TheCleaners.net

It's hard to live in this world without getting steamed up about things from time to time. Health experts say that blowing off the stress is better than keeping it inside -- but how do you do that without landing in trouble? This week, we're pointing you at some of the culprits of increased blood pressure -- your elected representatives. How do you find them? How can you talk to them and get your point across? What can you do if you don't see change for the better? We've got it -- so read on.

We also want to keep those collars you get hot under in good shape, so you'll find tips in that regard, as well.

See you soon!

Jim Nixon
www.thecleaners.net

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Keep Your Shirt On!
These days, less casual shirts are still "in" at the office --if you couple them with a jacket or otherwise dress them up to make them more suitable to a business environment. Your casual shirts will jump a level on the corporate ladder when they're professionally finished, so this week you can have any amount of regular drycleaning done and we'll launder or dryclean a shirt at no charge.
(Include first page of this newsletter with coupon with your order. Offer expires Sept. 5, 2004. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

Constructive Anger

Sometimes you're so angry you just have to tell somebody.  It might be something you saw on the news, or heard on the radio, or read in the paper.  But suddenly, you know that something must be done!

The backbone of our nation is the right to voice opinions.  Attached to that backbone are the ribs of representative government -- your local officials, state representatives and US legislative members.  When was the last time you took action instead of just ranting about the problem?  You really CAN make a difference, if you go about it the right way.

How-to for Hot Heads

Put the steam out by contacting the appropriate person to handle whatever it is that has you boiling mad.  Here are some tips.

• Find the right target.  If your issue is local in nature (bad storm drains that back up, or noise from a new commercial development) you need to address those concerns to a local department or agency.  If it's a state-wide issue, go to your elected state representatives.  If it's national or international in scope, you'll be aiming your message at Washington itself.
  • Local departments: check the blue pages of your phone book.  Call for addresses or e-mail contacts if they aren't listed.
  • State representatives, Governor: The internet can get you the right contacts.  Try the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which includes a locator form based on your zip code.
  • National representatives: Find your Senator through the US Senate website; Representatives through the US House website; Other government officials (including President, Supreme Court, etc.) through the Write Elected Officials website set up by Congress. 
• Gather the facts.  If you want action, you'll need to explain all the pertinent information as succinctly as possible.  Have it available when you write.
• Decide on your mode of communication.  These days, after the anthrax scare, there is very little postal mail that gets through to Congress without rigorous inspection (and often, lengthy delay.)  Phone calls are good if the issue is pressing, but e-mail is better still, since your message is printable and can be easily responded to.
• Write calmly.  You may be crazy over something, but sounding like you are will not get you the action you hope for.  Write a draft, then go back and take out all the emotional words, exclamation points, and other things that might cause your letter to be ignored.  If you have trouble staying calm over the issue, get a friend or family member to write it for you -- one who is not as incensed as you.
• Keep track of your contacts and their replies.  It helps to be able to say to the next person on your list, "Senator So-and-so has already worked on this and suggested I contact you, as well."

The other key to getting the attention of your officials?  VOTE!  And for that, you need to be registered. 

• You can get registered at your local library (the American Library Association says that over three quarters of a million people have done so at their local library) and also get lots of other helpful information for contacting your representatives, including information on local issues, absentee ballot information, elected officials' voting records, and much more.  Check out the ALA website for details.
• Other sites to help you get registered include the Declare Yourself website, and others available on the internet.  Put "voter registration" in your favorite search engine.
• Get others to vote by signing them up.  There is a National Mail Voter Registration Form that will help people vote who might not otherwise make it to the polls.  Find out more on the Federal Election Commission website.

Strangle Hold?

Remember those old commercials for "ring around the collar" -- and the agast expressions on people's faces when someone with a grimy ring inside their collar entered the room? People may not make as big a deal about it as they used to, but those ugly rings are still a fashion faux pas.

Here are some quick tips for avoiding the stares:

• Obviously, frequent cleaning of garments will help to prevent rings from forming. It will also prolong the life of your clothing. Our stain experts can keep your neckline pristine when garments are regularly cleaned.
• Adjust your collars as necessary. That means if they're too tight, moving the button might save you both a ring and a pain in the neck.
• Try some of the popular collarless shirts for a change of pace. No need for a tie, either!
• If you wear scarves, try slipping one inside your collar instead of always wearing them on the outside of your clothing.
• Don't forget the accessories. Ties are on top of your collar, but they can pick up stains and perspiration residue, as can scarves. We can not only clean them expertly, but treat them to make them more moisure-resistant.