Learn the Math Behind CBS Show Numb3rs Dan Koelsch, February 21, 2010 There are a lot of procedural shows on right now, shows in which a problem is introduced, investigated and solved all within the same episode (think CSI, Bones, almost every one hour show other than LOST). Many have gimmicks to try to separate them from the bunch (his partner is a psychic!), and one of my favorite gimmick procedurals is Numb3rs on CBS. There’s a nifty website created to supplement the show. The show centers on the Los Angeles branch of the FBI, where agent Eppes (rob Morrow) has a brother who is a math genius and professor at Cal Tech. Each episode has Professor Eppes (David Krumholtz) using advanced mathematics to help solve a case. For us regular folk, this stuff goes over our head, but if you are interested in the math, Wolfram (makers of software Mathematica) have teamed up with the show to help you out. Wolfram’s Numb3rs website goes through each episode and explains the mathematical principals the characters are using or talking about. The well designed site is meant to look like a case file being opened, and you can watch videos that show the math. For a much more detailed look at the science, each concept has a link to it’s own Wolfram page. It’s nice to know that the characters aren’t talking gibberish, and this kind of stuff can actually work. Numb3rs airs Fridays at 10/9c on CBS. Viral Marketing CBSNumb3rsNumbers
Tech’s Newest Touch Screen: You March 8, 2010March 8, 2010The future is here. At least, that’s what I think after reading stories like these. Tim Hornyak at CNET has written a piece about a Microsoft developed device called Skinput that allows users to use their arms as a touch screen to make commands. Think of it as an iPod… Read More
Watch a Live Webcast for “The Social Network” On MySpace September 25, 2010September 26, 2010Talk about a perfect idea. Columbia Pictures is having a live webcast on Sunday, September 26th (tomorrow!) for The Social Network, and it will be on the film’s MySpace page. This is quite the jab at Facebook, as the film is a dramatization of the sordid rise of the 2nd… Read More
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum Compete In Twitter Challenge For “21 Jump Street” October 31, 2011The film adaptation of the Johnny Depp 80s television show 21 Jump Street opens in March, but the public has yet to see a trailer. Stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum look to change that, but they are making a competition out of it. Whichever actor gets the most Twitter… Read More
The show’s “Chain Factor” ARG is still my favorite example of integrating the viral with the tv show. Took the premise from the Primacy and extended it seamlessly (which is pretty difficult, after watching the episode’s resolution) onto the web and into the real world.