`.` (period) is a special character that has two primary functions in programming: 1. Current Directory: `.` represents the current directory. When used as a path, it refers to the directory in which the current script or program is located. Example: “` import os # Get the current working directory cwd = os.getcwd() # Print the current directory print(cwd) “` 2. Parent Directory: `.` can also be used in conjunction with the ‘..’ (double period) character to navigate to the parent directory. Example: “` # Move up one directory os.chdir(‘..’) # Get the new current working directory cwd = os.getcwd() # Print the new current directory print(cwd) “` In addition to these two uses, `.` is sometimes used as a placeholder variable in programming, typically when the actual value is not important or when the value is not yet known. Example: “` # Define a list of names names = [‘John’, ‘Mary’, ‘Bob’] # Iterate over the list and print each name for name in names: print(‘.’) # Placeholder for the name “`Ellipsis: The Art of Implied Omission
Ellipsis: The Art of Implied Omission In the world of language, the ellipsis (“…”) is a subtle yet powerful tool that conveys meaning through implied omission. It is a series of three consecutive dots, often used to indicate an unfinished thought, a pause for emphasis, or a deliberate gap in the narrative. Unveiling the Implied Ellipses can unlock a world of unspoken meanings. They suggest something that is left unsaid but nonetheless present in the reader’s mind. By creating a gap in the text, ellipses invite the reader to fill in the blanks with their own interpretations and imagination. For example, in the sentence, “The sun seemed to hang motionless in the sky…” the ellipsis suggests a lingering sense of timelessness. It allows the reader to savor the moment and ponder the vastness of the celestial tapestry above. Pause for Emphasis Ellipses can also be used to create dramatic pauses for emphasis. By inserting dots within a sentence, the writer momentarily suspends the flow of thought, drawing the reader’s attention to a particular point. Consider the line, “And then, it happened…” The ellipsis before the revelation heightens anticipation and builds suspense, making the subsequent words all the more impactful. Deliberate Gaps in Narrative Ellipses can serve as intentional gaps in a narrative, leaving the reader to speculate on what transpired during the omitted period. They can hint at untold stories, lost memories, or secrets that remain veiled. In the novel “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald uses ellipses to underscore the elusive nature of the past: “There was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life…” The ellipsis tantalizes the reader, leaving them to ponder the unspoken qualities that made Gatsby both alluring and enigmatic. Ellipsis in Poetry Poets have long used ellipses to evoke a sense of mystery, longing, and the ephemeral. Emily Dickinson’s famous poem, “Hope” begins with the iconic line: “Hope is the thing with feathers…” The ellipsis after “feathers” creates a wide-open space for the reader’s imagination to soar. Conclusion Ellipses are a powerful literary device that opens doors to nuanced meanings and unspoken possibilities. They invite collaboration between the writer and the reader, creating a space for shared interpretation and imaginative engagement. By harnessing the art of implied omission, writers can elevate their prose, deepen characterization, and leave an enduring mark on the reader’s mind.
Body of News Article: Scientists Discover New Species of Giant Jellyfish in Deep Ocean A team of researchers from the University of British Columbia has discovered a new species of giant jellyfish in the deep waters off the coast of California. The jellyfish, named Chrysaora hysoscella, is estimated to be the largest of its kind, with a bell diameter of up to six feet and long, flowing tentacles. The jellyfish was found during a deep-sea sampling expedition using a submersible vehicle. It was observed in a near-bottom environment characterized by high levels of dissolved oxygen and low temperatures. Unique Features Distinguish New Jellyfish C. hysoscella exhibits several unique features that distinguish it from other jellyfish species. Unlike most jellyfish, which have a bell-shaped body, C. hysoscella has a flattened, disc-like shape. Its tentacles are also unusually long, reaching lengths of up to 150 feet. Researchers believe that the jellyfish’s unusual morphology allows it to survive in the extreme conditions of the deep sea. Its flattened body and long tentacles may provide stability and aid in feeding. Implications for Deep-Sea Research The discovery of C. hysoscella provides valuable insights into the biodiversity and ecological processes of the deep ocean. It also highlights the importance of continued exploration and research in this vast and understudied ecosystem. Scientists are currently studying the jellyfish’s diet, behavior, and its role in the deep-sea food web. They hope to gain a better understanding of the factors shaping its distribution and survival in the extreme environment where it thrives.
