On the dot...

• One of the less complimentary names for Strait Street, Valletta, - "down the gutter" - looks set to regaining its popularity. Walking along the stretch between St John and Saint Lucija Streets, one is as likely as not to be hit by splatters of water coming from somewhere above. Could they be, perish the thought, runoff from air-conditioning systems?

Mane Thing

• It is satisfying to note that the stone wall surrounding Casa Leone, in Sta Venera, is being rebuilt, and the palings replaced. However, one notes that a couple of tips in the iron palings are missing. Ought these not to have been repaired before the whole railings were replaced?

They Scream

• A girl was about to be charged Lm1.25 for an ice cream by a vendor in a van near the bus stop at the Sliema ferries but when her father spoke in Maltese the price suddenly dropped to 95c. Still very high for a watery ice cream but it shows how everyone is ready to fleece everyone, especially the tourist.

Break Time

• At 2.04 p.m. on July 1 a wardens car was spotted stationary in a no parking, tow zone outside a confectionary in Sliema. A male and female wardens were seen seated inside, having a snack.

Call Sighs (2)

• So now we know that "faulty payphones are detected by means of high-tech equipment", with technical and electronic faults being on average rectified within two working days. Card phones are being used to phase out coin-operated boxes. However, the problems raised here were about how internet or coin-operated booths are no longer available for those who would want to use them.

Fresh Air

• St George's Bay is quite a pretty spot. However, bathers need some good fresh air. So how about removing the speed boats moored on the left side of the beach?

Traffic Hazard

• The San Gwann warden posted by the ex-gas tank in Regional Road has a habit of telling motorists to pull up at the bend going up Sliema Road on the way to San Gwann. As a result, drivers going uphill have to swerve to the right risking crashing with cars coming down Sliema Road.

Walled In

• Much ado was made when the rubble wall on the road leading from Attard to Rabat was being replaced. It has now been all but forgotten; parts of it are crumbling and parts of it are missing. The wall in the general area of Mount Carmel Hospital, besides, is being built as a solid mass, which removes the rural effect it hitherto had.

Lethal Cocktail

• Last Saturday, at about 7.45 pm, the chimney at St Luke's Hospital was belching black smoke so thick it was nearly tangible, and the still air meant the fallout could actually be wiped off the windowsills of some of the wards. Combined with the mess the pigeons are leaving, and the fumes from the never-ending traffic, the situation must involve one big toxic cocktail.

Flag Daze

• One disc dolly repeatedly asks listeners to enjoy their football in a wholesome way. She then goes on to tell them that, if they honestly feel they have to go around the island blaring horns and waving flags of their selected team, they do so in good spirit... and include a Maltese flag in the ensemble. This is one of the most sensible ways of tackling the obsession with all things foreign.

Stripe Poker

• It would seem that, because of several conditions obtaining, zebra crossings are becoming mere mares - at least when the issue involves road markings. Some white stripes - as for instance those in High Street, Hamrun and elsewhere - have all but disappeared. Moreover, the yellow or white triangular markings usually indicating sleeping policemen have apparently melted like butter.

Paper Tigers

• There has, so far, been one bad accident allegedly involving illegally-sold feast fireworks. It is one too many. Incidentally, has anyone yet been fined by a warden for deliberately dirtying the environment by throwing mounds of shredded paper onto the streets during processions?!

Language Labs

• It is indeed a pity that some radio personalities, speaking off the cuff, do not know enough to mind their ps and qs. The word belha was recently used twice in the space of a few minutes by the same person in an effort to liven things up in extempore conversation with her colleagues during a live programme. The presenter, of course, did not even think about pressing the "delay" button.

Phase Value

• The plans for Mater Dei Hospital include an atelier where one may be able to purchase gifts and services for oneself or patients. But why wait? Why not introduce the service, albeit on a smaller scale, for the current temporary residents of St Luke's Hospital?