In the realm of computing, two periods, or ‘..’, hold significant meaning. They represent the parent directory in a file system hierarchy. Parent Directory A directory, or folder, organizes files and other directories into a hierarchical structure. Each directory can contain subdirectories, creating a nested arrangement. The parent directory is the directory that immediately contains the current directory. Navigation The “..” notation provides a convenient way to navigate up one level in the directory hierarchy. For example, if you are currently in the “My Documents” directory and want to move to the “Desktop” directory, you can type the following command: “` cd .. “` This command will move you to the parent directory, which is the Desktop. Accessing Parent Directory To access the parent directory from within a subdirectory, several methods can be used: * Relative Path: Use the “..” notation to navigate up one level. For example, to access the parent directory of the “Images” subdirectory within the “My Documents” directory, you can use the following path: “` My Documents/../ “` * Absolute Path: Use the full path to the parent directory. For example, to access the parent directory of the “Images” subdirectory using an absolute path, you can use the following path: “` /Users/username/Documents/ “` Common Uses Some common uses of “..” include: * Navigating Upward: Quickly move to the parent directory or higher levels in the hierarchy. * Referencing Parent Files: In programming, “..” can be used to access files in the parent directory. * Relative Paths: Create paths that refer to files and directories relative to the current directory or its parent. Note: * In some operating systems, such as DOS, “..” can also be used to navigate to the root directory. * The “..” notation cannot be used to navigate outside the root directory.The Ellipsis: A Dotted Trail of Unfinished ThoughtsThe Ellipsis: A Dotted Trail of Unfinished Thoughts In the realm of written communication, the ellipsis (…), a trio of periods, holds a special place. It serves as a literary device that evokes a world of unspoken words and suggests a pause or interruption in thought. Eloquent Silence The ellipsis has the power to convey a wide range of emotions and ideas without uttering a single word. It can hint at hesitation, anticipation, mystery, or even a refusal to elaborate. By leaving a thought unfinished, the writer invites the reader to fill in the blanks with their own interpretations. An Echo of Unfinished Sentences Often used in dialogue, the ellipsis captures the natural cadence of speech. It suggests a pause as the speaker searches for the right words, a momentary lapse in thought, or an unspoken understanding between characters. A Path Left Untrodden In narrative writing, the ellipsis can create suspense or tension. By trailing off a thought or leaving a scene abruptly, the writer forces the reader to confront the unknown and speculate on what might have happened. It creates a tantalizing path that the reader is left to explore in their imagination. A Tool of Conclusion Despite its association with unfinished thoughts, the ellipsis can also be used to signal closure. When appended to a list or series, it suggests that there is more to come, but the writer has chosen to leave it up to the reader to complete the thought. Technical Uses In addition to its literary applications, the ellipsis serves technical purposes as well. In programming languages, it is used to represent a range of values or a continuation of a line of code. In math, it indicates a series that goes on indefinitely. The Power of the Unspoken The ellipsis is a versatile tool that allows writers to convey complex ideas and emotions through subtle means. It creates space for the reader to engage with the text on their own terms, fostering a sense of connection and shared understanding. In the hands of a skilled writer, the ellipsis becomes a powerful whisper, hinting at untold stories and inviting the reader on a journey of interpretation. It is a testament to the enduring allure of the unspoken and the evocative power of leaving something to the imagination.City Council Approves Controversial Development Plan The City Council has given the green light to a controversial development plan that has drawn criticism from residents and environmentalists. The plan calls for the construction of a high-rise condominium complex on a wooded lot in the heart of the city. Opponents of the plan argue that it would destroy green space and increase traffic congestion. “This is a travesty,” said one resident at a public hearing on the plan. “This land is precious and it should not be destroyed for a few more luxury condos.” The developer of the project, however, argues that it will bring much-needed housing to the city and create jobs. “We have taken great care to design a project that is sensitive to the environment and the needs of the community,” said the developer. The City Council ultimately voted 5-2 in favor of the plan. Construction is expected to begin later this year. New Study Finds Link Between Air Pollution and Heart Disease A new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine has found a link between air pollution and heart disease. The study, which followed over 100,000 people for an average of 10 years, found that those exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to develop heart disease. The study also found that the link between air pollution and heart disease was stronger in women than in men. “These findings underscore the importance of reducing air pollution to protect our hearts,” said the lead author of the study. The study comes as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering rolling back air pollution regulations. The EPA has argued that the regulations are too costly and that they do not provide enough benefits. Environmentalists have criticized the EPA’s plans, arguing that they will lead to more air pollution and more heart disease. Government Shutdown Ends After 35 Days The government shutdown ended on Friday after 35 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown was caused by a dispute between President Trump and Congress over funding for a border wall between the United States and Mexico. President Trump demanded funding for the wall, while Democrats in Congress refused. The shutdown had a significant impact on the federal government, with hundreds of thousands of employees furloughed or working without pay. The shutdown also disrupted services such as air travel and national parks. The shutdown ended after President Trump agreed to a temporary funding bill that does not include funding for the border wall. The bill passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Trump.