Whisper, whisper

I LIKED the Sunday ad for an online English teacher, one of the application requirements being 'must have a high-speed internet connection at home (At least 2mbps)'.

Well, in my experience, I'd say that disqualifies everyone in the Davao Region, wouldn't you? 2 mbp? My SmartBro usb doodah averages a download speed of 30-40 kbps -- between disconnections every 15 minutes -- meaning that I download nothing;in fact I bought P200 worth of load this morning and have since spent a couple of hours looking at 'downloading data from.....' in the corner of the screen but no actual
downloading going on. And have you noticed how the signal vanishes a few minutes before the half-hour? Is this a ploy to get us to try and reconnect (P10) a few seconds in front of when the half-hour clicks in and we clock up another P10?

As for Globe Tattoo - have you seen their TV advert ? 'Live without limits'. Oh, hold me up someone. (And why is Globe hanging ten-foot-long ad banners on utility poles in Buhangin? Isn't there a city ordinance prohibiting that?)

Meanwhile, from around a corner and as quietly as possible the TMC has once again been whispering threats at sidewalk vendors. Ignore the sidewalk one third/two thirds rule at your peril as there's been complaints,we'll confiscate your tackle.

Well, yes TMC, there's been complaints from pedestrians that 'they could no longer walk on the sidewalk' as long as I can remember -- say twenty years -- but nothing happens does it ? Right now -- Monday -- there's a monstrous great sign announcing a store opening completely blocking the sidewalk opposite the SSS building in Bajada.

And smack next to a pedestrian lane which must be one of the busiest in the town (SSS and hospital). The sign has been there at least a week and yet has anyone from the TMC demanded it be moved so that pedestrians don't have to dodge about on J.P. Laurel Avenue ? NO !!!

But, if you listen hard, you'll hear a murmur coming from deep within TMC headquarters and,hush,what was that ? The TMC will 'not hesitate' to remove stuff 'defying' the sidewalk one third/two thirds rule ? Pull the other one -- better still take a stroll down Uranguyen or San Pedro.You'll have to walk in the road of course.

Meanwhile, in Tuesday's paper, 'The establishment of pilot bike lanes in the city will enable the City Government to fulfil its mandate to green the city and ensure sustainable development similar to other cities in the country'.Isn't that great? At last.....wait a moment....that's Cebu,not Davao.Silly me.Thinking that our honourables had finally gotten around to resuscitating the long-dormant bicycling
ordinance. Thinking that they actually care about the future of the city rather than concreting over more and more greenfields with malls and carparks.

Lastly lastly and the 14th National Lawyers Convention golf tournament was set to open Monday at the Apo Golf and Country Club. The organisers think that what with appeals,objections and motions to recess the 18 hole tournament should wind up in about four to five
months.