Burma crisis demands action

Have just replied to a number of emails about the crisis in Burma - a natural disaster made worse by the failure to respond from its regime - which even worse, is still pressing ahead at this time of national crisis with its sham "referendum" on its proposed new constitution. A reminder how for all the problems we might have in our country, they are as nothing compared with the real crises and disasters facing millions and millions across the world.

Getting round Edinburgh

One of my most regular, and grumpiest, contributors to my blog (see the comment on the post below) suggested last Friday that I didn't appreciate the difficulties of travelling across Edinburgh sometimes. So I thought it might be useful to list what and where I had been that same day:

Starting at 8.10 am, No 8 bus from home to Princes Street for a presentation from the Council on the future development of Edinburgh;
No 27 bus to Pirniehall Primary School to present the "green flag" award as an eco-school (a great event, and award, by the way, about which I will say something tomorrow;
No 16 bus to Leith, to an open meeting at South Leith Parish Church Halls;
Walk to Leith Victoria for a quick work-out on the gym;
Drop in for a quick lunch at the "social enterprise" run by the women of Sikh Sanjog;
No 10 bus up Leith Walk to my office for a meeting with the local Federation of Small Businesses to discuss ways of supporting their campaign for more financial help for traders in Leith Walk affected by the tram works.
Walk home to pick up my bike, cycled to my three surgeries, first at Stockbridge, second at Ainslie Park, and last at my new office at 5 Croall Place. And then cycled home, back at 7 pm.

So I'm happy to be criticised for many things - but not getting around enough - I don't think so!