A couple of years ago, on a very hot summer day, I went to a Parisian public pool at the edge of the Bois de Boulogne that was recommended by friends. There was no requirement there for short-haired men to wear a swim cap. However, I was not allowed to enter the pool in my bathing trunks. I was advised that all men must wear Speedo-like swimwear. Since there was no shop on the premises to buy the required garment, because it was so hot that day, and because the water looked so refreshing, I went back into the locker room and turned my trunks inside out, with the lining on the outside. Looking like a clown, I was then allowed into the water. I was later advised that many pools in Paris have this bizarre requirement. Readers of American Way may benefit from this warning.

Daniel Gadish, Boston, Massachusetts

Dear Daniel: You're a braver soul than we are, resigning yourself to looking a little silly in the name of some cool-water refreshment. It took us a long time just to get used to wearing those swim caps in public.

FLOOR IT!
As I sit on the apron at Reagan reading American Way, I write you this quick note of thanks. Earlier this year, in your May 15 issue [UpFront], you had a brief item that featured carpeting from ­InterfaceFlor.

After seeing that item, I checked the company's website and found out that their headquarters was nearby. After meeting their staff, viewing their catalog, and checking­ samples, we purchased flooring for our redone family room. Between two boys and a beagle, we're giving it a good workout, but it looks great and holds up well. Thanks, American Way, for helping out!

Fritz Golman, River Forest, Illinois