Today’s batch of burning questions, my smart-aleck answers and the real deal:

Question: In the news recently, there was a clip of a mail carrier throwing a package over a fence in Florida. I live in West Asheville, and my carrier drives a white postal truck. However, she wears Daisy Dukes and tank tops most of the time. I have also noticed around Asheville other mail carriers with crazy color hair, tons of exposed tattoos, gauges in their ears and just ratty/dirty clothes on. I thought all mail carriers had to wear a standard uniform? If not, is there at least a set length on shorts? If she has to bend over to pick up a package, she is going to be delivering a view along with the mail. What are the standards for Postal Service personnel’s appearance?

My answer: I'm here to say I have never formally complained about Daisy Dukes at any point in my life.

Real answer: On another note entirely, I noticed recently our UPS driver has a neatly trimmed beard these days, so even Big Brown has updated its once-strict "no facial hair" policy.

But I digress. Back to the U.S. Postal Service, with answers provided by spokesman Philip Bogenberger.

"All postal employees are expected to maintain a professional standard of appearance and be dressed to safely and properly perform their duties," Bogenberger said. "City carriers are required to wear a postal uniform. Rural carriers are required to dress professionally and appropriately for weather conditions, but are not required to wear a postal uniform."

It sounds like managers might offer some reminders to workers.

"Our employee dress requirements will be reinforced with carriers," Bogenberger said.

The Postal Service has a plethora of information about uniforms on its website, which you can find here: https://about.usps.com/manuals/elm/html/elmc9_009.htm

In part, it states, "Uniforms are provided to certain employees" for several reasons, including for immediate visual identification as a Postal Service worker, and, "To project an appearance to the public that is neat, professional, and pleasing."

Under "Appearance," the site notes, "Postal employees are responsible for being adequately and properly dressed for duty. They are expected to maintain high standards of appearance, representing to the public the best tradition of service and efficiency while performing their official duties. Uniform garments should be properly fitted and maintained in a clean, neat, and serviceable condition. Jeans, shorts, sleeveless tops, T–shirts, sweats, spandex, etc., are not appropriate attire for employees working at a retail counter. This list is not meant to be exhaustive."

Question: Do the WLOS news anchors choose their own outfits, or do they have a stylist? Darcel Grimes is always dressed like it is minus 25 degrees outside and it is winter. Last night she had a heavy black leather outfit on — so not in season.

My answer: If their office is like ours, it's freezing in summer and roasting hot in the winter, so dressing for the opposite season makes perfect sense.

Real answer: "We do periodically hire consultants to come in to advise our on-air folks, but ultimately they choose for themselves what they wear on TV," said Joe Fishleigh, general manager at WLOS-News 13.

On a personal note, I once observed a newscast (actually a congressional debate) in the WLOS studio, and they do keep it pretty chilly in there, so black leather isn't really so crazy when the A/C is pumping.

This is the opinion of John Boyle. To submit a question, contact him at 232-5847 or jboyle@citizen-times.com