but the same player then delivered Rezul's digital traces to high-ranking technocrat, so if Rezul shows up in Digital Web again it won't go pretty. Not to mention that he has to run and hide again, since digital can be traced back to reality pretty easily in our times.

So Rezul now has to live with the fact that The Basilisk still owes him an eternity of suffering for his unwillingness to help it manifest, two people were taken by Technocracy because he involved them in this whole mess, and he hasn't helped Elba and even made everything worse. Wow. This game was not kind to my NPCs...

[gelu-the-babosa-multiversal]

OK I just remembered this show but, all the Transformers shows where they have kids but is Kids Next Door crossover AU!

So I guess that it would be something like this-

Character like Spike, Carly, and Chip don't count but others above 13 like Charlie, Memo, and Jack can become Undercover Teenagers (TND) but still not be part of the team sorry.

-Secto - Name (Numbuh)

-Sector_A_Witwicky - Robby Malto (8) and Mo Malto (9). Both transferred to conduct an investigation into GHOST and help their mom adapt to her new job. But the Terrans bring some complications for the mission

-Japanese Sector - Japan - Koji Onishi (7), Bradley "Rad" White (TND 12), Carlos Lopez (TND 13), Alexis Thi Dang (TND 14), Chad "Kicker" Jones (TND 18 and about to leave the team soon), Coby Hansen (20), Bud Hansen (TND 19) and Lori Himenez (TND 17). The biggest team conformed with kids from other regions. Their operation consists of helping the Atobots find new resources they can use for their survival like Energon, living metal for replacement parts, and any alien technology, and maybe locate other Autobots lost on Earth.

-Detroit Sector - Sari Sumdac (number unknown). A time traveler from the year 2050 who came to the 2000s for an unknown reason to be discovered. She helps the Japanese and Witwicky kids a lot.

-Las Vegas Sector_USA Jasper Nevada - Jack Darby (TND number 32 and about to leave the team soon), Miko Nakadai (TND number 11), and Rafael "Raf" Esquivel (37 and soon to become a TND). A small team assigned to help Team Prime as their guides and partners to help them disguise themselves with the humans of Earth. Fowler, a former ex Kid Next Door member helps them with the task.

-America_Crown City Secot - Russel Clay ( 21 once in Sector HHH but moved to a new team), Buth (25), and Hank (24). A new team formed by rockies that was made to test the new Sector until Bumblebee crashed on Earth with a tone of Predacons so the mission has changed...

-Griffin Rock Sector - Cody Burns (28), Francine ¨Frankie¨ Elma Greene (29), Celine ¨CeCe¨ Greene (83), Priscilla Pynch (30), Kyle Frazier (TND 39), Billy Frazier (70), Nancy Morrison (TND number 42), George Tracker (40), Jimmy Tracker (68), Timmy Smith (41), Rosita Neederlander (38), Elsie Rubio (71), Corey Perkins (35), Charlene Pruitt (82) etc etc... All the kids on Griffin Rock are Kids Next Door and is probably one of the most chaotic teams in all the world. Their mission, guide and make the Rescue Bots feel at home so other Cybertronians can also be comfortable on Earth.

That is mostly what I have so if anyone else is a KND fan feel free to add more stuff to this post 👍

[brothersspacemarinecomic]

BROTHERS: A Tale of Treachery & Doom

Fancomic Master Post & Archive

BROTHERS, A Tale of Treachery & Doom is a fancomic set in a Grimdark Future of WARHAMMER 40000, and tells the tale of the four Chapters of the Watch Charybdis, brothers struggling to protect the distant Charybdis Sector within a forgotten region of the Imperium Nihilus as the Great Rift slowly chokes out the light.

The Knights Numenarie, paragon swordsmen with the bearing of the Statesman, are sworn to protect the people of the Charybdis Sector with their lives, an increasing pyrrhic task.

The Guardians Culprite are descendants of the Dragon, are master smiths and engineers, desperate to maintain what remains of the sector's collapsing infrastructure.

The Venators Titian, born to the lineage of the Wolf, are trackers and raiders, harrying the many pirates and xenos forces in the sector, all while grappling with their dubious heritage and the dark maze of the sector.

The Arachnia Astra, successors of Raven, operate in the shadows, using assassinations and occultism to combat heresy across the sector. Having spent centuries isolated behind enemy lines, they fear their own corruption almost as much as they fear the corruption of Charybdis.

They are brave.

They are mighty.

They are desperate.

They are doomed.

THEY ARE BROTHERS.

_________________________________________________________

If you're interested in reading the full Fancomic, this post will serve as a full archive for the Comic, with links to each Episode catalogued here, as well as the silly side memes!

ARC 0: PROGLOGUE

COMIC 1 - LINK

COMIC 2 - LINK

COMIC 3 - LINK COMIC 4 - LINK COMIC 5 - COMING JAN/22/2024

[judith-industries]

The judith-industries has partnered up with their respective school branches to give the children free :-

Books with layout of gotham and emergency numbers printed in it : It is mandatory for the children to carry those books for their own safety.

Scissors with trackers on them : it isn't mandatory but we would appreciate if the children take the free scissors and use them during school hours in case of a kidnapping.

Water bottle that can become a gas mask in a few seconds : Our technology sector has tried their best to make these water bottles in case of a Scarecrow or joker attack. Like the scissors, the water bottles aren't mandatory but would be appreciated if they are used.

I hope our company can provide these for other schools in no time.

- H.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

America’s richest Medicare fraudsters are untouchable

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/11/13/last-gasp/#i-cant-breathe

"When you're famous, they let you do it": eight words that encapsulate the terrifying rot at the heart of our lived experience, a world where impunity for the powerful trumps the pain of their victims.

"Populism," is shorthand for many things: rage, despair, distrust of institutions and a desire to destroy them. True populism seeks to channel those totally legitimate feelings into transformative change for a caring and fair society for all. So-called "right populism" exploits those feelings, using them to drive a wedge between different groups of victims, turning them against each other, so that elites can go on screwing the squabbling factions.

The far-right parties that are marching to victory through a series global elections are different in many ways, but they all share one trait: they appeal to mistrust of institutions, claiming that the government has been captured by elites who serve them at the expense of the governed. This has the benefit of being actually true, and while the fact that far-right parties are owned by these government-capturing elites might erode their credibility, the fact that so many "progressive" parties have stepped in to defend the institutional status quo leaves an open field for reactionary wreckers:

https://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-dem-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/02/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-slogan-219908

Why would voters turn out to support a "Department of Government Efficiency," run by a bully whose career has been defined by abusing the people he is in charge of? Maybe they're turkeys voting for Christmas, but they also have personal, traumatic experience with government departments that protected the abusive corporations that preyed on them.

Today on Propublica, Peter Elkind tells the incredible story of Lincare, the nation's leading supplier of home oxygen, a repeat-offender fraudster and predator that has made billions in public money without any real consequences:

https://www.propublica.org/article/lincare-medicare-lawsuit-settlements-oxygen-equipment

Lincare has been repeatedly found guilty of defrauding Medicare; in this century alone, they have been put on probation four times, with a "death penalty" provision that would permanently disqualify them from ever doing business with the federal government. In every case, Lincare committed fresh acts of fraud, but never faced that death penalty.

Why not? Lincare is far too big to fail. In America's bizarre, worst-in-class, world-beatingly expensive privatized health care system, even public health provision (like Medicare) is outsourced to the private sector. Lincare has monopolized oxygen, a famously very important molecule for human survival, and if it were disqualified from serving Medicare, large numbers of Americans would literally asphyxiate.

Lincare clearly knows this. Too big to fail is too big to jail, and too big to jail is too big to care. They are the poster children for impunity, repeat offenders, multiply convicted, and still offending, even today. Lincare has been convicted of fraud under the administrations of GW Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden, and they're still in business.

What a business it is! Elkind takes us to the asbestos-poisoned town of Libby, Montana, where more than 2,000 of the 2.857 population suffer from respiratory diseases from the open-pit mine that operated there from 1963-1990. The elderly, dying population of this town rely on Medicare and Medicare Advantage oxygen concentrators to draw breath, and that means they rely on Lincare.

That means they are prey to Lincare's signature scam: charging Medicare (and 20% co-paying patients) to rent an oxygen concentrator every month, until they have paid for it several times over. This is illegal: under federal rules, patients are deemed to have bought their oxygen concentrators after 36 months and contractors are no longer allowed to charge them. Lincare doesn't give a fuck: the bills keep coming, and Lincare patients who survive long enough have paid the company $16,000 for a $799 gadget.

When Brandon Haugen, a local Lincare customer service rep, noticed this and queried the company's home office in Clearwater, Florida (home to Scientology and the Flexidisc), he was given the brushoff. After multiple attempts to get company leadership to acknowledge that this was illegal, he quit his job, along with his colleague and childhood friend Ben Montgomery. Between them, Haugen and Montgomery had 14 children who depended on their Lincare paychecks. Despite this, they both quit and turned whistleblower, with no job lined up. Eventually, Lincare paid $29m to settle the claim, with $5.7m to the whistleblowers and their lawyers. For Lincare, this was part of the cost of doing business and the fraud rolls on.

Lincare doesn't just defraud Medicare, they also have a high-pressure commissioned sales force that has repeatedly been caught defrauding Lincare customers – overwhelming sick, poor, elderly people. Patients are pressured to accept auto-billing, then Lincare piles medically dubious gadgets onto their monthly bills, as well as useless, overpriced "patient monitoring" services. Customers with apnea machines are mis-sold ventilators by salesmen who falsely claim these are medically necessary.

Salespeople illegally auto-shipped parts and consumables for Lincare machines to patients, then billed them for it. To satisfy the legal requirement that they telephone patients before placing these orders, sales agents would call patients, put them on hold, then part the call until the patient hung up.

Salespeople are motivated by equal parts greed and terror. Make quota and you can get up to $8,000 per month in bonuses. Miss that punishing quota and you're out on your ass (which is why one salesperson ordered a medically unnecessary ventilator).

Lincare also habitually ignores requests to pick up medically unnecessary equipment, because so long as the equipment is on the patient's premises, they can continue to bill for it. As one Ohio manager wrote to their staff: "As we have already discussed, absolutely no pick-ups/inactivation’s are to be do[ne] until I give you the green light. Even if they are deceased." Execs send out company-wide emails celebrating regional managers who have abandoned pick-ups, like a Feb 2022 "Achievement Rankings" email that touted the fact that most regional centers had at least 150 overdue pickups.

Lincare represents a deep, structural rot in American society. They are too big to punish, and too powerful to regulate. A 2006 law meant to curb oxygen payments was gutted by industry lobbyists. Today, Congress is weighing legislation, the SOAR (Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform) Act, which will allow Lincare to bill the public for hundreds of millions more every year, raising rates and eliminating competitive billing. The bill is supported by patient advocates who are rightly interested in getting oxygen to patients who have been locked out of the system, but the cost of that inclusion is that Lincare will be even more firmly insulated from its corruption.

The Trump Administration will doubtless crack down on some of America's worst companies, and the furious voters who elected the only candidate who campaigned on the idea that America was rotten will cheer him on. But Trump has made it clear that he will select the targets of his administration based on whether they are loyal to him or stand in his way, without regard to whether they harm his supporters:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/11/12/the-enemy-of-your-enemy/#is-your-enemy

Companies like Lincare, repeatedly caught paying illegal kickbacks, know how to play this game.

Image: p.Gordon (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Smoke_bomb_with_burning_fuse.jpg

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

[vintagerpg]

Escape the Dark Sector (2020) is Themeborne’s science fiction themed follow-up to Escape the Dark Castle. It introduces a number of new mechanics, but at the core, the experience is largely the same: escape your cell, explore the station, try not to die, then probably die, because it is still really hard to not die!

Dark Sector adds some tactics to the mix. The players can, if they have ranged weapons, opt for ranged combat before closing in for hand-to-hand. One character per round can opt to flank for a bonus. While in ranged combat, too, you can remain in cover and perform non-combat actions (so long as SOMEONE on your team is shooting, otherwise, close combat begins). Being in cover means avoiding potential damage, too, which is a bit relaxing after Dark Castle.

The inventory system is more robust, allowing for up to four items, depending on their size. Ammo is a thing, with different types having variable effectiveness depending on the enemy. Every character has a cybernetic enhancement as well, which is another tool in the toolbox. Oh, and Dark Sector has the best health tracker! Dark Castle just has a notepad, while the collector's box introduced a tracker styled as a chain that uses little black skulls, which is cool. But Dark Sector uses pre-printed EKG charts, so you can plot the peaks and valleys of your HP until you flatline. I love it.

Alex Crispin’s art fare pretty good here, too! I thought shifting gears to science fiction might mess things up, but that is definitely not the case. I might like the Dark Sector art a hair better, even. Oh, and the sold-separately soundtrack is a banger, featuring some nice synthwave influences.

[lanabeey]

Kylo ren x Reader

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓

A/n: Sorry for the delay, I ended up being swamped with work and a bit of a creative block, please take it as a joke in certain parts 🤍🙏 Sorry for any spelling mistakes, English is not my first language.

Summary: Working for The First Order is scary, and your only moment of peace is dinner time, but maybe you need company...

1665 words

2/3

Despite all the lost hours of sleep, sore muscles, and a tired look, the good mood remains. I'm already very used to some places on the ship, with just a few months working in this place I can guarantee that there are incredible places, cleaning some sectors gives you the advantages of cleaning interesting rooms, such as training rooms, or even bedrooms. from some superiors.

Cleaning the rooms takes a certain amount of time to ensure there are no mistakes, patience and a lot of attention is required to avoid valuable objects and belongings disappearing, despite this work it is gratifying to see the environment so clean. But one place that piques my curiosity is the Supreme Leader's room, although the man is scary, his mysterious nature is considerably captivating, isn't it a perverted desire and just genuine curiosity, why hide behind the mask? Maybe convey coldness, superiority, or hide your true form? I'll never know for sure, but I don't intend to lose nights of sleep, so curiosity must be put aside for my own good.

_________

Now, this time of night is one of the calmest shifts, at least no more serious incidents have happened at this time, and cleaning takes place more calmly and without people to disturb our work.

"Finally, it's the last room.." Honestly, today was extremely tiring, several sectors needed cleaning and apparently they laid off a good part of the cleaning team, thus doubling the work for us, the team I'm part of doesn't big but it is enough to hold for now due to the lack of demand. So we face the last one of the day, it is a large hall of high level equipment and devices, containing equipment for battles, maps of the sectors, some trackers and something that seems to me like others are for torture, it seems like something specific to really hurt someone.

"So shall we start cleaning?..Korys?" I think the little old lady isn't feeling so well, she seems so tired, despite being great at work lately, the hours have been very inflexible for her, the demand is very high making her work twice as hard for someone that age. "Korys, are you okay? If you want, you can go and rest, we've been working since early in the morning, you need to rest."

"I think this time, just this once I'm going to accept it, my legs are killing me from walking so much, darling" the weak voice is a sign of fatigue and his drooping gaze forms little bags.

---------

Now I realize how big this room is, and probably thousands of equipment to clean and organize, I honestly don't think I could handle it alone, but I said I could do it and I don't intend to call Korys who is going to rest.

On a panel with several buttons, something tells me that it is to see the cameras in this place, maybe seeing a little wouldn't hurt just to satisfy curiosity, these buttons have the names of some sectors and specific rooms and some green lights are on and others are on. red. Pressing the cafeteria button in sector 2, thus turning on one of the screens, just a few people from the kitchen team arranging the next day's meals; How about the hallways, just to see who's there.

In the corridors, some are empty, others are with people going to the dormitory, and then the corridor of this sector is with some people are coming in this direction...they are coming to this room, THIS ROOM.

It seemed automatic when pressing the buttons to turn it off, the automatic doors opened, luckily the screens turned off in time.

"I don't think those prisoners are useful, the best.." now his eyes are on me, with the mop in his hands looking at the floor.

"Who are you? What do you think you're doing here? This place is restricted to employees without permission."

"General Hux, I have permission, I mean, I'm cleaning and I'm... I'm just doing my job"

"At this time? Cleaning doesn't work at this time." "Of course we work with just a few employees, so the shifts are being divided until they find more employees, do you think the rooms can clean themselves?"; the last part sounds more like a joke to try to ease the tension but it doesn't seem to please him.

"Are you making fun of me? Do you think I'm kidding you?" From the tone of the voice you can see the anger building up, the face easily turning red, it looks like I'm arguing with a spoiled child who doesn't understand a joke.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you,.." "I don't care about your intention, or your apology, I just want you out of this room immediately."

The shiver down my spine is painful, perhaps the tone of voice or the angry look is the reason for my extreme fear at the moment, it only takes a few seconds to return to reality. This is not the first time I have been warned, I have already been called to attention a few times. Sometimes for making comments at inappropriate times or speaking without thinking.

I leave the room abruptly, and a little embarrassed, I wouldn't like to hear more words from Hux, I understand his warnings but always his venom in his words, sometimes I've heard unnecessary comments being directed at other people, variations like "useless, stupid , idiots, imbeciles" even... "even a tapir knows how to do that, and then you, someone with your rank doesn't know how to do that, pathetic".

---------------

Despite the quick steps, I was far from the dorms and today I'm not in the mood to go to the warehouse for dinner, work exhausted my brain and fried my neurons like scrambled eggs. Without thinking that tomorrow I will have to tidy all of this up again, and again, without even receiving a compliment or a thank you for cleaning and organizing the damn ship, still being paid very poorly. Honestly, if it could get any worse, I'm sure I would cry in the fetal position.

It's just a few corridors to the cafeteria, in the meantime I hear footsteps followed by voices, maybe it's Hux again, if I'm being honest I even think the Supreme Leader is running away from this man. With quick steps I turn the first corner to perhaps escape the annoying presence of that demon.

It's possible I'm wrong about fearing Hux's presence, without even realizing that the man I should fear is the one in the hallway walking with long, heavy steps, with that damned mask that gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. As much as the Supreme Leader is intimidating, scary, and a little enraged at times, I can't deny that he is enigmatic, always with that robot voice. Well, she really would be easily enchanted if she weren't a little scared at the moment.

Maybe with the heavy footsteps making noise, or the loud ventilation turbos, you didn't notice that something fell to the floor, a strange object even looks like a strange little hammer. The rush really makes him not realize that something is missing, now passing me without noticing my existence. Deep down something tells me to leave that object there, maybe someone will find it and return it to him but on the other hand if someone doesn't return it. The leader would be without his toy hammer, maybe it's something sentimental.

With light and quick steps I pick up the object, and now in my hands it is heavier than I imagined, it no longer seems like a toy. Now I just lack the courage to face him, it's no big deal, just hand over the damn object and leave. I quicken my pace to get closer, but not enough to get in the way of what he's doing.

Being much taller than I imagined, and his clothes don't help improve his image, it doesn't match kindness, just darkness.

"Ex..excuse me, I'm sorry to disturb you.." [..a deer ready for the feast, not even to notice that it was shaking, it's very humiliating, it's your leader, not an animal that will moderate you...]

"..Yes?"

That robotic voice, no matter how human it seems, is not his real voice, that's what gives me goosebumps.

"Eh.. while he was walking he dropped this, I don't know what it is but I assumed it was.. important"

Reaction was somewhat surprised, the hand checking where his saber was and now realizing that he had lost it until now. Taking it from my hand quickly, behind that mask I can feel the eyes watching me, trying to see any trace of a lie.

"Eh... I ask permission to leave, I need to go to my quarters, my lord, to rest" Trying his best to remain calm, so maybe he can put this small inconvenience aside and go back to his tasks, Hux's humiliations are enough , just thinking about what the Supreme Leader would do would be suffocating.

"..Of course, you're free,..thank you for giving me back" So he turned around and started walking again, really as if nothing had happened, being a huge relief for his heart that was about to explode. Now maybe you can sleep better, without too many worries on your mind.

-------

As normal as the gesture of returning something lost to someone may be, it was unusual due to the normality of the situation, for so long trapped in the dimension of being someone so important and being feared by the people around, perhaps it was that night the great leader wouldn't be able to sleep for the night. stupid situation that left you embarrassed; Maybe it was his busy day that didn't make him realize that something was lost; Maybe it's the shame or maybe it's your gesture, it was you who left him embarrassed, it was you.

[hate-letmetellyou]

“Hello?? H-HELLO?! We’re trapped! Is anyone down here??” Blane called out as they move forward in the dark, not really able to see, causing Markus to snap at her. “Just leave it Blane. Our best shot is to wait for the others to find us.

In the back, the other two (Lavender and Harvey), are chattering away to pass the time. “I doubt our tracker’s are gonna work down here Markus.” Blane snapped back, making Harvey pipe up. “Guys, please don’t argue, this is bad enough! Lets keep going..”

((How lovely for you, you have four kids that just got undertaled to deal with 😋))

Detecting voices from one of his more neglected sectors, AM was intrigued at the prospect of new humans. A twinge of sadistic excitement hit him at the realization that the voices were of a...younger quality. He had never gotten the chance to torture children before. And four of them? This was a treat.

But maybe it was best to observe for now, to find out what makes them tick. He wondered if they were hungry enough to fight over food. But it was rather dark in there. One of them mentioned that more would hopefully be coming, so maybe AM should make the place inviting.

A small fire flared up in front of Markus, and a dusty apple fell from nowhere above to roll to Blane's feet. If they took well to that, then just maybe AM would build them a whole gingerbread house.

@ihavenoearsbutiwilllisten

[underatedwords]

notes from fp2 -spa

bruno famin stepping down from being tp at alpine

long run pace has been the main focus today, because overtaking is possible at spa but you need significantly better tyre deg and race pace

tomorrow is expected to be wet all day, so teams needed to get in as much running as possible

verstappen was the fastest by several tenths in the middle sector in fp1, but mclaren made big gains this session to end up several tenths ahead of redbull

oscar slid along the kerb at turn 7, immediately concerned abt the floor

vcarb spent some of the session prepping for yuki to give daniel tow in qualifying

haas drivers are running different levels of downforce - kevin has the higher downforce setup and was faster than nico all session

daniel pitted 5mins before the end of the session, but the issue was resolved in time to get him out to a practice start

drivers are going so slowly between turns 14 and 15 that they appear on the tracker as stopped

mclaren and ferrari are looking similar on race pace, within a tenth of each other, but mclaren are much faster on single lap pace

mclaren, ferrari, mercedes, and alpine have all saved a set of hards - tyre decisions will be made overnight, but wear is looking higher than expected

lando used only softs, nico and zhou used hards and softs, all others used mediums and softs

the gap from p1-p6 is 1s, the gap from p7-p19 is 0.9s

most laps - mv w/ 26

least laps - lando w/19

[totallynoteggos]

Sector V and siblings reaction to Teen! Sister dating Chad Dickson

Nigel Uno

Absolutely flabbergasted

He tries to convince you that Chad is a bad person

(also lest just say for the sake of this fic your part of the teens next door to)

You, of course, refuse and deny, you knew he was faking.

They fight for your attention.

He also stalks you on dates

This mf would have you chipped and miced when you go on a date with him.

They fight for your attention

Like you'll have a date planned with Chad then Nigel convinces his parents to go out and have you babysit him.

Then Chad, being petty asf, proceeds to tell you it's fine and that you'll just have a movie night at your place.

With Nigel there.

Who has to watch his sister swoon for a “traitor”

And gods forbid he kisses you

Nigel would tell your parents in a heartbeat

He would also call Chad your lap dog for being a good boyfriend💀

Overall, they're both petty little slimeballs who love you but will be at each other's throats the second you're not looking.

-10/10 sibling to have when dating Chad💀💀

Hoagie and Tommy Gilligan

...

Why..

He LITERALLY held your youngest brother hostage

Anyway- Hoagie is shocked, Tommy is confused

Tommy hated him until Chad gives him food or smth

So now those two are on neutral ground

As for Hogaie, he's suspicious

But he sees how happy you two are together and can't help but admit that Chad is a good boyfriend

He still keeps an eye on him

Hell put a tracker or smth on you so that he knows your safe

He also enforces a “no closed door” rule when Chad is in your room 💀

The type of brother that if Chad said to bring you back at 9:00 would scold you for being late at 9:02

Neither could care less abt y'all kissing

Just don't do it in front of them

Tommy could care less he just cares abt the free food

Overall they both are chill as long as Chad doesn't screw up

7/10 siblings to have when dating Chad

Kuki and Mushi Sanban

SHIP

THEY DONT CARE IF HES A TRAITOR THEY STILL SHIP YOU

Most positive reaction

Yk when your older sibling brings home a friend and a younger sibling gets a crush??

Ye that's Mushi

But other than that

They give him ideas for dates

They'll tell him your favorite food, place, color, Etc.

They 100% call you two “love birds” or smth like that

They would also stalk you on dates

And if Chad kisses you in front of them???

Instant fangirling

If you think their stalking you just kiss Chad and you will hear the most high-frequency screams you will ever hear

They just ship you two so hard😔😔

They will also threaten anyone who dares to try and break their OTP

Overall 10/10 siblings to have when dating Chad.

Wallabee and Joey Beetles

Joey's chill since yk

He's an infant

But WALLY

MAN ALMOST FAINTED WHEN HE FOUND OUT

Does. Not. Like. Him

Won't let you two be alone at all💀

He would quite literally take your door away if he had too

He also would third wheel on dates JUST to ruin the mood

And If you two kiss??

He becomes the most dramatic mf

He says he's gonna puke (he actually did once💀)

Definitely does the “six feet” rule

Even if you two are on the battlefield💀

Just imagine you and your friends giving that villain speech

And Chad has an arm wrapped around your waist with his hand on your hip or smth like that

Man would deadass stop whoever's giving the speech by shouting

“OI! HANDS OFF MA SISTER YOU TEEN TRAITOR”

This little boy is way too protective💀

Overall they both love you but Wally ain't gonna let you smooch a traitor

9/10 or Joey 0/10 for Wally

Abigail and Cree Lincoln

Chill

Cree thinks it's a little weird that your dating her friend but still ships

And since Abby knows that he's in Teens next door she ships it

Don't mean they won't threaten him

100% gives him date ideas

They will both beat whoever is trying to ruin the relationship

Both would help Chad impress you

Wether it be him leading a mission all by himself or surprising you with flowers or chocolates

Only ones who let you two be together alone

if they walk in on you two kissing neither will NEVER hear the end of it

“Woah! Slow down now, I don’t wanna be a aunt this young”

“Yesh! And I thought mom and dad were romantic”

“So……when’s the baby coming”

“Y’all better use protection”

The last two totally weren’t from Cree

They both let you two live your own lives

They won’t stalk you on dates but they do ask you how it was

Was it romantic, was he sweet, did he pay, where did he take you, etc.

Overall nice siblings to have when dating Chad

8/10