Monday found their flag flapping upside down.

It was reminiscent of the 1992 World Series, when a US Marine Colour Guard marched into Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia with the Canadian maple leaf wrong way up.

"It brings back memories of other things that have gone on that we don't want to remember,'' said Mrs. Gwen Hadley of Milton, Ontario, a regular visitor to Bermuda with her husband Oz.

"This is the first time we've had that kind of reception.'' Mr. George Smith, general manager of the West End Development Corporation, was all apologies.

"We do on occasion get called out for flying the British flag upside down,'' Mr. Smith said. "But the Canadian flag is very difficult to put upside down.

"I'll tell my flag raisers they have to pay special attention to it.'' *** US President Bill Clinton apparently believed that he was holding onto a valuable American supporter by having an autographed photo of himself rushed off to an irate collector this week.

The Royal Gazette understands the President had cut back on responding to such requests because of a shortage in staff.

But a blunt letter from Bermudian autograph hound Mr. Leon Edmead to former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers quickly changed that.

In his letter Mr. Edmead, who has the autographs of several prominent leaders including former US presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush, made it clear that he was quite upset about not being able to obtain President Clinton's autograph.

And he told Ms Myers if he did not receive a favourable response, he would no longer support Clinton on anything.

Shortly after this Ms Myers had a letter and autographed photo of the President sent off.

In the letter dated December 13, 1994 to Mr. Edmead, she wrote: "I appreciate your taking the time to write. Input from Americans is valued by both the President and by those of us on his staff. I have forwarded your request for a Presidential letter to the President's Office.

"I have enclosed an autographed photo.

"Thank you again for your support.'' Needless, to say Mr. Edmead was pleased with his accomplishment.

Ms Meyers resigned from her post about a week later...

*** Placing lost turtles has recently become a specialty at The Royal Gazette .

A story on Monday on a stranded tangerine-sized turtle prompted a number of calls from concerned turtle owners.

It appeared that heavy rain before Christmas caused outdoor tanks and ponds to overflow, allowing the sneaky amphibians to test their flippers and chances of survival in the wild.

However, identifying the critters over the phone proved to be a problem.

Since fruit appeared to be the instrument of measure, it seemed logical to continue in the same vein.

"So your turtle is bigger than a tangerine and smaller than a grapefruit?'' asked the assigned reporter.

But in deference to the sensitivities of the bereaved turtle owner, the issue wasn't pursued to its inevitable conclusion.

"Your turtle looked like an orange?''