Today’s WOTD – 27 October 2012

lede

noun

– the introductory section of a story. Usually the first paragraph of a newspaper article, which is often highlighted in bold-type text.

c.1965, alternative spelling of ‘lead’ in the newspaper journalism sense, used to distinguish this sense from other possible meanings of the word, perhaps especially the molten lead used in typesetting machines.

For example:

‘It was an amusing lede in to a very serious matter.’

Today’s aphorism

‘The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.’

Confucius

On this day

27 October 1728 – birth of Captain James Cook, British explorer. Made three major voyages in which he discovered many of the islands of the south pacific, including the east coast of Australia. Cooktown, Queensland, is named after him. The house he grew up in was relocated from Yorkshire, England, to Melbourne, Australia and is open to visits (now known as Captain Cook’s Cottage and is situated in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne). Died 14 February 1779 after being stabbed by Hawaiians who credited their Chief Kalanimanokahoowaha (Kanaina) with the kill. Captain Cook’s body was then subjected a funeral ritual that was normally reserved for a Chief.

27 October 1923 – birthday of Roy Lichtenstein, American pop artist.