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
Abraham Lincoln Is Now On Twitter February 11, 2011It’s not often that you see a serious film test out the viral marketing landscape, so this is a nice treat. Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have started up a special character Twitter account for Robert Redford’s The Conspirator. This isn’t just any character, though; It’s President Abraham Lincoln. Read More
‘Ghostbusters’ Donuts: Krispy Kreme Celebrates Film’s 30th Anniversary With Themed Donuts September 17, 2014September 17, 2014When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, the first people you call would be Ghostbusters. But when that strange activity is hunger, you need to call Krispy Kreme. The donut company recently announced that they will sell two marshmallow Kreme™-filled Ghostbusters donuts: Krispy Kreme’s Ghostbusters and Stay Puft Marshmallow Doughnuts… Read More
2012: You have One New Message September 15, 2009And it’s not a pleasant one. There is a new audio clip from Soren Ulfert’s voice mail, and its the same upset gentleman from the first one that we wrote about. Now, he’s had it. Take a listen (via ThisIsTheEnd) Now I’ve mentioned that I feel that Adrian Helmsley is… 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.