Doctoral Candidates

2nd Sunday of every month, join us for a relaxed and fun language exchange, where meaningful conversations flow as freely as delicious coffee and tea! This isn't just practice; it's **accelerated progress** in a supportive setting, designed to quickly boost your **Mandarin, Cantonese and English** skills. **How We Make It Effective & Enjoyable:** * **Perfect Groupings:** We carefully match you with native speakers and learners at a similar level, ensuring comfortable and productive conversation practice. * **Forget awkward silences!** We provide fun, engaging discussion topics to spark lively chats and keep the conversation flowing. * **Maximise Your Practice:** Rotate between groups if you wish to connect with more people and strengthen your conversation skills! * **Expert Support:** Our experienced tutor is always on hand to help. 👌 **All levels welcome!** Native speakers and learners alike. 💛 Please support the cafe by buying a drink or snack while you are here - they've kindly let us use the space. We can't wait to welcome you! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Take your Mandarin beyond the exchange.** 🤝 If you’re looking for a bit more structure to go along with your conversation practice, let’s chat! We're offering **complimentary 1-on-1 advice sessions** to help you find the perfect learning path. Get a professional assessment of your level so you can study with confidence. **No commitment** required. [Book your Free Session](https://eu.bigin.online/org20070515371/bookings/course-advice) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **China Unbound** is the best place to learn practical Chinese for adults. While most schools prioritise grammar and writing, China Unbound empowers you to confidently communicate in Chinese in real-world situations. Join us and discover a fun, fast, and personalised way to master Chinese! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🤘 FAQs:** **I'm learning Chinese, are the sessions suitable for beginners?** Yes! Come and speak as much or as little as you like, or just come and listen! There is no pressure! **Are there any discounts for Chinese lessons for members?** Yes, you can use code MEETUP10 for your exclusive £10 discount on our [Chinese courses](https://china-unbound.co.uk/personal/) site-wide! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 每个月的第二个星期天，来加入我们，享受一场轻松又有趣的语言交流体验！在茶香与咖啡的陪伴下，开启一场自然流畅、充满收获的双语对话。 这不仅仅是练习，而是一种更快提升你英语水平的高效方式。我们为你打造一个轻松友好、真正有用的语言环境，让你的口语交流能力飞速进步！ **我们如何让语言交换高效又好玩：** * **精准匹配，聊天不尴尬**：我们用心将你和母语者或相近水平的学习者配对，确保每一次对话都轻松自在又高效实用。 * **话题有趣，轻松破冰**：拒绝冷场！我们提前准备了有趣又实用的聊天话题，让你一开口就停不下来，交流自然顺畅。 * **灵活轮换，提升更全面**：想多练一点？欢迎自由选择是否换组，认识更多人、接触不同语言风格，快速提升真实沟通能力。 * **专业老师现场支持**：我们的资深语言导师会在现场提供实时帮助，确保你在交流中不断进步、有信心开口！ **活动详情：** 🗓️ **时间**：每月第二个星期日 ⏰ **时段**：下午 2:30 - 4:30 💰 **费用**：免费参加 不只是练语言，这里还有文化的碰撞、朋友的陪伴和成长的喜悦。现在就来加入我们，开启你的高效交流之旅吧！ **🤘 常见问题解答：** **我最后会不会一直说中文而一无所获？** -不会，因为我们的“快速聊天”模式鼓励大家用中/英文交换来交流。 **会员有折扣吗？** 有，欢迎你跟你学中文的朋友分享代码**Meetup10**，他们会获得10镑的独家折扣！

Our Sunday afternoon Session and social is primarily for Club Members but guests are welcome. It is aimed at Players of INTERMEDIATE ABILITY ABILITY AND ABOVE. NO BEGINNERS ALLOWED. There are 2 courts. Sometimes team members will need to practice together. If you are interested in trying out for one of our many league teams please let Mani know. Places may be restricted if a match is being played. The cost for this session £13 **THERE IS A 12 HOUR CANCELATION POLICY. IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP TO NO 12 HOURS BEFORE THE SESSION. ANY TIME UNDER 12 HOURS AND YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT AND UNABLE TO RSVP AGAIN UNTIL PAYMENT IS CLEARED** PLEASE PAY WHEN YOU RSVP TO GUARANTEE YOUR SPOT. PAYMENT DETAILS https://monzo.com/pay/r/storm-bc_vTYEEVskLim47r Thanks and see you on court.

**Join LCC Sunday, March 8th at the Hackney Marshes playing field as we make another attempt at playing the Soviet Union's very own *Zarnitsa,* a capture-the-flag alternative with a small twist.** **WHAT IS ZARNITSA?** Zarnitsa (Зарница), or heat-lightning, officially known as the All-Union Young Pioneer military sports game "Zarnitsa", is a massive multi-player physical sports game developed and practiced by the Young Pioneers communist youth organisation during the Soviet era. The game provides a simulation of military actions such as reconnaissance, co-ordinated offensives, giving chase, etc. Popular once again in modern Russia, this is a simple game designed for children and young people in military/cadet organisations, but great fun for active people of all ages. The rules of Zarnitsa are based on the classic capture the flag concept. Two teams each have a "base area" with a flag contained within, concealed or otherwise. Each team's goal is to protect their own flag and seize the other team's and bring it back to the base area. Players can walk, run, sneak, hide, create diversions and use any means short of physical violence to achieve their objectives. What makes Zarnitsa different from classic CTF is simply this: every player has two velcro-attached shoulder straps that serve as health indicators and can be torn off by the opponents. Losing one indicates "wounded", losing two indicates "dead". The "wounded" players cannot run and should only walk. The "dead" players return to a respawn point or leave the game in some modes. Why are we doing this? Capture the flag is simply top fun and anyone who says otherwise is joking themselves. Zarnitsa's slightly elevated level of complexity should give us just that extra challenge needed to really make it interesting. That said, this is our first go with organising multiplayer sports games, so we'll see what the results are! As always comments, questions, suggestions and concerns are more than welcome - just contact an organiser. Sports games are a great way to get and stay active, meet new people, and break the monotony of everyday life under British capitalism. Let's get out there! For our first attempt at organising a little Zarnitsa league here in London, we'll hit up Hackney Marshes and Wick Woodland. We'll divide into two teams; each will receive coloured vests or other garments to which the health indicator strips are attached. Then we'll take up our places, count down from 60 seconds, and let the games begin! **Note: we'll want at least five people per team for this to really work right, so we'll cancel or reschedule if this one gets less than 9 RSVPs.** There's no limit to how big our group can be of course, so please do join us! Just be sure to either turn up on the day or change your RSVP if you can't make it in the end, just so we know what to expect. Take care and see you on the pitch!

The Genesis Cinema are celebrating their birthday. Ticket prices are £5.50 (same as in 1999), plus attendance fee of £2.50 for meetup site costs. They are showing selected films just once during their week long birthday celebration. I long wanted to see Metropolis, it was such a ground breaking film. Let's go for a coffee or drink afterwards. Please book your own ticket: [https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/34347](https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/34347) Plot: " Set in 2026 with its dizzying depiction of a futuristic cityscape and alluring female robot, Metropolis is among the most famous of all German films and the mother of sci-fi cinema (an influence on Blade Runner and Star Wars, among countless other films). Directed by the legendary Fritz Lang (M, Das Testament des Dr. Mabuse, The Big Heat, etc.), its jaw-dropping production values, iconic imagery, and modernist grandeur – it was described by Luis Buñuel as "a captivating symphony of movement" – remain as powerful as ever. Drawing on – and defining – classic sci-fi themes, Metropolis depicts a dystopian future in which society is thoroughly divided in two: while anonymous workers conduct their endless drudgery below ground their rulers enjoy a decadent life of leisure and luxury. When Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) ventures into the depths in search of the beautiful Maria (Brigitte Helm in her debut role), plans of rebellion are revealed and a Maria-replica robot is programmed by mad inventor Rotwang (Rudolf Klein-Rogge) and master of Metropolis Joh Fredersen (Alfred Abel) to incite the workers into a self-destructive riot."

In our first meeting of May, we discuss Brandon Taylor's *Real Life.* Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020, the novel was the much-lauded debut for the Alabama-born writer. 'Deftly zooming in and out of focus, *Real Life* is a deeply affecting story about the emotional cost of reckoning with desire, and overcoming pain.' (Book jacket) 'A campus novel told from the perspective of a Black student, Taylor’s powerful tale embraces themes of grief, desire and alienation in rich, eloquent prose.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46263943-real-life We will discuss the Real Life in the Real Greek - Bankside. So come along for some tasty Greek fare on a Sunday afternoon as we dive into this fascinating premier. N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

**About** THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER has about 135 roped/auto-belays numbered routes with each route having up to 6 grades giving it approx 700 routes in total. THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER offers bouldering, top-roping, leading and auto-belays at their center. Some of us prefer bouldering while others will be in the top roping, leading or auto-belaying - this is up to you! We climb for a couple of hours and then the group regroups at 12.00 noon sometimes without me other times with me in The Brownswood pub, 271 Green Lanes, Finsbury Park, London N4 2EX for a spot of lunch and a libation. (https://goo.gl/maps/S4FZ9j1AYMPDs7uQ6) a stone's throw from the castle. **Meetups** We get together every Thursday & Sunday at THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER meeting at 9:00am in the warming up area or else look out for someone wearing a black RAMS t-shirt around the center. If you're joining for the first time let us know via message and we will keep an eye out for you at the start :) **New Climbers!** Unfortunately, if you haven't climbed before it isn't as easy as just turning up and climbing up the wall. To climb safely you need to understand the hazards and be able to use the equipment correctly. You must have basic climbing skills and know how to put on a harness, attach a rope to a harness using a rethreaded figure of eight(figure of eight on the bight) and know how to use a belay device to pay out the rope and secure a falling climber etc. So before your first climb, you may be required by the climbing center to fill out health and safety forms. This may involve a quick test on climbing rules at the counter on arrival. Please add an extra 10/15 minutes before your session if you need to register for the first time. THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER terms and conditions will apply. Please also note signing up for the Meetup session won’t necessarily grant you access to the center. **Other communication** Within these groups, you are possibly likely to develop long-lasting friendships. Don't forget we have a Discord page and WhatsApp https://chat.whatsapp.com/JNJ81oLSKB2JGaNm79em0C. The group will always be very varied when it comes to climbing levels, abilities and modality preferences. Do shout out if you have any questions. If you want to have a chat about this or other meetups, or just to keep in touch, ask to join us on Discord and/or WhatsApp. We have a dedicated THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER chat, but also talk about all things climbing (and some non-climbing!) including trips, gear talks and looking for climbing partner/s situations. **You’ll Rock it** A word of warning this sport is very, very addictive once bitten your its mistress for life. The simple challenge of you against the rock is sublime, there are competitions but then really the only real competition is 'you and the rock'. As climbing can be a very social activity we look forward to sharing our passion with yours. *Happy climbing!* p.s. Eventually, we will be starting and incorporating our climbing academy where we aim to bring skills, ropework and technique etc to enhance your climbing ability, using 25mm chalk bag colored belts to indicate your level. Naturally, THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER will also run courses to help improve your techniques too. Contact THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER for more info.

**Grade 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 24km \(15mi\) \| Ascent: 116m \| Max Elevation 42m 🚆**Train:** Return ticket **London Waterloo** **⇆** **Shalford (Surrey)** 💡For the journey back to London, we will use the **same** ticket but from **West Byfleet** ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Waterloo station Ticket Office \| **08:40** (Train is at **09:03**) **2-** Shalford \(Surrey\) outside train station \| **10:00** *⚠️*This is a **Point-to-Point (not circular)** Hike **🏁** **Hike** **start:** **Shalford** \(Surrey\) train station \| **10:10** **🔚** **Hike** **finish:** **West Byflee**t \| approx\. **17:00** —— 🚊 **TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get **🎟️Sunday Out Return** ticket London Waterloo ⇆ Shalford (Surrey) with a *Network Railcard* is £12.05 (instead of £18.10). * **➡️ Outbound:** London Waterloo **09:07** **→ 10:01** Shalford \(Surrey\) \| **❗️**We will take the London **09:03** **→ 09:44** Guildford Train, ***with the same ticket, then changing 13min***, Guildford **09:57** **→ 10:01** Shalford (Surrey) ❓Why not the 09:07? It arrives at the same time but with only a 5-min connection at Guildford — too tight if anything runs late. The 09:03 gives us a comfortable 13-min buffer. ⁉️ Buy the 09:07 ticket, board the 09:03 with us. * **⬅️ Inbound:** West Byfleet *Any Off Peak Return* (same ticket) *→* London (Travel is allowed via any permitted route via Woking) 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a **Network Railcard,** please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. ℹ️Visit **[National Rail](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)** for details —— **📕ABOUT:** **A calm, steady walk with plenty of time to breathe, chat and take it all in 🌿. No one gets left behind and no one’s in a hurry 😇** \- You will meander through open meadows and quiet country lanes before joining the peaceful towpaths of the **River Wey Navigation**. - Along the way, the route passes **historic locks**, narrowboats gently bobbing on the water, and the soothing sounds of cascading weirs. \- One of the standout moments of the journey is the sight of **Newark Priory**, a haunting twelfth century ruin set against wide, open fields. It is a vivid reminder of the area's medieval heritage. \- With abundant wildlife and ever changing riverside views\, this trail offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and historical intrigue\. —— **🌟HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Bowers Lock and Historic Oak:** As you approach Bowers Lock, look out for a 300-year-old oak tree, a silent witness to centuries of river history. Informational boards nearby provide context about the area's significance * **Newark Priory Ruins:** Between Papercourt and Walsham Locks, catch glimpses of the evocative ruins of Newark Priory across the fields. Though on private land and not directly accessible, the view is a poignant reminder of the region's rich past. * **Walsham Lock and Pyrford Place:** Crossing the bridge at Walsham Lock, you'll notice an unusual building on the opposite bank, part of Pyrford Place. This structure is reputed to have been used by Elizabeth I and John Donne * **Pyrford Lock and The Anchor Pub:** A popular spot for walkers. —— 💷 **COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— **🎒WHAT TO BRING:** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** • ‍‍Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. • For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. • We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE**: RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER:** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER:** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

You want to do your best! You want to realise your potential! You want to make the right decisions at the right time! Obviously- you want to be a success! Do you have all the skills in place? Do you have areas in your life or personality that are weaker and you feel can stop you or hold you back? Would you like a free personal consultation to help locate your strengths and weaker areas? We can help you to maximise on your potential. If you would like a free 1 hour consult then register now! We have various times available for your own personal consultation This is hosted at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre in London. We use the Oxford Capacity Analysis test. https://www.scientology-london.org.uk/personality-test/

**It’s that time again! With May now here, we're hugely excited to be hosting our latest Social Pub Quiz, exclusively for 20s and 30s.** Yep that's right, every month we host latest our very special creative and quirky pub quiz in Central London, just for our community ❤️ And as always, our crack team of quizmasters have concocted a range of entertaining and social quiz rounds, each designed to challenge your wit and intelligence with a range of fun and fascinating questions. And we'll also be throwing in some fun team games designed to test your speed, creativity and teamwork - with previous quizzes featuring everything from crafty challenges, poetry duels to Marmalade Sandwich time trials ⏱️ Best of all, we have some amazing prizes up for grabs and so don't miss out on what promises to be a memorable afternoon of quizzing, socialising, and friendly competition. Unfortunately as the pub can only fit a limited number of us in for the quiz and so as always, places will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHERE/WHEN** Venue Address: The Star By Liverpool Street, 94 Middlesex St, London E1 7EZ ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/hcx4jN9BnqDry2Ws5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hcx4jN9BnqDry2Ws5)) Nearest Tube Stations: Liverpool Street (5 mins walk) and Aldgate (10 mins). Start Time - 4:30pm Finish time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm (Approx) **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** Set up in November 2021, the project was set up to help 20s and 30s in London meet, connect and hopefully build life-long friendships. To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics. To learn more about our community or to follow us on social media, please follow one of the links below. **Website - [https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk/)** **Instagram - [https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship](https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship)**

We will go to see Romería, Carla Simón’s third feature – nominated in 6 categories at the 2026 Goya Awards – is the concluding episode of the filmmaker’s semi-autobiographical trio of films exploring her upbringing and family history. Set on the Galician coast in the early 2000s, the film follows 18-year-old Marina, who travels to Vigo in search of information about her biological father; she is seeking his death certificate to be able to apply for a scholarship to film school. Reconnecting with her paternal side of the family, she discovers a huge amount of shame and secrecy around his death. Reading from her biological mother’s diary entries from her youth, Marina takes the opportunity to uncover what she can about her parents’ relationship with the estranged family, and discovers the reason for their secrecy. For those who can stay will go for a drink after the screening to discuss the film.

ENJOY THIS UNIQUE WALK IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **WALK START: Forest Hill Railway Station** (National Rail and London Overground - Travel Zone 3) WALK ROUTE: Today we walk through the contrasting scenery of Horniman Gardens, Dulwich Park, Sydenham Woods Sydenham Wells Park and Crystal Palace Park. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6 miles. WALK FINISH: Crystal Palace Station ( National Rail and London Overground). STOPOUT POINT: Throughout the walk we will cross several London bus routes. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility.** **This walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some new friends at the same time. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. RISKS:Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, and tracks through woodland and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, trousers are recommended, and take care as surfaces may be uneven, and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists. Be wary of portruding tree roots and low overhanging branches. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Kens Events also has a facebook page. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station. WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD? - Light rain is not a problem, only very heavy rain will lead to a postponement.

[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

This month's selection is "Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction," by Lynne Olson! If you're new, welcome! Don't worry if you can't finish or don't like the book, we're here for good casual conversation...

If **CMMC** is on your radar (or keeping you up at night), this is the conversation you don’t want to miss! Join us on **Tuesday, May 12, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1YxovFyF9RzKCcq9EjAN8-wdwxz1 Join us for an “**Ask the CMMC Experts**” session with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg of Koniag Cyber.** These two seasoned leaders have been deep in the trenches of cybersecurity, compliance, and national security! **Brian** brings 20+ years of experience leading cybersecurity services across **highly regulated industries** and a unique perspective as a former **U.S. Secret Service Technical Security Division** professional who has helped secure some of the nation’s most sensitive environments. **Carter** pairs 30+ years spanning cyber investigations, threat intelligence, and cyber law with hands-on CMMC leadership as a **Lead Certified Asessor**. He’s conducted 35+ independent CMMC assessments, supported 30+ Authorizations to Operate for **DHS and DoD**, and helped shape national conversations through work with **NIST, MITRE, and federal agencies.** Bring your questions, your challenges, and your curiosity on **May 12**, for this candid, practical conversation with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg**, designed to help you move forward with confidence! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:15 Ask the CMMC Expert - **Brian Gallagher & Carter Schoenberg** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn

We're going to try revisit this venue with a patio. Parrando's Ashburn. One week after Cinco de Mayo, its still Taco Tuesday and time for Happy Hour with BOLD Parrando's opened in December 2016 and has since become known for it's signature craft margaritas and fajitas. They use premium-quality ingredients to create a perfect fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine with a North American flair. Parrando’s is always committed to serving premium, authentic Tex-Mex favorites.

256 pages [Technology] • Paperback • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=614113 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "[Co-Intelligence] is a solid explainer. Convincing…a blueprint…smart and well informed…"— The Wall Street Journal "A sharp and good-humoured guide to how to make the most of generative AI. Mollick follows his own prescription for success, 'inviting AI to the table' and running his own experiements into its creative and problem-solving potential." * Andrew Hill, The Financial Times "Generative AI has an oracle, and his name is Ethan Mollick. Lucky you: our oracle has written a lucid, succinct, and eminently practical guide to navigating the revolution that is right now unfolding at an astonishing pace. Co-Intelligence is the very best book I know about the ins, outs, and ethics of generative AI. Drop everything and read it cover to cover NOW." — Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit "Ethan Mollick has been a leader with the hands-on exploration of AI's evolving capabilities. In Co-Intelligence, he masterfully navigates the landscape of AI advancements with insightful and informative commentary, presented with remarkable clarity and precision. This book is an invaluable resource, offering a comprehensive gide to current trends and future expectations in AI. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this rapidly evolving technology." — Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer, Microsoft “In today’s cacophony of ‘AI hot takes’, Mollick has distinguished himself as the leading voice of reason on the implications of AI for work and education. Anyone seeking a basis of practical knowledge to understand the coming massive changes should read this insightful book right now." — Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn and Inflection AI "Co-Intelligence brilliantly captures the essence of our evolving relationship with AI. With lucid explanations and useful examples, Mollick shows how we can enlist this technology's astonishing power to build a more intelligent and humane future." — Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive, and A Whole New Mind “Embark on a transformative journey with Co-Intelligence, Ethan Mollick’s page-turning must-read for those at the helm. Mollick’s work will help CEOs and leaders harness AI’s enormous potential as a catalyst for elevating the capabilities of any team and any organization. Brilliant, authoritative, and educational.” — Jim M. Citrin, Leader, Spencer Stuart CEO & Board Practice, author of You’re in Charge, Now What? and The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers ### About the Author Ethan Mollick is a professor of management at Wharton, specializing in entrepreneurship and innovation. His research has been featured in various publications, including Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the creator of numerous educational games on a variety of topics. He lives and teaches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.