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
Alice in Wonderland Facebook Viral November 12, 2009November 12, 2009I’m not a big fan of Tim Burton’s, but whenever he has a project coming out, it certainly gets a lot of buzz. His latest film, Alice in Wonderland, is no different. Burton’s unique visual style always draws attention and with Alice, Disney is using it to their advantage. In… Read More
Another Transmission Precedes “Man of Steel” Homepage May 21, 2013May 21, 2013Briefly: Last month, the Man of Steel viral campaign got a jolt in the form of a transmission from Zod to Superman. In a similar fashion, the Man of Steel homepage has another transmission when you first enter the site. We have the same static noise, but with “You Are… Read More
Website Lets You Use Word of Mouth To Fund Your Project March 5, 2010March 5, 2010Right off the bat, this is a great website. Have you ever wanted to do something, but didn’t have the money? Have you ever thought if only people knew what you were doing, maybe they could help you fund it? Well, now there is well-organized hub for projects just like… 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.