Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 August 13

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

Today's featured article
Tropic Thunder is a 2008 American action satire comedy film written, produced, and directed by Ben Stiller, and starring Stiller, Robert Downey, Jr., and Jack Black. The main plot revolves around a group of three prima donna actors who are making a Vietnam War film. When their frustrated writer and director decide to drop them in the middle of a jungle, they are forced to rely on their acting skills in order to survive the real action and danger. Stiller's idea for the film originated while playing a small part in Empire of the Sun. After the film was greenlit in 2006, filming took place in 2007 on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The film received generally favorable reviews; critics approved of the film's characters, story, and faux trailers but criticized its offensive content. In its North American opening weekend, the film earned US$26 million and retained the number one position for the first three weekends of release. Tropic Thunder grossed $180 million in theaters before its release on home video on November 18, 2008. (more...) Recently featured: North Island – Malagasy cuisine – Numerical weather prediction Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that *HMS Phoenix* (N96)** (pictured) was the 18th Royal Navy warship to carry the name Phoenix? ... that Comala, Colima, Mexico, may be the setting for Juan Rulfo's Pedro Páramo? ... that Fantasy Studios was built on profits from hit songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival? ... that actor Ron Taylor performed the American national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" at several sporting fixtures after playing a similar role in an episode of L.A. Law? ... that in May 1933, the Nazis stormed the General German Trade Union Federation and all its member unions, seizing their assets and putting their leaders in "protective custody"? ... that undefeated Boyd Melson donates all the money he earns in boxing matches to stem cell research? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Riot police in London Scientists discover the first evidence of live birth among plesiosaurs. Apple wins a temporary injunction in a patent lawsuit, blocking the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer in most of the European Union. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania report preliminary success in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia using gene therapy. Rioting, initially sparked by a fatal police shooting in London, spreads across parts of England (riot police pictured). Scientists analyzing data from the satellite PAMELA confirm that a plasma belt surrounding Earth contains antimatter. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
August 13: Raksha Bandhan (Hinduism, 2011) 1704 – War of the Spanish Succession: The Duke of Marlborough (pictured) led Allied forces to a crucial victory in the Battle of Blenheim. 1898 – Spanish–American War: After a mock battle for Manila, the Spanish commander surrendered to the U.S. in order to keep the city out of Filipino rebel hands. 1942 – Major General Eugene Reybold of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorized the construction of facilities that would house the Manhattan Project. 1954 – The complete version of "Qaumī Tarāna", the national anthem of Pakistan, was broadcast for the first time on Radio Pakistan. 1962 – The Holy See agreed to refrain from denouncing Communism in exchange for having Russian Orthodox Church representatives attend the forthcoming Second Vatican Council. More anniversaries: August 12 – August 13 – August 14 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now August 13, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

An aerial view of destroyed homes in Punta Gorda, Florida, following Hurricane Charley, which made landfall in Florida on August 13, 2004, while at its maximum intensity. It was the strongest hurricane to strike the United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 (Hurricane Katrina was deadlier, but it had weakened by the time it reached Louisiana).

Photo: Andrea Booher, FEMA

Recently featured: Kuna woman selling molas – Salar de Talar, Chile – River Amstel

Archive – More featured pictures...

Other areas of Wikipedia

Community portal – Bulletin board, projects, resources and activities covering a wide range of Wikipedia areas.
Help desk – Ask questions about using Wikipedia.
Local embassy – For Wikipedia-related communication in languages other than English.
Reference desk – Serving as virtual librarians, Wikipedia volunteers tackle your questions on a wide range of subjects.
Site news – Announcements, updates, articles and press releases on Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation.
Village pump – For discussions about Wikipedia itself, including areas for technical issues and policies.