Before I forget, Derek has asked me to remind everyone that the 2025 Spring edition of the CMEpalooza STEPtacular Challenge begins on Monday. So if you have been doing the couch potato thing while watching four episodes of The Rookie each evening, perhaps this weekend would be a good time to get off your duff so that you are ready to get your steps in for when it really matters next week.

Now on to our blog entry for today…

Yes, you read correctly in the headline. I know that you have been procrastinating all week and telling yourself, “I know that I should make the CMEpalooza Signs of Spring a priority, but I can’t break myself away from these cute cat videos!” Well there friend, I’m here to tell you that Fluffy is going to need to wait, because the deadline to submit your entry (or entries if you are feeling particularly bold) is today at 5 pm ET.

If you need a reminder about how our special Sponsor event works, you can click here for all of the details, including links to the forms you need to download and instructions on how to find the answers. I would estimate that it will take you 10 minutes of research per entry if you work diligently. Maybe less. And I even have a special Friday bonus offer for you — because the answers to the April Fools Day category clues have gone “poof!” from the specific Sponsors’ websites, you can put down anything you want on your answer form in that section and I’ll give you credit. Who says I’m not a nice guy?

One question we often get from people is, “But if I win the CMEpalooza Sponsor contest and collect my $100 Amazon gift card, doesn’t that mean I will be disqualified from the many, many other giveaway opportunities being offered this spring?” And the answer to that is unequivocally, “No.” I am not sure that anyone has actually won multiple prizes in the same season (though we have had many repeat winners in certain giveaways over the years), but there is nothing in the official CMEpalooza rulebook prohibiting this.

So then what’s stopping you? Get to work, pilgrim.

Since Derek has curiously avoided his usual crutch of coming up with Top 10 lists when he doesn’t have a better idea for a blog post, I figured I’d step up to fill the void (note from Derek: point of clarification — I usually only do Top 5 lists. Top 10 lists are too much work.) So, in the wake of Monday’s announcement about our special sponsor event entitled CMEpalooza’s Signs of Spring, I thought I’d provide you with the Top 10 reasons you should spend time this morning doing something other than completing one or more contest entries.

That’s right – there is nothing more important than completing one or more contest entries this morning. No, not that grant proposal that is due “urgently.” No, not that outcomes report that your supporter asked for 2 days ago. No, not even that scheduled faculty call at 10 am. That can all wait. So put on your OOO for 30 minutes or so and get cracking on The Signs of Spring. (note from Derek: I take it back. Top 10 lists are not too much work if that is your list. Cheater.)

I’ll even give you a note for your boss if you need one.

In the northeastern United States perhaps more than anywhere else in the country (or maybe I’m just biased because I live here), the arrival of spring is cause of celebration. After several months of winter coats, hats, and mittens, the first warm stretch of March lets us know that our days of shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops aren’t far away. Neighbors who we haven’t seen for months come out from hibernation. Daylight drifts further and further into the evening. And at least in my neighborhood, the sweet singsong of the Ice Cream Truck punctuates the atmosphere.

Here at CMEpalooza, we wanted to celebrate spring in our own special way, by creating our special Sponsor event focused on the themes of the season. Because we are so creative, we are calling this event CMEpalooza’s Signs of Spring.

Here is how this event works:

1. Click here to download the forms you will need (if you would rather have a Word version, click here). CMEpalooza’s Signs of Spring is pretty simple. We have divided our sponsors into eight Spring-oriented categories. Within each round of clues, you have to answer one question about a sponsor. Each question ties into our Springtime theme. Some clues are a bit more of a stretch than others, but just bear with me.
2. So, where do you find the answers to these questions? Well, by visiting the websites of our CMEpalooza Spring sponsors (we have links for you on our Sponsor tab). I promise that you won’t have to hunt too much to find anything. Most clues are either on the company’s homepage or one click away. The goal isn’t to make this difficult, it’s to familiarize you with our Sponsors and the amazing work they are all doing.
3. You can use the answer sheet located in the downloaded forms to complete your responses. You may submit up to three entries, but for each entry you must answer clues about different sponsors.
4. Within each entry, you must get every answer correct to qualify for our prize drawing. If the sun is out and the weather is warm when your submission arrives, maybe I’ll let you get one wrong. We’ll see.
5. Completed answer forms can be sent to me at scott@excaliburmeded.com. Make sure to include your name and professional affiliation in your email so that when we announce that you’ve won, everyone can be sufficiently jealous.

We’ll have five prize winners who will each receive a $100 Amazon gift card. Maybe you can spend it on something fun, like this snazzy getup (I’ve heard rumors that Bert is only for the coolest kids these days).

Entries will be accepted until the clock strikes 5 pm ET on Friday, April 5, so get cracking!