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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out birmingham events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the birmingham events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find birmingham events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Birmingham Events Today

Join in-person Birmingham events happening right now

Cultureseekers Monthly Lunch - Crazy for Coffee, 203c North End Road
Cultureseekers Monthly Lunch - Crazy for Coffee, 203c North End Road
Come along on Sunday 17th May for lunch before the guided walk. **About the event** Once a month at lunchtime before the guided walks, we will be having lunch in a local cafe or pub in the area the walk is in. It's a chance to chat and get to know people in the group in a quiet relaxed setting. Each month's place will be in a different part of London and different cafes or pubs. The lunches are open to all, whether you come on the walk or not. Lookout for the 'London Cultureseekers' group signs on the tables when you get to the cafe. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***
Clapham Warriors Badminton Club
Clapham Warriors Badminton Club
Sunday walk with Paul Clapham Junction to the to The Rose Pub Vauxhall
Sunday walk with Paul Clapham Junction to the to The Rose Pub Vauxhall
This walk has been quite popular, and with a very good Sunday Roast at the end it would be a shame to miss it. Come with me on an enjoyable and picturesque walk along the River Thames. We will meet at 11 am in The London & South Western pub in Lavender Hill, { to get to the London & South Western Pub, when coming off the platform, as you come down the stairs, there are 2 exit signs, take the one to the town centre, , once you come out of the station, turn left cross the road, the pub is right in front of you]. After our hot drink at 11.20 am we will make our way to the River Thames, and walk through Battersea Park {as image above}, We will stop at the Battersea Brewery at Circus West or you can go to see the Shops in Battersea Power Station. We will end up for lunch at the Rose Pub which is opposite the Albert Embankment {please advise if you want lunch as I need to book it.} With Vauxhall main line and underground stations 5 minutes walk away. Walking distance 6 miles miles approx. This walk is mostly on the Thames Towpath, so wearing trainers would be OK. £7 meetup fee required {please have the right change}. If you need any more info ring or text Paul on 07530 675739 {this is not a smart phone} or email paulc200850@yahoo.co.uk
2 hours intermediate badminton games session on Sundays 10am in Clapham
2 hours intermediate badminton games session on Sundays 10am in Clapham
Come and play 2 hours of intermediate level badminton with us at the fantastic sports hall at La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School in Balham/Clapham, playing with Yonex 600 plastic shuttlecocks on 4 badminton courts. You need to book your place on our website using a bank card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Note that we manage bookings and post updates on the booking page on our website, not on meetup: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/](https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/) If you have any questions or want to block book 3 months at a discounted rate then contact us here: Whatsapp: [https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1](https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1) Email: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact](https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our badminton sessions, new locations and get exclusive offers: [https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter](https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter)
Sunday Lunch at Liberty Bell
Sunday Lunch at Liberty Bell
Badminton coaching course for adult beginners on Sundays 12.15pm in Clapham
Badminton coaching course for adult beginners on Sundays 12.15pm in Clapham
Improve your badminton skills at the adults badminton coaching course for beginners and improvers on Sundays 12.15pm at the sports hall at La Retraite School in Balham/Clapham. You need to book your place on our website using a bank card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Note that we manage bookings and post updates on the booking page on our website, not on meetup: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/](https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/) If you have any questions or want to block book 3 months at a discounted rate then contact us here: Whatsapp: [https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1](https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1) Email: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact](https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our badminton sessions, new locations and get exclusive offers: [https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter](https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter)
Lost River London - Lost London's South Side of the River Thames!
Lost River London - Lost London's South Side of the River Thames!
Hi all, cost & info below, Please join everyone for a stunning 3.5 mile, 5 mile or 6.5 mile beautiful, fascinating walk. We will walk along part of an amazing stretch of the River Thames and the local area adjacent, see where some of the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower ship, the captain of the Mayflower is buried in the local churchyard, the names and messages from the crew written on the walls, the old warehouses, remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, where Captain Cook prepared his Australian voyage and Samuel Pepys drank, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted by J.W Turner coming in to be hauled and scrapped Where Charles Dickens described this area as the poorest in London, Butler's Whaft and the amazing Shad Thames, a stunning historical area, location of Maltby Street Market (operates weekends only) a Tibetan tea room, a old factory where seal fur was made, beautiful parks and canals and a wall with an eye looking at you! £10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day Please meet outside the front of The Gregorian Pub, 96 Jamaica Road, Bermondsey, SE16 4SQ. Turn Left out of Bermondsey Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and the pun is about 200 meters on your left past all the small shops. Please note: This walk does not repeat or cover routes from the recent London Bridge and Bermondsey walk. This is a completely different walk 3.5 mile option ends back at Bermondsey Underground Station, does not include walk along an amazing stretch of the River Thames, Pilgrims Mayflower ship, captain burial, names and messages from the remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, Captain, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted, beautiful parks and canals 5 mile option ends at Canada Water Underground Station (Jubilee Line) does not include walk along an amazing stretch of the River Thames, Pilgrims Mayflower ship, captain burial, names and messages from the remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, Captain, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted 6.5 mile circular walk ends back at Bermondsey Underground Station ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 25 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. No Dogs allowed sorry We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

Birmingham Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Badminton games session for beginners & improvers on Sundays 1.15pm in Clapham
Badminton games session for beginners & improvers on Sundays 1.15pm in Clapham
Gain practical playing experience at the beginners/improvers games sessions on Saturdays 11am at the fantastic sports hall at La Retraite School in Balham/Clapham. These badminton games sessions are for beginners and improvers who want to play fun and friendly games with other players of a similar ability. The sessions are 1 hour long, we play on 4 courts with the best Yonex 600 fast plastic shuttlecocks. Just bring your own badminton racquet. To ensure that we have a stable number of regular players every week, these games sessions must be booked in advance for the quarter. You need to book your place on our website using a bank card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Note that we manage bookings and post updates on the booking page on our website, not on meetup: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/](https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/) If you have any questions or want to block book 3 months at a discounted rate then contact us here: Whatsapp: [https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1](https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1) Email: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact](https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our badminton sessions, new locations and get exclusive offers: [https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter](https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter)
⚽ Casual 6 aside📍Canary Wharf 📶 Mixed Ability
⚽ Casual 6 aside📍Canary Wharf 📶 Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45752 **Game Description:** Come and play in a casual 6 aside game on a Sunday afternoon ⚽️ It’s a beautiful pitch with larger goals 😍 💦 Showers, changing rooms, water fountain and toilets available. **Directions:** 🚶‍♂️1 minute walk from Poplar DLR station 🚗 No designated car parking **Rules** \- Change keeper every 6 minutes \- Classic 6 aside rules \- No slide tackles\, play safe \- Respect everyone on the pitch
🇬🇧🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🇮🇹 COVENT GARDEN Language Exchange & Social 🇩🇪🇨🇳🇧🇷🇰🇷🌎
🇬🇧🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🇮🇹 COVENT GARDEN Language Exchange & Social 🇩🇪🇨🇳🇧🇷🇰🇷🌎
Please Read 👇 Important event information 🇬🇧🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🇮🇹🇩🇪🇮🇳🇨🇳🇧🇷🇰🇷🇪🇬🇭🇰🇺🇸🇨🇴🇺🇦🇹🇷🇷🇺🇦🇺 **Join us for our Sunday International Language Exchange and Social!** The event starts at **4pm** and will be hosted at Craft Beer Co. in **COVENT GARDEN** 😊 Welcome to the Highest Rated International Language Exchange group in London,🏆 with 1600+ reviews rated 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ [www.languages.london](www.languages.london) WHEN & WHERE **This event takes place at Craft Beer Co Covent Garden on Sunday afternoon.** You are spoilt for choice with public transport options including lots of tube, train and buses close to the venue. **The address is 168 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA** [https://maps.google.com/?cid=12246258418147807722&entry=gps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12246258418147807722&entry=gps) **HOW WE DO IT** It's simple .... 🔘When you arrive have your Meetup confirmation visible on your phone **🔘Collect your personalised language badge BEFORE ordering your drinks.** We'll be waiting to give you a warm welcome 😃 🔘Pay the £2 event fee.You can do this by cash or contactless card / phone 🔘Wear your badge during the event and always return it before you leave ♻️ .....Start meeting the community and having fun...lots of fun! Please ensure you buy something from the bar to support the venue, who kindly offer us a dedicated space. 🇵🇱🇹🇼🇲🇽🇻🇳🇧🇬🇵🇸🇸🇪🇮🇱🇨🇦🇳🇱🇿🇦🇭🇺🇹🇭🇵🇪🇧🇴🇳🇬🇳🇿🇨🇭 **WHO** Languages in London events are organised for our community - being social, making new friends, building cultural bridges and always very relaxed. We have the largest number of languages and countries represented in our weekly language exchange and social events in London. This is **not** a dating event. Our events are open to Internationals, Locals, Expats, Students, Travellers.....Everyone! Are you an 18 to 24 year old? Come and explore our events. This is the event for a truly global community and citizens from around the World🌎 We're your languages hub in London. Is this the Intercambio you've been looking for? Want to practice your ingles, espanol , francais, italiano, Deutsch, portugues or other European languages? Asian languages ? Or maybe prefer to only speak English.... that's just fine. **All languages and all fluency levels are welcome** Spread the word, bring your friends 💚 The creator and organiser of **Languages in London - Girish**, will always be visible at the event and there to support you and help with introductions, if you prefer. We want to remain the BEST language events group in London, being the biggest isn't our focus. These are real events with real people. We don't fill our events with inflated numbers and fictitious attendees 👻 **Inactive community members and those that no-show at our events are removed from our group.** **LANGUAGES** Here's a selection of some of the languages that our community speak or have been practicing ... English, Spanish (incl Latin American), French, Italian, Portuguese (incl Brazilian), German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), Russian, Korean, Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Hebrew, Swedish, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Bengali, Dutch, Catalan, Farsi, Greek, Urdu, Welsh, Romanian, Norwegian, Czech, Slovakian, Estonian, Danish, Finnish, Turkmen, Latvian, Lithuanian, Nepali, Yoruba, Filipino, Thai, Albanian, Croatian, Serbian, Ebo, Afrikaans, Tamazight, Tagalog, Creole, Malagasy, Mongolian, Tok Pisin and more... you get the idea! 🇷🇴🇬🇹🇨🇿🇳🇴🇩🇰🇫🇮🇨🇾🇺🇾🇪🇬🇧🇬🇦🇷🇰🇪🇱🇰🇲🇦🇹🇳🇩🇿🇸🇬🇲🇾 **SUSTAINABLE** 🌎🌳 Like you, we really care about our planet. We don't like single use paper name tags, stickers or wristbands as they can't be reused or recycled and can even damage your clothing ☹️ The Solution? Our personalised and completely reusable Languages in London badges! 👍 So, please make sure you return your badge to us, before you leave the event. We'll sanitise it (anti bacterial & disinfectant cleaners) and use it again & again & again. Thanks for helping us do the right thing and keep our costs down🙏 **SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE** 👮‍♂️ We don't tolerate prejudice or harassment of any kind, at any time. Be polite and respectful to everyone else and they will reciprocate. Let's keep the space safe, welcoming for everyone and free of any political agendas. Please report any concerns to the Organiser immediately. Please look after your belongings, the venue is a public place. We may take photos or video at the event for future promotional use. Let us know if you'd rather not be included, we respect your choice 📸 **SPREAD THE WORD** 🗣️💬 If you enjoy our events, please tell your friends and colleagues and help us grow **your** community, thank you ♥️ Join our community - [https://www.languages.london/](https://www.languages.london/) We're looking forward to welcoming you at Languages in London 😊👋 🇲🇰🇳🇵🇧🇩🇵🇭🇦🇪🇦🇱🇧🇪🇮🇪🇰🇿🇱🇦🇯🇴🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇰🇭🇨🇱🇲🇳🇨🇺
London to Oxford Bike Ride
London to Oxford Bike Ride
Join **TeamMC** for our *London to Oxford Bike Ride 2026* — an inspiring challenge that combines fitness, fun, and fundraising for a powerful cause. Every mile you cycle will help provide vital support for **struggling families in Palestine, South Asia, and East Africa** — helping them access food, healthcare, and essential aid. **REGISTRATION MANDATORY** Link: [https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/London2Oxford](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/London2Oxford) **Registration Fee:** £25 **Fundraising Target:** £200 **Distance:** 100km (≈ 60 miles) **Elevation:** 700m **Start Time:** 8:00 AM **Start Location:** TEAMMC Cycles, London E1 **Finish Location:** Oxford Central Mosque **All participants will receive:** * Finisher’s Medal ✅ * Food and refreshments at the finish line ✅ * Support vehicle with drinks and snacks along the route ✅ * Transport for you *and your bike* back to London ✅
Radnage, Wheeler Common, Booker & West Wycombe Hill – Country Hike
Radnage, Wheeler Common, Booker & West Wycombe Hill – Country Hike
Walk length 14miles/22km approx. Circular. A really picturesque circular hike from Saunderton across fields and woods to Booker returning past West Wycombe Hill and Wheeler Common. We will have a snack lunch stop at Booker and optional drinks at the end. THIS IS A SUBSTANTIAL HIKE AND HILLY IN PLACES, PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THIS. Meeting and Transport, please read... Train from London: The 9.53am train from London Marylebone gets to Saunderton for 10.52am. I suggest you arrive at London Marylebone from 9.20am to give you time to get tickets and any group saves. Please note the organizer will meet you at Saunderton (see photo below). The walk should finish around 5pm but may be slightly earlier or later than this depending on weather ans pace. Meet outside Saunderton station for the hike to start at 11am after the train from London arrives (Saunderton station has no facilities). Car parking should be free. Train is £16 approx. return with a group save or by using a network railcard. Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee (For paypal it is '[colin45@hotmail.co.uk'](http://colin45@hotmail.co.uk'/) Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer. Organizers number - Colin 07709305681. Walking Safety Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/Terms_and_Conditions/) COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Birmingham Events Near You

Connect with your local Birmingham community

Under the Covers @ FNL and celebrating Andrew Reed's birthday!!! The big 6-0!!!
Under the Covers @ FNL and celebrating Andrew Reed's birthday!!! The big 6-0!!!
**We're celebrating Andrew Reed's birthday!!! It's the big 6-0!!! We're heading to Jimmy's after to continue the celebration.** **Pop, Rock, Dance and Top - UTC has it COVERED!** **Hailing from Baltimore, these 5 young gents will turn up any audience with their top hits coupled with the most explosive stage performance in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Charismatic frontman, Brian Bourne, finds the pulse of the crowd early and engages them often for truly interactive, unique and personal experience. Come find out what the hype is all about.** **We will meet by the beer tent.**
Singles Meet and Mingle Happy Hour at Sixty Vines
Singles Meet and Mingle Happy Hour at Sixty Vines
**Time for Happy Hour at Sixty Vines located at 216 Ellington Boulevard at the Crown in Gaithersburg, MD. Let’s make the most of Spring and take the opportunity to mingle with friends and meet new people. Come ready to play!** **Parking is free.**
Lost in Paris @ FNL!!!
Lost in Paris @ FNL!!!
**It's finally FNL season!!! Lost In Paris is a combination of four unique and distinct musical talents. Their one-of-a-kind show culminates as a musical and visual experience that leaves audiences floored and screaming for more. From its inception, Lost In Paris has been at the pinnacle of the Northeast cover band and event scenes.** **We will meet by the beer tent.**
Singles Motorbike Riding
Singles Motorbike Riding
This adventure is for you, if you have ever wondered what it would be like to ride a motorcycle...I bet most of us are fond of Motorbike riding and it will be fun to learn and ride together. This is just for us. We will have 3 to 4 Hour Course -- all riding; no classroom! Motorcycles, helmets for most head sizes, and assorted lightweight gloves are provided. We will get one coach for every 3 students. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/a/d/4/600_435786868.jpeg The class is designed for someone who have never ridden a motorcycle, and would like to become familiar with a motorcycle and the basics riding a motorcycle. Come experience the fun! Required riding apparel: Eye protection (prescription eyewear or sunglasses are adequate) Long sleeve shirt or jacket Sturdy pants (jeans are sufficient; NO baggy pants) Over the ankle, sturdy shoes http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/3/9/600_435786969.jpeg Payment Instructions : 1. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' button, after RSVPing. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/8/8/600_435787048.jpeg Refund & Ticket Resell All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to those who RSVPed 'YES' advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a "message" through their Meetup profile (do not comment in the comment box of the event posting) letting us know the full name and Meetup profile URL (if a member) of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event.
Ken's Garage Band @ Backyard Grill!!!
Ken's Garage Band @ Backyard Grill!!!
**Rescheduled from March. Ken's Garage Band is a classic rock band that plays the hits of the 60's, 70s, 80s, and 90s. This show is a must!!! C'mon out and let's support one of our favorite local bands and good friend Tamera!!!**
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: Popes and Politics
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: Popes and Politics
[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Popes and Politics,”** on the history of clashes between pontiffs and world leaders, with Vanessa Corcoran, medieval historian at Georgetown University and scholar of the history of the Roman Catholic church. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-popes-politics](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-popes-politics) .] President Trump recently shocked many by unleashing personal attacks on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, in a post on the Truth Social platform. Trump has been widely criticized by religious leaders for these remarks, made in response to the pontiff’s advocacy of peace with the U.S and Israel at war with Iran, and for his separate posts of AI-generated images depicting himself as a pope and as Jesus. For his part, Pope Leo has told journalists, “I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” and has found himself at the center of a heated debate over the proper role of any pope when it comes to commenting on global politics. As unsettling as such developments might be to Roman Catholics, they’re hardly unprecedented. Disagreements between popes and world leaders go back to the Middle Ages, and have played a significant role in shaping the Church and its role in the world. Explore the long history of popes’ conflicts with politicians with Vanessa Corcoran, a historian of the Roman Catholic Church who previously has given excellent talks on papal conclaves and the evolution of nativity scenes. She’ll discuss fascinating developments such as the fourteenth century Avignon Papacy, when Philip IV of France got the upper hand in a feud with the Church by pressuring a papal conclave to select a French pope and then getting the church’s leadership relocated from Rome to Avignon for nearly 70 years. In drawing parallels between recent events and medieval attacks on the Church’s authority she’ll describe how today’s anti-Church memes echo the anti-pope and anti-Catholic images that Martin Luther disseminated in large numbers with the help of woodcut printing. We’ll look at tensions between past presidents and past popes over not just wars, but issues such as abortion, stem-cell research, and abortion access. The talk will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the inherent tensions between politics and matters of faith. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From an 1866 Nicolò Barabino painting of the death of Pope Boniface VIII after he was kidnapped and held captive for three days at the behest of King Philip IV of France (Usher Gallery / Wikimedia Commons).
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: The Physics of Baseball
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: The Physics of Baseball
[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