introduction to

Statistics is a mathematical tool involved in the analyses and organization of numerical data. If letter data is to be evaluated then the letters must be transcribed into numbers. For example teachers would normally grade student’s work as A, B, C, or D. For statistical purposes they would become A=4, B=3, C=2, D=4.

As an introduction to statistics it should be noted that they can serve two purposes   a). Description,  b) Prediction. Both of these characteristics are referred to as variables, and data is taken up and recorded for each variable. Descriptive statistics are then employed to calculate the distribution of the data in each of the variables.

In most cities throughout the world there is organized crime. The people involved in such criminal activities, often widespread, in their number of illegal activities, are usually referred to as the ‘mafia’.

The traditional meaning of ‘mafia’ relates directly to the organized criminal activities of Italian or Sicilian origin.

The Mafia is usually comprised of families, often related, and has a ranking structure in that the head of the family makes the decisions, which filter down to lower ranking members. It is not uncommon for families to differ in strategies, and inter-gang warfare can break out.

La Cosa Nostra is often used to symbolize the Mafia in general, but this term now only applies to the American Mafioso, or mobsters. Supposedly the Mafia is not a religious organization, but because of its origins, many Mafioso are Catholic.

Wool is a soft fiber which comes from a variety of animals. The fibers have a spongy feeling due to the overlapping, serrated scales on each fiber. This causes the fiber to curl and cling to adjacent fibers.

This kind of structure is unique to wool, and results in cloths woven from wool to be warm, and provide good insulation for the wearer. Wool is the most favored fabric for tailoring, it resists wear and tear, is flame resistant, and dirt resistant.

There are two types of fabric produced from wool. The type we associate with ‘woolens’ like scarves, gloves, blankets etc. they have a soft feel and will not hold a crease. And the worsteds. Worsted cloth is smoother than woolen, it does not sag, will hold a crease, is less bulky, and will take a shine easily.

Any introduction to first aid must include a description of not only what the subject entails, but just what is involved for any person called upon, either voluntary or otherwise in administering first aid.

What do we mean by first aid? First aid is rendering immediate assistance to any person who suffers a sudden injury or is suddenly taken ill. It can be as simple as giving endearing or encouraging words to the person needing help to promote confidence in the sufferer until professional help can be obtained. Equally it can involve the immediate treatment of any injury to the best of your ability.

Basically permaculture is about introducing new methods of how we humans interrelate with everything around us on our planet Earth. It is about designing ecological human habitats and food production.

In these days of global warming, climate change and an ever exploding human population we have to rethink the ways in which we relate to our environment in terms of how we treat not only ourselves, but our climate, plant life, animal life, soil quality, and water supply.

The focus of an introduction to permaculture is to consider each of the above items not individually but as being part of the integrated whole, just what is our relationship to it, because we too are part of the whole.

The theory of continental drift was first proposed by Alfred Wegener (1880-1930). It had been noticed that often the shape of a continent or island often matched the shape of the opposite coast line, almost like a jig saw puzzle. Typically, the match between the West coast of Africa, and the East coast of America.

In the middle of the 20^th century, this thinking was developed into the theory of plate tectonics. This theory explained the apparent movement of continents, the clustering of volcanic activity, and the presence of mid ocean ridges beneath the sea.

The theory suggests that the whole of the Earth’s surface, including the ocean floors consist of many over lapping plates called the lithosphere which are in motion over the semi-molten asthenosphere. At the boundaries of these tectonic plates, three things can happen.

Acrylic paints can be used directly from the tube and used like oil paint, or thinned with water, and used like watercolor paint. Acrylics are very versatile and quick drying in their usage.

As an introduction to acrylic painting some hints are offered for beginners.

-          Since these paints dry quickly, always keep the paint slightly moist by spraying occasionally with a mist spray. Squeeze only a small amount from the tube and use it quickly.

-          Prevent your brushes from gathering paint drips on the ferrule, wipe away excess paint frequently.

-          All acrylic paints can give an opaque effect if used direct from the tube, and applied thickly. Otherwise dilute the paint with water to achieve a watercolor effect, or for use with an airbrush.

You don’t need to have any aspirations to become ‘Mr Universe’  to have an introduction to weight training. May be you only want to have a little variety in your exercise routine, or are interested in toning up your body muscles.

Weight training can help in achieving these objectives, and is often used by athletes, fitness professionals, and serious body builders.

It is important for a beginner to weight training to have a complete health checkout, especially if you are obese or have been inactive for many months.

When you begin your weight training program it is a good idea to talk to either a fitness specialist or a therapist, to establish a training routine which is in line with your requirements.

Our nearest and largest star, commonly referred to as ‘The Sun’ supplies all of the energy requirements for planet Earth in the form of light and heat. These energies are called solar energy.

Solar energy is essential for the maintenance of all life on Earth. It provides us with our food supply, and supplies the energy which is used in homes and industry

The fossil fuels we use today are the result of stored energy from decayed vegetation and marine life laid down millions of years ago, but without the energy from the sun they would not have existed in the first place.

If the natural genetic structure of a plant is changed by the insertion of a gene from another biological source or laboratory synthesized gene, we have an introduction to genetically modified (GM) food.

The branch of the biological sciences involved in genetic engineering is covered by the name biotechnology, and the desired object is to change the characteristics of the targeted plant. These changes can involve the color, flavor, and texture.

Obviously the main object of genetically modifying food plants is to increase the supply of food for an ever increasing world population. Targeted plants are therefore altered to increase their resistance to insects and disease, to make them more tolerant to herbicide application, and to increase yield per acre.