Monthly Archives: July 2024

Wayne Horkan at FICTA 2024: “AI: the spearhead of progress, not there yet”

FICTA 24 brought together experts to discuss AI’s transformative potential and the challenges ahead. My keynote, “AI: the spearhead of progress, not quite there”, covered the current state of AI, its applications across various industries, and the ethical considerations crucial for its future. The conference underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and featured esteemed speakers who provided valuable insights into AI and technology.

Continue reading

Daemon Targaryen is a bargain bucket Elric and Valyrians are knock-off Melnibonéans.

This article explores the intriguing comparisons between Daemon Targaryen from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and Elric of Melniboné from Michael Moorcock’s Elric Saga, cheekily framing Daemon as a “bargain bucket Elric” and Valyrians as “knock-off Melnibonéans.” By examining their superficial similarities and deeper divergences, as well as the cultural parallels and distinctions between Valyrians and Melnibonéans, the discussion reveals both the influences and unique qualities that define these iconic characters and their respective worlds, offering insights into the rich tapestry of fantasy literature.

Continue reading