Author Archives: Wayne Horkan

About Wayne Horkan

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

Summary: Knots by R.D. Laing

R.D. Laing’s Knots explores the intricate and paradoxical patterns of human relationships and thought through poetic vignettes. Highlighting the self-reinforcing nature of psychological struggles, Laing illustrates how these “knots” entangle us, often preventing growth and understanding. Rooted in existential psychology, the work subtly invokes the concept of metanoia, suggesting that true transformation arises from acknowledging and embracing these paradoxes.

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Summary: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

Oliver Sacks’ The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a collection of clinical tales exploring neurological disorders and their effects on perception, memory, and identity. Through compassionate storytelling, Sacks illuminates the human experience of conditions like visual agnosia and amnesia, blending neuroscience, philosophy, and empathy to reveal the profound mysteries of the brain.

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Soul Murder: The Effects of Childhood Abuse and Deprivation by Leonard Shengold

Leonard Shengold’s Soul Murder: The Effects of Childhood Abuse and Deprivation examines the profound psychological damage caused by childhood abuse and neglect, using psychoanalytic theory to explore how trauma disrupts development, fosters dissociation, and impairs adult relationships. Through clinical case studies, the book highlights the enduring effects of “soul murder” while advocating for greater awareness and compassion.

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Croupier: A Cinematic Exploration of “Hold on Tightly, Let Go Lightly”

Mike Hodges’ noir masterpiece, Croupier, is a taut exploration of control, loss, and identity set against the backdrop of a casino. Through the saying “hold on tightly, let go lightly”, uttered by its enigmatic protagonist, the film captures the delicate balance between ambition and detachment, crafting a narrative that is as much about gambling as it is about the gamble of life.

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More Quantum Bollocks: Untangling the Hype Around Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is the latest tech darling to grab headlines, and with it comes a flood of bold claims about how it will revolutionise everything from cryptography to drug discovery to AI. You’d be forgiven for thinking that we’re just a few years away from a quantum-powered utopia where today’s problems vanish into a haze of quantum bits (qubits) and entanglement. But as with so many tech fads, much of what’s being said about quantum computing is exaggerated—or, to put it bluntly, bollocks.

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Exploring the Link Between Cyber-Dependent Crime and Autism: A Critical Analysis

This article reviews a study exploring links between autistic-like traits, autism, and cyber-dependent crimes. Findings show autistic-like traits increase cyber-crime risk, while autism reduces it. Advanced digital skills are a key factor. The study highlights opportunities for autistic individuals in cybersecurity but is limited by self-reported data and sample representation. Further research is needed to clarify causal links and broader impacts.

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I Miss Kartoo: A Nostalgic Look at an Innovative Search Engine

Kartoo, an innovative search engine launched in 2001, revolutionized the search experience with its interactive, visual network graph interface. Unlike traditional text-based search engines, Kartoo displayed results as interconnected nodes, encouraging exploration and revealing relationships between topics. While it garnered a niche following for its creativity and educational value, it ultimately closed in 2010, overshadowed by Google’s algorithmic dominance. Kartoo’s legacy highlights a lost era of search engine innovation and serves as a reminder of the potential for tools that inspire discovery and creativity.

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Supply Chains: Still Vulnerable – According To Latest McKinsey Research

This article delves into McKinsey’s latest research, which paints a stark picture of the vulnerabilities still plaguing global supply chains in 2024. Despite progress since the pandemic, companies face persistent risks, from geopolitical tensions to talent shortages. By critiquing McKinsey’s findings and offering actionable insights, this piece explores how organizations can enhance resilience through digitization, talent development, and boardroom advocacy.

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More 3G/4G/5G/6G Bollocks: Breaking Down the Mobile Network Hype Cycle

Every new generation of mobile technology is accompanied by a blizzard of promises: higher speeds, lower latency, smarter connectivity, and, of course, a world transformed. We’ve been through this cycle with 3G, then 4G, then 5G, and now, 6G is already getting hyped—even though it doesn’t technically exist yet.

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Alternatives to Corporate Venture Capital

This article explores alternatives to Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) for organizations seeking innovation and strategic growth without directly investing in startups. Drawing insights from a Cyber Runway: Scale Accelerator Programme session, it outlines ten key strategies, including internal R&D, mergers and acquisitions, open innovation, and academic collaborations. Each approach is analyzed for its advantages and drawbacks, providing a comprehensive guide to help organizations tailor their innovation strategies based on their goals, resources, and risk tolerance.

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Corporate Venture Capital (CVC): A Comprehensive Guide

Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is a strategic approach where corporations invest directly in startup companies. It blends the agility of venture capital with the strategic intent of established businesses. This article explores the history, benefits, drawbacks, and a step-by-step guide to leveraging CVC effectively.

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The Growth Equation by Andy Budd: Summary, Key Advice, and Critique

Andy Budd’s The Growth Equation examines how businesses, especially startups and scale-ups, can achieve sustainable growth by balancing expansion with operational stability. Budd identifies three key components of sustainable development: Product Market Fit, Efficient Operations, and Strategic Adaptability. The book offers actionable advice, including cultivating a learning culture, aligning growth with team capacity, and investing in leadership and culture.

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Protected: Investor Panel with Hattie Willis, Andy Budd, Joseph Aziz, and Andy Ayim MBE

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The Syd Barrett Hypothesis: Ground Zero for Pink Floyd’s Musical Genius

This article explores the profound and lasting influence of Syd Barrett on Pink Floyd’s music. Using the innovative “Candy and a Currant Bun” test, we analyze every track in the band’s catalogue, revealing that most of their greatest songs, whether created by, about, or in reaction to Barrett, stem from his unique genius. With data-backed insights, vivid imagery, and a fresh perspective on Barrett’s foundational role, this piece redefines how we view Pink Floyd’s legacy, proving that Barrett was not just a fleeting presence but the creative epicentre of their evolution.

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Summary of Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Rework by Jason Fried and DHH flips traditional business advice on its head, championing simplicity, adaptability, and pragmatic action over rigid plans and corporate norms. Perfect for entrepreneurs, startups, and creative professionals, the book offers sharp insights on working smarter, embracing constraints, and focusing on what truly matters in building a sustainable business.

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Navigating the Twentysomething Years: Insights from Meg Jay and Rosie Gilderthorp

Discover why your twenties are a defining decade and how to navigate its challenges with insights from Dr Meg Jay and Rosie Gilderthorp. From embracing uncertainty to balancing mental health in a social media age, this article offers actionable advice for young adults and therapists alike. Dr Meg Jay and Rosie Gilderthorp’s conversation offers a compelling roadmap for navigating the complexities of the twenties, emphasizing the importance of growth, resilience, and intentionality during this pivotal decade.

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Why 30 is Not the New 20: Meg Jay’s TED Talk on Claiming Adulthood in Your Twenties

In her compelling TED Talk, Dr Meg Jay challenges the cultural narrative that the twenties are a “throwaway decade,” arguing instead that they are a critical time for shaping the trajectory of one’s life. Drawing on her experiences as a clinical psychologist and the latest developmental research, she provides actionable advice for twentysomethings to make the most of this transformative decade.

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More NFT Bollocks: Unpacking the Hype, Greed, and Confusion Around Non-Fungible Tokens

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have quickly gone from niche tech curiosity to mainstream obsession. Promised as a revolution in digital ownership, creativity, and investment, NFTs are hailed as everything from the future of art to a transformative tool for creators. But scratch beneath the surface, and the NFT world is riddled with misinformation, speculation, and, quite frankly, bollocks.

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Zen Koan of the Tigers and the Strawberry: Staying in the Moment

The Zen Koan of the Tigers and the Strawberry is a classic story that invites reflection on mindfulness and presence.

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From Ancient Remedies to Modern Breakthroughs: The Gila Monster and the Rise of Mounjaro in Combating Diabesity

The history of weight loss and diabetes treatments is a fascinating tale of scientific discovery, human ingenuity, and the unyielding quest to tackle some of the most pervasive health challenges of our time. Over the centuries, societies have sought remedies for obesity, diabetes, and the complex interplay between the two—now commonly referred to as “diabesity.” This article explores the evolution of weight loss medications, the rise of diabesity, and how a venomous desert lizard, the Gila monster, inspired one of the most revolutionary diabetes and weight management drugs, Mounjaro.

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