On the penultimate day of the NCSC For Startups programme, there was an ad hoc discussion on code repositories and DevOps tooling. A couple of the cohort were long-time GitHub users, while we use a self-hosted version of GitLab. One of the teams had just moved from the latter to the former, while the final team used Azure DevOps. I thought it would be nice to write up an objective look at the first two options, along with alternatives, as well as summarise our decision. I didn’t want to cover Azure DevOps as I’ve just spent two years using it and I’m grateful to have escaped its clutches. Learn more here.
Continue readingIrish Unification and Scottish Independence Compared
Irish unification and Scottish independence, while both concerning the political future of parts of the UK differ significantly in their historical, cultural, and political contexts. This article was inspired by a relatively recent conversation I had comparing the two. While there are some obvious analogies the reality is they are very different. Explore the comparison with me here.
Continue readingIrish Unification: The Impact of Brexit
Brexit has had a significant impact on discussions around the possible reunification of Ireland, influencing the issue in several key ways. Let’s chase down what that looks like here.
Continue readingExploring The Term “Losers’ Consent”: Why Context Matters
It could be easy to take the term “Losers’ Consent” as a insult. It certainly brackets “Losers”, but is this enough to be defamatory? Or is it simply a technical term in Political Science? And what does it actually mean anyway?
Continue readingIrish Unification: Could It Happen In My Lifetime?
Could there really be a free and united Ireland in my lifetime? Or is it just an unrealistic pipedream? Evidence suggests that resistance to the idea itself is breaking down, and with it, a united Ireland comes a little closer every day. Let’s break down the latest research from The Irish Times and their ARINS survey on Irish unification.
Continue readingConcise Guide to Mean, Mode, Median, Range, and Average
Understanding the fundamental principles of statistical analysis is essential. This guide aims to provide a clear, no-nonsense explanation of the basic concepts of mean, mode, median, range, and average.
Continue reading“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.
Continue readingComprehensive 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.
Continue readingComparative 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.
Continue readingThe 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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