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
Buy Avatar Toys, Get Some Content October 24, 2009October 23, 2009A funny thing happened on my latest trip to Target. During my obligatory perusal of the store’s toy aisle to check out the latest Star Wars offerings, I stumbled upon an entire section devoted to Avatar. Figures, ships, playsets, and more took up a substantial portion of the aisle. What caught my eye… Read More
Follow the White Rabbit December 2, 2009December 2, 2009Although it sounds like a Jefferson Starship song, it’s not. In fact, you’ll not only be following a white rabbit, you’ll be following 50 of them! All set loose on the streets and subways of NYC during Friday’s morning commute. As part of a marketing campaign for Syfy’s upcoming Alice,… Read More
Human Preservation Project Puts You in a Comic at NYCC October 19, 2011October 19, 2011We haven’t reported on 5 Gum’s Human Preservation Project viral in a while. The last time we checked in, the third testing facility was getting ready to open. Since then, more mysterious packages have been delivered. Also, during the New York Comic-Con, the Human Preservation Project was present, putting test… 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.