[drjimmy]

Forgive my nautical ignorance but I don't get the reference.
He's making a flag reference. Only flags flown on ships/boats can be at half mast. From flagpoles on land they are at half staff. It's one of the lessons that has stuck with me from journalism school, and I cringe when I hear/see reporters make this mistake.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Well shiver me timbers! Thanks for the information.