Concrete Frame Structure essays

Concrete Frame Structure essays The design of multi-story concrete frame structures, as well as other permanent structures, is based on loads dictated by the end use of the structure. However, the loads applied to the structure during construction can greatly exceed the end use design loads. In multi-story concrete frame structures, these large loads occur when the concrete is poured on the successive floors. In the conventional manner of forming concrete for successive floors, the floor beneath the floor to be poured must support the weight of the forming, the weight of the reinforcing bars and the wet concrete, and any superimposed construction live load that can be applied by the workmen and equipment during the pouring of the concrete. The combination of these three loads, in most instances, is greater than the allowable live load of the floor supporting these loads. The problem is further compounded by the fact that the floor supporting these loads may not have The conventional manner in which these large construction loads are handled is to place props, commonly called reshores, between some number of floors under the floor supporting the construction load. These reshores, allow the construction load to be distributed in some way between the floors that are tied The manner in which the construction loads will be distributed between the floors that are reshored together is controlled by the manner that the backshores or reshores are installed, and the age of the concrete at which the various stages of It is the intention of this study to describe a method for accurately calculating the loads that are distributed between floors of a structure during all phases of the construction cycle. It is further intended to examine various construction techniques keep the load distributed to the floors within allowable limits, and also ...

TLM or Teaching Learning Materials Definition

TLM or Teaching Learning Materials Definition In the field of education, TLM is a commonly used acronym that stands for teaching/learning materials. Broadly, the term refers to a spectrum of educational materials that teachers use in the classroom to support specific learning objectives, as set out in lesson plans. These can be games, videos, flashcards, project supplies, and more. Classroom teaching that uses only a teacher lecturing the class, perhaps writing on the chalkboard or whiteboard, is the classic example of not using any TLM. Using TLM can greatly assist students in the learning process. Examples of Teaching/Learning Materials Activity-based learning employs a variety of teaching/learning materials and focuses on student interaction to learn new concepts. Context-specific learning materials enhance the process. Story Books Story books make great teaching-learning materials. For example, a middle school teacher can use a book like The Hatchet by Gary Paulson, a gripping story of a boy, 13, who finds himself alone in a desolate wooded area in Canada, with only a hatchet (a gift from his mother) and his wits to help him survive. A teacher can read this book to the class as a whole, then have students write a brief essay summarizing the book and explaining what they thought of the story. And at the elementary school level, book reports provide a great way to have students engage with the books they read, either individually or together with the class. Manipulatives Manipulatives are physical items such as gummy bears, blocks, marbles, or even small cookies, that assist student learning. Manipulatives are especially helpful in the younger primary grades, where students can use them to help solve subtraction and addition problems. Samples of Student Writing Having students write can be an effective teaching method. But students often have difficulty thinking of topics. Thats where student writing prompts can be useful. Writing prompts are brief partial sentences designed to help spark student writing, such as The person I admire the most is...   or My biggest goal in life is... Just be sure to give students the parameters of the assignment, such as a single paragraph for younger pupils or a full, multi-page essay for older students. Videos In the current digital age, there are plenty of websites that offer free educational videos for kids. Videos provide real, visual images that can help enliven learning, but you need to be careful to choose videos that have real educational value. Websites that offer free learning videos include the Khan Academy, which offers videos on basic and advanced math, English grammar and literature, science, and even SAT preparation. Games Games can be useful in teaching students everything from money and grammar to social skills. Sight words bingo, for example, can help students learn their basic sight words, but there are also relatively inexpensive bingo games that teach money skills, Spanish, telling time, and even English grammar. More active, outside games such as basketball or kickball can help students learn social skills, such as taking turns, sharing, working as a team, and being a good loser or gracious winner. Flashcards Even in this age of computers and internet-based learning materials, flashcards can be particularly useful for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Printing high-frequency words, also known as sight words, on the front of flashcards with short definitions on the back can create a good learning tool for students who have auditory or visual learning styles. Model Clay Younger students, such as those in kindergarten through third grade, can learn using model clay. For example, a teacher might have young students make letters of the alphabet using clay. But you can also use clay to teach concepts to older students. Teachers have been known to use model clay to teach plate tectonics, the theory of how the Earths surface behaves. Overhead Projector Transparencies In this modern age, dont forget about the value of old-fashioned overhead transparencies. A teacher can use overhead projector transparencies to teach counting skills, such as for numbers up to 100, and visually demonstrate how charts and graphs work. Better even than a whiteboard or blackboard, transparencies allow you or students to write numbers, create problems, circle, and highlight features and easily wipe away markings with a paper towel or tissue. Computer Software and Apps Plenty of learning computer software is available online. Interactive software programs can help English language learners study grammar and other elements of the English language. And apps, such as for tablet computers and even smartphones, offer instruction in everything from foreign languages to information on the Common Core Standards as well as university-level lectures and lessons for students- many of the apps are free. Visual Aids Visual aids can be teaching tools designed for the entire classroom, such as posters showing basic site words, class rules, or key concepts about important holidays or lessons. But they can also be used the help students individually, particularly visual learners or those having difficulty organizing their work or their thoughts. Graphic organizers, for example, are charts and tools used to visually represent and organize a students knowledge or ideas. Graphic organizers can help students learn math and they are good tools for teaching special education students and English language learners.

Mass extinction Events - the 6th one Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mass extinction Events - the 6th one - Essay Example appened in the planet’s history, mass extinction is an occasion that mankind cannot penetrate, delay or stop especially if they are the primary ones responsible for the planet’s destruction. One is as responsible as the other towards the maintenance of the planet that mankind is living in. There is no reason for finger pointing at this point as to why things are being experienced worldwide (Hallam & Wignall, 1-5). Mass extinctions already happened more than once in the existence of planet Earth. The first mass extinction was said to have happened approximately 500 million years ago and it was the temperature in the planet’s surface that have changed drastically. This event incurred the massive extinctions of species, plants and animals alike. This brought about changes, mostly physical, to those who survive the extinctions. Others would point out these changes as evolution in the species. They needed to evolve and be able to adapt to the surroundings enabling them to survive. Approximately 250 million years ago, another mass extinction occurred and devastated the planet. It was said that during this second mass extinction, it took a while before the surviving species was able to recover. While others failed to adapt therefore becoming extinct (Frankel, 5-10). During the third mass extinction, it was the aquatic species that was confounded. It was after the fourth mass extinction that r eptiles and dinosaurs were said to have evolved. Then around 65 million years ago, the fifth mass extinction occurred. This is the extinction that the generation of today is more aware (Wicander & Monroe, 242; Hoffman, 176). There are scholars who do believe that mankind and the planet is in the middle of the sixth mass extinction as the planet’s composition has been disturbed massively especially in recent centuries or even decades. As mankind is perceived to become more intelligent, the more it aided the events that may cause the mass extinction and even end the human

Chrysler&Fiat Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Chrysler&Fiat - Essay Example â€Å"The marriage was based on ego the egos of the two men at the top of the companies at the time who got rich on the deal not compatibility† (Krebs, 2013). Cultural differences made things even worse. This fact limited communication between Daimler and Chrysler. However, when two car companies merge they should have strong relationship and similar cultures. Both sides should understand each country’s traditions before they implement new concepts to their new styles of their cars. A year later, Chrysler decided to move on with Fiat Italian automakers. This time the company should build a solid rock foundation before they further unite. In my perspective if they don’t want to repeat the same costly failures, Chrysler should reflect about there past mistakes that negatively impact their business. They should engage in deep understanding and embrace equalities. Therefore, in order accomplish their goals the company should start to apply business strategies in effe ctive ways to promote a better level. It is important not to forget the cultural differences that created concerns. After the analysis above about the issues at Chrysler, I came out with effective business strategies that may resolve Chrysler’s problems. ... re to improve Chrysler & Fiat relationships through better communication, apply the Hofstede’s theory in business, and follow the current regulation. In my opinion before companies go public they need to have strong structures to support their plans. In business communication is one of the most important things. The initial steps that the CEO of Chrysler should take are to understand Fiat’s background. The firms need to promote open-minded for each other. Furthermore, these two companies should share their visions and missions so they will implement a new hierarchy system that is going to satisfy both companies’ needs. â€Å"This companies merges can harm communications within the companies, especially if the companies adopt distance working and mobile sales and service teams† (MacKechnie, 2013). Chrysler & Fiat need effort and time to fulfill this goal. Both sides should embrace flexibility and equalities because I believe that these will solve the mergin g issues that would cause conflicts at the initial stage. After they overcome the internal structure goals they could minimize bigger conflicts in the future. This first step is the simplest business strategy, but it is the most important aspect of business. It is better for them to consider this step rather than decide to quickly go out to find the profit as soon as possible. It is going to raise unexpected circumstances that would negatively impact the alliance between Chrysler & Fiat. Thus, in order to achieve short term and long term benefit this step is the one that needs serious consideration. I believe that they will have better understanding in the future when they need to overcome the company’s problems. In addition, by understanding both sides’ views, they will focus to pursue one objective that

Lighting a cigarette Essay Example for Free

Lighting a cigarette Essay Girlish looking woman, in her late twenties, a little overweight, lost in thought. She is wearing jeans, a white jumper and trainers. Her dark hair is tied back. Scene is set up in the upper right stage corner. It is an airport arrivals lounge. There is luggage around her. She is nervously lighting a cigarette. Lights are directed towards her, the background is in shadow. How many times can you start again? I havent got a job, I dont know the language, and whats most important Ive never been here before. After two years in the Italian sun, grey and cloudy England will be a big change. At least, thats what Ive always heard about the island. Oh! I wish I could call this place home in a few years time. English people sound alright actually. Not that I have met many of them, but the few in the airplane were really nice to me. Their Italian wasnt as good as mine but certainly better than my English. (Silence. She looks around obviously waiting for someone). I left this life behind me and I am not going to regret it. Not much to miss, except the weather, the sea view from the balcony and the food. There was nothing else to stop me from leaving. Martin wasnt Italian and after the last few months I cant even think about him as someone close to my heart. I wish he had said something, anything, but he simply let me leave without a word. It wasnt easy. (Her eyes are filling with tears). I really dont know what I was expecting. After two years together you would have thought that we both would know that it is not how we wanted to live, and certainly not in each others company. But perhaps for Martin everything was great. After only two months we stopped going anywhere. One day I asked him to go to the beach. He said Im tired. You just want to go on the beach all the time. He was tired for the next two years. We met in the Czech Republic where our parents live. None of us was living there on a regular basis any more. Martin had already been in Italy for about two years. His sister had married an Italian, Roberto, and they helped him start a new life there. For most people in the small village where we were born, he was the lucky one. They could only dream about living in Italy. At the time my life wasnt bad, it was very different however. I was working in Germany taking care of an elderly woman. At the beginning it was really tough; I knew hardly any German and had no one there. The first three months I spent in tears, but there was no chance of a job nearer home and I could save a lot of money. The work was live in so I had few expenses. And to be honest it wasnt a hard job at all. Muksi was eighty-eight, but she was in very good health. I was doing some cooking and cleaning, but not much more. They treated me as a part of the family and after while I started to feel it. (Half closed eyes, recalling memories) I think it was Christmas time when I started going out with Martin. He asked me Do you have someone special? I said no quite emphatically! I hadnt thought about starting a new relationship at all, not after my last mistake. But somehow, when I was meeting my friends, Martin was always there and a few weeks later we were celebrating New Years Eve together. It was a distance relationship, he was living in Italy and I was in Germany. He flew to me in Frankfurt for our first Valentines Day! I was so in love. I thought I had found the one. Martin said Maybe we could go back to Italy together. Im going to change flats so I thought that maybe you I loved him even more then! Just a few weeks later I flew to him to start a completely new life on the East coast of Italy. And now I am flying to start a new life again! How many times can you do it? Is there a limit? My mom was really worried that Im moving yet again and of course sad that it hadnt worked out. But I couldnt stay there any longer and she calmed down when I told her that I was going to Tania. I think it took me too long to realise that Martin was not the one. What a waste of time! I should have known long ago. Sadness on her face. Sometimes, without any reason, he didnt talk to me for weeks. It was killing me. I was always there for him, his mate, but I hardly ever got anything back. I was spending all my money on the rent, the food, the bills and he he bought a new car, a plasma TV, some other gadgets. How naive I was thinking that it would all be ours. (Sigh). Towards the end his friend Matej lived with us for two months so it cost me even more. Matej never gave me any money and never said anything. Looking nervously around and checking what time it is. I didnt tell Martin that Tania had bought me a ticket. I didnt ask her for it. She has been my best friend for over fifteen years. I was so ashamed! I didnt have the courage to call her and tell her that Id got it wrong again. After about a month of silence she rang me and said Whats the matter? I know you well enough to know when somethings not right. I told her that life was not perfect. She knew it had to be much worse. She had met Martin once when she and Nick came to Italy for a weeks holiday and they stayed with us. She never said anything and because of this I guessed what she thought, but now she just said Ill send you a ticket to come and visit us. You can stay if you want or you can go back. How did she know that I didnt have any money? That same week Martin reverted to the great guy he could be. We were talking a lot and one night believing he would understand, I told him that I was going to visit Tania. I didnt say it was a one way ticket and that it was really in his hands if I came back or not. He started shouting, Do you really think that she wants you there? She is just trying to be nice. People have got their own problems. That was so nasty of him. (Sigh).

The X Files: Summary :: essays research papers

Scully and Mulder are two FBI agents that were sent to investigate murders that took place in a New Mexico town, just out side of an Indian reservation. The murders were first discovered when a lady, Annie Hatch, found two tourist’s bodies while she was ridding her horse. The bodies were laying next to a van. When Annie went closer to the bodies, she could see that there was hundreds of flies on them. When she looked closer she could see that they had been skinned. The following day a teenager, Paulie was out side behind his families trailer with his little sister, Patty. It was dark, so dark that they could not see in front of them. Suddenly they both heard footsteps from somewhere , then they heard whispering, the whispering became hissing. His flesh was thrown everywhere. At this point the FBI was called in to investigate. Before Mulder and Scully got to New Mexico, they both went over the case and studied the autopsy reports that were sent to them. The autopsy report said that the bodies were flayed. The pictures they were sent along with the report made both Scully and Mulder sick to their stomachs. When they arrived in New Mexico Agent Garson was waiting to show them around and warn them to take it easy because of the heat. Scully and Mulder interviewed Patty, but did not get any more information on the case then what they already had from the report. She saw nothing because she had got hit in the face with a branch that knocked her out. After the interview, they went to get some dinner, where they met the doctor who wrote the autopsy report. She told them that the report she wrote was wrong. She was told to write the wrong details because the sheriff did not want the press to get a hold of it, because New Mexico has been trying to upgrade its image for years. The real Truth was that the people have been scoured, like being held up against a high-speed spinning drum covered with coarse sandpaper. As they left the restaurant a man stared at them across the road, as mulder drove past him, he still stared. Mulder than made a U-turn and then another, so that the car was pulled up next to the man. He introduced him self and told them he was Ciola.

Bandura’s Social Modeling

Albert Bandura argues that personality is shaped not only by environmental influences on the person, but also by the person’s ability to influence the environment. Social learning states that thinking is an important determinant of behavior.The inclusion of cognitive viewpoints within a behavioral framework has been a relatively recent trend, especially apparent in the work of personality learning theorist J.B. Rotter. Rotter believes that the most important variables in determining personality are the person’s expectations concerning future outcomes and the values of different reinforcements that might occur in a particular situation (Atkinson et al., 2000; Smith et al., 2001).In other words, a person’s behavior depends on what he expects the outcome to any particular action to be and what those outcomes are worth. The likelihood that someone will be aggressive when trying to return a merchandise to a department store would depend then, on that person’s e xpectation about whether or not aggression will work (Atkinson et al., 2000).In Bandura’s viewpoint, human motives (Atkinson et al. 2000; Papalia, 2002).   With this premise, the theory is basically leaning toward the philosophical idea of freedom.   Man is free to chart his course and how he is supposed to fulfill his various needs; i.e. his physiological dimension. In addition, the manner with which he carves himself in a particular niche that satisfies his psychological domains is also based on his own volition.There is no flavor of unconscious thoughts pervading motivation like when the idea of psychological instincts being interpreted within Maslow’s understanding; in contrast to this notion, any individual can basically control their own behavior.This theory believes on the capacities of human nature to achieve what man wants to achieve rather than be held captive by forces within him or in his external world; it is the internal determinants such as we may ch oose skills to lie dormant or latent (Papalia et al., 2002; Smith et al., 2002). For example, i may not imitate aggressive behavior unless i am provoked or/and believe that I am more likely to be rewarded by it than punished for it.Since the premise of this theory hinges on freedom, a person’s characteristics therefore are developed by social influences. According to Bandura and later by personality theorist Rotter, Observational Learning,   accounts for most human learning. It occurs when, as children, in my case for instance, I observe my parents cook, clean, or repair a broken appliance.Biology or heritability is deemphasized, rather the value of being introduced on a particular aspect or several aspects of human experience is basis or the basis for the development of human characteristics. There is evidence that observational learning for simple â€Å"single action† tasks, such as opening the halves of a toy barrel to look at a barrel inside, occurs as early as o ne year (Smith et al., 2001).This theory eventually emphasizes individuality or uniqueness, as it fundamentally illustrates in its assertion that every one has the capability for breakthroughs in circumstances which may be difficult. Man is also capable to learn and communicate about himself and others (Papalia et al., 2002; Smith et al., 2002).Observational learning is not mechanically acquired through reinforcement. We can learn by observation without engaging in overt responses at all. It appears sufficient to pay attention to the behavior of others (Atkinson et al., 2000).Since man is free, unique and has the possibilities to accomplish whatever he is set to do, it is also asserted that man is proactive: he can choose how to respond in any situation and may even extend himself to advance his interests, both positive and negative at whatever goal or in whatever circumstance he may be in (Papalia et al., 2002; Smith et al., 2002; Atkinson et al., 2000).The theory overall is hopefu l and positive in every essence.   Individuals then have all the chances to make their lives fulfilling, impact others on virtues of honesty, charity and generosity, if and when he determines himself to be one.Likewise, he can also influence and negatively affect those that surround him when he chooses to do so. In this perspective then, an individual has high hopes of changing his attitudes and disposition, as well as his physical arrangements in life (Papalia et al., 2002; Smith et al., 2002).

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 7. UNEXPECTED

The line of black advanced on me through the shroud-like mist. I could see their dark ruby eyes glinting with desire, lusting for the kill. Their lips pulled back over their sharp, wet teeth – some to snarl, some to smile. I heard the child behind me whimper, but I couldn't turn to look at him. Though I was desperate to be sure that he was safe, I could not afford any lapse in focus now. They ghosted closer, their black robes billowing slightly with the movement. I saw their hands curl into bone-colored claws. They started to drift apart, angling to come at us from all sides. We were surrounded. We were going to die. And then, like a burst of light from a flash, the whole scene was different. Yet nothing changed – the Volturi still stalked toward us, poised to kill. All that really changed was how the picture looked to me. Suddenly, I was hungry for it. I tvanfec/them to charge. The panic changed to bloodlust as I crouched forward, a smile on my face, and a growl ripped through my bared teeth. I jolted upright, shocked out of the dream. The room was black. It was also steamy hot. Sweat matted my hair at the temples and rolled down my throat. I groped the warm sheets and found them empty. â€Å"Edward?† Just then, my fingers encountered something smooth and flat and stiff. One sheet of paper, folded in half. I took the note with me and felt my way across the room to the light switch. The outside of the note was addressed to Mrs. Cullen. I'm hoping you won't wake and notice my absence, but, if you should, I'll be back very soon. I've just gone to the mainland to hunt Go back to sleep and I'll be here when you wake again. I love you. I sighed. We'd been here about two weeks now, so I should have been expecting that he would have to leave, but I hadn't been thinking about time. We seemed to exist outside of time here, just drifting along in a perfect state. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. I felt absolutely wide awake, though the clock on the dresser said it was after one. I knew i would never be able to sleep as hot and sticky as I felt. Not to mention the fact that if I shut off the light and closed my eyes, I was sure to see those prowling black figures in my head. I got up and wandered aimlessly through the dark house, flipping on lights. It felt so big and empty without Edward there. Different. I ended up in the kitchen and decided that maybe comfort food was what I needed. I poked around in the fridge until I found all the ingredients for fried chicken. The popping and sizzling of the chicken in the pan was a nice, homey sound; I felt less nervous while it filled the silence. It smelled so good that I started eating it right out of the pan, burning my tongue in the process. By the fifth or sixth bite, though, it had cooled enough for me to taste it. My chewing slowed. Was there something off about the flavor? I checked the meat, and it was white all the way through, but I wondered if it was completely done. I took another experimental bite; I chewed twice. Ugh – definitely bad. I jumped up to spit it into the sink. Suddenly, the chicken-and-oil smell was revolting. I took the whole plate and shook it into the garbage, then opened the windows to chase away the scent. A coolish breeze had picked up outside. It felt good on my skin. I was abruptly exhausted, but i didn't want to go back to the hot room. So I opened more windows in the TV room and lay on the couch right beneath them. I turned on the same movie we'd watched the other day and quickly fell asleep to the bright opening song. When I opened my eyes again, the sun was halfway up the sky, but it was not the light that woke me. Cool arms were around me, pulling me against him. At the same time, a sudden pain twisted in my stomach, almost like the aftershock of catching a punch in the gut. Tm sorry,† Edward was murmuring as he wiped a wintry hand across my clammy forehead. â€Å"So much for thoroughness. I didn't think about how hot you would be with me gone. I'll have an air conditioner installed before I leave again.† I couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. â€Å"Excuse me!† I gasped, struggling to get free of his arms. He dropped his hold automatically. â€Å"Bella?† I streaked for the bathroom with my hand clamped over my mouth. I felt so horrible that I didn't even care – at first – that he was with me while I crouched over the toilet and was violently sick. â€Å"Bella? What's wrong?† I couldn't answer yet. He held me anxiously, keeping my hair out of my face, waiting till I could breathe again. â€Å"Damn rancid chicken,† I moaned. â€Å"Are you all right?† His voice was strained. â€Å"Fine,† I panted. â€Å"It's just food poisoning. You don't need to see this. Go away.† â€Å"Not likely,Bella.† â€Å"Go away,† I moaned again, struggling to get up so I could rinse my mouth out. He helped me gently, ignoring the weak shoves I aimed at him. After my mouth was clean, he carried me to the bed and sat me down carefully, supporting me with his arms. â€Å"Food poisoning?† â€Å"Yeah,† I croaked. â€Å"I made some chicken last night. It tasted off, so I threw it out. But I ate a few bites first.† He put a cold hand on my forehead. It felt nice. â€Å"How do you feel now?† I thought about that for a moment. The nausea had passed as suddenly as it had come, and I felt like I did any other morning. â€Å"Pretty normal. A little hungry, actually.† He made me wait an hour and keep down a big glass of water before he fried me some eggs. I felt perfectly normal, just a little tired from being up in the middle of the night. He put onCNN – we'd been so out of touch, world war three could have broken out and we wouldn't have known – and I lounged drowsily across his lap. I got bored with the news and twisted around to kiss him. Just like this morning, a sharp pain hit my stomach when I moved. I lurched away from him, my hand tight over my mouth. I knew I'd never make it to the bathroom this time, so I ran to the kitchen sink. He held my hair again. â€Å"Maybe we should go back to Rio, see a doctor,† he suggested anxiously when I was rinsing my mouth afterward. I shook my head and edged toward the hallway. Doctors meant needles. â€Å"I'll be fine right after I brush my teeth.† When my mouth tasted better, I searched through my suitcase for the little first-aid kit Alice had packed for me, full of human things like bandages and painkillers and – my object now – Pepto-Bismol. Maybe I could settle my stomach and calm Edward down. But before I found the Pepto, I happened across something else that Alice had packed for me. I picked up the small blue box and stared at it in my hand for a long moment, forgetting everything else. Then I started counting in my head. Once. Twice. Again. Theknock startled me; the little box fell back into the suitcase. â€Å"Are you well?† Edward asked through the door. â€Å"Did you get sick again?† â€Å"Yes and no,† I said, but my voice sounded strangled. â€Å"Bella? Can I please come in?† Worriedly now. â€Å"O†¦ kay?† He came in and appraised my position, sitting cross-legged on the floor by the suitcase, and my expression, blank and staring. He sat next to me, his hand going to my forehead at once. â€Å"What's wrong?† â€Å"How many days has it been since the wedding?† I whispered. â€Å"Seventeen,† he answered automatically. â€Å"Bella, what is it?† I was counting again. I held up a finger, cautioning him to wait, and mouthed the numbers to myself. I'd been wrong about the days before. We'd been here longer than I'd thought. I started over again. â€Å"Bella!† he whispered urgently. â€Å"I'm losing my mind over here.† I tried to swallow. It didn't work. So I reached into the suitcase and fumbled around until I found the little blue box of tampons again. I held them up silently. He stared at me in confusion. â€Å"What? Are you trying to pass this illness off as PMS?† â€Å"No,† I managed to choke out. â€Å"No, Edward. I'm trying to tell you that my period is five days late.† His facial expression didn't change. It was like I hadn't spoken. â€Å"I don't think I have food poisoning,† I added. He didn't respond. He had turned into a sculpture. â€Å"The dreams,† I mumbled to myself in a flat voice. â€Å"Sleeping so much. The crying. All that food. Oh. Oh. Oh† Edward's stare seemed glassy, as if he couldn't see me anymore. Reflexively, almost involuntarily, my hand dropped to my stomach. â€Å"Oh!† I squeaked again. I lurched to my feet, slipping out of Edward's unmoving hands. I'd never changed out of the little silk shorts and camisole I'd worn to bed. I yanked the blue fabric out of the way and stared at my stomach. â€Å"Impossible,† I whispered. I had absolutely no experience with pregnancy or babies or any part of that world, but I wasn't an idiot. I'd seen enough movies and TV shows to know that this wasn't how it worked. I was only five days late. If I was pregnant, my body wouldn't even have registered that fact. I would not have morning sickness. I would not have changed my eating or sleeping habits. And I most definitely would not have a small but defined bump sticking out between my hips. I twisted my torso back and forth, examining it from every angle, as if it would disappear in exactly the right light. I ran my fingers over the subtle bulge, surprised by how rock hard it felt under my skin. â€Å"Impossible,† I said again, because, bulge or no bulge, period or no period (and there was definitely no period, though I'd never been late a day in my life), there was no way I could be pregnant The only person I'd ever had sex with was a vampire, for crying out loud. A vampire who was still frozen on the floor with no sign of ever moving again. So there had to be some other explanation, then. Something wrong with me. A strange South American disease with all the signs of pregnancy, only accelerated†¦ And then I remembered something – a morning of internet research that seemed a lifetime ago now. Sitting at the old desk in my room at Charlie's house with gray light glowing dully through the window, staring at my ancient, wheezing computer, reading avidly through a web-site called â€Å"Vampires A-Z.† It had been less than twenty-four hours since Jacob Black, trying to entertain me with the Quileute legends he didn't believe in yet, had told me that Edward was a vampire. I'd scanned anxiously through the first entries on the site, which was dedicated to vampire myths around the world. The Filipino Danag, the Hebrew Estrie, the Romanian Varacolaci, the Italian Stregoni benefici (a legend actually based on my new father-in-law's early exploits with the Volturi, not that I'd known anything about that at the time)†¦ I'd paid less and less attention as the stories had grown more and more implausible. I only remembered vague bits of the later entries. They mostly seemed like excuses dreamed up to explain things like infant mortality rates – and infidelity. No, honey, I'm not having an affair! That sexy woman you saw sneaking out of the house was an evil succubus. I'm lucky I escaped with my life! (Of course, with what I knew now about Tanya and her sisters, I suspected that some of those excuses had been nothing but fact.) There had been one for the ladies, too. How can you accuse me of cheating on you – just because you've come home from a two-year sea voyage and I'm pregnant? It was the incubus. He hypnotized me with his myst ical vampire powers†¦. That had been part of the definition of the incubus – the ability to father children with his hapless prey. I shook my head, dazed. But†¦ I thought of Esme and especially Rosalie. Vampires couldn't have children. If it were possible, Rosalie would have found a way by now. The incubus myth was nothing but a fable. Except that†¦ well, there was a difference. Of course Rosalie could not conceive a child, because she was frozen in the state in which she passed from human to inhuman. Totally unchanging. And human women's bodies had to change to bear children. The constant change of a monthly cycle for one thing, and then the bigger changes needed to accommodate a growing child. Rosalie's body couldn't change. But mine could. Mine did. I touched the bump on my stomach that had not been there yesterday. And human men – well, they pretty much stayed the same from puberty to death. I remembered a random bit of trivia, gleaned from who knows where: Charlie Chaplin was in his seventies when he fathered his youngest child. Men had no such thing as child-bearing years or cycles of fertility. Of course, how would anyone know if vampire men could father children, when their partners were not able? What vampire on earth would have the restraint necessary to test the theory with a human woman? Or the inclination? I could think of only one. Part of my head was sorting through fact and memory and speculation, while the other half – the part that controlled the ability to move even the smallest muscles – was stunned beyond the capacity for normal operations. I couldn't move my lips to speak, though I wanted to ask Edward to please explain to me what was going on. I needed to go back to where he sat, to touch him, but my body wouldn't follow instructions. I could only stare at my shocked eyes in the mirror, my fingers gingerly pressed against the swelling on my torso. And then, like in my vivid nightmare last night, the scene abruptly transformed. Everything I saw in the mirror looked completely different, though nothing actually was different. What happened to change everything was that a soft little nudge bumped my hand – from inside my body. In the same moment, Edward's phone rang, shrill and demanding. Neither of us moved. It rang again and again. I tried to tune it out while I pressed my fingers to my stomach, waiting. In the mirror my expression was no longer bewildered – it was wondering now. I barely noticed when the strange, silent tears started streaming down my cheeks. The phone kept ringing. I wished Edward would answer it – I was having a moment. Possibly the biggest of my life. Ring! Ring! Ring! Finally, the annoyance broke through everything else. I got down on my knees next to Edward – I found myself moving more carefully, a thousand times more aware of the way each motion felt – and patted his pockets until I found the phone. I half-expected him to thaw out and answer it himself, but he was perfectly still. I recognized the number, and I could easily guess why she was calling. â€Å"Hi, Alice,† I said. My voice wasn't much better than before. I cleared my throat. â€Å"Bella? Bella, areyou okay?† â€Å"Yeah. Urn. Is Carlisle there?† â€Å"He is. What's the problem?† â€Å"I'm not†¦ one hundred percent†¦ sure___† â€Å"Is Edward all right?† she asked warily. She called Carlisle's name away from the phone and then demanded, â€Å"Why didn't he pick up the phone?† before I could answer her first question. â€Å"I'm not sure.† â€Å"Bella,what's going on? I just saw – â€Å" â€Å"What did you see?† There was a silence. â€Å"Here's Carlisle,† she finally said. It felt like ice water had been injected in my veins. If Alice had seen a vision of me with a green-eyed, angel-faced child in my arms, she would have answered me, wouldn't she? While I waited through the split second it took for Carlisle to speak, the vision I'd imagined for Alice danced behind my lids. A tiny, beautiful little baby, even more beautiful than the boy in my dream – a tiny Edward in my arms. Warmth shot through my veins, chasing the ice away. â€Å"Bella, it's Carlisle. What's going on?† â€Å"I – † I wasn't sure how to answer. Would he laugh at my conclusions, tell me I was crazy? Was I just having another colorful dream? â€Å"I'm a little worried about Edward†¦. Can vampires go into shock?† â€Å"Has he been harmed?† Carlisle's voice was suddenly urgent. â€Å"No, no,† I assured him. â€Å"Just†¦ taken by surprise.† â€Å"I don't understand, Bella.† â€Å"I think†¦ well, I think that†¦ maybe†¦ I might be †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I took a deep breath. â€Å"Pregnant.† As if to back me up, there was another tiny nudge in my abdomen. My hand flew to my stomach. After a long pause, Carlisle's medical training kicked in. â€Å"When was the first day of your last menstrual cycle?† â€Å"Sixteen days before the wedding.† I'd done the mental math thoroughly enough just before to be able to answer with certainty. â€Å"How do you feel?† â€Å"Weird,† I told him, and my voice broke. Another trickle of tears dribbled down my cheeks. â€Å"This is going to sound crazy – look, I know it's way too early for any of this. Maybe I am crazy. But I'm having bizarre dreams and eating all the time and crying and throwing up and†¦ and†¦ I swear something moved inside me just now.† Edward's head snapped up. I sighed in relief. Edward held his hand out for the phone, his face white and hard. â€Å"Urn, I think Edward wants to talk to you.† â€Å"Put him on,† Carlisle said in a strained voice. Not entirely sure that Edward could talk, I put the phone in his outstretched hand. He pressed it to his ear. â€Å"Is it possible?† he whispered. He listened for a long time, staring blankly at nothing. â€Å"And Bella?† he asked. His arm wrapped around me as he spoke, pulling me close into his side. He listened for what seemed like a long time and then said, â€Å"Yes. Yes, I will.† He pulled the phone away from his ear and pressed the â€Å"end† button. Right away, he dialed a new number. â€Å"What did Carlisle say?† I asked impatiently. Edward answered in a lifeless voice. â€Å"He thinks you're pregnant.† The words sent a warm shiver down my spine. The little nudger fluttered inside me. â€Å"Who are you calling now?† I asked as he put the phone back to his ear. â€Å"The airport. We're going home.† Edward was on the phone for more than an hour without a break. I guessed that he was arranging our flight home, but I couldn't be sure because he wasn't speaking English. It sounded like he was arguing; he spoke through his teeth a lot. While he argued, he packed. He whirled around the room like an angry tornado, leaving order rather than destruction in his path. He threw a set of my clothes on the bed without looking at them, so I assumed it was time for me to get dressed. He continued with his argument while I changed, gesturing with sudden, agitated movements. When I could no longer bear the violent energy radiating out of him, I quietly left the room. His manic concentration made me sick to my stomach – not like the morning sickness, just uncomfortable. I would wait somewhere else for his mood to pass. I couldn't talk to this icy, focused Edward who honestly frightened me a little. Once again, I ended up in the kitchen. There was a bag of pretzels in the cupboard. I started chewing on them absently, staring out the window at the sand and rocks and trees and ocean, everything glittering in the sun. Someone nudged me. â€Å"I know,† I said. â€Å"I don't want to go, either.† I stared out the window for a moment, but the nudger didn't respond. â€Å"I don't understand,† i whispered. â€Å"What is wrong here?† Surprising, absolutely. Astonishing, even. But wrong? No. So why was Edward so furious? He was the one who had actually wished out loud for a shotgun wedding. I tried to reason through it. Maybe it wasn't so confusing that Edward wanted us to go home right away. He'd want Carlisle to check me out, make sure my assumption was right – though there was absolutely no doubt in my head at this point. Probably they'd want to figure out why I was already so pregnant, with the bump and the nudging and all of that. That wasn't normal. Once I thought of this, I was sure I had it. He must be so worried about the baby. I hadn't gotten around to freaking out yet. My brain worked slower than his – it was still stuck marveling over the picture it had conjured up before: the tiny child with Edward's eyes – green, as his had been when he was human – lying fair and beautiful in my arms. I hoped he would have Edward's face exactly, with no interference from mine. It was funny how abruptly and entirely necessary this vision had become. From that first little touch, the whole world had shifted. Where before there was just one thing i could not live without, now there were two. There was no division – my love was not split between them now; it wasn't like that. It was more like my heart had grown, swollen up to twice its size in that moment. All that extra space, already filled. The increase was almost dizzying. I'd never really understood Rosalie's pain and resentment before. I'd never imagined myself a mother, never wanted that. It had been a piece of cake to promise Edward that I didn't care about giving up children for him, because I truly didn't. Children, in the abstract, had never appealed to me. They seemed to be loud creatures, often dripping some form of goo. I'd never had much to do with them. When I'd dreamed of Renee providing me with a brother, I'd always imagined an older brother. Someone to take care of me, rather than the other way around. This child, Edward's child, was a whole different story. I wanted him like I wanted air to breathe. Not a choice – a necessity. Maybe I just had a really bad imagination. Maybe that was why I'd been unable to imagine that I would like being married until after I already was – unable to see that I would want a baby until after one was already coming†¦. As I put my hand on my stomach, waiting for the next nudge, tears streaked down my cheeks again. â€Å"Bella?† I turned, made wary by the tone of his voice. It was too cold, too careful. His face matched his voice, empty and hard. And then he saw that I was crying. â€Å"Bella!† Hecrossed the room in a flash and put his hands on my face. â€Å"Are you in pain?† â€Å"No, no – â€Å" He pulled me against his chest. â€Å"Don't be afraid. We'll be home in sixteen hours. You'll be fine. Carlisle will be ready when we get there. We'll take care of this, and you'll be fine, you'll be fine.† â€Å"Take care of this? What do you mean?† He leaned away and looked me in the eye. â€Å"We're going to get that thing out before it can hurt any part of you. Don't be scared. I wont let it hurt you.† â€Å"That thing?† Igasped. He looked sharply away from me, toward the front door. â€Å"Dammit! I forgot Gustavo was due today. HI get rid of him and be right back.† He darted out of the room. I clutched the counter for support. My knees were wobbly. Edward had just called my little nudger a thing. He said Carlisle would get it out. â€Å"No,† I whispered. I'd gotten it wrong before. He didn't care about the baby atall. He wanted to hurt him. The beautiful picture in my head shifted abruptly, changed into something dark. My pretty baby crying, my weak arms not enough to protect him†¦. What could I do? Would I be able to reason with them? What if I couldn't? Did this explain Alice's strange silence on the phone? Is that what she'd seen? Edward and Carlisle killing that pale, perfect child before he could live? â€Å"No,† I whispered again, my voice stronger. That could not be. I would not allow it. I heard Edward speaking Portuguese again. Arguing again. His voice got closer, and I heard him grunt in exasperation. Then I heard another voice, low and timid. A woman's voice. He came into the kitchen ahead of her and went straight to me. He wiped the tears from my cheeks and murmured in my ear through the thin, hard line of his lips. â€Å"She's insisting on leaving the food she brought – she made us dinner.† If he had been less tense, less furious, I knew he would have rolled his eyes. â€Å"It's an excuse – she wants to make sure I haven't killed you yet.† His voice went ice cold at the end. Kaure edged nervously around the corner with a covered dish in her hands. I wished I could speak Portuguese, or that my Spanish was less rudimentary, so that I could try to thank this woman who had dared to anger a vampire just to check on me. Her eyes flickered between the two of us. I saw her measuring thecolor in my face, the moisture in my eyes. Mumbling something I didn't understand, she put the dish on the counter. Edward snapped something at her; I'd never heard him be so impolite before. She turned to go, and the whirling motion of her long skirt wafted the smell of the food into my face. It was strong – onions and fish. I gagged and whirled for the sink. I felt Edward's hands on my forehead and heard his soothing murmur through the roaring in my ears. His hands disappeared for a second, and I heard the refrigerator slam shut. Mercifully, the smell disappeared with the sound, and Edward's hands were cooling my clammy face again. It was over quickly. I rinsed my mouth in the tap while he caressed the side of my face. There was a tentative little nudge in my womb. It's okay. We're okay,I thought toward the bump. Edward turned me around, pulling me into his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder. My hands, instinctively, folded over my stomach. I heard a little gasp and I looked up. The woman was still there, hesitating in the doorway with her hands half-outstretched as if she had been looking for some way to help. Her eyes were locked on my hands, popping wide with shock. Her mouth hung open. Then Edward gasped, too, and he suddenly turned to face the woman, pushing me slightly behind his body. His arm wrapped across my torso, like he was holding me back. Suddenly, Kaure was shouting at him – loudly, furiously, her unintelligible words flying across the room like knives. She raised her tiny fist in the air and took two steps forward, shaking it at him. Despite her ferocity, it was easy to see the terror in her eyes. Edward stepped toward her, too, and I clutched at his arm, frightened for the woman. But when he interrupted her tirade, his voice took me by surprise, especially considering how sharp he'd been with her when she wasn't screeching at him. It was low now; it was pleading. Not only that, but the sound was different, more guttural, the cadence off. I didn't think he was speaking Portuguese anymore. For a moment, the woman stared at him in wonder, and then her eyes narrowed as she barked out a long question in the same alien tongue. I watched as his face grew sad and serious, and he nodded once. She took a quick step back and crossed herself. He reached out to her, gesturing toward me and then resting his hand against my cheek. She replied angrily again, waving her hands accusingly toward him, and then gestured to him. When she finished, he pleaded again with the same low, urgent voice. Her expression changed – she stared at him with doubt plain on her face as he spoke, her eyes repeatedly flashing to my confused face. He stopped speaking, and she seemed to be deliberating something. She looked back and forth between the two of us, and then, unconsciously it seemed, took a step forward. She made a motion with her hands, miming a shape like a balloon jutting out from her stomach. I started – did her legends of the predatory blood-drinker include this? Could she possibly know something about what was growing inside me? She walked a few steps forward deliberately this time and asked a few brief questions, which he responded to tensely. Then he became the questioner – one quick query. She hesitated and then slowly shook her head. When he spoke again, his voice was so agonized that I looked up at him in shock. His face was drawn with pain. In answer, she walked slowly forward until she was close enough to lay her small hand on top of mine, over my stomach. She spoke one word in Portuguese. â€Å"Morte,†she sighed quietly. Then she turned, her shoulders bent as if the conversation had aged her, and left the room. I knew enough Spanish for that one. Edward was frozen again, staring after her with the tortured expression fixed on his face. A few moments later, I heard a boat's engine putter to life and then fade into the distance. Edward did not move until I started for the bathroom. Then his hand caught my shoulder. â€Å"Where are you going?† His voice was a whisper of pain. â€Å"To brush my teeth again.† â€Å"Don't worry about what she said. It's nothing but legends, old lies for the sake of entertainment.† â€Å"I didn't understand anything,† I told him, though it wasn't entirely true. As if I could discount something because it was a legend. My life was circled by legend on every side. They were all true. â€Å"I packed your toothbrush. I'll get it for you.† He walked ahead of me to the bedroom. â€Å"Are we leaving soon?† I called after him. â€Å"As soon as you're done.† He waited for my toothbrush to repack it, pacing silently around the bedroom. I handed it to him when I was finished. â€Å"I'll get the bags into the boat.† â€Å"Edward – â€Å" He turned back. â€Å"Yes?† I hesitated, trying to think of some way to get a few seconds alone. â€Å"Could you†¦ pack some of the food? You know, in case I get hungry again.† â€Å"Of course,† he said, his eyes suddenly soft. â€Å"Don't worry about anything. We'll get to Carlisle in just a few hours, really. This will all be over soon.† I nodded, not trusting my voice. He turned and left the room, one big suitcase in each hand. I whirled and scooped up the phone he'd left on the counter. It was very unlike him to forget things – to forget that Gustavo was coming, to leave his phone lying here. He was so stressed he was barely himself. I flipped it open and scrolled through the preprogrammed numbers. I was glad he had the sound turned off, afraid that he would catch me. Would he be at the boat now? Or back already? Would he hear me from the kitchen if I whispered? I found the number I wanted, one I had never called before in my life. I pressed the â€Å"send† button and crossed my fingers. â€Å"Hello?† the voice like golden wind chimes answered. â€Å"Rosalie?† I whispered. â€Å"It's Bella. Please. You have to help me.†

Essay on Nervous System and

Essay on Nervous System and Essay on Nervous System and -chemotherapy -radiation Therapy Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System The nervous system is responsible for the control of the body and communication among its parts. It consists of the brain, the spinal chord, sensory organs, and all of the nerves that connect these organs to the rest of the body. Brain + spinal chord = central nervous system (CNS) Where the information is evaluated and the decisions are made. Sensory nerves + sense organs = peripheral nervous system (PNS) Monitors conditions inside and out of the body and sends the information to the CNS. Often, the nervous system suffers diseases or disorders. These problems may occur slowly and cause a gradual loss of function, or suddenly and cause life-threatening troubles. Below are a few of the many conditions that can hit the nervous system. Disease Problem Cause Treatment Alzheimer’s Disease Progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behaviour. Not entirely known. Suspects include: age and family history, genes, abnormal protein deposits in the brain, and immune system problems. There is no cure and no way of slowing down this deteriorating disease but many researches are currently undergoing to try to find a cure. Ataxia Failure of muscle control in the arms and legs resulting in a lack of balance and coordination. -Degeneration of the cells in the part of the brain called cerebellum. -Stroke -Low vitamin levels -Exposure to a toxic drug or chemical. The use of adaptive devices; cane, wheelchair, crutches, walker. Also things such as physical/speech therapy and medications. Bell’s Palsy Unexplained facial muscle weakness or paralysis that begins suddenly and worsens over three to five days. Unknown. Thought to be inherited. Associated with; diabetes, high blood pressure, trauma, infection, toxins†¦ -Careful eye care -Doctor will establish cure based on severity of condition; steroid/ antiviral medications, analgesics/moist heat, physical therapy. Brain Tumours An abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) depending on their behaviour. Mostly due to abnormalities in genes, causing uncontrolled cell growth. These abnormalities are caused by alterations in genes or chromosome rearrangements. -Surgery -Chemotherapy -Radiation therapy -Steroids -Anti-seizure medication -Supportive care -Rehabilitation -Antibiotics -Continuous follow-up care. Cerebral Palsy A non-progressive disorder of movement coming from damage to the brain before, during or straight after birth. Caused by brain injury during a baby’s development in the womb. -Infections during pregnancy. -Physical and metabolic trauma of being born. -Oxygen deprivation/ trauma to the head during delivery. -RH incompatibility between mother and child. -Physiotherapy -Speech therapy -Occupational therapy -Medications for muscle stiffness -Surgery; correct problems with bones and joints. Multiple Sclerosis A chronic disease of the nervous system which can lead to loss of ability to write, speak, or walk. MS can be caused by viruses, autoimmune disorders, environmental factors, or genetic factors. -Medication -Clinical trials -Assistive technology -Rehabilitation activities Disease Problem Cause Treatment Parkinson’s Disease A disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. Specific cause is unknown but medics believe it is related to a chemical-imbalance

How Hair Detangler Works and Recipes to Make It

How Hair Detangler Works and Recipes to Make It If you have long hair, chances are youve experienced the pain and frustration of trying to comb out snarls. Hair detangler is like a magical elixir, able to smooth away your cares with the spritz of a pump or wave of your hand. How does it work? Its an example of chemistry in action. Hair Detangler Basics Although there are many possible ingredients in hair detangler, they all work by altering the surface of your hair. Hair detangler is a type of hair conditioner that smooths your hair by coating it with an oil or polymer and/or by acidifying it so that the hairs surface tightens up, smoothing the scales on the hairs outer surface or cuticle and imparting a positive electrical charge to prevent the static that can worsen tangles. Common Chemicals in Hair Detanglers If you check the ingredients list of a hair detangler, youll likely see one or more of these ingredients: Silicone (e.g., dimethicone or Cyclomethicone), a polymer that adds gloss to hair by binding to its surface.Acidifier, a ​chemical that lowers the pH of the detangler, strengthening the hydrogen bonds between keratin molecules in hair, smoothing and tightening each strand.Hydrolyzed Protein helps to repair damaged keratin, smoothing the broken edges so strands of hair dont catch on each other as much.Cationic Surfactants binds to the negatively charged keratin, becoming the new smoother surface of the hair.Oils fill in the pores of dry or damaged hair, making it softer, more pliable, and less likely to tangle. Homemade Hair Detangler If you dont have detangler on hand, you can mix up some yourself. There are several options: Dilute regular hair conditioner. Spritz a mixture of 2 tablespoons conditioner in 16 ounces of water onto damp hair.Fill a spray bottle with the following herbal hair detangler mixture: 8 ounces distilled water1 teaspoon aloe vera gel10-15 drops grapefruit seed extract1-2 drops glycerin1-2 drops essential oil (e.g., lavender, jojoba, chamomile) Rinse hair with rainwater (usually acidic) or make your own acidifying rinse by adding 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to an empty 20-ounce water bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water and use the mixture to rinse clean hair.Rub tangled dry hair with a dryer sheet prior to combing it out.

Explain Descartes' Method of doubt; what does he hope to accomplish Essay

Explain Descartes' Method of doubt; what does he hope to accomplish from this method; is Descartes a skeptic - Essay Example Using this dreaming hypothesis, Descartes finds a way to doubt the materialistic world’s certainty, which also lays the basis for Descartes’s doubt regarding mathematics. Just like this world could be a deception, there could be an evil genius who could convince Descartes into believing that 2 added to 3 makes 6, which is certainly not true. The prime goal of Descartes is to build a safe foundation for the philosophy. Most of Descartes’s writings belong to the period when the modern science was starting to advance, and Descartes was of the opinion that the scientists had a very subjective idea of how to advance in their urge to create knowledge. Hence, Descartes decided to provide the scientists with a solid starting point that was in essence, an Archimedean fulcrum. Descartes achieved this by introducing a Method of Doubt with which, he could express his doubts regarding the knowledge’s structure in a systematic way. Although Descartes seems like a skeptic, but in reality, he is not one. Skepticism, as explained before, is only a method using which Descartes critically analyzes things and facts so as to reach at a conclusion with a solid rationale for it. An in-depth analysis of Descartes’s philosophy suggests that he has very much played the role of a religious zealot on his time. â€Å"Scepticism is a form of anti realism† (â€Å"Descartes meditation 1†) whereas Descartes used his philosophy to explore realism. In order for one to be characterized as a skeptic, it is imperative that one always remains skeptical about one’s stance on things, whereas Descartes starts analyzing a matter from a skeptical position, only to establish a conclusion at the end. This is not skepticism since it leads to confidence and surety that lacked in the start of the analysis. This essentially means that rather being a skeptic in essence, Descartes made use of skepticism as a means to cr itically analyze things, which is why he is