Statistics Help

In particle physics, sought after events that confirm many aspects of the theory of elementary particles can be relatively rare.  Determining if signals recorded in detectors are from these events, rather than minor blips in the plethora of background events,  requires the application of sophisticated statistical analysis.  If anyone out there can recommend a good primer in statistical methods that covers Monte Carlo methods, Markov chains, and Bayesian statistics, please let me know.

Small project; refinishing block front dresser.

Project news... not actual woodworking this time, just refinishing. Several weeks ago I picked up a piece of Kindel vintage furniture, from somewhere between the late early and late 40's I guess. It looked forlorn and beat up standing outside a gas station/antique store when I cycled by it, but I recognized the quality and the name Kindel, Grand rapids confirmed my estimate. So I paid the $75 asking price and drove down later to pick it up. Got in the basement and went to work on it. 

Removed blotchy dark coating  and factory lacquer finish. Polished the brasses and applied several coats of new lacquer to the wood. The piece had been dusted or polished with silicon bearing cleaner, waxes, or polishes. This prevents the new finish from adhering so I had to use a special additive in the new lacquer. It helped but the results are still not as good as they would have been otherwise. So DO NOT USE anything on your furniture or other surface that eventually may be refinished unless IT SAYS SILICON FREE. [ i.e it's guilty until proven innocent]

The dresser  went from before to after pretty well, I think. Judge for yourself. It now sits in the alcove of our bedroom.