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
Post-2012 World Leader Election Coverage September 3, 2009September 3, 2009If you haven’t heard by now, you must be living under a rock. The Institute for Human Continuity is looking for a post-2012 world leader and it could be you! Of course, we have our very own Scott Caldwell running, but what’s the fun if you’re only an advocate? Sign… Read More
Repo Men Pink Slip ARG Update March 4, 2010March 4, 2010We’ve been reporting on the activities of the Repo Men ARG from the start, and since the hunt has reached the end of its first week, we thought we’d give you an update of what’s been going on. If you’ve been following the activities of Ciji, Will, Alex and Usman,… Read More
Stallone’s Explosive Expendables Interview on YouTube August 4, 2010May 12, 2011If you’ve been on YouTube since yesterday, you may have noticed the banner advertisement on the homepage for The Expendables. Specifically, it directs you to an “explosive” interview with director, writer, and star Sylvester Stallone that is on YouTube. However, what you see isn’t exactly what you get. 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.