Software Innovation

**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.

**Update: full for all instruments** full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), 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. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments. **Tunes this week (Sat 7 Feb)** * Blues in the Closet in F (warm up) (Stanley Turrentine) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww) * Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures) (Cannonball Adderley) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA) * Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7) (tricky, rhythm instruments learn accompany parts) (Stringspace) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8) * There is no greater love in Bb (Freddie Hubbard) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0) Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat 14 Feb)** * Autumn Leaves in Gm (Art Pepper) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY) * Chameleon in Bbm (Stringspace) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y) * Beatrice in F (Sam Rivers) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs) * Beautiful Love in Dm (Munne, Hamilton) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g) **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 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 are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

This event is open to anyone who works in or is interested in the tech industry, whether you are a developer, designer, engineer, entrepreneur, student, or hobbyist. You will be able to meet new people, share your experiences, learn from others, and find potential collaborators or mentors. Attending our events earns you [Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points](https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/how-to-get-cpd-points). CPD offers numerous benefits, including skill enhancement, career progression, and up-to-date knowledge. It helps professionals stay competent, advance in their careers, and maintain professional credibility. We usually start around 2 p.m. at The Crown pub, following the earlier Brunch event. The Crown offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to suit all tastes and burgers for those who missed the brunch. The pub offers a Lunch Special between 12 and 4pm for a Cheeseburger with fries for £9 & schooners for £4. It is worth noting that whilst the event is free, the food and drinks aren't. Come thirsty, curious, and ready to have a great time!

**Update: full for drums, bass, piano, guitar, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments** *\*\* The 9M Studios sessions are now 3 hours long. The group is encouraged to use the last hour to call additional songs that are not on the repertoire list - similar to an open jam, or to experiment with arrangements such as intros and endings for the original repertoire. \*\** full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. already full for your instrument? Please check back on Wednesday mornings, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: 9M Studios, SE17 1DX **Who's it for** anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), 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. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments. **Tunes this week (Sat 7 Feb)** * Blues in the Closet in F (warm up) (Stanley Turrentine) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww) * Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures) (Cannonball Adderley) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA) * Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7) (tricky, rhythm instruments learn accompany parts) (Stringspace) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8) * There is no greater love in Bb (Freddie Hubbard) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0) Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat 14 Feb)** * Autumn Leaves in Gm (Art Pepper) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY) * Chameleon in Bbm (Stringspace) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y) * Beatrice in F (Sam Rivers) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs) * Beautiful Love in Dm (Munne, Hamilton) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g) **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 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, and microphones. Limited number of music stands. 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** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

Ready to think clearer, reason better, and express with clarity? Join us for a practical wholesome philosophy practice where we learn essential thinking skills through hands-on group practice. Leave academics and theory at the door— this is a skills-building adventure for everyday life! 🧠✨ This event's focus: **Clear Thinking & Better Arguments** 🎯 a part of the Wholesome Philosophy series — **6 practice sessions** that help you build a complete thinking toolkit. **See below** 👇🏽 **Why should you sign up?** Introductory ***trial pricing*** 📣 with 1 coffee included ☕ Private, Quiet and vibrant venue Your feedback will help shape future sessions. 🙏 **What is Wholesome Philosophy?** Practical philosophy for everyday life - helping you build useful skills for thinking clearer and communicating better in work, relationships, and daily conversations. You'll learn through pair work, and group practice. 💬 spread across **6 sessions:** 1. **Clear Thinking & Better Arguments** — How to reason 2. **Develop Thinking Habits** — Spotting biases and fallacies 3. **The Art of Dialogue** — Having productive disagreements 4. **Constructing Your Position** — Building solid viewpoints 5. **Decision-Making Frameworks** — Choosing wisely under uncertainty 6. **Self-Examination & Growth** — Questioning your own beliefs Each session works standalone — attend one, some, or all. ***Want to join all?*** Speak to the facilitator about discounted pricing for the full series ✅ **Who is it for?** * You want to think clearer and communicate better * You feel frustrated when your point doesn't land * You want to spot weak reasoning (including your own) * You enjoy learning through practice, not just theory * You crave thoughtful conversation with curious people * You want practical tools you can use tomorrow No philosophy background needed — just show up ready to practice. 🎉 **What's in it for you?** * Make your points stick (without fighting) 💡 * Think more clearly about any topic even complex ones 🧠 * Have disagreements that don't turn into arguments 🤝 * Understand the world better 🌍 * Connect with curious, thoughtful people ✨ * Gain confidence in your reasoning abilities 💪 **How does it work?** * Facilitated practice session (2 hours) with structured exercises ⏱ * Small group discussions (4-6 people) 💬 * Pair work for hands-on practice 🤝 * Individual reflection moments 🧘 * Whole group sharing (optional, not required) 🌟 Everything is timed and guided — you'll know exactly what to do at each stage 📝 **What to expect** Collaborative discovery, without competitive learning. Practicing together, without performing for each other. What happens in the room stays in the room. 🔒 * **Depth**: Beyond small talk, but it's not therapy — we're developing thinking skills 🧠 * **Safety**: Wholesome Agreement principles apply — respect, curiosity, no judgment 🤝 * **Practical**: You'll leave with tools, not just concepts — things you can actually use the next day 🛠️ * **Participation**: These are practice sessions — your active participation creates the learning environment 💬 **Ready to upgrade your thinking skills?** 🌊 Join us for a Wholesome Philosophy practice session and walk away with various thinking tools — it's for anyone who wants to navigate life with a sharper, kinder mind. 🌟 We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80)

**Please make a reservation on [dayofus.com.](http://dayofus.com./) This is a paid event.** DayOfUs brings strangers together for unforgettable dinners. Every week, we curate group dining experiences at great local restaurants — you + five new faces. No awkward planning, no group chats that go nowhere — just good food, good vibes, and conversations that matter. ### **Here’s how it works:** 1. **Take our quick quiz** in the DayOfUs app to share your preferences. 2. **We match you** with a group of like-minded people. 3. **We book the restaurant** — you simply show up and enjoy. 4. **You leave with new friends** (and maybe a new favorite restaurant). ✨ **Not a dating app** – we’re all about human connection and building friendships. ### **Why Join Us?** * **Effortless** – We handle all the planning. * **Fresh every week** – New people, new restaurants. * **Personality-based matching** – Not just random pairings. * **Local & traveler friendly** – Whether you’re new in town or just looking to meet more people. **📅 This listing is for awareness only — bookings are made through our app or website.** ✅ **Join today and get 10% off your first dinner** with code: **MEETUP10** **Download the Day of Us app**: [App Store Link](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/day-of-us-meet-new-friends/id6748222136 "https://apps.apple.com/us/app/day-of-us-meet-new-friends/id6748222136")💻 **Or sign up on our website**: [dayofus.com](https://www.dayofus.com/?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=toronto&utm_content=diningtable "https://www.dayofus.com?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=toronto&utm_content=diningtable") Your registration does not include your individual food and drink purchases. You will pay for your own order. ## **FAQ** **Do I pay here on Meetup?** No — we don’t take bookings here. Please sign up through our app or website to join a dinner. **Is this a dating event?** Nope! Our focus is on genuine friendships and expanding your social circle. **Do I need to come every week?** Not at all. You join whenever you’re free and feel like meeting new people. **Refund Policy** Refunds are available when you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled dinner (handled through the app).

This event is open to anyone who works in or is interested in the tech industry, whether you are a developer, designer, engineer, entrepreneur, student, or hobbyist. You can meet new people, share your experiences, learn from others, and find potential collaborators or mentors. Attending the brunch club also earns you [Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points](https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/how-to-get-cpd-points). CPD offers numerous benefits, including skill enhancement, career progression, and up-to-date knowledge. It helps professionals stay competent, advance in their careers, and maintain professional credibility. The event starts at Grill on the Hill, which offers a variety of dishes and beverages to suit your preferences and dietary needs. We'll group in 4's, get to know each other and enjoy fantastic food. Please note that this is a ticketed event to secure the brunch venue. Purchasing a ticket ensures admission to the event but does not include food or drink at the restaurant or the pub afterwards. Come hungry, curious, and ready to have a great time!

Anyone curious about tech is welcome to join this social run with Solana Run Club. We'll run 5K at an easy, conversational pace (no competition!) Bring your water bottle, a smile and dress for the weather 😊 ❗️Meet at the drinking fountain, not Marble Arch: [find on map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/sW4WEFBgvz8Pie5K9) **💬** **Join the group chat and find useful info**: [solanarunclub.com](https://solanarunclub.com) **10:00 - 10:10**: meet + warm-up at [drinking fountain](https://maps.app.goo.gl/M9RnbveZZerVM7LN7) ([///noisy.demand.keeps](https://w3w.co/noisy.demand.keeps)) **10:10 - 10:40**: run 5k, easy pace ([route](https://solanarunclub.com/route/)) **10:40 - 12:00**: coffee, drinks and food at [Mercato Mayfair](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LWBihpvaeqKEmrqY8) ​​​​​​​​⏱️ Please arrive on time as messages can't be monitored during the run. Running late? Join us at Mercato. ​​​​​🎒Bag drop-off is available at Mercato Mayfair. Just tell staff you're a Solana Run Club runner, or ping Alex on the group chat. 🚇 Tube connections: \- Central: Marble Arch \- Elizabeth: Paddington\, Bond Street \- Jubilee: Bond Street \- District/Circle/H&C: Edgware Road \- Bakerloo: Paddington \- Victoria: Oxford Circus \- Piccadilly: Hyde Park Corner

**​Founders Running Club (FRC)** brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. ​9:15 Bag drop at the Regent's Bar and Kitchen, Regent's Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmZdAVM8yXT9euKc7 ​9:30 Warm Up starts at the Inner Circle & York Bridge, South Gate: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6) 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 27 cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats)** **Stay updated:** **Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/)** **Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/)** **LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/)** **Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC)** **Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.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.

Welcome back ramblers, rovers, loungers and loafers and happy 2026! It's a new year, but we're picking where we left off, in the onetime capital of cockney London with its dockworkers and gangsters, the Isle of Dogs - which became the landing-pad for an invasion of alien Thatcherites in the 1980s with the construction of Canary Wharf, which now towers over the council estates and parklands of this misunderstood peninsula. From there we'll head west, looking eventually to end up in the Brutalist wonderland (featured in Kubrick's *Clockwork Orange*!) of Thamesmead, possibly by way of the free Woolwich Ferry service from north shore to south. Meet at Canary Wharf station, out in front of the big curved class canopy. Elizabeth Line services at Abbey Wood will get us home. See you there! Check planned TfL disruptions here - our day should be all clear for most everybody: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/planned-track-closures.pdf A little background on our City Drifting project here: **Now just wait a minute. What the hell is a drift ([dérive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9rive))?** A drift is any unplanned journey through the urban landscape in which participants practice a form of radical mindfulness, collectively exploring new ways of relating mentally, ideologically and materially to the "ordinary" urban environment we all think we know so well. First theorised publicly by Situationist thinker, artist and provocateur Guy Debord in his 1956 essay *[Theory of the Dérive](https://libcom.org/article/theory-derive-guy-debord)*, drifting is a sort of *critique of ideology* done by walking, looking, and feeling. **The urban environment of London is not a neutral space:** it is packed with surveillance equipment, anti-homeless architecture, consumerist [Gruen transfers,](https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-the-gruen-transfer.htm) crowd management systems and security perimeters, among a thousand other subtle and not-so-subtle methods of population control. Moreover, our everyday relationship to the city and its pathways is conditioned deeply by our habits of movement and our habitual perceptions: our commute to work, to school, our nips down to the shops, etc. **All these routines create what Marxists call a *reified* relationship with the urban environment: through over-familiarity it becomes something seemingly natural, "just there", ordinary, unchangeable - boring.** This boredom and familiarity kills the radical imagination, without which we're fucked. To be able to start to imagine how society could be transformed, we also need to imagine how spaces, buildings, their use, their whole purpose (and who these serve) could themselves be transformed. A necessary step in this process, according to Debord and the Situationists, is the drift. Like the 19th-century gentleman *[flâneur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A2neur),* by wandering the city with an attitude of "fresh eyes", we can shake loose our ingrained sense of what London and its streets are like. **As a collective, we will work to "estrange our senses" and see the streets, buildings and people differently, as if we were encountering them for the first time.** That is to say: these aren't just random walks around London - with the right frame of mind, they will be opportunities to turn the world upside down, if only for a moment! But don't take it from me - as Debord observed: *"In a dérive one or more persons during a certain period **drop their relations, their work and leisure activities, and all their other usual motives for movement and action, and let themselves be drawn by the attractions of the terrain and the encounters they find there.** Chance is a less important factor in this activity than one might think: from a dérive point of view cities have [psychogeographical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychogeography) contours, with constant currents, fixed points and vortexes that strongly discourage entry into or exit from certain zones."* See you on the streets comrades, and remember, as [Raoul Vaneigem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_Vaneigem) once wrote: *"All space is occupied by the enemy. We are living under a permanent curfew. Not just the cops — the geometry".*

​London brings together founders, operators and investors from across the world, and the mixer creates a simple space to meet the people who shape the city’s startup energy. The focus is on real conversations, meaningful introductions and discovering what others are building in a relaxed setting. ​You will meet early stage founders working on their first product, teams scaling across global markets and people who have contributed to some of London’s most interesting companies. The atmosphere encourages open exchanges, small group discussions and the kind of interactions that often lead to new ideas or collaborations. ​This is a good room for anyone building in London, expanding into the UK, or reconnecting with the local ecosystem. People from fintech, SaaS, AI, consumer, climate and creative tech often join in, making the experience rich in perspectives and stories. ​Entry is free. You only pay for what you order. If you are building, exploring, hiring or curious about the city’s startup scene, you are welcome to join a warm and global group of founders who enjoy meeting fellow builders one conversation at a time. ​.. **eChai Ventures - Your Startup’s Global Neighborhood.** Startups grow faster when founders are plugged into the right conversations. That’s what eChai makes happen — connecting founders across cities, stages, and markets. Visit: [eChai.Ventures](https://echai.ventures/)

Tired of small talk and ready to connect on a real level? Join us for **deep**, **meaningful conversations** and **new friendships** 👯‍♀️🎉 with a group of like-minded individuals who share your interests. This event is **free** but you will be **required** to buy food or drink before you can join us 🍭🍬🧁🍰🥤🧃- having water doesn't support the venue **Who is it for?** * You want more satisfying, deeper conversations * You want more meaningful and long-lasting connections in your life * You crave more from life and know its out there * You are bored of just socialising and want to have fun and explore a new type of event! **What's in it for you?** * **No more awkward silences!** We'll provide questions to spark engaging conversations. 💡 * **Meet like-minded people** who crave deeper connections. 🤝 * **Have fun** in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. 😊 **How does it work?** * We'll pair you up with different people for **15-minute 1-1 chats**. 🔄 * **Use our questions** as a starting point, or go off on your own tangent! 🗺️ * Be **open**, **honest**, and **curious**. 👂 * 15 minutes is a good amount of time to explore a question deeply and **not have awkward silence**.⏳ * You are also **free to take the conversation in any direction** you choose.🤩 * You can always sit out a round to **take a break** 😪 **Examples of questions that we provide:** * "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?" 🦸‍♀️ * "What's your biggest fear, and why does it scare you?" 😱 * "What's the most meaningful thing you've ever done?" ❤️ * "What would you do if you had all the money and time in the world?" 💰 **Why do we love deep conversations?** * They're **authentic**, **raw**, and **honest**. * There are **no limits** to where they can go. * You'll feel **uplifted**, **inspired**, and **connected**. 🌟 **How to be a great conversation partner?** * **Be Respectful:** Listen attentively and avoid interrupting others. 👂 * **Be Open-Minded:** Consider different viewpoints and challenge your own assumptions. 🧠 * **Be Engaging:** Ask thoughtful questions and contribute to the conversation. 💬 * **Be vulnerable:** We are a safe space, so it’s okay to be yourself 🥺 🙈 * **Be honest:** Be honest about our experience of life 🌍 * **Be curious:** Be interested in the other person ❓ 🤔 👀 **Ready to take the plunge?** 🌊 Join us and experience the magic of deeper conversations! 💫 You may leave feeling **uplifted**, **inspired**, **connected**, **invigorated**, **positive**, **grateful**!❤️ **What others have to say**: * **Parimal**: "I had the most amazing time! The conversations were refreshing and genuinely authentic." * **David Saville**: "This is a wonderful event run by two extraordinary individuals." * **Edomi**: "This is one of the best meetups I've been to. Highly recommended!" We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centered around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 * **Accessibility:** We believe meaningful connection should be accessible to everyone. Our community makes this possible by supporting each other. 🤝 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Hello everyone! For our first dinner together, we’re keeping things low-key and casual. Take a look at the menu and let us know what you think we want this to be easy, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone. Quick housekeeping note: many restaurants require most of the party to be present before seating. No-shows impact the entire group, so if someone repeatedly commits and doesn’t show more than once, we’ll have to remove you from future dinners to keep things fair and smooth for everyone. Looking forward to a great night and even better conversations 🍽️✨

### 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/)

**Photography 102: A Deeper Dive Into Photography** **Are you ready to dig deeper into photography? Then this intermediate photography course is perfect for expanding your knowledge of photography!** This intermediate photography class builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the Photography 101 class. It focuses on empowering students to move beyond automatic camera modes and take greater creative control over their images. This course uses an engaging and practical hands-on approach to reinforcing these newer and more advanced photographic concepts. **Through hands-on exercises and insightful lessons, you will learn:** * **Master More Advanced Camera Settings** * **Aperture and F-stops:** Understanding how aperture controls depth of field and using it to create blurry backgrounds (shallow depth of field) for portraits or sharp focus throughout a landscape (deep depth of field). * **Shutter Speed:** Learning to utilize shutter speed to freeze fast action or intentionally blur motion for artistic effects. * **ISO:** Exploring ISO settings for optimal image quality in different lighting conditions, understanding the trade-off between sensitivity and potential image noise/grain. * **Exposure Modes:** Beyond "Auto", understanding and utilizing manual (M), aperture-priority (A or Av), shutter-priority (S or Tv), and program (P) modes for specific shooting scenarios. * **White Balance:** Learn how to effectively set white balance controls to represent colors in varying lighting conditions properly. * **Metering and Exposure Compensation:** Understanding how the camera measures light and how to use exposure compensation to fine-tune exposure for desired results. * **On-Camera Flash Basics:** Gaining a basic understanding of when and how to use the built-in flash or external flash units effectively. * **Advanced Concepts and Techniques** * **Composition Beyond the Basics:** Looking at some more advanced composition concepts and taking a deeper look at the Elements of Design, learning to use space more effectively, controlling the elements of the scene that are drawing attention, and mastering visual weight. * **Lighting Beyond Natural Light:** Introduction to artificial lighting, such as off-camera flash, reflectors, and softboxes, to control and shape light for different effects. * **Basic Image Editing:** An introduction to photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, covering essential tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness. * **Developing a Personal Style:** Exploring ways to refine a unique artistic voice and create a consistent photographic style. **This class provides the next step in the path to becoming a more proficient and artistic photographer, allowing for more advanced usage of the camera system.** **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

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Bring a lightning talk with you and let's learn some quick things. What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

Hey! I’m Ron K, and I’m excited to welcome you to Neighborhood Boxing Club. Kickstart your fitness journey with a FREE Beginner Class **Class Schedule** **​** **12:30 - 1:00 PM** **Hand Wrapping & Basics Tutorial** **We’ll start with a step-by-step tutorial on wrapping your hands, followed by tips on stance, footwork, and striking to get you feeling confident.** **1:00 - 1:30 PM** **Beginner Boxing Class** **Dive into a high-energy, 30-minute workout on the heavy bags, where you can practice your moves, release stress, and enjoy a great workout.** **1:30 PM** **Q&A & Membership Overview** **Stick around after class to learn about our membership options and ask any questions to help you continue your boxing journey.** **​This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your boxing journey, enjoy the energy, and join a supportive community. I’m here to help you every step of the way!** Visit The Following Link To Sign Up [https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass](https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass "https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass")

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)