We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
Made it to L'eliser d'amore (1836) today with buddies. The ultimate opera buffa with the silliest story ever, based on Tristan and Isolde. It's just about a platform for Donizetti's divine music. He wields a light hand in this opera, so the cast can do their thing. This is pop music
When Toscanini first heard Caruso sing this aria, it is told that he commented "If this Neapolitan keeps this up, he will become famous." Here's Pavarotti with Una furtiva lagrima: