A blissful reminder that there’s Test cricket on the way

And once more for Wilko's birthday

Expectation is self-defeating. Sport runs on Hope.

The committee at Great Western Railway which signed off the installation of their mean hard seats should be made to sit on them for three hours, plus delays, every day. GWR

James Burke investigates the Apollo 11 Command Module.

Niche call, but what are the odds for Lydia Hislop being tapped up as Chair of the BHA? Lydia Hislop Nick Luck British Horseracing Authority

If gambling is wicked and politics is venal, double down and get the best of both with Bet The House, top tips for the US and UK elections. Analysis, gossip and reasoned hunches with Nick Luck, Neil Channing and guests podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nic…

At last, a manifesto for contentment. “Our past and future does not change by endlessly dwelling upon it. Surely the key to some kind of happiness rests in learning how to enjoy life in the moment and for its own sake.” Andrew Doyle open.substack.com/pub/andrewdoyl…

I’m organising a Stag.

If trigger warnings on Fringe comedy are to be fully inclusive they need to warn that the show might not be funny. The Times view on Edinburgh Fringe alerts: Trigger Happy thetimes.com/article/de152f…

School fees still a worry for some people…

No money for anyone; banks, government, you & me. The system has evaporated. BBC Radio Drama production of Money Gone by Naked Productions Tᴏɴʏ Cʜᴜʀɴsɪᴅᴇ, gets nominated for a PrixEuropa.

Woolwich ad giving us a masterclass in single, double and triple takes.

The Alex cartoon strip has been ahead of the satirical curve since 1985. alexcartoon.com

Prog Rock band YES, in a bid still to be progressive, are rebranding as “100%”

Publicity Heaven 2/ Whenever a celebrated actor is photographed with a celebrated sport star, the actor looks excited and the sport star slightly bemused.

Elton John at the Palace, from Craig Brown’s new book “A Voyage Around The Queen” 4th Estate Books HarperCollinsUK

The sign “All our meat is locally sauced” doesn’t inspire confidence.

Four bands in a hot air balloon. Three have got to go - who stays?