Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 September 23

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

Today's featured article
ARA Moreno was a dreadnought battleship designed by the American Fore River Shipbuilding Company for the Argentine Navy. Named after Mariano Moreno, a key member of the first independent government of Argentina, the First Assembly (Primera Junta), Moreno was the second ship in the Rivadavia class. Argentina placed orders for Moreno and her only sister ship, Rivadavia, in response to a Brazilian naval building program and border disputes, particularly in the River Plate area. During their construction, the two dreadnoughts were subject to numerous rumors involving Argentina selling the two battleships to a country engaged in the First World War, but these proved to be false. After Moreno was completed in March 1915, a series of engine problems occurred during her sea trials, which delayed her delivery to Argentina to May 1915. The next decade saw the ship based in Puerto Belgrano as part of the Argentine Navy's First Division before sailing to the United States for an extensive refit in 1924 and 1925. During the 1930s the ship was occupied with diplomatic cruises to Brazil, Uruguay, and Europe until the Second World War broke out. Decommissioned in 1949, Moreno was scrapped in Japan from 1957. (more...) Recently featured: Zanzibar Revolution – Hubert Walter – Rhabdomyolysis Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that during the Siege of Chester, King Charles I watched the Battle of Rowton Heath from the Phoenix Tower (pictured) on the city's walls? ... that Lou Frost was elected nine times as public defender in Jacksonville, Florida, without opposition? ... that the plant Hakea macraeana was first described in The Australian Journal of Pharmacy? ... that the 12th-century Auspicious Tantra of All-Reaching Union, discovered among the rubble of the Baisigou Square Pagoda after it had been blown up, is the earliest-known book printed using wooden movable type? ... that Belinda Clark of Australia is the first person of either sex to score a double century in international limited overs cricket? ... that a listing on eBay led to the discovery of a new species? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Valentina Matviyenko Troy Davis, convicted of a 1989 murder, is executed by the U.S. state of Georgia, after several appeals and high-profile calls for clemency fail. Valentina Matviyenko (pictured) is elected Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia, the highest political position attained by a woman in the country since Catherine the Great. The members of American rock band R.E.M. announce they are splitting up after 31 years together. The government of Slovenia, led by Borut Pahor, falls after losing a vote of confidence. Former Afghani President Burhanuddin Rabbani is assassinated in Kabul. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
September 23: National Day in Saudi Arabia (1932); Celebrate Bisexuality Day 1123 – Pope Calixtus II and Holy Roman Emperor Henry V agreed to the Concordat of Worms to put an end to the Investiture Controversy. 1780 – American Revolutionary War: British officer John André was captured by Patriot forces, thereby revealing a plot by Continental Army General Benedict Arnold to hand over West Point, New York. 1803 – Maratha troops were beaten by British forces at the Battle of Assaye, one of the decisive battles of the Second Anglo-Maratha War. 1868 – Ramón Emeterio Betances (pictured) led the Grito de Lares, a revolt against Spanish rule in Puerto Rico. 1932 – Hejaz and Nejd merged to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with Ibn Saud as the first monarch and Riyadh as the capital city. More anniversaries: September 22 – September 23 – September 24 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now September 23, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Panorama of the city of Luang Prabang in northern Laos, as seen from Phu Si hill. The city was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name, and after Laos's independence from France, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. This view features the Nam Khan river on the left, and Luang Prabang International Airport on the very far left.

Photo: Benh Lieu Song

Recently featured: Fujiwhara effect – Vexi Salmi – Blue Mountains Tree Frog

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.