DYI Bio

Das "Drinks und Links"-Team lädt dich zum nächsten Networking-Event in Zürich ein. Sich austauschen, innovative Geschäftsideen besprechen, Kontakte knüpfen oder einfach eine gute Zeit haben - das haben wir uns von "Drinks und Links" auf die Fahne geschrieben. Unkomplizierte Atmosphäre - kühle Drinks - coole Location. Wir freuen uns schon jetzt, dich an unserem nächsten Gratis-Event zu begrüssen! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- The Drinks and Links team are hosting another fab Free Networking Event in Zürich (http://drinksandlinks.com/netwoking-event-in-zuerich/). So make a resolution to save the date for a great night of networking and socialising. There is plenty of space to expand our group at a bar which boasts a great selection of drinks! See you there. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- The "Drinks and Links"-Team - now wer'e talking http://www.drinksandlinks.com

Meet at the lockers at Bahnhof Oerlikon. We can decide together about the on-inn.

Anybody who wants to practice their programming skills is welcome. We share our ideas, learn from each other, do some exercise, ask questions, etc. This meetup is the best for those who want to improve their skills by programming and learning in a group If you want to learn more about our Co-Learning, please have a look at our website: [https://opentechschool-zurich.github.io/](https://opentechschool-zurich.github.io/) \*\*\* We have a chat group you can join to get more information: [https://app.element.io/#/room/#ots-zh:matrix.org](https://app.element.io/#/room/#ots-zh:matrix.org) (You need to create a free account if you don't already have one) Remote participants are also welcome. You first need to join the Element chat and then get into the video call that we start at around 19:00 (if we forget, pleas ping us in the Element chat!) \*\*\* Our main languages are Python and Javascript, but we welcome every programming languages. Some of the skills we can help you learning: * Python and * ... PyGame (Zero / Play) -.... Flask * ... Jupyter and data science -... PySide2 / PyQt * ... Shoebot * C++ and * ... Qt * ... cmake * ... and modern C++ * Flutter for Apps * PHP and * ... Vue.js * ... Wordpress * JS and React.js We have a few Github repository that can be interesting to browse:: https://github.com/opentechschool-zurich/

**This Meeting’s Theme: “Flourish”** To flourish isn't just about speaking, it's about *shining* ! It’s that magical moment when your confidence blossoms , your vocal variety sings , and your message lands with spectacular style. So come ready to move beyond just 'presenting'—it's time to truly *flourish* on stage! \*\*\* You can **pay directly via Meetup**! For this meeting, we’re collecting **CHF 37**, which also includes a delicious dinner prepared by the restaurant. That’s dinner *and* personal growth in one go—what a deal! ️✨ Per default, you're in for the vegetarian option. If you want meat, let us know via PM before Sunday! \*\*\* \*\* Practice public speaking, sharpen your communication, and grow your leadership skills\*\* Ever wanted to feel more confident speaking in front of others? Or perhaps become a better communicator and leader? Toastmasters is the perfect place to challenge yourself in a warm, supportive, and safe environment. Here, you can practice, learn, grow, mentor, and share—while having a laugh or two along the way. With over **16,600 clubs worldwide**, Toastmasters helps people reach their full potential as confident speakers and inspiring leaders. \*\*\* \*\* Welcome to Zuriberg Toastmasters Club\*\* We usually meet on the **1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday** of each month in the beautiful **Zunftsaal** at *Restaurant Weisser Wind* in Zurich. (We’ll always notify you if there's a change in venue.) \*\*\* **️ What to expect at a meeting** Each meeting is hosted by the **Toastmaster of the evening**, who welcomes guests and introduces the *Word of the Day*. Then, we move into the main event: **️ Prepared Speeches** – 3–4 speeches, each 5–7 minutes long **️ Dinner Break** – Enjoy a delicious meal together \*\* Speech Evaluations\*\* – Supportive and constructive feedback \*\* Table Topics\*\* – Fun impromptu speaking, open to guests too! \*\* Meeting Evaluation\*\* – A general overview and suggestions for improvement **️ Guest Feedback & Closing** – Share your thoughts and wrap up the evening \*\* After-Hours Conversations\*\* – Stick around for drinks and good chats \*\*\* **❓ FAQs** **Do I have to speak at my first meeting?** Nope! You’re welcome to just observe. If you feel comfortable, you can introduce yourself and maybe even try Table Topics. Totally optional! **Is there a teacher or instructor?** There’s no formal instructor. The club is run by elected members, and learning happens through practice and peer feedback. You’ll receive a speaking guidebook and can also request a mentor. **Do I have to pay for the dinner?** Yes, the CHF 37 fee covers dinner and the venue. Soft drinks are not included and cost approx. CHF 6. **How many people attend?** Usually between **20–30 people**, a mix of members and guests. Meetup RSVPs mostly reflect guest numbers. **What is Toastmasters International?** A nonprofit founded in 1924 with **16,400+ clubs** in **141 countries**, Toastmasters helps people become better speakers, communicators, and leaders. **Can anyone join?** Yes! Anyone **18 or older** is welcome to become a member. **What is the refund policy?** Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations. But we know that life can get in the way, so guests cancelling two or more days prior to the event are welcome to reach out via private message and we can coordinate a visit at a later date without further charges. \*\*\* We look forward to seeing you—whether it’s your first word or your first speech. Come for the skills, stay for the stories!

A non-obvious English stand-up night with comics from Zurich and beyond. Expect loose ideas, polished bits, unexpected jokes, and laughter from places you don’t expect. **Tickets** on >> **[Eventfrog here](https://eventfrog.ch/jokes-jokes-jokes)** << Hosted by Swiss-based comedian **Łukasz Segiet aka Woocash ([@woocash.comedy](https://instagram.com/woocash.comedy))**, known for off-beat, unpredictable, vibe-driven comedy and a favourite among fellow comedians for his distinctive, non-obvious approach. He invites a lineup of friends and local comics to share the stage each edition. **Doors Open: 19:30** **Show Begins: 20:00** **Tickets** on >> **[Eventfrog here](https://eventfrog.ch/jokes-jokes-jokes)** <<

Dear lovely dancer, We meet every Thursday in Zurich at **Gartenhofstrasse 24**, where we come together to dance, connect, and enjoy a shared experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. To help you feel at ease, we’re very happy to let you know what to expect, including the agenda for the session, what to bring along, and how to find the group on the day. Simply drop us a quick message at **[biodanzaconadri@gmail.com](mailto:biodanzaconadri@gmail.com)**, and we’ll gladly share all the information with you by email. We aim to reply straight away. We very much look forward to hearing from you and hopefully dancing together soon. Warm wishes, Adri

Złość to dla wielu z nas trudna emocja. Albo czujemy, że nie potrafimy nad nią zapanować albo boimy się jej. Złość kojarzy się nam z agresją, krzykiem i krzywdzeniem innych ludzi. Ci, którzy się złoszczą uchodzą za nieobliczalnych i nieprzyjaznych. A przecież zdrowo wyrażana złość jest potrzebna! Uwalniamy w ten sposób nagromadzone napięcia, zmniejszamy poziom stresu, a zwiększamy poziom energii życiowej. Metoda Lowena daje nam skuteczne narzędzia do oswajania złości. WARSZTATY O ZŁOŚCI: CZEGO SIĘ SPODZIEWAĆ? **Zrozumiesz** Sprawdzisz, jaką masz dziś relację ze złością. Porozmawiamy o tym, jakie są odcienie złości, jak często złość przykrywa nam smutek i odwrotnie. Zrozumiesz, dlaczego dopuszczanie zdrowej złości jest ważne i potrzebne. **Poćwiczysz** W kameralnej grupie i bezpiecznej przestrzeni nauczymy się podstaw pracy z emocjami w ciele. Aby bezpiecznie wyrażać złość musimy mocno stać na ziemi i zwiększać świadomość ciała. Poprzez praktyki ekspresyjne będziemy pozwalać sobie na wyrażanie złości. **Wyregulujesz** Jednym z celów ćwiczeń bioenergetycznych jest regulacja emocji i poprawa samopoczucia. Dzięki regularnej pracy ze złością możesz zmniejszyć poziom stresu, poprawić jakość snu a nawet wzmocnić pewność siebie i odzyskać ochotę na seks! Warsztaty są otwarte dla wszystkich bez względu na płeć. Możesz potraktować je jako warsztaty rozwojowe lub dodatek do psychoterapii opartej na rozmowie (o ile czujesz się stabilnie). **Przeciwskazania** Warsztaty o złości nie są odpowiednie dla osób, które są bardzo wrażliwe na hałas i krzyk (niektóre osoby głosem wyrażają swoje emocje). Inne przeciwskazania to m.in. ciąża i epilepsja, stany psychotyczne. Jeśli masz silne napady złości połączone z agresywnymi impulsami, lepsza będzie terapia indywidualna. Jeśli masz jakieś poważniejsze dolegliwości, skontaktuj się ze mną aby się upewnić, że te zajęcia będą dla Ciebie OK. Bilety: są bezzwrotne. Jeśli się rozchorujesz i przedstawisz zaświadczenie lekarskie, mogę przepisać Cię na kolejne warsztaty w kolejnych miesiącach. Uwaga: Podana cena 62 CHF nie jest ceną ostateczną, w kasie powinno wyjść ok. 65 CHF. To jedyny sposób, żebym mogła wziąć na siebie koszty obsługi płatności na tym portalu. Liczba zajętych miejsc może nie odzwierciedlać realnej liczby zapisów, gdyż warsztaty są ogłaszane na wielu portalach. Kto pierwszy ten lepszy. W przypadku przekroczenia liczby miejsc otrzymasz zwrot pieniędzy lub zaproponuję dodatkowy termin. Miejsce: przytulne studio niedaleko Triemli. Sala ma ograniczenia dostępu (schodki).

A decade. Hundreds of conversations, ideas, and inspirations. And we're celebrating with a meetup that truly delivers. Three exceptional speakers, topics that matter, and plenty of room for what has made this meetup special for 10 years: real people, real conversations, real networking. **The Evening at a Glance** 17:30 Doors open, first drinks, familiar faces and new ones 18:00 Welcome and a brief look back at 10 years of DevOps Meetup Zurich 18:15–18:45 **Claws in the Dark: Bringing DevSecOps to Legacy Hardware with Robotics and Playwright** by Alexander Friesen 18:45–19:15 **Beyond Agile: Structuring Organizations for Real Autonomy** by Lea Düker 19:15–19:25 Short break 19:25–19:55 **From Bottlenecks to Flow: OKRs, Value Stream Management, and Governance Done Right** by Vasileios Konofaos 19:55–20:15 Panel discussion with all three speakers 20:15 Networking, Open Space, snacks, drinks, and anniversary cake 🎂 **Claws in the Dark: Bringing DevSecOps to Legacy Hardware with Robotics and Playwright** What do you do when your software’s "deployment target" is a piece of security hardware embedded in a concrete wall for 20 years? In the world of access control, we don't have the luxury of "move fast and break things"—if the integration fails, the door stays locked. For decades, hardware development at Primion relied on manual bit-shifting, incomplete specifications, and the "read, write, and pray" method. When the pandemic decentralized our R&D department—scattering 60 developers across Europe—the traditional model of physical bench testing collapsed. We couldn't send a lab to everyone’s home, so we brought the developers to the lab through robotics. In this session, we deep-dive into how we bridged the physical-digital divide by building a fully automated hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing farm. We will explore: * The Architecture: How we orchestrate GitLab CI, Azure ephemeral environments, and Playwright to drive physical interactions. * The Hardware Hack: How a 200 CHF robotic claw replaced manual testing, allowing developers to "touch" hardware from anywhere in the world. * The Shift-Left Strategy: Moving from "praying for compatibility" to robust integration testing that catches bit-level errors before they ever hit the factory floor. * Scaling on a Budget: How a single working student scaled our setup to 20+ (and rising) automated test cells. Join us to see how "claws moving in the dark" turned hardware debugging from a nightmare into a breeze, and learn how to apply DevSecOps principles to the most stubborn, physical environments. **Alexander Friesen** Aexander is a **Lead IT Architect** with over a decade of experience in software architecture and technical leadership. He specializes in building and scaling modern ecosystems for major enterprises like **Swisscard** and **Siemens**. DevOps & Platform Engineering Highlights * **Platform Leadership:** Directed technical strategy for Siemens’ IoT flagship "BuildingX" and managed multi-million dollar budgets for large-scale SAFe trains. * **Automation & Compliance:** Expert in **DevSecOps**, achieving ISO27000 compliance through automated CI/CD pipelines and security scanning. * **Efficiency Gains:** Improved software team productivity by **30%** through the implementation of AI Ops and Internal Developer Platforms. * **Cloud Native Stack:** Certified **AWS Architect** with deep expertise in Kubernetes, Terraform, Serverless, and **Data Mesh** architectures. * **Global Teams:** Proven track record of leading cross-functional engineering teams across Switzerland, Germany, the USA, and India. **Beyond Agile: Structuring Organizations for Real Autonomy** Many organizations invest in agile methods, DevOps, and new technologies, and yet the desired impact on collaboration, accountability, and decision-making often fails to materialize. A key lever for change lies in how organizations are structured. This talk provides an introduction to Holacracy as a model for radical self-organization and places it within the broader landscape of organizational development. It explains what defines Holacracy, the principles behind it, and the problems it aims to address. The focus, however, is not solely on the organizational model. The talk also presents concrete tools and practices of self-organization, such as clear role definitions, structured decision-making processes, and transparent governance, that can be applied regardless of the organizational structure in place. **Lea Düker** * Since 2024: IT Project Manager and Scrum Master at digital agency Unic AG * 2021–2024: Project Manager and Deputy Head of IT at the Building Department of the City of Zurich * 2018–2021: Consultant for Process Management at Join GmbH * 2016–2018: Master's degree in Business Management with a specialization in Process Management **From Bottlenecks to Flow: OKRs, Value Stream Management, and Governance Done Right** In our session, we'll be delving into the advanced flow engineering practices we've implemented at KPMG CH for our Cloud Platform. These methods have truly transformed how we deliver outcomes—faster, safer, and with an even greater level of satisfaction. During the session, we'll take a closer look at how we leverage OKRs to align teams and drive strategic goals, and how Value Stream Management helps us optimize workflow and eliminate bottlenecks. Our robust Governance model will also be discussed, highlighting how we maintain compliance without sacrificing agility. Beyond sharing the technical details, we'll reflect on the lessons learned and valuable insights we've gained throughout our journey. Our goal is to provide actionable takeaways that will benefit the DevOps community and inspire organizations seeking to enhance their delivery pipelines and nurture a culture of continuous improvement. **Vasileios Konofaos** Head of Business Services CH Group Digital Vasileios Konofaos is a seasoned technology leader with more than 20 years of experience driving large‑scale software engineering, cloud infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives. As Director of Business Services CH Group Digital at KPMG Switzerland, he leads high‑impact programs that advance innovation, operational excellence, and AI‑enabled capabilities across the organization. His career spans senior roles in global financial institutions and consulting firms, where he has successfully delivered complex projects in software development, automation, DevOps, and machine learning. Certified in Azure, ITIL, PMP, PRINCE2, and Scrum, Vasileios is recognized for his strategic mindset, strong leadership, and ability to empower teams to achieve exceptional results. He brings deep expertise in systems analysis, project delivery, and process improvement, consistently enabling organizations to scale technology solutions with quality and precision. Many thanks to our **sponsors**: * Catering and Location Sponsor: **KPMG** https://kpmg.com/

**Workshop about anger according to Alexander Lowen** **Bioenergetic (somatic) exercises** Anger is a complex emotion for many of us. We may feel like it’s getting out of control or be afraid to show it. Anger is associated with aggression, screaming, and hurting others. Those who get mad are treated as unpredictable and unfriendly. The truth is that we need a healthy expression of anger! When we let off some steam, we release tension, reduce stress, and win precious energy back. The therapist and psychiatrist Alexander Lowen invented bioenergetic analysis and its exercises. They give us the tools to understand and work with our anger. WORKSHOP ABOUT ANGER: WHAT TO EXPECT? **Understand** You will examine your attitude towards anger. We will discuss the different shades of this emotion. Often something else hides underneath, like sadness or shame. You'll understand why a healthy expression of anger is OK and beneficial for you and others. **Exercise** In a small group and safe space, we'll learn the basic somatic exercises for working with anger. To access this strong emotion safely, you need to be grounded and aware of your body. Through expressive practices, you'll connect with your own anger. **Regulate** One of the main goals of bioenergetic exercises is to regulate emotions and improve well-being. Thanks to regular practice in expressing anger, you'll be able to manage stress, improve sleep quality, boost confidence, and even boost your libido! This embodied work can help you become more assertive at work and in your relationships. **Who this workshop is for?** * Participants of all genders welcome. * You can treat this workshop as a self-development tool or as an addition to talk psychotherapy. * You are ready to express your emotions in a small group of people in a safe, confidential setting (all exercises are voluntary). * You can tolerate shouting, stomping, and expressive movements. * If you have a mental health condition, check with your health provider first. You need to feel stable enough to confront more intense emotions. The same applies to people who have experienced violence and abuse. **Contraindications:** * Pregnancy * Epilepsy * History of psychotic states or taking antipsychotic medication * Strong anger management issues or aggressive outbursts (more suitable for individual therapy). * If you have a serious health condition, consult your doctor first (for example, very high blood pressure or other conditions that can be triggered by intense emotions). Location: Cozy studio near Triemli station. The event is open to participants aged 18 and over, regardless of gender. The room has accessibility restrictions, as you need to take a few steps down to enter. *Note: The list price of 62 CHF doesn't include system processing fee. At checkout, you will be charged approximately. 65 CHF. This is the only way for me to take on the charges on this website.* *The number of sold tickets may not reflect the actual number, as this event is cross-promoted. First-come, first-served.*

The **Digitec Galaxus Product Development Meet-Up** is back — this time diving into **recommender systems** with two talks bridging data science and engineering practice. **Talk 1: Insights from Building and Operating a Recommender System for Migros Supermarkets** *Max Nolte – Data Scientist & Team Lead at Supermarkt IT, Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund* When you think of a Migros supermarket, you don't usually think about recommender systems. Over the past four years, my team and I have built and operated the engine behind personalized Cumulus coupons and a few other digital touchpoints. I'll share how it works, why we invest in it at a brick‑and‑mortar retailer, and what we've learned, covering data, models, measurement, and the practical realities of running it day to day. **Talk 2: Recommendations at Digitec Galaxus — From Data Science to Engineering Practice** *Michael Weiss, Senior Software Engineer & Robert Rosenbach, Senior Data Scientist – Digitec Galaxus* How do you go from a promising model to a recommender system that is fast, scalable, and maintainable in production? We will walk through the Digitec Galaxus recommendation stack end to end: the engineering architecture that keeps recommendations snappy and reliable, and the data-science side of model training — what to optimize for, which input signals matter, and the trade-offs involved in both. The two presentations will take roughly a combined hour, leaving plenty of time for discussions, questions, and exchange afterwards over drinks and snacks. Whether you come from a software engineering, data science, product, or any other background — we'd love to have you join us!

**[⚠️>>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/sport-fitness/yoga/yoga-sound-healing-7437531987315800493.html) or** **[www.social-circle.ch](http://www.social-circle.ch/)** 🌿 **Social Circle Yin Yoga & Soundbath – Reset & Reconnect** 🌿 Join the Social Circle community for a deeply restorative evening designed to help you slow down, reset, and reconnect — with yourself and with others. 💖✨ 📲 Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW) (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) We’ll begin with a gentle **Yin Yoga practice**, featuring long-held, calming postures that release tension and soothe the nervous system. No rush, no pressure — just space to arrive and soften. 🧘‍♀️ As you rest into stillness, you’ll be immersed in the healing vibrations of a **soundbath** with crystal and Tibetan bowls. The sounds will guide you into a meditative state, helping you drop out of your head and into your body. 🎶 After the workshop we will go in a cafe for a drink to relax and socialize. This combination of Yin Yoga and sound healing is perfect if you’re looking to: 🌸 unwind after a busy week 🌸 calm your nervous system 🌸 reconnect with yourself in a warm, welcoming group setting **What to bring:** – Comfortable, loose clothing – A bottle of water Come as you are. Leave feeling grounded, relaxed, and gently connected. 🌙💫 We’re looking forward to creating a calm and supportive space together as part of Social Circle. ​📸 Photos and short videos may be taken during the event. Let the host know if you prefer not to be in them. Tickets are non refundable. Want more events like this? Join our community! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw)

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

The Fellowship of the Star Schema: Transforming OLTP Data for Power BI One does not simply build reports on OLTP data. Join us on an epic journey from the depths of raw, normalized tables to the shining halls of a well-modeled star schema fit for Power BI greatness. We will demystify the differences between OLTP and OLAP, walk through star schema vs snowflake (and why Power BI has a clear favorite), and show you the compression differences between normalized and columnar storage that will make you never look at an OLTP model the same way again. We will cover the different types of dimensions, when to use them, and how to handle Slowly Changing Dimensions without losing your mind. You will leave knowing exactly how to identify a bad model, how to convert OLTP data into a clean star schema, and how to forge relationships that rule them all. Whether you are a data wizard, a curious hobbit, or somewhere in between, your models will never be the same.

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.