Author Archives: Wayne Horkan

About Wayne Horkan

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

The WASPI Women and Labour’s Keir Starmer: A Fight for Pension Equality

I had no idea what this was about, but kept hearing that Dear Keir had thrown some WASPI women under a bus. So I thought dig a little deeper. It turns out the term WASPI women refers to the UK Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign group. These women, born in the 1950s, were impacted by changes to the state pension age (SPA). Initially set at 60 for women, the SPA was raised to align with men’s SPA of 65, and later incrementally increased to 66 and beyond. While the equalisation aimed to reflect changes in life expectancy and gender equality, many women argue they were not given sufficient notice or time to adapt, causing financial hardship.

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The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Analysis and Critique

Thorstein Veblen’s The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) examines how social stratification and consumer behaviour intertwine, introducing concepts like “conspicuous consumption” and “conspicuous leisure.” Veblen critiques the leisure class—those exempt from productive labour—for perpetuating economic inefficiencies and societal inequalities through ostentatious displays of wealth and status. His analysis delves into the societal norms and institutions that uphold these behaviours, offering a critical perspective on the cultural underpinnings of economic activity.

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Driving Cyber Resilience in the Defence Supply Chain: Summary of Key Actions and Recommendations and Some Thoughts

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has issued a call to action for Defence industry CEOs and Defence Leads, underlining the critical importance of enhancing cyber resilience across the Defence supply chain, “Letter from the Second Permanent Secretary, DG Chief Information Officer and DG Commercial to Defence industry CEOs/Defence Leads“. The letter, signed by Paul Lincoln, Second Permanent Secretary; Charles Forte, DG Chief Information Officer; and Andrew Forzani, DG Commercial, stresses the heightened global cyber threat landscape and the need for immediate and robust action to safeguard the UK’s Defence capabilities.

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Understanding CIDR: Simplifying IP Addressing and Routing

In the world of computer networks and the internet, efficient management of IP addresses and routing plays a crucial role. One fundamental tool that makes this possible is CIDR, or Classless Inter-Domain Routing. In this article, we’ll break down CIDR into its essential components and explain how it simplifies IP addressing and routing.

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IT: Plumbing or Business Development?

This article explores the dual role of IT in organisations, balancing foundational “plumbing” functions with innovative business development. It discusses Gartner’s bimodal IT framework, highlighting the operational stability provided by Mode 1 and the experimental growth enabled by Mode 2. Topics such as cost centres versus profit centres, cybersecurity investment, and the integration of IT and OT are examined to underline the necessity of a balanced approach. The conclusion emphasises the importance of aligning these roles for operational efficiency and strategic growth.

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Autistic Traits and Borderline Personality Disorder Traits: An Analysis of Their Correlation in UK and US Adults

The article “Autistic Traits and Borderline Personality Disorder Traits: An Analysis of Their Correlation in UK and US Adults” finds a positive correlation between autistic traits and BPD traits in both men and women from the UK and US. While anxiety and depression affect this correlation in the UK sample, specific autistic traits (Details/Patterns and Communication/Mindreading) remain correlated with BPD traits in the US sample. The study emphasizes the need for tailored support and further research, noting limitations like technical errors and cultural focus on WEIRD populations.

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The Evolution of Drug Narratives: “The Man with the Golden Arm”, “Drugstore Cowboy”, and “Requiem for a Dream”

This article explores how “The Man with the Golden Arm”, “Drugstore Cowboy”, and “Requiem for a Dream” chart the evolution of societal attitudes toward drug addiction, reflecting the cultural shifts of their respective eras. From the concealed struggles of the 1950s to the countercultural rebellion of the 1980s and the commodification of dreams at the turn of the millennium, these films provide a lens through which to examine the intersection of addiction and societal change. While other notable films like “Naked Lunch” and “Trainspotting” offer unique perspectives, these three stand out for their ability to map the broader narrative of societal openness and transformation over time.

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More Cyber Bollocks: Cutting Through the Hype, Fear, and Nonsense in Cybersecurity

If there’s one thing the cybersecurity industry is never short on, it’s hype and a healthy dose of fear-mongering. Every week, there’s a new headline screaming about the latest cyber apocalypse: hackers are about to steal your identity, ransomware is going to shut down your city, and a nation-state might be spying on you through your toaster. It’s all part of the relentless barrage of cyber bollocks that we’ve become accustomed to.

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Psychedelics, Psychotomimetics, and the Search for Balance: Reflections on the Thoughts of Alexander Shulgin

This article analyses and critiques Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin’s famous lecture on the meaning of life and why he dedicated his career to studying psychedelics. The review delves into Shulgin’s exploration of the balance between life and death instincts, the limitations of psychotomimetic terminology, and the parallels he draws between scientific discovery and spiritual growth. This thought-provoking analysis sheds light on Shulgin’s philosophy and his belief in the power of psychedelics as tools for understanding the human mind.

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Exploring the Mind with Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin – Meaning of Life – “Why I Do What I Do” Speech

This article presents a video and full transcript of Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin’s compelling speech titled “Why I Do What I Do“. In this talk, Shulgin explores the philosophical and scientific reasons behind his work with psychedelics, providing a unique insight into the mind of the man who pioneered the study of psychoactive compounds. Watch the video and read the cleaned-up transcript for a detailed look at Shulgin’s thoughts on the meaning of life, scientific discovery, and the role of psychedelics in expanding consciousness.

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Curiosity, Cats, and Rabies: A Thought from Tenerife

Prompted by a friendly cat in Tenerife, this article explores the near-zero risk of rabies on the Canary Islands. Thanks to strict animal import controls and geographic isolation, the islands have remained rabies-free for years, with no reported cases in domestic animals or humans. While bat-borne lyssaviruses exist in parts of Europe, they haven’t been detected here. The article reassures readers that Tenerife’s cats are safe to admire, though caution is always advisable for animal bites due to the risk of bacterial infections.

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The Culinary Journey of Akira Back: From Snowboarder to Michelin-Starred Chef

Akira Back, born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, transitioned from a professional snowboarding career to becoming a globally acclaimed chef. Drawing from his Korean heritage, Japanese training, and American upbringing, Back blends diverse flavors into innovative dishes like his signature Tuna Pizza. Starting with Yellowtail in Las Vegas, his LPculinary empire now spans the globe, including Michelin-starred Dosa by Akira Back in Seoul. Known for his creative fusion cuisine and storytelling through food, Back continues to redefine modern dining while mentoring chefs and giving back to the community.

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An Overview of the Canary Islands: Discovering the Seven Gems

The Canary Islands consist of seven unique islands, each offering distinct attractions. Tenerife boasts Mount Teide and vibrant cities; Lanzarote features volcanic landscapes and César Manrique’s architecture; Gran Canaria offers diverse microclimates and iconic sand dunes; Fuerteventura is a beach lover’s paradise with world-class windsurfing; La Palma, “La Isla Bonita,” is a lush, stargazing haven; La Gomera is home to ancient forests and the whistling language Silbo Gomero; and El Hierro, the smallest island, is known for its sustainability and serene diving spots.

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Top Things to Do in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer diverse activities for all travellers. Highlights include hiking Mount Teide in Tenerife, exploring Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, relaxing on Fuerteventura’s beaches, and visiting the Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria. Nature lovers can explore La Palma’s lush forests and natural pools, or La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park. Cultural experiences include stargazing, wine tasting, and the vibrant Carnival of Santa Cruz. Water sports like surfing, diving, and whale watching round out the islands’ offerings.

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The History of Tenerife: From Prehistory to Modernity

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off Africa’s northwest coast, have a rich history spanning from their Berber-descended Guanche inhabitants to their modern role as a global tourist hub. Conquered by Spain in the 15th century after fierce resistance, the islands became vital in transatlantic trade, producing sugar and wine, and later facing piracy. Economic challenges prompted emigration to Latin America in the 19th century. The 20th century saw rapid modernisation, the rise of tourism, and autonomy in 1982. Today, the islands preserve their cultural heritage while thriving in tourism, agriculture, and scientific research.

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The Lifelong Bond Between Oliver Sacks and Leonard Shengold: A Journey of Healing and Transformation

The lifelong relationship between neurologist Oliver Sacks and psychoanalyst Leonard Shengold bridged the fields of neurology and psychoanalysis, blending Sacks’ focus on neurological disorders with Shengold’s exploration of trauma. Their five-decade-long therapeutic bond profoundly shaped Sacks’ work, emphasizing the interplay between identity, resilience, and human experience, and illustrating the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding the mind.

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More Blockchain Bollocks: Separating the Myths from the Reality

Blockchain. It’s the technology that everyone seems to be talking about, from tech enthusiasts to industry giants. Advocates claim it will revolutionise everything from finance to healthcare to voting. But as with many emerging technologies, there’s a lot of hype, misinformation, and, let’s be honest, bollocks surrounding blockchain.

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The Rich World of Proverbs: A Journey Through Turkish, Macedonian, Bulgarian, and Slavic Wisdom

Proverbs are more than mere words—they are windows into the soul of a culture. Across the centuries, societies have used these concise, poetic sayings to convey wisdom, humour, and moral lessons. Turkish proverbs, known as “ata sözü” (“words of our ancestors”), are deeply embedded in the fabric of Turkey’s traditions, much like their counterparts in Macedonia, Bulgaria, and the broader Slavic world. This collection explores the rich tapestry of these cultures through their timeless sayings.

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51 Essential Turkish Phrases for Your First Conversation

Learning a new language can feel daunting, but with the right set of phrases, you can start communicating and connecting right away. Whether you’re planning a trip to Turkey, meeting Turkish friends, or simply expanding your linguistic repertoire, mastering these phrases will make you feel at home. Turkish is a beautiful and expressive language, and its conversational richness will draw you into its culture and charm.

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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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