I remember reading that she felt her jawline should be more severe for Medea. I don't doubt that this was at least part of her reasoning for dropping the weight, as she was, as an artist, so dedicated to becoming the characters she played.

I will shame myself by admitting that I watched the first "Paradise Hotel," (I think they might have done a subsequent one, but I just couldn't)and that was also pretty nasty.

Ha, no worries! There are plenty of things I don't know about, and compared to some others, I know relatively little about opera. :)

The tapeworm thing is disputed, I think, as are many aspects of her life! (Sorry you had to deal with one, though...ugh).

Sing on! Powerful instrument you have there. :)

DDN does not sound like a classical singer, to me. Not sure what it is about her, but something is off in the technique. Of course, my opinion is not shared by many who find her wonderful, so whatever.

I do love Netrebko. She has had some major "oops" moments, some lazy habits, etc, but she has always been very committed to her characters and she's never stopped trying to improve her technique. Working with Muti on the Italian spinto rep has really upped her technical game, imo.

Now that many opera houses are showing their productions in HD on screens around the world, the push to find "telegenic" (stupid word) singers in definitely more and more present. (That's not the only factor, but I won't blather on more here!)

Funny thing about Callas, though...there are some recordings of rehearsals/casual singing from near the end of her short life that imply that much of her technique and voice were still there. People close to her have said that she lost her confidence, not her actual instrument. :(

Haha, funny you should say this because the role she sang was Octavian, a young man (older than 10, though). :) Regardless, as an opera fan, I go to hear great singing and see committed acting; I'm not concerned with whether the figure of the singer is exactly reflective of the role. One of the performances that has…

Yeah, I am an opera-lover and thought the same when I saw the Free People thing.

I've not had any real trouble at games, though once, I went with my brother, who was wearing a cap with the opposing team's logo on it (!). A few crumpled wrappers hit his head, but we didn't react. Eventually, a rather drunk guy behind me leaned forward and slurred into my ear,

I'm a fan, ( and obviously, therefore a masochist) but when I attended a game I realized what an amateur I am compared to the members of the Nation. Those people are hard core. I did love seeing the be-skulled and Vadered-out kids. Super cute.

As I've gotten older, I've realized that in general, the simpler an apology is, the better.

There was a fast-moving fire in a big building close to my home a while back, and I watched the firefighters kill it dead with alacrity and precision. There was an amazing choreography to the whole thing. As I watched, I realized how much consideration and preparation everything took, like swinging a ladder laterally.…

I do love that this post brought out all the pun nuts. Made my morning. :)

I've never been to a Chipotle, so did not know about the Foer quotations, but had to star your comment for its pure poetry.

Yes to this whole post!

Hey now, tofu's got rhythm! :P

The frilled lizard version might make sitting easier (or not, but still cool!)...