Bonwit Linnell is sheets ahead of the rest of us, as our picture shows.

And, you could say, there's no flagging in his efforts.

Linnell caused a fair few upward glances this week when he draped a $200 Bermuda flag outside his home at the corner of Trinity Church Road and North Shore Road in Bailey's Bay.

Underneath the Bermuda crest he had written "NO'', hoping motorists would have no doubt where his feelings lay -- directly opposite to the pro-Independence flag flown before TV cameras at the Test cricket match in Barbados last week.

"I wasn't defacing the flag, I just wanted to make it clear I was against Independence at this time,'' Mr. Linnell explained this week.

A bold gesture, some might say. And certainly a sign of the times, given the raging controversy about cutting ties with the mother country.

Another sign of the times was to follow, however.

For just hours later some light-fingered swine tore down the natty emblem and made off with it.

Undeterred, Mr. Linnell immediately replaced the flag with this home-made creation pictured above.

And, as far Notebook is aware, his message still stands...uncensored! *** Was it a case of poor lighting or poor eyesight? As the Chief Justice, the Hon. Mr. Austin Ward proceeded with the monthly arraignments session this week, he came across the case of Dwayne Troy Symonds who was last year charged with throwing sulphuric acid "with intent to burn, maim, disfigure or disable'' taxi driver Henry William Santucci on or about April 22.

Symonds was bailed in the sum of $1,000 bail last year.

Mr. Ward ordered him to return to court on May 1 for mention.

"Remanded in custody,'' he added quickly before moving on to the next case.

And Symonds, who was wearing a bright red turtle neck shirt, was escorted away by prison officers who accompanied him in the dock.

But vigilant lawyers Mr. Mark Pettingill and Ms Sharon Kenny looked at each other in disbelief.

Mr. Pettingill jumped to his feet while Symonds was called back into the dock.

"Your Honour, I believe he is on bail,'' Mr. Pettingil said.

"Oh,'' the Chief Justice solemnly replied. "His shirt looked like it was publicly issued.'' Remand prisoners wear a bright orange uniform.

Perhaps prison authorities should consider changing inmates' attire, the Supreme Court should improve lighting in its main courtroom, or the Chief Justice should consider investing in a new pair of eyeglasses to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing situation! *** Perhaps nobody comes in for more gratitude than tough talking criminal lawyers who negotiate down prison sentences and/or hefty fines for their delighted clients.

But in the rapture of victory, it appears the newly discharged are inclined to direct their exuberance toward the objects of their release.

Last week, a woman let off the hook in Magistrates' Court for a minor offence could contain her joy no longer once she got out of court.

She grabbed attorney Miss Victoria Pearman -- gave her an enormous bear hug and a resounding kiss.

The suprised, but no doubt flattered lawyer was nevertheless seen discreetly wiping off the remnants of the sticky token of appreciation before returning to court.

SIGN OF THE TIMES -- With this home-made banner, Mr. Curtis Linnell found his own way to get his anti-Independence message across to the public this week.