Actually, an opera that is contemporaneous is Massenet’s “Werther”, based on Goethe’s novella, which would be perfect material but depending on where the character is it may not have been available. It would normally take a few years for operas to diffuse globally in those days.

Alternatively, and if you really want to get the waterworks going, “Ah non credea mirarti” from Bellini’s “La Sonnambula”. It’s one of the most heartbreaking pieces ever written, and Bellini’s grave has the melody of it inscribed on it (he died tragically young, and music is the poorer for it).

“Quanto è bella, quanto è cara” from Donizetti’s “L’elisir d’amore”. Not strictly contemporaneous (from earlier 19th century), but well known. It’s the lead tenor pining for the soprano who he feels unworthy of.

I checked, it was 2006. The year I played in a 3am poker tournament at Treasure Island and lasted long enough to make it to the buffet breakfast. 2007 I was in Atlanta being physically restrained from crash tackling Jack Canfield on stage for promoting pseudoscience. But that’s another story.

The starter pack of boots, jersey, koozie and painkillers are in the mail. Your local club will be in touch. 😂

DTS is definitely edited to create drama. That’s not to say that there aren’t interesting storylines and controversies, but they play out in a way that isn’t usually as dramatic as Netflix might make out.

Hope you're doing alright mate.

Thanks mate, the power company reckons it will be out until 2130, but they have a good record of fixing it quickly so hopefully they will get it fixed soon.

Must be a Dennington thing 🤣

@justjim.bsky.social you got power on your side of town? (for all those watching, this is just an average hot and/or windy day in Warrnambool)

Seriously, I've had to tackle 150kg+ players in rugby, I've had my collarbone broken in a collapsed ruck, my shoulder was dislocated multiple times in my career, and I once played half a rugby game unable to feel/move anything in my lower left arm. But I still won't wear that shirt out of fear.

Seriously, the fact that this machine runs at all is in violation of the laws of physics. The charger cable is held together with duct tape, 3d printed strain relief, and misplaced hope. I found it dumped in a backyard by a former resident, covered in dirt and dew.