If you’ve ever watched the Food Network show Chopped, you are likely familiar with the show formula. They set the clock for 20 or 30 minutes depending on the round, have the chefs “open” their basket of ingredients, and then cooking immediately begins. If that sounds hard, it is, though there are a few helpful nudges that aren’t disclosed to viewers (ie, ovens are preheated, a pot of water is put on boil at every station, contestants are given a tutorial on equipment before the show, etc.) (note from Derek: way to ruin the magic, Scott. Geez.).
Still, without fail on every episode, there are always chefs shown scrambling at the last second to plate their dishes before time expires (3…2…1…hands up!). I imagine some of this is constructed by the post-production team to add drama, but I’m also sure that a lot of contestants truly are working until the last second.
Well, with our special Spring sponsor event — CMEpalooza Gets Chopped — we are indeed getting down to those final seconds on the clock. All entries are due to me (scott@excaliburmeded.com) by 5 pm ET today. A few things to keep in mind as you furiously rush to do your research and send in your answer forms – this information was all included in our event announcement on Monday but is worth a revisit:
- Did you know that there are prizes? OK, maybe we’re not giving out a life-changing $10,000 but we will be disbursing five $100 Amazon gift cards to individuals who successfully submit an entry and are selected in our prize drawing. Our special “10th Anniversary” bonus pool will distribute an additional $250 to the organization with the most completed entries.
- You can submit up to three entries, but for each entry you need to answer questions about different sponsors. We’ve got 31 current sponsors of CMEpalooza Spring, so there are plenty of options for you.
- Answers to all of the clues can typically either be found on the sponsor’s homepage or are one click away. I have not yet received any complaints that “this clue was too hard,” so presumably, people are finding all of the answers.
- As always, one of our sponsors made an announcement after the clue sheet was published that changed one of the clue answers. You won’t even notice it, but believe me, this happens every year.
I think that’s about it. Now hurry to pull your entries together – the clock is most definitely ticking.
(Reminder from Derek: As one event comes to a close, another gets ready to begin. The CMEpalooza STEPtacular Challenge, sponsored by Talem Health, will kickoff on Monday, April 15. More details to come soon!)
CMEPALOOZA 