Big brother likes you. Spread the love.

I'm on the number 60 bus heading towards Järntorget and it's early Wednesday morning. So far I've put on my headphones but don't have the energy start my MP3-player yet. I'm sitting there with listening to the world, but sort of muffled. There's rain water stuck between the layers of windows and it jumps around when the bus driver reaches a stop. Onto the bus comes a well-dressed young couple. He walks a couple of steps ahead of her. They sit down on the seats in front of me.

Him: You are so fucking embarrassing.
Her: Why?
Him: Why? What do you mean why? Don't you know get why?
Her: I don't understand at all. Can't you tell me?
Him: You want me to tell you? Are you so stupid that you don't know what I'm talking about?
Her: I'm not stupid.
Him: If you don't know what I'm talking about you're fucking stupid.
Her: I am not. Just tell me why you're upset.
Him: I'm not upset. I just think that you're embarrassing sometimes and you're clueless.
Her: That's not true. I think you're being unfair.
Him: Oh. You think I'm being unfair. Funny. Really funny.
Her: Can't you just tell me why..
Him: Excuse me, what are you doing?
Her: Peter, leave him alone.
Him: Hey, I'm talking to you. What are you doing? What is that you're writing?
Me: I'm sorry. Are you talking to me?
Him. Yeah, I'm talking to you.
Her: Peter. Please. I'm getting off.
Him: I asked what it is that you're writing.
Me: I'm just writing.. notes. For school. Homework.
Her: Peter I'm getting off the bus now!

She stands up and goes to the middle exit of the bus. He's leaning forward towards me so that his face is a couple of centimeters from mine. He smells like expired milk. He doesn't say anything. I close my notebook and put it in my bag. He gets up and stands next to her without taking his eyes off me.

Today is January 2nd 2010. That means that the FRA-law has been in effect for a year now which gives Försvarets Radioanstalt the right to monitor all cable-based communication that passes over the Swedish border. This means all phone and Internet communication can be watched. Which means big brother sees you, hears you, and maybe he's even getting off on it.

We at 365 thinks this is such a good idea that we want to encourage you readers to eavesdrop on one another. On buses, at cafes, or in school. Note down what people around you are saying. Then send it to Förvarets Radioanstalt and help them along. The address is fra@fra.se.

Also make sure to check out the fantastic blog www.tjuvlyssnat.se and read what others have heard while eavesdropping. Send what you've eavesdropped to them too.