Life Sciences

One of the few concepts in the world which every religion, creed, group etc agrees on is that our time on this planet is limited. Whatever happens to you after that, the stories on that vary from person to person, group to group, but the inevitability of your physical body's limitation is agreed upon by everyone. Yet, no one wants to talk about it, to contemplate, how awareness of one's mortality has influenced whole of human civilisation. Even the oldest known literature, Epic of Gilgamesh, is a story about a man/demi-god, wanting to conquer death and achieve immortality, fails to do so. Life and death have existed side by side closely since forever. It was just more visible before modernity, because of less advanced medicine, less tamed nature etc. Today? Well, its the last topic on most minds. Hence, for this meetup, our topic would be simply, "On mortality". I have found a cozy little cafe (The cafe has great homemade cakes by the way) near a peaceful cemetery. Why a cemetery you may ask? And how can it be "peaceful"? A cemetery may remind you of decay and depression, but instead, it has life all around. Small insects running their society, (if you look closely 😏), flowers, trees, melodic chirping of birds, and the beautiful sunlight tearing through the trees. It has that contrast of and life and death coexisting so close to one another, which today's human's living in so much safety and certainty mostly get repelled away from and hence avoid discussing about it, is the major theme of this discussion.

Chitta Walks is for people whose days move fast, while the mind never fully lands. Thoughts keep looping even when nothing is urgent. The body moves, but attention is elsewhere. Over time, this disconnect drains clarity and ease. This walk is a simple reset. We meet in Berlin’s Tiergarten and walk at a gentle pace. Parts of the walk are in silence, with light guidance and a few short prompts. The walk itself is the practice, bringing body and mind back into the same moment. No apps. No performance. Just a clear space to slow down and notice what is happening. If you want to slow down without withdrawing from life, join a Chitta Walk. ✨ **What to expect (approx. 90 minutes):** * A short arrival and orientation * A guided silent walk (phones off, no conversation) * One concise science-based impulse on attention or stress * Optional reflection in pairs or small groups * A simple takeaway or experiment for daily life 🚶**Who this is for:** * Professionals, creatives, and people in transition. * People who feel mentally busy and want more clarity and balance. * Those curious about mindfulness, but grounded and practical. * Anyone comfortable with silence and gentle self observation. 🔔 **Practical notes:** * Duration: 60-90 minutes * Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing * No prior experience needed * Group size is limited to keep the space quiet and focused 🧭 **Facilitator:** My name is Partha Sarathi, you can call me PS. I have lived in Berlin for over 12 years. With a background in physics and materials science, my interest in mindfulness grew through personal experience with stress and health challenges. I facilitate the space and structure of the walk, inviting shared exploration rather than instruction. 🤔 **Why Chitta Walks?** Chitta is a Sanskrit word referring to the mind or field of awareness, used here in a practical, non-religious sense. Chitta Walks is about noticing how the mind works by slowing down and walking together. Mindful walking makes thought patterns visible in real time, while moving and sensing in the world. The name points to a simple capacity: noticing what is happening in the mind without immediately trying to fix, judge, or optimize it. 🌿 **Possible effects:** A calmer nervous system. Clearer attention. A felt sense of being more present in your body. Subtle insights into how your mind reacts under everyday conditions. A quieter, more grounded way of moving through the city. **Come as you are. Walk. Notice. Leave with a little more space inside.**

Ich lade euch herzlich ein zu einer Körperanwendung mit der Kraft von ätherischen Pflanzenessenzen. Der Hauptfokus liegt dabei auf Hormonbalance, Nervenreset und Regulation. Anmeldungen können direkt bei mir gemacht werden. Das Ganze ist kostenlos, es kann eine Spende für die Nutzung der Öle gegeben werden. ———————— I warmly invite you to a body treatment using the power of essential plant essences. The main focus is on hormonal balance, nervous system reset, and regulation. You can sign up directly with me. The session is free of charge; a donation for the use of the oils is welcome.

Life gets heavy sometimes — and we believe no one should carry that weight alone. This discussion circle is a supportive space where we gather to speak openly about our struggles, mental health journeys, and personal challenges — without fear of judgment. Whether you’re facing anxiety, burnout, grief, or just feeling lost, this is a time for real talk, real people, and real healing. 
We’re not therapists or professionals — we’re humans navigating life, just like you. What we offer is empathy and understanding. 
What to expect:
• Respectful conversations
• Listening without pressure to fix
• Optional prompts to get things flowing
• A calm, welcoming environment 
Come as you are. You don’t need to have it all figured out. 
The event takes place every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month and is donation based. If possible, please consider helping us cover the location and Meetup expenses with a small contribution. :) Paypal (Friends&Family): mhps.berlin@gmail.com

**Join us for a swim at Stadtbad Tiergarten Pool (near Hauptbahnhof)!** Hey everyone, We are doing a casual non-professional swim. It's an indoor heated (+26°C) pool, and I'd love for you to join us! We'll be gathering for a casual chill 30-minute swim. No need to race or compete, just enjoy the water and calm after completing the swim. Afterwards we go to a nearby café for coffees and chat, but no pressure to stick around - totally optional! **Bring** * swimsuit * towel * 1 Euro coin (for a locker) * ticket (5.50€, buy online or on site) **Where** In the entrance hall inside the pool.

Welcome to Sunday Tech Coffee. This is a **networking** event for those in the tech industry in Berlin. We are usually inside and to the right. Ask the barista/bartender if you can't find us.

Step into a relaxed evening where every sip celebrates nature and craftsmanship. At Balance, we invite you to a tasting of 3 thoughtfully selected natural and biodynamic wines, paired with handpicked olives and crispy golden arancini. A journey that awakens the senses and sparks conversation. Included in your experience: – 3 glasses of carefully curated natural/biodynamic wines – A selection of olives & crispy arancini designed to complement each wine – A cozy, welcoming setting with soft lighting and effortless vibes No hurry, no rules — just good flavors, relaxed moments, and the pleasure of discovery. Returning guests can enjoy a glass of prosecco for €5 to start the evening with a little sparkle. 🥂 **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

fff- fit frei froh und gesund ebenso durch und mit Lachyoga Wir lachen auch bei Regen!!! Lachyoga ist Wellness, Fitness, Resilienz- und Gesundheitstraining zugleich! Deshalb entwickelte der indische Arzt, Dr. Madan Kataria 1995 diese fröhliche spielerische Yoga-Methode: Lachen ohne Grund. Lachend, spielend, tanzend, singend und bewusst tief atmend - auch bei Frost und Schnee - stärkst Du gleichzeitig Deine körperliche und mentale Gesundheit und Fitness sowie Dein Immunsystem! So beugst Du Krankheiten vor. Dafür gibt es auch eine spezielle Übung: das vorbeugende Lachen. Du verbindest Dich lachend mit den anderen Teilnehmer\*innen. Du aktivierst eine Menge Glückshormone. So stärkst Du Deine Resilienz und kannst gelassener, fröhlicher und unbeschwerter in die neue Woche gehen. Und bei Kälte lachst Du Dich warm!!! Wichtig: warme Füße!!! Also entsprechende Schuhe sind wichtig!!! Übrigens: "Lachen ist der Tanz des Atems" sagt ein indisches Sprichwort. Es ist also Atemtherapie pur. Wo kannst du besser Sauerstoff aufnehmen als an frischer Luft? Auf dem Tempelhofer Feld lachen wir seit 2010 bei jedem Wetter, außer bei einer Unwetterwarnung. Lachyoga kennt keine Altersgrenze, im Gegenteil, es hält jung und verbindet "jung und alt" super miteinander!!! Neugierig geworden? Einfach kommen und mitlachen! offene Gruppe: jede/r ist herzlich eingeladen, mitzulachen, ohne Voranmeldung und ohne Vorkenntnisse bitte mitbringen: Lust, was Neues auszuprobieren; was zu trinken, denn Lachen macht durstig. Teilnahme: auf wertschätzender Spendenbasis Teilnehmer\*innen spenden im Durchschnitt 3-10 Euro. von: [Lachsonne](https://www.gratis-in-berlin.de/component/uddeim/?task=new&recip=8199 "::Nachricht an User schreiben") Mehr Infos im Internet: * [https://www.kreativitaet-und-lachen.de](https://www.kreativitaet-und-lachen.de/offene-ly-gruppen.html)

Let's meet for the [ACX Spring Meetups Everywhere 2026](https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/meetups-everywhere-spring-2026-times) in the Humboldthain! This will likely be a big meetup, as it was announced by Scott on ACX. From experience, I expect 25–50 attendees. Humboldthain is good to reach by public transport; the next train stops are S+U Gesundbrunnen and S Humboldthain. If you’re reading this, you’re invited. Please don’t feel like you "won't be welcome" just because you’re new to the blog, demographically different from the average reader, or hate ACX and everything it stands for. You'll be fine! I'll buy some snacks; feel free to bring something to share as well. There are also many restaurants around if you get hungry. Location: Big lawn at the center of Humboldthain — [https://plus.codes/9F4MG9WP+36](https://plus.codes/9F4MG9WP+36) Contact: Reply to this event, message me here on Meetup, or join the Telegram group below. Next public toilet: [https://g.co/kgs/bp9nGd](https://g.co/kgs/bp9nGd) Group Link: [https://t.me/+tVWSc66-0UM5MzA6](https://t.me/+tVWSc66-0UM5MzA6)

During this hike, we’ll take a look at what has changed over the winter (in case you joined us on this hike last year on 3 October). As in autumn, we will meet at Friedrichshagen S-Bahn station (on the platform, east exit) and start the event with an ice cream from a famous ice cream place on Bölschestraße. Then we will hike through the Erpetal, across woods and fields, into the outer districts of Berlin (https://www.komoot.com/tour/2936165603). If you don't like ice cream, please arrive at the S-Bahn station Friedrichshagen at 13:30 am instead. We will pick you up at the corner of Fürstenwalder Damm and Dahlwitzer Landstraße. To the north-east of the station, there is an area with benches and a toilet. On Google Maps, the toilet is indicated as 'Berliner Toilette S-Bahn'. We will pick you up at this spot. If you need to contact other participants during the hike (for example, to find out where to meet us if you are running late), please use the Signal group link that I will send to all participants via private message three hours before the hike. This timing is intended to prevent non-participants from misusing the link for unwanted advertising, which has happened in the past. Signal allows us to share our locations during the hike without involuntarily forwarding this information to the intelligence services of authoritarian or non-authoritarian states, but unfortunately the location sharing function does not include tracking, i.e. no continuous updates. For all other purposes, especially socialising and posting photos, please use the Telegram subgroup 'Event Chat & Photos': https://t.me/addlist/KAOk2PA4BDE0ZTY8 . The hike will take place if at least 6 people sign up. As long as there are more than 6 people, you can sign up and cancel as many times as you like. If there are 6 or less people, please avoid cancelling, as this might make the other participants feel insecure about whether the hike will take place (or whether there is something wrong with the hike and they should cancel as well --> Matthew effect - Wikipedia). If there are less than 6 participants, the hike will also take place unless the majority of the participants are in favor of canceling the hike.

We invite you to join our weekly Evenings of Meditation, to gently meet yourself, dissolve stress and live life from beautiful inner states, like calm, joy and connection. These gatherings are not just about meditating on your own, but a step inward we take together. Each time we’ll look into a particular topic in the light of timeless wisdom, reflect on it in a guided meditation, do powerful Oneness practices for greater wellbeing, and experience Deeksha - which helps to speed up your inner growth. For more info see: [www.onenessberlin.com](http://www.onenessberlin.com/) **This week's topic: At home with your body** Can we experience beautiful inner states while being in a fight with our body? We often may feel disconnected from it, dislike it, and even sometimes abuse it by ignoring its needs. Let’s have a closer look at our relationship with our body, and see how we can feel more at home with it. 🎟️ **Entry**: € 10 for walk-ins (in cash or PayPal) just for us to pay for the space or **[get a ticket from € 5 >](https://momence.com/l/x9hmK0Q8)** 📍**Where**: Yoga Sky, Am Tempelhofer Berg 7d, 10965 Berlin Follow the Yoga Sky signs in the yard, and take the elevator to the top floor. 🗓 **When**: Sunday, 10th of May, 19:00 - 20:30 Please arrive 5-10 min earlier to settle down. You’re welcome, no matter your background or experience. This is what has worked for us over many years and we love to share it with you. Looking forward to see you, Oneness Berlin Florian & Jazgul

**Looking for a fun, social outdoor sport in Berlin this summer?** Join us to get to know Strandvölkerball - a German twist on dodgeball played on sand! **🏐 What is Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball is a **German version of dodgeball played on sand**, combining quick reflexes, teamwork, and a lot of laughs. No experience needed! Most people who join are beginners or haven't played since school. Our ball is very soft! **📍Central Berlin Location** We play **weekly games right next to the East Side Gallery** **in Friedrichshain**, one of the most iconic spots in Berlin. It's the perfect setting for enjoying summer evenings, moving in the sand, and meeting new people. You also have a great view of the beautiful Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Weekly Social Games - All Levels Welcome** * **Mixed games every week during the summer** * Focused on **fun, movement, and community** * **Beginner-friendly** – easy to learn, no pressure * Come solo or bring friends! * **Check back on the day of the event** \- sometimes we have to cancel due to **heat, storm, or lack of participants** During the season, some of our training sessions may be reserved for tournament preparation. **🏆 Friendly Tournaments & Special Events** We also host occasional **tournaments**, which are still focused on **fun and inclusive competition**. To join a tournament, you should visit at least some of our social games to learn the rules. Please read the tournament descriptions carefully. 🔥 **Season Highlight: The StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Our biggest event is the **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, a multi-day festival with: * Teams from all over Germany * Great music, good vibes, and lots of high-quality Strandvölkerball games * Open participation, attend a few trainings, and you'll likely find a team * Want to start your own team? Awesome! Register at: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us or check our [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/).** We can help you with everything, from joining your first social game to finding a team for one of the tournaments. \-\-\- **Auf der Suche nach einem unterhaltsamen, geselligen Outdoor-Sport in Berlin diesen Sommer?** Komm zu uns und lerne Strandvölkerball kennen – eine deutsche Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird! **🏐 Was ist Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball ist eine deutsche **Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird** und schnelle Reflexe, Teamwork und jede Menge Spaß vereint. Keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich! Die meisten Teilnehmer sind Anfänger oder haben seit ihrer Schulzeit nicht mehr gespielt. Unser Ball ist sehr weich! **📍Mitten in Berlin** Wir spielen wöchentlich **direkt neben der East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain**, einem der bekanntesten Orte Berlins. Es ist der perfekte Ort, um Sommerabende zu genießen, sich im Sand zu bewegen und neue Leute kennenzulernen. Außerdem hat man einen tollen Blick auf die schöne Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Wöchentliche Community Games - Alle Spielstärken willkommen** * **Jede Woche im Sommer gemischte Spiele** * **Spaß, Bewegung und Gemeinschaft** stehen im Vordergrund * **Anfängerfreundlich –** leicht zu lernen, kein Druck * Komm alleine oder bring Freunde mit! * **Schau am Tag der Veranstaltung noch einmal vorbei** – manchmal müssen wir aufgrund von **Hitze, Sturm oder zu wenigen Teilnehmern** absagen. Während der Saison können einige unserer Trainingseinheiten für die Turniervorbereitung reserviert sein. **🏆 Freundschaftsturniere & Sonderveranstaltungen** Wir veranstalten auch gelegentlich **Turniere**, bei denen der **Spaß und der integrative Wettkampf** im Vordergrund stehen. Um an einem Turnier teilzunehmen, sollten Sie mindestens einige unserer Community Games besuchen, um die Regeln zu lernen. Bitte lesen Sie die Turnierbeschreibungen sorgfältig durch. 🔥 **Saison-Highlight: Die StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Unser größtes Event ist die **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, ein mehrtägiges Turnier mit: * Teams aus ganz Deutschland * Toller Musik, guter Stimmung und vielen hochkarätigen Strandvölkerball-Spielen * Offene Teilnahme – Nimm an ein paar Trainingseinheiten teil und du wirst mit Sicherheit ein Team finden! * Möchten Du dein eigenes Team gründen? Super! Registrier dich unter: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **Wenn Du Fragen hast, zöger bitte nicht, uns zu kontaktieren oder unsere [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/) zu besuchen.** Wir helfen dir gerne weiter, vom ersten Community Game bis hin zur Suche nach einem Team für eines der Turniere.

**Book 1-4 seats by mail with your full name an mobile-number to [weinkueche@gmx.de!!!](http://weinkueche@gmx.de!!!/) No mail, no confirmed booking!** Over the years, we've collected more than 1.500 wines on our wine tours and stored them under optimal conditions. We particularly enjoy aging our more expensive premium wines for a longer period, as they only reveal their full potential after several years. "Baby killers" is the nickname given to wine drinkers who consume these premium wines far too young—a term that applies to almost all Grand Cru (Großes Gewächs) wines available in stores or restaurants. We want to open wines with you that have been allowed to mature and have reached their optimal drinking window (after 5-10 years). Unlike with young wines, you'll be able to say: **It doesn't get any better than this!** ... Just different... After this event, you'll also want to start cellaring your own wines, because the difference in taste will convince you! What´s the WeinKüche-Winetasting about? You and max. 14 other wine fans will be able to taste 10-12 different Wines with a full "Brotzeit" or small dishes in our private flat in Berlin-Mitte…. The best way to end a weekend! The event will be moderated in german and/or english. Über die Jahre haben wir auf unseren Weinreisen viele viele Weine gesammelt und bei sehr guten Bedingungen eingelagert. Insbesondere höherpreisige Spitzenweine lassen wir gerne etwas länger reifen, da sie ihr Potential erst nach einigen Jahren offenbaren. "Babymörder" ist der Name für Weintrinker, die Spitzenweine viel zu jung trinken... was eigentlich für fast alle GG zutrifft, die im Handel oder in der normalen Gastronomie gekauft werden können. Wir wollen mit Euch Weine öffnen, die reifen durften und ihr optimales Trinkfenster (nach 5-10 Jahren) erreicht haben. Anders als bei den Jungweinen wird man hier sagen können: **Besser wird´s nicht!** .. Nur anders... Nach diesem Event werdet Ihr privat auch anfangen, Weine einzulagern, denn der geschmackliche Vorteil wird Euch überzeugen!

Regisration also available using Luma: https://luma.com/ou2ld1od Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. This page-turning party will unfold in Monbijoupark. We'll meet close to Monbijoubrunnen, the funky looking fountain thing near the entrance from Oranienburger Strasse. Use [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZkG3cq62PuErwoKDA) for a more precise location. There's no entrance fee, and no food served, because it's a park. So bring your own food and blankets and stuff along with your books and let's have a little picnic. Grab your favorite book, snag a beverage and/or a snack, and dive into the quietude with us. No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our agenda:** 10:30 am - 11 am - Arrivals, setting up blanket, social time 11:00 pm - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour 12:00 pm- 12:30 pm - Share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages After that, we have the option of going for lunch together. See you there ;) —————————————————————— Keep an eye on the updates since if there weather turns bad we will move the event indoors in the Bode Museum.

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.

Science and religious faith each play a profound role in shaping our cultural landscape. Too often, though, the relationship between them is framed as one of inevitable conflict, leaving casualties on both sides of the ideological divide and influencing everything from public policy to personal belief. Yet, a few voices throughout history have pointed toward a more integrated vision. As Albert Einstein famously observed, “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.” Jennifer Secki Shields will join us to share her story and her work helping people of all ages bridge these two worlds through her Discovery & Faith organization. Bring your questions, your stories, and your openness as we explore the nexus where faith and science meet. Together, we’ll consider what thoughtful dialogue between these realms can look like. Jennifer serves with Discovery & Faith, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping churches and ministries with resources that help them engage science faithfully, confidently, and creatively.

[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

**REGISTER AT THE LUMA EVENT PAGE!!!** https://luma.com/27ja5gwl Join us for an exciting talk by Mary Gibbs, Senior Applied Scientist at Relativity. ​ ​**​Agenda:** ​​6:00 - 6:30 PM - Welcome and mingle 6:30- 6:45 PM - Introductions 6:45 - 7:30 PM - Talk 7:30 - 8:00 PM - Wrap up **​​Description:** ​If you have ever shipped a model, watched your metrics improve, and later learned from your users that something was wrong, the metrics were always wrong. You just didn’t know it yet. An evaluation consists of three components, a benchmark, a scorer, and a claim about what a score represents. Each component has its own weaknesses. Benchmarks can suffer from narrow coverage, contamination, or saturation. Scorers are often chosen for ease of automation or computation rather than for their alignment with user outcomes. And the claim connecting a score to reality is rarely made explicit. These gaps compound across the model development lifecycle. When metrics improve, teams treat that as a signal and optimize directly against it, which is how a measurement problem becomes a model problem. This talk maps where evaluations can go wrong, considers counterarguments, and ends with practical advice for building better ones. **​Speaker Bio:** ​Mary is a Senior Applied Scientist at Relativity, tackling data science challenges in the e-discovery and legal tech space. She is also an organizer for Women and Gender eXpansive Coders DC (formerly Women Who Code DC), fostering a community dedicated to empowering women and nonbinary individuals to excel in their careers. Mary's experience spans various domains. She has developed data science solutions related to job search and career progression at Teal, cybersecurity challenges at LiveAction Software, and commercial and government consulting at Mosaic Data Science. Before venturing into the field of data science, Mary conducted and published research pertaining to the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopment at the National Institutes of Health. In other words, she has dissected and imaged a lot of fruit fly brains. She holds a M.S. in Data Science from The George Washington University and a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University

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

**NOTICE: The park is open until 8:45 PM for Sunset Closing** [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing) **Sunset is 8:25 PM** Fees: $5 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $9 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y For dinner, after the field trip around 8:30 PM, we will head to Anita's New Mexico Style Restaurant, 521 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T7gw87tjvVuwDT96 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.