On the Dot

• The fact that this column has a deadline means that, sometimes, the solution to a problem is actuated before it appears here. A case in point is the pothole that used to be at the corner between Triq l-Università and Triq Salvu Azzopardi, in the Tal-Qroqq area. It is good to see that some local councils eventually do listen to residents.

Holed

• One road surface that has not been repaired is the one leading to Mcast, going uphill to the left (on the side of the college itself). The two large potholes get deeper and wider each time it rains because aggregate that works loose is washed downhill. Thousands of vehicles use that stretch each day, so it is imperative the stretch of road is resurfaced as soon as possible.

Pooled

• Congratulations are due to Clayton Attard, who has been named European Pools Champion. Despite the fact that Malta had four teams taking part in the finals, all of which were beaten by the British national teams, Mr Attard beat the professional British player Carl Morris in the finals.

Named

• Whether you choose to call Malta the Navel of the World or the Nurse of the Mediterranean, the fact remains that during the Libyan crisis obtaining, Malta has once again proved its worth. This has been one of those moments where national unity transcended the political divide.

Disordered

• Chaos rules supreme at the temporary paint-by-numbers bus terminus. The way the arrangements are at present, it would seem they are the result of someone’s bad dream. Commuters risk being run over, bus drivers complain no one told them anything and people’s schedules are being demolished because everyone has to add at least half an hour for bus journeys to and from home or work.

Covered

• Most people did not like the idea of the coverings of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra being so much in contrast to the age-old structures. When push came to shove, they certainly held up to the weather even less. If the temples are to be covered and protected, why is not a fixed, glass, dome-like structure constructed. The shape and material would no doubt not distract from the magnificence of this world heritage site, as the damaged ones did.

Corresponded

• The Labour Party is conducting a drive to recruit new voters in the coming elections to its ranks. In a friendly letter, Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat tells the teenagers he is ready to meet them even if they hold opposing views, or if they are apolitical. He also gives them a contact address. This exercise in public relations will charm some – but it will surely alienate others.

Called

• It would be fairly easy for mobile phone service providers to enable freephone calls on their lines, with the same number, for a worthy cause. This would help people who have no bank accounts or those who have them only with one bank, to donate money when calls for charity are made. Perhaps the first instance where this plan works could be a collection for the people of Libya. The resulting sum could be added to the donations of food parcels and pharmaceuticals for Libya called for by the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU.

Told

• Certain broadcasters appear to suffer, still, from the idea that Maltese is a language fit only for the kitchen. Some words and phrases are uttered in broken English, during Maltese programmes, because, according to them they are goffi (coarse) in Maltese. This is utterly ridiculous. The more the vernacular for words such as to suckle are translated into tibbrestfidja, the more they will be considered uncouth and the less they will be used. Isn’t it time for these people to appreciate their mother tongue more?

Learned

• The ever-increasing number of part-time courses being offered at Mcast is impressive. Most of them are meant to further establish the knowledge and/ or careers of the mature students taking them, some of whom already work in related positions. It would be wonderful were these courses to lead to a degree, even if the number of man-hours making them up had to be increased for those who want them and yet cannot afford to leave their day jobs. After all, they are very similar to correspondence courses, which do allow one to read for a recognisable degree.

Allowed

• The workings of the law courts sometimes leave people wondering how certain judgments differ so widely from those of similar cases. A man who stole a games console and games, presumably for it, was granted bail after he pleaded not guilty. Yet, a man who was charged with stealing from eight cars was remanded in custody.

Quarrelled

• Another reason why people are annoyed with the workings of the law courts is the length of time it takes for even a simple case to have judgment delivered upon it. This is evidenced, for instance, in how the decision about a fight that happened in 2005 was only given now, when it was obvious that it had taken place. No one denies it happened; so what took so long? It’s not as if this involved a contested will involving millions of euros and thousandths of shares.

Paced

• The lava surface of Zachary Street in Valletta was probably not laid well to begin with. Bits are breaking off and several slabs have worked their way loose to the extent that water that has seeped under them can be heard sloshing about even when it is not raining. Grouting, when it is done, is of a colour that does not match, making the whole area look shoddy.