Bermuda is definitely another world.

While parking on Reid Street today, outside of the Bank of Butterfield, I saw that a tree had been issued a parking ticket! Yes, there it was in all its glory, firmly attached to the unsuspecting offender.

I can only look forward to seeing the tree appear in the Traffic Court, what next? TREE HUGGER A few General questions September 20, 2000 Dear Sir, In reference to today's Royal Gazette article: `Sir John thanks General Powell for not dropping the ball' and `being a friend of Bermuda'.

Additionally, XL's Mr O'Hara, ACE's Mr. Duperreault and others among Bermuda's so called business elite have thanked the General for his contribution and assistance to Bermuda throughout the years with special reference to the US-Bermuda Tax Treaty.

What concerns me most is who is General Powell really a friend of? Other than adding support to Sir John's political revitalisation, is he a friend of big business or the Government of this Island and its people? If so, can someone please ask him to read the article concerning the baseland clean up when he reads the impressive article and comments about himself.

Apparently, since he is `someone that can get things done' and a friend of Bermuda, why has he not being asked to assist us? Shouldn't he be consulted regarding the baselands, or is our issue not politically correct for him to defend? Can I assume that he is a friend of our new Government as well! CONCERNED Ps, Oh, by the way Mr. O'Hara, America is not ready to accept a Black president as yet.

Reward work ethic September 21, 2000 Dear Sir, With regard to the long-term resident backlash and current trend to blame outsider workers on all of Bermuda's problems, let's cut the emotions and get down to the facts.

Foreign workers do not take anything from Bermudians. Either through a shortfall in education, experience, skills or a lack of motivation, Bermudians who cannot or will not fulfil jobs are only providing an opportunity to outside workers to work in a position that is required within the context of the Bermuda economy.

The accumulation of wealth by those foreigner workers is a result of their individual dedication, personal choice of lifestyle and their ability to conserve.

The vocal Bermudians who have expressed outrage should not be angry at the foreign workers, but should blame themselves.

If they had educated themselves, had a strong work ethic, and made life-long commitments similar to the outsider, they too could have achieved prosperity and success in the workplace.

The resentment being expressed is the response to envy of others.

Anyone who has contributed to the economy in a positive manner over a long time, has been an asset to society, and will not be a burden in the future, should be awarded status.

They have earned it through their efforts for the betterment of all Bermudians.

REWARD THE WORKERS! Stretching my patience September 21, 2000 Dear Sir, To my dearest bungie cord thief My new bungie cord is now ready for your collection, tied to the back of my bike as usual (you know the drill).

It would be most conventient for me if you would steal -- I mean pick up -- my new bungie cord after this weekend as I am busy moving and will not have time to go to Oleander with TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS to get another one for you until next week.

JUANITA BROADBENT Smiths Flip side of the story September 19, 2000 Dear Sir, I am writing this letter in reference to yesterday's article on the front page of The Royal Gazette : "Government to Investigate Nursery School''.

I was very interested in what was said in this article because my child (who is three years old) attends this school.

As far as I can see, Southampton Early Learning Centre is a great nursery. I say this because I have seen a profound development in my child within the last year that she has attended there. She has developed all of the skills that a child should develop at this age.

I have a very close relationship with my daughter whereas we are always talking, and right up to this very day she gives me a summary of the day's events and I can promise you I have never heard anything negative come out of my daughter's mouth concerning her school -- (trust me she will tell me if she does not agree or like something).

She looks forward going to school everyday. Even if we drive across the nursery, she would say: "That's my school daddy! Look at my school!'' and then she would tell me about an experience (positive) that she had had at school.

Every morning I drop her off the children are well behaved, engaging in activities and as soon as they see my daughter or another child walk in, they all say "Good Morning'' (now that is something that puts a smile to my face every morning, young children using their manners without anybody having to remind them).

The environment is always clean, which is very important when it comes to hygiene.

I am not a child expert, but I am a PARENT. The staff at Southampton Early Learning Centre are some of the best people I have every come into contact with. They are very courteous, pleasant to be around, and talk to whether you are a parent or a kid.

As far as I am concerned, they have my child's best interest at heart. They always keep me informed with what is going on in the school. They call me to let me know if anything happens.

If my daughter and I are anywhere in public and she sees one of her teachers she doesn't hesitate to acknowledge any one of them with a smile. As far as that `closed door' incident, I have never had to worry about it because I have always looked at it as security measure (keep any Tom, Dick or Harry from just walking in a place where there are a lot of toddlers).

As far as I am concerned, I am very pleased with Southampton Early Learning Centre as a school. It has produced a lot of good children that I have watched grow up in the past, including my daughter now.

From what I can see they are a good contribution to child development whether it be socially or morally.

For those parents who voiced their concerns, I am not knocking you and I am not saying that you are wrong, you do have every right to be concerned about your child's well being.

That is why I wrote this letter; to show people that there are two sides to everything whether it be good or bad. So I pray those concerned parents and for The Southampton Early Learning Centre and hope that this will come to rest.

LOVING FATHER Taking literate licence September 18, 2000 Dear Sir, Two of your front page headlines in today's issue: `Forecasters fooled by fast-moving Florence' and `Leaders lament Labour Day lethargy' indicate there is a alliterator on the loose in your office.

Very colourful language. I suggest he be given free rein to compose more of these amusing captions.

PETER WILLCOCKS It won't be forgotten Dear Sir, Lest your readers become disheartened that their Island has become too much like the rest of the world -- and that most of the news is bad news -- I wanted to use your paper to thank an anonymous friend for a good deed.

Tuesday afternoon, while visiting St. George's, I left my scooter unattended and (unfortunately) with the key in plain view.

When I returned hours later, someone had discreetly draped a cover over the key (using a shoe I had left in the basket) to prevent my obvious error from becoming a grievous and expensive one.

Thanks to someone in particular and to all of those whose similar deeds go unrewarded.

JAMES HAYS Atlanta, Georgia