On the Dot

But how can the chairman of Mepa have the cheek to call a press conference to announce a boycott of a pro-environment lobby group? Who's next on the official boycott list? His board should have resigned in protest!

Fine FAIR

The National Euro Changeover Committee is so vociferous! It must be spending loads of money on propaganda. Yet, not a single sentence about the fine imposed on an outlet for alleged incorrect dual display. Is it a case of one's bark being a lot worse than one's bite?

Royal To-Do

It could have been because the feral pigeons were making a mess that had to be cleaned regularly. It could have been that vandals kept taking pot shots and there was a risk of the monument being spoiled. Whatever the reason why the bust atop the door on the façade of the Hamrun primary school is now behind a cage of wire netting, the fact remains that it looks ridiculous.

Go-Go

Go Mobile has now revamped its website to make it more user-friendly and attractive. Meanwhile, cellular phone owners may receive the lotto or Super Five draws by placing a call that would inform them of the outcome of one of the draws. Why not both, at that price?

Rough Terrain

A few years ago, the roughly triangular plot between Fleur de Lys Junction and Borg Street, in Birkirkara, was cleared of weeds and building rubble, on the premise that it was going to be used as a parking lot before being built up. To date, nothing has been done about it; albeit cars still park there. But children cutting across it on their way to school have been known to fall and injure themselves quite often.

Peace Train

A lot was said, but very little was done, about the question of offering commuters shelter from the elements as they wait for buses at the Valletta City Gate bus terminus. Despite the vagaries of the weather, plans to provide temporary shelter are still on hold. One would think that the whole area has to be razed to the ground and rebuilt before basic canopies, at least, between the kiosks are erected.

Fare Enough

Mention of public transport must, of course, include the fact that nowhere are complete lists of route bus numbers, approximate times of departure, and, most importantly, fares, exhibited. Moreover, is it permissible for drivers to sell the old-fashioned type of ticket of the type they detach from packs?

Poll Tax

Once upon a time there was an independent counsellor who ranted against the praxis embraced by political parties. Lo and behold, these principles were forgotten because it was suddenly deemed that a party that stands for all that is good is the best way to go about things. Is this a case of "if you can't beat them, join them"? Or is it simply practising the prerogative of changing one's mind?

Gate keepers

The road between Hompesch Gate, still boasting its faux turf, to the well-kept private millhouse, leading to the Bulebel industrial estate and the MIA, is in a shambles. This road becomes a tributary each time it rains. The central strip is also gradually crumbling into rubble.

Dog Gone

Which is the NGO or government entity that is ultimately responsible for animal welfare? It is high time that the crowded, unsanitary, and often smelly conditions in pet shops are investigated. Animals are sometimes obviously ill, despite being exposed for sale.

Rocket Science

Some weeks ago, this column complained that it was becoming more and more difficult to expect a packet of milk to live up to the simple promise "open here". The situation has gone from bad to worse. Packets now appear to be sealed with a super-adherent type of pressure-glue that makes it impossible to open them without a sharp pair of scissors.

Pulse Rates

The European Union's Telecom Council has approved plans to cap roaming charges. This means that the cost of using a mobile phone while abroad is set to go down. However, seeing that the vast majority of people use their mobile homes for island-to-island calls, and not when abroad, this is only a superficial gift. One would have appreciated much more were cards for cellular phones to be accorded their full value, rather than having tax shaved off them before they can be utilised.