Author Archives: Lee J. Russell

A Problem with Fundamental Physics…

In my opinion, the purpose of Physics is to determine the key physical processes governing how the natural world works, and to write down the associated mathematical Laws which describe them. From Galileo to Newton to Einstein, building on the work of thousands of scientists, much (obviously not all) of the focus has been onContinue reading “A Problem with Fundamental Physics…”

Accessible Popular Science books about Cosmology and Physics…

In 2002 I graduated from the Open University with an excellent (2:1 Honours) Open Science degree, at a time when their fees were much lower. This enabled me to boot-strap my education as an adult, after a pretty lacklustre grammar school experience. Working from the basement level up, using the OU’s distance-learning materials, I essentiallyContinue reading “Accessible Popular Science books about Cosmology and Physics…”

I’m finally retiring from corporate life and becoming a ‘real person’…

My working life in the corporate world is finally coming to an end – woo hoo! I officially retire on 31st December but will be on garden leave soon – magic! I’m really looking forward to my “real life” to come as a proper person, not an employee… including reconnecting with friends, writers and allContinue reading “I’m finally retiring from corporate life and becoming a ‘real person’…”

Former Royal Observer Corps (ROC) Observation Post (bunker) at RAF Manston…

Decades ago I saw two men climbing out of a hole in the ground just outside the perimeter of the former RAF Manston. I had always wondered what they were doing there, and last February I took a walk along the now abandoned road in that area to investigate. I found a derelict ROC ObservationContinue reading “Former Royal Observer Corps (ROC) Observation Post (bunker) at RAF Manston…”

A mathematical model of the launch of Apollo 11 to Earth-parking-orbit…

I’ve always been interested in the technology of spaceflight, and particularly the 1960s solutions to the problem using the Saturn-V launcher. I think it is the complexity of the machine, combined with its extraordinary thrust and the drama of being the first to take humans to the Moon that is so captivating. I was notContinue reading “A mathematical model of the launch of Apollo 11 to Earth-parking-orbit…”

A Visit to East Midlands AeroPark – 19/5/24…

At the start of a short holiday break, I enjoyed a visit to the “East Midlands AeroPark” at Castle Donington, located right next to East Midlands Airport. They have a small but good collection of (often later-mark) Cold War era jets, mostly in reasonably good condition despite being kept outdoors. I had not previously seenContinue reading “A Visit to East Midlands AeroPark – 19/5/24…”

“The Queen’s Joust” – Leeds Castle, Maidstone – 27/5/24…

I became interested in the technology behind medieval armour during Covid-19 lockdown (who didn’t pick up a new hobby?) and the opportunity to see reproduction armour in use during a joust was too good to miss. Over the May ’24 bank holiday weekend, Leeds Castle at Maidstone hosted 3 days of jousting, and I managedContinue reading ““The Queen’s Joust” – Leeds Castle, Maidstone – 27/5/24…”

“Extinction Event” by Bryant Benson – short story on 365 tomorrows

I’m an irregular reader of the short fiction on 365 tomorrows. Time is precious and life is short, so a story needs a really compelling theme to draw me in. It feels odd over the Christmas holidays to say that I ‘enjoyed’ this tale by Benson. In 8 paragraphs it steps us through the lastContinue reading ““Extinction Event” by Bryant Benson – short story on 365 tomorrows”

A visit to IWM Duxford…

Completing my tour of the “big ticket” UK aircraft museums, I visited the Imperial War Museum’s (IWM) display at Duxford this weekend. The site presents both flying aircraft and static exhibits (mostly in hangars). It has a strong sense of being focussed on WW2 aircraft, although there are some Cold War military and passenger jetsContinue reading “A visit to IWM Duxford…”