On the dot...

Kiosks of all shapes and sizes keep mushrooming all over the island, at times with little regard to the inconvenience they may cause. A very recent example is this one right next to the entrance to the Floriana underground car park. Most of the pavement has been taken up by the kiosk and pedestrians will be forced to use the busy road!

Blank Versus

The demolition of the Sliema chalet has now been completed, so how about turning the concrete platform into a sundeck area complete with metal ladders to the sea? A staircase from the promenade could lead down to the concrete platform, making the area accessible to people without much expense and at the same time rendering the whole area altogether safer.

Added Up

During the past weeks a lot has been said about Mepa and the reports of its Audit Officer. In spite of the fact that it is clear that certain well-paid officers failed dismally in carrying out their job, it nonetheless appears that everybody's business is nobody's business. It's business as usual. Heads must roll if the government intends having Mepa taken seriously by the public.

Crazy Paving

The new Pietà local council is expected to see that "the worst pavement in Malta", namely that part of Marina Street facing the well kept Marina Gardens, is resurfaced using attractive tiles similar to others seen in most parts of the island. It goes without saying that pre-election promises should be adhered to, with works being carried out within the proposed time limit.

Town Plan

The receptionists at the Tourist Office in City Gate, Valletta, and at the Public Library, are helpful towards members of the public, be they tourists or locals seeking information. However, the person in charge of ticketing at the Palace Armoury did not even have a leaflet to offer, when asked for help. He did however suggest the purchase of a book - the title of which he did not know.

All Options

It does not appear possible to send a donation to a BOV temporary account if one does not have an account with that bank and decides to use the HSBC ATM instead, since no options are listed which would allow this. One would have expected The World's Local Bank to make provisions for this.

School's Out

Certain schools make sure their pupils have loads of extra-curricular activities to occupy them, whether organised by the school or not, in an effort to keep them away from vegetating in front of their screens - of whatever type. Others appear to wash their hands of the children the minute the school's out bell rings. Why is there this discrepancy?

Blair Style

A certain section of the press made a meal out of the fact that the British New Labour government suffered huge losses in the local council elections, despite the fact that it is the party in government. However, they toned down the fact that, in the aftermath, the Premier ordered a reshuffle of his Cabinet in order to assuage the damage and regain popularity.

Key Decisions

It is a pity to have to note again that the praxis in using computer stations at local councils differs, since apparently the decision is up to the mayor or his representative. No one knows for sure what is supposed to happen when the computers, or the printers, are out of order; or whether the insertion of CDs and floppy discs is to be allowed, and whether people have to book their sessions beforehand, or whether the same people may use the computer for long periods while others queue up.

Only Words

A disc jockey recently "thanked" the presenter before him by telling listeners they had just been listening to such-and-so and his imqanzah programme. This is definitely not esprit de corps, because even if the words were said in jest, the fact remains he was being disrespectful both to his colleague, and also to his listeners.