I started working out some experiments with dynamic video effects. This one in particular uses the activityLevel from the microphone. I hooked up a scaling effect along with some DisplacementMap video I created and exported from AfterEffects. Below is a video I created of one of my coworkers acting silly. Below that is the actual working file. You need to have a webcam installed for it to work. Let me know what you guys think.

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I came across this today. These free icons can come in handy for future app development.

Animation, cartoons… where would I be without them today? Something about the whole concept of being able to bend reality, stretch solid objects, and put someone’s body thru tortuous contorting, yet he still bounces back within five frames resonates with my soul. Tex Avery is my hero. His was the turning point in animation history as he ushered in the ridiculousness of jaws dropping to the floor, tongue rolling out of the mouth about four feet, eyes literally jumping off the face. In one scene there is a chase between 2 characters, one makes a sharp turn, the other tries to change direction and but slides completely off of the screen movie reel. Such theories may not sound impressive these days, but everything before that was the Disney-esque ultra realitic mimic of everyday life, no bending the space-time continuum or the off the wall craziness that we have come to love and expect. So why the hell am I mentioning all of this? Cartoons have taught me timing, exaggeration, special effects. the list goes on and on. Thank God that Flash and interactive offer creative outlets that employ people like myself. The only reason I know that animations and transitions look aesthetically correct is because of teachers like Avery. Thank Tex.

This is a perfect example of how simple and effective Flash games can be. You hold the mouse down and move the cursor to shoot orbs. Why the hell are we so intrigued by such simple concepts? I could sit here for hours and play this without getting bored. If I’m having fun, I am going to pass this to all my friends to enjoy as well. Commercial and viral possibilities? HELL YEAH!!! I like the bitmap blurring effect that was added as well, its a nice touch.