Digital Media

**En’hittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It** by Cory Doctorow https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/enshittification-4 (also available via Spotify premium) Misogyny, conspiratorialism, surveillance, manipulation, fraud, and AI slop are drowning the internet. For the monopolists who dominate online - X, TikTok, Amazon, Meta, Apple - this is all part of the playbook. The process is what leading tech critic Cory Doctorow has dubbed en'hittification. First, the platform attracts users with some bait, such as free access; then the activity is monetized, bringing in the business customers and degrading the user experience; then, once everyone is trapped and competitors eradicated, the platform wrings out all the value and transfers it to their executives and shareholders. Book is available at Hatchards and elsewhere. https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/enshittification/cory-doctorow/9781836742227 Other related books: \- Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now\, by Jaron Lanier \- Dark Patterns\, Deceptive Design\, and the Law\, by M\.R\. Leiser \- Empire of AI: inside the reckless race for total domination\, by Karen Hao (https://xigxag.co.uk/audiobook/empire-of-ai-9781837311262/) \- Taming Silicon Valley: How to Protect Our Jobs\, Safety\, and Society in the Age of AI\, by Gary F\. Marcus \([https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/taming-silicon-valley/gary-f-marcus/9780262551069](https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/taming-silicon-valley/gary-f-marcus/9780262551069)) \- The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality\, by Rachel Adams \- The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want\, by Emily M\. Bender \- More Everything Forever: AI Overlords\, Space Empires\, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity\, by Adam Becker \([https://open.spotify.com/show/36wi0Xfr6C5eoJnA0WCISN?si=177a406de3014913](https://open.spotify.com/show/36wi0Xfr6C5eoJnA0WCISN?si=177a406de3014913)) \- Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust\, by Ernest Davis \- Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought A\.I\. to Google\, Facebook\, and the World\, by Cade Metz **Venue** Blooms Coffee & Pizza https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yy7etKb94vU1wC5m6 Russell Square is the closest metro (underground) station. **Book Club Rules** * Reading the book is required, even if you read a single chapter. * Discussion is centred around the book and its theme. * No show is not appreciated. Please sign up if you are interested in reading and discussing books. In case you cannot make it anymore to the meeting, do let us know in time.

Meetings run weekly on Saturdays from 11.00-12.30 in Enfield Town Library, Community Room, 66 Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AX Join us for wonderful **free** weekly meditation sessions in Enfield Town Library, classes are always free. Sahaja Yoga is a unique form of meditation that will enable you to connect with your Inner Self, establishing a higher awareness within you resulting in a deep feeling of peace, calmness, balance, and joy. It is a tangible practical **experience**: Sahaja Yoga is “Subtle, Simple and Real”. It was founded by H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi ( 1923-2011) and has at its core the process of Self Realisation: connecting with your real Self through the awakening of the dormant energy in our sacrum bone called Kundalini who takes us into the deep peaceful state of thoughtless awareness. In the class, we will go through the process of Self Realisation and learn how to achieve the state of meditation effortlessly. Also, we will learn about balancing our subtle system, diagnosing and solving our problems, and meditating at home. Sahaja Yoga helps all aspects of our life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, it is an extraordinary method, unique from any other types of meditations as it uses our own energy Kundalini who can correct our chakras, balance us, and take us to a much higher and deeper state of awareness. We do not need mats, we sit on chairs, it is easy and simple, Sahaja means spontaneous in Sanskrit, and it is for all cultures, ages, religions, and backgrounds. There are free meetings all over London, the UK, and more than 100 countries. If you are looking for well-being, harmony, and solving your problems, if you want to get out of confusion, and/or mental health problems, if you are looking for answers then you are in the right place. Come along and try, no need to sign up, beginners are welcome anytime. **“ Sahaja Yoga is a method by which our Pure Desire is fulfilled “ (from the founder Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi)** Phone 07931 851 954 or 0773 766 0417 You may also like to check out our main London website, where you can find out more about the numerous free regular meetings taking place across London, and much more: [www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk](https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/) Join us on Facebook [Sahaja Yoga | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sahajayogalondon/) Meditation app: [https://wemeditate.com](https://wemeditate.com/)

*Disclaimer: All are welcome. Students, professionals, non professionals, business owners, curious cats. ---------------------------------------------------------- Come along to the Hercules Pillars located in Holborn in City centre of London, for a few hours to meet friendly faces, work on your personal projects, or just come and share what passion projects you are all working on. Feel free to bring your laptop, tablet, sketchbook, and notes on the day. Whether you work in Animation, Art, Design, Film, Games development, or storytelling, you are welcome to come along. We love being around diverse creatives who want an opportunity to showcase their talents. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to socialise with like-minded people and to get friendly feedback on their work. All backgrounds are welcome to join us, even if your just curious about Animation/Art/Storytelling \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* I Look forward to seeing you there.

**Update: full for drums, bass, piano, 2 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments** 1-2.50pm: rehearsal, Vortex downstairs 2.50-4pm rehearsal, Vortex upstairs 5.30-6pm: performance, Vortex downstairs Please plan for 10 minutes to set up, and a 20 minute performance. To fit within the time, likely plan for either short renditions of all 4 songs, or longer versions of 2-3 tunes. The group should collaboratively work on the overall sound of the ensemble, which songs go in the 20 minute set, and other details such as how to start/end tunes and particular arrangements. There will not be an assigned lead for the group. Note: ensure you've practised these songs before the session. This includes confidently playing the head if you are playing lead instrument, common motifs for comping instruments and any specific bass lines or rhythms. Listen to a few versions of each song. Ideally be able to play the melody even if you're on guitar or piano. Attendees would be expected to be comfortable playing at a novice session first before signing up. Please join one of the weekend afternoon open jams first to play a few songs with other in the group. full list of scheduled sessions: [https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/](https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/) **What is it** a pre-selected set of jazz standards for each session that you can prepare for in advance, and rehearse live with others in a friendly and welcoming environment. See below for this week's setlist. Location: Vortex downstairs & upstairs The instruments are limited to up to: 1 drummer, 1 bass, 1 keys, 1 guitar, 3 lead instruments. The top of the description will indicate if there is an available slot for your instrument. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **Tunes this week (Feb 7th)** * The Lamp is Low (Scott Hamilton) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KREndhHQ9yM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KREndhHQ9yM) (Laurindo Almeida) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKjoLnjjp5E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKjoLnjjp5E) * Seven Steps to Heaven in F (Miles Davis) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKpK8RbGlO4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKpK8RbGlO4) * Tristeza in D (堤智恵子) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgX7zITG2BY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgX7zITG2BY) * Lover Man in F (Stan Getz) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXgPq5doS88](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXgPq5doS88) Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recordings provided as primary references. **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: [https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html](https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html) [http://therealbook.info/](http://therealbook.info/) Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Vocalists** singers very welcome though usually I suggest you come to the intermediate sessions where you can pick your own song and key (as chances are many of the above are not in the right key for your range) **Cancellation policy** Payment by bank transfer for both sessions. No refund will be provided if you can no longer make either of the sessions. If one or both sessions are cancelled, a pro rata or full refund will be provided. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

Hi all, Join us for a photo walk in the vibrant Brick Lane area of London! We’ll start with a 15-minute coffee break to meet and connect, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable walk. From there, we’ll wander through the historic Spitalfields Market, capturing its unique atmosphere and bustling charm. From there, we’ll make our way to the iconic Brick Lane, a hotspot for street art, fascinating local characters, and vibrant energy. To wrap up the day, we’ll head to a pub to relax, share images and stories, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of this iconic area. Grab your camera and join us for an inspiring day of photography. **Meeting Point** Café Noxy brothers, inside Spitalfields Market Corner Unit, Spitalfields Market, 105 Commercial Street, London E1 6BG. How to find the café? Take the commercial street entrance facing The ten bels pub. The café is on a corner inside the market. **Endpoint** A pub at Brick Lane, location TBC. **Cost** The cost for this photo walk is £10 plus fees. Also (cheaper) bookable on: https://www.photowalk.me/photowalk/street-art-stories-exploring-brick-lane-and-beyond-1-2 **Recommendations** The focus of this walk will be on handheld street photography, so feel free to bring any camera or smartphone—just make sure your batteries are fully charged. Since we’ll be walking, please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. It’s also a good idea to check the TFL website for travel updates before heading out. **Bad Weather** If the weather is less than ideal, the walk will still go ahead in the rain, with some adjustments to the route to find shelter if possible. The event will only be cancelled by the organiser in case of severe weather conditions. **Experience** No prior experience is necessary—everyone is welcome! While there will be limited time for technical support, I’m happy to offer creative advice during the walk. **Contact.** No Whats app, phone and text only. 07895295284

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42877 **Game Description:** Get ready for an action-packed volleyball experience like no other! 🏐 Come and join us for an exciting Upper Intermediate Volleyball session in Wembley! 🤩 ⚠️🙅‍♂️🚫This session is not suitable for beginners to mid-intermediate players. We encourage you to join ONLY if you meet this requirement. Host has the right to cancel your spot if you are not on this level. ⚠️🙅‍♂️🚫 Player distribution is announced at the start of the session and your positions can be discussed within your team. All players must be FLEXIBLE to let others have a chance to play in their preferred roles to be fair with everyone. (not just play outside hitter the entire session if most of you plays OH in your team). By participating, you consent to the use of footage for media and marketing purposes. 📽 Changing rooms and parking are available. **Directions:** (12 mins walk from Wembley Park Tube Station) https://moovitapp.com/index/en-gb/public_transportation-Preston_Manor_High_School-London_and_South_East-site_34226593-2122 **Rules** \*\*Warm up (15 - 20 mins): Spiking and serving drills / King & Queen of the Court 🤴👸 \*\*5:1 rotation, 3 teams with 6 players. 👋👌 \*\*Max of 2 games in a row. ✌️ \*\*Score: up to 18 pts, max: 19 (deuce) 🏐 Wonder what it's like playing with us? Check out these snippets made by one of our players for you to watch. 🎬 Links below: 1\. https://drive\.google\.com/file/d/1YFUxp03fXLgE8qpWUScACfuU6c23jBF_/view?usp=drivesdk 2\. https://drive\.google\.com/file/d/146YA6wlUnCaLEgqg6Wh2U0qJJ099m8as/view?usp=drivesdk Fun isn't? 😉 Register now! See you on the court!

Starting at The Flying Horse Pub in Oxford Street we will take a walk around the more colourful and brightly lit parts of London. The task for this walk is to emulate the type of cinematic colour shots inspired by films. I would suggest to use something like Kodak Vision 3 500T or Cinestill 800T. To get some good bokeh you will be best advised to use a lens with a wide aperture. After the walk we'll reconvene to a local pub for some socialising. I will set up a WhatsApp group to discuss Bokeh and how to go about it with links to other sites. Please add your name to the group early so you see all discussions.

Come out and have a drink and chat with others about the shows you listen to and why you do it! Share a show ahead of time so we can talk about it day of. A good place to meet with creators, actors, and listeners of all kinds.

Discover a unique chess community where we’ve created a friendly, positive environment for playing and learning chess, quite different from the ordinary, male-dominated clubs. This is a place to feel at home, connect with like-minded people, and enjoy developing your chess skills within a supportive community. What to Expect: ♟ Friendly games and casual play ♟ Coaching sessions for beginners and intermediate players ♟ Socialising with fellow chess lovers ♟ A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere Ad exciting news: Series of Group Coaching on started on 15th November and a few more: [sign up here](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) At London Women Chess Club, we’re passionate about empowering women in chess. Our non-profit community is dedicated to creating a safe and engaging space for women and juniors to develop their skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the game. Let’s celebrate the contributions of women in chess and build a vibrant, dynamic community together. Come and be part of something We can’t wait to see you there! [Join Us!](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub)

High‑contrast photography is one of the most powerful ways to create bold, emotionally charged images. This workshop is designed for photographers to learn about the many different types of contrast they can work with. Learning to control and creatively exploit contrast will elevate your visual storytelling - this is not just about the tension between light and shadow! Whether you're shooting portraits, street scenes, or abstract compositions, understanding contrast is the key to unlocking striking, unforgettable images. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * How to see good locations & conditions for contrast * Camera settings * Composition EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * Any lens such as a standard 18-55, 24-70mm etc. OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar Photo ©Fiona Mackillop

**The spiritual party everyone is talking about, with loud sacred mantra music, wild dancing and a mouth-watering VEGAN/VEGGIE FEAST 🌱** Enjoy mantra music, a vibrant social scene and the best vegan cuisine from around the globe. Connect with like-minded people and jam to groovy mantra music that stirs the heart. The evening begins with some mantra music meditation, also known as kirtan, at 5PM, Followed by a talk on yoga **wisdom** and spirituality. Then we move into another kirtan. As the kirtan increases in intensity, we will open the **dance floor**. From rocking beats to vegan treats! It's time to indulge in a luxurious **all you can eat** VEGAN/VEGGIE feast. **Ticket Price** 🎟 (includes Dinner): Door price: General £17 \| *Student £14* Online \(Eventbrite\): General £14 \| *Student £10* **Where** 📍: 57 Theobalds Road, Holborn, WC1X 8SP **When** 📆: Every Sunday at 5pm (Doors open at 4.45pm) [Book online](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/studio-108-34126014551) or pay at the door🚪 [@studio108_ldn](https://www.instagram.com/studio108_ldn/) to stay up to date and find out more.

YOU MUST BUY AN EVENTBRITE TICKET UNLESS YOU TOOK PART IN THE CURRENT 1 MONTH JAM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/film-jam-sunday-screening-and-social-feb-tickets-1981570943033 The London Film-Jam Social (free) is an opportunity to meet and chat with other Jammers both past, present and future as well as to have a look at what we've been up to! Come along and see what we are all about or just catch up with old friends an relive those crazy days of filmmaking, or just chat about films in general. We'll start the night at about 6.00 by showing a few films made at previous Jams and then there will be the much awaited Premieres of the 1 Month Film Jam Films. After that everyone can mingle for a few hours to get know each other. Everybody welcome! Venue: Upstairs at The Hercules, 2 Kennington Road, London, SE1 7BL. Very easy to get to..... 5 Minutes walk from Waterloo or just over the road from Lambeth North Tube Station. More tickets here : [Film Jam Social \(Apr\) Tickets\, Tue 30 Apr 2024 at 17:30 \| Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/film-jam-social-apr-tickets-879388172697?aff=oddtdtcreator) Free Event on Meetup Vegan food available 18+ Event

A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games. Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it. We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different. Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before. Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part! Who knew getting fit could be this fun? **TO BOOK**: It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** We play every: * Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesday in Elephant & Castle (19:00 - 20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00 - 13:00) We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than Meetup might suggest. Book your place here: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

**Join us for an exciting Art Exhibition hosted by the Black Art Enthusiasts Collective.** **This is not a free event details on how to purchase tickets below.** **Nigerian Modernism:** Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu, as well as London, Munich and Paris. Through groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club, they fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works. After exploring the exhibition we will have a discussion after. [Purchase tickets here](https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/nigerian-modernism?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Grant_Exhibition_TM_Nigerian-Modernism&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22693752224&gbraid=0AAAAADxb_sRo4W45srSTRKSYseCD6Lbsu&gclid=CjwKCAiAlfvIBhA6EiwAcErpydq4Me425fwZSdmSPhOAptKWeNvyx9yEGOq9e6QhPrhbkKZu-sUhBxoCrj8QAvD_BwE) **Please arrive promptly at 13.45 pm to go in at 2pm**

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

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.

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBA

**Photography 101: Discover The Photographer Within** **Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your camera? Then this beginning photography course is perfect for you!** This beginner-friendly photography class is your gateway to unlocking the power of your camera and developing a confident artistic vision. This course offers an engaging and practical approach to essential techniques and creative principles for impactful photography. We will explore the use of camera settings, composition, and light to tell a story that evokes emotion in the viewer. **Through hands-on exercises and insightful lessons, you will learn to:** * **Master Your Camera:** Learn fundamental camera functions, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, so you can confidently control exposure and creative effects in any lighting situation. * **Compose Captivating Images:** Explore and apply classic composition principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing and impactful photographs. * **Harness the Power of Light:** Understand how different light sources (natural and artificial) affect your images and learn to manipulate them to create mood, texture, and enhance the overall quality of your photos. * **Control Focus and Depth of Field:** Discover how to effectively utilize depth of field to isolate your subject and achieve captivating background blur (bokeh) or ensure sharpness throughout your landscape shots. * **Work with Lenses and Filters:** Explore the impact of various lens types and focal lengths on photographs and learn how filters can add creative control and protection. **This class provides the foundation needed to confidently create high-quality images and begin a photographic journey, regardless of the camera used.** **Prerequisites:** * A camera (film, DSLR, or mirrorless) that has manual controls is required. Hands-on exercises make having the camera in class highly beneficial. You will need at least one lens to evaluate the results of control exercises. * You may attend this class in one of two ways: 1. With a class voucher provided by your retail camera store 2. Purchasing a seat in the class

### Tools in your AI's Toolbox : An introduction to MCP Servers The generative AI revolution has unlocked unprecedented capabilities, but the next frontier is agency: empowering models to interact with, query, and act upon the world. The current challenge is the “N x M integration problem,” where every AI model requires a custom, brittle integration for each external tool or data source. This approach simply doesn’t scale. How can we give an AI access to our sales leads, code repositories, or IoT devices in a standardized, secure, and reusable way? This session introduces Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), the open-source framework designed to solve this challenge and become the universal connector—the USB-C port—for AI. MCP standardizes how AI models discover and use external tools, moving beyond simple function-calling to a robust, client-server architecture. We will dive into how this open protocol is creating a new ecosystem for building powerful, context-aware AI agents. Join this session for a developer-focused introduction where you will learn how to: Understand the core concepts of the open-source Model Context Protocol and its architecture. Utilize pre-built, open-source MCP servers to instantly connect AI to tools like Git, Slack, and databases. Build a custom MCP server to securely expose your own proprietary data and APIs as tools for any compliant AI. Move beyond bespoke integrations and contribute to a standardized, collaborative, and open ecosystem. Stop building one-off connectors and start building intelligent agents. This session will give you the practical knowledge to leverage MCP and create the next generation of AI that doesn’t just talk, but does. Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! [https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/](https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/)