Tag Archives: PhD

Apple Mac con man scam (Rousse)

Posted on November 1, 2025 by Dreamaticus

I should have trusted my instincts when the man struck up a conversation with me at the bridge. Instead, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and fell for his charm. Before long I was lifting up the screen … Continue reading →

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Boss cuddles naughty magician (Rousse)

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Dreamaticus

A former PhD student of mine asked if I would support her over a difficult issue at work. I gladly agreed to help her avoid the sack, but without realising the extent of her problem. She just couldn’t behave politely … Continue reading →

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PhD poser (Rousse)

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Dreamaticus

I had never heard a voicemail greeting like this before. My sister J started her message in the conventional way, then launched into a long diatribe about the recruitment of PhD students. Very few of her friends, if any, would … Continue reading →

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John Humphrys’ retirement celebrations with Bernard Cribbins (Rousse)

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Dreamaticus

John Humphrys spent much time chatting to me at his retirement party. He posed for a photograph with me and my American PhD students. They had no idea of his identity. I also spotted Bernard Cribbins amongst the guests. He … Continue reading →

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An almost doctor (Rousse)

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Dreamaticus

My sister S revealed that she too had undertaken doctoral studies, so why did she not use the title ‘Doctor’? She confessed that she had submitted her work and passed her viva examination, but couldn’t be bothered to deal with … Continue reading →

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A sticky PhD problem with orange Blu-Tack (Rousse)

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Dreamaticus

MS had obviously not considered the existing provision for PhD student training when he created his ‘new’ programme. He stuttered unconvincing excuses when I reminded him that we were only accredited for the programme that we delivered in 2020. As … Continue reading →

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Outdoors investment advice (Rousse)

Posted on November 3, 2022 by Dreamaticus

My mother-in-law stood at the top of the grassy slope, dishing out investment advice in a very loud voice. Meanwhile, in the distance, I could see my former colleagues holding their Wednesday afternoon research meeting. At the conclusion of the … Continue reading →

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Unwelcome house-mates (Rousse)

Posted on October 18, 2022 by Dreamaticus

Entertaining L,T, P and S was much  more difficult now that we lived in shared accommodation with PhD students. I was hoping that I could shoo the others away the night that I was hosting our dinner party, but I … Continue reading →

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Finals fear (Rousse)

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Dreamaticus

Two years later than expected – due to treatment for breast cancer – I was due to take my finals. However, I had not read the set texts, did not know the exam time or venue, the paper format was … Continue reading →

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University fairground attraction with lemon drizzle cake (Rousse)

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Dreamaticus

I panicked when I first arrived at work because I thought that I had forgotten to pack my trousers. It was such a relief to find them at the bottom of my bag, and be able to dress for a … Continue reading →

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