"Leaders will have to give clear and decisive leadership towards a world of tolerance and respect for difference, and an uncompromising commitment to peaceful solutions of conflicts and disputes." Nelson Mandela I just wish more world leaders would heed his words.

Lisbon appears to me as a city of contradictions. Historic buildings nestle on a picturesque waterfront, not far from rundown apartments. Anything that doesn't move fast enough is covered in graffiti. No such thing as a "white" van in Lisbon, as they share the streets with charming historic trams.

Amaretto Virtuoso and a good read while in Lisbon. #agentzo @claremulley.bsky.social

I'd forgotten that to gain entrance to a ship you have to traverse along a gangway high in the air. This is not good when you suffer from acrophobia. Still I am in a cabin with a window and there is a bottle of wine.

Fresh from supporting #Skindred last week, here's Andy from Chasing The Fall behind the bar to tell us about their next gig Ticket link in comments.

In my opinion the "No Kings" movement could equally apply to the UK. The royal family refer to themselves as "the firm", which is also eastend slang for a criminal gang; and the royal court is more secretive than the Kremlin. #notmyking

Codename Colin lived up to their promise. It was a great night but I am now in recovery mode 😂.

👀 oohhhh! News flash! [Sound on]....

Another reason to see Codename Colin at @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social on Saturday 18th October.

Tickets are going fast. This gig is very likely to sell out. So my advice is buy now or regret later!

This is the very model of urban regeneration. It started long before Andy Burnham became Mayor, but he is continuing the process.

Wednesday: Midweek Pints. Thursday: Crib Night (7pm). Friday: It’s An Album Party (7pm) Saturday: Codename Colin  an electrifying, not to be missed, ska-punk band (doors 7:30pm). Sunday: Boardgames (3-6pm). Spooky Pub Quiz (6-8pm) entry £1 per person, max of six to a team.

Looking forward to seeing these guys on Saturday 18 October at @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social

#Crewe town centre looks even more deserted than usual. Did the zombie apocalypse happen while I was asleep? Mind you it's hard to tell the undead from the living nowadays. 🧟‍♂️

I conclude that my left leg, calf muscle to be specific, is living up to its sinister reputation and is punishing me for daring to exercise. 🫤

Getting down to a bit more recording today. Bo Hannson meets Billy Currie?

It seems Lidl now has self-serve checkouts. I know a lot of people object to these, but when you are in a long queue for the till it's a godsend.

One ear has gone on strike, which is a bit unfortunate when you are trying to record something.

This seems appropriate given that we have loonies in charge of two major powers.

Nice to meet up with my friend @mikeaitchy.bsky.social at Crewe Heritage Centre while he was volunteering as a guide in one of the signal boxes. I find the old technology both fascinating and ingenious. It's well worth a visit to see how things used to be done.

I'm taking a break from Facebook the level of toxicity on Zuckerberg's platform is ramping up with orange one's state visit to the UK. I am considering making this permanent.

Violet Cry, Dayve Dean and Jasmine Allen Estate performing live for The Blue Yellows EP launch 'Scribble on a cheat Sheet' - available on a streaming service near you.

Nearly as bad as my flatulence! 💨

Speakeasy shenanigans at Jumpin Jac's Jive Joint. Many cocktails were consumed. 🍸 @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social

Yes, take away the ownership of nationality from the far right bigots. Source: BBC

BBC News - Runaway cat travels over 30 miles to pub - twice! He must have really wanted a pint!

A coffee and raspberry Bakewell slice in #crewe #uk. Although the town centre has been decimated by "progress", there are still some simple pleasures.

The weekend slipped by with a smoked lager and a smokey single malt scotch whiskey. @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social

Slightly hungover after a rather splendid Jamaican Independence Day Celebration at @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social. The booze was soaked up by delicious mac n cheese with jerk chicken, courtesy of The Sunshine Street Food Company. And we all grooved along to some classic reggae. Good time! 😁☀️😎

My local brewery and bar @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social has just been awarded The South Cheshire CAMRA seasonal pub of the year award for summer. It's very well deserved.

Seems like I can't get enough of canals. I'm off to Nantwich Marina for the floating market. Pictures to follow.

I am a ship becalmed in doldrums of my own making; and like the mariners of old, I can either wait for the wind to blow or break out the oars and get going.

Coming soon on the 9th August. Hopefully the Caribbean sunshine will make an appearance.

I had an enjoyable conversation with a much brainier academic friend recently, and we both agreed that not engaging with "ragebait" on social media leads to a happier existence. Good beer also helps. #railwayarches #royalleamingtonspa #craftbeer

This is the reality of the music business in the 21st century.

Let me introduce you to 1C3Y my new cooling droid 😁

Achilles the cat

Tickets at an early bird price of £7 until 6pm, today (10th July)!

Saturday 12th July – Unsigned Crewe 2025 [6pm] Admission £5 TICKETS... www.tomstap.co.uk/product/unsi... XAN SEREGADE WOODHOUSE OSCAR PHILLIPS Limited tickets available, so get yours now to avoid disappointment. In support of St. Paul’s and Body Positive

Ah, the relaxing sound of heavy machinery, outside my living room window, as the council workmen dig up the scenery to construct a "green corridor" into town.

A what's on update with Sean...

OK it's a comic book, but where in real life would we ever find a powerful orange being corrupted by greed?

Caribbean All Dayer @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social. Don't be fooled I was enjoying myself 😂

I gave Starmer the benefit of the doubt, but in my opinion he needs to go and take his idiot advisers with him.

This is what I think when people (myself included) get into petty arguments. It's a storm in a coffee cup. Yes I know it should be tea, but I can't stand the stuff. Oh dear I may lose my UK citizenship for admitting that. It's an AI image. Don't shoot me!

A place I have visited on a few occasions.

Video courtesy of @nocturnelle-events.bsky.social lights and sound by @nexus-9.bsky.social venue @tomstapandbrew.bsky.social

More Fraktal Glass with the light-fantastic