Monthly Archives: January 2012

The world’s most expensive lump of yeast (Rousse)

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Dreamaticus

Belle and I had a desperate need for live yeast. Convinced that we’d find some in one of the breweries off Dalry Road, we set off from my flat in two separate taxis. I climbed into the one that had … Continue reading →

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Britpop and a transvestite boyfriend (Belle)

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Dreamaticus

In the middle of a power cut, in which south east London was plunged into total darkness, I played chicken with the local girl gangs. No matter how many times I ran up to them and tweaked their noses, they … Continue reading →

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How to improve your REF 2014 ranking (Rousse)

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Dreamaticus

Once again, at the airport I bumped into someone I hadn’t seen for ages. This time it was MH. Our last encounter had been over quarter of a century ago on the campus of the University of Birmingham. We spent … Continue reading →

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Rousse’s nocturnal accident

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Dreamaticus

Lost in the dark in Holyrood Park, I fell into a bog. NB this Dreamaticus was related to TPR in the middle of the night by Rousse. Rousse herself has no recollection of it.

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The girl with the dragon tattoo is an Outer Hebridean alien (Rousse)

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Dreamaticus

Lisbeth Salander was just one of the surprises at the guest house on the Isle of Lewis. Also packed in with the “regular” guests were my nephew PF and his sister AF, Mikael Blomkvist (on hand to help Lisbeth track … Continue reading →

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‘Sherlock’ at the fish olympics (Belle)

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Dreamaticus

I stood on the quayside watching Benedict Cumberbatch, (as Sherlock) participate in the Fisherman Olympics. Not only were competitors asked to compare their ‘bucket o’fish’ (squids scored double) but the rules required them to repeatedly sink to their knees and … Continue reading →

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A mystery shop and a disappearing pie (Belle)

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Dreamaticus

I had walked past the ‘mystery shop’ several times now and finally my curiosity got the better of my shyness. There was no clue whatsoever as to what this shop was – no sign above the door, no branding and … Continue reading →

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Snogs for shoes (Rousse)

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Dreamaticus

Why was this always happening to me? I’d show someone a little kindness and the next thing they expected was a snog. In this case it wasn’t the usual hardship: I quite fancied S. I explained to him, however, that … Continue reading →

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Cousins versus a phone call at St Pancras Station (Rousse)

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Dreamaticus

I took AM’s phone call just a few steps from where I last left her in the Betjeman Arms at St Pancras Station. We chatted amiably until my attention was distracted by the comings and goings of a group of … Continue reading →

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The shame of Jonathan Ross’ brother’s criminal career (Rousse)

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Dreamaticus

My sister J was a criminal mastermind. Her two children served as the key members of her gang. My mentor – who would eventually become my partner provided that I proved myself – was one of Jonathan Ross’ brothers (although … Continue reading →

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