Marion Robert Morrison, professionally known as John Wayne and nicknamed "the Duke", was an American actor who became a popular icon through his starring roles in films which were produced during Hollywood's Golden Age, especially in Western and war movies. His career flourished from the silent era of the 1920s through the American New Wave, as he appeared in a total of 179 film and television productions. He was among the top box-office draws for three decades and appeared with many other important Hollywood stars of his era. In 1999, the American Film Institute selected Wayne as one of the greatest male stars of classic American cinema.
Born: May 26, 1907, Winterset, Iowa, United States
Died: June 11, 1979, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of Death: Respiratory arrest and gastric cancer
net worth of $7 million ($25 million in today's money)

Word of the Day: Compère.

Noun 1. A person who introduces the performers or contestants in a variety show; host.
Verb 1. Act as a compère for (such a show).

Example Sentences.
1. "Sam's bubbly personality made him a great compère for the talent show."
2. "The compère introduced all of the contestants with a nickname."
3. "I'll be compèring the charity fashion show next weekend."

Word Origin.
French, early 20th century

"Compère" — used as either a noun or a verb — refers to hosting a show.

Word of the Day: Synecdoche.

NOUN
1. A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa, as in "Cleveland won by six runs" ("Cleveland" meaning "Cleveland's baseball team").

Example Sentences.
1. "The team's full name is the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they are often referred to by the synecdoche 'the Jaguars.'"
2. "The tourism campaign pushed for 'Maple Town' to be the synecdoche for the village best known for its maple syrup festival."
3. "'I need new wheels to get to work,' Josephine said, using a synecdoche for a car to describe her need for transportation."

Word Origin.
Late Middle English, 1350s

“Synecdoche” appeared in Late Middle English, but it comes to us via Latin from the Greek word “sunekdokhē” — a combination of the words “sun” (“together”) and “ekdekhesthai” (“to take up”). It’s a figure of speech in which a part (perhaps a nickname) represents a whole (a more formal name), or a whole (referring to a larger body in general) represents a part (an individual). Referring to the United States as “America” or saying a statement has been put out by “the company” when it was actually shared by a single spokesperson are both everyday examples of synecdoche.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Comet and Annual Meteor Shower Take Place This Weekend

​
Be sure to look to the sky tomorrow night: Two major celestial events are offering exciting views. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — dubbed the “Devil Comet” — will reach its brightest state as it makes its way around the sun, an orbit that takes approximately 70 years. Also taking place Sunday is the Lyrid meteor shower, which will peak over the Northern Hemisphere.
​
Nicknamed for horn-shaped outbursts of ice and gas observed on its surface, the Devil Comet will glow against the darkness when it reaches its closest distance to our star, about 144 million miles. Getting a glimpse of the comet will best be achieved with binoculars or a telescope and a clear view of the west-north-western horizon just after sunset, per Newsweek.
​
Originating from the debris trail left behind by the comet Thatcher, the Lyrid meteor shower will peak later Sunday evening and into the early hours on Monday (Earth Day, no less!). Lucky stargazers may get to witness meteors streaking across the sky every few minutes, Mental Floss reports. These shooting stars were named after the constellation Lyra, and have been observed for centuries.
​
To catch the best glimpse of the Lyrids, seek out dark, clear skies away from city lights. Telescopes aren’t necessary, and, of course, those who miss it will have another chance to catch the show next year.

#Nick And #Nate Diaz

#Nick #Diaz