On the Dot...

Some weeks ago this column featured an item about a broken pavement, a stone's throw away from the Valletta police station, where users of the Park and Ride scheme alight from and board the round-trip vans. To date, nothing has been done about this, and it is not the first time that people have tripped in this same spot.

Book Reviews

In the library at the Msida Junior College is a wonderful array of books, so generously donated by the US Embassy, which many students would give their eye teeth to be able to read. Ironically and unfortunately, however, in front of this section is a sign that reads: Do Not Touch!

Cost Cutting

Just thinking aloud. If the government truly wants to cut costs, why does it not halt the availability of drivers to non-executive chairmen of so many authorities, bodies and whatnot? And why, bar ministers, should drivers be assigned to top civil servants even after hours? Can't they drive themselves?

Rapid Deployment

Who will bother to let the public know when will Mater Dei Hospital be opened, especially given the latest hitch with regard to the IT tender? And, please, let's distinguish between ceremonies and effective use of the hospital. It is us, the people, who paid for the hospital you know!

Under Ground

The basement of a private residence in Swieqi has been converted into a car dealership premises. Despite numerous calls to the Swieqi local council and to Mepa, and the resultant confirmations that such development is not covered by a permit, the activities of this dealership continue. Who carries the can?

Road Safety

The envisaged single road licence that will be operational across Europe indicates that there must, similarly, be across-the-board road safety legislation. MEPs are recommending a EU-wide zero alcohol limit for new drivers, bus drivers and professional commercial drivers involved in the transport of hazardous goods, which would only solve a part of the problem. Apparently, the threat of breathalyser tests has not curbed abuse by drivers whose vehicles are not included in this list. Harsher penalties must therefore be the answer.

Pass Mark

It's examination time again, and because students' timetables vary, some of them start sessions later, or finish earlier, than they do when there is only normal schooling. Some schools and parents allow their children to use public transport, rather than spend needless hours waiting for school vans. Why do some drivers appear reluctant to accept school passes?

Home Thoughts

Candidates for local council elections have already started doing their rounds in order to woo potential voters. It would be a plus point if they asked permission to attend one's home rather than appear unannounced and knock indiscriminately upon doors. Besides, a thank you note after the visit counts for a lot.

Stupid Cupid

Several media personalities had a field day on Valentine's Day spouting inane chatter and dedicating love songs left, right, and centre. They appeared to forget that the day was not meant solely for spouses and partners, but also for platonic friends and those one respects.

Bling Factor

So much time is wasted which could have been spent doing something worthwhile - like reading. Sales representatives are notorious for staring into thin air, arms crossed, occasionally gossiping about customers. It would be wonderful were a scheme would be introduced where someone could sponsor second-hand paperbacks, of the type usually sold in bazaars, for those who are interested.

Fountain Pen

The excuse is that it is well nigh impossible to keep the water of the Tritons Fountain, in Valletta, clean, since several people appear to think the moat is a gigantic dustbin. However, one wonders how long it is since the bottom of the basin has been dredged - and why the jets of water are still directed at the stonework, despite the obvious damage being done.

Plastic Money

It is, apparently, cheaper for shops to invest in several rolls of plastic, than to install CCTV cameras with several screens, in their outlets. This is easy to infer, since clients are sometimes given the option to leave bags by the door, or to have them covered in plastic film as they shop.

Silver Scream

One notes that, at least for a short period, the locally-produced film Qerq topped box office charts. This would seem to indicate there is a sure market for this type of medium, and serve as an encouragement to both Bronk, the originators, and other companies that embrace the talent and the wherewithal for such an enterprise. One can only live in hope.

onthedot@timesofmalta.com