On the Dot...

There appears to be a convincing argument towards how planting certain types of trees could combat global warming through carbon sequestration. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that the increase in atmospheric CO2 in the industrial era has exerted the largest warming effect on the planet. Reforestation and afforestation projects, in addition, protect the aquifer, and provide a natural habitat for animals. It is better to be safe than sorry, and the 34U campaign is a step in the right direction.

Back Seats

A black Seat Ibiza without number plates was left "abandoned" at the end of Carini Street, Sta Venera, for some weeks. Also, opposite this car is a white van with a wrecked front, being used to store rubbish. Another abandoned truck, with a broken windscreen, has been left for weeks at the end of Triq il-Palazz l-Ahmar. These vehicles take up precious space, besides being an eyesore.

Sweat Dreams

The sweltering heat makes it imperative for people to use the efficient shuttle Park and Ride minibus service in order to get to their vehicles in Floriana. However, the same high temperatures also mean that the insides of the vans, lacking adequate ventilation and with windows sometimes kept shut, provide an uncomfortable short ride. Body heat and the mingling smell of toiletries and perhaps food items, make it an unpleasant experience.

Photo Finishing

Paul Zammit Cutajar has placed second in an international photography contest. This is no mean feat, seeing that there were over 21,800 entries in this competition. This is a great honour for the photographer himself, and also an honour for Malta, which he managed to place on the international map in this sphere as well.

Time Tunnel

If ever proof were needed that the law is asinine, it has been handed to us on a silver platter this week. An alleged killer was granted bail because of a technicality, viz that he had not been issued with a bill of indictment 20 months after being arrested. A set of conditions, it is true, comes attached to this form of liberty, yet, the fact remains that someone is not keeping proper records and acting in time.

Flesh News

In a bid to reduce the incidence of melanoma and other skin conditions, one of the notices in the annual Euro-Melanoma campaign is asking men to cover up merely to protect their skin against the sun's rays. There was a time when it was deemed indecent to walk about the streets semi-naked. Now, apparently, in order to be politely correct we have to find another reason to ask people to cover up their bodies.

Taxing Thoughts

The reforms in the tax laws now mean that thousands of people, including you and the elderly as well as those with relatively low incomes, no longer have to file returns. And neither will they be hit with best of judgement assessments. One hopes this will mean more efficiency in issuing bills and refunds. It is also hoped that statements for different years, for the same person, will be posted in one envelope to save on paper.

Sour Fruit

A hawker has lately started to sell fruits and vegetables all day long in St Dominic Square, Rabat. The spot he has incongruously chosen is right next to a bus stop on a very busy road. This means that car drivers are continually stopping to do their shopping in a no-stopping zone, causing a huge traffic hazard.

Culture Vulture

Some policemen take their duties way too seriously. One of the boys in blue was heard telling teachers in charge of a busload of schoolchildren on their way to St James Cavalier, in Valletta, for Book Week, that they were going to be fined for obstructing traffic. Apparently he expected the driver to park his vehicle in St James ditch from where the children could make their way up the winding passage, or up the street. Fortunately, good sense prevailed.