This is a group based in the Santa Barbara area which gathers to discuss topics in machine learning. This includes, but isn't limited to: classification, clustering, graphical algorithms, information retrieval, data mining, artificial intelligence, game theory, computational learning theory, reinforcement learning, collaborative filtering, recommendation systems, and predictive analytics.

The group will focus on using Python, R, and other open source languages and libraries for getting things done. All others are welcome as well.

The preferred format is getting together to tackle small- to medium-sized data analysis problems. Later I may try to line up presentations for people to give. All levels welcome from beginners to research scientists. This is intended to be a very inclusive group.

If you are a local machine learning hobbyist or professional, and you would like to present a project you have been working on to the group, please email me and we can schedule a Meetup for you: jpmcgaw@gmail.com

New to this? Here's how I suggest you get started:

http://ml-class.org

http://www.r-project.org/

http://rstudio.org/

http://www.shogun-toolbox.org/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1617290181/

http://www.quora.com/Data/Where-can-I-get-l...