Author Archives: Wayne Horkan

About Wayne Horkan

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

“Mind the Oranges, Marlon!” Connecting Alan Moore’s DR and Quinch and Coppola’s Ominous Citrus Symbolism in ‘The Godfather’ and Beyond

In the violently wacky and vehemently whimsical world of Alan Moore’s characters, DR and Quinch, known for their satirical and bizarre escapades, a stand-out moment is the death of the faux Marlon Brando character. Cleverly bridging the gap between their universe and that of classic Hollywood cinema of the decade before.

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Comprehensive Analysis and Critique: The Myers-Briggs® Personality Types and Their Grievances

In her article, “Here’s Why Each Myers-Briggs® Personality Type is Mad at You”, the author, Susan Storm takes us on a lighthearted tour through the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, exploring the reasons each might be irked with you. This piece is a creative exploration into personality psychology, but it also opens a window into the broader discussion of how personality types interact in various social contexts, including how they might perceive or misinterpret the behaviours of individuals with neurodiverse conditions like Asperger’s Syndrome.

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Comparative Analysis of Cicero’s Rhetoric and Patrick Winston’s Communication Techniques

The art of rhetoric and public speaking has evolved significantly over centuries, yet the foundational principles established by ancient orators like Cicero resonate even in contemporary discourse. This essay aims to juxtapose the rhetorical techniques of Cicero, a master orator of the Roman era, with the modern communication insights provided by Patrick Winston, a renowned professor and expert in artificial intelligence. By comparing their approaches, we can discern both the timeless nature of effective communication and the nuanced adaptations necessary in the modern era.

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The Rhetorical Mastery of Cicero: Techniques and Tools for Effective Speaking and Persuasion

Marcus Tullius Cicero, an eminent Roman statesman, lawyer, and orator of the first century B.C., left an indelible mark on the art of rhetoric and public speaking. His contributions, encapsulated in works like “De Oratore,” “Brutus,” and “Orator,” not only define the standards of eloquence in his era but continue to influence modern communication. This essay delves into the various techniques and tools Cicero employed and advocated for effective speaking and persuasion.

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Patrick Winston “How to Speak” MIT Lecture Analysed

Parrick Winston’s “How to Speak” end of year lecture was a firm favourite at MIT running for over 40 years. This article reviews the last of these lectures captured at MIT on YouTube, providing a summary, a breakdown of key points, an expansion of each of them, a critique of the lecture, and some pointers for future enhancements.

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Shadow IT: overview, history, current status, and future considerations

Shadow IT, the use of technology outside official channels, has been a part of corporate life for decades. Evolving with technological advancements, it reflects a balance between innovation and control. This article delves into its history, current status, and future, exploring how organizations navigate this complex terrain.

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Hedy Lamarr: Star of Screen and Science

In the galaxy of great inventors and thinkers, Hedy Lamarr shines as a dual star, illuminating both the silver screen and the scientific world. A legendary film actress by day and a groundbreaking inventor by night, Lamarr’s legacy transcends her Hollywood fame, stretching into the very fabric of our digital lives.

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Sam Simpson’s Founder Catalyst Guide: Mastering Investment Readiness

Are you looking to pitch to investors? How about a list of key items to cover? Sam Simpson, serial entrepreneur and founder of Founder Catalyst, has a useful article on the key points to pitch to investors called on “Nineteen easy steps to scare off potential investors”. This article categorises the key recommendations by group, where each group represents a common theme or aspect of startup fundraising and provides insights into potential pitfalls and best practices within that category.

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Video Conferencing’s Impact on Human Interaction: A Deeper Dive Beyond Zoom

Uncover the nuances of video conferencing’s effects on our neural processes and social interactions, with a critical eye on the singular focus of current research on Zoom, and a call for more inclusive studies, in response to the recent article from The Independent and research from Yale University.

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Comprehensive Analysis and Critique of “Hey tech billionaires, if you want to talk about radical change, let’s abolish venture capitalism”

In this analysis, I delve into Samantha Floreani’s Guardian article, which offers a critical perspective on the technology industry, venture capitalism, and its influential figures. I aim to provide a balanced review, highlighting the article’s strengths while suggesting areas for improvement and further exploration.

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Mastering Product Sheets: Insights and Tips from Kim Gusta’s Expert Guide

This article revisits and expands upon the principles laid out by Kim Gusta in her guide on crafting effective technology product datasheets. We aim to provide additional clarity and context to her valuable tips, helping readers create product sheets that are not just informative but also engaging. Whether you’re familiar with the intricacies of marketing or new to the field, this article is designed to be a helpful resource in optimizing your product datasheets. Plus additional assistance to the neurodiverse.

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Kim Gusta’s Content Alignment Model

Kim Gusta’s Content Alignment Model offers a structured approach to optimising content for specific business goals, from generating leads to improving SEO. It maps content types to objectives, helping organisations strategically align their messaging to maximise impact. This guide explores the model, its applications, and the value it brings to content marketing strategies.

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Music While on the NCSC For Startups Programme

So what’s Horkan listening to while travelling to and from, and on the “Office Hours” sections of the NCSC For Startups programme? And why is it so repetitive and bloody loud? Well, it’d be…

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The Queen’s Gambit Accepted: A Courageous Embrace of Chess’s Royal Challenge

Within the intricate tapestry of chess openings, the Queen’s Gambit Accepted stands as a testament to a player’s courage and strategic acumen. This opening, a direct response to White’s Queen’s Gambit, involves accepting the gambit pawn on d4, paving the way for a rich and complex battle of wits. In this essay, we will explore the history, principles, and nuances of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted, a chess opening that has challenged and inspired generations of players.

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The Queen’s Gambit: A Regal Journey Through Chess Strategy

In the realm of chess, the Queen’s Gambit stands as one of the most celebrated and enduring openings. Revered for its strategic depth and versatility, this regal gambit has been embraced by generations of chess players, from novices to grandmasters. This essay embarks on a journey through the history, principles, and allure of the Queen’s Gambit, a chess opening that has captured the imagination of players for centuries.

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The King’s Gambit: A Bold Journey into Chess’s Romantic Past

In the vast landscape of chess openings, few evoke as much excitement, daring, and romance as the King’s Gambit. This storied and audacious gambit dates back centuries, offering players an opportunity to engage in tactical warfare and seize the initiative from the very start. This essay explores the history, principles, and enduring allure of the King’s Gambit while shedding light on why the legendary Bobby Fischer once declared it as “busted.”

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The Sicilian Defense – Alapin Variation: A Tactical Jewel in Chess’s Crown

In the vast tapestry of chess openings, the Sicilian Defense shines as a multifaceted gem, offering players a rich array of possibilities. One of its lesser-known but strategically intriguing variations is the Alapin Variation. This essay embarks on a journey through the history, principles, and captivating allure of the Sicilian Defense – Alapin Variation, a chess opening that has surprised and confounded opponents for generations.

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The Sicilian Defense – Closed Sicilian Variation: A Fortress of Strategic Mastery

Within the realm of chess openings, the Sicilian Defense reigns as a fortress of tactical complexity and strategic richness. Among its many variations, the Closed Sicilian stands out as a profound embodiment of patient and strategic chess play. In this essay, we will explore the history, principles, and enduring allure of the Closed Sicilian, an opening that has tested the mettle of chess masters and enthusiasts alike.

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