Alicia Barreto Jaime

Pan American Values

In sports competitions, there’s usually a prize for the first three positions. It could be a trophy, a medal or a combination of both plus flowers.

However, in the Pan American Games 2011, taking place in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, the concept is remarkable. The three mascots in this competition are the ambassadors of Pan American Values, and are in charge of positioning visually the competition, since they highlight different aspects in Jalisco:

Gavo (the agave plant): represents the region where a famous product is produced: Tequila. His main values are respect and happiness.

Leo (the lion): symbol of the state of Jalisco, which reflects loyalty and discipline.

Huichi (the deer): ambassador for the Huichols (ethnic group in of western central Mexico). Friendship and companionship are her main characteristics.

For instance, as the winners receive their medals, they also get a cuddly toy of each character; thus, the toys work as an item that will remind them of their participation in a stronger way than flowers would do.

Men and women get the toys, not minding that the former might decide to make a present to their girlfriends later on.

On the other hand, it is almost impossible to deny that these mascots are cute, aren’t they?

@lichabarreto

Database Introduction

19:55 | Etiquetas: database, database introduction, DBMS, fields, querying, records

Let us begin the database introduction by defining its concept:

“a collection of information organized and presented to serve a specific purpose.” (networkdictionary.com)

It can be either computerized or non-computerized (phone books or filing systems). We are going to concentrate on the former.

A database has many, many uses. For example, companies use it to keep employee records; the government, to keep files concerning different areas of administration. ..and even you may have one for personal use (i.e. to organize your own files, music…)

The main advantages of a computerized database involve speed of information retrieval, capability to update and delete information easily, security and multiple accesses; on the other hand, some disadvantages are implied, such as privacy and ethical matters, and the fact that the initial expense is high because of the software needed.

In this database introduction, it is important to take a look at terminology:

Also, keep in mind that every record that is in the same table has the same fields. A database is designed so that data is stored only once.

The terms “database” and “database management systems (DBMS)” are not equivalent. The latter is a mechanism used to manage the data.

This concludes the database introduction. Later on, we will take a look at more functions and terms.

How did you like this introduction?

@lichabarreto

Alicia Barreto Jaime

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Pan American Values

Database Introduction