Dear Readers,

I apologize for the lack of political commentary in our blog posts. Frankly we've both been too overwhelmed with describing our current scenarios to think too much about politics besides here and there. I pledge to write less about what is actually happening to us. This will leave more time to dissect national and local US political happenings. I know that you will all be excited!

Please hold with us for this brave, bold new step for the "Jamie vs. Michele" blog.

Thank you for your continuing support.

The author

PS: We've trudged around the heat of Chennai and are pleasantly surprized. The beaches (although we witnessed them at sunset) did not smell. There was a great carnival atmosphere as men operated hand crank merry-go-rounds and kids and us ingested deep fried eggplants, onions and chillis. The sky was beautiful as storm clouds threatened, but never delivered. The wind picked up and spit sand in the eyes of those selling tchochkes and chaat. Not our eyes, though as we were already making our way back up from the beach.

It was at 9:00AM when Marine beach drive was bitch slapped by last December's terrible tsunami. It snuck up and sucked the lives from 167 people. There were rumors abound that the wave washed ashore a Mermaid, but alas they were proven to be hoaxes. Everyone we talked to said that the beach was hit by a 6 to 10 foot wave that rushed across the entire width of the beach. We saw no obvious signs of the disaster. No death. No destruction and no decaying bodies. Despite the wind and commerce the beach was peaceful.

For RS 25, I bought a book from a beach-vendor that swears it will teach me to speak Tamil in 30 days. I am doubtful as I have no time to read books. I must devote my remaining time to the daft political reporting that you have so demanded. Now, please forgive me -- I must return to my research!