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This article will launch my new series in the Why study Math? category. This will be the start of a fascinating series which show that mathematics is more than just a pain in the neck; indeed these essays will permit a fascinating peek into the world of this curiously strange discipline. We start in the land of geometry, where shapes and figures and their many properties drive students to the breaking point of insanity. Each article will feature a specific aspect of a particular branch of mathematics, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; and each will endeavor to shed some light on how these fields are used in the real world. So come on board and enjoy the ride.

In the field of geometry, particularly as pertains to the high school geometry course, a student is introduced for the first time to the wonderful world of mathematical proofs. Often times students will be scratching their heads wondering why in the world they would be learning things as proving two triangles congruent or about the different properties of shapes such as trapezoids, parallelograms, or even those solid figures called polyhedrons. What is not understood or even seen is that such shapes play a fundamental role in many areas of science and indeed nature.

For example, the helix structurethat winding pattern best typified by a spiral staircaseis the structure most abundant in nature. Watson and Crick, the scientists who won a Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work with dna, the genetic material responsible for heredity, showed that the very structure of the dna molecule exhibited a double helix structure. running a close second to the helix structure, we have those solids which are formed by regular pentagons and hexagons, those five and six sided figures. Because it is impossible to enclose space (in other words form a polyhedron ball) with just hexagons, it is necessary that pentagons be added to the mix. In fact 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons form the recipe for a nice type of polyhedron ball, which has come to be called a truncated icosahedron.

The soccer ball is the perfect real-life example of the truncated icosahedron. What is even more, many virusesthose potentially deadly nuisancesexhibit this structure. Viruses have outer shells called capsids that are often in the form of an icosahedron. And for those of you who are not familiar with chemistry, the eponymous buckey ball, is an organic molecule made mostly of carbon, which exhibits the soccer ball structure. In fact, chemists have now discovered a whole family of these soccer-ball-like molecules, which are called fullerenes. New and interesting discoveries are being made with these molecules and fascinating applications for their use in diverse fields as medicine and pharmacology are being researched.

Thus understanding geometryshapes, figures, and their related propertieshas profound implications for all of us. Just remember this the next time you go to fill a prescription for that drug which is going to kill that buckey-ball shaped virus that is wreaking havoc on your insides. For without understanding the very nature of the shapes of these viruses, chemists and pharmacologists would be at a loss in their attempt to battle these viral parasites. Stay tuned for more in my Why study Math? series...

I grew up on a golf course. Mine was the perfect golfing family. Our surname was identified with one of the greatest golfers of the 20th century, Bobbie Locke (no relation though!). My father courted my mother on the golf course and she learnt to play and my brothers did too. But I never really got to play golf really well but if I had had access to the beginners golf guide I want to tell you about, well, my golf career would have been very different!

Learning golf is ideal for families. It is also ideal for getting away from families it is your choice! Fact is that 80% of American golfers never really make it to the top ! Learning golf is like learning a musical instrument. With the essence of the game being to use a club to send a ball to a target, the essence of learning golf is to learn how the club must swing to the target if the ball is to go to the target. A significant part of learning golf is learning the most efficient and consistent wrist motion for the forward or target hand.

How To Learn Golf

Learning golf doesn't have to be difficult. Learning the lesson to be learned often requires a shift in our understanding that alters the way we think about what we believe. Learning patiently, drawing from nature with observation, experiment, and deduction leads one in the directions of long-term progress. Learning the mind/body game is long overdue if you are serious in your pursuit of high performance and excellence in golf or business. Without learning golf, one cannot play golf properly. But learning golf can be fun and be really enjoyable.

Equipment

Equipment should "fit" the golfer as to length, weight, and "feel". Equipment is supplied at the beginners and intermediate levels. golf equipment for a training program is inexpensive, portable and is definitely used in the convenience of your home. These people -- who spend untold zillions of dollars on equipment, lessons, magazines, books, and assorted paraphernalia -- are the ones for whom this is written. The main reason, I think, is because the secrets make golf seem far more difficult than purveyors of equipment, golf travel, golf lessons and golf magazines care to admit.

Maybe there are no shortcuts, but there certainly are a lot of other factors needed to become a top player: like a good teacher, high tech equipment, proper course management, and plain old 'grit and determination'. The guide below will really set you on the right road to learning golf.

Robert Locke is an internet Marketer specializing in Health, Wellness and Fitness. How To Learn Golf- The Beginner's guide. http://www.usfreeads.com/887274-cls.html