You really can't help smiling when you see polka dots -- they're so perky and fresh and cheerful.  They pop up on clothing racks as predictably in spring as jonquils in the garden. If you think polka dots are "just for girls" then you'd be wrong.  Men wear them on ties and discreet accessories.  Some men would do almost anything to sport them, such as the Polka Dot Jersey that goes to the best climber of the Alps and Pyranees in the Tour de France bicycle race.  Why is the jersey spotted?  The year the jersey and its attendant honor were created, the sponsor of the race was chocolate maker Poulain -- and the trademark wrappers used for its confections are polka dotted.  (Now you know!) Whether you're wearing them because you love them, or you're King of the Mountain on a bike, we'll be happy to make sure the only spots on your clothes are the ones they're supposed to have. See you soon! Ed and Mary Longanecker Iris City Cleaners and Laundering Company Tip of the Week Dotted fabrics can be difficult to keep looking good because of the high color contrast that gives the design its punch. Any bleeding of one color onto the other spells disaster. Professional care will help the spots stay where they belong. Spot-On Savings! You can't resist those perky polka dots in spring... but neither can your cup of coffee or that spaghetti sauce.  The key to good stain removal is prompt cleaning, so let us go after the spots (the right ones, that is).  Have four regular items drycleaned and we'll do a polka dotted one at no charge. (Include first page of this email with your order. Offer expires April 26, 2004.  Cannot be combined with other offers.) The Fun Spots of Life Life would probably be just a tiny bit less interesting if they'd never invented Polka Dots.  Those little unexpected flashes of color or white bring interest to even the most mundane objects.  They can be fashion statements, home decor accents, even political expressions.  Polka Dots originated in the 1840s when the Polka first swept America.  Like so many of the dance crazes that would come after it, the name of the polka was quickly grafted into the popular culture of the day.  There were polka hats, polka curtain bands, polka gauze... and of course, polka dots.  The only term that has survived is polka dot (aren't you glad?) There are superstitions about polka dots.  For instance, in the Philippines, it is said that if you wear polka dots on New Year's, your pockets will be full of coins soon.  The link between dots and coins is a natural one to make, and some traditional Italian coin banks are covered with dots to represent the coins that are sure to follow. Dots as Decor If you like polka dots for accent items in your home, just put "polka dots" into your favorite search engine and you'll be treated to a feast of items.  Some of those above that we found: Sunny tea set with three-dimentional dots, great for a bright afternoon on the patio. Tall drink of dots glassware, to add a touch of whimsy to any party. (They're even nice enough to tell you the drink's not included with your purchase.) Child's night stand do-it-yourself dot project from Disney to make your little one's room full of energy and color. Polka dotted pear bean bag chair.  They seem to have solved that annoying problem of bean bags not having a place to rest your back comfortably. Fender Buddy Guy Polka Dot Signature Stratocaster guitar -- could just be your ticket to the big time. Terramundi money pots -- the only way to get the money out is to break the pot, but if you do it carefully you can use what's left for a planter (or so they say.) Polka Dots as Political Sentiment One homeowner in Georgia decided to voice his opinion when he was turned down by the Historic Preservation Commission on his request to put a rounded front stoop on the house he was renovating.  He called in the painters and had the whole place painted neon green with purple polka dots.  (Bet the Committee liked that even less than the idea of -- gasp! -- a rounded front stoop!) Neighbors who supported his stand painted polka dots on trees or (in one case) said the spots "just appeared" on an addition they were putting on their home (wink, wink). No, we didn't make this up!  Here's the proof from the Atlanta Journal Constitution: "How do you like it now?" story. "Avondale Estates' 'pox' " story. We are enormously appreciative of the opportunity to share our weekly newsletters with you.  We feel that much of the content is valuable for anyone who purchases fine clothing and is interested in their preservations and cleaning. Click on the symbol to the right if your would like to send this and future newsletters to a friend. Thanks a million, Ed and Mary The Iris City Cleaners Connection is a weekly news letter dedicated to the interest of fine garment care, restoration, and conservation.  It is published in Mt Pleasant, Iowa by Iris City Cleaners and is an extension of our services described in www.iriscitycleaners.com        Info@iriscitycleaners.com 211 W Washington St. Mount Pleasant, IA 52641-2147 phone: (319) 385-9707 Privacy Policy/Terms of Service Copyright 2000-2004 by Iris City Cleaners and Laundering Company.. You must obtain written permission to use any content on this page.