Some people probably think that the CMEpalooza team is super creative in coming up with ideas for our various sessions. While it pains me to disavow you of that idea today, I figure after more than a dozen ‘Paloozas have come and gone, I’d let you in on how we really get our best session ideas.
[Derek/Scott sit down at the dinner table]
Derek/Scott: “So kids, what did you do at school today?
Kids: “We played this cool new game with our class. It was called (fill in the blank).”
Derek/Scott: “Huh, that sounds interesting. How does it work?”
Kids: (Begin 5 minute circular explanation that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense)
Derek/Scott: (Make a mental note to check the Google after dinner to find out how the game really worked)
And that’s how the proverbial sausage is made. OK, maybe not always, but probably at least a handful of times over the years.
Perhaps you recall last week that Derek gave you all a sneak peak at one of the sessions we’re planning for CMEpalooza Spring (Wednesday, March 24) focused on the “Would You Rather” theme. Yes, that came from the Warnick kids.
Today, you get another sneak peak (does it stop being a “sneak peak” once we tell you about every session before publishing the actual agenda? Hmm) from me for a Spring session we have planned based upon everyone’s favorite elementary school game, Two Truths and a Lie. Guess where the idea came from for that one? Wrong! I came up with it totally on my own. It was 100% my idea. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool. A fool, I say!
See, that’s an example of what they call “a lie” to get you into the spirit of the game.
For anyone not familiar with how this is played, you read three statements. Two are true. One is a lie. Your job is to pick the lie. Easy enough, right? Let’s see how you do with a few pieces of biographical data from Derek and I, as well as a few CMEpalooza-themed items. Answers are at the bottom of the page.
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE – SCOTT
Question 1
A. I played backup bass guitar for a band while at Syracuse University, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Kurt Cobain randomly came on stage one night to sing Come As You Are with us.
B. At my local gym in Philadelphia, I once guarded NBA Hall of Famer Maurice Cheeks at a pickup basketball game
C. While vacationing in Vancouver, I ate dinner sitting next to Movie Hall of Famer (not a real thing) Liam Neeson
Question 2
A. My first job after college was in Yuma, AZ
B. My first CME-related job was in El Paso, TX
C. My last newspaper job was in Decatur, IL
Question 3
A. I hate mozzarella cheese
B. I hate cheddar cheese
C. I hate provolone cheese
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE – DEREK
Question 1
A. While not vacationing in Exton, PA (I worked there), I ate breakfast sitting next to NBA Hall of Famer Maurice Cheeks
B. My best friend in high school once went out on a date with Brooke Shields (but only one date)
C. While visiting a friend who was attending Oxford University, I played a round of laser tag with rebel billionaire Richard Branson
Question 2
A. As a kid, I would help my Grandpa Warnick nose ring pigs on his farm in southern Delaware
B. As a kid, I would help my Grandpa Landis wash parts at his transmission shop in Lancaster County, PA
C. As a kid, I would help my dad setup new IBM computers for his business in Milford, DE
Question 3
A. I like dark chocolate
B. I like milk chocolate
C. I like white chocolate
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE – CMEPALOOZA
Question 1
A. The most watched CMEpalooza of all time occurred in the Spring of 2020
B. There have been 11 companies that have sponsored every CMEpalooza since its beginning
C. The most watched session in CMEpalooza history currently has more than 2,500 views
Question 2
A. Derek hosted the first CMEpalooza as a solo venture
B. CMEpalooza has twice taken place over the course of multiple days
C. We have never had a CMEpalooza panelist back out on the day of a live broadcast
Question 3
A. Lawrence Sherman moderated the only 2-hour CMEpalooza session in our history
B. Brian McGowan was the presenter of the first-ever CMEpalooza session
C. John Ruggiero has appeared as a CMEpalooza panelist more than anyone else
CORRECT ANSWERS: A, B, C, B, C, C, B, B, A
CMEPALOOZA 