Um, hi, it's your absentee landlords, checking in for the first time in months!

If you're like us, the only thing longer than your summer To-Do list is your summer Not-to-Do list: countries not to visit, books not to read, jobs not to get, and, most importantly, blogs not to write. So starting next week, IvyGate will be trading in its argyle sweaters for argyle Speedos, tweed jackets for tweed beaters, and going on early summer leave.

But what would summer be without a little resume padding? That's where you come in. Last year, we handed the blogging reins to an excellent group of summer editors; several of them - notably Maureen and Jacob and Hal, to whom we owe our souls - stuck around and valiantly edited the site for the academic year. We're hoping to do something similar this time around. So if you or anyone you know is funny, brainy, and self-destructive enough to put their life on the line and blog through these hot August days, please get in touch by May 16 and we'll talk.

May 2: Last day of publishing
May 3 - June 15: Dark
June 16 - August 22: Summer Editors

This being summer and all, we're open to everything, including people who wouldn't necessarily be obvious choices. Given the general summer slowdown in news, we're especially fond of peeps with journalism backgrounds who know how to pursue stories. And remember, we abhor the Ivy League, so there are absolutely no requirements here (like attending an Ivy school).

Otherwise, whether you're writing the great American novel or finding spiritual fulfillment at Lehman Brothers; volunteering for Obama or volunteering for, well, Obama; competing in the Olympics or challenging our high score in Torch Run (215, kid you not), enjoy your freedom. It only comes four months out of the year!

In the meantime, if you're sitting on any last-minute tips, don't be shy.

P.S. -- Seriously, though, big thanks again to Maureen, Jacob, and Hal. Writing this site is a thankless job, and they made our little flash in the pan glint a little longer.

Cheers, 

Chris and Nick