Bayesian Statistics

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Physics of Baseball,”** with Scott Paulson, professor of physics and interdisciplinary liberal studies at James Madison University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-physics-of-baseball](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-physics-of-baseball) .] Profs and Pints is offering baseball fans an even bigger treat than Cracker Jack, an exploration of the physics underlying their beloved sport. Professor Scott Paulson, who regularly teaches introductory physics classes that make the physics behind real-world phenomena accessible to all, will discuss the forces and phenomena that come into play in baseball during pitching, batting, and fielding. He’ll toss you basic physics concepts that help explain how baseball’s routine plays got to be that way, and he’ll explain what’s going on in some situations where the laws of physics seem to be violated by what’s happening on the field. Ever wondered why curveballs curve or knuckleballs behave so strangely? You’ll learn how Newton’s laws and the Magnus force explain how pitchers get drastically different results from subtle differences in their releases. Curious about what exactly the “sweet spot” of the bat is? Ever wondered how big an advantage batters get from the thin air of Mile High Stadium? We’ll explore the physics of the batted ball, examining the phenomena of waves and analyzing the interaction of ball, bat and batter with the help of high-speed video. During one of the more exciting scenarios in a baseball game—the close play at the plate—fans often see outfielders throw to an infielder rather than directly to home. We’ll look at the pros and cons of this relay play, known as a “cut-off,” in the context of the physics of projectile motion. Finally, we will also look into high-profile cheating scandals involving corked bats and doctored balls. Dr. Paulson will present models to explain how these alterations to the equipment can benefit the batter and pitcher respectively, and he’ll discuss how much these models are backed up by data. These few hours in a brewpub will forever enhance your enjoyment of time at the ballpark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Photo by Tage Olsin / Wikimedia Commons

Libertarian National Convention Memorial Day Weekend - Once again LPNOVA will have several delegates joining the Virginia Delegation to represent our region at National. Please see link below for information and contact us if you wish to join us in Grand Rapids! [2026 Libertarian National Convention - Home](https://www.lnc2026.com/)

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)

**Chantilly Carb Crawl: Asian Breads & Pastries** **🍞** **Whether you’re a long-time member or this is your very first event, come with us on a mini-tour of 3 of Chantilly’s hidden gems. It’ll be a fun chance to reconnect, meet new members and enjoy some amazing breads and pastries!** **The Game Plan** ***11:00 AM — Café Moment*** **We’ll kick things off at this new cafe specializing in** **Korean Salt Bread. If you’ve never tried it, imagine eating a warm, buttery, fluffy cloud (yes, I am drooling as I write this)** **Next, we’ll head over to Mahiwaga for some warm, freshly baked** **Pandasal. If you’ve never had this Filipino classic fresh from the oven, this father/daughter team** **make** **some of the best!** **We’ll wrap up with a stop across the hall at Toimoi Bakery for their famous** **pandan and banana pudding filled croissants** **🥐.** **Can't wait to see you there! RSVP to save your spot!** [Cafe Moment](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX-C-Hmhg7g/?igsh=dHd4N2RodWwwaHo1) [Mahiwaga](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXiCy0Gz0P5/?igsh=Mm45a2c3ZWJtM2pv) [ToiMoi Bakery ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX0O-2KuRiT/?igsh=MWh2bjN4cHE1am55eg==)

**+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Monk's BBQ Ride (W&OD from Leesburg to Purcellville) * **START LOC:** **Loudoun County Garage** **[107 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9)** **Use above address, then look across the street.** * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9) * START PARKING PIC: [https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage](https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage) * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:45am * ROLLING: 11:00am (Monk's opens @ 11:30am) * LEVEL: Medium(-) (the minus is for doing your Own Pace) * DISTANCE: 22 or 27 miles * PACE: Your own pace (but think at least 12-14 mph) * TERRAIN: Paved W&OD Path, Uphill out, Downhill home. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_MONKS_22_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192229](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192229) CBG_MONKS_27_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192977](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192977) **NOTES:** * Conveniently close to Mom's Apple Pie for dessert * Mom's Apple Pie Bakery: 220 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 2017 * GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8](https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8) **TIMINGS (approximates):** * Rolling @ 11:00am * 11 miles later: Monk's BBQ @ 12:00-12:15pm * Leave Monk's @ 12:45-1:00pm * 11 miles later: Back in Lesburg @ 2:15 - 2:30pm **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents the Monk's BBQ Ride (W&OD from Leesburg to Purcellville). * UPHILL on the way out, DOWNHILL on the way back. * Go at your own pace (Gary is sweep for those that don't know the trail). * Two routes 22 or 27 mile. * Good canopy cover for a sunny day. * GREAT BBQ in the middle (Monk's Outdoor Seating) * Pie Potential at the end (Moms's Apple Pie) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Loudoun County Garage** **107 Loudoun St SE** **Leesburg, VA 20175** **(Use above address, then look across the street)** GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9) PARKING PIC: [https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage](https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage) PARKING INFO: The Loudoun County Garage, located behind the County Government Building, has over 400 parking spaces. After 5pm weekdays, all day on weekends and on holidays, parking is available and free to the public. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** "Ride IN the Ride" Monk's BBQ. 251 N. 21st Street Purcellville, VA 20132 540-751-9425 Saturday: 11:30am-11pm [https://monksq.com/](https://monksq.com/) GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/gvampead6L1H9Q9EA](https://goo.gl/maps/gvampead6L1H9Q9EA) Dessert "Ride after the Ride" Mom's Apple Pie Bakery 220 Loudoun St SE Leesburg, VA 20175 SAT 8am - 6pm [https://www.momsapplepieco.com/locations](https://www.momsapplepieco.com/locations) GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8](https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

May is a great month for Asian festivals in the DC area, so let's pay a visit to another local one that we enjoy! Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA) partners with local business owners and the City of Fairfax to bring you the 6th Annual Asian Festival on Main 2026! This special event was created to bring the community together and celebrate our cultural diversity through food, arts & crafts, entertainment, and education. 60+ Food Vendors and 60+ Non-Food vendors and exhibitions will also be showcased to highlight Asian food, culture, and traditions from local and out-of-state Asian business owners, as well as some business owners from Old Town Fairfax, Virginia. Here's the website for further info: [https://asianfestivalonmain.com/](https://asianfestivalonmain.com/) Let's meetup around 1:00 PM in front of Courtside Thai and then enter together. Try not to be late! Free parking is available in the ["Old Town Plaza Fairfax Public Parking"](https://goo.gl/maps/AxHiegd2r1MDGuwq9?coh=178571&entry=tt) garage (and maybe on the street if you get lucky). You don't necessarily need a ticket, but if you find a site for it and want to register for one, it'll help with their planning if you do. As always communicate through the message boards if you're trying to find us! We'll try to post up at certain times so you can catch up with us, but of course, being on time is highly advised! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.