I’m better now. But after being chased by swans as a child I was terrified of them for about 20 years. Was once late to work as a swan blocked the canal path and I had to go the long way around to the train station aged about 22. Was too embarrassed to give the reason.

The best TV adaptations - the ones that actually surpass the originals - use the original stuff as inspiration and are happy to change it. Sharpe. Good books, much better TV series.

Sounds about right. 4 bottles is - roughly - 20 days for me and I was a 20 a day smoker when I smoked.

For reference though… 4 * 10ml bottles just cost me £10. The new duty is going to £2.20 (plus VAT) per 10ml. Which feels really excessive to me.

First time buying vape e-liquid since the duty came into effect. No price change at my local vape shop, so must - for the moment - be taking a margin hit. Something of a surprise given the duty is pretty high!

I think that Penguin series is genuinely superb.

Just saw the very sad news that Chris Wickham has died. A superb historian - and a superb writer of engaging history.

They all might react differently to sandpaper.

Bedingham batting. So I guess, as a Durham fan, I’m obliged to support South Africa this morning.

Exactly this. But using some colours is *controversial*. There is an acceptance that non red balls can be used in games under floodlights. There is a debate about whether they should also be used in day time. Lot of play lost over the last couple of days to bad light conditions.

Phrases which make sense to cricket fans and bewilder outsiders: ‘a pink ball day night Test at the Gabba’.

Long pre match discussion of ball colours and their respective properties. Love it.

7+? Surprisingly tricky. Fun.

7+? Surprisingly tricky. Fun.

I love all forms of cricket. But no other sport matches the drama of a top class Test match. So many changing narratives across two days of play so far and another three days to go. Excellent stuff.

Really did surprise me!