I decided to check my email last night after I woke up in the middle of the night. As I walked into my office, I saw a flash of light from the desk. It was my computer's video camera. The computer was plugged in but turned off.

I have never configured or used the camera. In fact, I keep a sticky note over the lens. I sat down in front of the computer and waited without turning the computer on. A few minutes later, it flashed again. And five minutes later, again.

My computer's video camera flashes every five minutes when the machine is turned off (I haven't checked to see if it does the same thing when the machine is turned on). It's almost as though it's taking still photos to surveil its surroundings.

Maybe the Abyss *IS* staring back.

Tonight I'm going to disable my wireless connection at the router and check to see if the camera still comes on. I'll REALLY be creeped out if my internet connection is somehow involved.

JUST OUT OF CURIOUSITY, SIT IN A DARK ROOM AND WATCH YOUR COMPUTER'S CAMERA WHEN THE MACHINE IS TURNED OFF.

Send me an email if it happens to you, too.