In 1994 Colm O'Byrne lent me an issue of Time magazine to read on my tea break in the Apollo House canteen. I remember having my interest piqued by an article I found therein outlining the many wonderous possibilities that would soon emerge on what was referred to as the 'information superhighway', commonly known, as I write this in 2022, as the internet. Nowadays, there is increasing talk about something referred to as the 'metaverse'. We are told it is in this metaverse we will live our future lives. I'm starting to believe it's going to take off and be as life-altering as the internet has proven to be. 28 years later, I'm feeling that same piquing of my interest about an emerging new world that I felt when Mr Blobby (O'Byrne's nickname) lent me that magazine in 1994. © Brian Ahern 2022