The Role and Risks of Assumptions in Physical Science Modelling

This book questions the extent to which some physical scientists may have unintentionally misused the English language to varying degrees, in arriving at theories that are presented to the world as being statements of fact about the universe.The book focuses primarily on large- and small-scale extremes i.e. cosmological theories and quantum theories. It deals with the core concepts of ‘time’ and ‘space’ as they are presented in the theories under consideration.As a demonstration of the sensitivity of the outcome of physical modelling to the assumptions made, the book presents an alternative cosmological model based on some altered physical assumptions that see the much-vaunted inconsistency between General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory, disappear.

Maxamillion the Great

Drawing on countless real-life stories from his embattled life, Maxamillion the Great is a captivating and moving autobiography told in the only way it could be, through the eyes of his beloved owner, author Barbara Goodier.

Taking the reader through the lows of his joyless puppyhood into the highs of his new found family, it persuades us to revisit the idea that miracles really do exist and sometimes even more than once.

Creative in its narration and affecting in its story, it will move you to re-evaluate what is important in your own life, will make you cry when you least expect it and lay bare the unbreakable bond between a dog and his mum.

A Womb With a View

This book delves into the life of the Church of England at a near grassroots level during a period of seismic change. It seeks to capture the essence of experimental ministry during a time of national uncertainty. While it doesn’t provide definitive answers, it explores various possibilities with honesty and humour. The narrative shares the joys and challenges of parish ministry in diverse settings: from the heart of a bustling city to the serene depths of rural Wensleydale, from a sprawling inner-city housing estate to the hills and coastlands of Cumbria. It enthusiastically engages with ecumenical matters and approaches interfaith diversity with a certain naivety.

“Here are the workings out of a practical theologian – a priest working across disciplines, and most powerfully working with and alongside communities.”

– The Ven. Chris Burke, Archdeacon of Barking.

“He created a platform to build on of the largest centres for social action and community activity in the country… Malcolm is courageous beyond belief and a true advocate of his faith and belief in human kind.”

– Mark Law MBC. Chief Executive, BARCA, Leeds.

“I found this lovely book quite a nostalgic read, because it reminded me of the church into which I was ordained nearly 40 years ago. I also found it deeply moving, endearingly honest, and at times profoundly inspiring. Malcolm - who is a natural entrepreneur – manages to tackle some very serious subjects without ever taking himself too seriously and he enables some powerful reflection on the meaning of ‘success’ in ordained ministry without trying to provide to many answers. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.”

– James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle.

Don't Give Up on Your Dreams

We all know that life is difficult, but no-one begins on that journey without having dreams and ambitions. As we get older and encounter experiences, we suffer failures and setbacks and events beyond our control begin to determine our destiny. This is when most people are tempted to give up on their dreams and develop different belief systems. In this Ted Talk, Dr Patrick Treacy shows us how he reframed obstructions in his life as opportunities by holding onto his dreams. His challenges dealing with a HIV positive needlestick as a doctor in a period where there was no cure, becoming a prisoner of Saddam Hussein while visiting Halabja before the outbreak of the Gulf War, and smuggling cars in order to fund his way thorough medical school when Margaret Thatcher's new government policy deprived him of his educational grant. Thankfully, he never developed AIDS and he left Iraq to pursue his dreams of becoming a Flying Doctor. he tells us that when giving up on your dreams is tempting, that is the time when you need to pursue them more than ever. He shows us not to have any regrets – and not to live in the always thinking about what might have been. One must find a lesson in every failure and apply it to discover your ultimate purpose in life and connect every decision you take back to that purpose.

God and Our Dirty Socks

God and Our Dirty Socks is a captivating exploration of everyday life, encompassing both the humorous and the poignant. From marriage and family dynamics to grief, loss, and the challenges of IVF treatment, this book delves into a wide array of topics, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human experience.Each of the 41 chapters offers unique insights, concluding with a thoughtful reflection and a prayer. Readers may turn to this book during times of stress or uncertainty, seeking solace and guidance. Whether seeking calm, reflection, or simply a moment of respite, God and Our Dirty Socks offers a comforting presence on the bedside table, inviting readers to explore its pages and discover a sense of clarity, hope, and inspiration. May this book bring peace of mind, serenity of spirit, and a renewed appetite for life.

Prayers, Petitions and Pleas

Prayers, Petitions and Pleas is a book for anyone who is curious about prayer, just starting out in their faith, or a seasoned Christian. By examining a series of prayers from the Bible, this book will help you explore different prayers you can say when you most need to speak to God.

Discussing the theme of each prayer and how that relates to the challenges we face today, this book will hopefully gently guide you on your faith journey, whether it be taking the first tentative steps or as one who has trod the path of prayer many times.

So, no matter your circumstance or depth of belief, this book will hopefully give you a fresh insight into what you can pray, petition and plead for and help you grow closer to the Lord.

Addicted

Humans are biologically hardwired to alter their mental state, drugs are the pathway, and America is their biggest consumer. From antiquity to modernity, use and prohibition have gone hand in hand. Addicted raises the curtain to expose the lies and fill in the blanks behind America’s failed 50 year war on drugs and makes sense of the quagmire of misinformed laws and policy, blending Miller’s investigative journalism with historical narrative.

In addition, Miller tells the story of nature’s three primary psychotropic plants and the history of government efforts to suppress them: Papaver Somniferum, the opium poppy, the drug of Asian mystery, which provides opium and its derivative alkaloids morphine and heroin; Erythroxylum Coca, which provides the cocaine of all night parties and glamor; and Cannabis Sativa, L., the historical intoxicant of rebellion and counterculture. These plants convert soil, water, nutrients, CO2, and light into complex chemical substances, which can elevate, intoxicate, and even heal.

Addicted unravels the institutional mechanism that fuels the war’s self-perpetuation, its abject failure, and its deplorable byproduct of racial injustice. The stories in Addicted feature a diverse cast of heroes, villains, and bureaucrats as well as all the post-Nixon Presidents who failed in their version of the war.

The Governor General Cleaned My Shoes

“Even before I was born, I was trying to do things my own way. I made life difficult for my mother, Jess, who was confined to bed for the last trimester of her pregnancy. I had disappointed my father, Geoff, by insisting that I be born a day earlier than his birthday, and I had mercifully waylaid their plans to call me Elizabeth.”

So begins my story that has me watching rockets going up at the Woomera Rocket Range, beating the boys at marbles (and winning the prized milky white marble with coloured orange waves), nearly being run over in a toilet, swimming with a snake on my way to inspect a very dead horse, setting tongues wagging in Canberra in a Commonwealth car and eliminating plastic bananas from Australia’s entire eastern seaboard. And yes, the Governor General did clean my shoes.

A Piece of the Action

What is it like to spend a lifetime doing research in a wide variety of fields in the physical sciences? Studying distant planets, binary stars, neutron stars, stellar mass black holes and active galaxies using optical and near-infrared ground-based telescopes. Designing and constructing equipment as a member of international teams studying the high-energy X-ray emissions from many of these objects. Flying these detectors on short duration sounding rocket flights, utilising huge balloons to carry experiments to high altitude, or installing them on long duration satellite missions. Being a scientist engaged in fieldwork studying the physical properties of the world’s oceans, or the sea ice and glaciers around the coastline of Antarctica. This lifetime involved living in the UK and Australia for many years, with a four-year interlude in the USA, as well as working in or visiting many other countries. How lucky can you get? This book describes numerous projects in an unusually diverse range of research areas – the fun and adventure of STEM activities – without getting into excessive technical or specialist detail.

The Wealthy Way

Embark on a transformative journey towards socio-economic wellness and financial freedom with The Wealthy Way. This unique process empowers individuals to develop knowledge, awareness, and an ideal personality while taking strategic actions to create a life of abundance, free from money worries.This book guides you in nourishing your mindset, revitalizing your life, and effectively managing your finances to kickstart strong wealth creation. It provides life-changing values for anyone determined to overcome money personality problems, escape poverty, and achieve true financial freedom.Through self-discovery, transformation, and knowledge development, you can change your current financial situation and prevent future pitfalls. The Wealthy Way introduces three essential holistic personalities: BE transformed, DO take action, and HAVE sustainable financial wellness. These personalities are vital for improving your mindset, belief system, and financial management skills, leading to financial sufficiency.

A Bipolar Life Well-Lived

It never dawned on me that I was getting ill, but what was happening to me was very real. Living in a world of make-believe, I was convinced my imaginary visions were genuine. I had delusions of grandeur, thinking I was all-powerful and the centre of everything. But I was not a monster; I was a lost soul. My story involves a struggle with mania and depression in the context of my life in England and France. How, despite my handicap, I held down a job abroad for 8 years and how, after 8 years of marriage to a Frenchman, I supported my daughter as a single parent. My memoir gives insight into living with mental illness. It is an autobiography concerned with memories of childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

The Fleet Air Arm

This book uncovers many hidden facts and untold stories of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), shedding light on its remarkable history, much of which has not been widely published. It offers a concise yet vivid account of how the Royal Navy’s Air Service (RNAS) evolved over the years, shaped by over a century of political manoeuvring and its long-standing rivalry with the Royal Air Force. Even today, the FAA continues to operate in the shadow of the RAF, as seen in the ongoing developments surrounding the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers and the F-35B aircraft they now carry, frequent subjects in the media.Few know that the last serviceman to die in the Second World War was an FAA pilot, shot down over Japan at the very end of the Pacific conflict. While FAA victories such as Taranto and the Falklands are well known, it may surprise readers to learn that the FAA briefly flew Lancasters in 1946. And in the Gulf War, FAA Westland Lynx helicopters made history by virtually wiping out Iraq’s navy using Sea Skua missiles, the first time seaborne helicopters achieved such a feat.This book also features the most comprehensive post-1945 timeline of the FAA, a reflection of the decline of Britain’s maritime power over recent decades. Enriching the narrative are personal anecdotes from FAA personnel, highlighting their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice in the line of duty.