the summer of george!

Ahoy again, Lifers.  As promised, here is the final installment of the Leonid Brezhnev Memorial May-June Spectacular Pro-Am Fun-Run Blog for the Cure presented by Citibank aka my third post in a third as many days (any errors in math are the fault of Chief Petty Officer Leerdammer).

I have a confession to make, dear readers.  Now that I've successfully defended my thesis, I have totally checked out.  I still have papers due in other classes, don't care.  I still have readings to do, not doing them.  In my mind, it's already summer.  But despite my lack of recent activity, fear not: the fact that I've totally checked out academically means only bigger and better things for everyone's favorite blog!^{[CITATION NEEDED]}

What am I doing this summer?  Do I have a job?  NO!  Do I have a plan?  NO!  Basically, I'm going to spend so much time on my backside this summer that I've contacted those crazy Swedes about the prospects of creating a Tempur-Pedic™ couch.  In other words, this is going to be my time.  My time to taste the fruits and let the juices drip down my chin.  I proclaim this the Summer of George!  And that means big and exciting things for the Life Despotic.  It means answers.  Answers to all those burning questions that have been tormenting you: Is Ivan Zissou a real Captain?  Why do all the members of his fictional crew seem to be named after obscure cheeses?  Who will be the Tool Academy champion, and what will be the next featured show on Reality TV Monday?  And who is this mysterious 'cth'  transcribing all these posts?  The answers to these questions and more!  (SPOILER ALERT: They're all dead!)

But while I'll be firmly planted on my couch for the entirety of summer, I know that some of my readers are of a more travel-oriented persuasion.  Thus, just for you, I'm introducing Captain Zissou's Official Summer Destination Hotspots 2010.  These are the most happening, phresh-to-death travel destinations for the summer jetsetter.  Due to my exhaustive, top secret evaluation process, you won't likely see these hotspots on other lists.   But rest assured, it's because they're the elite of the elite, the next big thing of the next big things, the colossus of clout!  (FREE FUN FACT: I was called 'Smalls' in middle school because I looked exactly like the main kid in that movie when I was younger.)  Follow this list and you'll be the envy of your elementary school class on "What I Did Over the Summer Day."

HOTSPOT #1: Chechnya, Russian Federation

Attractions: experience the exotic culture of Central Asia in this enchanting city, a blend of old and new.  All the latest advancements in late-period Soviet artillery luxury and entertainment may be found in any of Chechnya's multiple warzones 5-star resort hotels.  Local must-experience events include snorkeling, fly fishing, and carbombing hang gliding!  Book now and be sure to ask about the authentic Chechen luau ceremony!

HOTSPOT #2: Gulf of Aden, Coast of Somalia

Enjoy the beautiful cerulean and sea foam of the Indian Ocean from the privacy of your very own impromptu prison cell in the bottom of a reef boat luxury yacht.  Step into the romantic past of the high seas with full-scale recreations of piracy in the age of the tall ships (including possible special guest appearances by Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom!).  You'll be the envy of all your friends when your hostage exchange is the lead story on CNN you show them your unbelievable photos of the local wildlife!

HOTSPOT #3: Gulf of Mexico, Coast of Louisiana

If you've noticed a trend in maritime locations, it's because they're all the rage this summer!  And no spot is hotter right now than the Gulf of Mexico.  Or should I say, ¡muy caliente!  If you're a fan of lung cancer scuba diving, you won't find a place with more uncontrollable gushing black oil amazingly clear waters.  Swim with the dead turtles during the day and enjoy the surface fires beautiful sunsets in the evening.

You can't go wrong with any of these options, dear readers.  In fact, if you've got the time, means, and inclination, I encourage you to go for the trifecta and hit all three!  Feel free to share your own summer plans or destination locations.  Declare your very own Summer of George!

From the virtual desk of Ivan Zissou

dictated but not read
cth

"The reports of my death...

...are greatly exaggerated."  

~Mark Twain, May 1897 

~The Life Despotic with Ivan Zissou, May 2010

That's right, dear readers, this blog still lives.  My dearest apologies for the excessive delay in postings.  Certain unfortunate real world events have demanded the Captain's attention these past two weeks (lack of inspiration being one of those "events").  To make it up to you, I'm returning to the blogosphere in a Big way.  In fact, I write not only to announce the continued existence of this blog but also to announce the birth of another.  While this blog was originally envisioned as a way for friends and relatives to stay informed of my exploits in Russia (see: first post), it has since warped into something much more absurd and frightening.

I had been thinking about splitting off the serious stuff into a new blog for some time, and now that I've learned where I'm going to be stationed next year, I decided it was time.  Essentially, I couldn't imagine my grandmother scrolling past Tool Academy recaps and long-winded diatribes on Friedrich Engels to get to the actual news on my whereabouts.  Thus, it is with the utmost fanfare that I announce Karelia or Bust!  Check it out for my first official post.  It's still very much a work in progress, but at least it's a start.

But that's not all, dear readers!  After all, I said back in a Big way (note the capital "b").  Later today the Life Despotic will feature yet another post (NOW WITH NEW CONTENT!).  It shall be the Life Despotic's first double post, and, together with the new blog, equates to three posts in one day for your reading consumption.  Stay tuned, folks.

From the virtual desk of Ivan Zissou

dictated but not read

cth