So there's this new technique to tracking user visits, called PIE (persistent identification element). This is to circumvent the user who doesn't want cookies tracking their every move online who may delete their cookie cache from time to time.

When a consumer goes to a PIE-enabled website, the visitor's browser is tagged with a Flash object that contains a unique identification similar to the text found in a traditional cookie. In this way, PIE acts as a cookie backup, and can also restore the original cookie when the consumer revisits the site.
...
Mookie Tanembaum, founder and chief executive of United Virtualities, says the company is trying to help consumers by preventing them from deleting cookies that help website operators deliver better services.

"The user is not proficient enough in technology to know if the cookie is good or bad, or how it works," Tanembaum said.

You have got to be kidding me.

Here's [Macromedia.com] how to disable this useful little feature.