That's a huge overstatement. The only cases in which the above applies would be in "pretty person jobs."

I think it depends a lot on the city you work in, the kinds of hours you can get and the kind of restaurant you work in. She serves at 3- & 4-star places and has worked in Chicago and New York. Actually, my younger sister is a long-time server in Chicago as well—she does that job to pay her bills as she pursues a…

I guess what I'd say to this conversation is that a pretty person may have an advantage at hiring for whatever kind of job, but they have to be capable to keep the job and/or move up within the company. So don't assume that someone who is attractive is only successful because of their looks...pretty doesn't…

My sister (who holds two Masters degrees) has been a server coming up on 25 years now. She makes more money a year than many desk jobs (which is why she hasn't made the switch to the "professional" career she's educated for). So how is being a server not a viable career in America?

"Emotional support animal" is a technical term applying to animals that help people with non-physical disabilities (like anxiety, etc.). You would have a letter from a doctor explaining that you need such an animal when you fly (it allows you to travel with the dog in the cabin without paying the fee). Not sure if you…

That was my understanding—my best friend has severe anxiety about flying, so she had her dog certified to be a service dog and cleared for flights. He is technically over the weight limit, but he still fits in the carrier for under the seat. I think there are different guidelines for "true" service animals (i.e., a…

Certified service animals fly for free so long as they meet the size regulations to fit in a carrier for placement under the seat. If your service dog is larger than that, they can still fly in the cabin with you, but you have to buy them a seat.

If the implication here is that the VS models look that way because they are surgically enhanced, you're way off base.

Believe me, I know the feeling of having to qualify yourself 8 ways to Sunday when posting up here. :)

See my reply to the OP above. NY Mag just did an article on this very phenomenon (actresses starting to look "very Hollywood" when a show is successful, specifically using the cast of Girls and Williams as an example).

Williams' weight loss is something that is explicitly acknowledged in the new season of Girls. Marnie is having lunch with her mom and her mom comments on how she's been losing weight. Marnie responds by saying that she's lost weight because of the stress of her breakup, etc.

NY Mag just posted a piece on the 12 "Absolutely Wonderful Moments in lip synching." A surprising inclusion: Pavarotti's performance of "Nessun Dorma" at the 2006 Olympics. Question answered...

I agree, to an extent: for the most part, Opera singers and Broadway performers do their jobs in theaters—a space designed to maximize vocal and musical performances, a hyper-controlled environment (excellent acoustics, an audience that is quiet for the performance, etc.). I think it's probably quite a bit more…

Well, I suppose I'd prefer a live performance that's a bit shaky over a totally polished lip-synched vocal.

Oh, that's great! (And, correcting myself, Kelly sang "My Country 'tis of Thee.")

I'd guess she sang live along to the backing track, thus the earpiece. You could hear a little bit of a echo/double vocal in some broadcasts. Still kinda sucky. Wonder what Kelly Clarkson did for her rendition of America the Beautiful?

I have a problem with the assumption that the women are man-pleasing idiots. Just because they work for an ass doesn't mean they are mindless. Perhaps they are smart women hoping to be agents of change.

The ceremonial aspects and inaugural balls won't happen until today—the kids concert for military families was an exception. No reports on intrigue until tomorrow! Well, unless someone did something untoward at the kids ball...

Lois, depicted in the Superman series as a strong, independent woman far ahead of her time, sometimes flew with Superman for pleasure. This picture looks like a joy ride, not the rescue of a damsel in distress. BTW, just rewatched Superman with Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. That flying scene is mega…

Yes, I get that they're technically analogous. Personally, I just think making a comparison between the motivation of a rape victim to stay quiet and Te'o's situation is belittles the experience of people who have been victims of rape—or any violence, for that matter. We just disagree.