TechCrunch linked to a cool technology that uses your webcam as a first-class controller, and provides a clear path to controlling flash games in this manner. I have to admit that the video is really compelling. The software is windows-only at the moment, but they claim that a mac client is on the way.

RTFA: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/02/13/camspace-brin…

CamSpace, the innovative technology that allows gamers to use their computer cameras to play Wii-like games, has added support for Flash, making its platform accessible to a much broader range of developers (prior to today CamSpace was restricted to traditional .exe games). To get started, users will still have to download the CamSpace client here, which includes a few dozen games and will be adding more on a frequent basis (sorry Mac users, CamSpace is still Windows-only).

CamSpace’s technology revolves around detecting up to four objects in real-time, and translating their movement and rotation into in-game actions. To get started, users are asked to activate their webcams with their objects out of frame for a few seconds, then they hold them in front of the camera briefly until the system recognizes them. Any object will do, provided it is bright and has a near-uniform color (we used highlighters), and the tracking seems to work very well provided there’s adequate light.

RTFA: http://www.rtfa.net/series/organizing-the-worlds-d…

Introducing “Bretton Woods II: Organizing the World’s Definition of Value.” This is a new series from RTFA that collects items relevant to unpacking the events that are shaping the financial landscape. Briefly, Bretton Woods I was a post-WWII meeting to create stability in global currency exchange. In 2008, in the wake of another wave of global financial upheaval, these discussions have been reopened.

You can find the list of series in the sidebar.