Author Archives: Wayne Horkan

About Wayne Horkan

I’m a technologist and engineer, typically working in enterprise architecture and systems engineering.

Overview, Summary, Thoughts, and Recommendations on the NCSC Cyber Security Risk Management Guidance

This article evaluates the NCSC’s Cybersecurity Risk Management Guidance, highlighting its strengths in broad coverage and practical tools but identifying key weaknesses, including the lack of an integrated end-to-end framework, inconsistent depth, and limited audience-specific tailoring. It recommends strengthening the framework’s integration, providing accessible tools, addressing organisational resistance, and incorporating strategies for emerging technologies and black swan events. These enhancements could elevate the guidance to a truly comprehensive standard for diverse organisations.

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Anne “Honey” Lantree: The Beat Behind The Honeycombs

When it comes to the world of rock and roll, female drummers have often been overshadowed. However, among those who broke the mould and left an indelible mark is Anne “Honey” Lantree, the drummer of the 1960s pop group, The Honeycombs.

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The Genetics Behind Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome has a strong genetic component, with multiple genes linked to brain development and synaptic function. This article delves into key genetic findings, such as SHANK and CNTNAP2 genes, chromosomal variations, and their impact on traits associated with Asperger’s, emphasizing the complex interplay between genetics and environment.

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Exit Strategy 4: Getting Ready to Sell: A Practical Guide to Due Diligence

Selling your business is one of the most significant milestones in an entrepreneur’s journey. However, even the most attractive businesses can falter during due diligence if they are not properly prepared. This stage is where buyers scrutinize every aspect of your business to evaluate risks, verify claims, and confirm the value they’re willing to pay.

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More Crypto Bollocks: The Myths, Scams, and Overhype of the Cryptocurrency World

Cryptocurrencies have been touted as the future of finance, a tool for freedom, and a revolution in how we exchange value. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of altcoins promise decentralisation, wealth, and the collapse of traditional banking systems. Yet there’s an equal or greater amount of nonsense, speculation, and outright scams for every genuine innovation in the crypto space.

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Andreas Vesalius and De Humani Corporis Fabrica: Revolutionising Anatomy

Andreas Vesalius’s De humani corporis fabrica revolutionised the study of human anatomy by challenging Galenic orthodoxy through direct observation and dissection. Published in 1543, the Fabrica corrected centuries-old inaccuracies, introduced detailed anatomical illustrations, and established a new empirical approach to medical science. This landmark work remains a cornerstone in the history of medicine and a testament to the power of observation and critical inquiry.

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From Comedy to Cosmic Horror: Why “Alien” is the True Spiritual Successor to “Dark Star” (and the Sequels Just Don’t Measure Up)

Explore how John Carpenter’s Dark Star and Ridley Scott’s Alien share a profound thematic lineage, with Dan O’Bannon as the creative bridge. This article delves into the transformation of cosmic comedy into existential horror, highlighting Alien as the true spiritual successor to Dark Star. With personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and franchise analysis, discover why the sequels, though entertaining, stray from this haunting legacy.

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Understanding Neural Differences in Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome, currently part of the Autism Spectrum, according to the DSM5, does not involve missing neurons but reflects differences in neural structure and connectivity. This article explores key brain regions and neural systems affected, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and mirror neuron system, highlighting their roles in social behaviour, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

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Exit Strategy 3: What Makes Your Business Valuable? A Guide to Valuation Drivers

When it comes to planning an exit, understanding your business’s value—and the factors that drive it—is essential. Whether you’re preparing for a trade sale, IPO, or private equity investment, the right focus on valuation drivers can significantly enhance your outcomes. In this article, we explore the key components of valuation, strategies to improve them, and common pitfalls to avoid.

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More Metaverse Bollocks: Untangling the Fantasy from the Reality

The metaverse: a brave new world where we’ll work, socialise, and live out our digital dreams. Or so we’re told. From tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) to countless startups, everyone seems to be racing to build the metaverse, heralding it as the next great evolution of the internet. Virtual real estate is being sold for millions, companies are investing in virtual storefronts, and pundits are waxing lyrical about a digital utopia just around the corner.

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The Strengths and Weaknesses of Using SeedLegals, Crowdcube, or Manual Processes for Your First Seed Fundraising Round

Choosing the right method for your seed fundraising round depends on your needs and circumstances. SeedLegals is ideal for first-time founders and private rounds due to its affordability, simplicity, and guidance. Crowdcube suits businesses seeking broad investor exposure, especially consumer-facing startups, as it combines fundraising with brand marketing. A manual process offers full control and customisation, making it best for experienced founders with established networks or complex funding terms. Evaluating your budget, time, and investor outreach needs will help determine the best approach for your startup.

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Alexithymia and Neurodiversity: Understanding Emotional Processing Challenges

Alexithymia, a term derived from Greek meaning “no words for emotions,” refers to difficulties in identifying, describing, and processing emotions. While not a standalone diagnosis, alexithymia is often co-occurring in neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, and the Dys family (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.). Understanding alexithymia in the context of neurodiversity helps to foster empathy and create supportive environments for those who experience it.

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Understanding the Social Model of Disability in the Context of Neurodiversity

The social model of disability is a progressive and empowering framework that shifts the focus from an individual’s impairments to the systemic, societal, and environmental barriers that hinder their full participation. This model contrasts with the traditional medical model, which tends to define individuals by their conditions and frames their differences as problems to be fixed. For neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, and conditions from the Dys family (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.), the social model offers a perspective that celebrates diversity and prioritizes inclusivity.

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The History of the Gray’s Anatomy Textbook: A Medical Icon

Gray’s Anatomy, often referred to as the “bible” of human anatomy, has stood the test of time as one of the most influential medical textbooks ever published. Since its first release in 1858, it has not only shaped medical education but also significantly impacted the study of human anatomy across the globe. This article explores the rich history of this seminal work, how it has evolved over time, and why it remains a crucial resource for students and professionals in the medical field.

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I asked ChatGPT: If you had a fight with Grok who would win?

It’s Musk vs Zuck all over again… When asked who would win in a hypothetical AI showdown, ChatGPT diplomatically dodged the fight, highlighting its depth and adaptability while acknowledging Grok’s flair for wit and brevity. The “winner” is, of course, the one who best suits the user’s whims. Truly, Allied Mastercomputer they ain’t… yet!

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The History and Evolution of Password Cracking Software

Passwords have long been the cornerstone of digital security, serving as the primary means to safeguard data and systems. Yet, alongside their evolution, the tools designed to test and exploit passwords have grown increasingly sophisticated. Password cracking software, born out of academic curiosity and ethical security practices, has also become a weapon for malicious actors. This article traces the history and evolution of password cracking software, highlighting key innovations, influential figures, and the ever-present ethical tension within this field.

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Exit Strategy 2: Choosing the Right Exit Type: Trade Sale, IPO, or Private Equity?

When planning your business exit, selecting the right type of transaction is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Each exit type comes with its opportunities, challenges, and suitability based on your goals and the stage of your business. In this article, we’ll explore the key exit types, trade sale, Initial Public Offering (IPO), private equity (PE), and management buyout (MBO), and help you identify which might be the best fit for your business.

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More Death of the Internet Bollocks: A Satirical Look at the Hysteria Around “The End”

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Ah, the sweet sound of yet another “death of the internet” lament, accompanied by cries of corporate greed, AI-induced chaos, and a pixelated apocalypse. It’s as predictable as a bad SEO article at the top of your Google search results. Yes, the internet is doomed—again—and this time it’s worse than ever before. Or so we’re told.

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PgBouncer vs. Pgpool-II: Choosing the Right Tool for Your PostgreSQL Environment

When optimizing PostgreSQL setups, selecting the right tool for connection pooling, load balancing, and failover management is crucial. Two popular options are PgBouncer and Pgpool-II. Each tool excels in different areas, and your choice should align with your specific requirements. This guide provides an in-depth comparison of PgBouncer and Pgpool-II, detailing their features, pros and cons, and community ecosystems to help you make an informed decision.

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Exit Strategy 1: Planning Your Business Exit: The Roadmap to Success

Every business journey eventually leads to a crossroads: the decision to continue growing, transition ownership, or step away entirely. An exit strategy is your blueprint for navigating this critical phase, allowing you to realize the value of your hard work while setting the stage for future success, whether yours or the business’s.

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